MA House Legislative Update – March 25, 2021

March 25, 2021 in Economic Development, Latest News Articles

Legislative update from the Office of Representative Ken Gordon

Legislation: The Next Generation Roadmap for MA Climate Policy

The Massachusetts House and Senate passed bold climate legislation last week, An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy. This bill will make the Commonwealth a national leader in combatting climate change. The legislation contains critical environmental priorities including:

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Massachusetts by the year 2050, with interim emission limit goals every 5 years.
Codifying environmental justice provisions into law, protecting vulnerable communities from disproportionate environmental burdens.
Investing in the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center programs to support the clean energy industry and workers throughout the Commonwealth.

After the bill was vetoed by Governor Baker last session, the Legislature quickly passed the bill again earlier this year. The House and Senate stood by their commitment to the legislation, accepting only amendments from the Governor that strengthened their environmental priorities. The bill was championed by Bedford’s own State Senator, Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, along with House Co-Chair Tom Golden (D-Lowell). We are now awaiting the Governor’s signature on the bill. Rep. Gordon is proud to support this crucial legislation and looks forward to continuing the fight against climate change this session.

For more information on this bill, tune in to the next week’s episode of Rappin’ with the Rep.

Affordable and Accessible Early Education and Childcare Legislation

This session, Rep. Gordon is leading an effort to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality early education and childcare to the families of Massachusetts. Alongside the Common Start Coalition, Representative Adrian Madaro, Senator Jason Lewis, and Senator Sue Moran, Representative Gordon filed legislation that will reform the childcare/early education system in Massachusetts. Over a 5-year timeline, An Act providing affordable and accessible high-quality early education and care to promote child development and well-being and support the economy in the Commonwealth will increase public investment to create an affordable and accessible childcare/early education system that suits the needs of early education and childcare providers, children, and parents in the Commonwealth.