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Daily Update 10/15: Massachusetts Recovery Plan

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Governor’s Daily Update
Schools, Jobs, and Civic Engagement
Thursday, October 15, 2009

 

Today: Thursday, October 15, 2009

 

  • This afternoon, Governor Patrick makes an announcement relative to the FY’10 budget in the Governor’s Council Chamber.
  • This evening, Governor Patrick attends the “Innovators in Health Awards: Paving the Way to Health Reform” at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel.

 

In the Press:

Governor Patrick signs an Executive Order creating the Governor's STEM Advisory Council in Natick yesterday.

 

  • Massachusetts Recovery – As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Deval Patrick today announced that the state will utilize $50.3 million in federal recovery funds to create hundreds of jobs and revive affordable housing developments stalled throughout the Commonwealth. Ten projects will receive American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to fill the financing gaps created in projects where tax credits could not leverage the equity needed to support construction costs. “This influx of funds will help keep our economic recovery on track by putting people back to work and by creating new affordable housing opportunities for families across Massachusetts,” said Governor Deval Patrick. Learn more here.

 

 

  • Protecting Children’s Rights – A recent national report ranked Massachusetts number one in the nation for giving children a say in allegations regarding neglect or abuse by their parents. Massachusetts received the highest score of 104 points, which showed that the Commonwealth is ahead of the curve in ensuring that every child’s voice is heard on issues such as custody, visitation, and foster care. The Patrick-Murray Administration is proud to be leading the way nationally, and will continue in its commitment to protect the rights of children. Read more in the Boston Globe. Learn more about the Office of the Child Advocate, which the Governor established in 2007.

 

  • Commitment to Public Health – The Patrick-Murray Administration is taking all necessary precautions to confront the challenges of flu season and the H1N1 virus. To date, every hospital and health center in the state has received initial allocations of the vaccine, including health centers in our prison system. The Department of Public Health is targeting all health care workers and high-risk patients as a priority regardless of location, and the vaccine will be fully available to the entire general public in the coming weeks. Learn more here.

 

  • Read more in the Boston Herald here and here.

 

  • Celebrating Educational Achievement – Yesterday, Governor Deval Patrick celebrated Massachusetts’ strong student achievement on the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) math exam. "Yet again, our students are leading the nation. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and our students, teachers, administrators and parents should be celebrated for their achievements," said Governor Patrick. "Now we must commit to building on our considerable success by ensuring that every child is empowered with the education they need to succeed in a 21st Century global economy." Learn more here. Watch the Governor’s congratulatory video here.

 

 

  • Promoting STEM Education – Governor Patrick yesterday joined Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray and other elected officials and community leaders to sign an executive order establishing the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Advisory Council. The new council will serve as a central advisory body, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders involved with STEM planning and programming, with the goal of increasing student interest in, and preparation for, careers in STEM. “The STEM disciplines are essential building blocks of a cutting-edge highly skilled workforce,” said Governor Patrick. “This effort to bring together the very best resources and ideas the Commonwealth has to offer around these areas of study means that today’s students will be ready for tomorrow’s jobs.” 

 

 

This Week:

 

  • Tuesday evening, Governor Patrick attended the Conservation Services Group 25th Anniversary Celebration. The Governor accepted the organization’s “Excellence in Environmental Advocacy Award” for his leadership on environmental issues.

 

  • Wednesday morning, Governor Patrick signed an Executive Order creating the Governor’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education Advisory Council in Natick.

 

  • Yesterday evening, Governor Patrick met with his Council of Economic Advisors at the State House.