SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WINS 8TH HAMPDEN DISTRICT SEAT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jessica Avery
413-388-1240
WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/
SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WINS CHICOPEE’S 8TH HAMPDEN
CHICOPEE— Veteran, educator, and mom, Shirley Arriaga wins Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District seat. Arriaga received over 8,000 votes, or 65%, overall. Arriaga reiterated that her priorities include education, women’s and reproductive rights, economic development, housing, seniors and Veterans.
“Thank you to every Chicopee voter who exercised their right to vote in Tuesday’s election. We have worked hard since March to earn not only your support and vote but trust,” said Arriaga. “I look forward to using my personal experience and professional knowledge to advocate for issues important to Chicopee such as energy, education, housing, and Veterans.”
Arriaga says that education is one of her top priorities.
“As Chicopee’s next State Representative, I will work with my colleagues in the General Court to increase education funding for early education, vocational training, and teacher retention, especially advocating for Chicopee’s fair share. Our educators provide students a top-tier education, but the current funding leaves them under-resourced and as a result, students lack critical support such as mental health guidance and outside-school programming.”
Additionally, Arriaga says she will focus on economic development.
“I want to increase the focus on furthering economic development in Chicopee through expanding transportation services, investing in low to no-income grants for small businesses, and incentivizing sustainable jobs, while also working with municipal leaders to create new housing opportunities”, said Arriaga.
“Chicopee’s Veterans population has also struggled to obtain benefits due to system barriers. As State Representative, I will work with the newly created Executive Office of Veterans Services to further veteran constituents' outreach”, continued Arriaga.
Arriaga concluded, “Our seniors on fixed incomes are feeling the pain of inflation in ways that create burdens and challenges that require the attention of, and action by, the state legislature. I will work alongside my colleagues to find solutions and provide financial relief to combat the impacts of inflation.”
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