‘A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER’
Gov looks ahead to better days as Bay State emerges from 2020
Gov. Charlie Baker recapped “a year like no other” during his annual State of the Commonwealth address where he cast his sights on “better days” to come with coronavirus vaccinations a major focus in 2021.
“The pandemic changed everything. And it was much more than just the worst public health crisis of the last hundred years. It came with economic calamity. Severe job loss. Business clo
sures. Anxiety. Fear. Civil unrest. Riots. Racial injustice. Isolation. Death. And Loss,” Baker said.
The Republican governor delivered the speech on Tuesday night from his State House office rather than before a joint session of the state Legislature — a sign of the times where coronavirus continues to prevent gatherings.
“Today, we are in much better shape economically than we were last spring. But far too many people still can’t find a job. Our downtowns are hurting. And many of our small businesses have been crushed by the pandemic,” Baker said, plugging the state-run small business grant program that has allocated about $230 million of more than $700 million to local businesses in need.
But the year was defined by more than just the pandemic, Baker said, highlighting the Legislature’s efforts to pass a sweeping police reform bill following the police killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans.
“We did more than just have a conversation. We acted and passed one of the most comprehensive police reform laws in the country,” Baker said.
The governor also highlighted the Legislature’s efforts on transportation, economic development, housing, health care bills.
Looking forward to the year to come, Baker promised vaccine distribution would kick into “high gear” as the end of the pandemic is “in sight.”
He also reiterated his intention to “get as many kids as possible back in the classroom as soon as possible.”
Baker positioned climate action as a major focus for the coming year, indicating he would continue with efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Baker — who last year went over 100 days without seeing his father, who lives in a long-term care facility — said he is “looking forward to be able to join with family, friends and colleagues” in 2021.
“If there is a silver lining in all this, it’s how organizations and individuals from every corner of Massachusetts stepped up to confront the pandemic and care for each other. These heroes are the most beautiful part of this most difficult experience,” Baker said.
“I can say to you tonight that I know the state of our Commonwealth is strong.”