By Bob Katzen

“Housing costs remain one of the biggest challenges facing communities across our state, but this data shows that we are making meaningful progress. Adding nearly 35,000 homes in a single year is an important milestone, and it reflects the commitment of local leaders, planners, builders and residents who are helping create more housing opportunities in every region of Massachusetts. We know there is more work to do, and we’re committed to keeping up the momentum.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing that Massachusetts added more than 34,500 new homes in 2025, marking strong early progress toward the state’s goal of creating 222,000 homes between 2025 and 2035.

“Repealing recreational cannabis laws in Massachusetts will not only take us backwards – it will negatively impact our communities that are already struggling with budget shortfalls and locally owned small businesses that have invested their life savings into building their legal businesses that create jobs and support local economies. Since legalization, the cannabis industry has brought in close to $2 billion in state and local revenue, generated hundreds of millions of dollars annually in support of public health, public safety and many other wide-reaching community investments.”
—Ryan Dominguez, chair of the “Stop the Repeal Campaign,” a group that is working against the possible November 2026 ballot question that would repeal the 2016 voter-approved legalization of recreational marijuana.

“This is an important moment in time to support civics education and make sure that students are informed, engaged and empowered to actively participate in society and democracy. We are glad to provide these resources for educators to help them support our students today become our leaders of tomorrow.”
—Secretary of Education Steve Zrike on the creation of Teaching for Civic Empowerment, a new professional learning initiative designed to strengthen civics instruction by providing free, high-quality professional learning opportunities to 6,000 educators over five years to increase educator confidence and expertise with civics instruction.

“Small Business Administration loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery. These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”
—Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, announcing the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to offset their economic losses caused by the blizzard that occurred from Feb. 22–27.