By Bob Katzen

“These facilities will provide a wonderful opportunity for our Massachusetts students and workers to get the hands-on skills training they need to enter into cybersecurity careers. At the same time, these new centers will offer cost-effective security monitoring to support small towns, businesses and nonprofits, protection that is becoming increasingly important for these institutions.”

—Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announcing $3.7 million in state grants to promote the development of a diverse cybersecurity workforce and improve local cyber resiliency in the state.

“Climate change is a defining crisis of our time. The current generation of students is going to lead our way forward. At Framingham State, students in our Department of Environmental Science and Policy and Department of Environment, Society and Sustainability are gaining the skills, techniques and knowledge to solve the major social-environmental problems of our planet.
—Framingham State University President Dr. Nancy Niemi on the university being recognized as one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for the 11th time by The Princeton Review.

“Our ability to provide the kind of care that residents need in order to live healthy and productive lives is directly impacted by the policies and funding provided by our federal government. Norfolk County, like other counties, is often the first line of defense when dealing with mental and behavioral health issues. I am calling on Congress to do what is necessary and right to help us do our jobs better on behalf of the people we serve.”
—Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott urging the federal government to help support behavioral and mental health treatment by better directing resources to community-based treatment and services in order to help support residents with behavioral health conditions and reduce the reliance on criminal legal services, including jails and prisons.

“Today in Massachusetts, too many students graduate high school unprepared for college and careers while at the same time good-paying jobs go unfilled. Our coalition believes that Massachusetts can address some of our most pressing challenges by creating stronger connections between what students are learning in high school and the economic opportunities our employers are creating.”
—Edward Lambert, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.

“We are proud to work with excellent local partners at community action agencies to provide relief to families across the state. We encourage anyone who may need assistance paying their winter heating bills to explore their eligibility, and we ask others who know loved ones or neighbors who could benefit from this free resource to apply, as well. No one should have to worry about their ability to access adequate heating.”
—Jennifer Maddox, Undersecretary, Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.