Monday, January 7, 2013
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue just released their latest figures, what they they found could surprise you.
As 2013 begins, property tax rates are increasing for residents across Massachusetts, and they will be in Westford as well, with residential property tax rates rising from $15.55 to $16.13 per thousand dollars of appraised value and commercial and industrial rates rising from $15.79 to $16.38. Statewide, the average residential rate was $14.38, the average commercial rate was $17.94 and the average industrial rate was $17.69. Compared to other 334 communities in the Commonwealth with set tax rates for the 2013 Fiscal Year, Westford had the 229th lowest residential rate, the 165th lowest commercial rate and the 167th lowest industrial rate. Here's how the towns adjacent to Westford as well as the communities on the list with the highest and…
Friday, January 4, 2013
Massachusetts has some old, sometimes funny morality laws about cursing and other no-nos. But sometimes those laws play havoc with modern-day living. Is it time to clear the books?
Massachusetts is famous for its out-of-date laws. The Boston Globe cites a few, like a cursing ban at sporting events. But there are other laws, passed over 100 years ago, which could complicate present-day political and legal dilemmas. But these old laws sometimes have a major effect on modern day issues. Representative Byron Rushing, D-South End, reminded the Globe that Governor Mitt Romney used a 1913 law about residency rules to prevent out-of-state gay couples from marrying in Massachusetts. That old law was scrubbed from the books in 2008, five years after it was cited by Romney. The 19th-century anti-abortion laws are a particularly thorny issue, according to the Globe. They may be relics of a time past, but that didn't stop the …
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Here's what's been going on recently at other Patches elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
- NEWS
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Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Malden: Linden School 'Safe and Sound' After Knife Incident: A student at Linden Elementary School was reportedly found to be carrying a knife that was later surrendered to school officials. No one was hurt in the incident. North Reading: School Lunches Improve in North Reading: As students file into the lunch line in the North Reading High School cafeteria they are finding more than just a hot or cold lunch option. Students are able to choose from a variety of healthier options including a made-to-order sandwich, and Director of Food Services Anna McGovern oversees the line reminding students to add a fruit or vegetable to their lunch tray. Reading: Minor Arrested for Driving, Possession of Alcohol and Female Hit by Car in Reading …
Monday, December 3, 2012
More than 200,000 low-income households expected to benefit.
- GOVERNMENT
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Monday, December 3, 2012
More than 200,000 Bay State households will receive helping paying for heating fuel this winter thanks to a federal grant of $141 million Massachusetts received Friday. Gov. Deval Patrick said that the state will get $8.2 million more this year than last in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program money. The money, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is intended to help eligible households pay winter heating bills. Eligibility for the program is based on household size and the gross annual income of every adult household member. The maximum income eligibility for the program is 60 percent of estimated state median income. Benefit levels vary depending on household income. Nationwide, the funds help more …
Sunday, November 20, 2011
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported a positive October overall.
- GOVERNMENT
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
The following is a press release. The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported earlier this week that preliminary October estimates show an increase of 10,800 jobs in Massachusetts, for a total of 3,239,300 jobs. The total unemployment rate remained at 7.3 percent, well below the national rate of 9.0 percent, and the state’s lowest monthly rate since January of 2009. Eight of the ten private sectors added jobs in October with the largest gains in Education and Health Services; Financial Activities; Construction; and Professional, Scientific, and Business Services. The October job gain follows a revised 5,500 job loss in September. Year-to-date (December 2010 to October 2011), 45,500 jobs have been added in the …
Vincent DiRico
7:23 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Mr Chung King, You spoke with the true liberal wackiness everyone expects from most residents in this liberal wacko state (all while hiding behind a fake name). You wouldn't know a McMansion if you saw one, mine isn't, it is just overvalued to extract more blood and treasure from me. 2,5 override -> I DOUBT it! more ›