By Bob Katzen

“Expanding our mountain biking trail system will create destinations that connect visitors to our rural communities and the mountains and forests that surround them. It is without a doubt, that investing in accessible outdoor recreation is beneficial not only for our state’s regional economies but also for our health.”

— Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Paul Jahnige on the announcement of $300,000 in grants to build and maintain destination mountain biking trail systems that include accessibility features, offer scenic routes and stimulate rural economies.

“In Middlesex County we have had multiple businesses and municipalities impacted by cyberattacks and data breaches. These incidents erode our sense of safety and security and can cost victims millions to get their systems back up and running.”
— District Attorney Marian Ryan speaking at her Ransomware Response Conference for more than 100 industry leaders at hospitals, schools, municipalities and businesses.

“We actively solicit input from attorneys and other court users, as well as court employees, about what we can do better. In addition, we seek public comments on rule changes. And we recently resumed our Judicial Performance Evaluation program by sending out surveys about judges in selected courts to over 10,000 lawyers and over 1,000 court employees, as well as to jurors.”
—Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly Budd giving her fourth annual address on the state of the judiciary to the legal community.

“This year’s Climate Ready Housing funding will enable energy retrofit improvements of nearly 1,000 homes across the state. This funding will lower costs for low- and moderate-income residents, improve indoor air quality for our residents and reduce greenhouse gas emissions … and will put us on the path to achieving the commonwealth’s net zero emissions goal while creating more resilient homes.”
—Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus on the Healey Administration awarding $16 Million to decarbonize affordable housing.