MA 'millionaire’s tax' generates windfall for public education The Massachusetts state budget has been finalized and public education leaders say students came out on top.

More than $1 billion generated by the state's "millionaire's tax" allowed for increased per-student funding for districts, greater literacy education and most notably, free community college for all students.

Max Page, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, called it an important step toward providing quality, debt-free, higher education for all.

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MA labor groups tackle climate crisis, income inequality Massachusetts labor leaders say the state can meet its ambitious climate goals while creating quality jobs in communities facing the greatest threats from climate change.

A new report details how investments in electric rail networks, renewable energy and high-efficiency buildings can reduce emissions and help build a diverse, equitable workforce.

Ryan Murphy, executive director of Climate Jobs Massachusetts, said those most at risk of sea level rise or worsening air quality should benefit from the jobs the projects will bring. ...(Read More)

New guidelines aim for sustainable growth of MA aquaculture New global guidelines for aquaculture aim to address growing concerns about the industry's impact on the oceans.

Scientists have suggested ways to protect aquatic ecosystems, reduce antibiotic use, and even prevent ocean litter from discarded aquaculture gear.

Danielle Blacklock, director of the Office of Aquaculture at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, calls the guidelines "a big deal," as consumer demand for seafood outpaces supply.

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Scientists reconsider net-zero pledges to reach climate goals By Stephen Battersby for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service, reporting for the Pulitzer Center-Public News Service Collaboration.

As a phrase and as a promise, net zero has been a great success. Hundreds of countries have pledged to reduce their net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by around the middle of this century. So, too, have thousands of regions, cities, and companies. ...(Read More)

MA secures $1 billion in federal funds for Cape Cod bridges Massachusetts will receive close to $1 billion in federal funding to replace the Cape Cod bridges.

Lawmakers said it is the largest single bridge funding grant in U.S. history and the biggest federal grant ever awarded to the Commonwealth.

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Majority of married same-sex couples say marriage equality threatened Twenty years after Massachusetts became the first state to permit marriage equality, a majority of same-sex married couples say it had a profound positive impact on their lives. A new report finds it strengthened couples' relationships, provided legal protections, financial security and greater acceptance among family and friends.

Abbie Goldberg, Clark University psychology professor, said marriage equality is part of a public health agenda. ...(Read More)

MA boosts funding for 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline services Community groups in Massachusetts will see continued funding to support the state's 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Public health officials have announced more than $8 million in grants to better support those experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Nearly 7,000 calls were routed through the state in May alone.

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Marine national monument off MA coast protects ocean biodiversity A new marine national monument in the Atlantic Ocean aims to protect one of the most biodiverse spots on the planet from overfishing.

Located 130 miles off Cape Cod, the area spans more than 3 million acres and is part of the Biden administration's plan to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

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MA Commission on Poverty tackles historic wealth gap A Legislature-backed Commission on Poverty in Massachusetts aims to address the state's historic wealth gap.

The commission will study demographic disparities and existing programs to reduce poverty over the next decade, and has been holding public hearings to gather feedback.

State Sen. ...(Read More)

Federal funds help build Boston’s climate-ready workforce The City of Boston has been awarded nearly $10 million in federal funding to help build a Climate-Ready Workforce.

More than 1,000 people will receive job training in construction, wastewater management and more, to combat the growing threat of sea level rise.

Gina Raimondo, U.S. ...(Read More)