Fixing MBTA and housing in Massachusetts are governor's goals for 2025

BOSTON - In a recent interview with WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey outlined her top priorities for the state as it heads into the new year, emphasizing the critical issues of housing and transportation. She noted that these are not only her priorities but also align with those of business leaders she engages with regularly.

Healey emphasized the importance of addressing the long-standing challenges in transportation and housing to sustain the state’s economic stability, particularly in light of potential federal spending cuts and unpredictable international circumstances. She proudly highlighted the progress made in improving transportation infrastructure since taking office, especially the efforts led by MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, which have resulted in significant improvements for riders.

Despite these advancements, Healey acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in securing adequate funding to tackle the MBTA's substantial deficits, which threaten to lead to potential service cuts and layoffs. The upcoming recommendations from her Transportation Funding Task Force will be pivotal in addressing these financial issues.

On the housing front, Healey is anxiously awaiting a ruling from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court regarding Milton’s challenge to the MBTA Communities Act. This law is designed to encourage affordable housing development by removing zoning barriers in communities served by the T. Healey expressed optimism that the law will be upheld, emphasizing its importance for economic growth and the ability to retain residents in Massachusetts.

In addition to housing and transportation, Healey discussed various educational reforms, including her vision for high school graduation requirements and a return to phonics-based literacy instruction. She identified these areas as crucial for the state's future and expressed hope that voters will hold her accountable for progress by the end of 2025.