By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts’ leadership in education and innovation go hand in hand. From building strong foundations in early education to creating pathways through K-12 and higher education, we are giving learners the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to pursue their goals.

This recognition reflects the extraordinary work of our students and educators, and we remain focused on ensuring every learner, in every community, has the opportunities to succeed and help drive Massachusetts forward.”
— Education Secretary Steve Zrike on U.S. News and World Report’s that found Massachusetts has the highest share of top-performing public high schools of any state in the nation, with 47 percent of eligible Massachusetts high schools ranking in the top quarter nationally.

“Massachusetts is where big ideas become new technologies, new businesses and new jobs. By investing in shared facilities and equipment, we’re helping startups overcome some of the biggest hurdles to getting their products out of the lab and into the world. That’s how we help more companies start here, grow here and stay here.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing $6.6 million in grants to strengthen Massachusetts’ growing robotics industry and help companies turn ideas into products made here in Massachusetts.

“Providing access to nutritious food is an essential part of high-quality programming for our youngest learners. We are excited to support this partnership that will help more childcare programs connect with resources to provide healthy meals and snacks, while reducing barriers for providers and strengthening the supports available to children and families across Massachusetts.”
—Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw announcing a new partnership with Project Bread to help more childcare and afterschool programs access federal funding to provide healthy meals and snacks to kids across the state.

“This victory blocks the Trump Administration’s attempt to make gender-affirming care more expensive and less accessible. Gender-affirming care is critical to the emotional and physical wellbeing of transgender individuals, and the Trump Administration does not have the authority to unlawfully make this care less accessible and more expensive for patients and families. I will continue to fight for the rights of all our residents to have affordable access to essential healthcare.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing that a coalition of 21 states, including Massachusetts, secured a major victory after the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts struck down a key provision of a Trump Administration final rule that would have excluded coverage of certain types of gender-affirming care as essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Essential health benefits are subject to the ACA’s financial protections, including limits on out-of-pocket costs.

“Our Annual Tomato Contest highlights the resilience, dedication and skill of our farmers, who work year-round to bring fresh, premium produce to our tables despite all the challenges they face. They are vital to our communities and local economies. Choosing local produce means enjoying better flavor while directly supporting the families who sustain our land.”
—Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle announcing the winners of the 41st Annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest: Upper Hand Farm in Beverly, Verrill Farm in Concord, Sow and Savor Farm in Ipswich and Rota Spring Farm in Ipswich.

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