By Bob Katzen

“The senator from the far left.”
—Acting Senate President Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) recognizing Sen. Adams Hinds (D-Pittsfield) during debate on the Senate floor.

“Ensuring children, their families and all individuals have access to healthy, local food products is critical, particularly as so many continue to be detrimentally impacted by the pandemic. Our administration is proud to work so closely with the Commonwealth’s farmers, food distributors, non-profit organization, and others as we partner to strengthen the state’s food supply chains.”
— Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on The Baker administration announcement of $22.5 million in funding to food producers across the state continuing to address food insecurity issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Here is the challenge we are facing: the annual inflation rate in the United States has now accelerated to a four-decade high of 8.5 percent. That’s the highest increase since December of 1981.”
—Umass President Marty Meehan on the 2.5 percent tuition hike at all University of Massachusetts campuses for the 2022-2023 academic years ending a 3-year freeze during the pandemic. The hike represents between $346 and $395 more per year, as well as increases in room and board costs ranging from 1.9 percent to 3.9 percent.

COVID was so challenging for families living with dementia. Access to health care was severely limited. Both family and community support literally evaporated overnight, leaving people with dementia and their family care partners to manage and grapple by themselves.”
— Alzheimer’s Association MA/NH Chapter President and CEO Jim Wessler urging the Legislature to approve several bills that would help fund Alzheimer’s care.