By Bob Katzen

“In Massachusetts, we lead, we don’t follow. Tonight, you chose the kind of state we want to be: a state and a place where everyone can live free and safe in their communities; where diversity is a strength, not a flaw; where families can thrive; and where there’s no better place to raise a child. Where we nourish our kids and give them an education that sets them up for success no matter their career path. Where we make sure our seniors have housing and health care they deserve.

Where we champion science and research. Where someone with an idea and a little bit of determination can open a small business or incubate the next Vertex. Where young people know they can be who they are and be proud of it. Where women make decisions about their own health care, not the government. Tonight’s a moment of hope and of action. Hope and action: that’s what Kim and I are all about, and that’s what the next four years are going to be about.”
—Democratic Gov. Maura Healy on her re-election as governor.

“Tonight, the people of Massachusetts have spoken, and I respect their decision. I called Gov. Healey to congratulate her. Our differences in this race were real, but we all want what is best for Massachusetts, and I wish her well. I’ve never been involved in politics, but I can tell you this: we had fun, and we built something that matters. I’m humbled by the support that came in from across the political divide. We started this campaign with a simple idea: that Massachusetts should work for everyone. That idea didn’t lose tonight. Massachusetts families are still struggling with the cost of living. They still deserve accountability, affordability, opportunity and safe communities. The people who stood up in this campaign, many of them for the very first time, showed that voters are ready for change. I will keep fighting for an audit of the State Legislature, lower energy costs and a government that works for the people, not the insiders.”
—Mike Minogue, GOP candidate for governor, on his loss to Healey.

“Massachusetts farmers are an important part of our local economies, and our schools have a great opportunity to connect students with the people who grow their food. Whether it’s planting a school garden, visiting a local farm or preparing a meal with Massachusetts-grown ingredients, these experiences help students build healthy habits and stronger connections to their communities. We’re excited to support more of these partnerships across the state.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing $750,000 in grants to 29 school districts, early education programs and other organizations to expand access to locally grown food and help students learn about healthy eating, agriculture and where their food comes from. The funding will support school gardens, farm visits, cooking classes, local food purchasing and training for educators and school nutrition professionals across Massachusetts.

“This ruling ensures Massachusetts can continue receiving essential funding that keeps our communities and law enforcement officers safe, without being forced to comply with the Trump Administration’s cruel immigration agenda. The federal government’s threat to withhold this funding was cruel and illegal – the safety of our communities should never be used as a pawn in the President’s political games. I will continue fighting to preserve federal funding to Massachusetts and protect our residents from harm.”
—Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell on a coalition of 23 states, including Massachusetts, that secured an important victory in court that stops the federal government’s imposition of illegal immigration-enforcement conditions on Congressionally-authorized public safety grants, including grants intended to keep law enforcement officers safe and fight crime. A federal judge in the District of Rhode Island declared the Trump Administration’s actions unlawful and permanently enjoined any implementation or enforcement of these illegal conditions.

“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential to helping children get a strong start and giving parents the opportunity to work and support their families. This investment will help thousands of children and families access the care they need and recognizes the important role our early education and care workforce plays in supporting families across the commonwealth.”
–Education Secretary Steve Zrike announcing that the Department of Early Education and Care is implementing a $31.2 million expansion of Income Eligible Child Care Financial Assistance, helping approximately 2,100 additional children across Massachusetts access affordable, high-quality childcare.