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October 16, 2008...Yesterday, the Governor made significant reductions and outright cuts to the state budget that will have a serious impact on state services. Consequently, many of these programs will face a reduction in staff and/or the means necessary to operate them. In fact, some of the cuts included initiatives that I was involved in creating or maintaining, particularly in health care, so it is especially disheartening to see the toll this economic crisis has taken. 

While the extent of the overall cuts has yet to be seen, the spirit of cooperation that has developed is encouraging. Although the Governor's cuts were limited to offices under his direct control, other entities rose to the occasion and volunteered reductions of their own. Included in that is a 10% return from the Legislature, which results in a loss of roughly $9 million. In this respect, it is clear that these reductions and cuts are a shared burden across the Commonwealth, the brunt of which will be felt cooperatively during these troublesome times. 

I am extremely disappointed that the Patrick Administration found it necessary to cut programs that are designed to reduce health care spending and improve patient safety. The impact is that it will now take longer to get these items under control. 

The reductions are a clear indication of the predicament we find ourselves in, but we are not unlike the many families across Massachusetts that are forced to make much tougher decisions on a weekly basis. I am optimistic however, knowing full well the capabilities of my colleagues in government, and more importantly, the strong resolve of the people I represent. It is in the full spirit of a Commonwealth that we must act to navigate this turbulent economy together. 

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