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.