By Bob Katzen
“We are incredibly grateful for this decision, which represents a major victory for parental rights across Massachusetts. Public school districts are now on notice that they cannot play fast and loose with constitutional protections for families without facing significant liability.”
—Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center counsel Sam Whiting on a federal judge ordering Lexington Public Schools to stop reading LGBTQ-themed books to a kindergarten student after ruling that the school district likely violated the family’s First Amendment rights by refusing to allow an opt-out based on religious objections.
“When the Trump Administration unlawfully stalled the review process for National Institute of Health (NIH) grant applications, lifesaving studies related to Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and other devastating illnesses were frozen indefinitely – stealing hope from countless families across the country and putting lives at risk. This agreement ensures that critical medical research projects are able to continue, paving the way for lifesaving medical advancements, driving job creation and fostering academic competitiveness at Massachusetts’ world class research institutions.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell on a coalition of 16 attorneys general that secured a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) providing that HHS will resume the review process for critical medical and public health research grants issued by the NIH that have been delayed by the Trump Administration.
“From SNAP to Medicaid, LIHEAP to Head Start, the programs that so many Bay State families depend on have never been at greater risk than they are today. Our family centers ensure that families at risk have access to the information, resources and services they most need. These grants ensure that each center has the flexibility to meet the specific needs of their locality.”
— Children’s Trust Executive Director Jennifer Valenzuela announcing that the trust has provided $500,000 in funding to family centers across the state to meet their most pressing needs, in light of continued cuts and changes in federal programs threatening and damaging the social safety net in the state.
“Each of the 205 kits shared with our community represents a potential life saved. The continued use of the naloxone vending machine shows we are removing unnecessary barriers to this critical resource. We will do everything we can to support and care for those struggling with substance use – whether they be our visitors, agency partners, co-workers or their loved ones.”
—Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian on his report that the naloxone vending machine has been accessed 205 times in its first 12 months at the Middlesex Jail and House of Correction.