Some of Deval Patrick's campaign promises
Editor's note: StateLine sidebar for publication Monday, Dec. 24. CITIES AND TOWNS
Promise: Restore local aid to pre-2000 levels and commit a fixed percentage of annual state tax receipts to local services by cities and towns
Status: Not yet
Promise: Allow cities and towns to impose local option meals taxes and other alternatives to property taxes
Status: Patrick initiatives on those fronts have yet to pass the Legislature.
ECONOMY
Promise: Cut energy costs through conservation education and rebate programs and offer tax incentives for creating jobs in renewable energy production
Status: Patrick supports a House energy bill that encourages alternative energy
Promise: Issue bonds for expansion and development of stem-cell research
Status: Patrick's life sciences bill has yet to pass the Legislature
Promise: Expedite construction permit or approval process
Status: Patrick administration encouraging cities and towns to expedite permitting process
ELDERLY
Promise: Provide more long-term care at home
Status: No initiative proposed yet
Promise: Cut prescription drug costs
Status: No initiative proposed yet
EDUCATION
Promise: Expand early education; reduce class sizes; more professional development for teachers
Status: Appointed "Readiness Project" task force to recommend education reforms
Promise: Lengthen the school day
Status: Grants for longer school day have doubled from 10 to 19 school districts
Promise: Expansion and development of public higher education
Status: Patrick $2 billion bond bill calls for capital improvements at state public colleges; still awaiting legislative approval
ENVIRONMENT
Promise: Support renewable energy projects such as Cape Wind
Status: Wind farm proposal still awaits approvals needed for construction
HEALTH CARE
Promise: Expand health insurance coverage
Status: Efforts at enrolling uninsured residents, started before Patrick's term began, continue
PUBLIC SAFETY
Promise: Add 1,000 police to the streets
Status: Patrick budget called for 250 new police officers per year, number was scaled back by Legislature
Promise: End gang and gun violence by attacking illegal gun trafficking.
Status: Patrick funded Shannon grants to urban areas
TAXES
Promise: No increase in 5.3 percent income tax rate.
Status: No income tax hikes have been proposed to date
TRANSPORTATION
Promise: Invest in rail and subway extensions and service upgrades, including commuter rail to New Bedford and Fall River
Status: Administration is developing plans for New Bedford/Fall River commuter rail
Tom Benner, The Patriot Ledger