On Monday, September 20th, Rep. Cabral and Senator Eric Lesser visited the Southcoast for their third Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus tour. The day began with a presentation and panel discussion at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, then moved to Fall River for a working lunch at the Fall River Heritage State Park, and ended in Attleboro with a bus tour of downtown.

This is the third of multiple tours to gather insight into response and recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

In New Bedford, caucus members heard from municipal leaders, leaders in higher education, and community organizations on such topics as economic development in the Whaling City, the role of higher education in economic development, and lessons learned from providing services–from arts and culture to housing and childcare–throughout the pandemic. Caucus members had a panel discussion and Q&A with leaders in New Bedford’s non-profit sector who have been on the frontlines serving the community throughout COVID.

In Fall River, caucus members learned more about culture and the arts, the Route 79 construction project, the importance of early college programs, and the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) program.

In Attleboro, caucus members learned more about the impacts of HDIP and Chapter 70 education funding.

Click here to view photos of the tour.