Boston, MA —Gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen issued the following statement in response to this year’s State of the Commonwealth address:
“It’s been an incredibly tough two years in Massachusetts — whether it’s the pandemic, the climate crisis, racial injustice, or the strains on our democracy. Tonight, Governor Baker acknowledged just how difficult it’s been. I want to thank him and Lieutenant Governor Karen Polito for their work on these issues and for their dedicated public service. I was glad to hear they are working on a transportation bond bill. The devil will be in the details, and I hope it will rise to the challenge of achieving an ambitious transportation agenda. Their commitment to giving low-income workers, families, and seniors a break on taxes is also good to see, but there is also so much more work to do on lowering the cost of living, improving the quality of life, and investing in the people of Massachusetts.
“Despite these steps, times continue to be incredibly tough for families all across the Commonwealth. The job isn’t about getting back on track, because for too many Massachusetts families, we’ve been off the rails for a long time. We need to work together to reimagine what is possible for our state. This is not a time for business as usual. It’s a time for bold and decisive action. I got into this race to give Massachusetts voters a choice between the political status quo and a perspective ready to meet the moment.
“We need to tackle the housing crisis and the climate crisis, and lay the groundwork to emerge from this pandemic and build the green and healthy next-generation democracy we all deserve. And we can get there by committing to it — together. To a roof over every head, to electrifying our trains so we can get to work efficiently and fight the climate crisis, and to justice, health, and safety for all. To a democracy we can count on and where we all count. We need to commit as One Commonwealth, and get it done. That’s how we move forward — by linking arms, and forging a path towards transformation. Together.”