HOLYOKE – Massachusetts U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was in Holyoke Friday afternoon at the Log Cabin Banquet Hall for the Checkpoint Legislative Symposium, put on by the Greater Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, and South Hadley/Granby chambers of commerce.
The Congressman appeared and spoke alongside Robert DeLeo, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and prior to a panel of western Massachusetts legislators.
Neal, a Springfield democrat and the dean of both the Massachusetts and New England congressional delegations, spoke for over 20 minutes on jobs and the economy.
“It’s always a great opportunity to highlight the great assets that the western Massachusetts region has economically,” said Neal of the symposium. “It’s also a moment to implore the Speaker to take advantage of those opportunities and highlight in the state legislature what goes on out here.”
“We have, in terms of our economic base, finances, agriculture, education, energy and healthcare, amongst the best in the world,” he said. “and when we reach our potential, our potential expands.”
Neal also spoke of how he plans to advocate for Gateway Communities in his 1st District when it comes to two of his signature concerns – healthcare and the Barnes and Westover Air National Guard Bases in Westfield and Chicopee.
“The bases really stand on their own merit. Time and again, they’ve proved their importance to America’s defense needs,” he said. “With Gulfstream growing at (Barnes), we need to reauthorize the export/import bank – that’s a big Gulfstream issue.”
“If that is reauthorized, as I expect it will be, that’s going to mean more growth for Westfield,” said Neal. “(Barnes and Westover) are both important components, not only for national defense but of economics in the western part of the state.”
Regarding healthcare and continuing to improve local hospitals like Noble, Neal vowed to continue being a champion for these facilities.
“The latest medicaid waiver that we sought will be successfully implemented. That’s a bonanza for our hospitals,” he said. “At the same time, I’m well aware of all the considerations and conversations that take place about these hospitals. I’ve been a big believer in growing what is already the largest employee base in the state – our hospitals.”
