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Daily Update 8/27: Reflecting on the Life of Senator Edward Kennedy

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

Today: Thursday, August 27, 2009

 

  • Today the Governor invited the public to the State House to celebrate the life of Senator Ted Kennedy, calling him “a compassionate, effective, visionary statesman, family man and friend.  He loved his country and he loved the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  For so long, and in so many ways, he was our voice.” The Kennedy family motorcade will pass the State House in front of the General Hooker entrance en route to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, where the Senator will lie in repose.
  • In accordance with President Obama’s proclamation, Governor Patrick has ordered the United States flag be flown at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, August 30, 2009 in honor of Senator Kennedy. Read the full proclamation here.

 

Governor Patrick signs a condolence book for Senator Kennedy in the State House yesterday.

 

  • Remembering Senator Edward Kennedy – Governor Patrick yesterday reflected on the life and legacy of Senator Edward Kennedy, expressing deep gratitude for his tireless service to our Commonwealth and our country and extending his condolences to the Kennedy family. The Governor said:  “[Senator Kennedy] loved this country, he loved the Commonwealth, he believed that we were good people, and he also believed that we could be better. And that vision of a better America is what inspired him everyday to get up and go to work to make a better country for all of us.” Watch his personal tribute video here.

 

  • Asked yesterday about the future of Senator Kennedy’s seat, the Governor said now is the time to focus on honoring the Senator’s memory and providing comfort to the Kennedy family during this difficult time. The Governor indicated that the Senator’s request to grant the Governor authority to appoint an interim successor was reasonable, especially given the health care and climate change plans currently before Congress. “‘It’s a particularly timely request at a time when there are such profoundly important proposals pending in the Congress right now,’ Patrick, speaking at a press conference earlier in the day, said of Kennedy’s wish. ‘Massachusetts needs two voices in the United States Senate.’’’ Read the Boston Globe and New York Times.

 

  • Commitment to Our Veterans – The Patrick-Murray Administration has announced that the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) has been awarded a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) grant for $200,000 to provide training, job placement, and housing assistance to eligible veterans living in the South Shore area of Massachusetts. The grant was awarded through the DOL Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP). “This funding will allow us to train some of our most deserving men and women for the jobs of the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy P. Murray, who chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services.  “After the great service they’ve given to us, we must make every effort to ensure a smooth transition back into civilian work and life and this is one way to do that.” Learn more here.
  • Promoting Public Health – In order to address increased risk of the H1N1 virus, Governor Deval Patrick’s continues to monitor the situation and work closely with our health officials and others to limit exposure. H1N1 has proven to be a particular threat among children and young adults, which is why schools may be distributing vaccinations against seasonal and swine flu that are expected to hit Massachusetts in the next several months. Read more here.
  • Governor Patrick Honors Human Services Interns – Governor Patrick recently honored members of the state Department of Developmental Services' Urban Youth Collaborative Program for their assistance in the care of individuals with developmental disabilities at state-operated programs and developmental centers this summer. A celebration and awards ceremony were held at the State House in appreciation of their commitment and dedication to the program. The Urban Youth Collaborative Program introduces young adults to the human services field and works toward reducing the stigma associated with disabilities. Read more here.

This Week:

  • This week the Patrick Administration announced that Massachusetts public high school students once more scored near the top in performance and participation nationally on the 2009 SAT exam while making gains in performance on the reading and math exams. "Our students make me so proud," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This achievement is a credit to their hard work and the commitment of their teachers and families. We owe it to them to sharpen our focus on closing the achievement gap and giving all students access to the best education possible." Learn more here.

 

  • Keeping with Governor Patrick’s commitment to preserve Massachusetts farms, the Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) announced the administration has targeted nearly $1 million toward agricultural economic viability projects in rural areas during FY 2009, while preserving 1,626 acres of farmland. Learn more here.