By Bob Katzen
“Through the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), we are proud to invest in the places that make arts and culture accessible across Massachusetts. These projects strengthen local economies, preserve our shared heritage and ensure that residents and visitors alike can experience the full richness of our cultural sector for years to come.”
—David Slatery, Acting Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, announcing that 97 nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities will receive a total of $8.6 million through the most recent CFF grants.
“An order from the U.S. Supreme Court has extended providers’ ability to mail mifepristone while this case continues. This decision is a relief for patients, who can continue to access the medication abortion method of their choice, and for providers to continue offering the highest standards of care.”
— Dominique Lee, CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, on the U.S. Supreme Court extending a stay of the 5th Circuit’s ruling in Louisiana et al. v. Food and Drug Administration allowing health care providers to continue mailing mifepristone, one of two common medications used for abortion and miscarriage management, while the case continues.
“As we mark this important milestone for the Office of Problem Gambling Services, we continue to lean into our commitment to working with our state and community partners to expand access to prevention, referral and treatment for those impacted by harm caused by gambling. Amid this great expansion of gambling access and advertising, our work is guided by a belief that racial equity is foundational to these mitigation efforts and that centering community voices in addressing this public health issue is key.”
— Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, on the 10th anniversary of the state’s efforts to address gambling harm.
“Massachusetts may invest heavily in [college students’ talent], but it is not capturing the returns. People will stay only if the private sector is growing jobs and new businesses—that is the core challenge for policymakers interested in attracting and retaining young talent.”
—Jim Stergios, Executive Director of Pioneer Institute, on its study, which tracked the interstate movement of over 1,000 college graduates, and found that Massachusetts colleges lose 35 percent of its graduates after commencement while only attracting 20 percent back from other states.