Washington (March 25, 2021) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.)
released the following statement today after Governor Charlie Baker heeded
calls from the federal delegation to allocate some of the $4.5 billion in
federal funding that was given to the state in the American Rescue Plan to
communities hardest hit by COVID-19. The announcement today means that
communities like Chelsea, Everett, Methuen, and Randolph will be receiving
an additional $100 million in funding to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
"The
coronavirus pandemic continues to devastate Chelsea, Everett, Methuen, Randolph and other
communities of color, and I am pleased that Governor Baker has heeded the Congressional delegation’s
calls to target federal aid to these hardest-hit areas. I will continue to work with local and state leaders, the Biden administration, and my delegation
colleagues to ensure that this funding
reaches these communities quickly and efficiently.”
Senators Markey and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), along with
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), sent a
letter last
week urging Governor Baker to use the discretion provided by Congress and
President Joseph Biden in the American Rescue Plan to target the $4.5 billion
in the states’ direct federal aid to disproportionately impacted communities.
Yesterday, Senator Markey joined with Senator Warren and
Congresswoman Pressley again to
request Treasury
Secretary Janet Yellen provide maximum flexibility for the distribution of the
federal relief in its upcoming guidance for the American Rescue Plan so that
states can target this funding to our most vulnerable communities.
