2011: Jobs, Economy And Health Care Major Issues For Mass. Legislature

2011 gets off to a ceremonial start at the State House this week. The Legislature opens its new session on Wednesday with the swearing-in of lawmakers. Then on Thursday, the governor's inauguration takes place, launching Deval Patrick's second term in the Corner Office.

"Jobs and the economy will probably stay No. 1, and you can't really talk about either one of those without talking about health care," said Matt Murphy, reporter for the State House News Service. "That's going to be the major issue to tackle this year, in terms of going after payment reform, switching from a system of fee-for-service to a global payment system the governor's expressed interest in, as has the Senate president."

Murphy joined WBUR's Bob Oakes during Monday's Morning Edition to raise the curtain on a new year on Beacon Hill.