Daily Update 11/09: Massachusetts Wins Broadband Stimulus Funding
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Governor’s Daily Update
Innovation, Education, Infrastructure and Regional Focus
Monday, November 09, 2009
Today: Monday, November 09, 2009
- This morning, Governor Patrick joined USDA Secretary Vilsack, Congressman McGovern and Lieutenant Governor Murray for a briefing relative to the Asian Longhorn Beetle Eradication Program and made an announcement relative to hunger prevention at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.
- This afternoon, Governor Patrick visited with seniors and staff at the Worcester Senior Center.
- Later this afternoon, Governor Patrick attended a legislative leadership meeting at the State House.
In the Press:
Commitment to Innovation
- Massachusetts Wins Broadband Stimulus Funding – On Friday, Governor Patrick announced that Massachusetts has won approximately $2 million in federal stimulus funding to aid the development of affordable and reliable broadband Internet services for all communities in the Commonwealth. The Patrick-Murray administration is confident that expanding access to high-speed Internet will create jobs, support business expansion and help students and businesses compete in a global economy. “We are grateful to the Obama Administration and our Congressional delegation for this investment that moves us another step closer to bringing broadband access to all businesses, schools and communities in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Patrick. “Broadband access is an essential element of economic success in the 21st century, and we look forward to putting these funds to work immediately.” Learn more here.
- Read more in the Boston Globe, the Associated Press, Mass High Tech, in Cape Cod Today, and in Broadband Census.
Regional Focus
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Governor Patrick and Representative Vallee visit with students at Jefferson Elementary School and veterans at the Veteran’s Breakfast in Franklin on Friday.
- Governor Patrick Visits Franklin – Friday morning, Governor Patrick visited the Town of Franklin’s Veteran’s Breakfast at the Franklin Senior Center, and later met with students and teachers at Jefferson Elementary School, where he emphasized the importance of education funding through tough budget times: "We have protected funding for public schools," Governor Patrick said. "That is about the kids and the value we place on them." The Governor also spoke with the students about current education bills aimed at closing the achievement gap in Massachusetts schools. "We don't want those students to be left behind." Read more in the Milford Daily News. Watch a video of the Governor addressing students over the PA system here.
- During his visit to the Franklin’s Veteran’s Breakfast, which honored a group of World War II veterans who will reach 90 years of age in 2009, Governor Patrick and town and state officials recognized the veterans for their service: "I am always incredibly humbled when I think about the contributions of our servicemen and women," the Governor said. "I am always struck by how these ordinary people do extraordinary things." Read more in the Milford Daily News.
- During his visit to the Franklin’s Veteran’s Breakfast, which honored a group of World War II veterans who will reach 90 years of age in 2009, Governor Patrick and town and state officials recognized the veterans for their service: "I am always incredibly humbled when I think about the contributions of our servicemen and women," the Governor said. "I am always struck by how these ordinary people do extraordinary things." Read more in the Milford Daily News.
A Cohasset resident shakes hands with the Governor's during his visit on Friday.
- Investing in Local Infrastructure – Also on Friday, Governor Patrick made a local economic development announcement and toured downtown Hingham and Cohasset and greeted local businesses owners. He announced $2.4 million in state funding to help replace the Hingham Rotary and $450,000 in state funding to rebuild Cohasset’s Jacobs Meadow sewer main – both part of the Massachusetts Recovery Plan. “There are safety issues, there are convenience of travel issues and there are also jobs that comes from a project like this,” Patrick said in discussing the replacement of the rotary on Route 3A at Hingham Harbor. Read more in the Patriot Ledger.
Investing in Our Infrastructure
- Stimulus Investments: Creating Jobs Today & Tomorrow – The Patrick-Murray Administration has proposed to fund a pedestrian bridge in Foxboro that brings with it local safety improvements and the potential to support significant private investment and job creation. This project is exactly the type of stimulus funding that supports short and long-term economic development and growth, and will yield significant returns on the state’s investment. Read more in the Boston Globe.
- Completing Vital Road Construction Projects – As a result of the Governor's historic investment in our roads and bridges, construction is taking place at night time when volume is down and fewer drivers will be inconvenienced by traffic delays. Infrastructure projects are a top priority for the Patrick-Murray Administration in order to reverse decades of neglect, create jobs and keep the state’s economy moving forward. Read more in the Boston Herald.
This Week:
- On Saturday, Governor Patrick attended the funeral of Captain Eric Jones at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Falmouth.
- On Sunday, Governor Patrick offered remarks at the American Association of Medical Colleges in Boston.