BOSTON (AP) — Maura Healey, the first woman and first openly LGBTQ community member elected governor of Massachusetts, was sworn into office at the Statehouse Thursday, pledging to lead “with empathy and equity.”
Healey’s elevation to governor marks a political shift in the state’s highest elected office from GOP to Democratic hands. Healey, 51, replaces former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, 66, who opted not to seek reelection after two terms.
The ceremony was also the first sign that an all-female ticket would occupy the office. Kim Driscoll, who served as mayor of Salem, was elected lieutenant governor with Healey and was also sworn in on Thursday.
Healey outlined some of his goals in his 35-minute inaugural address.
He acknowledged rising housing costs in Massachusetts and vowed in his first 100 days to create a new housing secretary. He said he would also be able to convert state-owned properties into homes or rental properties and reduce the cost of renting by increasing tax breaks.
“Housing costs are out of control because we don’t have enough,” he said. “If we want Massachusetts to be a home for all, we need to build more places to live.”
Healey said he would push for changes to the tax code including pushing for a child tax credit for every child while also expanding access to child care.
In the first budget Healey said he would propose offering free community college for students over 25 who do not have a college degree. He said he would also increase funding for the state’s university system to make it easier for everyone to get a higher degree.
One of the biggest challenges facing Healey is the country’s public transit system.
He said within the next 60 days, he will appoint a security chief to review the Metropolitan Bay Transportation Authority, which oversees the public transportation system in the Boston area, and will include funding in his first budget proposal to hire 1,000 new workers to get the system running at full capacity.
“We know the MBTA is woefully understaffed – and we know that the lack of staff has serious consequences,” she said.
Healey, who served eight years as Massachusetts attorney general, ran virtually unopposed in last year’s Democratic primary and easily defeated Republican candidate Geoff Diehl in the general election. He is only the second Democrat in the past three decades to be elected governor of Massachusetts.
The new governor is also part of a record number of women holding state elected offices in Massachusetts. Of the six statewide offices, not counting the US Senate seat, women will now hold all but one.
During his speech, Healey also said he is committed to breaking down the barriers people of color, people with disabilities, women and LGBT citizens have faced for generations.
He said he would start by directing every agency in the administration to conduct equity audits.
“Our greatest strength is our people, but we cannot reach our potential as a country when many cannot reach it on their own,” he said.
Healey said he will also move forward with the state’s efforts to transition to a renewable energy future.
He pledged to double overseas wind and solar targets, increase energy storage and put millions of electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
The pledge is in line with the country’s larger efforts to combat climate change. Healey said he would create the nation’s first cabinet-level climate chief who could work across governments and cities and towns to achieve the nation’s climate goals.
Just as former Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick invested state funds to help Massachusetts become a biotech hub, Healey said he wants to make the state a center for renewable energy technology.
A former Harvard basketball player, Healey said he relied on teamwork as attorney general and will bring that same mission to the governor’s office.
Healey hopes to work with the Democratic-controlled Massachusetts House and Senate. Democratic Senate President Karen Spilka administered the oath of office to Healey and Driscoll.
“No matter what challenges we face, no matter what we face, we will remain committed to the best,” Healey said. “We will act with empathy and fairness. We will work together.”