BOSTON - When it came time for state Rep. Aaron Saunders, D- 7th Hampden, to start his new job as state representative, he was thrown right into the mix and had a lot of learning to do on the fly.
What You Need To Know
- State Rep. Aaron Saunders is in his first year as a representative
- Saunders had to learn a lot in his first year, but feels like he has his feet under him now
- Saunders has a budget background and plans to use that as budget concerns will be prominent in 2024
- Saunders has filed legislation regarding funding for Quabbin towns
“As a new member you kind of get dropped in," Saunders said. "It’s the beginning of the session, so its new in a way, but everything is already in motion. There is a very sharp learning curve and getting your bearings.”
Saunders knows now what to expect for year two, so he’s ready to get back to work next week and start to tackle some of the challenges he says the state and his district are going to face.
The state is in need of money for the emergency shelter system due to an influx of migrant families seeking shelter, and tax revenues coming in are down. There will likely be some important budget conversations to come, and Saunders said he thinks he has a great perspective to share.
“We are likely looking at some new fiscal challenges that we haven’t really felt in the last few years,” he said. “I draw back on my time as municipal official in Ludlow through the Great Recession, and there are tough decisions to make but there are ways to go about it that really minimizes the impact.”
Saunders also has some legislation he is looking forward to advocating for in the new year, including more funding for Quabbin towns and creative ways to hit the state’s climate goals.