By Bob Katzen
“Massachusetts continues to demonstrate why it is one of the best places in the world to start and grow a business. From the nation’s top-ranked education system and our unmatched talent to our leadership in industries like life sciences, robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing, we’re building an economy that attracts investment, creates jobs and strengthens our competitiveness.”
— Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley on Massachusetts’ score and ranking in CNBC’s annual America’s Top States for Business ranking, gaining 23 spots over the past two years and coming in as the #1 state for education nationwide and for business in New England. However, the Bay State was 49th in the “Cost of Doing Business” category and 39th in the “Cost of living” category.
“The courts have repeatedly ruled that the Trump Administration does not have the power to arbitrarily revoke grant funding that provides critical mental health services to our students. Still, the federal government continues its attempts to terminate funding. Thousands of students across the commonwealth depend on these critical resources, and I will continue to fight for this funding and push back against unlawful federal actions that harm our children.”
— Attorney General Andrea Campbell on her joining a coalition of 14 other attorneys general who filed a lawsuit to prevent the U.S. Department of Education from unlawfully terminating grants that are part of a congressionally approved school-based mental health program. After a court order found the Department’s attacks on these programs to be illegal, the administration is attempting again to terminate these grants at the end of July.
“Every child deserves the chance to have a fun, active and memorable summer, regardless of what their family can afford. Summer Nights gives young people a safe place to be with friends, discover new interests, build confidence and create memories that will last long after summer ends. Programs like this are part of what makes Massachusetts a great place to grow up.”
—Gov. Healey kicking off another summer of free activities for young people across Massachusetts through the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Summer Nights program that provides recreational, educational and leadership programs in cities and towns across the state.
“This investment is vital to ensuring that gender-affirming care remains accessible in Massachusetts. As federal attacks seek to severely restrict gender-affirming care across the country, these funds are critical in protecting trans and gender-diverse people.”
—Jo Erwin, CEO of Transhealth, on the state investing $7.5 million in the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund, including funding for PrEP access as well as a direct earmark for Transhealth.