A U.S. Congressman from western Massachusetts is not joining other state politicians in criticizing Governor Charlie Baker for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.
In recent weeks, Republican Governor Baker has taken heat for the state's plan for getting people vaccinated. Last week, a new website for making appointments crashed.
Democratic Congressman Richard Neal said at a press conference Monday that while the rollout has been rocky, it's not a problem unique to Massachusetts.
"I have talked to the governor a number of times, as recently as last week," Neal said. "I talked to him, I think, three times in two days. I think there have been problems nationally with it."
Neal said he urged Baker to consider mass vaccination sites in the western part of the state — at the Eastfield Mall in Springfield and the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
The Baker Administration went with one: the Eastfield Mall. Neal said that was Baker's call to make.
Neal also discussed the COVID-19 relief package to be voted by Congress on Friday. It contains $350 billion for state and local aid. He said it would help stabilize the budgets of Massachusetts cities and towns.
"My guess is that they're all going to significantly enhanced because of the amount of money that will be formulaically distributed by the governor and the legislature," he said.
Neal said the program would also extend federal unemployment benefits through August.
In addition, it would provide additional direct payments, including more money for families, and help stabilize some pension programs.
