Jobs Bill Awaits Governor Patrick's Signature

A bill designed to spur economic development in Massachusetts is on Governor Deval Patrick’s desk.   WAMC”s Paul Tuthill reports

   The 115 page jobs bill given final approval by the state legislature on the final day of  its session establishes a $50 mllion dollar research fund for the state’s universities.  UMass Amherst spokesman Ed Blaguszewski says the fund will be a source for researchers to compete for matching grants.

   Supporters of the jobs bill say research is the foundation of the state’s innovation economy.The bill also includes $5 million dollars to help un employed workers learn new skills. There are a  variety of tax breaks and other incentives to spur economic activity…