"I extend my congratulations to all the members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate as we enter this new legislative year. After a particularly acrimonious campaign season, it is time to come together to develop the policies and programs that will benefit the lives of citizens across this state. I am confident that under the leadership of my friends, House Speaker Sal DiMasi and Senate President Robert Travaglini , the Legislature will rise to that challenge.
“The legislative priorities for 2005 must include an aggressive and comprehensive plan to create more jobs. Governor Mitt Romney, who campaigned on the promise to bring good jobs to this state, has been an utter failure in this effort. He hasn't talked about job creation in months! His silence has been compounded by the recent news that the population in Massachusetts is actually decreasing, largely because of this state's economic stagnation. Young people who were attracted to the prestigious colleges of Massachusetts are forced to leave soon after graduation because of a lack of decent jobs. When young people flee the state, it is a dangerous sign -- a sign which Governor Romney chose to ignore. There has been a serious failure by this governor to invest in the economic development of this state.
“Where the governor has failed, I am confident that Speaker DiMasi and President Travaglini have the resourcefulness and determination to focus on solving this looming problem of economic stagnation.
“Just about a year ago Governor Romney rolled up his sleeves and got to work -- not to create landmark legislation or groundbreaking public policy – but in a ruthless effort to defeat our Democratic incumbents. He failed, yet now we look to his newly-found spirit of cooperation as the Legislature works to develop serious and substantive proposals that will benefit families across this state. I have only one thing to say: Thank goodness we have leaders like Speaker DiMasi and President Travaglini!”
|
