By Bob Katzen

“Recently, multiple news articles, op-eds, and think tank reports have asserted that Massachusetts is suffering an exodus of households, particularly high-income households, fleeing to states with lower taxes. A closely related claim is that outmigrants are taking billions of dollars out of the Massachusetts economy when they leave. These claims about income migration are both overblown and based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the available data.”

— From a report by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center.

“The MassTrails Grant program enables the Healey … Administration and our partners to grow our trails system and, ultimately, reduce transportation emissions. We know our residents want to get outside and enjoy their commute and their communities, but don’t always have an accessible, safe way to get around. MassTrails makes that possible through collaboration and connection.”
— Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing $11.6 million in funding through the MassTrails Grant Program to support 68 trail improvement projects across the Bay State.

“Residents throughout our districts are struggling with substance use disorders and the data shows that this crisis is only continuing to grow. It is on us –as a commonwealth– to do whatever we can to increase treatment services in our communities, and these reimbursement rates for substance use providers play a critical role in that.”
—Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) calling for the state to increase the MassHealth reimbursement rates for substance-related and addictive disorders program.

“Action on reducing plastics is overdue. The pollution and litter are everywhere, the public –by dint of the 156 cities and towns who have passed local bans—is in support, and passing these bills will result in a cleaner and more sustainable commonwealth.”
—Janet Domenitz, Director of MASSPIRG on her support for several bills limiting the use of a variety of single use plastics.

“The proposed bag regulations override the majority of local rules to ban reusable, recyclable American-made plastic bags in favor of higher-cost, imported alternatives that are still made from plastic, cannot be recycled, and have larger environmental impacts. We urge lawmakers to reject these unsustainable proposals that would increase costs on Massachusetts families and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders on more sustainable, alternative approaches as these discussions continue.”
— Zachary Taylor, director of the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance criticizing many of the bills.