Patrick to outline goals in State of the Commonwealth address

BOSTON, Mass. (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick is planning to spell out some of his top goals for the new year as he delivers his annual state of the state address.

Patrick has already begun outlining some of those priorities, including a costly overhaul of the state's transportation financing system and an ambitious plan to expand early childhood education and make higher education more affordable.

The televised address is set for 7:30 p.m.

Patrick has also been laying the groundwork for possible tax hikes. On Tuesday, Patrick said the state has to "stop being afraid of that conversation."

A number of tax proposals have already been floated, including increases in the state's income, sales and gas taxes, but Patrick has yet to specifically endorse any.

You can watch the State of the Commonwealth address live on 22News or on WWLP.com on any mobile device.