By Bob Katzen

“With President Trump repeatedly attacking the programs that help Massachusetts families afford food, programs like these will increase the supply of locally grown healthy, affordable food. These awards are supporting local jobs, farmers and small food businesses that keep money circulating in our local economy and provide essential food for the people of Massachusetts.”

—Gov. Maura Healey announcing $779,458 in funding to improve food access in underserved communities throughout Massachusetts, by increasing local food production which will support the growth of urban farms, community gardens and food business operations, targeting areas that struggle with food insecurity.

“Today’s court order will undoubtedly save lives by preventing the federal government from terminating funding that helps communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. This decision sends a clear message that the Trump Administration must not abandon state and local communities, and I won’t stop fighting to protect our residents from the federal government’s abuses of power.”
—Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing that a coalition of 20 states, including Massachusetts, won their lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike.

“Massachusetts is not competing against states like New Hampshire, instead New Hampshire is competing against states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina. In this recent case, New Hampshire won, but in every case Massachusetts loses. When employers are choosing to cross the border because they can’t keep up with our taxes, energy cost and mandates, that should be a wake-up call for every policymaker on Beacon Hill.”
—Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on the widening competitiveness gap between Massachusetts and New Hampshire as a series of high-profile employers have announced relocations from Massachusetts to the largely tax-free Granite State, an exodus Craney says is increasingly driven by Massachusetts’ rising taxes, energy costs and regulatory mandates.

“By empowering homeowners and local municipalities with clear rules and practical support, we’re making it easier for accessory dwelling units to become part of the solution to our housing challenges. These new tools will give families more options to stay in their communities, live near loved ones and create opportunities for extra income and increased independence.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing a new campaign to make it easier and cheaper for people across Massachusetts to build accessory dwelling units — also known as granny flats or in-law apartments – which are small residential living spaces that are located on the same lot as another home.