By Bob Katzen

“While state ethics rules forbid public officials from accepting gifts worth more than $50, lobbyists are allowed to underwrite travel worth up to many thousands of dollars. The recipients of these gifts have only to claim that the travel has a ‘legitimate public purpose’ to promote the interests of the commonwealth. No explanation or supporting documentation is required.”

—Jeff Klein, a retired local union president and a longtime member of Boston’s Ward 13 Democratic Committee, on why he supports S 2109 – a bill that would close a loophole which allows lobbyists to underwrite travel by public officials.

“This was one of those once-in-a-generation storms, comparable to the Blizzard of ‘78 and 2015’s ‘Snowmaggedon,’ that people remember for the rest of their lives. While the snow has melted, the financial impact of the tremendous state and local effort remains, which is why this Major Disaster Declaration is so important. It ensures that our communities can recover, rebuild and be reimbursed for the extraordinary work it took to keep people safe.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey Administration requesting a Major Disaster Declaration to obtain federal funds to support communities impacted by the February 22-23, 2026 blizzard, which brought whiteout conditions, record snowfall and hurricane-force wind gusts to much of eastern Massachusetts.

“GE Aerospace’s investment in Lynn is a strong signal that Massachusetts remains a leader in advanced manufacturing and defense innovation. We have the talent, infrastructure and ecosystem that companies need to grow and compete … We are continuing to invest in that foundation and make it easier for companies to build and scale here.”
—Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley on the Healey Administration highlighting GE Aerospace’s $42 million investment in its Lynn manufacturing facility, which is strengthening Massachusetts’ defense industry, supporting local jobs and advancing the state’s leadership in advanced manufacturing.

“Massachusetts needs basic protections against excessive rent hikes. That’s why renters, homeowners, small landlords, unions and community groups all across Massachusetts are coming together to support commonsense rent stabilization. Together, we can protect tenants from big corporate investors who unreasonably increase rents, while still allowing landlords to earn a reasonable profit and enabling new construction to address housing shortages.”
— Katie Talbot, Organizing Director for Springfield No One Leaves, at a rally on Beacon Hill, supporting the possible November 2026 ballot question that would limit annual rent increases to no more than 5 percent.