WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.410 align:middle line:90% [MUSIC PLAYING] 00:00:04.410 --> 00:00:22.580 align:middle line:90% 00:00:22.580 --> 00:00:25.278 align:middle line:84% Please admit the honorable Senate. 00:00:25.278 --> 00:00:29.760 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:00:29.760 --> 00:03:20.110 align:middle line:90% 00:03:20.110 --> 00:03:22.520 align:middle line:84% The joint convention will come to order. 00:03:22.520 --> 00:04:15.350 align:middle line:90% 00:04:15.350 --> 00:04:17.579 align:middle line:84% Code officers will please clear the aisles. 00:04:17.579 --> 00:04:32.800 align:middle line:90% 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:35.915 align:middle line:84% The joint convention will come to order. 00:04:35.915 --> 00:04:38.570 align:middle line:90% 00:04:38.570 --> 00:04:45.020 align:middle line:84% The Senator from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Bancore, 00:04:45.020 --> 00:04:49.400 align:middle line:84% has filed an order which the clerk will read. 00:04:49.400 --> 00:04:52.520 align:middle line:84% Order that the committee be appointed to consist 00:04:52.520 --> 00:04:53.960 align:middle line:84% of members of the Senate and House 00:04:53.960 --> 00:04:57.140 align:middle line:84% of Representatives to wait upon the constitutional officers 00:04:57.140 --> 00:05:00.110 align:middle line:84% and lieutenant governor, members of the executive council, 00:05:00.110 --> 00:05:02.120 align:middle line:84% and other distinguished guests of the governor, 00:05:02.120 --> 00:05:04.940 align:middle line:84% and inform them that the two branches are now in convention, 00:05:04.940 --> 00:05:07.440 align:middle line:84% and request dealing with their presence. 00:05:07.440 --> 00:05:10.370 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the order. 00:05:10.370 --> 00:05:12.080 align:middle line:90% All those in favor, say aye. 00:05:12.080 --> 00:05:13.470 align:middle line:90% Aye. 00:05:13.470 --> 00:05:15.600 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:05:15.600 --> 00:05:16.610 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:05:16.610 --> 00:05:18.140 align:middle line:90% And the order is adopted. 00:05:18.140 --> 00:05:20.420 align:middle line:84% The committee on the part of the Senate 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:26.070 align:middle line:84% is as follows, Senator Gobi of Wooster, Hampden, Hampshire, 00:05:26.070 --> 00:05:30.250 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Senator Rodrigues of Bristol and Plymouth, 00:05:30.250 --> 00:05:33.230 align:middle line:84% Senator Lesser of Hampden and Hampshire, 00:05:33.230 --> 00:05:36.160 align:middle line:84% Senator Creem of Middlesex and Norfolk, 00:05:36.160 --> 00:05:40.700 align:middle line:84% Senator Ross of Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex, 00:05:40.700 --> 00:05:45.410 align:middle line:84% and Senator Humason of Hampton and Hampshire. 00:05:45.410 --> 00:05:48.510 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:05:48.510 --> 00:05:53.890 align:middle line:90% 00:05:53.890 --> 00:05:57.850 align:middle line:84% The speaker will appoint the House Committee. 00:05:57.850 --> 00:06:00.370 align:middle line:84% On behalf of the House, the chair 00:06:00.370 --> 00:06:12.280 align:middle line:84% appoints Mr. DiNardo, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Vieira, 00:06:12.280 --> 00:06:19.015 align:middle line:84% Mr. Honan, Mr. Wong, and Mr. Smizik. 00:06:19.015 --> 00:06:22.204 align:middle line:90% 00:06:22.204 --> 00:06:26.560 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:06:26.560 --> 00:06:31.400 align:middle line:90% 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:34.760 align:middle line:84% The committee will form in the well of the chamber 00:06:34.760 --> 00:06:37.190 align:middle line:84% and proceed to the governor's office. 00:06:37.190 --> 00:06:39.730 align:middle line:84% The joint convention will be in a brief recess. 00:06:39.730 --> 00:06:44.980 align:middle line:90% 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:49.471 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:06:49.471 --> 00:12:00.760 align:middle line:90% 00:12:00.760 --> 00:12:03.090 align:middle line:84% Please down and clear the aisles. 00:12:03.090 --> 00:12:22.480 align:middle line:90% 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:25.020 align:middle line:90% Admit the honorable committee. 00:12:25.020 --> 00:12:28.002 align:middle line:90% 00:12:28.002 --> 00:12:31.978 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:12:31.978 --> 00:12:49.870 align:middle line:90% 00:12:49.870 --> 00:12:53.894 align:middle line:90% Madam Chair, Mister Chair. 00:12:53.894 --> 00:13:00.342 align:middle line:84% Madam President, we have informed the [INAUDIBLE].. 00:13:00.342 --> 00:13:04.310 align:middle line:84% That the joint session is ready to do business, 00:13:04.310 --> 00:13:06.415 align:middle line:84% and to await the expected arrival 00:13:06.415 --> 00:13:08.790 align:middle line:84% of his excellency, the governor, [? and his presiders. ?] 00:13:08.790 --> 00:13:09.600 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:13:09.600 --> 00:13:11.040 align:middle line:90% The chair thanks the committee. 00:13:11.040 --> 00:13:13.470 align:middle line:84% And they are now relieved of their duties. 00:13:13.470 --> 00:13:16.846 align:middle line:84% The joint convention will be in a brief recess. 00:13:16.846 --> 00:13:20.814 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:13:20.814 --> 00:14:13.000 align:middle line:90% 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:14.850 align:middle line:84% Please sit down and clear the aisle. 00:14:14.850 --> 00:14:18.336 align:middle line:84% Please sit down and clear the aisle. 00:14:18.336 --> 00:14:44.290 align:middle line:90% 00:14:44.290 --> 00:14:47.010 align:middle line:84% Admit Her Honor, the Lieutenant Governor, 00:14:47.010 --> 00:14:51.390 align:middle line:84% the constitutional officers, the executive council, 00:14:51.390 --> 00:14:54.030 align:middle line:84% members of the Supreme Judicial Court, 00:14:54.030 --> 00:14:56.966 align:middle line:90% and other distinguished guests. 00:14:56.966 --> 00:15:01.448 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:15:01.448 --> 00:17:38.040 align:middle line:90% 00:17:38.040 --> 00:17:38.880 align:middle line:90% Please be seated. 00:17:38.880 --> 00:17:44.060 align:middle line:90% 00:17:44.060 --> 00:17:50.420 align:middle line:84% I will now ask Senior Imam Shaykh Yasir Fahmy, 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:54.170 align:middle line:84% from the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, 00:17:54.170 --> 00:17:55.980 align:middle line:90% to deliver the invocation. 00:17:55.980 --> 00:18:23.660 align:middle line:90% 00:18:23.660 --> 00:18:33.500 align:middle line:84% [SPEAKING ARABIC] In the name of God, the gracious, 00:18:33.500 --> 00:18:37.250 align:middle line:84% the merciful, my dear brothers and sisters 00:18:37.250 --> 00:18:40.520 align:middle line:84% of this commonwealth, in the holy Quran, 00:18:40.520 --> 00:18:44.180 align:middle line:84% God tells us, "Oh mankind, we have created you 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:46.430 align:middle line:90% from male and female. 00:18:46.430 --> 00:18:49.070 align:middle line:84% And we made you peoples and tribes 00:18:49.070 --> 00:18:51.620 align:middle line:84% that you may come to know one another. 00:18:51.620 --> 00:18:54.710 align:middle line:84% Surely, the most noble of you before God 00:18:54.710 --> 00:18:58.070 align:middle line:90% are those most reverent of you." 00:18:58.070 --> 00:19:02.570 align:middle line:84% In this verse, God speaks to the essence of the human condition, 00:19:02.570 --> 00:19:06.530 align:middle line:84% to the fundamental truth that, despite our differences, which 00:19:06.530 --> 00:19:12.920 align:middle line:84% can be profound, we are here on this Earth to live with, 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:16.310 align:middle line:84% to care for, and to know one another. 00:19:16.310 --> 00:19:19.580 align:middle line:84% This sacred spirit and divine guidance 00:19:19.580 --> 00:19:24.200 align:middle line:84% is captured in the works and the work of our Founding Fathers. 00:19:24.200 --> 00:19:27.980 align:middle line:84% In the year 1776, quoting John Locke, 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:32.120 align:middle line:84% Thomas Jefferson said, "Neither pagan nor Mohammedan-- i.e. 00:19:32.120 --> 00:19:35.330 align:middle line:84% Muslim-- nor Jew, ought to be excluded 00:19:35.330 --> 00:19:37.970 align:middle line:84% from the civil rights of the Commonwealth because 00:19:37.970 --> 00:19:39.620 align:middle line:90% of his religion. 00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:43.490 align:middle line:84% Espousing the same sentiment, the Massachusetts Constitution 00:19:43.490 --> 00:19:47.770 align:middle line:84% of 1780 promised the most ample liberty of conscience 00:19:47.770 --> 00:19:49.760 align:middle line:90% to deists, Mohammedans-- i.e. 00:19:49.760 --> 00:19:52.610 align:middle line:90% Muslims-- Jews, and Christians. 00:19:52.610 --> 00:19:54.560 align:middle line:84% My dear brothers and sisters, these words 00:19:54.560 --> 00:19:58.490 align:middle line:84% remind us of the kind of nation our Founding Fathers sought 00:19:58.490 --> 00:20:02.840 align:middle line:84% to bequeath us, a nation that upholds freedom of conscience, 00:20:02.840 --> 00:20:05.660 align:middle line:84% a nation that embraces religious pluralism, 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:10.110 align:middle line:84% and a nation that calls for the honor and dignity of all. 00:20:10.110 --> 00:20:12.920 align:middle line:84% Yeah, we also know that even as these visionary words were 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:17.190 align:middle line:84% spoken, slavery raged and the rights of women were ignored. 00:20:17.190 --> 00:20:19.760 align:middle line:84% We know that racial and ethnic quotas were implemented 00:20:19.760 --> 00:20:23.570 align:middle line:84% in immigration and that Catholic and Jew here in our own state 00:20:23.570 --> 00:20:25.640 align:middle line:90% were not welcomed as equals. 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:29.210 align:middle line:84% We understood early on that the vision of America we inherited 00:20:29.210 --> 00:20:33.500 align:middle line:84% was, in fact, a call for action and diligence, a gift, 00:20:33.500 --> 00:20:36.710 align:middle line:84% but never one to be taken for granted, a blessing, 00:20:36.710 --> 00:20:40.250 align:middle line:84% but not one yet fully realized for all. 00:20:40.250 --> 00:20:43.040 align:middle line:84% Brothers and sisters, this vision and dream 00:20:43.040 --> 00:20:46.820 align:middle line:84% we call America calls for principled and courageous 00:20:46.820 --> 00:20:50.780 align:middle line:84% leadership, a leadership that embodies the sacred spirit 00:20:50.780 --> 00:20:55.280 align:middle line:84% and the divine guidance of our profits and pious predecessors. 00:20:55.280 --> 00:20:57.860 align:middle line:84% From the wisdom and insight of Moses, 00:20:57.860 --> 00:21:00.110 align:middle line:84% to the love and the compassionate shepherding 00:21:00.110 --> 00:21:03.370 align:middle line:84% of Jesus, and to the mercy and justice of Muhammad, 00:21:03.370 --> 00:21:06.520 align:middle line:84% may the peace and blessings of God be upon them all. 00:21:06.520 --> 00:21:08.540 align:middle line:90% And with that, let us pray. 00:21:08.540 --> 00:21:13.190 align:middle line:84% Oh God, as we stand before you today in utter humility 00:21:13.190 --> 00:21:15.860 align:middle line:84% and with deep gratitude, we pray that you 00:21:15.860 --> 00:21:20.060 align:middle line:84% instill a sacred spirit and a divine guidance in all 00:21:20.060 --> 00:21:21.560 align:middle line:90% of our hearts. 00:21:21.560 --> 00:21:25.010 align:middle line:84% Oh God, at a moment when our nation seems divided, 00:21:25.010 --> 00:21:28.490 align:middle line:84% we seek your aid in bringing our hearts together. 00:21:28.490 --> 00:21:31.760 align:middle line:84% Lord, we know at this moment what is called for 00:21:31.760 --> 00:21:34.160 align:middle line:90% is courageous leadership. 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:37.790 align:middle line:84% We ask that you bestow that leadership on our governor, 00:21:37.790 --> 00:21:39.830 align:middle line:90% Charles Duane Baker. 00:21:39.830 --> 00:21:43.520 align:middle line:84% We ask that you guide him to his highest self, 00:21:43.520 --> 00:21:46.310 align:middle line:84% inspire him to always practice that which 00:21:46.310 --> 00:21:49.010 align:middle line:84% is most beloved to you, and to uphold 00:21:49.010 --> 00:21:53.630 align:middle line:84% the best of your divinely inspired values and ideals. 00:21:53.630 --> 00:21:56.780 align:middle line:84% Guide him and all of our elected officials to help 00:21:56.780 --> 00:21:58.430 align:middle line:84% remove the pain and division that 00:21:58.430 --> 00:22:01.220 align:middle line:90% beseech parts of our nation. 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:05.450 align:middle line:84% And God, we ask you to allow us to see past our differences, 00:22:05.450 --> 00:22:09.240 align:middle line:84% to work with one another for the betterment of ourselves, 00:22:09.240 --> 00:22:13.061 align:middle line:90% our state, and our nation, amen. 00:22:13.061 --> 00:22:13.561 align:middle line:90% Amen. 00:22:13.561 --> 00:22:20.520 align:middle line:90% 00:22:20.520 --> 00:22:24.090 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Shaykh Yasir. 00:22:24.090 --> 00:22:27.770 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka, 00:22:27.770 --> 00:22:31.510 align:middle line:84% has offered an order which the clerk will read. 00:22:31.510 --> 00:22:33.065 align:middle line:84% Order that a committee be appointed 00:22:33.065 --> 00:22:34.940 align:middle line:84% to consist of members of the Senate and House 00:22:34.940 --> 00:22:37.610 align:middle line:84% of Representatives to wait upon His Excellency, the Governor, 00:22:37.610 --> 00:22:39.980 align:middle line:84% and inform that the two branches are now in convention 00:22:39.980 --> 00:22:42.200 align:middle line:84% for the purpose of receiving such communication 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:44.150 align:middle line:84% as he may be pleased to make to them, 00:22:44.150 --> 00:22:46.520 align:middle line:84% relating to the concerns of the Commonwealth. 00:22:46.520 --> 00:22:48.680 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the order. 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:50.330 align:middle line:90% All those in favor, say aye. 00:22:50.330 --> 00:22:51.180 align:middle line:90% Aye. 00:22:51.180 --> 00:22:52.622 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:22:52.622 --> 00:22:53.330 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:22:53.330 --> 00:22:55.010 align:middle line:90% And the order is adopted. 00:22:55.010 --> 00:22:56.570 align:middle line:84% The following committee is appointed 00:22:56.570 --> 00:22:58.860 align:middle line:84% on the part of the Senate, DiDomenico 00:22:58.860 --> 00:23:03.270 align:middle line:84% of Middlesex and Suffolk, Cyr of Cape and Islands, 00:23:03.270 --> 00:23:07.260 align:middle line:84% Hinds of Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden, 00:23:07.260 --> 00:23:11.240 align:middle line:84% Donahue of Middlesex, Tran of Worcester and Middlesex, 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:13.490 align:middle line:84% and O'Connor of Plymouth and Norfolk. 00:23:13.490 --> 00:23:17.070 align:middle line:84% The speaker will appoint the House Committee. 00:23:17.070 --> 00:23:20.510 align:middle line:84% On behalf of the House, Representative Nangle, 00:23:20.510 --> 00:23:24.290 align:middle line:84% Representative Mahoney, Representative Poirier, 00:23:24.290 --> 00:23:28.040 align:middle line:84% Representative Puppolo, Representative Frost, 00:23:28.040 --> 00:23:31.850 align:middle line:84% Representative Ultrino, Representative Louis, 00:23:31.850 --> 00:23:39.020 align:middle line:84% Representative McMurtry, Representative Howitt. 00:23:39.020 --> 00:23:41.510 align:middle line:84% Members are please asked to come together 00:23:41.510 --> 00:23:43.060 align:middle line:90% in the wealth of the chamber. 00:23:43.060 --> 00:23:50.485 align:middle line:90% 00:23:50.485 --> 00:23:54.940 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:23:54.940 --> 00:24:06.340 align:middle line:90% 00:24:06.340 --> 00:24:08.055 align:middle line:84% The convention will be in a brief recess. 00:24:08.055 --> 00:24:44.670 align:middle line:90% 00:24:44.670 --> 00:24:47.145 align:middle line:90% For the Presentation of Colors-- 00:24:47.145 --> 00:24:49.890 align:middle line:90% 00:24:49.890 --> 00:24:54.650 align:middle line:84% please, please-- for the Presentation of Colors, 00:24:54.650 --> 00:24:59.120 align:middle line:84% please welcome, representing Lynn, Massachusetts, one 00:24:59.120 --> 00:25:04.430 align:middle line:84% of the winners of the 2017 National Junior Razi 00:25:04.430 --> 00:25:09.170 align:middle line:84% Championship Competition, the Lynn English High School Junior 00:25:09.170 --> 00:25:11.870 align:middle line:90% reserve officer training corps. 00:25:11.870 --> 00:25:14.165 align:middle line:84% Gentlemen, please post the colors. 00:25:14.165 --> 00:25:18.125 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:25:18.125 --> 00:26:06.220 align:middle line:90% 00:26:06.220 --> 00:26:07.280 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:26:07.280 --> 00:26:09.630 align:middle line:84% For the National Anthem tonight, we 00:26:09.630 --> 00:26:12.900 align:middle line:84% are joined by Massachusetts Maritime Academy. 00:26:12.900 --> 00:26:16.110 align:middle line:84% Please welcome Cadet Samantha Parker, 00:26:16.110 --> 00:26:18.270 align:middle line:84% who will perform the Anthem accompanied 00:26:18.270 --> 00:26:21.390 align:middle line:84% by the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Honor Guard. 00:26:21.390 --> 00:26:23.659 align:middle line:90% 00:26:23.659 --> 00:26:25.200 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC - "THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER"] 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:34.090 align:middle line:84% Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light, 00:26:34.090 --> 00:26:44.680 align:middle line:84% what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, whose 00:26:44.680 --> 00:26:53.449 align:middle line:84% broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight o'er 00:26:53.449 --> 00:27:03.558 align:middle line:84% the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. 00:27:03.558 --> 00:27:11.170 align:middle line:84% And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 00:27:11.170 --> 00:27:20.482 align:middle line:84% gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. 00:27:20.482 --> 00:27:27.608 align:middle line:84% Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet 00:27:27.608 --> 00:27:41.580 align:middle line:84% wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. 00:27:41.580 --> 00:27:44.574 align:middle line:90% 00:27:44.574 --> 00:27:49.065 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:27:49.065 --> 00:28:06.080 align:middle line:90% 00:28:06.080 --> 00:28:09.010 align:middle line:84% For our Pledge of Allegiance tonight, we 00:28:09.010 --> 00:28:13.010 align:middle line:84% are joined by a very special set of individuals. 00:28:13.010 --> 00:28:17.660 align:middle line:84% As we all know, last September, Hurricane Maria 00:28:17.660 --> 00:28:20.500 align:middle line:84% devastated the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 00:28:20.500 --> 00:28:22.610 align:middle line:84% and a number of other communities. 00:28:22.610 --> 00:28:25.190 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts, led by many of the representatives 00:28:25.190 --> 00:28:28.500 align:middle line:84% and senators in this very chamber, our mayors, 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:31.790 align:middle line:84% the governor, and others, along with our entire nation 00:28:31.790 --> 00:28:33.920 align:middle line:84% have endeavored to assist those affected 00:28:33.920 --> 00:28:37.550 align:middle line:84% by the hurricane in many ways, from providing supplies 00:28:37.550 --> 00:28:40.670 align:middle line:84% and assistance, to hosting relocated families here 00:28:40.670 --> 00:28:42.110 align:middle line:90% in the Commonwealth. 00:28:42.110 --> 00:28:44.480 align:middle line:84% Tonight, seated in the gallery are 00:28:44.480 --> 00:28:49.800 align:middle line:84% the families of Ashanti Rosario and Miguel Torres. 00:28:49.800 --> 00:28:53.630 align:middle line:84% Ashanti and Miguel are sixth grade students now attending 00:28:53.630 --> 00:28:55.820 align:middle line:84% the STEM Middle Academy in Springfield 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:58.250 align:middle line:84% and who, in September, were living and attending 00:28:58.250 --> 00:29:00.170 align:middle line:90% school in Puerto Rico. 00:29:00.170 --> 00:29:04.430 align:middle line:84% Please, first of all, let us welcome their families. 00:29:04.430 --> 00:29:08.406 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:29:08.406 --> 00:29:35.300 align:middle line:90% 00:29:35.300 --> 00:29:38.400 align:middle line:84% And now, please welcome Ashanti and Miguel 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:40.110 align:middle line:84% to lead us to the Pledge of Allegiance 00:29:40.110 --> 00:29:43.830 align:middle line:90% in both English and Spanish. 00:29:43.830 --> 00:29:49.795 align:middle line:84% I pledge allegiance under God to the United States of America 00:29:49.795 --> 00:29:53.340 align:middle line:84% and to the Republic for which it stands, 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:58.470 align:middle line:84% one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty 00:29:58.470 --> 00:30:00.801 align:middle line:90% and justice for all. 00:30:00.801 --> 00:30:04.649 align:middle line:90% [SPEAKING SPANISH] 00:30:04.649 --> 00:30:30.830 align:middle line:90% 00:30:30.830 --> 00:30:33.500 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Ashanti and Miguel. 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:36.115 align:middle line:84% May I request that we retire the colors. 00:30:36.115 --> 00:31:08.465 align:middle line:90% 00:31:08.465 --> 00:31:11.810 align:middle line:84% Please admit the honorable committee. 00:31:11.810 --> 00:31:16.265 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:31:16.265 --> 00:31:37.600 align:middle line:90% 00:31:37.600 --> 00:31:38.430 align:middle line:90% Mr. Chairman. 00:31:38.430 --> 00:31:41.010 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I visited with the governor 00:31:41.010 --> 00:31:43.010 align:middle line:84% to let him know that we are ready to welcome him 00:31:43.010 --> 00:31:44.900 align:middle line:84% to the chamber for the State of the State Address. 00:31:44.900 --> 00:31:46.300 align:middle line:90% He said he'll be here forthwith. 00:31:46.300 --> 00:31:46.840 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:31:46.840 --> 00:31:49.150 align:middle line:84% The chair thanks the committee for their service 00:31:49.150 --> 00:31:51.280 align:middle line:84% and discharges them from their duties. 00:31:51.280 --> 00:31:54.119 align:middle line:84% The convention will be in a brief recess. 00:31:54.119 --> 00:31:58.610 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:31:58.610 --> 00:37:34.320 align:middle line:90% 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:39.040 align:middle line:84% May I ask everyone to take their seats and clear the aisles. 00:37:39.040 --> 00:37:41.590 align:middle line:84% Take your seats and clear the aisles. 00:37:41.590 --> 00:38:08.900 align:middle line:90% 00:38:08.900 --> 00:38:10.139 align:middle line:90% Please be seated. 00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:30.370 align:middle line:90% 00:38:30.370 --> 00:38:33.790 align:middle line:84% Calm your conversations and clear the aisles. 00:38:33.790 --> 00:38:50.060 align:middle line:90% 00:38:50.060 --> 00:38:55.638 align:middle line:84% Admit His Excellency, the governor, Charles D. Baker. 00:38:55.638 --> 00:39:00.120 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:39:00.120 --> 00:41:46.740 align:middle line:90% 00:41:46.740 --> 00:41:49.500 align:middle line:84% It is my pleasure to be able to introduce 00:41:49.500 --> 00:41:53.760 align:middle line:84% to you His Excellency, the governor of the Commonwealth, 00:41:53.760 --> 00:41:55.449 align:middle line:90% Charles D. Baker. 00:41:55.449 --> 00:41:59.850 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:41:59.850 --> 00:42:14.520 align:middle line:90% 00:42:14.520 --> 00:42:17.730 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much, thank you. 00:42:17.730 --> 00:42:23.406 align:middle line:84% Thank you for all being with us tonight, thank you. 00:42:23.406 --> 00:42:26.360 align:middle line:90% 00:42:26.360 --> 00:42:29.090 align:middle line:84% Tom, it's nice to have you with us. 00:42:29.090 --> 00:42:30.091 align:middle line:90% Thanks for being here. 00:42:30.091 --> 00:42:35.280 align:middle line:90% 00:42:35.280 --> 00:42:41.430 align:middle line:84% Mr. Speaker, Madam President, members 00:42:41.430 --> 00:42:44.700 align:middle line:84% of the House and Senate, Congressman Neil, 00:42:44.700 --> 00:42:46.950 align:middle line:90% thank you for joining us. 00:42:46.950 --> 00:42:50.820 align:middle line:84% Fellow constitutional officers, members of the governor's 00:42:50.820 --> 00:42:56.070 align:middle line:84% council, Mr. Chief Justice, welcome, 00:42:56.070 --> 00:42:59.190 align:middle line:84% members of the judiciary, members 00:42:59.190 --> 00:43:01.920 align:middle line:84% of the cabinet and my administration, 00:43:01.920 --> 00:43:07.050 align:middle line:84% sheriffs, district attorneys, mayors, local officials, 00:43:07.050 --> 00:43:12.270 align:middle line:84% reverend clergy, distinguished guests, members of my family 00:43:12.270 --> 00:43:13.847 align:middle line:90% that are here this evening-- 00:43:13.847 --> 00:43:17.823 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:43:17.823 --> 00:43:37.220 align:middle line:90% 00:43:37.220 --> 00:43:41.610 align:middle line:84% Andy, Kristin, and William, our children, Charlie-- 00:43:41.610 --> 00:43:44.850 align:middle line:84% excuse me, he's the naughty one-- 00:43:44.850 --> 00:43:48.990 align:middle line:84% AJ and Caroline, and my wife, Lauren, the love 00:43:48.990 --> 00:43:51.360 align:middle line:84% of my life for the past 30 years and 00:43:51.360 --> 00:43:54.180 align:middle line:84% an outstanding and committed First Lady. 00:43:54.180 --> 00:43:59.130 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:43:59.130 --> 00:44:11.530 align:middle line:90% 00:44:11.530 --> 00:44:14.350 align:middle line:90% And to my fellow citizens. 00:44:14.350 --> 00:44:16.780 align:middle line:84% When Lieutenant Governor Polito and I began this journey 00:44:16.780 --> 00:44:20.830 align:middle line:84% three years ago, we set out to create a state government that 00:44:20.830 --> 00:44:23.250 align:middle line:84% worked well for the people who needed it most 00:44:23.250 --> 00:44:26.740 align:middle line:84% and would be as creative, and thrifty, and hardworking 00:44:26.740 --> 00:44:29.290 align:middle line:90% as the people of Massachusetts. 00:44:29.290 --> 00:44:32.920 align:middle line:84% And while much remains to be done, with your help, 00:44:32.920 --> 00:44:36.040 align:middle line:84% we've made great progress toward these objectives. 00:44:36.040 --> 00:44:39.770 align:middle line:84% We began with a $1 billion structural budget deficit. 00:44:39.770 --> 00:44:42.770 align:middle line:84% Today, we've reduced that deficit to less than $100 00:44:42.770 --> 00:44:45.520 align:middle line:90% million without raising taxes. 00:44:45.520 --> 00:44:49.966 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:44:49.966 --> 00:44:53.424 align:middle line:84% [? I don't want ?] to split the room up. 00:44:53.424 --> 00:44:54.906 align:middle line:90% Yeah, okay. 00:44:54.906 --> 00:44:58.858 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:44:58.858 --> 00:45:08.780 align:middle line:90% 00:45:08.780 --> 00:45:11.290 align:middle line:84% We began with 1,500 homeless families 00:45:11.290 --> 00:45:14.980 align:middle line:84% stuck in hotels and motels, isolated from their support 00:45:14.980 --> 00:45:16.030 align:middle line:90% systems. 00:45:16.030 --> 00:45:18.940 align:middle line:84% Today, there are fewer than 60 families. 00:45:18.940 --> 00:45:21.607 align:middle line:90% That's a 95% reduction. 00:45:21.607 --> 00:45:25.583 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:45:25.583 --> 00:45:38.020 align:middle line:90% 00:45:38.020 --> 00:45:40.480 align:middle line:84% We began with the Department of Children and Families 00:45:40.480 --> 00:45:41.770 align:middle line:90% in freefall. 00:45:41.770 --> 00:45:44.560 align:middle line:84% Today, 99% of its social workers are 00:45:44.560 --> 00:45:46.780 align:middle line:84% licensed with the lowest caseloads 00:45:46.780 --> 00:45:48.910 align:middle line:84% they've had in years and clinical teams 00:45:48.910 --> 00:45:51.280 align:middle line:90% to support their work. 00:45:51.280 --> 00:45:53.020 align:middle line:84% We began with a Health Connector that 00:45:53.020 --> 00:45:55.260 align:middle line:90% was by all accounts a mess. 00:45:55.260 --> 00:45:59.080 align:middle line:84% And today, it just finished its third consecutive positive open 00:45:59.080 --> 00:46:03.430 align:middle line:84% enrollment providing more than 240,000 working families 00:46:03.430 --> 00:46:06.040 align:middle line:84% with affordable health care coverage here in Massachusetts. 00:46:06.040 --> 00:46:10.432 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:46:10.432 --> 00:46:15.320 align:middle line:90% 00:46:15.320 --> 00:46:18.080 align:middle line:84% We began with a state hospital in Bridgewater 00:46:18.080 --> 00:46:22.340 align:middle line:84% that, for decades, was beset by a series of terrible tragedies, 00:46:22.340 --> 00:46:24.320 align:middle line:90% but nothing was done. 00:46:24.320 --> 00:46:27.590 align:middle line:84% Today, with the help and support of the legislature 00:46:27.590 --> 00:46:30.470 align:middle line:84% and many others, Bridgewater State Hospital 00:46:30.470 --> 00:46:32.390 align:middle line:90% is a completely different place. 00:46:32.390 --> 00:46:36.620 align:middle line:84% And families who never expected anything to get better finally 00:46:36.620 --> 00:46:37.752 align:middle line:90% have hope. 00:46:37.752 --> 00:46:42.180 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:46:42.180 --> 00:46:56.450 align:middle line:90% 00:46:56.450 --> 00:47:00.470 align:middle line:84% We began in the midst of an opioid crisis and with deaths, 00:47:00.470 --> 00:47:02.720 align:middle line:84% overdoses, and prescriptions have 00:47:02.720 --> 00:47:06.290 align:middle line:84% been growing by double digits for more than a decade. 00:47:06.290 --> 00:47:08.240 align:middle line:84% It was the worst case of negative momentum 00:47:08.240 --> 00:47:09.770 align:middle line:90% I've ever seen. 00:47:09.770 --> 00:47:12.290 align:middle line:84% And today, with your help and support, 00:47:12.290 --> 00:47:15.870 align:middle line:84% we've reduced opioid prescribing by 29%. 00:47:15.870 --> 00:47:18.290 align:middle line:84% And overdose deaths have dropped, for the first time 00:47:18.290 --> 00:47:20.491 align:middle line:90% in over a decade, by 10%. 00:47:20.491 --> 00:47:24.910 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:47:24.910 --> 00:47:39.150 align:middle line:90% 00:47:39.150 --> 00:47:41.020 align:middle line:84% And we've made significant progress 00:47:41.020 --> 00:47:43.090 align:middle line:84% in many other vital areas that directly 00:47:43.090 --> 00:47:45.400 align:middle line:84% influence the quality of life for everyone 00:47:45.400 --> 00:47:47.500 align:middle line:90% here in Massachusetts. 00:47:47.500 --> 00:47:50.050 align:middle line:84% For the first time, we're directing capital grants 00:47:50.050 --> 00:47:53.710 align:middle line:84% to vocational technical schools to upgrade equipment and expand 00:47:53.710 --> 00:47:57.010 align:middle line:84% popular programs providing students with real world 00:47:57.010 --> 00:47:59.230 align:middle line:84% skills and experience and employers 00:47:59.230 --> 00:48:01.480 align:middle line:90% with job-ready employees. 00:48:01.480 --> 00:48:05.230 align:middle line:84% Public/private partnerships with colleges, universities, 00:48:05.230 --> 00:48:07.390 align:middle line:84% researchers, and the federal government, 00:48:07.390 --> 00:48:10.810 align:middle line:84% in materials, advanced manufacturing, robotics, 00:48:10.810 --> 00:48:14.050 align:middle line:84% and digital health are incubating the next generation 00:48:14.050 --> 00:48:16.420 align:middle line:90% of great commercial clusters. 00:48:16.420 --> 00:48:19.000 align:middle line:84% Partnerships with our colleagues in local government 00:48:19.000 --> 00:48:21.250 align:middle line:84% and the private sector have translated 00:48:21.250 --> 00:48:23.330 align:middle line:84% into billions of dollars of downtown 00:48:23.330 --> 00:48:25.180 align:middle line:84% and economic development projects 00:48:25.180 --> 00:48:28.420 align:middle line:84% creating thousands of jobs and preserving and creating 00:48:28.420 --> 00:48:32.430 align:middle line:84% thousands of units of affordable and workforce housing. 00:48:32.430 --> 00:48:36.010 align:middle line:84% In working with you, we've allocated more than $700 00:48:36.010 --> 00:48:38.920 align:middle line:84% million in local road and bridge funding, the largest 00:48:38.920 --> 00:48:40.390 align:middle line:90% investment in years. 00:48:40.390 --> 00:48:43.270 align:middle line:84% And another $3.6 billion has been 00:48:43.270 --> 00:48:46.120 align:middle line:84% spent on hundreds of road resurfacing and improvement 00:48:46.120 --> 00:48:47.310 align:middle line:90% projects. 00:48:47.310 --> 00:48:49.780 align:middle line:84% All in, we've repaired or replaced 00:48:49.780 --> 00:48:53.200 align:middle line:84% 80 bridges and paved enough miles of roadway 00:48:53.200 --> 00:48:56.110 align:middle line:84% to crisscross the commonwealth five times. 00:48:56.110 --> 00:49:00.430 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:49:00.430 --> 00:49:07.630 align:middle line:90% 00:49:07.630 --> 00:49:12.430 align:middle line:84% We've also built on this state's historic bipartisan commitment 00:49:12.430 --> 00:49:13.990 align:middle line:90% to veterans. 00:49:13.990 --> 00:49:16.860 align:middle line:84% We enhanced the benefit for Gold Star families, 00:49:16.860 --> 00:49:19.750 align:middle line:84% enacted the Home Act, created a tax credit 00:49:19.750 --> 00:49:22.330 align:middle line:84% for small businesses that hire veterans, 00:49:22.330 --> 00:49:24.670 align:middle line:84% and committed the funding necessary to rebuild 00:49:24.670 --> 00:49:26.050 align:middle line:90% the Chelsea Soldiers Home. 00:49:26.050 --> 00:49:28.420 align:middle line:84% And to celebrate this milestone, we're 00:49:28.420 --> 00:49:30.820 align:middle line:84% joined tonight by US Navy veteran Tom 00:49:30.820 --> 00:49:33.400 align:middle line:84% Miller, who lives at the Soldier's Home, 00:49:33.400 --> 00:49:35.790 align:middle line:84% directory of nursing Debbie Antonelli, 00:49:35.790 --> 00:49:38.020 align:middle line:90% and superintendent Cheryl Papi. 00:49:38.020 --> 00:49:40.763 align:middle line:84% God bless you, and thanks for joining us. 00:49:40.763 --> 00:49:45.182 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:49:45.182 --> 00:50:03.350 align:middle line:90% 00:50:03.350 --> 00:50:06.360 align:middle line:84% And as you all know, our public transportation system 00:50:06.360 --> 00:50:10.030 align:middle line:84% collapsed during the brutal winter of 2015. 00:50:10.030 --> 00:50:13.350 align:middle line:84% But three years later, the T is investing hundreds of millions 00:50:13.350 --> 00:50:16.770 align:middle line:84% of dollars more on upgrading its core infrastructure than it 00:50:16.770 --> 00:50:20.090 align:middle line:84% has in years, modernizing its operations, 00:50:20.090 --> 00:50:23.760 align:middle line:84% and rescuing projects like the Green Line Extension. 00:50:23.760 --> 00:50:26.910 align:middle line:84% And after more than three decades of lip service, 00:50:26.910 --> 00:50:30.090 align:middle line:84% we're going to make commuter rail from Fall River and New 00:50:30.090 --> 00:50:32.310 align:middle line:90% Bedford to Boston a reality. 00:50:32.310 --> 00:50:36.738 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:50:36.738 --> 00:50:54.460 align:middle line:90% 00:50:54.460 --> 00:50:57.640 align:middle line:84% We have much more to do on the T, much more. 00:50:57.640 --> 00:51:00.460 align:middle line:84% But for the first time, the plan to modernize the system 00:51:00.460 --> 00:51:02.740 align:middle line:90% is in place and moving forward. 00:51:02.740 --> 00:51:05.890 align:middle line:84% Fixing decades of neglect doesn't happen overnight. 00:51:05.890 --> 00:51:07.360 align:middle line:90% But make no mistake. 00:51:07.360 --> 00:51:09.460 align:middle line:84% We will deliver the public transit system 00:51:09.460 --> 00:51:11.890 align:middle line:84% that the people of this commonwealth deserve. 00:51:11.890 --> 00:51:15.714 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:51:15.714 --> 00:51:21.460 align:middle line:90% 00:51:21.460 --> 00:51:24.910 align:middle line:84% Economically, we're hitting on all cylinders. 00:51:24.910 --> 00:51:28.810 align:middle line:84% In 2017, we had more people working than at any time 00:51:28.810 --> 00:51:30.370 align:middle line:90% in state history. 00:51:30.370 --> 00:51:34.960 align:middle line:84% Our economy has added 180,000 new jobs since we took office. 00:51:34.960 --> 00:51:37.810 align:middle line:84% And best of all, the number of people looking for work 00:51:37.810 --> 00:51:41.170 align:middle line:84% has dropped in every county over the past three years 00:51:41.170 --> 00:51:43.620 align:middle line:84% and, in most cases, by more than 35%. 00:51:43.620 --> 00:51:48.066 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:51:48.066 --> 00:51:54.500 align:middle line:90% 00:51:54.500 --> 00:51:57.290 align:middle line:84% The progress we've made together has been noticed. 00:51:57.290 --> 00:51:58.880 align:middle line:90% And it should be. 00:51:58.880 --> 00:52:01.790 align:middle line:84% Bloomberg ranked Massachusetts number one in innovation 00:52:01.790 --> 00:52:04.070 align:middle line:90% for the past two years. 00:52:04.070 --> 00:52:05.690 align:middle line:84% The United Health Foundation called 00:52:05.690 --> 00:52:08.820 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts the healthiest state in the nation. 00:52:08.820 --> 00:52:13.670 align:middle line:84% In a 2014 national survey, thumbtack gave Massachusetts 00:52:13.670 --> 00:52:17.330 align:middle line:84% a D+ for small business friendliness. 00:52:17.330 --> 00:52:19.520 align:middle line:90% Last year, they gave us an A-. 00:52:19.520 --> 00:52:23.840 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:52:23.840 --> 00:52:30.100 align:middle line:90% 00:52:30.100 --> 00:52:33.040 align:middle line:84% US News and World Report ranked Massachusetts 00:52:33.040 --> 00:52:34.930 align:middle line:84% the best state in the nation in which 00:52:34.930 --> 00:52:37.570 align:middle line:84% to live, work, and raise a family. 00:52:37.570 --> 00:52:40.150 align:middle line:84% And for the third time in four years, 00:52:40.150 --> 00:52:44.205 align:middle line:84% the New England Patriots are going to the Super Bowl. 00:52:44.205 --> 00:52:48.642 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:52:48.642 --> 00:53:16.260 align:middle line:90% 00:53:16.260 --> 00:53:19.350 align:middle line:84% So I can stand here tonight and say without question 00:53:19.350 --> 00:53:21.540 align:middle line:84% that the state of our commonwealth is strong. 00:53:21.540 --> 00:53:28.460 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:53:28.460 --> 00:53:31.320 align:middle line:84% A strong commonwealth is built on a foundation 00:53:31.320 --> 00:53:33.120 align:middle line:90% of strong communities-- 00:53:33.120 --> 00:53:36.750 align:middle line:84% friendly, welcoming, bustling, neighborhoods and downtowns; 00:53:36.750 --> 00:53:41.460 align:middle line:84% great schools; safe, accessible, attractive places to play; 00:53:41.460 --> 00:53:44.040 align:middle line:84% growing local economies; and a belief 00:53:44.040 --> 00:53:46.150 align:middle line:90% that anything is possible. 00:53:46.150 --> 00:53:48.000 align:middle line:84% And that's why, for the past three years, 00:53:48.000 --> 00:53:51.060 align:middle line:84% Karen Pulido and I have focused so much of our time 00:53:51.060 --> 00:53:53.100 align:middle line:90% on strengthening communities. 00:53:53.100 --> 00:53:55.710 align:middle line:84% Our first executive order created a new partnership 00:53:55.710 --> 00:53:58.110 align:middle line:84% between state and local government. 00:53:58.110 --> 00:54:00.780 align:middle line:84% Funded by the legislature and overseen by the lieutenant 00:54:00.780 --> 00:54:05.640 align:middle line:84% governor, 330 cities and towns have joined this partnership 00:54:05.640 --> 00:54:08.510 align:middle line:84% adopting more than 800 best practices 00:54:08.510 --> 00:54:10.230 align:middle line:84% in everything from financial planning 00:54:10.230 --> 00:54:12.150 align:middle line:90% to regional collaboration. 00:54:12.150 --> 00:54:14.653 align:middle line:84% This is how government should work. 00:54:14.653 --> 00:54:18.517 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:54:18.517 --> 00:54:24.320 align:middle line:90% 00:54:24.320 --> 00:54:26.960 align:middle line:84% When we took office, more than 50 communities 00:54:26.960 --> 00:54:29.690 align:middle line:84% in Western Massachusetts didn't have access to high speed 00:54:29.690 --> 00:54:31.280 align:middle line:90% internet services. 00:54:31.280 --> 00:54:33.830 align:middle line:84% I first heard about this when a local official told me 00:54:33.830 --> 00:54:36.740 align:middle line:84% horror stories about what life was like without it. 00:54:36.740 --> 00:54:38.780 align:middle line:84% He mentioned students like Sarah Beckwith 00:54:38.780 --> 00:54:42.050 align:middle line:84% from Mount Washington, who often did her homework sitting 00:54:42.050 --> 00:54:45.230 align:middle line:84% in the car next to the library after hours so she could 00:54:45.230 --> 00:54:47.870 align:middle line:90% get access to their Wi-Fi. 00:54:47.870 --> 00:54:49.640 align:middle line:84% Now, Sarah is a straight-A student at Mt. 00:54:49.640 --> 00:54:51.390 align:middle line:90% Everett Regional High School. 00:54:51.390 --> 00:54:55.160 align:middle line:90% But come on, the parking lot? 00:54:55.160 --> 00:54:56.600 align:middle line:90% Now, here's the good news. 00:54:56.600 --> 00:54:59.180 align:middle line:84% Mount Washington now has high speed internet. 00:54:59.180 --> 00:55:01.400 align:middle line:84% And Sarah is applying online to colleges 00:55:01.400 --> 00:55:03.600 align:middle line:90% using the Wi-Fi in her home. 00:55:03.600 --> 00:55:05.600 align:middle line:84% And the vast majority of the communities 00:55:05.600 --> 00:55:07.970 align:middle line:84% that had none when we took office 00:55:07.970 --> 00:55:11.060 align:middle line:84% either have it now or have plans to install it. 00:55:11.060 --> 00:55:13.310 align:middle line:84% And thanks to this legislature's help 00:55:13.310 --> 00:55:15.050 align:middle line:84% with funding for the build-out, they 00:55:15.050 --> 00:55:18.650 align:middle line:84% will all have this must-have infrastructure over the course 00:55:18.650 --> 00:55:20.332 align:middle line:90% of the next two years. 00:55:20.332 --> 00:55:24.268 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:55:24.268 --> 00:55:43.970 align:middle line:90% 00:55:43.970 --> 00:55:47.300 align:middle line:84% Our program to plant 10,000 trees in gateway cities 00:55:47.300 --> 00:55:48.360 align:middle line:90% has been a success. 00:55:48.360 --> 00:55:50.880 align:middle line:84% And we look forward to planting 10,000 more. 00:55:50.880 --> 00:55:55.340 align:middle line:84% And by the fall of 2018, 71% of all street lights 00:55:55.340 --> 00:55:58.880 align:middle line:84% will be LEDs saving communities millions of dollars 00:55:58.880 --> 00:56:02.030 align:middle line:90% and cutting power usage by 60%. 00:56:02.030 --> 00:56:03.740 align:middle line:84% To support our coastal communities, 00:56:03.740 --> 00:56:06.550 align:middle line:84% we've revived the seaport council, established 00:56:06.550 --> 00:56:10.400 align:middle line:84% a statewide task force to study resiliency and adaptability, 00:56:10.400 --> 00:56:12.410 align:middle line:84% and have begun making millions of dollars 00:56:12.410 --> 00:56:14.790 align:middle line:84% in strategic investments to preserve, 00:56:14.790 --> 00:56:18.980 align:middle line:84% protect, and properly use this critical natural resource. 00:56:18.980 --> 00:56:20.600 align:middle line:84% With the help of community leaders 00:56:20.600 --> 00:56:22.610 align:middle line:84% and our legislative colleagues, we 00:56:22.610 --> 00:56:26.060 align:middle line:84% instituted programs for small bridge maintenance and repair, 00:56:26.060 --> 00:56:29.420 align:middle line:84% made major investments in bike paths and walking trails, 00:56:29.420 --> 00:56:31.300 align:middle line:84% and delivered predictable investments 00:56:31.300 --> 00:56:35.750 align:middle line:84% and unrestricted local aid in municipal infrastructure. 00:56:35.750 --> 00:56:38.980 align:middle line:84% We also worked together with our colleagues in local government 00:56:38.980 --> 00:56:42.130 align:middle line:84% to welcome fellow citizens from Puerto Rico and the Virgin 00:56:42.130 --> 00:56:44.037 align:middle line:84% Islands after the devastating hurricane. 00:56:44.037 --> 00:56:49.007 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:56:49.007 --> 00:57:04.920 align:middle line:90% 00:57:04.920 --> 00:57:06.600 align:middle line:84% State agencies have worked together 00:57:06.600 --> 00:57:09.210 align:middle line:84% to help thousands of families relocate here 00:57:09.210 --> 00:57:12.270 align:middle line:84% and find housing, schools, and jobs. 00:57:12.270 --> 00:57:14.010 align:middle line:84% Our budget will include additional aid 00:57:14.010 --> 00:57:17.760 align:middle line:84% for the communities hosting these families. 00:57:17.760 --> 00:57:20.670 align:middle line:84% Over 20 years ago, we committed to what 00:57:20.670 --> 00:57:23.370 align:middle line:84% became a longstanding bipartisan investment in K 00:57:23.370 --> 00:57:25.080 align:middle line:90% through 12 education-- 00:57:25.080 --> 00:57:26.940 align:middle line:84% high standards, equitable funding, 00:57:26.940 --> 00:57:28.380 align:middle line:90% and other major reforms. 00:57:28.380 --> 00:57:29.820 align:middle line:90% And it worked. 00:57:29.820 --> 00:57:32.610 align:middle line:84% We continue to finish first for the 10th year 00:57:32.610 --> 00:57:35.400 align:middle line:84% in a row on the National Assessment of Educational 00:57:35.400 --> 00:57:37.950 align:middle line:84% Progress exam in both math and English. 00:57:37.950 --> 00:57:40.620 align:middle line:84% We have the highest four year graduation rate and the lowest 00:57:40.620 --> 00:57:43.050 align:middle line:90% dropout rate we've ever had. 00:57:43.050 --> 00:57:46.380 align:middle line:84% To continue that momentum, we're funding K through 12 education 00:57:46.380 --> 00:57:49.950 align:middle line:84% at the highest level in history, more than $4.7 billion. 00:57:49.950 --> 00:57:54.090 align:middle line:84% And tomorrow's budget submission will boost that number 00:57:54.090 --> 00:57:56.670 align:middle line:84% by another $100 million representing 00:57:56.670 --> 00:57:59.280 align:middle line:84% an increase of nearly half a billion dollars since we 00:57:59.280 --> 00:58:00.467 align:middle line:90% took office. 00:58:00.467 --> 00:58:04.940 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:58:04.940 --> 00:58:26.920 align:middle line:90% 00:58:26.920 --> 00:58:28.360 align:middle line:84% Commonwealth efforts, as you know, 00:58:28.360 --> 00:58:30.790 align:middle line:84% don't stop with K through 12 education. 00:58:30.790 --> 00:58:33.620 align:middle line:84% For students and families struggling to pay for college, 00:58:33.620 --> 00:58:37.280 align:middle line:84% we'll expand three key successful initiatives. 00:58:37.280 --> 00:58:39.610 align:middle line:84% First, we'll increase college scholarship funding 00:58:39.610 --> 00:58:43.270 align:middle line:84% by more than $7 million, so that all community college 00:58:43.270 --> 00:58:45.550 align:middle line:84% students who qualify for Pell grants 00:58:45.550 --> 00:58:47.470 align:middle line:84% with an unmet financial need will 00:58:47.470 --> 00:58:51.184 align:middle line:84% have their remaining tuition and fees fully paid for. 00:58:51.184 --> 00:58:55.630 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:58:55.630 --> 00:59:11.460 align:middle line:90% 00:59:11.460 --> 00:59:14.400 align:middle line:84% Second, we'll significantly expand our early college 00:59:14.400 --> 00:59:16.860 align:middle line:84% programs, which give students the opportunity 00:59:16.860 --> 00:59:19.140 align:middle line:84% to take college level courses and earn 00:59:19.140 --> 00:59:21.855 align:middle line:84% college credits while they're still in high school. 00:59:21.855 --> 00:59:24.630 align:middle line:84% This prepares students for academic success, 00:59:24.630 --> 00:59:28.590 align:middle line:84% reduces their costs, and boost collagen completion rates. 00:59:28.590 --> 00:59:30.990 align:middle line:84% And third, we'll continue to expand our commonwealth 00:59:30.990 --> 00:59:33.690 align:middle line:84% commitment plan, which makes it possible for students 00:59:33.690 --> 00:59:37.140 align:middle line:84% to earn four year degrees for less than $30,000. 00:59:37.140 --> 00:59:39.690 align:middle line:84% And that's before including scholarships, 00:59:39.690 --> 00:59:41.538 align:middle line:90% state or federal grants. 00:59:41.538 --> 00:59:46.020 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:59:46.020 --> 00:59:51.500 align:middle line:90% 00:59:51.500 --> 00:59:54.050 align:middle line:84% In addition, to help the next generation of students 00:59:54.050 --> 00:59:57.110 align:middle line:84% get off to a good start, we delivered 00:59:57.110 --> 01:00:00.110 align:middle line:84% with the support of this legislature one of the largest 01:00:00.110 --> 01:00:02.720 align:middle line:84% increases in funding in early childhood education 01:00:02.720 --> 01:00:06.260 align:middle line:84% in over a decade in our 2018 budget. 01:00:06.260 --> 01:00:11.470 align:middle line:90% All in, all in. 01:00:11.470 --> 01:00:14.170 align:middle line:84% We increased state spending on early education rates 01:00:14.170 --> 01:00:17.770 align:middle line:84% delivering a $45 million dollar wage increase for teachers. 01:00:17.770 --> 01:00:22.234 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:00:22.234 --> 01:00:39.130 align:middle line:90% 01:00:39.130 --> 01:00:41.260 align:middle line:84% For seven years in a row, Massachusetts 01:00:41.260 --> 01:00:44.830 align:middle line:84% has been ranked the most energy efficient state in the country. 01:00:44.830 --> 01:00:46.390 align:middle line:84% And in a few days, the commonwealth 01:00:46.390 --> 01:00:49.480 align:middle line:84% will announce the results of the largest renewable energy 01:00:49.480 --> 01:00:51.800 align:middle line:90% procurement in our history. 01:00:51.800 --> 01:00:55.720 align:middle line:84% The process enabled by our 2016 legislation 01:00:55.720 --> 01:00:57.910 align:middle line:84% will lead to clean energy pricing that's 01:00:57.910 --> 01:01:00.940 align:middle line:84% competitive with carbon emitting fossil fuels, which 01:01:00.940 --> 01:01:03.640 align:middle line:84% is a huge win for our families, our businesses, 01:01:03.640 --> 01:01:05.320 align:middle line:90% and our environment. 01:01:05.320 --> 01:01:08.680 align:middle line:84% And later this year, we'll complete a competitive process 01:01:08.680 --> 01:01:11.140 align:middle line:84% that could lead to the construction of the largest 01:01:11.140 --> 01:01:14.320 align:middle line:84% offshore wind power operation in the nation. 01:01:14.320 --> 01:01:16.660 align:middle line:84% This effort will further reduce emissions, 01:01:16.660 --> 01:01:20.020 align:middle line:84% create thousands of green jobs in places like New Bedford, 01:01:20.020 --> 01:01:23.350 align:middle line:84% and solidify our standing as a global leader in innovation 01:01:23.350 --> 01:01:25.060 align:middle line:90% and clean energy. 01:01:25.060 --> 01:01:26.920 align:middle line:84% We're also making new investments 01:01:26.920 --> 01:01:29.350 align:middle line:84% in the development of energy storage. 01:01:29.350 --> 01:01:32.890 align:middle line:84% By helping bridge the gaps in peak demand, expanded storage 01:01:32.890 --> 01:01:36.160 align:middle line:84% will boost the effectiveness of wind and solar power, 01:01:36.160 --> 01:01:38.710 align:middle line:84% provide further price relief for ratepayers, 01:01:38.710 --> 01:01:42.490 align:middle line:84% and pave the way for a future independent from fossil fuels. 01:01:42.490 --> 01:01:46.918 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:01:46.918 --> 01:02:06.640 align:middle line:90% 01:02:06.640 --> 01:02:08.220 align:middle line:84% But despite the tremendous progress 01:02:08.220 --> 01:02:11.190 align:middle line:84% we've made and will continue to make here in Massachusetts, 01:02:11.190 --> 01:02:13.350 align:middle line:90% our climate is still changing. 01:02:13.350 --> 01:02:16.140 align:middle line:84% And that's why we'll dedicate an additional $2 million 01:02:16.140 --> 01:02:18.990 align:middle line:84% to climate adaptation and resiliency planning efforts 01:02:18.990 --> 01:02:22.530 align:middle line:84% in our 2019 budget providing additional support 01:02:22.530 --> 01:02:25.950 align:middle line:84% to municipalities and accelerating state-wide hazard 01:02:25.950 --> 01:02:28.370 align:middle line:90% mitigation planning. 01:02:28.370 --> 01:02:31.500 align:middle line:84% On health care, we made a strong statement 01:02:31.500 --> 01:02:34.260 align:middle line:84% that, in this commonwealth, everyone will have access 01:02:34.260 --> 01:02:35.719 align:middle line:90% to quality care. 01:02:35.719 --> 01:02:39.711 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:02:39.711 --> 01:02:55.700 align:middle line:90% 01:02:55.700 --> 01:02:58.010 align:middle line:84% By working with governors and members of Congress, 01:02:58.010 --> 01:02:59.930 align:middle line:84% we were able to preserve the health insurance 01:02:59.930 --> 01:03:03.980 align:middle line:84% program put in place in the commonwealth a decade ago. 01:03:03.980 --> 01:03:06.320 align:middle line:84% But we must continue to be vigilant to protect 01:03:06.320 --> 01:03:07.850 align:middle line:90% what has worked for us. 01:03:07.850 --> 01:03:10.670 align:middle line:84% And we'll continue to advocate for bipartisan fixes 01:03:10.670 --> 01:03:13.790 align:middle line:84% to the Affordable Care Act that many governors, Democrats 01:03:13.790 --> 01:03:16.980 align:middle line:84% and Republicans, fought for last year. 01:03:16.980 --> 01:03:18.950 align:middle line:84% And we made an equally strong statement 01:03:18.950 --> 01:03:21.890 align:middle line:84% on women's health care when we pledged 01:03:21.890 --> 01:03:24.410 align:middle line:84% that, regardless of the outcome in DC, 01:03:24.410 --> 01:03:27.310 align:middle line:84% no woman in Massachusetts will be denied health 01:03:27.310 --> 01:03:29.293 align:middle line:90% care reproductive services. 01:03:29.293 --> 01:03:33.730 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:03:33.730 --> 01:03:57.420 align:middle line:90% 01:03:57.420 --> 01:03:59.970 align:middle line:84% Now, we have just six months left 01:03:59.970 --> 01:04:02.760 align:middle line:84% in this legislative session to work together 01:04:02.760 --> 01:04:05.520 align:middle line:84% on a long list of important initiatives. 01:04:05.520 --> 01:04:08.130 align:middle line:84% Let's start with the opioid epidemic. 01:04:08.130 --> 01:04:11.160 align:middle line:84% In 2015, Boston Mayor Walsh and I 01:04:11.160 --> 01:04:15.120 align:middle line:84% testified on behalf of opioid addiction legislation, which 01:04:15.120 --> 01:04:18.090 align:middle line:84% this body enacted several months later. 01:04:18.090 --> 01:04:21.120 align:middle line:84% Mr. Mayor, I want to thank you for your steadfast, lifelong 01:04:21.120 --> 01:04:22.718 align:middle line:90% leadership on this issue. 01:04:22.718 --> 01:04:27.200 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:04:27.200 --> 01:04:41.160 align:middle line:90% 01:04:41.160 --> 01:04:44.400 align:middle line:84% Recently, Secretary Marylou Sudders and I 01:04:44.400 --> 01:04:47.190 align:middle line:84% testified in support of the CARE Act, which is 01:04:47.190 --> 01:04:50.470 align:middle line:90% a follow up to that 2016 law. 01:04:50.470 --> 01:04:52.080 align:middle line:84% The CARE Act will provide a framework 01:04:52.080 --> 01:04:55.020 align:middle line:84% for community based aftercare addiction services, 01:04:55.020 --> 01:04:58.200 align:middle line:84% expand school-based education, and broaden pathways 01:04:58.200 --> 01:05:01.200 align:middle line:84% to treatment for people dealing with addiction. 01:05:01.200 --> 01:05:06.000 align:middle line:84% Now since 2015, we've added over 1,100 treatment beds, 01:05:06.000 --> 01:05:09.810 align:middle line:84% increased state spending on addiction services by 60%, 01:05:09.810 --> 01:05:12.450 align:middle line:84% upgraded our prescription monitoring program, 01:05:12.450 --> 01:05:15.580 align:middle line:84% required medical, dental nursing, social work, 01:05:15.580 --> 01:05:18.000 align:middle line:84% and pharmacy schools to teach every student 01:05:18.000 --> 01:05:20.550 align:middle line:84% about opioid therapy and pain management, 01:05:20.550 --> 01:05:23.490 align:middle line:84% increased access to NARCAN, certified hundreds 01:05:23.490 --> 01:05:26.490 align:middle line:84% of sober homes, expanded school-based education 01:05:26.490 --> 01:05:29.580 align:middle line:84% and screening programs, and created new pathways 01:05:29.580 --> 01:05:30.670 align:middle line:90% to treatment. 01:05:30.670 --> 01:05:32.760 align:middle line:84% And over the next five years, we plan 01:05:32.760 --> 01:05:35.560 align:middle line:84% to add 500 more treatment beds and increase 01:05:35.560 --> 01:05:38.240 align:middle line:84% spending on addiction services by more than $200 01:05:38.240 --> 01:05:39.600 align:middle line:90% million dollars. 01:05:39.600 --> 01:05:44.550 align:middle line:84% But everyone in this room knows we need to do more. 01:05:44.550 --> 01:05:48.168 align:middle line:84% Please move quickly to enact the CARE act. 01:05:48.168 --> 01:05:52.560 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:05:52.560 --> 01:06:08.210 align:middle line:90% 01:06:08.210 --> 01:06:11.690 align:middle line:84% In addition, we have to deal with fentanyl. 01:06:11.690 --> 01:06:14.840 align:middle line:84% Fentanyl was present in less than 30% of overdose deaths 01:06:14.840 --> 01:06:16.870 align:middle line:90% in 2014. 01:06:16.870 --> 01:06:21.650 align:middle line:84% But it was present in more than 80% of overdose deaths in 2017. 01:06:21.650 --> 01:06:23.900 align:middle line:84% Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies 01:06:23.900 --> 01:06:25.940 align:middle line:90% are working this issue hard. 01:06:25.940 --> 01:06:28.430 align:middle line:84% But we have more to do to drive this deadly drug 01:06:28.430 --> 01:06:30.140 align:middle line:90% off our streets. 01:06:30.140 --> 01:06:32.780 align:middle line:84% A bipartisan fentanyl bill that makes it easier 01:06:32.780 --> 01:06:35.360 align:middle line:84% to arrest and convict dealers and traffickers 01:06:35.360 --> 01:06:36.780 align:middle line:90% is in your hands. 01:06:36.780 --> 01:06:39.567 align:middle line:84% And I ask you to enact it as soon as possible. 01:06:39.567 --> 01:06:43.950 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:06:43.950 --> 01:06:56.389 align:middle line:90% 01:06:56.389 --> 01:06:58.930 align:middle line:84% We also have work you have to do to bolster behavioral health 01:06:58.930 --> 01:07:00.370 align:middle line:90% services. 01:07:00.370 --> 01:07:04.240 align:middle line:84% The budget we file tomorrow will include more than $83 million 01:07:04.240 --> 01:07:06.760 align:middle line:84% in new funding for the Department of Mental Health 01:07:06.760 --> 01:07:09.250 align:middle line:84% to strengthen community-based services for adults 01:07:09.250 --> 01:07:11.138 align:middle line:90% with serious mental illness. 01:07:11.138 --> 01:07:15.042 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:07:15.042 --> 01:07:27.260 align:middle line:90% 01:07:27.260 --> 01:07:29.970 align:middle line:84% In addition to integrating behavioral and physical health 01:07:29.970 --> 01:07:32.270 align:middle line:84% care, these services will provide 01:07:32.270 --> 01:07:36.230 align:middle line:84% active outreach and engagement support, residential supports, 01:07:36.230 --> 01:07:39.590 align:middle line:84% clinical coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 01:07:39.590 --> 01:07:41.420 align:middle line:84% and include peer and recovery coaches 01:07:41.420 --> 01:07:42.894 align:middle line:90% as part of the treatment team. 01:07:42.894 --> 01:07:44.810 align:middle line:84% And we would ask that you make this initiative 01:07:44.810 --> 01:07:46.870 align:middle line:90% part of your budgets. 01:07:46.870 --> 01:07:48.740 align:middle line:84% As many of you know, we've significantly 01:07:48.740 --> 01:07:50.480 align:middle line:84% expanded our investments in workforce 01:07:50.480 --> 01:07:53.030 align:middle line:84% and affordable housing over the past three years 01:07:53.030 --> 01:07:55.220 align:middle line:84% investing hundreds of millions of dollars 01:07:55.220 --> 01:07:58.580 align:middle line:84% to create and preserve over 30,000 units of housing, 01:07:58.580 --> 01:08:01.790 align:middle line:84% often combining them with transit-oriented development. 01:08:01.790 --> 01:08:04.490 align:middle line:90% But here too, we must do more. 01:08:04.490 --> 01:08:07.040 align:middle line:84% It's been decades since this state produced enough housing 01:08:07.040 --> 01:08:08.630 align:middle line:90% to keep up with demand. 01:08:08.630 --> 01:08:10.640 align:middle line:84% And the result has been predictable. 01:08:10.640 --> 01:08:12.950 align:middle line:84% Unlimited supply creates overheated demand 01:08:12.950 --> 01:08:14.540 align:middle line:90% and rising prices. 01:08:14.540 --> 01:08:17.390 align:middle line:84% Young people, seniors, young working 01:08:17.390 --> 01:08:20.540 align:middle line:84% and middle class families can't afford to rent or buy a home 01:08:20.540 --> 01:08:22.310 align:middle line:90% here in the commonwealth. 01:08:22.310 --> 01:08:24.859 align:middle line:84% We filed legislation in 2017 that 01:08:24.859 --> 01:08:27.350 align:middle line:84% will make it possible to build more housing. 01:08:27.350 --> 01:08:32.250 align:middle line:84% Our goal is 135,000 new units of housing by 2025. 01:08:32.250 --> 01:08:35.210 align:middle line:84% And we asked that this proposal be taken up quickly. 01:08:35.210 --> 01:08:38.689 align:middle line:84% Because for far too many people, housing in the commonwealth 01:08:38.689 --> 01:08:39.665 align:middle line:90% is simply unaffordable. 01:08:39.665 --> 01:08:59.880 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:08:59.880 --> 01:09:03.130 align:middle line:84% To increase the take home pay for more than 400,000 working 01:09:03.130 --> 01:09:06.250 align:middle line:84% families, we worked together to expand the Earned Income Tax 01:09:06.250 --> 01:09:08.710 align:middle line:90% Credit in 2015. 01:09:08.710 --> 01:09:11.200 align:middle line:84% We're proposing another increase in the EITC 01:09:11.200 --> 01:09:13.149 align:middle line:84% in our budget, which would result 01:09:13.149 --> 01:09:14.640 align:middle line:90% in a doubling of the credit. 01:09:14.640 --> 01:09:17.966 align:middle line:84% And I look forward to signing that provision into law. 01:09:17.966 --> 01:09:21.862 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:09:21.862 --> 01:09:22.836 align:middle line:90% You guys. 01:09:22.836 --> 01:09:24.297 align:middle line:90% You just-- 01:09:24.297 --> 01:09:28.193 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:09:28.193 --> 01:09:35.529 align:middle line:90% 01:09:35.529 --> 01:09:37.689 align:middle line:84% We'll also include additional skill building 01:09:37.689 --> 01:09:39.729 align:middle line:90% funds for low income workers. 01:09:39.729 --> 01:09:43.430 align:middle line:84% And those funds will be targeted to job openings in each region. 01:09:43.430 --> 01:09:46.300 align:middle line:84% So people can take the next step up the wage ladder. 01:09:46.300 --> 01:09:48.609 align:middle line:84% And we'll be filing an economic belt development 01:09:48.609 --> 01:09:51.189 align:middle line:84% bill in February that will build on the success 01:09:51.189 --> 01:09:53.949 align:middle line:84% of the legislation that was signed into law in 2016. 01:09:53.949 --> 01:10:00.890 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:10:00.890 --> 01:10:03.300 align:middle line:84% Thanks to the strength of our economy, 01:10:03.300 --> 01:10:06.250 align:middle line:84% our welfare caseload has dropped by 25%. 01:10:06.250 --> 01:10:07.940 align:middle line:84% And our budget will include reforms 01:10:07.940 --> 01:10:10.250 align:middle line:84% that will help thousands more on public assistance 01:10:10.250 --> 01:10:12.500 align:middle line:90% find good jobs. 01:10:12.500 --> 01:10:13.994 align:middle line:90% Now last spring-- 01:10:13.994 --> 01:10:15.890 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:10:15.890 --> 01:10:17.312 align:middle line:90% I'm with you. 01:10:17.312 --> 01:10:22.530 align:middle line:90% 01:10:22.530 --> 01:10:25.350 align:middle line:84% Last spring, I appointed a council to address aging, 01:10:25.350 --> 01:10:27.090 align:middle line:84% with a goal of making Massachusetts 01:10:27.090 --> 01:10:29.940 align:middle line:84% the most age-friendly state in the nation. 01:10:29.940 --> 01:10:31.860 align:middle line:84% The council's been providing a platform 01:10:31.860 --> 01:10:34.426 align:middle line:84% to think beyond public programs and to draw 01:10:34.426 --> 01:10:36.690 align:middle line:84% on experience in technology, health care 01:10:36.690 --> 01:10:38.490 align:middle line:90% business, and innovation. 01:10:38.490 --> 01:10:41.400 align:middle line:84% We're pleased to announce today that AARP has formally 01:10:41.400 --> 01:10:45.450 align:middle line:84% designated Massachusetts as one of only two age-friendly states 01:10:45.450 --> 01:10:46.140 align:middle line:90% in the country. 01:10:46.140 --> 01:10:50.586 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:10:50.586 --> 01:11:08.410 align:middle line:90% 01:11:08.410 --> 01:11:12.640 align:middle line:84% That seems to matter more to me every year. 01:11:12.640 --> 01:11:15.320 align:middle line:84% We'll also be increasing state support for the Councils 01:11:15.320 --> 01:11:19.510 align:middle line:84% on Aging in our 2019 budget to the highest level ever. 01:11:19.510 --> 01:11:23.629 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:11:23.629 --> 01:11:35.580 align:middle line:90% 01:11:35.580 --> 01:11:37.430 align:middle line:84% And our discussions with the legislature 01:11:37.430 --> 01:11:39.470 align:middle line:84% and other interested parties about MassHealth 01:11:39.470 --> 01:11:40.970 align:middle line:90% have been very helpful. 01:11:40.970 --> 01:11:42.860 align:middle line:84% And we believe our shared goals of quality 01:11:42.860 --> 01:11:46.380 align:middle line:84% care and long-term sustainability can be achieved. 01:11:46.380 --> 01:11:49.220 align:middle line:84% Now finally, while our K through 12 schools 01:11:49.220 --> 01:11:50.960 align:middle line:84% are the envy of the nation, we still 01:11:50.960 --> 01:11:53.810 align:middle line:84% have more to do to close the opportunity gap. 01:11:53.810 --> 01:11:55.550 align:middle line:84% An innovative program in Springfield 01:11:55.550 --> 01:11:58.640 align:middle line:84% to address this issue is producing impressive results 01:11:58.640 --> 01:12:00.140 align:middle line:84% for middle and high school students 01:12:00.140 --> 01:12:01.960 align:middle line:90% and deserves our attention. 01:12:01.960 --> 01:12:03.740 align:middle line:84% The Springfield Empowerment Zone gives 01:12:03.740 --> 01:12:05.810 align:middle line:84% teachers and administrators a chance 01:12:05.810 --> 01:12:08.720 align:middle line:84% to share decision making on professional development, 01:12:08.720 --> 01:12:11.420 align:middle line:90% curriculum, budgets, the works. 01:12:11.420 --> 01:12:13.700 align:middle line:84% And it seems to be working for kids. 01:12:13.700 --> 01:12:15.630 align:middle line:84% I visited the schools three times. 01:12:15.630 --> 01:12:18.200 align:middle line:84% And every time, I came away filled with optimism 01:12:18.200 --> 01:12:19.730 align:middle line:90% for all involved. 01:12:19.730 --> 01:12:21.380 align:middle line:84% Collaborative approaches like this one 01:12:21.380 --> 01:12:23.180 align:middle line:84% are working in Springfield and can 01:12:23.180 --> 01:12:25.940 align:middle line:84% work in other struggling districts as well. 01:12:25.940 --> 01:12:29.300 align:middle line:84% Tammy Grimes and Evan Kushner are teachers in the Empowerment 01:12:29.300 --> 01:12:30.290 align:middle line:90% Zone in Springfield. 01:12:30.290 --> 01:12:32.510 align:middle line:84% And when I visited with them, they 01:12:32.510 --> 01:12:35.760 align:middle line:84% told me this was a game changer for them, and for the kids 01:12:35.760 --> 01:12:36.707 align:middle line:90% they teach. 01:12:36.707 --> 01:12:37.790 align:middle line:90% They've joined us tonight. 01:12:37.790 --> 01:12:39.330 align:middle line:84% I want to thank you for being here. 01:12:39.330 --> 01:12:41.870 align:middle line:84% And I want to thank you and your colleagues for everything 01:12:41.870 --> 01:12:44.178 align:middle line:90% you do for our kids. 01:12:44.178 --> 01:12:48.114 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:12:48.114 --> 01:13:06.350 align:middle line:90% 01:13:06.350 --> 01:13:09.414 align:middle line:84% Now, this is my fourth turn behind this podium. 01:13:09.414 --> 01:13:11.330 align:middle line:84% And I know I speak for the lieutenant governor 01:13:11.330 --> 01:13:14.690 align:middle line:84% and myself when I say, the opportunity to serve 01:13:14.690 --> 01:13:17.775 align:middle line:84% has been the honor of a lifetime for both of us. 01:13:17.775 --> 01:13:24.877 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:13:24.877 --> 01:13:26.460 align:middle line:84% And with this in mind, I want to close 01:13:26.460 --> 01:13:29.550 align:middle line:84% with a few thoughts on the responsibility we all share 01:13:29.550 --> 01:13:33.070 align:middle line:84% in serving our commonwealth while in public office. 01:13:33.070 --> 01:13:35.610 align:middle line:84% I don't think I'm being too simplistic when I say, 01:13:35.610 --> 01:13:37.830 align:middle line:90% we are all here to help people. 01:13:37.830 --> 01:13:40.350 align:middle line:84% We may differ about how to get that done. 01:13:40.350 --> 01:13:42.360 align:middle line:90% But we all share that goal. 01:13:42.360 --> 01:13:45.210 align:middle line:84% We all want to create opportunities for people, 01:13:45.210 --> 01:13:47.370 align:middle line:84% to help them get a great education, 01:13:47.370 --> 01:13:51.090 align:middle line:84% to live in a great community, to get a great job, 01:13:51.090 --> 01:13:53.640 align:middle line:84% to live a long and healthy life, to believe 01:13:53.640 --> 01:13:55.410 align:middle line:84% in their own future and the future 01:13:55.410 --> 01:13:58.080 align:middle line:84% for their kids and their families. 01:13:58.080 --> 01:14:01.069 align:middle line:84% But we also want people to believe in their government. 01:14:01.069 --> 01:14:05.560 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:14:05.560 --> 01:14:29.540 align:middle line:90% 01:14:29.540 --> 01:14:31.430 align:middle line:84% This requires, among other things, 01:14:31.430 --> 01:14:35.090 align:middle line:84% that we commit ourselves to a common decency in our debate 01:14:35.090 --> 01:14:38.300 align:middle line:84% and in our dealings with one another in the public. 01:14:38.300 --> 01:14:40.220 align:middle line:84% That doesn't mean we always have to agree. 01:14:40.220 --> 01:14:42.110 align:middle line:90% Because we won't. 01:14:42.110 --> 01:14:44.720 align:middle line:84% There are 200 members of this legislature, 01:14:44.720 --> 01:14:47.750 align:middle line:84% thousands of elected and appointed local officials, 01:14:47.750 --> 01:14:50.360 align:middle line:84% and millions of adults in this state who all have life 01:14:50.360 --> 01:14:52.730 align:middle line:90% experience and a point of view. 01:14:52.730 --> 01:14:56.150 align:middle line:84% Some of us will agree with each other most of the time. 01:14:56.150 --> 01:14:59.150 align:middle line:84% Some will agree some of the time. 01:14:59.150 --> 01:15:03.470 align:middle line:84% And some will never agree at all. 01:15:03.470 --> 01:15:04.580 align:middle line:90% That's OK. 01:15:04.580 --> 01:15:06.110 align:middle line:90% That's called democracy. 01:15:06.110 --> 01:15:09.270 align:middle line:84% And more often than not, it works. 01:15:09.270 --> 01:15:12.560 align:middle line:84% And finally, we should recognize and never forget 01:15:12.560 --> 01:15:17.670 align:middle line:84% why we have this precious chance to serve our fellow citizens. 01:15:17.670 --> 01:15:19.350 align:middle line:84% The most heartrending responsibility 01:15:19.350 --> 01:15:22.350 align:middle line:84% I have as governor is to meet a family at the airport 01:15:22.350 --> 01:15:26.310 align:middle line:84% as they stand silently waiting for the military casket 01:15:26.310 --> 01:15:28.950 align:middle line:90% of their loved one to come home. 01:15:28.950 --> 01:15:30.856 align:middle line:90% I always say the same thing. 01:15:30.856 --> 01:15:32.820 align:middle line:90% "I'm sorry to be here today. 01:15:32.820 --> 01:15:34.490 align:middle line:90% And I know you are, too. 01:15:34.490 --> 01:15:37.940 align:middle line:84% And if I can do anything for you, just ask." 01:15:37.940 --> 01:15:42.260 align:middle line:84% And each time I've said those words, that parent, spouse, 01:15:42.260 --> 01:15:46.740 align:middle line:84% sibling responds with a heartfelt thank you. 01:15:46.740 --> 01:15:48.630 align:middle line:90% Think about that. 01:15:48.630 --> 01:15:51.210 align:middle line:84% In the midst of their immeasurable grief, 01:15:51.210 --> 01:15:56.960 align:middle line:84% they are kind and generous, grace beyond compare. 01:15:56.960 --> 01:16:01.010 align:middle line:84% For generations, people put themselves in harm's way 01:16:01.010 --> 01:16:03.460 align:middle line:84% so the rest of us could create and nurture 01:16:03.460 --> 01:16:09.380 align:middle line:84% a democracy, a democracy based on a very simple concept-- 01:16:09.380 --> 01:16:12.320 align:middle line:90% out of many, one. 01:16:12.320 --> 01:16:15.460 align:middle line:84% We owe every citizen our best efforts. 01:16:15.460 --> 01:16:17.750 align:middle line:84% But we are those who have paid the ultimate price 01:16:17.750 --> 01:16:20.227 align:middle line:90% to keep us free something more. 01:16:20.227 --> 01:16:24.700 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:16:24.700 --> 01:17:02.010 align:middle line:90% 01:17:02.010 --> 01:17:05.150 align:middle line:84% We owe them the humility to understand 01:17:05.150 --> 01:17:08.550 align:middle line:84% that what we do in this building is tied to something so much 01:17:08.550 --> 01:17:10.890 align:middle line:90% bigger than partisanship. 01:17:10.890 --> 01:17:13.800 align:middle line:84% It's our job to create the cohesion envisioned 01:17:13.800 --> 01:17:17.730 align:middle line:84% by those who came before us, to move this state forward, 01:17:17.730 --> 01:17:20.520 align:middle line:84% to protect and fight for its interests and its people, 01:17:20.520 --> 01:17:23.460 align:middle line:84% and to never forget that we are the lucky ones. 01:17:23.460 --> 01:17:27.118 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:17:27.118 --> 01:17:32.500 align:middle line:90% 01:17:32.500 --> 01:17:34.630 align:middle line:84% We live in a great state filled with 01:17:34.630 --> 01:17:39.010 align:middle line:84% creative, community-minded, hardworking, and decent people. 01:17:39.010 --> 01:17:42.670 align:middle line:84% And what they want from us is opportunity, possibility, 01:17:42.670 --> 01:17:46.600 align:middle line:84% and hope, not noise, not name calling, 01:17:46.600 --> 01:17:48.320 align:middle line:90% and not finger pointing. 01:17:48.320 --> 01:17:52.240 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:17:52.240 --> 01:18:11.380 align:middle line:90% 01:18:11.380 --> 01:18:16.150 align:middle line:84% They want progress on the things that help them help themselves. 01:18:16.150 --> 01:18:19.270 align:middle line:84% Now, we've done great work with you on many important issues. 01:18:19.270 --> 01:18:21.700 align:middle line:90% But our work has just begun. 01:18:21.700 --> 01:18:26.080 align:middle line:84% We stand ready to work with you to do so much more on housing, 01:18:26.080 --> 01:18:30.410 align:middle line:84% economic development, life sciences, education, 01:18:30.410 --> 01:18:34.450 align:middle line:84% criminal justice, community building, transportation, 01:18:34.450 --> 01:18:36.190 align:middle line:90% and addiction. 01:18:36.190 --> 01:18:40.030 align:middle line:84% But most of all, we all gather here tonight 01:18:40.030 --> 01:18:43.630 align:middle line:84% as the grateful recipients of a profound opportunity 01:18:43.630 --> 01:18:47.260 align:middle line:84% to serve the great people of this great state. 01:18:47.260 --> 01:18:49.880 align:middle line:90% Let's make the most of it. 01:18:49.880 --> 01:18:51.490 align:middle line:90% God bless this commonwealth. 01:18:51.490 --> 01:18:54.705 align:middle line:84% God bless the United States of America. 01:18:54.705 --> 01:18:58.697 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:18:58.697 --> 01:19:54.180 align:middle line:90% 01:19:54.180 --> 01:19:56.430 align:middle line:90% Please be seated. 01:19:56.430 --> 01:19:58.380 align:middle line:84% It is now my pleasure to welcome, 01:19:58.380 --> 01:20:01.030 align:middle line:84% from the great community of Springfield, 01:20:01.030 --> 01:20:03.350 align:middle line:84% the Springfield Community Chorale 01:20:03.350 --> 01:20:06.900 align:middle line:84% directed by Vanessa Ford and [? Arif ?] Bradley, 01:20:06.900 --> 01:20:08.930 align:middle line:84% who will perform a medley of "Oh, 01:20:08.930 --> 01:20:12.125 align:middle line:84% Give Thanks," and "Bless the Lord with Me." 01:20:12.125 --> 01:20:13.778 align:middle line:90% The Springfield Chorale. 01:20:13.778 --> 01:20:17.762 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:20:17.762 --> 01:20:20.499 align:middle line:84% [MUSIC - SPRINGFIELD CHORALE, "OH, GIVE THANKS" 01:20:20.499 --> 01:21:06.068 align:middle line:84% AND "BLESS THE LORD WITH ME" MEDLEY] 01:21:06.068 --> 01:21:14.534 align:middle line:84% Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for He is good. 01:21:14.534 --> 01:21:20.510 align:middle line:84% Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, yes, 01:21:20.510 --> 01:21:22.502 align:middle line:90% He is good. 01:21:22.502 --> 01:21:31.964 align:middle line:84% For he is holy, holy, for He is good, yes, He is good. 01:21:31.964 --> 01:21:40.440 align:middle line:84% Yes, He is holy, holy, for He is good, yes, He is good. 01:21:40.440 --> 01:21:45.939 align:middle line:84% Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, yes, 01:21:45.939 --> 01:21:47.436 align:middle line:90% He is good. 01:21:47.436 --> 01:21:52.925 align:middle line:84% Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, yes, 01:21:52.925 --> 01:21:56.418 align:middle line:90% he is good. 01:21:56.418 --> 01:22:05.400 align:middle line:84% For He is holy, holy, for He is good, yes, He is good. 01:22:05.400 --> 01:22:13.417 align:middle line:84% For He is holy, holy, for He is good, yes, He is good. 01:22:13.417 --> 01:22:16.910 align:middle line:90% Bless the Lord with me. 01:22:16.910 --> 01:22:21.401 align:middle line:84% Come on and bless the Lord with me. 01:22:21.401 --> 01:22:25.393 align:middle line:84% Come on and bless the Lord with me. 01:22:25.393 --> 01:22:31.381 align:middle line:84% Come on and bless the Lord with me. 01:22:31.381 --> 01:22:47.349 align:middle line:84% Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. 01:22:47.349 --> 01:22:51.341 align:middle line:84% Come on and praise the Lord with me. 01:22:51.341 --> 01:22:55.333 align:middle line:84% Come on and praise the Lord with me. 01:22:55.333 --> 01:22:59.325 align:middle line:84% Come on and praise the Lord with me. 01:22:59.325 --> 01:23:05.812 align:middle line:84% Come on and praise the Lord with me. 01:23:05.812 --> 01:23:20.283 align:middle line:84% Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, 01:23:20.283 --> 01:23:35.253 align:middle line:84% hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, 01:23:35.253 --> 01:23:38.746 align:middle line:90% hallelujah. 01:23:38.746 --> 01:23:43.237 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:23:43.237 --> 01:24:42.700 align:middle line:90% 01:24:42.700 --> 01:24:45.580 align:middle line:84% I now call upon Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz 01:24:45.580 --> 01:24:50.302 align:middle line:84% of Temple Emanuel in Newton to deliver tonight's benediction. 01:24:50.302 --> 01:24:52.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:24:52.150 --> 01:24:56.950 align:middle line:84% Dear Lord, we pray to you tonight 01:24:56.950 --> 01:25:03.580 align:middle line:84% from a very special place, a place called Beacon Hill. 01:25:03.580 --> 01:25:08.500 align:middle line:84% Now, a beacon is a source of light 01:25:08.500 --> 01:25:15.330 align:middle line:84% that provides warmth when we're cold, guidance when were lost. 01:25:15.330 --> 01:25:17.910 align:middle line:90% 01:25:17.910 --> 01:25:23.180 align:middle line:84% Lord, may we be worthy of our name, 01:25:23.180 --> 01:25:31.320 align:middle line:84% may we be, here at Beacon Hill, a beacon of light. 01:25:31.320 --> 01:25:33.740 align:middle line:90% What would that look like? 01:25:33.740 --> 01:25:36.410 align:middle line:90% It would look like this. 01:25:36.410 --> 01:25:41.180 align:middle line:84% In a world rant by division, may we 01:25:41.180 --> 01:25:45.910 align:middle line:90% be a beacon for collaboration. 01:25:45.910 --> 01:25:50.820 align:middle line:84% In a world where all too often it's my way or the highway, 01:25:50.820 --> 01:25:57.300 align:middle line:84% may we be a beacon of the productive conversation 01:25:57.300 --> 01:26:04.650 align:middle line:84% where we listen to one another, we work with one another, 01:26:04.650 --> 01:26:11.150 align:middle line:84% we do some give and take to promote the common good. 01:26:11.150 --> 01:26:18.450 align:middle line:84% In a world that has been soiled by xenophobia, 01:26:18.450 --> 01:26:27.620 align:middle line:84% and nativism, and hatred, may we be a beacon of inclusion, 01:26:27.620 --> 01:26:32.920 align:middle line:84% of love of all of your children made 01:26:32.920 --> 01:26:36.400 align:middle line:84% by you in your image with the divine spark 01:26:36.400 --> 01:26:39.920 align:middle line:90% and infinitely loved by you. 01:26:39.920 --> 01:26:46.300 align:middle line:84% And because of our great respect for all human beings, 01:26:46.300 --> 01:26:51.290 align:middle line:84% may our commonwealth continue to be what it has been, 01:26:51.290 --> 01:26:58.600 align:middle line:84% a beacon of innovation, hard work, productivity, 01:26:58.600 --> 01:27:00.780 align:middle line:90% and prosperity. 01:27:00.780 --> 01:27:04.320 align:middle line:84% Lord, as we conclude the proceedings tonight, 01:27:04.320 --> 01:27:11.400 align:middle line:84% we pray that you will imbue your Holy Spirit in the leaders, 01:27:11.400 --> 01:27:14.400 align:middle line:84% the elected leaders of our great commonwealth, 01:27:14.400 --> 01:27:22.490 align:middle line:84% that you will inspire Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant 01:27:22.490 --> 01:27:28.070 align:middle line:84% Governor Karen Pulido, Senate President Harriet 01:27:28.070 --> 01:27:33.440 align:middle line:84% Chandler, and all the members of the Massachusetts Senate, 01:27:33.440 --> 01:27:35.690 align:middle line:84% Speaker of the House Robert Dalio, 01:27:35.690 --> 01:27:39.620 align:middle line:84% and all the members of the House of Representatives, 01:27:39.620 --> 01:27:42.200 align:middle line:84% and all who exercise just and rightful authority 01:27:42.200 --> 01:27:46.130 align:middle line:84% in the commonwealth with your spirit of decency, 01:27:46.130 --> 01:27:50.540 align:middle line:84% soft spokenness, humility, the ability 01:27:50.540 --> 01:27:56.880 align:middle line:84% to work for the common good so that Beacon Hill will continue 01:27:56.880 --> 01:28:00.890 align:middle line:84% to be what it has always been, that 01:28:00.890 --> 01:28:05.960 align:middle line:84% beacon of light for our commonwealth and for our world. 01:28:05.960 --> 01:28:08.678 align:middle line:90% And for this, let us say amen. 01:28:08.678 --> 01:28:09.656 align:middle line:90% Amen. 01:28:09.656 --> 01:28:13.568 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:28:13.568 --> 01:28:21.400 align:middle line:90% 01:28:21.400 --> 01:28:24.800 align:middle line:84% The Sergeant at Arms will now escort the governor, 01:28:24.800 --> 01:28:27.950 align:middle line:84% the lieutenant governor, the constitutional officers, 01:28:27.950 --> 01:28:31.100 align:middle line:84% the executive councilors, the members of the Supreme Judicial 01:28:31.100 --> 01:28:34.367 align:middle line:84% Court, and distinguished guests from our chamber. 01:28:34.367 --> 01:28:38.263 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:28:38.263 --> 01:28:51.910 align:middle line:90% 01:28:51.910 --> 01:28:54.350 align:middle line:84% I'm just going to change the name. 01:28:54.350 --> 01:28:58.844 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:28:58.844 --> 01:30:43.860 align:middle line:90% 01:30:43.860 --> 01:30:46.780 align:middle line:84% The Senator from Plymouth and Bristol, 01:30:46.780 --> 01:30:52.510 align:middle line:84% Mr. Brady moves that the joint convention do now adjourn. 01:30:52.510 --> 01:30:54.665 align:middle line:90% All those in favor, say aye. 01:30:54.665 --> 01:30:55.820 align:middle line:90% Aye. 01:30:55.820 --> 01:30:56.840 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 01:30:56.840 --> 01:30:58.140 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:30:58.140 --> 01:31:02.840 align:middle line:84% And the joint session stands adjourned. 01:31:02.840 --> 01:31:08.590 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:31:08.590 --> 01:31:38.795 align:middle line:90%