Continuing its ongoing efforts to support a resilient, secure local food supply chain in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth announced today $5.9 million in grants to address urgent food insecurity for residents across Massachusetts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including nearly $300,000 in grants to Cape Ann businesses and nonprofits. This funding is being awarded as part…
The Commonwealth has announced a $774 million comprehensive plan to stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns and ensuring housing stability. This plan begins today by directing $115 million in new funding to small businesses and Main Streets hardest hit…
The Commonwealth has provided an update on a series of initiatives that will keep supporting the residents of the Massachusetts to stop the spread of COVID-19, and ensure the state’s readiness status heading into the fall and winter. Led by the COVID-19 Command Center, the Commonwealth outlined inter-departmental programs that have been built or expanded…
The Commonwealth has announced that effective Monday, October 5th, lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Phase III, Step 1. Governor Charlie Baker also issued a revised gatherings order. Industry specific guidance and protocols for a range of…
As the effects of COVID-19 have been felt across Massachusetts, the House of Representatives has worked with our colleagues in the Senate and the Baker-Polito Administration to address the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic, particularly for individuals and small businesses. In April, the Commonwealth implemented administrative tax relief measures for local businesses…
Cape Ann’s survival as a community depends on us to be good stewards of our natural environment. Rising sea levels could submerge homes and prevent public safety officers from responding to emergencies. Increasing water temperatures could inhibit our ability to harvest from the sea. Climbing atmospheric temperatures may increase the likelihood of respiratory issues. Confronting…
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has announced that it will begin offering dedicated service hours for residents who are 75 years of age or older and are required to renew their Massachusetts driver’s license in person, including customers whose licenses/IDs were extended until September (March, April, and May expirations). The new designated service…
During the ongoing Massachusetts 191st General Court’s 2019-2020 session – which has been extended through action taken by the Legislature – the House of Representatives has passed emergency legislation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as major legislation relating to education, transportation, and climate change. Following a decisive vote in July to extend the…
Due to above normal temperatures throughout July and early August and more than three months of below normal rainfall, a Level 2 – Significant Drought has been declared in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions. The declaration will remain in effect until water levels…
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The individual is a man in his 50s who was likely exposed to the virus in southwestern Essex County or eastern Middlesex County. The risk of human infection with WNV is considered…
