Governor Signs Housing Bond Bill

The $1.275 billion, five-year capital plan which I authored along with Rep. Kevin Honan of Boston for the production and preservation of affordable housing for low-income, disabled and elderly residents in the Commonwealth, was signed into law by Governor Patrick on May 29, 2008.  

This bonding authority helps develop and preserve a diverse housing stock throughout Massachusetts.  As the original Senate sponsor of the legislation, I am confident it will help meet the demand for affordable housing among seniors and the disabled while enabling more young families to stay in Massachusetts and strengthen our economy.

The Senate recently passed the next phase of the Commonwealth's two-year-old landmark health care reform with a package of new initiatives aimed at bringing down escalating health care costs and creating greater access to primary care.  

This is a comprehensive plan of action designed to build on the success we have had in Massachusetts ensuring access to quality, affordable health care to all our citizens.  Spiraling costs threaten to derail our progress and this bill provides the tools needed to help contain them. 

The legislation promotes the modernization of the health care system to reduce waste and inefficiencies and improve quality care, setting Massachusetts as a national leader in the statewide adoption of electronic medical records and uniform billing among health care providers and insurance companies, which together could save hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Health care costs are straining state finances and cutting into resources for education, public safety and transportation, making it increasingly difficult for young people, families and businesses to make ends meet. This growth in health care costs is out-pacing the increase in workers' wages and the overall inflation rate.