Friends,
The Governor wanted me to let you know that the caucuses to elect delegates for
the 2009 State Convention will be held starting this Saturday, January 31st and
running through Sunday February 8th. To participate at your local caucus, you must
be a registered Democrat as of December 31st 2008.
This year's convention will be held in Springfield on Saturday, June 6th at the
MassMutual Center. David Plouffe, the campaign manager for President Barack
Obama, has been confirmed as this year's Keynote Speaker. In addition, delegates
will be voting to approve the Party's platform, which will govern the Party for the next
four years.
If you are interested in attending your caucus, please go to
http://www.massdems.org for more information on your caucus time and location.
Best,
Charlotte Golar Richie
Executive Director
WEEKLY SUMMARY
On Monday, Governor Patrick testified before the temporary House
Committee on Ethics in support of his ethics and lobbying reform legislation.
Based on recommendations put forward by his Task Force on Public
Integrity, the bill will strengthen the state's existing rules by enhancing
investigative tools, expanding enforcement authority and creating tougher
penalties. Click here to learn more.
Governor Patrick met with industry leaders from the Information Technology
sector on Tuesday to call for the formation of a Massachusetts IT
Collaborative group, which will help brand and advocate for the IT sector's
position in the state, national, and global economy. Comprised of over 3,000
companies supporting 173,000 jobs in 2007, the state's Information and
Communication Technology Cluster is a leading industry in the Innovation
Economy.
Governor Patrick outlined his Emergency Recovery Plan on Wednesday to
continue to address a total $6 billion budget gap for fiscal years 2009 and
2010 through reforms, efficiencies, a responsible draw on reserves and
budget cuts. Click here to read more .
Also on Wednesday, Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray attended
the election of the new Speaker of the House.
On Thursday, Governor Patrick attended the Greater Boston Chamber of
Commerce's 2009 Pinnacle Awards honoring First Lady Diane Patrick.
Later Thursday afternoon, Governor Patrick swore in Ralph Gants as a
Justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Governor Deval Patrick today announced that Greg Bialecki will succeed
Dan O'Connell as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development. Dan
O'Connell is stepping down after serving for two years.
Governor Patrick will travel to the West Coast next week to meet with
leaders of major IT companies, in addition to leaders from the life sciences,
clean energy and other sectors, in keeping with his commitment to maintain
and create local jobs.