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Baker gives his final address as Mass. governor

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Gov. Charlie Baker speaks during an interview at the Massachusetts State House. (Reba Saldanha/AP)
Gov. Charlie Baker speaks during an interview at the Massachusetts State House. (Reba Saldanha/AP)

Speaking from his desk at the State House, Gov. Charlie Baker addressed his constituents one last time, praising them for their character and touting some of his accomplishments over the past eight years.

Saying he wanted to provide residents with "what my late mother would call a 'proper goodbye,' " Baker spent most of the brief address extolling the volunteerism and civic spirit of Bay Staters, especially as he would drop by charitable events during the workweek.

"It was like fuel for me," he said." Watching people do good things to benefit others gave me joy."

Baker also tallied several achievements from his two terms in office, including last year's $3 billion tax "rebate," and leaving the state with a $7 billion rainy day fund. He also pointed to housing regulation reforms, expanded broadband service in western Massachusetts, and now-complete infrastructure projects "long promised but never done."

"And we got it done without partisan bickering," he said.

Baker also credited residents for rallying during the COVID-19 pandemic, largely following advisories on social separation, wearing masks and other edicts and recommendations.

"And while I know that many of you didn't agree with all of the decisions the lieutenant governor and I made during the pandemic, you tried your very best to abide by the rules and share in the work that was to be done," Baker said.

Baker ended by thanking the people of Massachusetts for their generosity, saying it has made Massachusetts a truly great place. Speaking for himself and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, he said that spirit is what makes Massachusetts special.

"I want you to know you will be sorely missed by the two of us and by our teams," he said.

Baker, whose term ends Thursday, won't be out of work for long: The Swampscott Republican was recently named president of the NCAA, the beleaguered college sports organization that has weathered some high-profile court losses and growing criticism of its practices, especially around how players are —and are not — compensated.

The state's next governor, Attorney General Maura Healey, will begin her tenure on Thursday.

You can watch Baker's full remarks here:

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Roberto Scalese Senior Editor, Digital
Roberto Scalese is a senior editor for digital.

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