By Bob Katzen

“As soon as we heard the news about Trump’s election, it really sent huge shockwaves through immigrant communities. We heard in the days following the election just so much fear. People are afraid of what’s coming. They’re afraid, for some folks, that they could lose a status, that they could be at risk for being arrested, potentially detained, potentially deported and could be facing family separation.
— Elizabeth Sweet, executive director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), in an interview with the State House News Service.

“Massachusetts residents have been kept in the dark about the conditions within emergency housing shelters for migrants. The shocking stories coming to light underscore just one reason why the Healey-Driscoll Administration needs to put an end to its open door policy welcoming migrants.”
—Mass GOP Chair Amy Carnevale on reports that Jon Fetherston, the former Director of a Massachusetts migrant shelter, has come forward as a whistleblower, exposing deeply disturbing and inhumane incidents within the state’s emergency shelter system.

“The survey’s findings highlight just how prevalent speeding is, especially among drivers who take other risks behind the wheel. Enforcement, community outreach and education continue to be absolutely critical to curbing a wide range of risky driving behaviors and ultimately lowering the number of traffic crash fatalities in the U.S.”
—Mark Schieldrop, spokesperson for AAA, on its study that a higher proportion of American drivers admit to speeding, driving distracted and engaging in other risky behaviors than those who steadfastly follow the rules of the road.

“The latest revenue numbers offer clear evidence that the ultra-wealthy are remaining in Massachusetts and paying more in state taxes. Because the ultra-rich are finally paying closer to their fair share of state taxes, Massachusetts can afford to invest in the well-educated workforce and reliable transportation system our economy depends on. Thanks to the voters who amended our Constitution to establish a fairer tax system, we can make Massachusetts more affordable for working families and start building an economy that works for everyone.”
— Andrew Farnitano, spokesperson for the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition, which led the campaign to pass the 2022 ballot question which imposed an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually.