At kitchen tables and classrooms, in research institutions and doctors’ offices, our residents are feeling the consequences of decisions being made far beyond our state lines. On the other side of every cruel or illegal policy decision made by the federal government is a real person: a working mother, a business owner, a child, a teacher, a doctor, a neighbor. A human being.
Over the past year, my office has sued the federal government to stop actions that have threatened more than $3.3 billion in federal funding for Massachusetts. These are dollars our communities rely on to educate our children, promote public safety, protect public health, strengthen infrastructure, and support our most vulnerable neighbors. At the same time, we’ve seen a relentless assault on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as countless violations of peoples’ civil and human rights.
As attorney general, my job is simple and serious: to protect Massachusetts. To stand up for our rights, our wallets, and our future. And I want you to know that at every turn, I have your back.
My office has filed nearly 50 lawsuits against the federal administration. Through that work, we have protected $3.14 billion of the $3.3 billion in funding put at risk. We’ve safeguarded residents’ rights, including their personal data, their access to basic services and benefits, and even newborn babies’ constitutional right to citizenship. But accountability doesn’t end in the courtroom, and it’s certainly not something my office can achieve alone.
Real justice requires transparency and listening. Every day, I hear from residents, community leaders, and nonprofit organizations who are experiencing fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Given the unprecedented attacks on fundamental rights and basic services, those feelings are understandable. That’s why my office recently launched two new public tools: a Storytelling Portal and Federal Funding Dashboard. Together, they shine a light on what’s at stake and elevate the voices of the people most affected.
The Storytelling Portal gives residents and families a direct way to share how federal decisions are affecting their lives. These stories put a human face on harmful policies. A funding freeze becomes a lost child care slot. A regulatory rollback becomes higher utility bills. A policy change becomes a student who no longer feels safe or supported at school. Each story helps my office identify emerging harms, understand what communities are experiencing in real time, and, in some cases, inform our legal response.
Equally important is our Federal Funding Dashboard, which illustrates exactly how much federal funding has been put at risk in Massachusetts and how much my office has protected through our litigation and advocacy. For many communities across our state — especially those where residents often feel left out and left behind — federal dollars are the backbone of critical services. By making this data publicly available and easily accessible, we’re giving residents clear, accurate insight into what is at stake and what is being done to defend it.
These tools are not about politics. They are about people. The are about ensuring that every resident — no matter their zip code, income, or background — has access to information and a meaningful voice in shaping our future.
I encourage everyone to explore these tools, share your story, and learn how we are fighting back against federal decisions that are affecting your community. In moments of uncertainty, information and collaboration are not luxuries — they’re necessities. Together, we can continue protecting our communities, defending our rights, and building a Massachusetts where everyone has the chance to thrive.
To submit a story to the Storytelling Portal, visit www.mass.gov/ago/shareyourstory. To visit the Federal Funding Dashboard, go to www.mass.gov/ago/federaldashboard.
Andrea Joy Campbell is the Massachusetts Attorney General.