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Daily Update 9/15: Commitment to Cost Savings and Health Care Reform

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

 

Today: Tuesday, September 15, 2009

 

  • Commitment to Health Care Reform – Today, the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation announced the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority as a 2009 Innovations in American Government Award winner. As the country continues to explore ways to expand access to health and reduce costs, Massachusetts’ innovation draws attention in the national debate: “Our health care reform law has expanded access to affordable, quality care to individuals and families across our state and carried the Commonwealth’s proud tradition of innovation forward into the 21st century,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “I commend the Health Connector on the receipt of this prestigious and well-deserved award.” Learn more here.

 

  • Cost Savings – In keeping with Governor Patrick’s commitment to bring down health care costs for small businesses, the Health Care Quality and Cost Council has outlined a proposal to cut the state’s medical spending by $50 billion over the next 10 years: “Most of the savings would come from changing how providers are paid, but billions of dollars could also be saved if all hospitals and doctors used computerized medical records, the group estimates.” Read more in the Boston Globe.

 

  • Innovation Economy – The Mass Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC), the state’s most influential technology industry association, recently released the results of a survey on the digital gaming industry, which revealed that the gaming sector brings revenues of approximately $2 billion to the state.  Massachusetts is home to many world-renowned game designers and has been the home of some of today’s most popular gaming titles: “The digital gaming industry is on fire in Massachusetts – one of the fastest growing sectors in technology and entertainment in the country,” said Governor Patrick.  “I am committed to supporting this and other creative economy industries, for the job opportunities they create and for what they do to elevate Massachusetts’ strengths as a center of technology innovation.” Learn more here.

 

  • Successful Auto Insurance Reform – The Patrick Administration received praise for successful auto insurance reform: “Burnes bucked decades of intransigence by the Legislature and obstructionism from the same old special interests. With the backing of Gov. Deval Patrick, she introduced the concept of “managed competition,” which has drawn 11 new insurers to compete in the Bay State market and led to lower premiums.” Read more in the Boston Herald.

 

  • U.S. Senate Interim Appointment – With the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and the five month-span until the special election, the Springfield Republican supports legislation allowing the Governor to make an interim appointment: “We firmly believe that choosing a successor to Ted Kennedy, who died on Aug. 25 after a yearlong battle with brain cancer, is a job for the Bay State's voters...waiting until the Jan. 19 special election is too long - and being without a second voice in the Senate during the meantime would not be in the best interests of the commonwealth.” Read more here.  

 

  • Registry of Motor Vehicles – Last Thursday, the Registry of Motor Vehicles announced the opening of an express office in Attleboro, after the closing of the North Attleboro branch. The new office is set to open in the next two months in the old post office by city hall. “‘I am thrilled that the RMV will have a new home in Attleboro,’ Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said. ‘This partnership will allow us to take care of our customers in the South Coast region and bring a steady stream of business for downtown shops and businesses.’” Read more here.

 

  • Remembering 9/11 – On Friday, Lieutenant Governor Murray participated in a 9/11 Observation Ceremony on the State House Lawn and attended the 9/11Commemoration Observation where Lieutenant Governor Murray awarded Marie Conley the Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery, for her heroic actions in saving a child’s life. Learn more here and watch more here.

o Read more on WHDH, the Boston Globe, and Massachusetts Newswire.

 

9/11 Observation Ceremony by Office of Governor Patrick.

Lieutenant Governor Murray carries the flag for the 9/11 Observation Ceremony on Friday.