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Governor Patrick: A vision for long-term results With the 2007 legislative session over, there will be a great deal of discussion in the press of the achievements of the Patrick administration, as well as those of the Legislature. There is no doubt that the executive and legislative branches are not working in perfect harmony; but then again, they never were meant to be. What is clear is that since Deval Patrick was sworn in as Governor, he has raised the bar of expectations of state government, and for what the Legislature can accomplish with the executive branch. The governor has been inspiring not only in his words to the public, but also in his actions. As a legislator, the first dramatic change I have noticed is in the makeup of Governor Patrick’s cabinet, and the many new employees in state government. Unlike the previous administration, state agencies no longer have an edict not to talk to legislators, and in fact are working together with legislators to solve the problems of the residents of Massachusetts. Governor Patrick has also had some great successes working with the Legislature. Recognizing the need for towns and cities to reduce costs while maintaining excellent benefits for public employees, the governor took up the cause initiated by Representatives Kaprielian and Kaufman to allow municipalities to join the state’s General Insurance Commission health insurance program, which has had lower health insurance premium increases compared to most cities’ and towns’ plans. Furthermore, in the FY08 budget, Governor Patrick honored the Minimum Education for all communities that so many suburban legislators fought so hard for two years ago, maintaining the increase in Chapter 70 aid for many previously under-funded public schools. More recently, Governor Patrick has worked directly with Speaker of the House Sal DiMasi on finding consensus on Speaker DiMasi’s top priority of the year, energy reform. The Green Communities Act of 2007 that the House recently passed includes important provisions that increase investment in alternative energies such as solar and wind, tax credits for consumers who buy hybrid cars, and raising the requirements for utility companies to purchase clean energy. Just like Governor Patrick’s success with Evergreen Solar, this legislation will not only help reduce greenhouse gases and improve Massachusetts’ environment, it also has the potential for creating thousands of jobs in the alternative energy industry. Governor Patrick has also filed legislation to allow more Massachusetts residents to attend a state college, dramatically increasing the opportunities that young people have in the state. Additionally, he is currently working on a review of K-12 education funding, having just recently reinvigorated a Department of Education with appointments of educators that are committed to improving public education in Massachusetts, and not just ideologues. Most impressive, however, is the vision that Governor Patrick has laid out in order to make Massachusetts a more vibrant, competitive, equitable and satisfying place to live. The governor’s $1 billion life sciences initiative is dedicated to making sure Massachusetts doesn’t lose its place as one of the most dynamic centers of biotechnology in the word, making incredible advances in areas including improved health care and science, while creating literally thousands of jobs in the Commonwealth. While there is no doubt that the expectations that so many voters had when they voted for Deval Patrick are higher than what has been accomplished so far, readers should consider upon reflection what a refreshing change the Patrick administration has brought to Beacon Hill, and look forward to next year’s legislative session finding even more successes.
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