By Bob Katzen
“It is an honor to be named the most sustainable state in the nation. State and local partnerships like the Green Communities program have propelled clean energy innovation across Massachusetts. We are grateful for the hard work being done by our cities and towns to address climate change and protect public health. Local action is vital to reducing Massachusetts’ carbon emissions.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll reacting to Forbes Magazine ranking Massachusetts as the most environmentally-friendly state in the nation.
“Every day we offer shelter, services and support with funding that doesn’t come close to the need. Our state has been a national leader in the fight to end homelessness and we are here today because we intend to continue to lead. But we need the resources to do it.”
— Lifebridge North Shore Vice President of Advocacy and Community Relations Gary Barrett advocating for funding for homeless programs, as members of the statewide Coalition for Homeless Individuals lobbied legislators on Beacon Hill for increased funding for homeless programs.
“We are wholeheartedly dedicated to empowering our servicemembers, veterans and their families with comprehensive support across Massachusetts. This funding strengthens the backbone of our veteran community by expanding crucial peer support networks and broadening our suicide prevention efforts, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our veterans with precision and compassion.”
— Jon Santiago, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, announcing $2 million in grants through the Veterans Community Initiative Grant program for 15 community organizations to support informal and formal peer support efforts as well as fund innovative programming to address suicide prevention in the veteran and servicemember community in Massachusetts.
“Every day, but especially as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we work to reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts. Through initiatives like suicide prevention services funding and the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, it is our hope that anyone who struggles with their mental health know where to access services, and that it is OK to talk to someone and seek help.”
—Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh announcing $1.9 million in annual state funding over the next 11 years awarded to 19 community organizations to provide suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services across the state.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to showcase Massachusetts’ climate and economic leadership on the global stage, and to make the case for why businesses should consider starting and growing in our state. Massachusetts deeply values our close relationship with Italy and the Vatican City State, and we see this trip as an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties and strategize on future opportunities for collaboration.”
—Gov. Maura Healey commenting on her trip to Italy with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“The governor and mayor are jet setting to Italy under the guise of climate change awareness to learn new strategies on how they can force the people of Massachusetts to cut our consumption. In the age of Zoom and remote meeting options, there’s no reason for the contradicting emissions-heavy flight across the Atlantic in the name of saving our planet. There is so much pageantry, flaunting of their status, self-celebration and hypocrisy.”
— Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.