“Ahead of Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll’s 100th day in office on April 15th, their administration is highlighting key accomplishments to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable.

In addition to building out a strong team of cabinet members, the administration filed its first budget and tax package that propose historic investments in education, transportation and climate and deliver relief for seniors, renters and families.

Governor Healey also swiftly followed through on key pledges, such as establishing a housing secretariat and proposing an expanded Child and Family Tax Credit, free community college for students over 25, full funding of the Student Opportunity Act, one percent of the budget for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and tripling the budget of the Clean Energy Center.

And when faced when a radical ruling from a federal court judge in Texas that threatened reproductive freedom in Massachusetts, Governor Healey took immediate action to protect access to medication abortion in the state.

“As we pass the 100-day mark of our administration, our entire team is just as energized and committed to delivering results as we were on Day One. I’m proud that we hit the ground running, building out a strong Cabinet of experienced, dedicated leaders who share our drive to meet this moment for Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “We’ve made important progress on housing, food security, transportation, climate and education, and we’ve brought new voices to the table and gotten out into communities to meet people where they are. There’s much more work to be done to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable, but we’ve set a solid foundation in these first 100 days that we will continue to build on in the years to come.”

“100 days goes by in the blink of an eye when you’re busy working for the people of Massachusetts all day every day. We knew when we took office that the challenges before us were daunting, but that there was enormous opportunity as well,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We’re proud to have made important strides in making Massachusetts a better place to live, work, go to school, raise a family and build a future. In the days, months and years ahead, we’re not going to let up steam. We’re going to continue to hustle every day to deliver results for Massachusetts.”

Healey-Driscoll Administration 100 Days Highlights

• The Healey-Driscoll administration filed a $55.5 billion budget proposal and $750 million tax relief package that builds a strong economy, livable communities, and a sustainable future by:

• Creating a Child and Family Tax Credit, increasing the rental deduction and senior circuit breaker, and reforming the estate and short-term capital gains tax to keep up with other states.

• Creating MassReconnect, which offers free community college to students over 25 years old and expanding Early College and Innovation Pathways programs.

• Dedicating 1% of the state’s overall budget to the Executive Office of Energy and Environment.

• Tripling investment in the Clean Energy Center, which is leading the way in clean energy entrepreneurship, job creation, and home electrification.

• Creating the Environmental Justice Office, led by the Undersecretary of Environmental Justice and Equity, and hiring 14 Environmental Justice Liaisons.

• Establishing a new Education and Transportation Fund to protect Fair Share revenue and maximize this new funding source.

• Fully funding the Student Opportunity Act for K-12 education, the largest dollar-amount increase in Massachusetts’ K-12 schools in state history.

• Notifying municipalities of local aid funding levels early to give them a head start on planning to deploy these funds for residents.

• Feezing the tuition at the University of Massachusetts for four years and freezing fees at other state universities for four years.

• Fully supporting the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) to help child care providers keep the doors open and invest in programming and staff.

• Investing in transportation across the state, including MBTA fares program, the Red-Blue connector, West-East Rail, and Regional Transit Authorities.

Governor Healey signed a $389 supplemental budget for fiscal year 2023 that combines many of the priorities the administration outlined in three separate bills filed by the Governor, including:

• Investments in C3 grants, MassWorks, the Clean Water Trust, RAFT, broadband infrastructure, a reproductive health services awareness campaign, the NAACP Conference, and support for the public health workforce ahead of the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• Matching grants to compete for federal dollars through the CHIPS and Science Act.

• Funding for the state’s housing shelter system to support families and children.

• Universal school meals through the end of the 2023 school year to make sure kids can focus on learning in the classroom instead of worrying about hunger.

• A three month off ramp for the end of enhanced federal SNAP benefits, providing families with 40% of the previous federal benefit to help keep food on the table.

Governor Healey announced the appointment of a new, experienced transit leader as MBTA General Manager and took steps to improve transparency and address staffing shortages at the MBTA, including:

• Launched an online safety dashboard to provide transparency around the status of FTA special directives, as well as an online speed restrictions dashboard.

• Implemented $7,500 sign-on bonuses for all eligible positions across the MBTA (Bus Operators, Rail Repairers, Track Laborers, Streetcar Operators, Subway Train Operators, Service Technicians and Fuelers) and proposed $20 million for recruitment and retention efforts in a supplemental budget.

• Established a technical working group to identify process improvements at CRRC to expedite car delivery and improve safety.

By Executive Order, Governor Healey:

• Appointed the nation’s first cabinet-level Climate Chief to lead the new Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience and established a Climate Cabinet.

• Established a Housing Working Group to examine the structure of the administration’s new Housing Secretariat.

• Established Governor’s Councils on Black Empowerment and Latino Empowerment.

• Reconstituted a historically diverse and talented Judicial Nominating Commission.

• Led the Executive Branch to conduct equity assessments.

The Healey-Driscoll administration also:

• Joined the multistate Reproductive Freedom Alliance, stockpiled mifepristone and issued an Executive Order protecting access to medication abortion and protection for patients and providers.

• Filed a supplemental budget for fiscal year 2024 that extends universal school meals through the end of 2024 school year and explores how to keep the program running long-term, invests in MBTA hiring, and makes preparations for the end of the COVID-19 health emergency.

• Launched a $50 million grant program to fund decarbonization retrofits of existing low- or moderate-income residential buildings.

• Created the Office of Federal and Regional Energy Affairs to promote regional cooperation and advocate for advancing the state’s clean energy transition with federal, state, and other stakeholders.

• Created the position of Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure to drive and support the state and municipalities’ competition for federal funding and convened an Interagency Task Force.

• Filed and worked with the Legislature to establish the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

• Created the position of Director of Rural Affairs to serve as a dedicated advocate and ombudsman for rural communities, responsible for cultivating rural economic development to ensure that state government is attuned to the unique needs of rural communities.

• Appointed the state’s first Secretary of the newly established Executive Office of Veterans’ Services.

• Announced 9 new early college programs including the first partnership with UMass to expand access to high schools.

• Created the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity and the Office of Federal and Regional Energy Affairs.

• Announced a Director of Data Initiatives to strategize the state’s economic growth and launched a Future Skills awareness campaign to connect talent with employers.

• Established the Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness program to fund 177 cities and towns with cybersecurity training.”-Mass.gov.

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

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“NEW BEDFORD RESIDENTS PLEASE READ!

When your 911 calls are going to Fall River and response is delayed please know that this is occurring in your New Bedford Communications Center.

Know that New Bedford communications staff is dwindling down to almost single digits! We are down to 12 full-time dispatchers in a room that runs 24/7!! There were 25 overtime shifts posted for next week due to shortage and staff on vacation!

Working 70-90 hours each week back to back is not realistic! Mind you if we refuse a force due to our mental health we get written up.

We are in crisis mode, administration and the city were notified of what the future would hold and continue making it difficult to resolve this. Someone needs to make a story about this. Our dispatchers need our help!!”-Kristen Soriedem.

“What an amazing night all dedicated to K-9’s with a special rememberance to Yarmouth Police Dept. Sgt. Sean Gannon the day before the 5 year anniversary of his passing.

Explorers got a special presentation from Denise and Patrick Gannon, parents of Sgt. Gannon, along with State Representative Steve Xiarhos who was the Deputy Police Chief for Yarmouth at the time of the incident.

Massachusetts State Police Troopers Colella and Reen along with K-9 Fulton spoke about arson investigation and even did a demonstration for everyone.

Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Desroches with K-9 Starr spoke about the law enforcement side of working dogs and the specialty of K-9 Starr being a comfort dog.

New Bedford Fire Department Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Coordinator Travis Rebello with K-9 Kona spoke about her specialty of tracking materials used in weapons of mass destruction and even conducted a demonstration.

Not only were our explorers here, but we also had the Westport Fire Explorers-Post 774 in attendance for this terrific evening. It was amazing to have so many people and organizations come out to spend time with us!”-Mattapoisett Fire Rescue.

All photos by MMR Hose CO. Explorer Post 343:

“An incident took place on Tuesday where a suicidal woman was laying on tracks as a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority train approached.

According to police, just before 11:00 a.m. this morning, Cohasset Police and Fire units were dispatched to the commuter rail grade crossing on Pleasant Street for a report of a female laying across the tracks between the Pleasant Street and Pond Street crossings.

Information from the MBTA was that the engineer of an inbound Scituate to Boston train had to put the train into “emergency” when he rounded a bend at approximately 30 MPH and observed a female lying across the tracks hundreds of feet away.

Cohasset Police Department photo.

On arrival, officers and paramedics entered the right of way and made it to the victim, who was being helped by personnel from the train. Officers and paramedics contacted the female, who was identified as a Cohasset resident. She reported that she was suicidal and wanted to end her life.

She was brought to a nearby ambulance and subsequently taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

Chief William Quigley of the Cohasset police stated, “We are so grateful that the MBTA/Keolis engineer, and conductor, were well trained and quick acting. Their fast actions absolutely saved a life today.”. Quigley said, “If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.”.

There were approximately 10 passengers on the Scituate to Boston train, and service on the Greenbush line was shut down for about 30 minutes.” -Cohasset Police Department.

Cohasset Police Department photo.

Cohasset Police Department photo.

Cohasset Police Department photo.

Mass. Farm to School (FTS) Brings Student & Community Engagement Strategies to the New Bedford Public School System on Thurs. 4/13/2023 from 3:30pm – 5pm.

FREE EVENT! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

The Marion Institute’s Grow Education Program, in conjunction with Massachusetts Farm to School, is hosting a public event at the Casimir Pulaski Elementary School, 1097 Braley Rd., New Bedford, MA.

Get Outside! Meet Friends & Colleagues! Learn about how school gardens engage students and increase community interest & investment.

The event is happening on Thursday, April 13th, 3:30PM – 5:00PM at the Casimir Pulaski Elementary School, 1097 Braley Road, New Bedford, MA 02745

In addition to the opportunity to participate in garden clean up, additional activities include: taste testings, iced tea making and drinking, learning about and making seed bombs that can be taken home and planted, teabag making and much more!

Mass. Farm to School is asking the general public to register for the event – Register here: bit.ly/springtimecleanup.

For more information about Mass Farm to School, visit www.massfarmtoschool.org.”

Mass Farm to School photo.

“Multiple agencies, including crews from Massachusetts State Police, combined to rescue a suicidal woman on Sunday.

According to Massachusetts State Police, just before 8:45 p.m. last night, Troop D patrols and Air Wing responded to assist Berkley Police with the search for an adult woman who made suicidal statements before jumping from a moving vehicle and running into the woods in the area of Friend Street.

At 9:01 p.m., Trooper Shannon Reeves located the woman near Thomas Street. The woman was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The department stated how important this work is to them.

“Interacting with emotionally distraught people is one of the most important duties law enforcement officers are called upon to perform. Mental health and emotional problems are a significant influence on a person’s behavior, and often can lead to tragic outcomes. We are thankful that this woman was located and brought to medical professionals who can provide necessary assistance. We wish her a full return to wellness. Too often, however, we see the opposite results. Our detectives respond to hundreds of suicides each year. One suicide would be too many.”

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or has spoken about it in the past, please check out these links:

Home

https://www.mass.gov/…/suicide-prevention-crisis-hotlines
https://www.mass.gov/suicide-prevention-program
https://samaritanshope.org/”

“Pupping season is HERE (not referring to our shelter pups)!

Coyotes pups are leaving their dens and although they look snuggly, NEVER FEED COYOTES.

If you know someone who does, please ask them to stop. Feed your pets indoors, secure all refuse, walk dogs on a short leash, aggressively haze any coyotes who are too comfortable around people, and share these tips with your neighbors.

Learn more helpful tips on how to coexist with coyotes and request free wildlife conflict prevention pamphlets at mspca.org/coyotes“-MSPCA-Angell.

MSPCA-Angell photo.

“What does the fox say? ? ‘Please make sure I am truly orphaned before taking action!’

Our first fox kit of the year is here and we’d like to take this opportunity to give everyone some helpful info on what to do when you find a baby fox (or other wild animals) to make sure we aren’t accidentally separating them from their family. Many species of wild canids start to wander from their parents as their eyes open and they start to explore the world.

Most of the time their parents are nearby and are keeping a watchful eye on them but know to stay hidden. Other times babies might get dropped if mom is moving them to a safer location. Unless the baby is visibly injured or in distress, it’s best to observe them to see if their parent will come back and retrieve them. Both mom and dad foxes play an active role in rearing young. You can call your local wildlife rehabber or wildlife hospital for help to assess the situation and setting up a safe spot to attempt a reunite.

<New England Wildlife Center photo.

In this particular case, the finders had heard him crying for a few days before they realized it was a fox kit. They texted us pictures so we could visually assess the baby. The pictures showed that one of the eyes was more sunken and squinted than the other. Due to concerns about dehydration and ocular trauma, the kit was brought in for assessment.

It is also important to avoid direct contact with rabies vector species (RVS) by using gloves and towels when placing babies in carriers. Even very young foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and other RVS can carry rabies so precautions should always be taken and you must never attempt to hand-feed these animals.

On physical exam our veterinary team noted that the kit was moderately dehydrated, indicating the likelihood that it most likely was orphaned and had not had a meal in a few days. An ocular exam also revealed that he had un ulcer on one of his eyes possibly from scratching it in thick brush trying to move around. We administered subcutaneous fluids and eye meds to start the healing process. He was also started on milk replacement formula for nutritional support. T

hough we do believe he is truly orphaned we have asked the finders to keep an eye out for adults or other kits in the area just in case. In the meantime this little guy will be with us for the entire summer as kits spend many months with parents before they are independent.

Our next step is to find him another orphaned fox kit to grow up with and bond to in order to limit the chances of him habituating to humans. If you suspect you have found an orphaned animal please give us a call to see if we can help!”-New England Wildlife Center.

<New England Wildlife Center photo.

“The Massachusetts State Police Air Wing was once again a valuable asset to public safety as it helped locate two missing children.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, yesterday afternoon, Massachusetts State Police Air Wing helicopter Air 4, crewed by Troopers John Pina and Justin Grigg, responded to Dedham to assist local police and MSP K9 teams in the search for two 14-year-old girls who had walked away from a care facility.

The search continued into the evening and at approximately 7:30 p.m., the MSP flight crew, utilizing Air 4’s Forward Looking Infrared Camera, observed two heat signatures in some nearby woods. The flight crew directed K9 teams and Dedham Officers to the girls’ location.

The Dedham Fire Department responded to evaluate the girls’ conditions and made the decision to transport them to a local hospital.

The State Police Air Wing is a valuable asset to public safety agencies across Massachusetts in missing persons searches and numerous other types of missions.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

“Mayor Jon Mitchell has proposed more than $1.3 million to purchase new equipment for the Police Department and upgrade Fire Department facilities. The funds come from the Fiscal Year 2022 Free Cash certification, a state-certified use of a municipality’s remaining funds from operations of the previous fiscal year.

New Bedford’s Fiscal Year 2022 Free Cash totals more than $12.8 million and has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The majority of that total will be placed in the City’s financial reserves, according to policies adopted by the City a few years ago.

The allocation requires City Council approval. In a package submitted to the Council, Mayor Mitchell allocates $400,000 to replace Police Department tablets, including all installation and training costs, along with $375,000 to purchase six front-line patrol vehicles.

Mayor Mitchell would commit $495,000 to complete work at Fire Station #2 on Pleasant Street. An additional $85,000 would be used to implement electrical upgrades at Fire Station #5 on Acushnet Avenue.

Additional allocations would include more than $9.3 million to replenish the City’s rainy-day fund, nearly $1.3 million for the reserve fund for retiree healthcare, $300,000 for a new street sweeper, and $100,000 for a comprehensive review of the City’s emergency plans.

“Our consistent commitment to maintaining our financial reserves has enabled the City to maintain its strong bond rating,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “The additional investments in public safety equipment and facilities will help our police officers and firefighters to do their jobs more effectively.”