Inauguration Day for MA Gov. Patrick

BOSTON, Mass. (WPRI) - Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick was sworn in Thursday to begin his second term in office.

While taking the oath of office in Massachusetts House chambers, the governor paid tribute to the past by playing his hand on the Mendi Bible that was presented to John Quincy Adams by the African captives he helped free in 1841.  He used the same bible during his first inauguration.

During his inagural address, Governor Patrick outlined some of the goals for his second term, including closing the achievment gap in schools, cracking down on health care costs, and improving the economy.

He says the state already began making those changes, even when it was not easy.

"When the going got tough we didn't look for scapegoats or run for cover, we didn't lose our temper or our way," Govenor Patrick declared during his inaugural address Thursday.  "We chose to invest in education, in health care, and in job creation because we all know that educating our kids, being able to count on good healthcare and having a job is the path to a better future."

Among the governor's first objectives this year is to file legislation that simplfies and overhauls the way doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers are paid.

He is also vowing to reduce  the cost of doing business in Massachusetts and reduce youth violence.