Gov. Baker Touts Accomplishments, Sets Goals in Speech 

Governor Charlie Baker

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker hailed what he called the spirit of bipartisanship on Beacon Hill as he detailed some of his goals for the new year in his first State of the State address.

The Republican governor spoke for about 25 minutes to a joint session of the Legislature — overwhelmingly controlled by Democrats — and a statewide television audience Thursday evening.

Baker looked back at what he said were some of his administration’s accomplishments during his first year in office, from battling historic snows to working to overhaul the public transit system.

Baker said his goals for the new year include stemming the tide of opioid deaths, expanding the state’s renewable energy portfolio and encouraging the creation of more charter schools.

Top Massachusetts Democrats are giving Baker largely positive reviews on his State of the State address.

Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo said after Thursday’s speech they were ready to work with Baker in the year ahead on tackling major issues including the state’s deadly opioid addiction crisis.

DeLeo said he would have liked to have heard Baker offer more specific plans for improving public transportation, and discuss additional steps for reducing gun violence.

Rosenberg said he was hoping for more discussion about ways to help working families.

U.S. Sen. Edward Markey said he was encouraged by the governor’s bipartisan tone and was hopeful that Washington could follow that lead.

Attorney General Maura Healey also praised Baker for his commitment to stemming opioid abuse.