With all of Senator Kerry's recent efforts nationally and internationally, it is sometimes easy to overlook his accomplishments on behalf of his home state Massachusetts. Just last week, he, Senator Kennedy, and a number of US representatives from our state have announced a myriad of funding for various state-based initiatives for a total of 236 billion Dollars.
In light of this, one might consider the fact that Massachusetts is one of the states that receives the least federal spending per federal tax dollar paid - $0.79. Compare this to such states as North Dakota, feeding at the government trough to the tune of $2.03 per tax dollar paid.
To illustrate just how much of an accomplishment this is, just look at the headlines of the press releases:
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Neal Announce Parts of Western and Central Massachusetts to receive more than $17 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Tierney Announce North Shore to receive more than $38 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Frank Announce Fourth Congressional District Communities and projects to receive nearly $52 million in direct aid as part of funding bill
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, McGovern Announce Central and Southeastern Massachusetts to receive more than $7 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Delahunt Announce South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands to receive more than $35 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Tsongas Announce Merrimack Valley to receive nearly $4 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Markey Announce Suburban Boston area to receive more than $5 million in federal funding
12/20/2007 Kerry, Kennedy, Tierney, Frank and Delahunt Announce more than $13 million in federal disaster assistance for Massachusetts fishermen
These are much needed funds for our state, and I am grateful to Senators Kerry and Kennedy, and our Representatives for working so hard for Massachusetts. The Bay State may be small, but it has produced a fine delegation for the US Congress.
So here is a tribute to their efforts, and a bit of an homage to a place I am not native to, but have come to love as my home.
Thank you, Senator Kerry, Senator Kennedy, Reps. Neal, Tierney, Delahunt, Tsongas, Frank, McGovern, and Markey. You rock!
While our Reps have largely been spared the wrath of Massachusetts residents, Senator Kerry in particular has been villified and accused of not doing enough for our state. Accusations levied at him of only wanting for higher office, of not caring about or showing his face in his home state have always been unfair and unfounded. He has consistently worked for, fought for, and been there for Bay Staters.
This funding contained in the Appropriations Bill is only the latest of many examples that prove that Senator Kerry takes his constituents' concerns and needs to heart. I, for one, commend him for it and will defend him to the naysayers for as long as it takes.
Comments (1)
Posted by Connie | December 21, 2007 11:52 AM
What a nice Christmas present, Kerstin! I may live in Reno, but my heart is still in Massachusetts where I was born and raised. So naturally, my "real senators" are John Kerry and Ted Kennedy. Can't help it, just the way it is. Thanks a bunch!