By Bob Katzen

“Since launching our Office of Outdoor Recreation, we have made it our mission to ensure that the outdoors is accessible and inclusive to everyone. Our approach is fueling local economies and empowering communities and organizations. This report demonstrates that we can drive business growth and foster connections with our natural resources at the same time.”
—Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper on new figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis reporting the significant expansion of Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy which generated $13.2 billion in value added to the state’s economy in 2023 and created 103,600 jobs.

“It is extremely important to deter bars from over-serving and prevent problems before they happen. We want to keep people safe and make sure everyone can enjoy the holidays with their family and friends, avoiding tragedies before they occur.”
—State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announcing that the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission which she chairs, will be conducting alcohol enforcement at local bars in in Massachusetts cities and towns from Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve

“The educational experience of all students — regardless of their racial and ethnic background — will be enriched by having diverse teachers throughout their learning journey. Our students need our public schools to recruit and retain more exceptional educators of color, and now we have one more tool to help us do that.”
—Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) President Max Page, applauding the inclusion of key elements of the MTA-backed “Educator Diversity Act” in the economic development bill just signed into law by the governor.