Daily Update 7/16: Education Reform

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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Today: Thursday, July 16, 2009

• Moving to fulfill the promise of education reform for all students in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick today unveiled sweeping legislation to improve public schools and close achievement gaps. The proposal will more than triple the number of charter school slots and expand the state’s authority to intervene in underperforming schools. Joined by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at the Museum of Science in Boston, the Governor laid out his plans to increase accountability for school performance and student achievement and promote innovative Readiness Schools across Massachusetts. Learn more.

• This afternoon, Governor Patrick participates in a business roundtable discussion in Marshfield.

• This evening, Governor Patrick hosts a town hall meeting in Pembroke.

In the Press:

Governor Patrick talks with kids at the Worcester YMCA.

• High-Quality Public Education – Governor Patrick will unveil a proposal today to nearly double the number of charter school seats allowed in the state’s worst-performing districts: “The legislation was immediately applauded by charter advocates, who trumpet the independent schools as laboratories of innovation that provide an alternative for disadvantaged children seeking refuge from failing schools. ‘Charter schools have proven themselves to provide high-quality public education,’’ said Marc Kenen, executive director of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association. ‘There are thousands of students in these districts that are stuck in low-performing schools.’”
  • Read more in the Boston Globe, Boston Herald and State House News.

• Help for First Time Homebuyers – As part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Deval Patrick announced a First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Loan Program through MassHousing that will allow first-time homebuyers to borrow up to $8,000 in advance of their federal tax credit for homes purchased with a MassHousing loan before December 1, 2009.  Making the announcement on Tuesday at the State House, the Governor said: “These loans will both help prospective homebuyers achieve the comfort and stability of homeownership for their families, and also stimulate the Commonwealth’s economy through increased home sales, while reviving neighborhoods impacted by foreclosure.” Learn more here. Read more at MortgageOrb.

• Zoo Budget Funding – Read stories about the Patrick Administration’s efforts to work with Zoo New England to manage budget cuts. “Patrick has asked zoo officials to present a plan within 90 days to put the facilities on firmer financial footing. Patrick’s request, relayed to the zoos through several top aides, was made as lawmakers wrestle with whether to override the governor’s cut in the zoos’ state funding. ‘We are asking the zoo to engage in a 90-day exercise to take a very careful look at every possible alternative to every line of revenue and expense,’ said a top administration official.” Read more in the Associated Press and Salem News.
  • Read editorials on this issue in the Lawrence Eagle Tribune and Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

• Support For Local Veterans – Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray yesterday unveiled plans for a memorial to honor Massachusetts Service members who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The computer-based memorial will allow visitors search for the names and histories of each service member. It will feature an interactive display, allowing visitors to enter a name or hometown “to learn about people who answered the nation’s call when asked,’’ said Lieutenant Governor Murray. Learn more here.
  • Read more in the Boston Globe and Brockton Enterprise.
  • Watch continued coverage at NECN.

• Top Dog at the State House – Yesterday, Governor Patrick introduced the newest addition to the Patrick Family – an adorable, 8-week-old black lab named Tobey. Watch footage of Tobey here and read more from the Associated Press.

Governor Patrick, and dog Toby, interact with local children in Jamaica Plain

This Week:

• On Monday evening, in keeping with his commitment to civic engagement, Governor Patrick participated in the Nexus Alliance Forum at Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries Headquarters in Boston. Read more here.

• On Tuesday, Governor Patrick made an announcement relative to housing in the Governor’s Council Chambers.

• Tuesday afternoon, Lieutenant Governor Murray testified before the Joint Committee on Public Safety in support of victims’ rights legislation. Read more about the Patrick-Murray Administration’s plans for victims’ rights here.

• Tuesday evening, Governor Patrick hosted a town hall meeting at Memorial Band Stand in Sharon.

• Yesterday morning, Governor Patrick met with the residents, family members and staff and toured the Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury.
   
• On Wednesday, Governor Patrick met with Massachusetts YMCA leaders in Worcester.