Maura Healey in 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: Dealing with a housing shortage that's decades in the making

We tripled tax credits for new housing and increased low-income housing credits. We funded 1,000 new rental vouchers and identified surplus public land for new homes. These steps will make a difference. But we're dealing with a housing shortage that's decades in the making.

To get costs down, we have to go big, and we have to do it now. That means passing our $4 billion Affordable Homes Act--the most ambitious housing plan in Massachusetts history.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Education: Literacy Launch: make Massachusetts first in literacy

Tonight, I am announcing Literacy Launch. Over the next five years, backed by budget investments, we will make the best reading materials available to more districts. Schools using the right materials are seeing major gains. We can bring that impact to every classroom. We will also mandate that educator training programs teach evidence-based instruction. Massachusetts is home to the first public school, first college, and first library. We are going to be first in literacy, too.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Energy & Oil: Make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world

We will make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world. We'll help Climate Tech companies not only start, but scale in Massachusetts--creating good jobs in the Climate Corridor we are building across our state. Our Climate Tech initiative will catalyze this growth into global leadership that benefits Massachusetts workers and communities. Already, we are leading the clean energy revolution.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Families & Children: Gateway to Pre-K: universal preschool in Gateway Cities

Pre-K plan to save families money and transform early education in our state. First, we'll get direct help to thousands of families, by expanding eligibility for state financial assistance. In this program, childcare costs are capped based on what you can afford.

Next, we'll set a new goal for early education in Massachusetts. Let's have universal pre-K access for every 4-year-old in our state.

Let's have universal pre-K access for every 4-year-old in our state. By 2026, we will guarantee access to high-quality, affordable preschool for every 4-yearold in all 26 Gateway Cities.

That means a seat in a classroom for over 23,000 children. And we won't stop there.

We're going to keep working--with businesses, providers, and the champions of childcare in the Legislature and across the state. Together, we will expand access, lower costs, and meet this childcare challenge.

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Families & Children: Most generous child and dependent tax credit of any state

We now have the most generous child and dependent tax credit of any state in the country. And we got rid of the two-child cap! For someone like my mom, it would've meant an extra $2200 every year. Mom, I bet you could've used that money.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Homeland Security: Named first cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Services

We appointed our first-ever cabinet-level Secretary of Veterans Services. In August we broke ground on a new, state-of-the-art facility that will provide the worldclass care our veterans deserve. And in December we opened an equally beautiful new Veterans Home in Chelsea. We have started a new chapter. And we will never let our veterans down again. Now let's pass the HERO Act--and make sure all our veterans get the respect, and services, they earned.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Technology: Build a transit system that is worthy of our economy

We'll increase funding for local roads and bridges to record levels, with special investments dedicated to rural communities. We'll double our support for MBTA operations, and tackle deferred maintenance, to build a system worthy of our economy. And we will establish a permanent, reduced fare for low-income T riders; and continue affordable options at regional transit authorities. Under my administration, we will not kick this can down the road any longer.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

On Welfare & Poverty: MBTA Communities Law: multi-family zoning near transit hubs

Gov. Healey: "We're committed to helping towns meet the MBTA Communities Law"

EOHLC website: Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities in 177 cities and towns: "This new law requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right; minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; located not more than 0.5 miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station; no age restrictions and suitable for families with children."]

Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Mass. legislature Jan 17, 2024

The above quotations are from 2024 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Sep 29, 2024