Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is visibly frustrated after weeks of funding cuts and federal job losses. During a news conference with state leaders, she criticized Republican cuts to a school nutrition program, blaming them for harming the community.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would stop funding the Local Food for Schools program, which was intended to provide fresh, local food to schools and childcare programs in Massachusetts. This move means the state will lose $12.2 million, which Healey’s office described as a significant blow to local farmers and small businesses.
When asked if there was a plan to make up for this lost funding, Healey’s response was direct: “Are you kidding?” She emphasized the enormous scope of federal funding at stake, mentioning that Massachusetts’s budget proposal for the next year relies heavily on over $16 billion from the federal government. This funding supports essential services like MassHealth and public education.
She also pointed out that cuts to federal support would affect even more than just state programs; many local nonprofits and school districts also rely on this funding. “The numbers are so huge that there is no way the state can begin to fill the void,” Healey said.
Despite having a healthy Rainy Day Fund with over $8 billion, there’s little interest among lawmakers to tap into it. Healey noted that legal battles led by state attorneys general are critical in challenging these cuts. “Congress needs to step up and act because all states are going to suffer,” she warned.
Healey, who previously served as Massachusetts’ attorney general and fought many battles against former President Trump, aims to highlight the breakdown of partnerships between state and federal governments. She remains determined that public pressure is needed to spur action from Congress. “People really need to be speaking up,” she urged, stressing the need for change to prevent further harm to Massachusetts residents.
The situation is precarious, as the financial strain could have widespread effects, underscoring the importance of governmental support in maintaining public health and education standards.
