By Bob Katzen

“We were absolutely thrilled to witness the signing of the bill, standing shoulder to shoulder with Gov. Healey, our legislative champions, advocates and survivors from across the commonwealth.

At a time when so many states are weakening their legislative responses to gun violence, we are so proud to see Massachusetts take this tremendous step forward. We are also so proud to have been a part of this advocacy every step of the way. This law ensures that Massachusetts will continue to lead the way, showing other states the impact and importance of taking a comprehensive approach to preventing gun violence.”
— Ruth Zakarin, CEO of the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence on Gov. Healey signing the bill changing the state’s gun laws.

“Massachusetts voters sent these elected officials to Beacon Hill to stand up for our health, to protect us from corporate greed and to safeguard our climate. On all counts, the Legislature has failed. Despite two years of mounting evidence from experts, advocates and officials in the Healey administration sending a clear signal that it’s time to move beyond gas, the House failed to adopt reasonable measures from the Senate to move the commonwealth off of gas.”
— Mark Dyen of Gas Transition Allies.

“Egos may be bruised at the Statehouse, but taxpayers should be feeling pretty good right now. Legislative leaders did not get their way with a handful of pieces of legislation and the taxpaying residents of Massachusetts were the winners. MassFiscal is pleased to have played an important role this legislative session with a voice protecting the taxpayers. We are the first and the last wall of resistance before another set of tax hike policies become law and we will not break. Our commitment lies with the taxpayers and we will continue to disrupt the plans of Statehouse leaders.
— Paul Craney, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“Instead of letting fear or hate drive the narrative around immigrants, we need to embrace the facts: Immigrants without status contribute hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local tax dollars to our region, fueling the services so many of us depend on. Granting those without status work authorization is a common-sense reform that would dramatically increase tax revenues, while helping immigrants feel more safe and welcome in the state and nation they already contribute so much to.”
— Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition, citing a study by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy showing that Immigrants without status contributed nearly $650 million in state and local taxes to Massachusetts in 2022.

“Since October 7th, antisemitism has skyrocketed across the country and continues to spread through our Massachusetts communities and institutions. Schools have posed a special area of concern, as efforts continue to inject anti-Israel and anti-Jewish content into curricula. In a strong demonstration of leadership and support for the Jewish community, several Massachusetts legislators took initiative to ensure Massachusetts confronts this dangerous hate.”
—From a statement by the American Jewish Committee New England on a section in the recently approved state budget that establishes a Special Commission for Addressing Antisemitism, and prompts the creation of curricula, resources and professional development opportunities to support antisemitism education.