Massachusetts Senate Calls on President Trump to Fund Food Assistance for People in Need

 Massachusetts Senate Calls on President Trump to Fund Food Assistance for People in Need 

Bipartisan group unanimously sends message to President 

 

(BOSTON—10/31/2025) The Massachusetts Senate on Thursday called on President Donald Trump to use his authority to keep federal funds flowing to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program before people in need begin losing access to food aid in the coming days. 

 

The formal resolutions, S.2688, were approved with support from both Democrats and Republicans on the same day that the Commonwealth advanced $4 million to local food banks to double their allotment and help address the impending crisis. The Senate’s resolutions call on the President “to use all existing authority to supplement and transfer available funds to sustain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits throughout the duration of the ongoing federal government shutdown.” 

 

The program’s recipients could start losing access to the vital aid program as soon as November 1 as a result of the federal government shutdown in Washington. Unlike other federal shutdowns when SNAP recipients were not impacted, this fall the President has chosen not to release contingency funding to keep the program operating. Around 1 million recipients in Massachusetts could be left struggling to afford basic nutrition, with a disproportionate impact on seniors, children, and people living with disabilities. 

 

“Emergency food providers across the Commonwealth have already reported sharp increases in demand and while the Legislature and Administration have expanded investments in state based anti-hunger initiatives, including the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, universal school meals and the Healthy Incentives Program, the Commonwealth cannot absorb the $210,000,000 per month in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments that would be lost if not funded during the ongoing federal government shutdown,” the Senate said in its resolutions. 

 

A SNAP shutdown could also impact the Massachusetts economy. SNAP purchases make up a significant slice of grocery sales at farmers’ markets, neighborhood stores, and supermarkets around the state, with more than 5,500 Massachusetts retailers participating in SNAP. Retailers, the agricultural sector, and Massachusetts’ fisheries could all feel the effects. 

 

The resolutions were adopted by the Senate and will be sent by the Senate Clerk to the President in Washington. 

聯邦法官裁定川普政府停發SNAP福利不合法 麻州長、參議會議長發聲明肯定

吳弭市長（前右三）邀多個市鎮首長發表對聯邦政府停發SNAP福利的看法。（周菊子攝）             (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導)在麻州州長為川普政府揚言停發SNAP議題連續召開記者會，麻州總檢察官與25州聯袂提告美國農業部，波士頓市長今日召集至少4個市鎮首長發聲後，傳出聯邦法院裁決川普政府必須持續支付SNAP經費的好消息。 波士頓基金會執行長Lee Pelton說明該會撥款150萬元，加入援助行列。（周菊子攝） 10月31日是萬聖節，也是川普政府預訂11月1日起停發SNAP前夕。波士頓市議會議長形容川普政府的停發SNAP福利，才是最恐怖的行動。 來自麻州及羅德島州的2名聯邦法官，在11月1日，美國農業部將凍結發放SNAP之前一日的週五，幾乎同時裁決，川普政府必須在政府關門期間，動用應急基金，繼續資助SNAP（食物補助券）福利，這全國最大的食物補助項目。 聯邦參議員Ed Markey也藉此機會表達對川普政府的不滿。（周菊子攝） 目前還不清楚，在法官裁定之後，川普政府會多快重新為SNAP卡充值，整個過程可能長達一兩週。 劍橋市經理黃義安說明劍橋市狀況。（周菊子攝） 麻州州長奚莉（Ｍaura Healey）和麻州參議會議長Karen Spika，都在法官認為川普政府停發SNAP福利的行動不合法的裁決出爐後，立即發表聲明，指該裁決落實了大家一直都知道的，川普政府有經費繼續支付SNAP福利，卻選擇逼使數以百萬計的美國人面對飢餓。奚莉州長和Karen Spika 參議會議長都感謝總檢察官Andrea Campbell ，以及其他州的總檢察官們向法院提告川普政府，得到裁決。將會通知麻州居民後續發展。 麻州州長Maura Healey在10月30日召開記者會，說明麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell 這時正在法院，提告川普政府。（檔案照片，周菊子攝） 波士頓市長吳弭也在10月31日中午時分，邀集劍橋市經理黃義安（Yi An Huang），尚莫維爾市市長Katjana Ballantyne，雀喜鎮鎮經理Fidel Maltez，布魯克蘭鎮行政主管Charles Carey，以及波士頓基金會執行長Lee Pelton，大波士頓YMCA執行長David Shapiro，大波士頓食物銀行營運長 Cheryl Schondek，聯邦參議員Ed Markey，以及波士頓市的市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune，議員，波士頓市府要員等人一起召開記者會，說明各市鎮面對聯邦政府停發SNAP卡的狀況。 麻州州長Maura Healey強調，每7名麻州居民就有1人會因SNAP福利停發受影響。 （檔案照片，周菊子攝） 吳弭市長表示，截至2025年9月，波士頓市居民約有14萬人，也就是每5人中有1人，或者大約8萬9千家庭，持有SNAP卡，全麻州約有30%的SNAP卡的收受者是兒童，28%是殘障人士，23%是年紀在60歲以上的老人，而平均每個家庭的每月福利SNAP卡福利是$323元。 麻州州長Maura Healey(前左三）和麻州財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg(前左二）在10月24日 已爲聯邦政府將停發SNAP卡，開過一次記者會。（檔案照片，周菊子攝） SNAP卡對地方食物經濟也很重要，去年平均每個月有3000萬元的SNAP卡的錢是花在波士頓是的雜貨店，農夫市場，以及其他的食物零售商。 她說，當川普總統以飢餓來玩政治，波士頓市決心竭盡所能地保護市民，並和社區一起反抗這些不合法，不道德的行動。 波士頓市政府推出Boston.gov/SNAP網站，為民眾提供相關資訊。 Governor Healey Issues Statement on Court Ruling That Trump Must Continue to Fund SNAP    BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement after a federal judge ruled that President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold SNAP benefits is “unlawful” and his administration must use contingency funds to pay for it:  “This ruling confirms what we have known all along – Donald Trump has the funds to continue paying SNAP benefits, but he has been choosing to force millions of Americans to go hungry,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to Attorney General Campbell and her colleagues for taking the President to court and securing this ruling, and I continue to urge him to immediately restore full benefits as soon as possible. We will provide additional guidance to Massachusetts SNAP recipients as it becomes available."  It is currently unclear when November benefits will begin to be paid and in what quantity. The Department of Transitional Assistance will provide information to SNAP recipients as soon as it is available, including at mass.gov/SNAPupdates. Information for how families facing hunger can get help and how to help your neighbors in need can be found at mass.gov/SNAPfreeze.  Senate President Spilka Applauds Court Rulings on SNAP, Urges Federal Government to Follow the Law   (BOSTON — 10/31/2025) Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) today issued the following statement regarding a federal court's rulings that the federal government has the responsibility to administer SNAP benefits to Massachusetts residents. "Today's court rulings affirm what we have known all along: the federal government must follow the law. It has both the responsibility and the means to ensure that no person in our great country goes hungry. I commend Attorney General Campbell for her strong leadership on behalf of Massachusetts' families and urge the federal government to comply with the law and provide this essential funding."

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WEEK IN THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES SUPPLIER DIVERSITY WEEK IN THE CITY OF BOSTON Recent initiatives have helped boost the participation of small, local, and diverse firms and led to a 345 percent increase in City contract spending with these businesses from fiscal years 2019 to 2025

BOSTON - Thursday, October 30, 2025 - This week, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Department of Supplier Diversity are celebrating the third annual Supplier Diversity Week, reaffirming the City’s commitment to supporting local, diverse businesses. Throughout Supplier Diversity Week, the City’s Department of Supplier Diversity will host a series of free and open networking events, informational sessions, and workshops to highlight and promote fair access to opportunities in the City’s contracting processes while also celebrating the success of the City’s equitable procurement initiatives. “In Boston, we are lucky to have a diverse ecosystem of small businesses that keep our city running, strengthen our local economy, and empower our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Supplier Diversity Week is a great opportunity to provide businesses with hands-on support that allows them to flourish and expand their roots, an important part of making Boston a home for everyone.” Over the last three fiscal years, $628.7 million in City contracts have been awarded to certified minority- and women-owned businesses, a 94 percent increase compared to the previous four fiscal years. In fiscal year 2025, $232.5 million in contracts were awarded to certified minority- and women-owned businesses. This is equivalent to 13 percent of all contracting dollars awarded by the City in FY25. To celebrate the City’s recent success, the Department of Supplier Diversity and the Procurement Department have released its annual Equity in Contracting Report for FY25, highlighting the City’s equitable procurement data and achievements. Additional information about the City’s efforts is available on the Equitable Procurement webpage.  “Mayor Wu has made it a priority to create on-ramps to procurement opportunities for Boston-based businesses and those owned by Boston’s rich diverse community. As a result, we have had four periods of year-over-year growth that have seen more contracts that are worth more awarded to capable and qualified firms,” said Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu. “Our city has benefitted from greater participation of local and diverse firms, from providing culturally relevant and tasty meals to our students, to helping our neighborhoods come alive during Open Streets, to supporting major construction projects. I am grateful to my colleagues in public service who have been strong partners in not only achieving this success, but helping to implement policies and programs that will ensure its continuation." “As a Finance Cabinet, we are committed to continue lowering the barriers that exist in City contracting to ensure Boston's local, small, and diverse businesses have a fair opportunity to access government contracts,” said Chief Financial Officer Ashley Groffenberger. “Under Mayor Wu’s leadership, our teams have worked to streamline processes, meet vendors where they are, and publicly report on our contracts and spending. I am grateful to the Mayor, Chief Idowu, and the Supplier Diversity, Procurement and Auditing teams for their dedication to this effort.”   "Boston has done an admirable job in the past few years of increasing its supplier diversity numbers, but we need to keep pushing forward to improve opportunities for all of our Bostonians," said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4). "The events of this week are a crucial way to highlight our path forward." Successful Supplier Diversity initiatives include the Supplying Capital and Leveraging Education (SCALE) program and Inclusive Quote Contracts designed to build businesses’ capacity to more effectively pursue government contracts. SCALE is a grant and technical assistance program designed for small businesses in specific industries (snow removal and landscaping, food and dining services, design and architectural services, and construction). The 27 diverse Boston-based businesses selected for the SCALE program will ultimately receive a grant award of up to $200,000 and engage in a six month course on capacity building and business expansion with City-selected industry technical assistance providers. “This week of events reflects the Department of Supplier Diversity’s mission of making contracting with the City of Boston accessible to diverse businesses,” said Director of Supplier Diversity Andrea Caruth. “We are grateful for the support we receive under Mayor Wu’s leadership from our City partners—the Office of Small Business and the Procurement Department—to share information that will result in tangible benefits for businesses." Initiated by Mayor Wu’s home rule petition in 2022, the Inclusive Quote Contracts procurement method—soliciting at least three quotes from certified diverse businesses—allows City officials to use the written quote process to procure higher values of supplies and services up to $250,000 when purchasing from certified small, local, disadvantaged businesses. The City has awarded 54 total Inclusive Quote Contracts, 28 of which were awarded in fiscal year 2025. Since 2022, the City has awarded $7.4 million in contracting dollars to certified businesses through Inclusive Quote Contracts. Supplier Diversity Week events—both virtual and in-person—will provide diverse, small, and local business owners with essential tools and knowledge to successfully navigate the City’s contracting processes. To register for Supplier Diversity Week events and workshops, please visit the Supplier Diversity homepage.

麻州長Healey宣佈州府增撥400萬元因應食物危機 籲民眾支援Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze

麻州州長Maura Healey強調麻州是個有難就會挺身而出的州。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）因應食物補助券（SNAP）凍結令11月1日起生效，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（10月30）日特地召開記者會，呼籲民眾及企業加入捐助陣營，幫助需要食物者免於飢餓。麻州新設的Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze ，有需要者和可支援者架起橋樑。

United Way麻州執行長Marty Martinez(左起），麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州州長
Maura Healey，麵包計畫執行長Erin McAleer，波士頓食物銀行執行長
Catherine D’Amato等人聯袂說明麻州面對的SNAP危機。(周菊子攝）

            麻州州長奚莉，副州長Kim Driscoll，今早連同聯合路（United Way）麻州執行長Marty Martinez，大波士頓食物銀行執行長Catherine D’Amato，麵包計畫（Project Bread）執行長Erin McAleer在州政府大樓聯袂召開記者會，說明川普政府凍結發放SNAP（食物補助券），有可能讓110萬麻州居民陷入無食充飢窘狀。

麻州政府整理的一旦SNAP券停發，麻州受影響概況。（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長表示，麻州政府和州議會合作，將在麻州緊急食物援助計劃（MEFAP）原有的每月400萬元經費之外，再從本會計年度經費中另撥400萬元，讓11月的緊急食物援助計劃經費總額增加到800萬元，藉以因應可能增加的食物需求。

            聯合路（United Way）麻州執行長Marty Martinez表示，上週麻州政府和聯合路合作，為此情況設立的「聯合響應基金（United Response Fund）」，包括該機構捐出的40萬元，已籌得130萬元，將用於支持食物銀行，把食物發送給有需要的民眾。

麻州政府製作的佈告牌，說明川普政府凍結SNAP券，將有100萬麻州居民受影響。
（周菊子攝）

            奚莉州長強調，包括32%的兒童，26%的耆英，31%的殘障人士，麻州有大約100萬人，仰賴SNAP券來獲取充飢食物，其中還有21,000人是退伍軍人，意味著一旦聯邦政府凍結發放SNAP券，幾乎每10名退伍軍人中就有1人和他們的家庭可能面對飢餓，大約5500家農場及雜貨店將失去來自SNAP券的生意。

            這一數目，放到全美，則有大約4200萬人。

            奚莉州長表示，國會撥給聯邦政府農業部（USDA）的經費中，有數以億元計的SNAP應急專案金，期以在政府關閉時，持續發放SNAP，其中包括一筆記錄在第32節的2300萬元經費。過往以來的每一屆政府在政府關門時期，都會動用這筆錢來繼續發放SNAP券，川普總統卻選擇了不這麼做。

            在麻州來說，這是一筆每月大約2.4億元的費用，麻州政府無力彌補這麼大的一個資金缺口。

            麻州總檢察官Andrea Joy Campbell今早就在法院，連同其他25州，提起訴訟，控告美國農業部，要求聯邦政府釋出SNAP資金。

            奚莉州長呼籲有能力的麻州居民及企業，響應捐款，或捐贈食物給食物銀行等機構的行動，期以保護所有麻州居民免於飢餓。例如r4科技公司已承諾捐贈1萬磅的新鮮水果蔬菜給麻州相關組織。願意捐贈食物的企業或民眾，可上MassGrown Exchange網站上註冊，和發放食物機構對接。需要食物的民眾，也可撥打麵包計畫有180種語言的食物資源熱線，1-800-645-8333，尋求獲取食物的幫助。

            麻州以外的其他各州，也都已採取相應措施。

           羅德島州(RI)州長Dan McKee宣布該州進入緊急狀況，動用高達600萬元的貧困家庭臨時援助金（TANF），為2萬戶符合條件的家庭提供緊急援助款項。

           維琴尼亞州（Virginia）的州長也宣佈該州進入緊急狀態，要動用州府盈餘，來支付居民一個月的SNAP福利，並把經費發送到EBT卡上。

            路易斯安那州（Louisiana）的州議會已通過動用1.5億元州府經費，支付大部分領取SNAP福利者的一整個月金額。

            新墨西哥州（New Mexico）已經宣佈撥款3000萬元，經由EBT卡發給居民，暫時補足約10天的SNAP福利。

            佛蒙特州(Vermont)批准動用630萬元州府經費，支付15天的SNAP福利，另撥款25萬元給食物銀行。

             撥發經費給食物銀行的有紐約州6500萬元，馬里蘭州1000萬元，加州8000萬元，奧勒岡州（Oregon）承諾撥500萬元，另外宣佈進入60天的糧食安全緊急狀態。

             還有許多州則是在聯邦政府10月初關門時，就通知領取SNAP券者，這福利可能會在11月中斷，或延遲。

MAYOR WU AND THE OFFICE OF BLACK MALE ADVANCEMENT LAUNCH FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT GRANTS

MAYOR WU AND THE OFFICE OF BLACK MALE ADVANCEMENT LAUNCH FOURTH ANNUAL COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT GRANTS  Applications are now open for $500,000 in grants for community organizations working to strengthen programs and support for men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods

BOSTON - Thursday, October 30, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA) today announced that applications are now open for the 2026 Community Empowerment Grants, a $500,000 investment in local organizations working to improve outcomes for men and boys across Boston. Now in its fourth year, this initiative continues to build on the City’s efforts to advance equity, opportunity, and community partnership for residents across neighborhoods. This program, funded through Black Male Advancement’s operating budget, will provide up to $20,000 in funding for local nonprofits to expand their impact, strengthen capacity, and build programs that directly support men and boys in Boston.  “The Office of Black Male Advancement and Black Men and Boys Commission are ensuring that we as a City are investing more and more into empowering local community organizations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re thrilled to relaunch the Community Empowerment grants program for a fourth time and encourage interested organizations to partner with us to support our Black men and boys across every neighborhood.” Since its launch in 2022, the Community Empowerment Grants have distributed $2 million to more than 150 community-based organizations. Each year, these organizations deliver programs that build skills, create opportunities, and strengthen families across Boston. “The Community Empowerment grants program is about investing in what works — community-driven solutions and opportunities for advancement created by the people closest to the challenges,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement. “By deepening our partnerships and expanding capacity, we’re not just funding programs; we’re shaping systems of equity that will improve outcomes for our residents. The real impact happens when the City and community work hand in hand to uplift the potential of generations of Black men and boys in Boston.” In 2024, grantees served more than 9,000 men and boys across Boston, advancing equity through education, housing, wellness, and civic engagement programs. The 2025 cycle expands this work by providing grantees with capacity-building resources through BMA’s Capacity Building and Impact Institute and a community of practice to strengthen collaboration and long-term sustainability. “The Black Male Advancement Community Empowerment Grants are an investment in the leadership and brilliance that already exists within our communities,” said Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “When we equip organizations with the resources to sustain their work, we strengthen the foundation for lasting equity and opportunity for Black men and boys across Boston.” "Our nonprofits are some of the strongest partners we have in fighting for equity and tackling the problems at a grassroots level," said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4). "These grants empower those institutions to empower others and keep improving outcomes for our black men and boys." Grants prioritize initiatives in seven focus areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time Youth and Young Adult Pathways  Housing Mobility  Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building Workforce Training and Development  Fatherhood Engagement  Mental Health and Wellness Applications are due by Monday, December 1st, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Applicants must be based in Boston and have a proven track record of supporting men and boys. A virtual information session will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at noon via Zoom. Interested applicants can use this link to attend the information session: http://bit.ly/Grantinfosession. For more information, visit boston.gov/grants or email grants@boston.gov. The Community Empowerment grants program builds on BMA’s ongoing efforts to make Boston a home for everyone. The Office’s Equity Study Survey, a citywide effort to better understand the lived experiences of Black men and boys in Boston, is still live and open for responses. The City encourages community members, youth workers, policy advocates, and residents to share their voices. Insights gathered will help shape future programs, investments, and citywide policies that support Black men and boys. The survey is anonymous and all questions are optional. Residents can access the Equity Study survey at boston.gov/bma-equitysurvey.

Ahead of November 1 SNAP Freeze, Governor Healey Launches New SNAP Resource Hub

Ahead of November 1 SNAP Freeze, Governor Healey Launches New SNAP Resource Hub 

Governor Healey advances $4 million to local food banks for November 

United Response Fund has raised $1.3 million in one week 
 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today provided an update on efforts to support families who will be impacted by President Trump’s decision to freeze SNAP benefits beginning November 1^st and outlined additional ways that Massachusetts residents can help their neighbors in need.  

The Governor launched a new SNAP Resource Hub at Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze that includes information on how families facing hunger can get help, ways for people and businesses to offer help, and a new digital map showing how many people depend on SNAP to feed their families in each Massachusetts city and town. 

Governor Healey, in collaboration with the Legislature, is also advancing previously planned payments to food banks and local organizations to help them provide food to families in need during this freeze. The Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance program (MEFAP) currently provides $4 million to food banks per month. To help them meet the anticipated increase in demand, Governor Healey is advancing an additional $4 million of these existing resources appropriated in the state budget for November, bringing the monthly total to $8 million. 

“Starting Saturday, more than one million Massachusetts residents and 42 million people nationwide will be at immediate risk of hunger because President Trump is freezing SNAP benefits. These are children, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. They are your friends, family and neighbors,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is a place where people step up when their neighbors are in need, and I want to make sure that people who need help know where to get it, and that those who want to help know what they can do. We are glad that we are able to advance this funding that we secured with the Legislature to help our food banks meet the needs of our communities during this challenging time, and we thank everyone who has already contributed. President Trump needs to release the billions of dollars in USDA funds that he is holding back and could use to continue SNAP.” 

“Making this funding available to local food banks and marshalling our resources will make a real difference for families that President Trump has cut off from food assistance,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I applaud the Governor for taking this action and am deeply grateful to every organization stepping up at a time when Republicans in Congress have made clear they are willing to let this needless harm fall on our residents.”  

“As President Trump cuts off food assistance for tens of millions of Americans who receive SNAP benefits, including one million people in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth is stepping up by providing support to impacted families through previously appropriated funds to food banks and local organizations that serve our most vulnerable residents,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Given that SNAP benefits are entirely funded by the federal government, it is impossible for state government to replace them, which is why we continue to call on President Trump and Congressional Republicans to back down from their sweeping health care cuts and reopen the government.”  

“For families facing an abrupt loss in food assistance, this relief comes at a critical time,” said Marty Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “We’re seeing early support from donors, and our neighbors are counting on us to meet the unprecedented need. We will continue to mobilize resources to bridge gaps in assistance, ensure access to food, help nonprofit organizations adapt and expand to meet the increased need, and foster partnerships to provide a swift, coordinated regional response.” 

“These are troubling times, yet I see the compassion of our citizens. When faced with challenges – the SNAP crisis – Massachusetts citizens step in and step up to help their neighbors,” said Tim Garvin, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Central Massachusetts. “In one week, organized locally by all 13 United Ways in Massachusetts, more than one million dollars was raised to support children, veterans, people with disabilities, working families and seniors. I see people come together to help, I am so very proud to be part of the Commonwealth.” 

“If you need help, please know you are not alone, we have a durable emergency food system is here in Massachusetts that can provide you and your household with immediate support,” said Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO of The Greater Boston Food Bank. “Amid all this uncertainty, one thing is clear, food is a basic human right, hunger is a non-partisan issue, and we will be here every day for our neighbors in need, until hunger no longer exists.” 

“The stress of not having enough to eat is real – it’s physical – and nobody should face it alone. Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline exists to provide accurate information and immediate, compassionate support to Massachusetts residents,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO at Project Bread. “Whether it is finding a local food pantry, a community meal, tips to stretch a grocery budget, or assistance with SNAP applications, we are here to help everyone in the Commonwealth get through the challenging days ahead.”  

Last week, Governor Healey and the United Way announced a new statewide effort to support Massachusetts residents whose SNAP benefits are at risk due to choices made by President Donald Trump. The United Response Fund is rapidly providing resources to trusted community-based organizations and local food pantries. In one week, the Fund has raised $1.3 million. This includes $400,000 committed by United Way organizations in Massachusetts. 

United Way of Massachusetts Bay will start distributing funding beginning on Friday. For example, funding will help the Salem Food Pantry expand food distribution at their Market and Mobile Pantry locations, enabling them to serve more households. 

Governor Healey also appealed to businesses to join in these efforts. For example, the company r4 Technologies has committed to donate 10,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to Massachusetts food recovery organizations. Businesses with surplus food and hunger relief organizations in need of food are encouraged to register and list themselves on MassGrown Exchange, a free service that allows users to list as available or post a need for wholesale-level products, services, or equipment. 

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline provides free, confidential support to all Massachusetts residents experiencing food insecurity in 180 languages, available year-round. Call or text 1-800-645-8333 or visit www.projectbread.org/get-help for more information. The SNAP Resource Hub also includes more information about how people can contact their regional food bank if they are in need of food or want to help. 

The Governor’s new digital map shows that hunger exists in every Massachusetts city and town. Users can search by municipality to see how many of their neighbors will be impacted by the SNAP freeze and identify where their help is needed most. 

More than 1.1 million Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP to afford food – 32 percent are children, 26 percent are seniors, and 31 percent are people with disabilities. 21,000 SNAP recipients in Massachusetts are veterans, meaning almost 1 in 10 veterans and their families could go hungry. Additionally, over 5,500 farms and grocery stores take SNAP and depend on those revenues. 

Earlier this week, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell co-led a coalition of 25 other states in suing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending SNAP. The USDA has billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for the purpose of continuing SNAP during a shutdown, including a $23 billion in Section 32 funds. Every other presidential administration has used this funding to continue SNAP during shutdowns, but President Trump is choosing not to. 

Senate Advances Legislation Supporting Military Families

Senate Advances Legislation Supporting Military Families 

Ways and Means Committee also advances bill clarifying National Guard chain-of-command 

 

(BOSTON—10/30/2025) The Massachusetts Senate’s Committee on Ways and Means voted today to advance legislation that boosts supports for the families of military servicemembers based in Massachusetts, an action to help drive federal investment in the local economy. 

 

The Senate voted during its session today to schedule both bills for debate on the Senate floor next Thursday, November 6. 

 

An Act to enhance access, inclusion, support and equity for military connected families, S.2676 (a new draft of S.2503), prioritizes the education of children with a parent or guardian in the military and promotes public safety around military installations. The legislation allows children of military families to continue learning in their local school if their parent or guardian is temporarily serving elsewhere, and ensures a smooth transition for military children who receive special education services and are changing school districts. The bill also allows for federal courts to shift some juvenile cases to the state stemming from offenses committed on military bases, and allows the admission of military protective orders as evidence in proceedings for temporary domestic violence restraining orders. The Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs solicited testimony on the bill at a public hearing on June 24, 2025, then gave a favorable report to the legislation on September 11, 2025 following a 5-0 vote. 

 

The Committee on Ways and Means also advanced An Act clarifying the duties of The Adjutant General, S.2675 (a new draft of S.2501), which makes a technical clarification to the National Guard chain-of-command structure to bring Massachusetts’ statutes in line with language used by the vast majority of other states. The legislation makes clear that the Adjutant General, in carrying out the orders of the Governor, has command of all troops in the state National Guard. The bill was the subject of a public hearing by the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs on September 16, 2025. The Committee then advanced the measure on October 2, 2025 after a 6-0 vote. 

 

Both pieces of legislation were originally filed by Senator John C. Velis. 

 

The Committee on Ways and Means voted 16-0 to advance each bill. All committee votes are publicly posted on the Legislature’s website. 

Business, Labor, Health Care and University Leaders Testify in Support of Governor Healey’s Jobs-Creating DRIVE Initiative

Business, Labor, Health Care and University Leaders Testify in Support of Governor Healey’s Jobs-Creating DRIVE Initiative  

BOSTON – Today, Massachusetts business, labor, health care and university leaders came together to testify in support of Governor Maura Healey’s DRIVE Initiative, a groundbreaking proposal to grow Massachusetts’ renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs.  

Supporters emphasized to the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies that this legislation is urgently needed to continue lifesaving research, create jobs, strengthen the economic infrastructure of the state and respond to dramatic federal funding cuts to science and research. 

The Massachusetts economy depends on the research and innovation sectors. The state receives $8.6 billion in annual federal research and development funding, which underpins over 90 health systems, 80 universities, dozens of research institutions, and 1,700 life science companies, including 19 of the top 20 in the world. This federal funding supports 81,300 jobs, $7.8 billion of income, and generates more than $16 billion in economic activity for Massachusetts. 

Massachusetts is home to one in every 10 research and development jobs in the United States. Two out of every five jobs created by science funding are in sectors outside of research and development, like construction, food services, health care, retail and administrative support. The life sciences industry by itself employs 160,000 people, including at biomanufacturing facilities across the state. The state’s higher education and health care institutions produce $156 billion in annual economic output, support close to 900,000 jobs and contribute $4.1 billion in annual tax revenue to the state. 

“Massachusetts’ economy and jobs in every region depend on our research and innovation. It is our economic infrastructure here,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why there is such an urgency to this. The DRIVE Act will create jobs and drive our state’s, our businesses’, and our families’ economic future – starting right now. I’m grateful to broad coalition of supporters who came out to testify today and for the Legislature for their serious consideration of this proposal.” 

The Governor’s legislation proposes $400 million in state funding, while leveraging private-sector investment, to retain talent, create jobs and drive the Massachusetts’ innovation economy forward. $200 million, drawn from a previously authorized pool of up to $750 million, will create a multi-year funding pool to support research projects and jobs at hospitals, universities, and public research institutions. The other $200 million, drawn from Fair Share surtax funds, will support Massachusetts public higher education campuses doing research, cross-regional partnerships and joint ventures.   

“Massachusetts’ innovation economy is the foundation of our competitiveness. It fuels discovery, drives growth, and sustains good jobs in every region of the state,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Through the DRIVE Initiative, we are taking action to protect our leadership in science and technology, support the institutions and workers that make it possible, and ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solving the world’s hardest problems.” 

“Massachusetts did not become a global leader in research and innovation by accident, but through sustained, strategic collaboration between government and industry," said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. "As federal actions jeopardize the innovation ecosystem we have built for decades, DRIVE proposes using available funding to bolster this sector--protecting jobs, supporting our state's entire economy, and maintaining our competitive edge."   

“Research and innovation are critical to the Massachusetts economy,” said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “The DRIVE Initiative allows us to support economic activity in communities all across Massachusetts, save lives through cutting edge medical breakthroughs, and build the jobs and industries of Massachusetts' future.” 

During her testimony, Governor Healey highlighted examples of companies that exist because of Massachusetts’ research base. The RNA science pioneered at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester over the past 2 decades has so far led to the creation of 12 new drugs. Its scientists have co-founded companies like Alnylam, which just built a $200 million biomanufacturing facility providing good jobs in Norton, Massachusetts. Another of UMass Chan’s RNA scientists, Melissa Moore, became the Chief Scientific Officer at Moderna, and her team developed the vaccine that helped end the COVID pandemic and save millions of lives.    

Governor Healey also detailed the impact of federal funding cuts at public state research institutions in Massachusetts. Over the last eight months, the UMass system witnessed almost 100 suspensions or cancellations of federal grants, totaling over $35 million. UMass Amherst alone saw 34 cancellations and a loss of over $17.5 million. UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester had to make 134 furloughs and layoffs. 

The long-term impact will be even more severe. The slowdown of the federal grant pipeline has resulted in UMass receiving fewer than half the new grants in Q1 of Fiscal Year 2026 than it did in the same period last year. This will disrupt the progress of research for years to come, placing critical and ground-breaking studies at risk. That in turn will shrink the pipeline of startups, investments, companies, and all the additional jobs and businesses that depend on them.   

Governor Healey also created the DRIVE Acceleration Team, a group of leaders from the science research sector, higher education, labor, business groups and philanthropists. The Acceleration Team has been meeting regularly to develop additional recommendations to strengthen the research and innovation ecosystem and advance scientific discovery and job creation in Massachusetts.