News List

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield/Hartford area has missed out on 130,000 new jobs since 1990, jobs that could have come here if the region had the commuter rail service enjoyed by other East Coast cities. “That’s the major differentiating factor, the availability of rail,” said Jessica Jones, senior analyst for the engineering firm AECOM. Improving rail service from… Read more »

Springfield, MA – A new report commissioned by the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) - in consultation with the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) - has found a nearly 10 to 1 return on investments in passenger rail between New Haven and Worcester via the Hartford-Springfield Metro Area. Congressmen Richard E. Neal (MA-01) and John B. Larson (CT-01) joined… Read more »

Rep. Richard Neal discussed President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, focusing on rail service improvements in Massachusetts. He also talked about his plan to make the child tax credit expansion permanent. Neal, a Democrat, is chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. He represents Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District. Listen HERE.  Read more »

(As prepared for delivery) As members of the committee are aware, retirement security has been one of my priorities as the Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee.  Too many workers in this nation reach retirement age without the savings they need.  In fact, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, 50 percent of households are “at risk”… Read more »

More financial help is available now for a sector of businesses that were among the hardest hit by the pandemic shutdowns – food service establishments.  Online applications became available Monday from the U.S. Small Business Administration for eateries to tap into the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund. The program provides grants up to $10 million with a minimum… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – More relief is coming to our country’s restaurants as many continue to struggle during the pandemic. A report last year showed that 20 percent of Massachusetts restaurants have closed for good. Now, more money is on the way to help the struggling restaurant industry. The nearly $29 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund designated for restaurants,… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Small Business Administration started taking applications Monday for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, $28.6 billion in federal money available to eateries affected by the coronavirus pandemic. “Restaurants and places of business, they have really had a tough run in the pandemic,” said U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield. Neal,… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- There was a big boost for our local restaurants on Monday. The Small Business Administration announced the opening of billions of dollars for restaurant owners who suffered major revenue losses from the pandemic. Congressman Richard Neal meeting with the regional director of the SBA, Bob Nelson, and the Springfield Chamber president to highlight the… Read more »

Springfield, MA - Congressman Richard E. Neal, Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Massachusetts District Director Robert Nelson, Springfield Regional Chamber President Nancy Creed, and Springfield Business Improvement District Executive Director Chris Russell joined together on Monday to mark the opening of the application process for the SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — Students and staff at Samuel Bowles Elementary School joined local officials in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday with a tree planting in memory of paraprofessional Lynne Ainsworth. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno were among those taking part in the annual Arbor Day celebration. They praised Springfield’s stewardship and… Read more »