🚆 Advancing further investments in our transportation network
Read the Baker-Polito Administration’s “Corner Office Connect” update for July 2019.
$18B Transportation Bond Bill: Building, modernizing a transportation system that meets Massachusetts’ needs
Building on operational improvements and historic investments in areas like the MBTA, the Baker-Polito Administration this month announced an $18 billion transportation bond bill to invest in a cleaner, safer and more reliable transportation network. The bill includes new money for MBTA capital improvements as well as plans to accelerate upgrades for the transit system. It also includes innovative ideas to incentivize telecommuting and remote working. Through these investments and ongoing, sustained work to improve public transportation and our roadways, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito remain committed to addressing the Commonwealth’s transportation needs.
Governor Baker visits a Cape Cod resident whose home was impacted by this month’s tornadoes. Through MEMA and the Massachusetts National Guard, the Baker-Polito Administration continues to deploy resources to the region to assist communities with recovery and response efforts.
PHOTOS | RESOURCES | PRESS RELEASE
Summer Nights Initiative: Positive programming for our communities
With the summer underway, Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito visited Roxbury to spotlight the Summer Nights Initiative, run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Baker-Polito administration launched Summer Nights in 2015, and since then the initiative has invested in additional programming opportunities and extended operating hours at DCR facilities in several urban communities. By partnering with community organizations, the Administration is able to leverage DCR resources to provide these important opportunities for youth in the Commonwealth’s urban areas.
“The goal of Summer Nights is to provide safe, inclusive and fun events for kids in dozens of communities to enjoy our parks and pools and we are grateful for the organizations who participate in this program,” said Governor Baker.
The Governor and Lt. Governor’s visit to Roxbury followed the launch of the program, which Lt. Governor Polito celebrated with community leaders in Worcester.
ROXBURY: PRESS RELEASE | PHOTOS
WORCESTER: PRESS RELEASE | PHOTOS
Major investments in workforce, affordable housing
The Baker-Polito Administration recognizes that the Commonwealth is in a housing crisis. As the administration continues to prioritize its Housing Choice legislation, the Governor and Lt. Governor have also highlighted their administration’s efforts to invest in housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in communities across the Commonwealth. Check out recaps below from events highlighting investments in workforce and affordable housing.
Workforce Housing Initiative re-capitalized with $86M investment
Earlier this month, Governor Baker joined members of the Black and Latino caucus in Mattapan to announce a new $86 million investment in the administration’s Workforce Housing Initiative, which supports housing opportunities for moderate-income families who do not qualify for traditional affordable housing. Much of that new investment is specifically geared toward home ownership opportunities for families in communities of color.
BOSTON GLOBE COVERAGE | AP COVERAGE | PRESS RELEASE
“Homeownership is an important step in addressing the wealth gap in communities of color. I commend Governor Baker for this bold initiative that will provide economic resources that will have impact today and for future generations.” — Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, Chair, Black and Latino Legislative Caucus
Rental awards build on commitment to affordable housing
CLICK FOR PHOTOS
The Baker-Polito Administration is also supporting efforts to expand affordable housing in communities across Massachusetts. In Swampscott, Governor Baker joined advocates, legislators and local officials to announce the 2019 Affordable Housing Rental awards. These investments will support the production and preservation of over 1,500 units of rental housing, including over 1,300 affordable units.
SALEM NEWS COVERAGE | LYNN ITEM COVERAGE | PRESS RELEASE
“Each housing unit advanced today will benefit entire communities, by bringing more people to downtowns, transforming long-vacant properties, and providing new customers for local businesses.” -Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
Resiliency planning in action
CLICK FOR PHOTOS
Safeguarding residents, communities and businesses from the impacts of climate change remains a priority, and the Baker-Polito Administration’s statewide planning municipal vulnerability planning efforts are paying off for communities. In Milbury this month, Governor Baker and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Katie Theohairides joined local officials and legislators to spotlight a $1 million MVP Action Grant focused on building resilient infrastructure in the town.
At the event, Governor Baker highlighted the administration’s Resilient Massachusetts legislation, which aims to create a sustained funding source for climate-adaptive infrastructure and hazard mitigation for communities across the Commonwealth.
Moving forward on South Coast Rail
The Baker-Polito Administration has advanced the South Coast Rail project further than ever before, making real progress toward the goal of delivering this important transit link between the South Coast and Boston. With a financing plan in place and key early infrastructure work underway, the Governor and Lt. Governor joined transportation officials and legislators earlier this month in Freetown for a groundbreaking event marking ongoing work to advance the project. Officials noted that after years of promises with little action, the Baker-Polito team is following through on a responsible approach that is on track to deliver this important service.
Keeping ride-share passengers safe
Building on the Commonwealth’s record of leading the way on background checks for rideshare drivers, the Baker-Polito Administration this month proposed new safety measures for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). The new safety proposals include the introduction of a new criminal offense for a driver to exploit the personal information of a rider to stalk, harass or defraud a rider, and strengthening penalties for the practice of “account renting,” or allowing another individual to utilize a TNC driver’s account or identity. The proposal also includes new tools to enable the collection of detailed trip data to help state and local planning entities address issues like traffic and congestion.
News in Brief
- Lt. Governor joins partners at Bank of America to launch new component of RESPECTfully campaign (PHOTOS)
- Black & Latino Advisory Commission leadership pushes for key elements of Administration’s education reform proposal (CommonWealth Magazine)
- Administration’s commitment to improving trail network earns praise (Greenfield Recorder)
- Mass. DPH, Red Sox team up for opioid addiction public awareness campaign encouraging those in need to pursue treatment (VIDEO)
