Daily Update 10/16:Five-Point Fiscal Management Plan

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Governor’s Daily Update
Schools, Jobs, and Civic Engagement
Friday, October 16, 2009

In the Press:

Yesterday, Governor Patrick, accompanied by members of his cabinet, announced the revenue shortfall for the FY09 budget and outlined plans to bridge the gap.

• Responsible Budgeting – Continuing to responsibly manage the state budget amid an unprecedented global recession, Governor Deval Patrick yesterday outlined a Five-Point Fiscal Management plan for closing an estimated $600 million budget gap for FY10. The plan includes emergency spending cuts, state personnel impacts including layoffs, furloughs and union concessions, agency consolidations, state energy purchasing reforms, expanded 9C authority and voluntary concessions from other branches of government. The Administration has reduced projected revenue for the rest of the year to $18.279 billion. “Better times will come and there are signs they are not far off,” said Governor Patrick. “We will and must continue to make the investments we can in our long-term economic and community strength. But right now, for those who look to state government for help or support, we face still more challenges, and we will have to stick together and work together - in the spirit of community - to get through it.” Learn more here.

• Read more in the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald, Reuters, the Associated Press, the Martha’s Vineyard Times, iBerkshires, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the Springfield Republican, and the Fall River Herald.
• The Governor called into WBZ this morning to discuss the budget situation and his plan to bridge the gap. Click here.
• Watch more on WCVB and WBZTV, and listen for more on WBUR.

• Massachusetts Recovery – Yesterday, as part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Deval Patrick 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 due to the lack of equity available in low-income housing tax credit markets. Several towns across the Commonwealth will receive funds to help bridge the gaps created in projects where tax credits cannot leverage the equity needed to support construction costs.

• Read more in the Boston Globe, the Worcester Business Journal, the Boston Business Journal, and South Coast Today.
• On Wednesday, Governor Patrick sent a letter to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration requesting stimulus funding for three broadband projects in Western Massachusetts, Cape Cod and Boston. The Governor is committed to expanding access to broadband. Read more from Massachusetts High Tech, the Cape Cod Times, and Broadband Census.

• Lieutenant Governor Murray’s Visit to Western MA – Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Murray led his listening tour for the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet in North Adams.  During the meeting, cabinet members, including Lt. Governor Murray, were able to hear concerns directly from the public. Cabinet members were also able to share information about state resources, ranging from purchasing, technology, green communities, health insurance, and capital asset management, which can help local communities.  After the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet meeting, Lt. Governor Murray visited McCann Technical High School and also led a STEM Regional Roundtable on Higher Education at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 

• Read more in the North Adams Transcript for information about the STEM Advisory Council and the Lt. Governor’s Regional Roundtable on Higher Education.
• Read an article from the listening tour in the North Adams Transcript.

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.
• Wednesday evening, Governor Patrick met with his Council of Economic Advisors at the State House.
• Thursday afternoon, Governor Patrick made an announcement relative to the FY10 budget in the Governor’s Council Chamber.
• Thursday evening, Governor Patrick attended the “Innovators in Health Awards: Paving the Way to Health Reform” at the Millennium Bostonian Hotel.