The executive branch manages the business of the Commonwealth.
Is the chief executive officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Prepares a state budget
Can veto or reduce a budget item
Can veto bills
Writes and asks for amendments to bills
Presides over the Governor's Council with no vote
Appoints judges
Grants pardons
Appoints department heads and members of boards and commissions. Serves as commander-in-chief of Massachusetts National Guard
Salary: $90,000
Lieutenant Governor:
Presides in the event of absence, death or disability of governor.
Assists in administration of executive agencies
Votes as a member of the Governor's Council; acts as non-voting president when the governor is absent.
Salary: $75,000
Secretary of the Commonwealth:
Is the chief election officer
Keeps all records and vital statistics of the state
Salary: $75,000
Is the chief law enforcement officer
Advises and represents the Commonwealth, giving legal opinions and serving as its lawyer in court
Oversees the consumer and environmental protection departments
Is a member of the Massachusetts Bar
Salary: $80,000
Treasurer and Receiver General:
Collects, takes care of and gives out state funds
Issues state bonds and decides the investment policy of the state
Salary: $75,000
Conducts audits of state funds to make sure they have been given out legally and accounted for properly.
Salary $75,000
All of the above officers are elected to four-year terms
In colonial times this executive council was established to act as a check on the governor, who was appointed by the English Crown. The council has eight elected members in addition to the lieutenant governor. Members are elected for two-year terms. The council approves the governor's judicial appointments and pardons, as well as expenditures from the treasury, including purchases of land.
Salary: $15,600
Governor's Cabinet:
These dozen or so executive administrators oversee the operations of the departments of Massachusetts and advise the governor. They are appointed by the governor and accountable to him or her.
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