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Health and Human Services

Contact:

Kristina Barry
Kristina.Barry@state.ma.us
617-573-1606

DEVAL L. PATRICK

GOVERNOR

TIMOTHY P. MURRAY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

JUDYANN BIGBY, M.D.

SECRETARY

May 18, 2009 - For immediate release:

HHS Secretary Dr. JudyAnn Bigby to Hold Patrick-Murray Administration Community Forum on Choices & Priorities

MATTAPAN — Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigbywill moderate a community forum on choices and priorities facing the Commonwealth in the current economic climate. The event will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Foley Senior Residences.

Governor Deval Patrick launched the statewide series of public meetings to provide local residents opportunities to discuss the difficult budget decisions, reform proposals and revenue packages being debated on Beacon Hill.

"As a steep decline in revenue continues to force painful budget choices, now is the time for public officials to engage with the public we serve — to ask them what kind of government they want and how to best pay for it," said Governor Patrick. "These forums will help us accomplish that critical goal, and bring the reform people want back to Beacon Hill."

“Although we face significant financial challenges, this difficult situation represents an important opportunity for reform,” said Secretary Bigby. “We are committed to working with Massachusetts residents to find comprehensive, sustainable solutions for a brighter future.”

WHAT:           Community Forum on Choices and Priorities

WHO:             Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby

WHEN:           Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:        Foley Senior Residences, 249 River Street, Mattapan

Building on his commitment to civic engagement and governing for the long-term, Governor Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and senior administration officials will host 36 "Community Forums on Choices and Priorities" between now and the end of May. Dates, times, locations and administration hosts for other forums can be found at www.mass.gov/governor/forum. Summaries of the forums, along with videos and questions, will be posted there as well. To attend a forum or find more information, visit the website or call the Governor's Office at 617-725-4025.

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