Statement of Governor Deval Patrick

BOSTON-Tuesday, February 20, 2007- Governor Deval Patrick announced today that he will personally reimburse the Commonwealth for the difference between the vehicle that was recently leased for his official use and the cost of the vehicle leased by the prior administration. In the same spirit, the Governor will personally pay for office furnishings purchased for the Governor's Office to replace those owned by Governor Romney and removed by him when he left office.

"All weekend long, I have been struggling with the budget constraints we are facing in the Commonwealth. There are tough choices to make. I realize I cannot in good conscience ask the agencies to make those choices without being willing to make them myself."

Accordingly, the Governor will pay the Commonwealth $543 per month towards the lease of the official vehicle. He will also pay the Commonwealth $27,387 for the furnishings in the Governor's office.