Welcome Message from Matt Patrick

As the Third Barnstable State Representative since 2001, I've worked for a fair and balanced budget for the people of our Commonwealth, that protects our seniors, our children, the hungry, the homeless and the disabled.

I have worked for more accountability in Medicaid and have successfully fought for the provision of potassium iodide pills for Cape and Vineyard Towns to help protect us in the event of an emergency at the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.  I've been able to get legislation passed that helps veterans and their families.  Another one of my bills made it easier for residents to finance energy efficiency improvements with low interest loans and another one of my bills makes all of our new appliances more energy efficient.  In addition, I've fought to close corporate tax loop holes that put an unfair burden on the working families.

I've stood up for civil rights and defended the Constitution of the Commonwealth from those who would jeopardize it by forcing a vote on gay marriage.

I've also stood my ground when it came to the environment, specifically the wind farm proposed for Nantucket Sound, when it was far less popular than it is now.  I was the first and only Cape Cod legislator, state or federal, who would not bend to the irrational pressure of those who let their fears, fed by blatant misinformation, lead them to believe that the wind farm would "industrialize" Nantucket Sound.  Nobody, least of all myself, would allow environmental harm to the Sound and, so far, the environmental impact review has been very positive.  For example, multi year, on site studies show that birds will not be harmed by the turbines. 

Global warming is already having a financial impact on us through increasing costs of homeowners insurance and stronger, more destructive coastal storms.  There is no longer any scientific doubt that global warming is caused by burning of fossil fuels, so we need to act as quickly as possible to generate more electricity responsibly and renewably.  The Nantucket Sound wind farm is the single largest renewable electricity project in the works in Massachusetts.  It will provide great employment for Cape residents who are struggling to survive and cleaner air for all of us.

John Adams once said, "He who loves the Workman and his work, and does what he can to preserve and improve it, shall be accepted of Him." Adams thought that helping the working man earn a decent living for his family was the most important thing he could do as a public servant. I agree with Adams' philosophy. Adams knew that happy and stable families can provide good foundations for children. A good job, in my opinion, is one of the most important ingredients to a happy family. Helping families find such basic happiness is my priority. I believe we can do that without destroying our environment.