By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts has never lacked for strengths. But if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that those strengths are not permanent. They have to be fought for every day. And they have to be earned again by every generation. I want Massachusetts to remain the place where talented young people come to learn, work, innovate and stay.”
—Senate President Karen Spilka in a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum.

“The American Cancer Society represents one of the most important strengths we have as a state — people who devote their talent, ability and resources to finding cures and saving lives. Massachusetts is home to the world’s leading research institutions, hospitals and life sciences companies because we have built an ecosystem that turns discovery into cures and hope for patients. President Trump’s attacks on research funding are putting that progress at risk. Clinical trials are being delayed, talented researchers are leaving and promising discoveries are being put on hold. In Massachusetts, we are going to keep investing in research and science because the work happening here saves lives around the world.”
—Gov. Healey at the 19th Annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Breakfast.

“For too long, working people have had to fight just to get our issues on Beacon Hill’s agenda. These [Working Families Party] candidates have already spent their lives fighting for affordable housing, good jobs, strong schools, immigrant communities and economic justice. They’re not running to continue business as usual. They’re running to make sure working families come first.”
—Josh Wolfsun, Massachusetts State Director for the new Working Families Party, announcing its endorsement of eight candidates for the Massachusetts Legislature.

“Massachusetts residents deserve clean, affordable energy, not greedy utilities robbing us monthly for obscene profits. If our senators are brave, their upcoming energy bill could set the standard nationwide for putting our communities and clean air over corporate profits.”
—Dan Zackin, Legislative Manager of 350 Mass, protesting what he calls Eversource’s corporate greed.