Healey州長遞出"麻州領先法" 提生命科學、環境科技10年計畫

Governor Healey Files Mass Leads Act to Grow Economy, Support Businesses, Attract Talent 

Economic Development Bond Bill includes 10-year reauthorization of Life Sciences Initiative and new 10-year climatetech investment 

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey filed the Mass Leads Act, her administration’s economic development bond bill that will strengthen Massachusetts’ global leadership in life sciences and launching game-changing investments in climatetech and applied artificial intelligence (AI). Yesterday, Governor Healey announced that the bill includes a 10-year reauthorization of the transformative Life Science Initiative, as well as a new 10-year investment in climatetech to compete in the emerging clean energy sector. 

 

In addition to positioning Massachusetts as a global hub for these innovative sectors, the bill also proposes support for small businesses, rural communities, workforce development, and arts and culture.  

 

This omnibus bill is central to a 10-year economic development strategy to execute the vision outlined in the administration’s 2023 economic development plan: Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations.  

 

“The Mass Leads Act invests in every sector of our economy to help businesses and workers succeed in every region of our state – now and for a generation to come. These proposals will position Massachusetts to maintain our competitive edge on the global stage, while also strengthening our economy by supporting workforce development, small businesses, rural communities, and arts and culture,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Every decision in this package was made through a lens of equity, affordability and competitiveness, and we look forward to working with our Legislative partners to deliver for Massachusetts.” 

 

“The Mass Leads Act will do wonders for our local economies,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It invests in the entrepreneurs and small businesses that are the backbone of our communities, works to close the digital divide and bring more regional equity into our economy, and empowers local government with the tools they need to combat climate change. We have a transformative opportunity to make our economy stronger for generations to come, and we must act on it.” 

 

“The Mass Leads Act’s investments will continue to lengthen our lead across key sectors and ensure that Massachusetts continues to be the best place for innovative companies to start, scale, and succeed; and the best place for talent from all kinds of backgrounds to start and grow fulfilling careers,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “This legislation will invest across all regions and communities across our state and enable us to lead together as Team Massachusetts.”  

 

“Massachusetts has an opportunity to build on its global leadership in life sciences and make new investments in climatetech, workforce and talent development and other sectors of our economy that will set the state and its residents up for future success. The Mass Leads Acts does just that through a mix of borrowing, tax incentives and other investments that all fit within our long-term capital and fiscal plan to responsibly and sustainably position the state to grow jobs and industries and take full advantage of our economic strengths,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Mathew J. Gorzkowicz. 

 

Aligned with the administration’s economic development plan, this proposal is focused on three main priority areas:  

·            Fundamentals – Investing in the fundamentals to enable economic growth    

·           Talent – Retaining and attracting the world’s best talent across all backgrounds  

·           Sectors – Supporting businesses that power the state’s economy 

The bill proposes several new capital programs, in key areas highlighted in the administration’s economic development plan. In addition to the climatetech initiative, new capital programs include:  

·           $100M for the Applied AI Hub for grants to facilitate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) across the state’s ecosystem, which will be informed by the strategic priorities of the AI Strategic Task Force. 

·            $75M for the Massachusetts TechHub to establish a new program in Massachusetts for investment in consortia organized around key technology areas, modeled on the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Regional Technology and Innovation (Tech Hubs) Program.  

·           $25M for the Robotics Investment Program for capital grants to advance the state’s leadership in the robotics sector through research, commercialization, and training.  

·           $25M for the Business Builds Capital Program for a new grant program to support business improvements, such as energy efficiency, via the Business Front Door. 

The bill also includes capital authorizations for existing programs that remain core to the state’s economic development toolbox, including programs offered through the Community One Stop for Growth as well as capital resources for advanced manufacturing and the tourism and cultural sector:  

·           $400M for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program for public infrastructure improvements to spur private development and create jobs. 

·           $100M for the Rural Development Fund to provide financial support for infrastructure improvements and community planning efforts in rural communities. 

·           $100M for the Seaport Economic Council to support marine economies in coastal communities. 

·           $99M for Advanced Manufacturing for flexible grants to support advanced manufacturing initiatives through Mass Tech Collaborative.   

·           $50M for the Cultural Facilities Fund to provide resources for capital improvements at cultural facilities, such as museums, theaters, and performance venues.  

·           $40M for Destination Development Grants to support critical capital improvements at tourism assets across Massachusetts. 

 

In total, this legislation recommends approximately $2.8 billion in bond authorizations for capital-related grantmaking, of which $1.75 billion is dedicated to the reauthorization of existing programs and $1 billion is proposed for new capital initiatives. This bill also proposes $750 million in economic development tax program changes, which includes the creation of the new climatetech incentive program and an expansion of the life sciences incentive program.  

 

Alongside the bill, Governor Healey signed two Executive Orders. One establishes a Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council that will be charged with developing recommendations to the administration for how to support and grow the state’s arts and culture sector. The administration is also committing to identifying and selecting artists-in-residence to collaborate with state agencies and establish, for the first time, an official poet laureate position for the state. 

 

The second Executive Order establishes a council tasked with reviewing the existing procurement laws and related processes for public building construction projects, such as state laws relative to surety bonds, to identify barriers to small, emerging, and diverse businesses, and to make recommendations that address them.   

 

The full legislation and key issue briefs will be available on the EOED website.

麻州參議會推女權掛前美國第一夫人Abigail畫像 第一座有影響力女性雕像人選請民建議

                (Boston Orange摘譯)　麻州參議會在婦女歷史月第一天的今日，３月１日，掛出前美國第一夫人 Abigail Adams的肖像，並呼籲民眾為參議會將第一個永久展出的具影響力麻州女士雕像，遞交建議，

               麻州參議會重新成立，由民主黨籍代表Truro的參議員Julian Cyr 所率領的參議會藝術委員會將負責評審民眾建議。

               Abigail Adams的肖像描繪了一名早年的婦女權益倡議者，她反對奴隸，支持婦女教育，並在辯論美國的結構及治理時，忠告美國建國之父要記得女性。麻州參議會議長Karen E. Spika 在一場公開儀式中，為這幅將永遠掛在參議會大堂的肖像揭幕。

               Abigail Adams是第二位在麻州參議會掛出永久肖像的女性。第一位前任麻州參議會議長Therese Murray。她的肖像掛在參議會閱讀室。這是現任參議會議長Karen E. Spika為擴大女性在麻州眾議會的代表性，所做的最新行動。

               麻州歷史協會會長 Catherine Allgor表示，在麻州議會揭曉Abigail Adams的肖像畫，是朝向擴展美國歷史所邁出的重要步驟。麻州參議會議長Karen E. Spika的致力表揚像Abigail Adams這樣具影響力的女性，認可了從過去聆聽多元聲音的重要性。

               在參議會掛出的這幅Abigail Adams肖像，是麻州歷史協會送給麻州參議會肖像的複製品，1766年時由Benjiamin Blyth 以原始粉彩繪製而成。

               在婦女被禁止投票，或參選的年代，Abigail Adams倡議婦女權益。她曾向她丈夫，一位第一大陸國會成員，說過一句很有名的話，”記得婦女們”。

               Abigail Adams是麻州南岸Weymouth的本土人，在那兒出生長大，後來才搬到Braintree去。在跟隨丈夫周遊，並給予忠告數十年後，當上第一夫人。她和家人後來搬回麻州，住在昆士市。

CVS 和Walgreens將在麻州擴大銷售Mifepristone Healey州長稱許

              (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 3月1日發表聲明，稱許CVS和Walgreens將在包括麻州的數個州，銷售避孕藥 Mifepristone。

               奚莉州長表示， Mifepristone已被人們安全且有效的使用了20多年。CVS 和Walgreens決定擴大人們取得該藥的途徑。麻州也將永遠保護婦女獲得包括用藥墮胎的生育護理。

               今年1月時，奚莉州長和21名州長成立了「生育自由聯盟 (Reproductive Freedom Alliance)」，並就聯邦政府食品藥品管理局 (FDA) 和希波克拉底醫藥聯盟 (Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine )之間的案件，向最高法院遞交了一份”法庭之友摘要(Amicus curiae brief)”。

               去年，在第五巡迴法院作出決定時，奚莉州長立刻採取行動，保護人們在麻州取得mifepristone的途徑。出於她的要求，麻州大學和醫療護理供應者採取行動，囤積了許多劑的mifepristone。她還發佈了一份行政命令來根據現行州法，確認對醫藥墮胎的保護。

麻州10團體攜手發起"投票無偏好"行動 呼籲拜登總統支持加薩停火

 New Coalition Pledges to Get out Vote 

for “No Preference” on Super Tuesday in MA

Send Message to Biden for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire 

Boston, MA - In the wake of an unprecedented showing in Michigan, where 100,000 people voted “Uncommitted,” to signal to President Biden that his unwavering support for genocide would threaten his chances at re-election, a growing coalition of over 10 organizations have founded a “Vote No Preference” campaign in Massachusetts.  

The interfaith coalition includes members from the Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as over 10 organizations with experience doing voter turnout across the state. They will hold a virtual press conference on Monday, March 4 at 10AM EST, to call on Massachusetts voters to vote “No Preference” on Super Tuesday, March 5 to tell Biden: “Count us out for genocide!” and urge him to support an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Merrie Najimy, one of the organizers, will also speak at a rally tomorrow, Saturday, March 2 at 1PM in front of Cambridge City Hall. 

Link below to register for the press conference: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_boogTbwXTJSszkr6KEIWsQ  

The burgeoning coalition will distribute hundreds of signs and thousands of flyers and stickers across the state over the weekend, planning statewide phone banks, plus a social media campaign, using #VoteNoPreferenceMa, following Michigan’s example. The coalition includes multiple local mushrooming peace groups based in cities across the Commonwealth, Massachusetts Peace Action, the Massachusetts Muslims for Justice, which has 1000 members who have been phonebanking Congressional Reps daily for ceasefire since fall 2023. The group also includes the Boston Shai House, an organizing network of Massachusetts Arab and Muslim voters, born of the strong support for Senator Sanders in Michigan in 2016. In 2020, Boston Shai house efforts turned out the MA Arab/Muslim vote for Sanders, by a wide margin (58.2% for Sanders to 26.5% for Biden). Sanders has consistently called for US aid to Israel to be contingent on compliance with international law, a position which over half of US voters support.  

“Israel’s horrifying massacre of over 100 Palestinians waiting for food aid yesterday,  makes it clear that Biden has no red lines. He keeps saying he is pushing to protect civilians while vetoing 3 UN ceasefire votes, bypassing Congress to send millions of dollars in weapons for Israel’s war crimes, and cutting off UNRWA funding, the only humanitarian organization able to provide and distribute humanitarian assistance on the ground. The current threat of famine is directly linked to Biden Administration policies and choices.” said Danya Reda, Assistant Professor of Political Science at UMass Boston and member of the Boston Shai House. “We aren’t fooled, Biden. Voting ‘No Preference’ is one way that Massachusetts voters can send the message that we will not continue to vote for blank checks for war crimes.”     

Democratic voters find the Democratic Party less and less reflects its constituents and saw the elections as a meaningful opportunity to send a message.  

“Biden and the Democrats have been taking our votes for granted for too long,” said Humayun Morshed, Muslim Community Organizer, Greater Boston. “For four months our elected officials have been sending our tax dollars to kill children without our consent. That’s why we are calling on people in the Muslim community and across Massachusetts to vote “No Preference” on Tuesday.” 

“Repeated polls show that two out of three Americans support a ceasefire in Gaza,” said Mia Haddad, an organizer for Somerville for Palestine, and a local healthcare worker. “Young people like me see clearly that Biden and the Dems are pursuing policies that have left our generation behind. We will be voting: No Preference on March 5.”  

The organizers announced a coordinated campaign in mosques and community groups around the state to get out the vote and teach constituents to fill in the “No Preference” bubble on their ballot for the Democratic Presidential Primary. Although Massachusetts is not a swing state, organizers say that should make it feel even safer for voters to use their vote to make a statement to Biden: “Count us out for genocide.”  

If a candidate (or Uncommitted) receives 15% of the vote in a primary, and at least 15% in one Congressional District, then delegates to the DNC Convention can be awarded to the candidate - or will not be committed to vote for Biden, in the case of “Uncommitted,” or “No Preference.”  

"Biden and his government have sent billions of our tax dollars for Israel's brutal conquest of Gaza and the West Bank; and he has already vetoed 3 ceasefire votes in the UN. We as healthcare workers cannot look away as Biden spends our tax dollars on genocide,” said Aparna Nair-Kanneganti, a medical student at Harvard. “Massachusetts healthcare workers have been protesting for months, and like the 80% of Democrats who have supported a ceasefire since October, we are angry that our elected officials are ignoring us. On March 5, I have no choice, but to vote “NO PREFERENCE” for the DNC Nominee. Count us out for genocide."

AAJC建立反仇恨數據資料庫 推出亞裔資源樞紐

                (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)南加州亞美促進正義會(AJSOCAL)和亞美促進正義會 (AAJC)，微軟 (Microsoft)合作設立的”亞裔資源樞紐 (Asian Resource Hub) ，2月29日正式面市。

               AAJC指出，這新資源具有雙重任務，一為經由收集來的亞裔社區報告，綜合整理，描繪出上漲的仇恨趨勢，一為以亞裔語言提供具文化能力的服務，以及可以搜尋的全國資源指南。該網站目前有中文(傳統中文與簡體)、韓文、越南文翻譯。所有人都可免費上此網站 asianresourcehub.org.

               南加州亞美促進正義會執行長Connie Chung Joe，亞美促進正義會會長John C. Yang，基本權益科技 (Technology for Fundamental Rights)總經理Merisa Heu-Weller依序分別指出，推出這資源旨在回應在新冠病毒疫情期間及之後，持續的，對亞裔社區的騎士；長期以來亞裔社區都缺乏深遠的有品質數據，以反映人們所遭受的仇恨事件；了解並分析數據，人們就能對社區到底正在發生些什麼事，有更好的了解。

 LOS ANGELES, CA and Washington, DC — Today marks the launch of the Asian Resource Hub, a unique digital resource developed in collaboration between Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL), Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), and Microsoft. This new resource pioneers a dual mission: 1) to illustrate the surge of hatred through data culled from a combination of reports (surveys, hate trackers, law enforcement, and public records) about the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities (AAPIs) and 2) to provide a searchable national directory of resources and culturally competent services that offer help in Asian languages. The website is currently translated in Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Korean, and Vietnamese. Access to the hub is free to all at u8 

Connie Chung Joe, CEO, Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California said, "The Asian Resource Hub is a direct response to the ongoing discrimination against our community during, and because of, the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a crucial need for AAPIs to find vetted, language accessible and culturally competent resources when and where help is needed. The impact of hatred and discrimination is too often devastating and complex.” 

John C. Yang, President, Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC commented, “There’s a profound absence of quality data reflecting the hate incidents and experiences endured. With the Asian Resource Hub, our goal is clear: to fill these gaps, and provide awareness and data that empower the AAPI community to confront and overcome these challenges. We are grateful to our partner Microsoft for bringing their expertise to this pressing need.” 

Merisa Heu-Weller, General Manager, Technology for Fundamental Rights, Microsoft -- “By understanding and analyzing data we can provide insights for community members to better understand what is happening in the neighborhoods where they live, work and play. By working together to create The Asian Resource Hub, Microsoft, AJSOCAL and Advancing Justice - AAJC are providing communities with that clarity through a data-dashboard, supportive collateral, and a national directory to help fight against Asian incidents.” 

By the Numbers: AAPIs and Anti-Asian Hatred: 

·  The Asian Resource Hub provides public data on the AAPI community by illustrating the scope of widespread anti-Asian discrimination and hate in the U.S. using storytelling narratives and the Microsoft-powered PowerBI data visualization platform based on data collected by StopAAPIHate.org, StandAgainstHatred.org, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI reports, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, local law enforcement, and other sources. The Asian Resource Hub demonstrates the growth and needs of the AAPI community, from before, during, and after the COVID-19 era. By presenting data in a visually compelling manner, the Asian Resource Hub aims to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities. 

AAPI Resource Directory: 

·  The Asian Resource Hub introduces a searchable resource directory, featuring vetted AAPI community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide low/no-cost and culturally competent and linguistically appropriate direct services. This directory makes it easier for individuals and communities to access essential resources tailored to their own languages and needs. Currently listed are more than 60 organizations in over 21 states that provide a variety of services including legal assistance, social services, civic engagement opportunities and more. 

亞美促進正義惠稱許參議院引介John R. Lewis投票權促進法

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC commends the Senate's introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

WASHINGTON, DC — February 29, 2024 — Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC commends the Senate's introduction of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as a significant step towards ensuring full participation from all Americans in our democracy. In this crucial election year, the bill emerges as a beacon for equitable democracy, addressing critical issues akin to the historic Voting Rights Act and responding to the pressing need for legislative action. This is prompted by the devastating 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby v. Holder, which eradicated the “pre-clearance” provision that required jurisdictions with a history of discrimination to seek pre-approval of voting changes.

John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, expressed his support for the bill, stating:

“At the heart of the numerous hurdles our democracy is confronted with, lies the deprivation and dilution of the foundational right to vote, which significantly impacts Asian, Black, Latino, and Native American communities. It is absolutely imperative that we address and rectify these issues to protect our democracy, which relies on the full and equal participation of every eligible voter. The John Lewis VRAA is a step toward forging a path for true inclusion of the voices and votes for all communities nationwide.

During a pivotal election year, the strength of America's democracy rests on ensuring every voice is heard. I commend the Senate for presenting this bill at such a crucial juncture in our nation's history and urge Members of Congress to safeguard the freedom to vote by passing this legislation.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC supports the John Lewis VRAA because it embraces a forward-looking perspective for the future of our democracy.”

Healey 10年10億元「麻州領先法」要讓麻州成為世界氣候創新樞紐

Governor Healey Promotes Major Initiatives in Life Sciences, Climatetech, Applied AI

Proposals will be included in upcoming Mass Leads economic development bill to position Massachusetts as a global hub for cutting-edge industries

Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll,
Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao,
Secretary of Energy and Environmental AffairsRebecca Tepper
and Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer join Somerville MayorKatjana Ballantyne,
life science industry leaders and local legislators to detailmajor
 new proposals to make Massachusetts a global hub for life sciences,
 climate technology and applied artificial intelligence during
 a visit to Form Energy in Somerville on February. 29, 2024.
 [Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]

SOMERVILLE — SOMERVILLE – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey detailed major new proposals to make Massachusetts a global hub for life sciences, climatetech and applied artificial intelligence (AI).  

She announced that she is reauthorizing the Life Sciences Initiative to build on the success of the program that has made Massachusetts a global leader in this critical industry. She also announced that she is applying this proven model to a new Climatetech Initiative, which will position Massachusetts to compete on the global stage in this emerging industry.  

Governor Healey announced the filing at Form Energy, an American energy storage technology and manufacturing company, alongside Cabinet members, elected officials, industry leaders, and community members.  

Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao。
[Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]

The initiatives will be included in the administration’s upcoming economic development bill, titled the Mass Leads Act. This bill is also expected to propose investments in the Community One Stop for Growth, rural communities, advanced manufacturing, robotics, tourism, the creative economy and small businesses. It will also build on the momentum of the state's CHIPS + Science wins by making targeted investments in advanced manufacturing and robotics. Governor Healey previously announced that the bill will include $100 million to create an Applied AI Hub in Massachusetts. 

[Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office]

Informed by the 2023 economic development plan, the initiatives in this bill will seek to advance the Healey-Driscoll administration’s core principles of competitiveness, affordability, and equity across all regions and for all residents in Massachusetts.  

“The Mass Leads Act will take our proven, homegrown model of the Life Science Initiative to the next level to continue leading the world in attracting innovative businesses to our state and developing life-saving medicines. We’ll also stake our claim in burgeoning industries like climatetech and artificial intelligence to make clear that Massachusetts competes to win,” said Governor Healey. “This is a transformative opportunity to strengthen our state’s economy while also supporting our businesses, workforce and communities, and we look forward to working with our Legislative partners to get it done.” 

“The Mass Leads Act improves on what we already know works in Massachusetts – the Life Sciences Initiative – and applies those lessons to exciting new industries like climatetech and artificial intelligence,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These proposals reflect the realities of the economy of today and tomorrow, and position Massachusetts to compete at every turn to bring results home to our communities.” 

“Our administration is making strategic investments to propel our state forward, particularly amidst heightened national competition in the life sciences and climatetech sectors,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “The Mass Leads Act outlines a bold, long-term strategy that is needed in order for Massachusetts to compete and win. The goal remains to make Massachusetts the best place for people to start and grow their careers, and the best place for companies to start and scale. With the right tools at our disposal, Team Massachusetts is expanding opportunities, breaking barriers in health equity and pursuing the next fronter in the life sciences, and driving climate change progress while creating jobs.”  

‘We’ve seen firsthand the impact investments like these can make to position Massachusetts as a national and global leader in industries like the life sciences. By keeping our foot on the gas and expanding on proven strategies to put a marker down in climatetech, the Mass Leads Act will allow us to keep our competitive edge and grow the types of jobs and businesses that will pay dividends for our students, residents and the state for generations to come,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. 

“With the Mass Leads Act, we have an opportunity to design and manufacture the solutions to climate change in our own backyard,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This would be a gamechanger for the climatetech industry. We have an opportunity to give our residents the ability to work in and learn about emerging technologies that will be critical in reducing emissions and building resilience to climate change.” 

Climatetech 

Governor Healey is proposing a $1 billion, 10-year climatetech initiative to make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world. The initiative would create jobs, support technology development and infrastructure to reduce emissions, and promote resilience locally. Massachusetts would be well positioned as a global leader in climatetech. The funds and programs would help companies start and scale in Massachusetts, creating well paying jobs across the state. The initiative has three core parts: 

1.     Capital Funding: The bill would provide significant capital resources to MassCEC for the first time. Bond authorizations can support research and development, innovation, manufacturing, commercialization, and the deployment of climatetech technologies, including offshore wind, across Massachusetts. 

2.     Tax Incentives: The bill would authorize funding for tax incentives, which will help ensure the state is competitive in attracting and retaining these businesses. The initiative proposes to establish a new Climatetech Tax Incentive Program to enable the state to invest in climatetech companies, expand employment opportunities and support research and development. The bill also seeks to continue implementation of the newly created Offshore Wind Tax Credit and proposes some strategic changes to further grow the program. 

3.     Operating Funding: This ten-year strategy underscores the critical importance of annual operating support through the state budget process for MassCEC, which is instrumental in fostering the climatetech industry and training a clean energy workforce. Operating funds will enable MassCEC to deploy stable programming and initiatives to reach areas that capital programs and tax incentives aren’t able to reach. This includes workforce development initiatives, internships, strategic partnerships, and operations. 

“The Mass Leads Act represents a historic investment that will move us significantly towards our goal to be the climate innovation lab for the world,” said Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “These funds would empower MassCEC to significantly expand our work to make Massachusetts be THE place where climatetech companies want to grow and thrive, creating high-quality jobs here in the Commonwealth. The funds would also help us expand our nation-leading position in offshore wind through additional investment in world-class port infrastructure. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll understand that our climate challenge offers us a profound economic opportunity to create tens of thousands of good jobs, revitalize local economies and lead the country in climate solutions.” 

"We are excited about the investment the Healey-Driscoll administration is making in companies like ours that are part of the growing energy innovation ecosystem in Massachusetts. Form Energy was founded in 2017 and started scaling up in Somerville with a team of less than 10. Today, our two locations in Somerville employ more than 225 scientists, chemists, engineers, and lab technicians and occupy 155,000 rentable square feet of lab and office space,” said Ted Wiley, Co-founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Form Energy. “We are grateful to the administration, legislature, and local delegation for their leadership and hard work to elevate Massachusetts as the global leader in climatetechnology. We look forward to continuing to grow and innovate in Somerville and to building Form Energy battery systems in the Commonwealth.” 

More information can be found in the climatetech issue brief. 

Life Sciences 

The bill also proposes reauthorizing the Life Sciences Initiative at $1 billion for 10 years to position Massachusetts to lengthen its lead as the global leader in the life sciences. Last year, Massachusetts was chosen by the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within the National Institutes of Health, to host its Investor Catalyst Hub, demonstrating the effectiveness of the state’s investments in the life sciences. 

This long-term commitment will position Massachusetts to win more investment in the industry, develop more life-saving cures, and create more jobs. It will build on the success of prior authorizations while making adjustments to account for present-day challenges and opportunities. The initiative has three core parts: 

1.     Capital: The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will embrace a model that encourages multi-institution, cross-sector collaboration among key industries, such as biotechnology, manufacturing, medical technology, higher education, and healthcare. Through this realignment, the state will be better able to pursue health equity ventures, research and development, and capital eligible initiatives to support the ecosystem. 

2.     Tax Incentives: The Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program has proven successful in incentivizing the creation of jobs in the industry. This bill proposes to increase the statutory cap for life sciences tax incentives to create more capacity in the future and extends the program to 2033 to demonstrate the state’s commitment for the next decade. This will further enhance a valuable business development tool to attract and retain companies in Massachusetts.   

3.     Operating: This new strategy also projects annual appropriations for workforce development programming and other strategic initiatives, including support for early-stage companies. Notably, this component of the strategy incorporates an expansion of Pathmaker, a key component of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s MassTalent Initiative, to scale career training programs for in-demand job opportunities within the industry.   

In addition to competitiveness and innovation, equity will be elevated as a priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration under the new initiative, including creating better workforce pathways into careers in the industry and improving health outcomes for residents in Massachusetts.  

“The Life Sciences Initiative has helped catalyze transformational opportunities for Massachusetts residents and patients around the world alongside impactful public-private partnerships benefiting communities across Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Acting CEO & Vice President of Economic Development and Partnerships Jeanne LeClair. “Our Commonwealth’s leadership in the life sciences is no accident and not guaranteed with fierce competition both national and globally. What remains a key separating factor for our preeminence is the powerful engagement of our elected and civic leaders and the unique ecosystem of collaboration between industry, education, non-profit, and government.” 

“As the largest life sciences employer in the state, Takeda applauds the initiatives outlined by Governor Healey as part of the Mass Leads Act, including the reauthorization of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center,” said Julie Kim, President, U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head, Takeda and a member of the Governor’s Economic Development Planning Council. “We are fortunate that in Massachusetts, government and industry work together as “collective entrepreneurs” to lead in emerging industries and tackle complex issues that help enhance our competitive advantage and benefit the health and wellbeing of patients around the world.” 

More information can be found in the Life Sciences issue brief.