Daily Update 05/19: Governor in Washington, DC to announce fuel standards and Atlanta, GA for BIO

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Today: Tuesday, May 19, 2009

• Governor Patrick travelled to Washington, D.C. this morning to join President Obama and Governors Granholm and Schwarzenegger to announce a new national fuel efficiency and auto emissions standards program. Read Governor Patrick's statement  

Governor Patrick (fifth from left) looks on as President Obama greets Governor Schwarzenegger at the Rose Garden of the White House.

• This afternoon, Governor Patrick travels to Atlanta, GA to attend the 2009 BIO International Convention, the largest global event for biotechnology. The Governor will showcase why Massachusetts is a global leader in the life sciences, including the return on investment thus far for the state’s $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative.  Today, the Governor will present a proclamation recognizing World Hepatitis Day and offer remarks at the “Big Bang Reception”.

In the Press:

• Reform Before Revenue– The Massachusetts Senate may vote today on the sales tax. Governor Patrick has made clear that he wants meaningful reforms before new revenues. "‘Whether they move on targeted tax measures that we have proposed or the more broad-based tax measures, let's deliver a change in the status quo here, a change in how we do business,’ said Governor Patrick. ‘And if we do that, I will support those taxes. If we do not, I will not. I will veto them.’” Read more in the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and the Worcester Telegram.
  • Watch coverage on WCVB.
  • Read a related editorial in the Boston Globe.
  • Read other budget stories in the Boston Herald here and here.

• Successful Auto Insurance Reform– Allstate Insurance Co., the nation's second-largest auto insurer, said it plans to begin selling auto insurance in Massachusetts again, further evidence that the Patrick Administration’s managed competition in auto insurance is increasing competition and giving consumers more choice. Governor Patrick said: “Every time a new company enters the market, it is a win for consumers.  This is the eleventh company – and the third national insurer – that has decided to do business here since we introduced auto insurance reform a little over a year ago.  This news offers further proof that managed competition is delivering the lower rates and choices good drivers throughout Massachusetts expect and deserve.” Read more in the Cape Cod Times, Boston Globe and Boston Herald.
• Commitment to Education– The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education today voted to require aspiring elementary school teachers to pass both a general knowledge test and a math test to earn their license, making Massachusetts the first state in the country to institute a math-specific proficiency exam for elementary certification. "To raise student achievement in math we must strengthen the math knowledge of our teachers,” said Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester. "This is an assessment that will ensure that aspiring teachers have a deep understanding of math concepts and the connection between what they teach in the early grades and the more advanced math students will have to master in the later grades. In the end, the students will benefit." Read more here and in the Boston Globe.

• Governing for the Long Term–Yesterday, Governor Patrick sat down for a one-on-one interview with WBZ anchor Jack Williams to discuss his commitment Massachusetts, governing for the long term and how he’s working to get the state through the fiscal crisis.  Watchon WBZ TV.

• An Associated Press article speculated the Governor may discuss the Supreme Court opening with President Obama today during his visit to the White House for the auto emissions announcement.  The Governor has said repeatedly he wants to make it clear that he is committed to Massachusetts, and to continuing our work to guide the state through the national economic crisis and implementing our reform agenda.  He will serve out his first term and run for re-election in 2010.

• Governor of the Whole State – Governor Patrick and members of his Administration continue to hold community forums around the state in order to lead discussions about the choices and priorities facing the Commonwealth in the current economic climate. The Governor will meet with residents of Marblehead this Thursday. Learn more about the community forums here. 
  • Secretary Bump held another of Governor Patrick’s Community Forums on Choices and Priorities in Taunton yesterday. Read more in the Taunton Daily Gazette.

This Week:

• On Saturday, Governor Patrick delivered commencement addresses at Wheaton College and Bridgewater State College.
• On Sunday, Governor Patrick delivered the commencement address at Tufts University.
• Governor Patrick hosted a Community Forum on Choices and Priorities Sunday afternoon in Franklin.
• Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick met with legislative leaders to discuss the state budget.