Many people in Massachusetts politics believe Western Massachusetts doesn’t get the attention it deserves from Beacon Hill.
The idea that eastern Massachusetts holds all the power and resources has been a long-standing complaint, especially among those living west of the I-495 corridor. But how true is this perception? Let’s take a closer look.
First, what exactly is considered Western Massachusetts? Opinions vary. Most agree it includes the four western counties: Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden.
Some argue that parts of Worcester County might also count, but most think of Worcester as part of Central Massachusetts. Even within Western Mass, some dismiss Berkshire County as more connected to Albany, New York, than to the rest of the state.
The issue of neglect isn’t new. For years, politicians from Western Massachusetts have pointed out disparities in resources and attention.
Jerold Duquette, a political science professor, explains that it’s easy for politicians in the western part of the state to claim they’re fighting against Boston’s dominance. On the other hand, Boston-based politicians have little to lose by ignoring this perception.
One of the key issues is funding. With about 88% of the state’s population living in the eastern part, most resources naturally flow there.
Western Mass, with around 830,000 people, often feels left out. For instance, a 2021 state report showed that Western Mass had long struggled with insufficient funding for public infrastructure.
State Representative Leigh Davis is working on bills to address these imbalances. She wants better support for emergency medical services, improved licensing processes to help recruit professionals, and more equitable transportation funding.
One of her proposals even aims to move Berkshire County out of the Albany media market so residents can access local news and sports.
There are signs that policymakers are paying more attention to regional equity. Doug Howgate, head of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, noted that recent discussions on transportation funding included efforts to address geographic disparities.
However, differences remain even within regions. Larger cities like Springfield often receive more funding than smaller towns such as Great Barrington.
Some leaders admit there’s room for improvement. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr recently said that while Western Mass has had strong representation in the legislature, Beacon Hill could do better at considering the needs of the entire state.
The ongoing discussion highlights the deep divide between Eastern and Western Massachusetts. With budget season approaching, it remains to be seen whether Beacon Hill will take meaningful steps to bridge the gap.
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In other news, Massachusetts has climbed to No. 2 in the nation for effective gun laws, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
The state has one of the lowest gun death rates in the country, thanks to recent reforms. Meanwhile, Gateway Cities like Worcester are set to benefit from nearly $1 million in state grants for public art and community projects, highlighting efforts to invest in local communities across the state.
The question remains: Can Beacon Hill truly balance the needs of Western Mass with the rest of the state? Only time will tell.
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