Governor Deval Patrick: Stimulus created, saved 23,000 jobs

Gov. Deval Patrick is estimating that the federal stimulus program has created or saved 23,000 jobs in Massachusetts since February.

State agencies have received $4 billion from the $787 billion package, and have already spent $1.9 billion.

That money includes $1.3 billion for such benefits as unemployment insurance, and $500 million on programs and infrastructure.

The questions of jobs created by the federal stimulus program has been contentious.

Massachusetts officials earlier this year expressed frustration after the Obama administration estimated the 27-month program would save or create 79,000 jobs in the state.

At the time, state officials overseeing the program in Massachusetts said they had no idea how the White House came up with the pledge.

U.S. Rep. James Oberstar of Minnesota, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, also complained Massachusetts wasn't spending its funding fast enough.