I am also committed to providing city employees with housing assistance.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that I have secured $1 million from the Convention Host Committee to fund the beautification of Boston's neighborhoods.

Currently, Boston has only nine percent of the state's population - but we provide more than 16 percent of the jobs and 19 percent of the state's revenues.

Boston is the engine of the state's economy.

Children need continuity as they grow and learn.

The true privilege of being Mayor is that I have the opportunity to be everyone's neighbor.

For every $5 that Boston's economy sends up to Beacon Hill, the state gives only $1 back to us.