Harrington Calls for Override of Governor's Vetoes

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Democrat Andrea Harrington, candidate for state Senate, is urging the Legislature to restore funding that Gov. Charlie Baker recently cut from the state budget that had been approved by the House and Senate.

"I am deeply troubled as several of the governor's vetoes will be harmful to the people and businesses in the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Senate District. The governor's vetoes cut funding for drug treatment programs, early education, local health-care infrastructure and the further expansion of the area's creative economy. The governor's reduction of $7.7 million from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission will have a negative impact on the arts and cultural economy in our region. Gov. Baker reneged on his promise to adequately fund salary increases for nursing home workers and home health aides. These are the people who are on the front line every day, yet are among the lowest paid employees. At the same time the governor vetoed their pay raises, he gave massive pay increases to some members of his leadership team. Priorities have to change, and as state senator, I will fight to make sure that we are investing in programs and services that create jobs for our region. It is no wonder that people have lost faith in government when they see double standards such as this."

Harrington continued, "As state senator, I will be a bold, progressive voice for the Berkshires and Western Mass, ensuring that we are investing in programs and services that create jobs for our region and make it a safer and healthier place to live and raise a family. I will be a tireless advocate for our communities as we work to combat the opioid epidemic, invest in public education, and develop comprehensive strategies to promote environmental sustainability and create jobs for our region. Most importantly, as state senator I will never forget who I work for."

Harrington grew up in Richmond where she currently lives with her husband, Tim, and their two sons. She has been actively involved in the region, serving as a member her local Affordable Housing Committee, School Council, and as an advisory board member of the regional non-profit BerkShares Inc. Harrington is a graduate of Taconic High School in Pittsfield, the University of Washington, and American University's Washington College of Law.

South County Construction Operations