Michael A. Costello
State Representative

Below you will find some of the issues that Mike cares most about and a brief summary of some of the initiatives he has undertaken to better our communities during his time in the Legislature.

Economic Development provides jobs for local residents, promotes tourism to the area and nourishes a vibrant arts scene. That's why Mike has worked hard on a number of economic developlemt projects. Mike has secured $100,000 for engineering of the Salisbury Boardwalk. He has worked with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce on several economic development projects. He secured $50,000 for the Amesbury Carriage Alliance and Visitor's Center and worked to procure $160,000 for the Newburyport Economic Development Office, which is producing a new marketing brochure for the city.

Mike is fortunate to have such wonderful natural resources in his district from Maudslay State Park to Salisbury Beach, to Plum Island to the Merrimack River. To protect the environment, Mike has lobbied the state for dune fencing at Salisbury Beach. He has helped Newburyport secure grants to preserve valuable open space in Common Pasture, Wet Meadows and at Maudlsay State Park off Curzon Mill Road. And he has made these resources more accessible to the public by helping to secure a long-term lease from the MBTA for the expansion of the Coastal Trail system and to fund the Plum Island boardwalk. In addition to natural resources, the 1st Essex District has rich history and protecting the vestiges of that history are important to Mike. He has helped the Old South Church with its steeple renovation and Newburyport City Hall with its historic facade renovation. Mike has worked with the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce to create a historic visitor's center at Minister's Corner. As a former homeless advocate, Mike is also keenly aware of the critical services that social organizations can provide. He has secured $100,000 for the Newburyport YWCA and $25,000 to help Our Neighbor's Table food pantry. He has supported the Pettengill House and Opportunity Works, where he is a member of its Inclusion Campaign. He has also worked with the Salisbury Boys & Girls Club. He was a founding member of the Gentleman's Partnership, which helped raise money for the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center. Mike honors the service our veterans have given to this country. He approached the Hines family about naming a bridge after First Lt. Derek Hines, who died while serving in Afghanistan. He was a supporter of the Edward G. Connolly bill to give veterans and their spouses increased benefits and tax advantages. He also sponsored the Differential Pay Bill.

Older adults have benfited from the new Prescription Advatage Program which works with Medicare to help pay for medications as well as an expanded Senior Circuit Breaker program, which will allow these valuable members of the community to remain in their homes.