In her State of the Commonwealth address on Wednesday, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey outlined her goals for 2024, which include addressing the staggering cost of housing and child care, improving the state’s infrastructure, and strengthening schools. The Democratic governor delivered her speech to a packed crowd of state lawmakers and members of her administration in the House of Representatives chamber at the Massachusetts Statehouse.
Governor Healey acknowledged the state’s strong economy, with record-low unemployment and a high number of jobs. However, she also recognized that prices are high, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. She emphasized the urgent need to make housing more affordable, as it remains the biggest challenge that hinders progress in other areas.
To tackle the issue of affordable housing, Governor Healey proposed a $4 billion housing plan. She plans to testify in favor of the bill at a Statehouse hearing on Thursday. The goal of the plan is to make it easier for everyone to find affordable housing in the state, whether they were born or educated there or run a business in Massachusetts.
In addition to housing, Governor Healey highlighted an initiative aimed at improving access to child care and early education for parents across the state, particularly in the “Gateway Cities,” former industrial cities like Worcester, Springfield, New Bedford, Taunton, and Chelsea. The plan ensures that every 4-year-old in these cities has the opportunity to enroll in a high-quality preschool program by 2026 at low or no cost. It also increases eligibility for Child Care Financial Assistance, helping an additional 4,000 low- and moderate-income families afford child care.
Governor Healey expressed her commitment to universal pre-K for every 4-year-old in Massachusetts, and her budget proposal includes $10 million to ensure access to mental health care for vulnerable young people in the state. She emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment where every young person feels they can ask for help and receive it.
The governor’s address came shortly after announcing $375 million in budget cuts due to an anticipated shortfall. Republican state Senator Peter Durant criticized Healey for not adequately addressing the hardships facing Massachusetts, including affordability issues, financial troubles, and the burden of the migrant crisis on taxpayers. He urged for bipartisan collaboration to get the state back on track.
Governor Healey also addressed the state’s efforts to cope with the influx of migrants and the strain it has put on the homeless shelter system. While acknowledging that Massachusetts did not create this problem, she highlighted the state’s efforts to provide work permits to newcomers through a Work Authorization Clinic.
In conclusion, Governor Healey’s State of the Commonwealth address focused on tackling the challenges of affordable housing and child care in Massachusetts. She emphasized the need for immediate action and outlined her plans to address these issues. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to address the state’s financial troubles and the burden of the migrant crisis.
