Remarks of Senate President Karen Spilka Announcing the Senate's Economic Development Legislation

As prepared for delivery

Good morning!

Thank you for being here today and thank you to Chair Michael Rodrigues, Chair Barry Finegold, Senator Julian Cyr, Senator Brendan Crighton, and all of the Senators who have contributed to this bill.

Right now, Massachusetts is at a turning point.

We have the most talented residents in the country, the best hospitals, the best places of education. We are an innovation hub, and we are one of the best places to live in this country.

That is no accident.

We have worked hard to get here, and this Legislature has spent decades creating the conditions for that success.

At the same time, we all know that there are challenges that we still face in making Massachusetts better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Today, we stand in the face of a federal government that has never been more hostile to the people of this state and our residents, a government that is starting military and trade wars and creating economic conditions that are raising costs in every part of this state.

In Massachusetts, we have a responsibility to act to do what we can to keep our economy thriving, keep people in this state, create great jobs, and give Massachusetts residents the best shot possible.

That's why today, I am proud that the Senate is releasing economic development legislation that invests in the economic vitality of this state.

We are investing in key areas that touch every part of Massachusetts, including downtowns and main streets, small businesses, arts, culture, and the creative economy, and food science and agricultural technology.

And sectors where we lead the world, like public higher education, defense, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.

But as we know, economic development is not just about money, its about creating policy that not just allows, but encourages our residents and businesses to grow the economy.

That's why the Senate's legislation includes a menu of policy proposals that will have an equally profound impact on this state's ability to do business, and our residents' capability to build lives and families that thrive.

You will hear more from the leaders with us today, but from AI guardrails to policies that increase housing capacity, to regulating scooters and e-bikes, to giving liquor license control back to cities and towns, where it belongs, to cutting red tape for small businesses, and supporting the food truck industry.

I am confident that this bill will do so much good for our economy, make it easier to do business, and drive down costs for businesses and residents alike.

And lets be clear: this bill is so strong because it is a collaborative effort, and it reflects great ideas from across our entire chamber, from members that represent every part of our state.

Thank you.

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