Governor Patrick will deliver his state of the state address tonight. With unemployment in the state below the national average, it is expected that his plan will call for more job creation. It should also include a solution for prison overcrowding and a focus on education. The address will be followed on Wednesday with his budget proposals.

The House yesterday approved the $131 million supp budget, but warned of increased costs over the next year. They also sent to study a bill that would have allowed for a week long meal tax holiday. Although the only related item for public safety was additional monies to sheriffs that had been cut earlier in the year, it is noteworthy that additional monies were placed in the rainy day fund, bringing the total to $1.5 billion dollars. This is a great feat in these times, considering that only two years ago withdrawals brought it below $500 million. Thus, the amount should give municipalities a reason to cry foul over additional local aid cuts. At its high, prior to the recession, the fund had about $2.5 billion. The Senate will take up the supplemental budget today, with the Governor's signature coming shortly thereafter.

The Committee on Public Service will meet on Tuesday in Room A-2 to hear bills that will include H3633, which would restore funding for the police career incentive (Quinn). The bill calls for funding to be restored to either the levels of 2008 or half of the municipality's current obligation. The bill sponsored by Represenative Diehl will be our focus during the 1PM scheduled hearing.