Daily Update 9/30: Worcester H1N1 Conference

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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Today: Wednesday, September 30, 2009

• Governor Deval Patrick, Health & Human Services Secretary Bigby, M.D. and Public Health Commissioner Auerbach today announced that the state has placed its first order for H1N1 vaccine with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to their vital public health role, the initial small shipment, set to arrive next week, will be used for health care workers only. Additional vaccine shipments will arrive weekly through the end of the flu season and, in about six to eight weeks, the Commonwealth will have enough vaccine in the state to make available to the general public. The Patrick-Murray Administration hosted a statewide flu summit in Worcester today as part of its broad action plan to keep the public informed and healthy during flu season. Learn more at www.mass.gov/flu 

• This afternoon, Governor Patrick toured several new and recent investments in the City of Haverhill. He attended a groundbreaking for a new state-supported housing development where he awarded a $1.68 million Growth District grant to help construct a new parking garage. Read more in the Boston Globe.

In the Press:

• Commitment to Governing for the Long-Term – Governor Patrick told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette yesterday that he plans to wait for final revenue numbers for the month of September before deciding whether or not a mid-year budget cuts are necessary. He also said he is committed to moving key pieces of his long-term agenda forward, including education and CORI reform. Read more in the Telegram.

• Massachusetts: Poised for Economic Recovery – August home sales, as well as prices, are on the rise for the second straight month throughout the state. The report coincides with other early signs the Massachusetts economy is on the road to recovery. While challenges remain, the Governor is committed to improving the business climate and helping every company, every employee and every family share in the promise of a brighter future. Read more in the Boston Globe.

• Young Adult Community Meetings – Last night, the Patrick-Murray Administration held the second forum in a series of statewide community meetings for young adults at U-Mass Dartmouth, hosted by Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Suzanne Bump. In keeping with Governor Patrick’s recognition of the vital role young people play in the state’s economy, the meetings give participants a chance to network and discuss a common vision for Massachusetts and share suggestions with the administration. Discussion at last night’s meeting included job opportunities for graduating students in the recession and the costs of education, transportation and building on the regions creative economy. Over 100 people attended the meeting.  Read more about it in the Fall River Herald and SouthCoastToday.com.

• Commitment to Healthcare – In August, the Patrick-Murray Administration and the Commonwealth Connector Authority successfully developed a plan to prevent these Massachusetts residents from losing health care coverage. The plan provides comprehensive health insurance to these 31,000 legal immigrants utilizing the $40 million allocated by the Legislature -- an extraordinary accomplishment in the face of such tight budget constraints. Members of the new CeltiCare plan, which was selected from among proposals from various health plans, provides comprehensive coverage with primary care physicians, community health centers and hospitals." Learn more here and read more in the Boston Globe.

This Week:

• On Monday, Governor Patrick announced that the prestigious BIO International Convention will return to Boston in 2012. The convention will bring renewed attention to the state’s leading biotechnology industry and generate millions of dollars in economic activity for the city.
• Also on Monday, Governor Patrick attended a legislative leadership meeting in the Speaker’s Office at the State House.