Gov. Patrick's underwhelming economic speech.
Governor Deval Patrick tried to calm fears of a looming recession with a speech today that highlighted the strengths of the Massachusetts economy and outlined his $3.8 billion bond proposal to put people to work by repairing 411 deteriorating bridges.While emphasizing restrained spending and budget cuts, Patrick also warned that government must take action that will move the state's economy forward.
“By acting now, we can cut that deficient bridges backlog in half in eight years, avoid construction inflation, and create thousands of jobs,” Patrick said. “Our plan to address deficient bridges will have shovels in the ground and people at work in 90 days.”
The address at MIT's Sloan School of Management was the first economic outline Patrick has presented since the Legislature defeated his plan to create tens of thousands of jobs by licensing three casinos around the state. House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi and Senate President Therese Murray attended the speech, giving at least symbolic support to the governor’s plan.
Patrick also announced the creation of 16 regional districts throughout the state where his administration will help streamline new developments, a plan based on the redevelopment of Fort Devens in Ayer.
The massive repair and reconstruction of bridges in virtually every corner of the state would create 23,000 direct construction jobs, according to a preliminary draft of the governor's plan, which is significantly higher than the 5,000 employed at the height of the Big Dig.
The move could prove controversial. It would add to a state debt burden that is already the highest per capita in the country. Patrick plans to pay for the projects by floating bonds in the next eight years, which would need legislative approval and would renew debate over how deeply the state should go into debt, and how vital the bridge repairs are.
At this point, don't you get the sense that the only thing Patrick really cares about is writing his book?
UPDATE: More from Michael Graham and the Herald.
SECOND UPDATE: More from Barbara Anderson, Michael Graham, the Herald and the Globe.
