In the News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Congressman Richard Neal and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno met at Union Station’s Platform C, which recently underwent a $10 million federally funded improvement, the kind of improvement that the Moving Forward Act advocates on a much larger scale.

Congressman Neal, the Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee has given the Moving Forward Act the green light. He’s excited about its prospects.

“This is the most important advance in terms in terms of renewable, broadband, and rail transportation,” Neal said, adding that it also addresses “highways, roadways, bridges, sewer& water, childcare, and schools.”

The far reaching goals appeal to Mayor Sarno. They all fall within the scope of municipal needs with its emphasis on the local economy.

“This is the biggest plan since President Eisenhower,” Sarno told 22News. “Public investment spurs private investment and a good four letter word: jobs. J-O-B-S.”

The legislation also includes funding for an East-West rail service connecting Boston to the Berkshires.

Congressman Neal told the mayor and 22News to expect swift passage by the House before the $1.5 trillion package faces negotiations with the Trump Administration.

“I want to thank Congressman Neal for his continued leadership and advocacy on behalf of our Springfield, Western Massachusetts, the Commonwealth, and our Nation. Once again, he has the best interest of our communities at the forefront of our nation’s federal dialogue.  As we begin the process of reopening our cities from the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, this legislation is the ‘shot-in-the-arm’ our communities need,” Sarno said in a news release sent to 22News.