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Daily Update 9/3: Coverage of MCAS Score Gains

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

Today: Thursday, September 03, 2009

 

  • The Governor’s hip replacement surgery was a success and his recovery is progressing as planned. Lieutenant Governor Murray said he received an email from the Governor yesterday and that the Governor is anxious to get back to work. Read more here.
  • At a meeting with statewide municipal and planning officials in Worcester this morning, Lieutenant Governor Murray announced a total of $7.96 million in awards to communities developing public safety answering points (PSAPS), which promise to enhance 911 and emergency dispatch communications centers, improve public safety and save taxpayer dollars. This announcement is in keeping with the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with cities and towns across Massachusetts. Learn more here.

 

In the Press:

Lieutenant Governor Murray and Secretary of Education Reville announced MCAS test results at the State House yesterday.

Lieutenant Governor Murray and Secretary of Education Reville announced MCAS test results at the State House yesterday.

 

  • Across-the-Board Gains on MCAS – Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Murray and state education officials announced that Massachusetts students continue to make progress on MCAS, with 84 percent of students already meeting the state’s minimum testing requirements needed to earn a high school diploma on their first try. "The Governor and I congratulate the students and their teachers on this great accomplishment," said Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray. "We remain committed to promoting high standards and expectations for all students and are pleased to see this continued progress." State education officials are working with local school districts to ensure all students are provided with extra support and ample opportunities to prepare for and participate in a Science exam. Learn more here.

 

  • Preparing for Labor Day Travel – In anticipation of heavy traffic on Labor Day weekend and as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to provide travelers with the best possible information online, Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. today announced that MassHighway's (MHD) internal system of 70 live traffic cameras will be available for public viewing on the agency's website at www.mass.gov/511/cameras. Prior to Memorial Day the Massachusetts Turnpike unveiled a set of live traffic cameras on its website at: http://www.masspike.com/travel/cameras.html. “I urge residents and visitors to drive safely over Labor Day weekend and plan ahead using these new online tools,” said Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi, Jr. “As Governor Patrick continues to reform our state’s transportation agencies our priorities will be customer service and safety, and a big part of that is delivering information to travelers more efficiently and effectively than ever before.” Read the release here
  • Responsible Budgeting – Various media reports today suggest the administration has changed its position on the sales tax increase. As Governor Patrick has stated all along, the sales tax increase was not his first choice, but a revenue increase of some kind was necessary to continue to provide core state services during the unprecedented national recession. Lieutenant Governor Murray said yesterday that if revenues were to bounce back, lowering the sales tax rate might be something we would review. Read more from WBZ.

This Week:

  • On Saturday, Governor Patrick attended the funeral mass for Senator Edward M. Kennedy at The Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
  • Governor Patrick then attended the Caribbean Day Parade in Roxbury.
  • On Monday, Governor Patrick announced the administration has successfully developed a plan to provide comprehensive health insurance to the 31,000 legal immigrants who were previously enrolled in Commonwealth Care and scheduled to lose their coverage because of budget reductions. Learn more here.
  • Governor Patrick announced the special election to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy will be held on January 19, 2010. Learn more here.
  • On Tuesday, Governor Patrick underwent hip replacement surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.