Daily Update 10/2: Clean Energy Leader

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Friday, October 02, 2009

Today: Friday, October 02, 2009

• This morning, Governor Patrick held a cabinet meeting at the State House and discussed the FY’10 budget.

In the Press:

  
Governor Patrick toured and met with employees of the growing clean energy company A123 facilities in Watertown.

• Clean Energy Leader – On Thursday, Governor Deval Patrick visited A123 Systems in Watertown, a company doing innovative work in the production of lithium ion batteries. Batteries created by A123 can help turn wind and solar energy into energy for transportation and buildings: “This is good for the country what A123 is pioneering here,” Governor Patrick said after a tour of the Arsenal Street headquarters and meeting employees. “We are proud of it from an environmental point of view, from a technology point of view, and also from an employment point of view.'” The Governor also emphasized that green businesses are playing a big part in the Commonwealth’s recovery from the recession: “Clean technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Commonwealth and most of those jobs are in manufacturing.”

• Watch coverage here and here, and read the Watertown Tab & Press.

•  Watch a video of the Governor’s speech at A123 from NECN.

• Energy efficiency is one of Governor Patrick’s top priorities, and a new report from Environment Northeast finds that investments in programs that replace older technologies with ones that require less energy pumps money back into the economy through business growth, job creation and consumer spending. “Making the transition to a clean energy future will require technology and innovation,’’ Governor Deval Patrick said. “But some things are simple. We can reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and save money at the same time by becoming more energy efficient.’’ Read more in the Boston Globe.

Governor Patrick discusses the FY’10 budget with members of his cabinet on Friday morning.

• Commitment to Responsible Budgeting – Responding to a Department of Revenue (DOR) report that September state revenue collections fell $243 million below budget estimates, Governor Deval Patrick today announced that his cabinet has already begun to identify potential emergency cuts to the Fiscal Year 2010 budget and will begin the process of adjusting tax revenue estimates for the remainder of the fiscal year. Year-to-date revenues are $212 million below benchmark. “Our Cabinet has effectively managed through a $7 billion gap already through a series of spending cuts, layoffs, voluntary contributions from constitutional officers and quasi-independent agencies, the use of federal recovery funds and rainy day funds, and new revenues.  But today’s news means we have more to do,” said Governor Patrick. “Secretary Kirwan and her team have been working with other Cabinet members and their agencies across state government to prepare for further spending cuts and other solutions.”

• Massachusetts, like other states, is still dealing with the effects of an unprecedented national recession. But the Governor noted that the state’s economy is showing early signs of recovery. Recent reports chronicling increases in business investment, growth in the labor force and an uptick in housing starts demonstrate that Massachusetts is poised to emerge from the recession faster than other states. The Governor’s commitment to investing for the long-term in areas such as education, life sciences, clean energy, and infrastructure have created jobs today and laid the foundation for strong growth in the future. Learn more here and read the press release here.

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.

• On Wednesday, the Patrick-Murray Administration hosted a statewide flu summit in Worcester as part of its broad action plan to keep the public informed and healthy during flu season. Learn more at www.mass.gov/flu.
• Wednesday 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.

• Yesterday, Governor Patrick toured A123 Systems and met with employees of the growing clean energy company in Watertown.

• Thursday afternoon, Governor Patrick appeared on “Ask the Governor” on WTKK 96.9 FM in Boston.

• Also on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Murray chaired a Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet listening tour. Learn more here.