Daily Update 10/07: Commitment to Public Safety

 on Twitter 
 via RSS | What is RSS?

Governor’s Daily Update
Schools, Jobs, and Civic Engagement
Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Today: Wednesday, October 07, 2009

• This morning, Governor Patrick made an economic recovery announcement relative to public safety at the Fall River Fire Headquarters.

In the Press:

Governor Patrick stands with municipal firefighters in Fall River to announce he will direct federal recovery funds to help communities across the state re-hire these critical public safety personnel.

• Commitment to Public Safety – Moving to help municipal fire departments impacted by budget cuts that have forced layoffs and vacancies resulting from attrition, Governor Deval Patrick today announced he will release $8.1 million in federal stimulus funds to 13 municipal fire departments in the Commonwealth. The funds will be used to rehire 127 firefighters who were laid off because of budget reductions. Today’s announcement marks the first round of awards to fire departments from the $20 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) discretionary funds the Patrick-Murray Administration set aside specifically to help fire departments address staffing reductions caused by the current recession.  “A global economic collapse has hit cities and towns hard and forced communities to reduce firefighter staffing levels,” said Governor Patrick. “These stimulus funds come at a critical time, and promise to bring immediate relief to these 13 fire departments and enhance local public safety. I thank the congressional delegation on their hard work to make these funds available so that cities and towns can better manage through to the better days ahead.” Learn more here. Watch coverage on Channel 5 and read more in the Fall River Herald News.

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month – In recognition of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Governor Patrick has also declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Massachusetts.  Today, at the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Lt. Governor Tim Murray, chair of the council, presented the proclamation to Jane Doe, Inc., a national advocacy group for victims of domestic violence.  Through public awareness, the Commonwealth seeks to support survivors and promote sage and healthy relationships and communities.  For more information about the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence or to learn about domestic violence programs and services, please click here.

• Clean Energy Leader – As part of Governor Patrick’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) yesterday announced that 309 Massachusetts communities are eligible to compete for over $12.2 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Estimated to save or create 200 jobs statewide, the grants are part of $14.7 million awarded to Massachusetts by the US Department of Energy (DOE) last week to advance efficiency and conservation goals at the local level. “Every area of Massachusetts must take part in the promise of a clean energy future,” said Governor Patrick. “By ‘going green’ in communities across the state, we will put stimulus dollars to good use creating jobs, enhancing regional economies and improving our environment for this generation and the ones that follow.” Learn more here.

• New WIC Food Choices – The Patrick-Murray Administration announced yesterday that Massachusetts has revamped its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program to reflect the latest science on healthy diets and address obesity. This is the first major change in food offerings to low-income women, infants and children in 34 years and will offer whole grains, low-fat milk, baby foods, fruits and vegetables, as well as stronger support for breastfeeding moms and babies. “This enhanced nutrition program will supply low-income mothers and young children across our Commonwealth with access to nourishing foods, giving them the ability to make the smart choices that will keep them strong and healthy,” said Governor Deval Patrick. Learn more here.

• H1N1 Preparedness – The Patrick-Murray Administration has launched a far-reaching H1N1 flu preparedness plan in order to keep the public healthy and informed. Last week, at a statewide flu response conference, the Governor announced the administration had made its first order for the H1N1 vaccine with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yesterday, officials announced the first doses arrived ahead of schedule. Read more in the Boston Globe and get an update from DPH Medical Director Dr. Lauren Smith here.

This Week:

• On Saturday, Governor Patrick participated in the Topsfield Fair “Governor’s Day” Parade and Opening Ceremony.
             
  • Look at photos of the Governor at the fair and in the parade here.

• On Monday, Governor Patrick attended the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association Quarterly Meeting in Salem.

• Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick met with Nobel Prize recipient Dr. Szostak in his office.

• Later Monday afternoon, Governor Patrick attended a legislative leadership meeting in the Governor’s Office at the State House.

• Yesterday morning, Governor Patrick offered remarks at the Export-Import Bank Seminar at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.

• Also yesterday morning, Governor Patrick participated in the New England Ethnic Newswire Newsmaker Series at the State House.

• Wednesday afternoon, Governor Patrick met with Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills and small business owners and advocates at the State House.

• Later Wednesday afternoon, Governor Patrick received an honorary degree from the University of Haifa at the State House.