Tagged: massachusetts

BOSTON (AP) — Immigrant advocates are pressing lawmakers to back legislation they say will help reduce the level of deportations in Massachusetts.

Several dozen activists rallied on the steps of the Statehouse on Wednesday in favor of the bill, which would encourage local law enforcement agencies not to forward information to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials on illegal immigrants who don't have serious criminal convictions.

Sen. James Eldridge is the bill's lead sponsor.

A series of workshops are being held across Western Massachusetts to educate the public, as well as municipal leaders and planners, on the importance of improving stream crossings for fish and wildlife, and for promoting public safety.

BOSTON (AP) — A state review has found no "serious wrongdoing" by former early education commissioner Sherri Killins, who participated in an internship outside of her state job.

But Education Secretary Matt Malone says some administrative procedures apparently were not followed.

Killins stepped down from her post earlier this week amid questions about whether her participation in the school superintendent training program, which required her to spend 300 hours in the town of Ware, was distracting from her ability to perform her nearly $200,000-a-year state job.

Supporters of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's plan for a broad-based tax increase to pay for improvements in transportation and education plan to make their voices heard at the Statehouse.

A coalition called the Campaign for Our Communities has organized a rally and lobbying day today even as many top lawmakers appear to be shying away from Patrick's proposal to raise nearly $2 billion in new revenue.

The Governor of Massachusetts recently signed an executive order to enhance opportunities for small businesses owned by disabled veterans.