Last week, the Commonwealth announced allocation and distribution plans for the first round of COVID-19 vaccine shipments to Massachusetts set to begin around December 15. The state’s first shipment of 59,475 doses of the Pfizer vaccine was ordered from the federal government this past Friday and will be delivered directly to 21 hospitals across 8…
Yesterday, Governor Baker announced that effective Sunday, December 13th, all communities in Massachusetts will return to Step 1 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. This will reduce indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors of the economy and tighten several other workplace restrictions. This roll-back is in response to an increase in…
Last week, I voted along with my colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass a Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) budget, which invests in programs and services across the Commonwealth. Funded at $46.2 billion, the budget aims to address the sweeping effects of the global pandemic by making targeted investments in housing, food security, and substance use…
As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to personally extend my thanks to you all for your strength and perseverance during these trying times and wish you a safe and happy holiday. While we offer our thanks for what we have, we must also pause and remember those who are no longer with us due…
The Mass Cultural Council, in partnership with the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development, has launched the Cultural Organization Economic Recovery Grant Program, which offers grant assistance to Massachusetts nonprofit cultural organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the $10 million available, $2 million will be dedicated to supporting small cultural nonprofits, in…
Today, the Commonwealth announced a series of targeted measures to disrupt the increasing trend of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. These changes are being announced at a time where public health data has indicated that cases are rising, with cases up by 278% and hospitalizations up by 145% since Labor Day. These measures are meant…
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…
