To the editor:
Thank you, Joan Lovely, for making Massachusetts one of the most expensive states in the country to live in, second only to Hawaii. The high cost of living here is being fueled by ever-increasing prices on food, fuel, utilities, travel, clothing, and housing. It is crippling hardworking families, as evidenced by the number of taxpayers fleeing the state. Due to domestic migration, we are now fifth in the country for loss of “adjusted gross income” according to the IRS.
Under your watch, inflation and interest rates have surged — a predictable and avoidable situation. A couple of years ago, when the Commonwealth was offered $450 million in federal funding, the state’s own economists warned that accepting these funds would drive up the cost of living and cause generational inflation.
Nevertheless, you and your Democrat accomplices on Beacon Hill chose to proceed anyway. In a recent podcast, you admitted you were aware of these obvious negative economic effects. But instead of proposing solutions to remedy the consequences of your actions, families facing food insecurity were forced to utilize soup kitchens and food pantries.
This reckless decision also came with strings attached, including an agreement for Massachusetts to become a landing spot for illegal immigrants. Nearly 600,000 have arrived since those funds were accepted — an influx that has added to the strain on our economy and already overburdened public services.
I will fight against out-of-control spending and accepting federal funds that bind us to harmful obligations. We need a leader that prioritizes the well-being of our residents over political agendas. I will restore fiscal responsibility and reduce the cost of living, so families can thrive once again.
Please join me in this fight for a better future.
Damian Anketell
Republican candidate for state Senate, 2nd Essex District (Peabody, Salem, Danvers, and Beverly)
