State of Massachusetts secondary Archives: on Technology
Carla Howell:
Anti-trust case on Microsoft will not work
Q: In terms of some of the other issues that the government has been getting involved in, say the Microsoft case, could you explain your position on that? A: The Microsoft antitrust case is not going to work. It could be
outright disastrous for high-tech in America. And, it will create all kinds of new problems, while diverting resources that should be concerned with true crime, not with successful big business.
Source: Eric Darbe, Massachusetts News
Jan 5, 2000
Carla Howell:
No ATM fee ban-leave the marketplace alone
Q: If an ATM fee ban came up in the Senate, would you support it and if not why? A: No. Leave the marketplace alone. This is an absurd idea, that telling a business not to charge for a particular service is going to help anything. It’s only
going to displace cost. It’s going to make things worse and create new problems, by imposing government regulation. It’s interfering with the free market in an area where the federal government has absolutely no business.
Source: Eric Darbe, Massachusetts News
Jan 5, 2000
Charlie Baker:
Last Mile program: high-speed internet for rural communities
We all know that High-speed internet has become central to the ways we communicate, learn and do business. But too many communities in Western Mass still don't have access to this essential service. That's why this past May we completely overhauled the
Last Mile program for our rural communities.We started with 53 towns lacking high speed internet access. And while there's still more work to be done, in just six months we've moved a dozen towns forward.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Massachusetts Legislature
Jan 24, 2017
Charlie Baker:
Lynn ferry service wasn't worth the $700,000 operating cost
Democratic gubernatorial Democratic gubernatorial candidate Setti Warren promised to revitalize the city by reinstating ferry service and extending the
Blue Line. "There's no reason why we can't put ferry service back to Lynn," he said. "It ran for two summers until it was cut.
We need to restore it so people can get in and out of the city and expand transportation."The ferry from the Blossom Street Ferry Terminal in Lynn to Boston's Seaport operated a pilot program in 2014 and 2015.
But the service was decommissioned last summer by the Baker administration, which argued it didn't generate enough riders to justify the $700,000 in state funds annually to operate it.
Source: Lynn Daily Item on 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
May 26, 2017
Charlie Baker:
Hundreds of millions to fix decades of neglect on the MBTA
We've allocated more than $700 million in local road and bridge funding--the largest investment in years. And another $3.6 billion has been spent on hundreds of road re-surfacing and improvement projects. All in we've repaired or replaced 80 bridges
and paved enough miles of roadway to crisscross the Commonwealth five times.Our public transportation system collapsed during the brutal winter of 2015. But three years later the T is investing hundreds of millions of dollars more on upgrading
its core infrastructure than it has in years, modernizing its operations and rescuing projects like the Green Line Extension.
There is more to do on the T. Much more. But for the first time in years the plan to modernize the system is in place
and moving forward. Fixing decades of neglect doesn't happen overnight. But make no mistake we will deliver the public transit system the people of this Commonwealth deserve.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 23, 2018
Charlie Baker:
High speed wifi in Western Massachusetts
When we took office, more than 50 communities in Western Massachusetts didn't have access to high speed internet services. I first heard about this when a local official told me horror stories about what life was like without it: students who
often did homework sitting in the car next to the library after hours--to get access to their wifi. That community--Mt. Everett Regional High School--c'mon; the parking lot?--now has high speed internet.
And the vast majority of the communities that had none when we took office either have it now or have plans to install it.
Thanks to this Legislature's help with funding for the build out they will all have this must have infrastructure over the next two years.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 23, 2018
Charlie Baker:
My job is to make sure the T works, not to ride it
Commuters on the MBTA should not expect to see Gov. Charlie Baker among the straphangers anytime soon. Responding to a frustrated MBTA rider who called in during a radio appearance, Baker said he is focused on improving the reliability of the MBTA
system but views it as his job to "make sure folks like you can have a reliable and predictable trip," not necessarily to ride it himself.Baker, who is driven from event to event by his State Police detail and has previously declined to participate
in the T-riding challenge, doubled down on his decision: "The governor is not a point-to-point person. It's very rare that I go from one place to the same place more than once, and that makes it extremely hard to think about how to factor that in,"
Baker said. "And frankly, I really do believe that my job is to make sure that we make the T work for the people who need it to work. Period."
Source: The Metro on 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Mar 8, 2018
Charlie Baker:
Over $8 billion on infrastructure for the T
Public transportation is an area in which the Commonwealth sat on its hands for far too many years and we're all paying the price for it. Over the course of the next five years, the T plans to spend over $8 billion on infrastructure, much of which will
be invested in its core system. This is more than twice what has ever been spent in any 5-year period.This will be no small task. One of the reasons previous administrations didn't invest in the core system is the complexity of upgrading and
modernizing a system that operates 20 hours a day, seven days a week. But it's a challenge that must be identified, scoped and overcome.
The T also needs to leverage its automated fare system once it's in place in 2020. For the first time,
that system will give the T real time data on how its riders use the system. That creates huge opportunities to improve service. To think differently about fares, routes and pricing. And to modernize operations to better serve customers.
Source: 2019 Massachusetts governor inaugural (State of the State)
Jan 3, 2019
Charlie Baker:
$18 billion transportation bond bill, the largest ever
We filed an $18 billion transportation bond bill last year, the largest ever. $11 billion would be invested in road and bridge improvements, with another $7 billion for additional expansion and modernization of transit, commuter rail and bus services.
Our 2021 budget proposal will include an increase of $135 million in operating funds for the T. This will ensure the T has the resources it needs to implement the recommendations of its Safety Review Panel and continue service improvements.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts State of the State address
Jan 21, 2020
Deval Patrick:
Supports state-wide WiFi
We will support new technology to guarantee wireless Internet access from anywhere in the State, regardless of region.
That access will serve to enhance education and workforce training, and public health initiatives, including childhood immunization and disaster preparedness.
Source: Moving Massachusetts Forward, Patrick’s policy booklet, p. 5
Sep 15, 2005
Deval Patrick:
Invest in broadband, wind turbines, roads & rails
I asked you to invest significantly over the next few years in expanding broadband access, and restoring our roads, rails and bridges--and you did.At the federal level, we are working hard to help shape a federal stimulus package to bridge us
to a better economy. If and when that package is passed, we will be ready to get projects underway and put people to work.
That means jobs extending broadband services; jobs installing solar panels, wind turbines, and weather stripping; jobs
rebuilding roads, rails and bridges; jobs modernizing our health care records management system and building schools.
Of course, our job in state government demands more than waiting for a federal lifeline.
We have launched one billion dollars of capital projects to start over the first 6 months of this year, creating new jobs and making it more attractive for companies and families to put down stakes in Massachusetts.
Source: 2009 State of the State speech to Massachusetts Legislature
Jan 1, 2009
Don Berwick:
Safe, convenient, responsive, reliable transportation system
Berwick said that if elected, his agenda for transportation projects would evaporate the disparity in project funding between Eastern and Western Massachusetts and prioritize long-neglected projects across the commonwealth. "Massachusetts deserves a
safe, convenient, responsive and reliable transportation system--one we can count on. We will have that if, and only if, we treat the system with respect, like we would our own car," Berwick said. "That means making prudent, regular investments that
create jobs, improve safety and begin to make up for decades of chronic neglect."
In regards to the question of whether projects will be paid for by new taxes or mass transit fare increases, Berwick pledged that he would work with legislators to find
other ways to come up with revenue. Additionally, he said that the gas tax increase instituted under Gov. Deval Patrick that took effect in July "may be necessary in the current environment, but it is not our future."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Jan 8, 2014
Don Berwick:
Switch from gas tax to pay-per-use fees on mileage
Berwick said that the gas tax increase instituted under Gov. Deval Patrick that took effect in July "may be necessary in the current environment, but it is not our future." Berwick said that he is instead inclined to explore a pay-per-use type of system
in which people are taxed based on the number of miles they drive while paying "strict attention to privacy concerns" in regards to the tracking technologies that monitor such usage.The candidate also said that deferred maintenance has led to
increased repair costs for many roads and bridges and putting off investments in regional transit authorities has led to inadequate hours of operations.
"It's 'pay now or pay more later,' and as governor I will support smart, focused and equitable
investment. We know that investing in transportation is a win-win for our economy and our commonwealth," Berwick said. "Upgrading transportation puts people to work. Evidence is clear that transportation investment in MA supports 1000s of jobs each year.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Jan 8, 2014
Don Berwick:
Nurture public transportation, resist fare increases
Regarding transportation, Berwick said he would focus on catching up on maintaining transportation infrastructure and implementing new innovations."Depending on which report you read, we may be $15 billion behind in maintenance," said
Berwick. "We need to put money into our roads and rails and bridges. We're approaching the edge of service limitations that are hurting our economy."
"Beyond that, I'm really excited about the innovations we could have, like 'smart streets' which are ways to give buses more responsive routes," said
Berwick. "I'd nurture public transportation, resist fare increases, improve schedules in regional transit, and look for more high speed rail opportunities."
Source: Walpole Times on 2014 Massachusetts Governor race
Jan 25, 2014
Don Berwick:
$600M via gas tax indexing for transportation financing
Joe Avellone called the indexing provision included in last year's transportation financing plan a "backdoor tax." Grossman said the Legislature in 2013 made a "modest downpayment" of $600 million in new revenue to support transportation,
but criticized the likely Republican nominee Charlie Baker for opposing gas tax indexing. "I would challenge Charlie Baker to say where on earth are you going to get the $1 billion we're going to lose over the next 10 years," he said.
Source: WWLP 22-News on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial debate
Jun 10, 2014
Ed Markey:
Expand program to get every child internet access
Markey pointed to his E-Rate program, which he authored as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The bill, he said, helped ensure "every child in America, especially poor children, had the internet on their desk." He noted he's leading efforts
to expand the $54 billion program by another $4 billion, to "make sure kids get it at home," not just schools and libraries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has reframed the way students learn across Massachusetts and the country.
Source: Springfield Republican on 2020 Massachusetts Senate debate
Oct 5, 2020
Jay Gonzalez:
High-speed rail between Springfield and Boston
Gonzalez voiced support building high-speed rail between Springfield and Boston. That project, among other infrastructure improvements, should be a priority, he said, citing his work on former Gov. Deval Patrick's $3 billion bridge repair initiative in
2008. "The Western part of the state has gotten the shaft for decades when it comes to transportation funding," Gonzalez said. "I'm committed to being governor of this whole state."
Source: Springfield Republican on 2018 Massachusetts Governor race
Apr 3, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Don't just re-arrange deck chairs on Transportation Titanic
It's time to get serious about our transportation system. We need a Governor who will be honest about what needs to be done, and who will be courageous enough to do it. If all we do is rearrange the chairs on the deck of the Transportation Titanic,
all we will get is more efficient seating on a sinking ship.That's why I support the Fair Share Tax, which would ask people who make over $1 million a year to pay more in income taxes to fund investments in transportation and education.
The tax would generate an additional $2 billion per year.
We desperately need new revenue for our transportation system.
The condition of our transportation infrastructure and commute times in Massachusetts are among the worst in the country, and they are getting worse under the Baker Administration.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign website jay4ma.com
Dec 12, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Accepted challenge to ride the T for 5 days
Commuters on the MBTA should not expect to see Gov. Charlie Baker among the straphangers anytime soon. Responding to a frustrated MBTA rider who called in during a radio appearance, Baker said he is focused on improving the reliability of the MBTA
system but views it as his job to "make sure folks like you can have a reliable and predictable trip," not necessarily to ride it himself.Democrat Jay Gonzalez--who is hoping to be the party's nominee for governor this fall--commuted from
Baker's Swampscott home to the State House earlier this week as part of a social media challenge to public officials to take the T for at least five days.
Gonzalez, who said he would occasionally take the T if elected governor,
responded to the governor's radio appearance in a tweet. "I took what would be his commute on public transportation earlier this week," Gonzalez wrote. "Not sure what he is afraid of."
Source: The Metro on 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial race
Mar 8, 2018
Jesse Gordon:
City-wide WiFi and more, in permanent infrastructure funding
Q: The U.S.'s infrastructure, from our roads and bridges, to our electrical grid, have not been properly invested in nor used the advances in technology for maintenance. America is long overdue to rebuild our crumbling public transit systems, ports,
and other infrastructure needs.A: Agree.
Candidate's position on this issue: The system of funding infrastructure should be changed so it's not a fight for every project. And more types of infrastructure should be included, like city-wide free WiFi.
Source: ORMA questionnaire for 2017 local Massachusetts endorsements
Jul 31, 2017
Karyn Polito:
Voted NO on replacing restrictions on local aid allocations
Mass. Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part XII: TAXES AND SERVICES: Clause 4: Local aid. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].A budget amendment (introduced by Rep. Jones, R, North Reading) to the proposed FY06 budget would
require that half of state revenue above $14.6 billion must go to local aid, up to $200 million total. The replacement amendment (introduced by Rep. St. Fleur, D, Boston) would maintain the existing local aid distribution formula. A vote of
YEA would replace the restricted formula with the existing distribution formula.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part XII, clause 4: TAXES AND PUBLIC SERVICES: Recognizing that small communities provide government services with largely
volunteer officials, we support efforts to educate and empower local officials with the information and resources necessary to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
Bill H. 4000 amendment #133 ; vote number H054
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Apr 29, 2005
Karyn Polito:
Voted NO on emerging technologies, math & science Fund
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: Economic Growth:Workforce Training. [State Rep. Polito, a Republican, voted NO].Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the
engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.
Relevant platform section:Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one
out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today's changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training.
We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."
Source citation: Veto Override, sec.70 ; vote number 481
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 13, 2004
Karyn Polito:
Build out high-speed internet via local partnerships
For the past three years, Karyn Polito and I have focused on strengthening communities. Our first Executive Order created a new partnership between state and local government. Funded by the Legislature and overseen by the Lieutenant Governor,
330 cities and towns have joined this partnership. Adopting more than 800 best practices in everything from financial planning to regional collaboration. This is how government should work.When we took office, more than 50 communities in
Western Massachusetts didn't have access to high speed internet services. [Now] the vast majority of the communities that had none when we took office either have it now or have plans to install it.
Thanks to this Legislature's help with funding for the build out they will all have this must have infrastructure over the next two years.
Source: Gov.Baker's 2018 Massachusetts State of the State speech
Jan 23, 2018
Lori Trahan:
Unlock public funds for infrastructure upgrades
Unlock public funding to promote smart infrastructure improvements and create jobs.
Lori wants to revitalize our cities and towns and strengthen our regional economy.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts 3rd House campaign website LoriTrahan.com
Oct 9, 2018
Martha Coakley:
Supports commuter rail for the South Coast
Martha Coakley said she supports commuter rail for the South Coast. "It's not if we pay for it, it's how we pay for it," Coakley said.
Coakley and said that economic growth needs to work for everybody, not just those at the top. "They're all doing well, thank you, but everybody in Massachusetts I think should be and can be in that economic turnaround," she said.
On rail, Coakley said it's an issue that everyone seems to want. "It will be a top priority," she said. "I think the governor has tried, is committed to it, and
I think it's something that I'm committed to making sure that it can happen."
Source: South Coast Today on 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Jan 5, 2014
Marty Walsh:
Voted YES on emerging technologies, math & science Fund
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: Economic Growth:Workforce Training. [State Rep. Walsh voted YES].Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the
engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.
Relevant platform section:Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one
out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today's changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training.
We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."
Source citation: Veto Override, sec.70 ; vote number 481
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 13, 2004
Marty Walsh:
Voted YES on replacing restrictions on local aid allocations
Mass. Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part XII: TAXES AND SERVICES: Clause 4: Local aid. [State Rep. Walsh, a Democrat, voted YES].A budget amendment (introduced by Rep. Jones, R, North Reading) to the proposed FY06 budget would
require that half of state revenue above $14.6 billion must go to local aid, up to $200 million total. The replacement amendment (introduced by Rep. St. Fleur, D, Boston) would maintain the existing local aid distribution formula. A vote of
YEA would replace the restricted formula with the existing distribution formula.
The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part XII, clause 4: TAXES AND PUBLIC SERVICES: Recognizing that small communities provide government services with largely
volunteer officials, we support efforts to educate and empower local officials with the information and resources necessary to carry out their duties in a professional manner.
Bill H. 4000 amendment #133 ; vote number H054
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Apr 29, 2005
Maura Healey:
Prioritize electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Increasing investments in public transportation, including regional transit authorities, with the help of federal funding.
- Shifting rail service patterns to serve throughout the day instead of a rush-hour focus. Technology and the pandemic
have changed commuting patterns, and we should adjust accordingly.
- Prioritizing public spending on electric vehicle charging infrastructure to projects that benefit low- and moderate-income households and overburdened communities.
Source: 2022 Massachusetts Governor campaign website MauraHealey.com
Jun 7, 2022
Richard Tisei:
Voted NO on emerging technologies, math & science Fund
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: Economic Growth:Workforce Training. [State Senator Tisei, a Republican, voted NO].Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the
engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.
Relevant platform section:Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one
out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today's changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training.
We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."
Source citation: Veto Override, sec.70 ; vote number 481
Source: Massachusetts Senate voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 15, 2004
Scott Brown:
Voted NO on emerging technologies, math & science Fund
Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform indicates voting YES in Part IV: Economic Growth:Workforce Training. [State Senator Brown, a Republican, voted NO].Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the
engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.
Relevant platform section:Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one
out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today's changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training.
We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."
Source citation: Veto Override, sec.70 ; vote number 481
Source: Massachusetts House voting record via MassScorecard.org
Jan 13, 2004
Setti Warren:
Reconstruct roadways; establish innovation centers
- Setti has focused on upgrading Newton's roads and sidewalks to remedy years of neglect, reconstructing 50 miles of roadway since 2013. Moving forward, Newton will be implementing new technology to improve traffic signalling and alleviate
traffic congestion.
- In 2013, Setti partnered with the Town of Needham and the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber to establish the N2 Innovation District as an attractive place for technology companies to do business.
Newton is increasingly becoming a place where talent, innovation, and community converge to support a vibrant, entrepreneurial economy.
- In 2016, Setti partnered with MassChallenge to open the Newton Innovation Center (NIC), a startup-friendly
collaborative workspace. The NIC offers programming, networking events, and internship programs. With over 60 startups currently working out of the NIC, its success demonstrates how Newton and other suburbs can be a hub for innovation.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
Setti Warren:
Public transportation systems are underfunded
Setti Warren believes the ability to move around the Commonwealth with reasonable speed and at reasonable cost is essential to addressing the challenges of economic inequality. Constant traffic, underfunded public transportation systems and crumbling
roads and bridges are not just an inconvenience, they are an impediment to opportunity. Creating more good jobs where people live will help lighten the load on highways and public transportation.
We need a strategy to make sure that regional transportation authorities are able to meet the needs of the people of the Commonwealth.
We must commit to projects like extending the Blue Line to Lynn, building a bullet train from Springfield to Boston, and repairing our underfunded roads and bridges. We cannot wait 20 years to get this done.
Source: 2018 Massachusetts governor campaign website SettiWarren.com
Jun 1, 2017
Setti Warren:
Build cross-state rail service
Mayor Warren said, "I believe that people making $20,000 a week, in our state, can afford to pay a little bit more to reinvest that in transportation and education."
Mayor Warren supports an east to west rail service. He said the Commonwealth needs one, and that can only happen by providing transportation from one end of the state to the other, which he feels will strengthen our economy.
Source: WWLP coverage of 2018 Massachusetts gubernatorial race
Aug 4, 2017
Setti Warren:
Supports MBTA extension plus high-speed East-West Rail
Investment in Transportation Infrastructure including opposition to Baker's Privatization Schemes- From my Twitter: Hitting Baker's Failures at MBTA: ".no new revenue and privatization is not working."
- Commitment to the Blue Line
Extension to Lynn: (in Lynn Daily Item): "We would endorse his vision, his common sense, his fortitude, and his ability to listen to what Lynn needs. Warren came to Lynn one week ago to underscore why he thinks a Blue Line extension running from
Wonderland to Lynn makes sense."
- (From MassLive): A public commitment--and a proposal--to build East-West Rail
- Facebook posting on Amazon Connection: (citing Worcester Business Journal): "I propose that Amazon locate its second
headquarters in Worcester, in the heart of the Commonwealth, and that Amazon and the Commonwealth work together to fund the construction of a bullet train connecting Western Massachusetts with Boston."
Source: ORMA questionnaire on 2018 Massachusetts governor race
Dec 20, 2017
Shiva Ayyadurai:
Make data from taxpayer funded research accessible
Bill Proposed by Dr.SHIVA Ayyadurai, MIT PhD: An act to restore truth in science by ensuring that any taxpayer funded research results in the institution receiving such funding ensure that data acquired from any
experiments in the course of such research is made immediately accessible near to every U.S. citizen.
Source: 2020 Massachusetts Senate campaign website Shiva4Senate.com
Feb 4, 2020
Steve Grossman:
Create 50,000 "lab coat"-manufacturing jobs
Grossman said college students "were drowning in debt," called the lack of primary care physicians in gateway communities "a crisis," and said wellness programs in the workplace were a good investment.
He also vowed to create 50,000 "lab coat"-manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts by creating a coalition of vo-tech high schools, community colleges and employers.
Source: Wicked Local Brookline on 2014 Massachusetts governor's race
Feb 14, 2014
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023