Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey offers plan to offset federal research grant cuts

Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald on Jul 31, 2025

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BOSTON — The Bay State will attempt to bridge the economic divide caused by the federal government’s sudden seeming aversion to paying for scientific research with research funding of its own, Gov. Maura Healey said while announcing new legislation.

Healey, speaking from the State House on Thursday, said that her Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy — or DRIVE — initiative will see $400 million invested in the research done by Bay State hospitals, universities, and independent research institutions, which are struggling to continue their work since President Donald Trump’s administration took aim at research funding.

Healey added that the proposal is not “just about filling gaps left by federal cuts,” but about jobs and looking forward.

“And in the face of uncertainty from the federal government, this is about protecting one of the things that makes Massachusetts so special – our global leadership in health care and helping families across the world,” the governor said.

According to UMass President Marty Meehan, the state sees $8 billion annually in federal research funding that accounts for more than 80,000 jobs. UMass medical alone has seen $42 million in federal research funding cuts this year, Meehan said, and with that funding go the researchers, who are being recruited by other nations’ universities.

“Massachusetts cannot afford to lose the best and brightest talent that we have working here. This funding that the governor is proposing will show the nation that Massachusetts is willing to take a stand to protect discovery, research, innovation, and our state’s economy,” he said.

Dr. Kevin Churchwell, the CEO of Boston Children’s Hospital, said that his institution, like so many others, is grappling with “unpredictability” from the federal government. Uncertainty from Washington, he said, sends the “worst possible message” to future researchers choosing where to do their work.

“That’s why I’m so excited by this proposed bill, that recognizes the things that make us special, and plays to our collective strengths. It will continue to position Massachusetts as the best place to do this work,” he said.

If made law, half of Healey’s plan, or $200 million, would come from Fair Share tax revenue. The other half, according to the governor’s office, would come from interest gained on the state’s $8 billion Rainy Day fund.