By Bob Katzen

“Expanding our forest canopy is one piece of the larger puzzle to combatting climate change in Massachusetts. With continuous heat waves leading to higher energy bills and greater greenhouse gas emissions, our Greening the Gateway Cities Program leverages our state resources and engages residents to help plant trees and enhance public health. Reducing the urban heat island effect is a top priority, and our non-profit partnerships … will help cool our neighborhoods, towns and cities.”

— Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on awarding $1 million in grants to support tree planting in Gateway Cities across the state.

“This collaborative initiative strives to increase the parole system’s transparency while supporting individuals as they navigate the reentry process and plan for a successful return to the community. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security is grateful to our many partners in this effort and reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing innovative programs that enhance public safety, reduce recidivism and build safer communities.”
—Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy on the launch of a pilot program to educate and support incarcerated individuals through the parole process.

“We are excited to launch the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, a delicious route that highlights the incredible diversity of our dairy farms and ice cream shops. Massachusetts has a vibrant agricultural sector that thrives thanks to the hardworking farmers who diligently support our communities. This new tourism trail is designed to invite residents and visitors to experience our creative dessert offerings at traditional parlors, innovative shops and local farm stands.”
—Gov. Healey announcing the launch of the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, an initiative celebrating the rich history of ice cream making in the Bay State and encouraging residents and visitors to explore the flavors and experiences offered by more than 100 ice cream destinations across the state.

“Gov. Maura Healey, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka are making policy choices that come with significant economic costs to the taxpayers. While they signal with their lack of policy reforms that the state can afford to cover the financial costs for the world’s migrants, the center’s study shines a light on what their lack of action is costing the taxpayers. Massachusetts taxpayers better be ready for the fiscal time bomb our governor and Statehouse leaders have set us up for.
—Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, commenting on a new study examining the economic cost to Massachusetts taxpayers for the state’s migrant and illegal immigration crisis.