The Massachusetts state budget is $62 billion. Massachusetts receives $16 billion (25.8%) annually from the Federal government for various purposes. $2 billion of this funding is for Medicaid (MassHealth). Cuts in the other areas will put financial stress on our entire budget. Federal budget cuts in research, higher education and hospitals are already causing more unemployment and less state tax revenue. These institutions are the foundation of our local economy and critical to attracting the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and high-tech companies, the people they employ and state and local tax revenue they generate. Stanley noted that he now gets calls for help daily. Many economists believe the expected federal cuts, layoffs and tariffs will send our economy into another great recession.

“As Chairman of the Committee on Aging and Independence (formerly Elder Affairs Committee), I am keenly aware that these proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could have catastrophic consequences for Massachusetts seniors and vulnerable residents,” noted Stanley.

With over two million vulnerable children, adults with low incomes, those with disabilities and 200,000 seniors across the state relying on MassHealth, these cuts threaten not just health care access, but the financial stability of the Commonwealth’s health system. Thousands of Waltham residents will be directly affected.

“These cuts would not just affect individuals—they would shake the foundation of our health care system and local economy. If you think emergency room wait times could not get any worse think again! Rep. Stanley said he spent the past four years working hard to achieve long overdue reforms to our health care system serving senior residents. Massachusetts cannot afford to now go backward on health care access, especially for those seniors who have spent their lives building our communities,” said Stanley.

Stanley explained the impact of the federal cuts and efforts to push back on them will require increased time and attention. His Committee on Aging and Independence will have to deal with an increased number of issues caused by the cuts in health care and senior services. Stanley also expects that as these cuts take their toll on individuals and family members the calls from his Waltham constituents in need of help will increase markedly. Stanley also serves on four housing-related state commissions or task forces, including the Senior Housing Commission which demands considerable attention during the state’s current housing shortage.

Stanley, who has served on the Waltham City Council for over 20 years, said, “In order to meet these challenges, I have decided that I would be most effective concentrating on my legislative work at the State House for the next two critical years. Not campaigning for or serving on the City Council would free up time to increase my attention toward the budget crisis we are all about to face. As State Representative, I will of course continue to work in close contact with our Mayor and City Council on pertinent issues. That will not change.”

Stanley concluded, “I am confident that we will get through this uncertain and anxious time if we all work together to resist federal policies that damage our state and our community and cause harm to our people of all ages.”