Massachusetts Governor Launches $400 Million Initiative for Research
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healy announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening research in the state due to recent federal funding cuts affecting universities.
Healy is proposing legislation that includes $200 million designated for state public universities. This funding aims to “preserve and hire research and education positions,” directly and indirectly. Additionally, another $200 million will be allocated to support research at hospitals, universities, and similar institutions.
“Massachusetts stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research and the development of life-saving treatments,” Healy noted during the announcement. “This funding is crucial for Massachusetts’ economy; it serves as the bedrock of our economic infrastructure. This bill is intended to create jobs across various sectors—from construction and food services to healthcare and education. With uncertainties looming from the federal government, it’s imperative to maintain Massachusetts’ unique position.”
The limitations imposed by several federal agencies during the Trump administration, particularly on indirect research funding rates, have greatly restricted taxpayer resources. Many universities are responding to these funding cuts with hiring freezes and even layoffs, not to mention rising tuition costs.
The funding for this initiative will come from Massachusetts’ “Fair Share Circtax revenue,” which includes additional taxes on individuals earning over $1 million a year, alongside contributions from the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund, which encompasses excess capital gains and gambling taxes.
Some of the most prestigious universities in Massachusetts have faced these cuts, including Harvard University, which has reportedly lost over $2 billion in federal grants due to allegations surrounding anti-Semitism. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is also under a federal investigation related to accusations of racial discrimination.
In a statement, MIT President Sally Kornbluth highlighted the necessity of federal funding for research, stating, “[Research] benefits all Americans. If these resources diminish or falter, it is the entire country that suffers.” She welcomed the governor’s initiative and advisory board aimed at preserving federal leadership in research, education, and innovation for the future.
