Secretary Polanowicz Discusses Governor's Growth Agenda and Health and Human Services Investments in Taunton
Governor's revenue proposals will support investments in health care, program integrity, and Community First initiatives
TAUNTON — Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary John Polanowicz today discussed Governor Deval Patrick's growth agenda and strategic investments in health and human service programs during a visit to the HHS Spring Street offices in Taunton.
Secretary Polanowicz was joined by local officials, stakeholders and staff for a tour of the facility and discussion of the Governor’s budget initiatives.
“Following years of meaningful reforms, Governor Patrick has been able to make significant investments in Health and Human Services programs in his budget,” said Secretary Polanowicz. “The Governor’s revenue proposals will help us invest in programs that will strengthen our safety net and help our most vulnerable populations.”
The Spring Street HHS offices provide services to Taunton area clients through MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Developmental Services and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Governor Patrick’s Fiscal Year 14 budget includes investments in the critical programs offered by these agencies to help lower health care costs, enhance program integrity and support Community First principles that allow elders and people with disabilities to live and thrive in their communities.
“I applaud the efforts of Secretary Polanowicz in ensuring that vital health and human services are preserved, and for his continued vision of providing high quality services to those in need while improving program integrity,” said Representative Kay Khan, chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “These current investments will enable clients to build a bridge to self-sufficiency.”
The Governor’s budget increases the Administration’s already strong program integrity systems at DTA and MassHealth and will do more to ensure that our safety net benefits are used only as intended.
The budget also allows advances the Governor’s Community First Principles by moving away from institutionalized care in antiquated facilities and towards community care settings.
In his State of the Commonwealth address last month, Governor Patrick laid out a plan to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure, areas that have proven to create new jobs and expand economic opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.
“When we support students, put people to work, reduce health care costs and strengthen public safety, our entire community will benefit,” said Taunton City Council President John McCaul. “I thank the Patrick-Murray Administration for expanding economic opportunities throughout the city of Taunton and across the Commonwealth.”
The Governor’s plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the current transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more affordable for all students in Massachusetts.
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