BOSTON - Wednesday, July 30, 2008 -- The following is statement from Governor Deval Patrick on legislation approved by Congress and signed today by President Bush that will provide mortgage relief for hundreds of thousands of struggling homeowners:

"The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 marks a major turning point in our efforts to combat the nation's housing crisis. I thank Congressman Barney Frank for his steadfast determination and leadership, and the President for signing the bill. Thanks to this legislation, we will have new resources to help Massachusetts homeowners stay in their homes, and to keep Massachusetts communities stable."