Reestablished an Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Governor Patrick reestablished an Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development as a cabinet-level position and appointed the Commonwealth's first Secretary in 16 years. This elevated the concerns of working people to the highest levels of government.

Funding increase for the summer jobs program

Summer jobs keep young people in constructive settings and off the streets, and help prepare the next generation of workers. The Patrick-Murray Administration worked with the Obama administration, the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and the state legislature to increase funding for the summer jobs program by 280%. This past summer alone, the program provided 11,000 opportunities for youths across the Commonwealth.

State funded worker job training

Invested over $56 million in worker training investments to help employers in high-growth and high-demand industries upgrade the skills and wages of over 70,000 workers.

Investing federal stimulus funds in workforce training to help people find new jobs

Invested over $250 million in federal stimulus money into workforce development programs. These programs help the unemployed reenter the workforce, and prepare people all over the Commonwealth for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Reorganized the state's labor relations agencies to save money and increase productivity

The Patrick-Murray Administration reorganized the state's labor relations agencies to ensure greater fairness and accountability. The reorganization has already resulted in a 22% overall decrease in the open case docket – saving money and ensuring cases get dealt with faster.

Updating and preserving state unemployment benefits

The Patrick-Murray Administration has been updating and reforming the state unemployment laws while also delivering unemployment benefits to hundreds of thousands of workers affected by the economic crisis. The administration's reforms have included new programs for unemployed workers and efforts to preserve the unemployment health insurance program, which provides health benefits for 35,000 unemployed workers and their dependents.

Taking on the underground economy and employee misclassification

In March 2008, Governor Patrick issued an executive order establishing the Joint Enforcement Task Force on the Underground Economy and Employee Misclassification. So far, the task force has recovered nearly $3 million in unpaid assessments and restitution to workers unfairly denied compensation.

Launched the Massachusetts Regional Workforce Strategy Initiative to create jobs across the Commonwealth

As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's goal to drive job growth and economic development statewide, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development created the Massachusetts Regional Workforce Strategy Initiative. Each region of the state has specific jobs that are in-demand, and the initiative develops pathways, through job training and investments, that provide skills and opportunities in those industries.

Reinvigorating worker safety activities

After years of neglect, the Patrick-Murray Administration has reinvigorated worker safety activities, including workplace consultations and enforcement of workers' compensation laws. These activities have enhanced occupational safety and health for nearly 30,000 workers across the Commonwealth.

Supporting workers' right to organize

Governor Patrick has been a leader on advocating for the rights of workers to organize. He has signed the Commonwealth's “Card Check” law, which has so far allowed 1,200 workers to organize themselves into unions. Additionally, Governor Patrick has joined 17 other Governors nation-wide in supporting the Employee Free Choice Act.

Implementing landmark health care reform - 97% insured

The Governor continues to successfully implement health care reform. Over 97% of Massachusetts residents have health insurance, the highest rate in the nation. Massachusetts is considered a national leader in providing health care access, and the Massachusetts model has influenced the national debate around health care.

• The Massachusetts Way The New York Times 8/30/2008
• A Lesson on Health Care From Massachusetts The New York Times 3/28/2009
• Editorial: The Massachusetts Model The New York Times 8/9/2009

Managing the H1N1 pandemic 

Massachusetts is considered a national leader in managing the H1N1 pandemic. The Patrick-Murray Administration earned praise for how it communicated with stakeholders and how quickly H1N1 vaccine was distributed.

• H1N1 (Swine Flu) Resources Web site Mass.gov
• New media spread the word on H1N1 The Boston Globe 12/11/2009

Giving more choices to people who require state care

The Patrick-Murray Administration created the state's first Olmstead Plan, a framework for increasing choices for individuals who require state care so they can continue to live in their community. Key parts of this plan include the announced closures of DDS and DMH institutions, and the development of a new DMH consumer-driven community benefits model.

Made Massachusetts a national leader in smoking cessation

The joint MassHealth/Department of Public Health tobacco cessation benefit has become one of the most successful anti-smoking programs in the country. In just one year, the program created dramatic reductions in hospitalization for heart attacks, declines in emergency and clinic visits for asthma, and a significant decrease in birth complications. After the first two and a half years, 40 percent of the smokers on MassHealth (over 75,000 members) have taken advantage of the program.

Launched the “Work Without Limits” initiative to improve job opportunities for people with disabilities

The Patrick-Murray Administration has launched “Work Without Limits,” a public-private partnership to improve job opportunities for people with disabilities across Massachusetts. The partnership has worked with the University of Massachusetts to develop a multi-pronged approach to address the barriers people with disabilities face in finding employment.

Created a green jobs training program for returning veterans

The Department of Veterans Services has partnered with the Veterans’ Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill to assist eligible veterans along the I-495 corridor learn new skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Launched the Mass in Motion program to improve public health statewide

The Patrick-Murray Administration launched the Mass in Motion program to promote healthy living among Massachusetts residents. The program comprises a number of policy and program elements, including an obesity report, nearly $750,00 in grants to cities and towns to establish wellness initiatives at the local level, passage of public health regulations to promote a healthy diet (Menu labeling), and a Web site to educate residents on effective tools for healthy eating and exercise.

Launched the SAVE program to provide mental health care for the Commonwealth's veterans

The Department of Veterans Services and the Department of Public Health collaborated to launch the SAVE program, which focuses on suicide prevention and treatment for mental illness among the Commonwealth's veterans. So far, the program has reached out to 7,000 veterans and their family members, and has collaborated with a number of government, private and non-profit veterans groups to help veterans get the help they need.

Created the New Americans Report to help integrate the states growing immigrant population

The Executive office of Health and Human Services developed a comprehensive report with a set of 131 policy and program recommendations for the state to help integrate the state’s growing foreign-born population into the social, civic and economic life of the Commonwealth. An inter-agency group is currently developing a plan for the administration to begin implementing these suggestions.

Expanding benefits and services to veterans

Massachusetts is a national leader in providing benefits and services to returning veterans. However, in 2009, Governor Patrick expanded services even further. He provided additional "welcome home" bonuses, enabled electronic voting in MA elections for servicemen and women overseas, and included expanded public works hiring preferences to include service-disabled veterans.

• On Veterans Day, Governor Patrick signs bill expanding benefits and services to veterans across Massachusetts Mass.gov Press Release 11/11/2009

Creating world-class, 21st century schools and students: the Readiness Project

Created by an Executive Order in June of 2007, the Readiness Project is a statewide initiative involving over 200 educators, business leaders, and community leaders, who together developed a 10-year plan for the future of education in the Commonwealth.

The Readiness Project produced a detailed set of recommendations designed to improve access to higher education for all Massachusetts residents and unleash innovation to spur long-term system change in the state’s public education system. These reforms also make the state eligible for hundreds of millions of dollars in federal “Race to the Top” education grants.

• The Next Chapter in Education Reform The Boston Globe 9/17/2009
• Governor Patrick Calls for 'Unleashing Innovation' to Spur Education Reform Mass.gov Press Release 6/25/2009
• Mass. may get additional $250m from US for education efforts The Boston Globe 9/11/2009
• Panel set to approve much of Patrick's education proposal The Cape Ann Beacon 9/10/2009
• Editorial: Patrick's plan for education The Boston Globe 6/25/2009
• Patrick presents plans for education The Boston Globe 6/24/2008
• Editorial: Education reform 2.0 The Boston Globe 6/23/2008

Protecting education funding throughout the economic downturn

Like so many families and businesses throughout the Commonwealth, our state has been facing immense financial challenges during the economic crisis, forcing Governor Patrick to make painful budget choices. However, the Governor has reaffirmed his commitment to our kids by protecting education funding.

• Governor Patrick provides leadership based on values; Closes budget gap, maintains investments in core services Mass.gov Press Releas 10/29/2009
• Patrick: Cut jobs, spare local aid and education The Boston Globe 10/29/2009
• Governor Patrick Protects Education Funding Amid Budget Cuts Mass.gov Press Releas 1/23/2009

Passed comprehensive education reform legislation

On January 18th, 2010, Governor Patrick signed comprehensive education reform legislation that would tackle the state's long-standing achievement gap. The bill will increase the state's ability to intervene in underperforming schools and districts, promote widespread innovation in education and increase the number of high-performing charter schools serving students in the lowest performing districts.

• Patrick trumpets sweeping bill to overhaul education The Boston Globe 1/19/2010
• Op-Ed from Governor Patrick: A rescue mission for education Boston.com 1/7/2009
• Patrick-Murray Administration Launches Next Chapter of Education Reform in Massachusetts Mass.gov Press Releas 9/17/2009

Establishing Readiness Schools and Readiness Centers to give support and choices to students and teachers

Established the state's first-ever Readiness Schools. One of the key strategic programs to come out of the Readiness Project, these schools will begin operating in 2010 as innovative, in-district, charter-like schools with significant autonomy, and will provide families with more educational choices.

Additionally, the Patrick-Murray Administration established the state's first Readiness Centers -- professional development and resource centers for teachers in six regions across the state. These centers will enhance the quality of teaching from early childhood through higher education by supporting educators with services and programs designed to promote local and state priorities.

Formed the Governor’s Child and Youth Readiness Cabinet to help ensure students are supported outside the classroom

Recognizing that the time a child spends outside the classroom is just as important for her educational success as time spent in school, the Patrick-Murray Administration established the Governor's Child and Youth Readiness Cabinet. The Cabinet is a platform to streamline an enhance services to the state's most vulnerable residents – children, students and families in need.

Drove a collaboration between the private and public sectors to determine how to better prepare students for the workplace

The Patrick-Murray Administration has challenged the leadership across all three sectors to connect employer expectations and demands with the curricula in place in schools. This will ensure that students not only have a solid base in core academic subjects, but also the aptitude to apply those skills in settings outside of a classroom.

The administration has worked to implement plans that will help educators focus more on developing skills that are in demand for the jobs of today and tomorrow, including the ability to utilize emerging technology to solve complex problems, the flexibility to function as a contributing member of a working group, an understanding of the role of the United States in the global society, and the ability to present a persuasive oral argument.

Expanded services for early childhood

Studies have shown that a child's formative years can severely impact the rest of their educational career. The Patrick-Murray administration have mounted a “Birth to 3” task force to focus state policy on children in the earliest stages of learning. The task force has developed a Quality Rating and Improvement System and a new searchable database of programs for families choosing programs for their children.

Continued accomplishments in K-12 education

For the third year in a row, Massachusetts students placed near the top of national and international rankings. Massachusetts 8th graders ranked first in the country, while 4th graders tied for first on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Massachusetts public high school students ranked first in Math, second in Critical Reading and second in Writing (among states with at least 60% participation rates) on the SAT; Massachusetts students in the class of 2009 ranked first nationally and on all four subject area exams on the ACT exam; and Massachusetts 4th graders ranked third in the world in math and second in the world in science, while 8th graders ranked sixth in the world in Math and tied for first in the world in Science on the Trends in Mathematics and Science Survey.

Driven leadership in higher education

The Patrick-Murray Administration has worked to implement the Higher Education Commissioner’s Vision Project of a unified public higher education system focused on preparing public college students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, and producing the best educated citizenry in the country. The Vision Project included a record $2 billion capital investment to make the improvements and investments in public higher education campuses, a statewide transfer policy so students can move seamlessly among the 29 public higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, a new web portal to help students navigate their education, and a new policy to help students access federal financial aid.

Groundbreaking reform of state transportation agencies - Eliminating the turnpike authority and overhauling the MBTA

For decades, Massachsuetts's transportation agencies have languished in neglect and inefficiency. Governor Patrick implemented landmark transportation reform to eliminate the Turnpike Authority and radically streamline transportation bureaucracy. In early 2009, the Patrick Administration unveiled a new vision for a comprehensive plan to radically reform and simplify the Commonwealth's transportation system, while also addressing serious fiscal challenges stemming from decades of inadequate funding and deferred maintenance. The Governor's Transportation and Economic Security Plan proposed reforms that:

• Eliminated the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority;
• Reformed the MBTA pension system;
• Increased institutional transparency and accountability;
• Made our transportation system more environmentally friendly; and
• Placed our transportation network on responsible, long-term footing by paying down the Big Dig debt and funding regional transportation needs.

The Governor joined the House and Senate in working on groundbreaking legislation to achieve these reforms. The Governor signed the resulting transportation reform bill on June 26, 2009. The reform bill also created a unified Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), responsible for overseeing our highways, rail, aeronatics, and roads. The Governor's reforms have already saved $190 million.

• More details on MassDOT reforms MassDOT
• Turnpike Authority Could Soon be Extinct WBZ 6/18/2009
• Governor Patrick Signs Bill to Dramatically Reform Transportation System Mass.gov Press Release 6/29/2009
• Editorial: Transportation Wreck Averted The Boston Globe 6/19/2009

Investing in our highways, roads and bridges

Confronting a transportation infrastructure that has seen decades of neglect, the Governor passed a $6.5 billion emergency bond bill in 2007, and two three-year transportation bond bills totaling $5 billion in 2008. As a result of these bills, roads and bridges across the Commonwealth are being restored, and hundreds of jobs have been created.

A new culture: civilian flaggers

Governor Patrick pushed for Massachusetts to join 49 other states in allowing civilian flaggers to divert traffic at most state construction sites instead of police details. This will save Massachusetts millions of dollars annually.

In June of 2009, the Patrick Administration successfully launched the civilian flagger program with 71 projects that would utilize flaggers instead of police details.

• Maps of state projects currently utilizing flagmen instead of details Mass.gov
• Gov. Deval Patrick hits brakes on cop details The Boston Herald 6/1/2009
• Replacing police details with flagmen Fox 25 6/1/2009

Launched the accelerated bridge program to increase the speed of infrastructure reform

To handle the deteriorating condition of many of the state's bridges, the administration launched a $3 billion, eight-year Accelerated Bridge Program to further enhance infrastructure investments and repair hundreds of structurally deficient bridges. To date, many bridge projects have already been completed on time and under budget, and future projects will include high-traffic bridges such as the Longfellow Bridge in Boston/Cambridge and the Whittier Bridge in Amesbury.

Moved forward on a South Coast commuter rail line

The Patrick-Murray Administration made progress for the the first time towards establishing a South Coast commuter rail line that would connect Boston with New Bedford, Fall River and the surrounding communities. The Governor released the Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan in August 2009. The plan is a blueprint for how to harness a new commuter rail line to spur economic growth, job creation, and residential development, while preserving community character and environmental protections.

Leadership in driving for regional high-speed rail in New England

Governor Patrick worked with all of the New England states to coordinate a joint plan to bring high-speed rail to the region. In July 2009, the states released the Regional Vision for High-Speed Rail that will drive economic growth throughout the region. States are currently working together to use stimulus funds and other opportunities to strengthen existing rail networks.

Negotiated a historic land deal with CSX transportation to improve and streamline commuter rail service

The Patrick-Murray Administration negotiated a comprehensive agreement with CSX Transportation to improve and streamline rail service statewide. The deal included the purchase of the Boston-to-Worcester rail line, and the purchase of New Bedford and Fall River rail corridors to advance the South Coast Rail projects. Additionally, the state will assist in relocating CSX operations out of Beacon Park Yard in Boston to allow redevelopment of the area.

Utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to complete much-needed transportation projects and spur economic growth.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has utilized American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to invest in roads, bridges and other transit projects statewide that will create jobs while fixing key infrastructure that has languished in neglect for decades. The projects also spur long-term economic growth by improving access to transit, bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Examples of successful projects include the MBTA Commuter Rail Doubletrack Initiative to add a second track at certain locations along the Fitchburg and Haverhill lines, speeding commuter rail service, and the Franklin Regional Transit Center in Greenfield.

Released transportation data to the public for the first time ever to improve transparency and accountability

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation launched an Open Data Initiative, which provided transportation data online to the public in developer-friendly formats. This initiative will help improve transparency and accountability, and help travelers by allowing developers to create web-based and mobile phone applications for drivers, T riders and other transportation users. So far dozens of web and mobile applications have been created, and the program has achieved national recognition.

• Open Government Laboratories of Democracy Open Government Initiative 11/19/2009

Common-sense reforms to improve customer service at the MBTA and RMV

Made common-sense reforms to update and strengthen customer service at the RMV and the MBTA. These reforms include adding digital service options like email and text message alerts when a customer's license is about to expire. They also included more basic reforms like updating the MBTA maps and signage, extending student Charlie Card hours during school days, and expanding bicycle facilities at T stations.

Governing the whole state: Regional equity in transportation investment

The Patrick-Murray Administration has focused on regional equity to create jobs and promote economic development statewide. Through the Public Works Economic Development (PWED) Grant program, the administration has directed infrastructure grants to more than a dozen transportation projects in communities from Boston to Weymouth and from Salem to Lenox.

Improving technology and safety on our highways

As part of the Regional Equity and Broadband Initiative, the Patrick-Murray Administration approved a project to build a fiber-optic cable backbone over 58 miles of I-91 and I-291 in the Springfield region. The fiber optic network includes new variable message signs and closed circuit television cameras – improving technology and safety on the highway.

First-in-the-nation Oceans planning bill

“With this bill, Massachusetts has become a leader in ocean policy in this country,”

Leon Panetta, former chairman of the Pew Oceans Commission and former Clinton White House chief of staff.

In 2008, Governor Patrick, with the support of former House Speaker DiMasi and Senate President Murray, passed a bill establishing the nation’s first management and protection plan for a state’s ocean waters. The law sets ground rules for all offshore projects and businesses, balancing natural resource preservation with traditional and new uses, including renewable energy.

• Remarks from signing of Ocean Bill Mass.gov 5/28/2008
• Massachusetts Law to Manage and Protect Ocean Waters The New York Times 5/29/2009
• With stroke of Patrick's pen, Bay State leads the way in ocean management The New Bedford Standard-Times 5/29/2009
• New law aims to manage ocean usage The Cape Cod Times 5/29/2009

Pushed for comprehensive energy and biofuels bill

In July 2008, with gas prices soaring, Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation designed to expand the advanced biofuels sector in the Commonwealth. This was part of a series of historic bills designed to position Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy and environmental stewardship. It was also an investment in one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. Estimates say that a mature advanced biofuels industry could contribute $280 million to $1 billion per year to the Massachusetts economy by 2025, generating 1,000 to 4,000 permanent jobs and 150 to 760 temporary construction jobs, while reducing the Bay State’s reliance on petroleum imports.

• Governor Patrick Signs Bill Promoting Advanced Biofuels Mass.gov Press Release 7/28/2009
• Patrick signs biofuels measure The Boston Globe 7/29/2208
• Massachusetts Enacts Advanced Biofuels Bill Renewable Energy World 8/4/2008

Advancing Cape Wind

After years of setbacks and stalling, the nation's first offshore wind turbine project finally has an ally in the corner office. The Cape Wind project will bring environmental benefits and hundreds of jobs to the state. Governor Patrick threw his support behind Cape Wind early in his 2006 primary election, when it was politically risky to do so. In 2008, Cape Wind passed through the state environmental review process, and has gotten closer than ever to becoming a reality, supporting Governor Deval Patrick’s goal of producing 2,000 megawatts of wind power, enough for 800,000 homes, by 2020.

• Changes may buoy Cape Wind project The Boston Globe 12/11/2007
• State presses wind projects The Boston Globe 11/3/2009

Fighting global warming

The Patrick-Murray Administration has passed the nation’s strongest greenhouse gas law and the Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the board up to 25 percent by 2020, and 80 percent by 2050.

Under Governor Patrick, Massachusetts joined and provided leadership for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the region's electric power plants. So far the program has generated $79 million in proceeds from allowance auctions that have been put to work supporting energy efficiency investments.

Increasing state energy efficiency

Governor Patrick launched the most ambitious energy efficiency program in the country – a $2 billion investment in efficiency measures that will result in $6.5 billion in savings over the next three years; three times as large per capita as the previous nation-leading program.

A key part of the Governor's energy efficiency program is the the Green Communities Act, a piece of comprehensive energy reform legislation that prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable energy to meet Massachusetts’s energy needs and gave municipalities new incentives to make greener energy choices. The act will increase the amount of new, renewable energy provided to Massachusetts consumers by one full percentage point per year, from 4 percent in 2009 to 15 percent in 2020, and will continue to increase into the future.

Created more renewable energy incentives

The state has explored innovative incentive programs to help create jobs and increase the usage of renewable energy. Programs like Commonwealth Solar have increased the installation of solar power from 3.5 megawatts (MW) to 54 MW and wind power from 3.1 MW to over 30 MW by the end of 2010. The number of companies involved in solar energy installation has quadrupled in the past year in a half, and employment in these industries doubled from 2007 to 2008.

Working to conserve and create green spaces across the Commonwealth

The Patrick-Murray Administration launched the largest land conservation initiative in the Commonwealth’s history, permanently protecting 54,000 acres of open space and park land, with emphasis on urban parks, habitat protection, and working landscapes. The Governor also created a new Gateway City Parks program, which provides funding options for park improvement in developing cities statewide.

Reformed the Department of Conservation and Recreation

The Patrick-Murray Administration made major reforms to and investments in the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) designed to improve department assets and refocus efforts on the core mission of preserving and maintaining the Commonwealth's parks, beaches, and forests. Part of that refocus meant relieving the DCR of responsibility for bridges under the administrations transportation reform package.

Increased building energy efficiency standards

The Patrick-Murray Administration established a “stretch” building code for energy efficiency, which gives municipalities the ability to set energy efficiency standards 20 to 30 percent higher than the state building requirements. They also worked with the state's real estate community towards the goal of making all new malls and “big box” retail stores energy efficient and partially powered by solar energy by this year.

Created the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

In 2008, the Governor created the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC), the only single-purpose state authority in the nation for comprehensive development of the clean energy sector. The CEC has streamlined the approval processes for clean energy companies, and has already issued $4 million in grants for the development of of training programs in clean energy fields. Over the past year, numerous companies including Evergreen Solar, Brookfield Power, and Beacon Power, have expanded their operations in Massachusetts, creating dozens of new high-paying jobs.

A new culture: Imposing tough ethics and lobbying reform

In October of 2008, in order to strengthen public trust in government, Governor Patrick created a bi-partisan Task Force on Public Integrity to recommend Comprehensive Ethics and Lobbying Reform. The Task Force was charged with examining the state regulations that govern ethics and lobbying, and recommending steps to strengthen those regulations. The Governor took those recommendations seriously, and in early 2009 proposed landmark ethics and lobbying legislation that imposed and enforced new regulations to ensure that our public servants serve our public interest.

The legislation empowered the State Ethics Commission and the Attorney General, increased lobbying regulation and transparency, and strengthened penalties for ethics breaches. The bill also included a strict gift ban, expanded the definition of a “lobbyist,” imposed stricter revolving-door provisions, and enhanced campaign finance laws.

• More details on the state ethics reform bill Mass.gov 7/1/2009
• Patrick targets ethics lapses The Boston Globe 1/7/2009
• Leaders approve ethics revamp The Boston Globe 6/25/2009
• Editorial: Season of reform The Boston Globe 6/26/2009

A new culture: implementing real pension reform

Setting aside adequate funds for retirees’ pensions is a crucial responsibility, but for too long, loopholes and improper oversight have allowed a few bad actors to take advantage of public funds, eroding public trust. Governor Patrick, along with Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo, championed sweeping pension reform legislation, which accomplished the following:

• Eliminated a loophole that allowed workers to serve one day in a calendar year, and yet get paid a full year’s salary.
• Individuals who receive pension benefits can no longer return to work as a “consultant” or “independent contractor" and receive a full salary in addition to pension benefits.

• Patrick lays out Pension reforms The Boston Globe 3/23/2009
• Gov. Deval Patrick signs pension overhaul bill The Boston Herald 6/16/2009
• Governor Patrick Signs Landmark Pension Reform Mass.gov Press Release 6/16/2009

Leveling the playing field: closing corporate tax loopholes

Governor Patrick advocated closing corporate tax loopholes, a move that aligned Massachusetts with competitor states and leveled the playing field for smaller businesses. The changes to the corporate tax structure will bring in $475 million in additional tax revenue while reducing the overall corporate tax rate.

• Legislators near trimming tax loopholes The Boston Globe 7/1/2008

Responsible budgeting

Amid the worst global economic recession since the Great Depression, Governor Patrick has closed a cumulative budget gap of $9 billion, while preserving investments in education, health care, human services and local aid. The Governor has responded swiftly and aggressively to each budget challenge and delivered on-time balanced budgets that reflect our shared values.

Maintaining a strong bond rating through aggressive fiscal management

The three major bond rating agencies have affirmed the Commonwealth's "AA" bond rating with a stable outlook, citing the Governor's responsible stewardship of the Commonwealth's finances during the current economic downturn. The ratings specifically cited the Governor's aggressive and proactive management of state finances as one of the reasons that Massachusetts is in a stronger position than other states.

Published first-ever debt affordability analysis

Governor Patrick's five-year capital plan makes investments in long-neglected assets, including roads and bridges, college and university buildings, public housing and broadband infrastructure. These projects improve the quality of life, create jobs, and contribute to future economic growth. The plan is based on the first-ever debt affordability analysis, and policy to ensure that the annual borrowing needed to support the capital investment plan is set at affordable levels.

Standing up for cities and towns and relieving pressure on our communities

Governor Patrick signed a bill to allow municipalities to take part in the state's cost-effective, high-value health care system.

In addition, the Governor successfully championed measures to help cities and towns raise targeted revenues to support essential school, public safety and municipal services. Closing telecommunications tax loopholes is projected to save communities an estimated $26 million, and local option meals and hotel taxes will lead to a potential $91 million in benefits if adopted by all communities.

His first measure allowed municipalities to take part in the state's cost-effective, high-value health care system. So far, 17 communities, six school districts and three planning councils have joined, reducing local health care spending by tens of millions of dollars annually. In addition, the Governor successfully championed measures to help cities and town raise revenues to support essential services. Closing the telecommunications tax loophole will save communities an estimated $26 million, and local option means and hotel/motel taxes will lead to a potential $91 million in benefits if adopted by all communities.

• Governor Patrick signs key parts of Municipal Partnership Act into law Mass.gov Press Release

Protecting our civil rights: marriage equality

Governor Patrick helped lead the fight to keep discrimination out of the Massachusetts constitution and preserved the right of same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts.

• 5 years later, couples cheer Mass. gay marriage ruling Associated Press 5/17/2009
• Gov. Patrick signs 1913 law repeal, MassHealth Equality bill Bay Windows 7/31/2009
• Editorial: A good day for marriage The Boston Globe 7/15/2007
• Scot Lehigh: A victory for equality The Boston Globe 7/15/2007

Governor's Crime and Public Safety reform package

The Governor's office has taken the lead in developing cutting-edge legislation that would update and modernize how crime and public safety are dealt with in the Commonwealth. The legislation would update the Commonwealth's policies on CORI reform, criminal sentencing and supervision, victims' rights, and firearms. The administration worked with the Senate to enact S. 2210 in November 2009, which included many of the previsions from the Governor's legislation, and continues to push for the crime package this year.

Fighting racial profiling

The Patrick administration utilized federal highway safety funds to train more than 50 police chiefs and 100 other police leaders from police departments across the Commonwealth on the causes of bias-based policing, the use of data to address actual or perceived racial profiling, and the best ways to engage in community dialogue.

Created a more efficient emergency response system

Governor Patrick created the state 911 Department in order to coordinate emergency communications resources statewide. The department helped cities and towns create regional communications centers, which resulted more efficient, more flexible systems that are projected to save municipalities hundreds of thousands of dollars.

• Communities to regionalize 911 system Your Town – Hingham 10/10/09

Kept first responders on the job

The economic crisis has forced many municipalities to make painful choices and lay off emergency personnel. Governor Patrick has worked to preserve jobs and public safety by earmarking public safety grants to keep first responders on the payroll. So far, the jobs of 230 fire fighters and 85 police officers have been saved or created statewide.

Handling the December 2008 ice storm

The December 2008 ice storm was, when measured by the amount of federal disaster assistance received by the state, the largest natural disaster ever to hit Massachusetts. The Patrick-Murray Administration quickly mobilized, and had a disaster declaration in place in a matter of hours, followed quickly by a large-scale mobilization of the National Guard. The administration rendered assistance to dozens of communities over a wide area, and supervised the damage assessment and federal reimbursement process.