250 years ago this April, on a common in Lexington and a bridge in Concord, the farmers, tradesmen and shopkeepers of the Massachusetts Militia took a stand.
They risked everything for the right to self-government; and they started the Revolution that gave us our country.
This is our legacy in Massachusetts, and it’s more than history. It’s who we are.
Two years ago, we promised to lead in a way worthy of this state’s proud history and incredible people.
We promised to protect and strengthen the things we love, and tackle the things that make life too hard, for too many — like high costs that hold us back, and aging infrastructure that slows us down.
These problems had been building up – or breaking down – for years. Maybe there were other priorities. Maybe the politics were hard. But people are hurting. Too many were leaving.
And we refused to kick the can down the road. We were determined to do the hard things – and do them together.
We delivered Massachusetts’ first tax cut in 20 years.
In the first year alone, seniors got an average of $1000 more back. Every single family with a child got hundreds of dollars back — we now have the most generous child tax credit in the country, along with free breakfast and lunch for every kid in school, and cost-free community college.
We took a stand on childcare, becoming the only state to fully replace the federal support that went away after the pandemic, with $1.5 billion investment.
We not only saved our system, it’s growing. Today 36,000 children can get quality, affordable care; and their parents can go to work and support their families.
People want to be able to afford a home.
So we passed the Affordable Homes Act to create tens of thousands of affordable homes – and new homeowners. Already, we increased production in state programs by 50%.
People want a transportation system they can rely on.
So we hired an experienced MBTA General Manager in Phil Eng. Phil set a goal of fixing the tracks by the end of 2024 — a bold promise, given the T’s history. But he and his team beat their deadline.
And for the first time in over 20 years, the T is full speed, with no more slow zones, giving you time back in your life.
We also made regional bus systems, from the Berkshires to Cape Ann, fare-free. And for the first time in 70 years, this spring we will start South Coast Rail commuter service to Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. We won funding to take the next steps forward on West-East Rail. And we got the biggest bridge grant ever given to a single state, for the Cape Cod Bridges.
And when we took office, too many were leaving. Every year more were heading to other states. Now that trend is changing.
Each year we’ve been in office, fewer people have been leaving. And last year, we had the biggest population increase since 1964, a 60-year high.
We are ranked #1 for education, innovation, and healthcare. We were named the best state for women, best state to have a baby, and best state to raise a family. We are ranked the most environmentally friendly state – and the safest state as well. Our economy has continued to grow and add good jobs. Unemployment is low, and median household income is the highest in the nation.
And we can say, with pride, the state of our Commonwealth is strong.
We have a lot left to do. So we will keep our revolutionary spirit alive. 250 years after we first led the way towards American Democracy, Massachusetts’ moment is here once more.
Because in this moment, our actions matter more than our words. Taking on the hard challenges matters. The choices and investments we make matter. The world we build for the next generation matters.
In a time that is too often defined by our differences, let’s keep our eyes on the things we share in common. Let’s recognize that our lives and fates are bound together. And let’s work for the common good in our Commonwealth.
Let’s get after it.
-Maura