BOSTON (WWLP) - Governor Maura Healey spoke on the future of the commonwealth on Thursday as she reflected on the past year.  Drug law leaves gap in new benefit “We're going to stay focused on the things that matter to you,” said Healey. Governor Maura Healey shared the work her office accomplished in 2024 as she enters a third year in office. Last year, Massachusetts had the biggest population increase since 1964, but that increase has come with the addition of migrant families.  “Taxpayers should not foot the cost, the federal government should fix this, by passing a border security bill, I've said I agree anyone that who does violent acts should be held accountable and be deported immigrant families who have lived here who are working here who pay taxes here who are raising children here deserve a path forward,” said Healey.  Governor Healey looked ahead to the new veteran's home coming to Holyoke, which is expected to be completed in 2027.  “When I visit the Holyoke veterans home, I love seeing my friend Rose Roy, rose is 102 years old, she is a World War II veteran, were a state that's always supported our military and that's why were so proud to win a fleet of brand new F-35 fighters jets for our air base at Barnes in Westfield,” said Healey. The governor says she's also investing $8 billion into transportation infrastructure, aiming to improve roads, bridges, public transit, and stabilize MBTA finances. Another big topic was housing. The governor is pushing ahead with strategies to increase housing across the state to lower costs. Education also a heavy topic. “Voters decided in November that the MCAS grad requirement isn't the way forward students families and employers need to know what a diploma represents. I'm directing a statewide grad council that will require and include teachers, colleges employers, and students that will develop recommendations for a permanent high standard,” said Healey.  To keep the state a national leader in healthcare, Governor Healey also signed a maternal health bill expanding access to midwives, birthing centers, postpartum and breast cancer screenings. Local News Headlines Breakdown of the State of the Commonwealth address Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Classic begins at Springfield College Retired Springfield Police K9 to receive national recognition for service Bring your own bucket to the movies on National Popcorn Day WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.