By Bob Katzen
“This funding marks a major milestone for communities around our commonwealth that have waited far too long for meaningful investment. When I proposed the Environmental Justice Fund … I did so with the conviction that every neighborhood deserves clean air, safe water and a healthy environment. These funds, which we procured by holding polluters accountable, will help repair historic harms and ensure that these resources flow directly to the communities most in need of our support.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing the awarding of $475,000 in grants to support community-based projects that address environmental harms in disadvantaged communities.
“President Trump’s executive order preempting state-level AI regulation is nothing less than a giveaway to the trillion-dollar Big Tech companies and ultra-wealthy CEOs that funded his campaign. One of the most basic functions of government is the power to protect its people. By taking away our power to place reasonable guardrails around the development and use of artificial intelligence, the president is neutering our ability to defend Bay Staters against the worst drawbacks of this technology, including AI-generated deepfakes, predatory algorithms, dangerous misinformation campaigns and more.”
—Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury) urging the Bay State Congressional delegation to fight President Trump’s recently-signed executive order on artificial intelligence, which directs U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to establish an AI Litigation Task Force whose sole purpose will be to challenge state-level AI regulations in court.
“From our smallest hill towns to our Gateway Cities and regional hubs, we are listening to local leaders and making sure they have the resources they need to deliver for their residents. These Community Development Block Grants will support housing and economic development in cities and towns across the state, and the new Rural and Small Town designation will make sure that no community is left behind.”
—Gov. Maura Healey, announcing nearly $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant awards to support housing, infrastructure, social services and economic development projects in 52 communities across Massachusetts.
“These grants put real resources behind our commitment to protecting Massachusetts’ farmland. We are proud to support Massachusetts farming heritage and legacy to ensure our farmlands are there for generations to come.”
— Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing over $1.8 million in funding to help protect farmland, support farm businesses and keep agricultural land in active use across Massachusetts through the newly created Massachusetts Farmland Partnership Program.