By Bob Katzen

“Every wrong-way crash is a reminder that we can and should do better to prevent the heartbreak, loss and generational pain caused by preventable wrong-way driving accidents. While no law can undo that pain, we have a responsibility to learn from these tragedies and do everything in our power to prevent them from happening again. This [bill] will save lives and cannot happen soon enough.”

—Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough) on Gov. Healey signing into law, as part of the fiscal year 2027 state budget, a provision establishing a statewide strategy to prevent wrong-way driving incidents, enhance roadway safety and help save lives across the state.

“We understand the state is dealing with a federal administration recklessly eliminating longstanding, critical funding communities have relied upon for decades. But what we are expecting from our school districts, libraries and communities to shoulder is not sustainable. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action and we’re urging state leaders to act now.”
—American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang urging the Legislature to take quick action on the supplemental budget Gov. Healey filed to support public schools and the students they serve.

“Massachusetts residents and businesses are already struggling with the high cost of health care. Nobody can afford massive increases in their health insurance premiums on top of that. [Insurance] Commissioner Michael Caljouw and his team are always looking for ways to lower people’s costs – whether that’s by capping co-pays and deductibles or removing prior authorizations. Now, he’s saving people tens of millions of dollars next year by negotiating with affordability as his focus.”
—Gov. Healey announcing that the Division of Insurance has negotiated down proposed rate increases from seven health insurers, saving Massachusetts residents and businesses a projected $72 million in health care premiums for 2027.

“For months, the status of the Strait of Hormuz has heavily influenced oil and gas markets and the latest developments in the war have shown again how quickly that influence can impact what drivers pay at the pump. Where prices head next will depend on a combination of gasoline inventories, demand and the war with Iran.”
—Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast, noting that gasoline prices are spiking back above $4 a gallon.