Massachusetts Senate President Slams Trump Administration’s $106 Million Cut to Education Funding
Boston, MA – Senate President Karen E. Spilka condemned the Trump White House’s recent decision to cut $106 million in aid to Massachusetts public schools, branding it as "horrific and cruel." During a news conference, Spilka asserted that the Republican administration is specifically targeting majority-Democrat states like Massachusetts, claiming, “He’s got people out there sweeping Massachusetts residents up,” referring to immigration raids.
This announcement coincides with the Democrats’ newly launched initiative, dubbed “Respond 2025,” aimed at countering federal actions and raising awareness of their impacts on local residents. “We need to protect our residents, defend our values, and help lead Massachusetts,” Spilka stressed.
Governor Maura Healey reacted strongly to the funding cuts, noting that the decision came to her office just minutes after it took effect. “At a time when students are still struggling to recover from the pandemic, we should be addressing learning loss and the youth mental health crisis,” she stated. Healey emphasized that such cuts jeopardize essential services like mental health care and tutoring while undermining ongoing school improvement projects.
U.S. Education Department spokesperson Madi Biedermann defended the action, asserting it was time for states to return unused pandemic funds. "COVID is over," she claimed, arguing that states can no longer justify spending emergency funds as COVID relief.
The funding reductions affect numerous districts across the state, with Springfield projected to lose over $47 million and New Bedford $15 million. The sweeping cuts have raised concerns among local officials, with State Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell filing lawsuits to challenge the federal government’s actions.
As Massachusetts grapples with these financial challenges, Spilka called for unified resistance against what she views as repeated overreach by the Trump administration.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
