Gov. Maura Healey pitched a multi-year celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence as a probable financial driver for Massachusetts that might see folks flock to the state from around the globe.
Each the Bay State and Boston are set to bask within the limelight as festivities proceed for the subsequent two years after beginning in December with the sesquicentennial of the Boston Tea Occasion. The potential spike in curiosity in Massachusetts might present a boon for native companies, Healey mentioned.
Healey mentioned she has spoken with the governors of Virginia and Pennsylvania — two states whose historical past can be integral to the founding of the US — who additionally know the “game is on” to draw vacationers throughout the 250th anniversary.
“Everybody in their states knows what an economic boon it is to their states and so that’s a piece of this certainly,” she mentioned. “It’s going to be significant in terms of the economic benefit it’s going to bring into so many activities, so many events — hospitality, restaurants, our hotels. All across the state, it’s going to be really, really significant. And part of the launch today is to make sure we get ahead of this because we are the birthplace.”
After a Paul Revere reenactor delivered a warning to Healey that British regulars have been approaching Boston, the governor mentioned her administration deliberate to offer $1.5 million in funding for 37 completely different celebratory initiatives throughout the state.
{Dollars} for anniversary-related initiatives will go to occasions throughout the state masking historic moments just like the “Shot Heard Around the World,” the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Paul Revere’s trip, in response to the Healey administration.
Financial Improvement Secretary Yvonne Hao mentioned the celebrations can be a chance “for us to lead and also to create a ton of economic development for our state.”
“So, you’re welcome, America,” she mentioned. “Come and visit us. Come spend money with us. Come help all of our creative economy.”
However the anniversary additionally arrives as Massachusetts is grappling with its personal challenges, together with what some have argued is the lack of folks to different states due to the excessive price of residing and housing. State officers are additionally coping with expensive crises just like the inflow of migrants.
One report launched Tuesday morning by the Massachusetts Finances and Coverage Middle, a progressive suppose tank, pushed again on the concept of outmigration, although it mentioned lower- and middle-income households are leaving the state.
“Policymakers need to continue to focus on the real challenges that many young people and young families face. These include reliable access to quality, affordable housing, childcare, education, transportation, and more,” MassBudget Senior Coverage Analyst Kurt Sensible mentioned in an announcement.
Nonetheless, Healey mentioned the anniversary of the founding of the US and the battle towards Britain to safe independence will shine a light-weight on the technological developments made in Massachusetts.
That features the primary public faculty, public library, and public park and Massachusetts’ efforts to turn into the primary state to legalize homosexual marriage.
“We’re a state that led in the past and now invents in the future, the state that cures diseases, develops vaccines, and heals the world. We’re leading the clean energy revolution to grow great jobs and heal our planet,” Healey mentioned. “We’re standing up for and protecting the very rights, liberties, and freedoms that folks came together 250 years ago to fight for and establish right here in Massachusetts.”
