Gov. Patrick travels to Columbia for business

WWLP TV

Updated: Feb 19, 2013 8:06 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — Governor Deval Patrick is on a trade trip to Columbia Tuesday. 

This is the fourth international trip the governor has taken to promote business relations between Massachusetts and other countries. Accompanying the governor are his wife, a handful of staff members and about half a dozen leaders in the Massachusetts business community. 

The Patrick administration estimates the trip will cost less than $180,000, but some lawmakers believe the governor's time could be better spent here on Beacon Hill.

“I would obviously encourage the governor anytime he wants to bring trade back to Massachusetts to do so,” said Rep. Don Humason (R-Westfield). “On the other hand there's a lot that he has on his plate here including the Department of Public Health and the Department of Transitional Assistance, EBT reform.”

The governor heads to Florida on Wednesday to vacation with his wife, Diane Patrick. He will then visit Washington D.C. Friday and Saturday to attend the National Governors Association meetings.

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