Daily Update 7/13: Commitment to Civic Engagement
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Monday, July 13, 2009
Today: Monday, July 13, 2009
- In keeping with his commitment to civic engagement, Governor Patrick will participate in the Nexus Alliance Forum at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries Headquarters in Boston. Read more here.
In the Press:
- Franklin Park Zoo – Zoo New England, which last week warned that budget cuts might lead to the closing of the Franklin Park and Stone Zoos and force some animals to be destroyed, reversed course on Saturday, saying they will not be euthanizing animals. The Governor is disappointed that Zoo New England responded to this difficult but unavoidable budget cut by spreading inaccurate and incendiary information. In the midst of an economic crisis like this one, when families and businesses alike are making sacrifices, we would all do well to remain level-headed and focused on solutions. The administration looks forward to working with Zoo New England and their supporters to find one. If animals are turned over to the state’s care, the administration will give no consideration to euthanizing any animals.
- Read more in the Associated Press, Boston Globe, and Boston Herald.
- Massachusetts Recovery – To help build affordable housing and create jobs, Massachusetts will receive $110 million in federal stimulus money. This will build nearly 1,100 affordable apartments during the next two years, and put shovels in the ground on about 25 developments across the state that have been on hold because of the economy. “Investments from this program will boost our regional economy as it gets important construction projects back on line, puts people back to work, and creates new housing opportunities for hard-working families all across the Commonwealth,’’ said Governor Patrick. Read more here.
Governor Patrick addresses members of the ethnic media at a roundtable discussion last week. Click here to watch the video.
- Commitment to Health Care for All – As the Obama Administration and Congress continue to work on a national health care law, Governor Patrick’s commitment to expanding coverage to affordable, quality care is evidenced by his push to protect health care benefits for legal immigrants. “We have to keep faith with that element of our healthcare experiment, and particularly when the whole country is watching,’’ said Governor Patrick. Read more in the Boston Globe.
- Last week, Governor Patrick met with members of the ethnic media and encouraged strong support for continued coverage for legal immigrants. Watch video from the roundtable here.
- Transportation Reform – Governor Patrick put forward a transportation reform plan in February that would have avoided not just toll increases on the Pike but also fare increases at the MBTA. As the MBTA begins a public hearing process on proposed fare hikes, an editorial in today’s Boston Globe weighs in on the state’s transportation funding challenges, saying: “Governor Patrick’s 19-cent gas tax plan would have put the whole system on sounder footing - and spread the pain to drivers across the state.” Read the full editorial here.
- Commitment to Education Reform – The Patrick Administration awarded a $10,500 state grant to help restructure New Bedford High School. Part of the Governor’s Readiness Schools initiative to give school districts more flexibility and autonomy in a number of areas, including curriculum, staffing and school schedule, while increasing the options available to families, this planning grant will give New Bedford and other school districts a head start on getting their schools up and running. Read more here.
- Sail Boston – This past weekend’s Sail Boston event was a huge success, attracting even larger crowds than expected and giving the local economy a boost. About 1.8 million people traveled to Boston Harbor to see the Tall Ships. The Patrick Administration worked with the City of Boston to ensure the public had access to the event free of charge. Read more here.