Governor Maura Healey today announced that she is launching the Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Initiative to grow Massachusetts’s world-renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs. As part of DRIVE, Governor Healey will file legislation proposing $400 million in state funding to retain world-class talent, preserve and create jobs across industries, and support a key foundation of the Massachusetts economy.

“This is an innovative proposal that demonstrates our administration’s commitment to supporting the game changing scientific and medical research that happens every day in Massachusetts, while creating new jobs and strengthening our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

This legislation will also broaden the eligible use for federal match funds to further protect Massachusetts from federal cuts that seriously threaten public health, safety or welfare, or the fiscal stability of the state.