By Bob Katzen
“[President Trump] is taking the bureaucracy out of education so that more money flows to the states. Better education is closest to the kids, with parents, with local superintendents, with local school boards.”
—U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on the Trump Administration’s announcement of a cut to nearly half of the Department of Education’s 4,000-person workforce.
“By attempting to dismantle the Department of Education which, among many things, funds educational programs that benefit low-income children and students with disabilities and enforces laws that prohibit discrimination in education, the Trump Administration is making it crystal clear that it does not prioritize our students, teachers or families.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell and 20 other attorneys general on their lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, the U.S. Department of Education and President Trump over their attempt to dismantle the Department of Education.
“Right now, our democracy is being attacked from every angle. Our commonsense, pro-democracy reforms put the most essential element of our democracy – the people – front and center. Together, we’ll continue advocating for critical legislation that strengthens our voting rights, makes it easier for people to participate in their government and increases transparency to hold those in power accountable.”
— Geoff Foster, Executive Director of Common Cause Massachusetts, launching the “Platform for People Power,” outlining their priorities for the 2025-2026 state legislative session to enact same day voter registration, guarantee hybrid access for government meetings and strengthen transparency around who funds state ballot questions.
“Raising awareness of problem gambling is central to the Lottery’s work, not just this month but throughout the year. Together with our partners, we are committed to providing resources to help prevent and address this challenge throughout Massachusetts.”
— State Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Chair of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, about the Bay State’s participating in Problem Gambling Awareness Month.