Today, Governor Charlie Baker delivered his annual State of the Commonwealth address from his office at the Massachusetts State House.
“Tonight’s address is just one more example of a gathering – a ritual of coming together – that’s been put on hold by the pandemic,” Governor Baker said in his opening remarks. “But better days are coming. And like you, Lieutenant Governor Polito and I are looking forward to being able to join with family, friends and colleagues. Because as we all know, there’s so much joy in being together.
“2020 was a year like no other. The pandemic changed everything. And it was much more than just the worst public health crisis of the last hundred years. It came with economic calamity. Severe job loss. Business closures. Anxiety. Fear. Civil unrest. Riots. Racial injustice. Isolation. Death. And Loss.”
Here is the full text of Governor Baker’s address.
In closing his address, Governor Baker said, “Besides putting COVID in the rearview mirror once and for all, my biggest wish for 2021 is for all of us to take Walt Whitman’s charge to heart. Be curious – not judgmental.
“If we do, I believe we will all grow. And hopefully, we’ll all learn a few things we didn’t know before and be glad that we did. We’ll also be happier and healthier – and can use our newfound knowledge and understanding to build a better, stronger Commonwealth as we come out of this awful pandemic.
“Thanks for watching. God Bless this Commonwealth and God Bless The United States of America.”