Gov. Patrick on Long-Term Plans: Now It's Our Turn

The annual economic development summit brought about 250 attendees to the Needham Sheraton Hotel on Tuesday. According to a press release from the governor's office, this was made up of business leaders, state and municipal officials, community organizations officials. 

"Americans rarely leave what’s important to chance," said Governor Patrick in his remarks. "It’s a journey. Right now, we’re going to have to decide whether accelerated growth is important enough to invest in or leave to chance. Fortunately for us, our grandparents didn't leave the Mass Pike or I-95 or that MEMA bunker to chance. They made choices that shaped a better future. Now it's our turn."

Read the Governor's full remarks.

The Governor's long-term economic plan, entitled “Choosing to Compete in the 21^st Century,” was originally released in Dec. 2011, in response to an economic development act from 2010 which mandates governor administrations to generate such plans.

The Governor's plan aims to grow in building talent, the innovation economy, regional empowerment, ease of doing business and improving cost competitiveness.

 “By investing in education, infrastructure and innovation, we are following a blueprint that has proven successful in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, who spoke at Needham Sheraton in the morning. “Our long-term economic development plan calls for collaboration with government, businesses and academia that will make our vision for growth and opportunity a reality.”

According to the Governor's press release, the plan includes 55 action goals of which nearly all have seen some progress in the last year.

The Governor's proposed 2014 budget includes some investments in education and infrastructure which, the Governor says should spur along some of the long-term plans.

Although that budget plan has yet to be finalized----the budget includes a $1 billion annual investment in transportation systems, and a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years. 

Since the State of the Commonwealth address in January, the release says Gov. Patrick has been traveling around Mass., meeting with local officials, business owners and legislators.