Boston, September 21, 2025
News Summary
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has revitalized a multistate coalition to advocate for essential federal research funding. Following a trip to Washington, chamber officials met with congressional leaders to address the significant economic impact of potential funding cuts on job creation and local economies. With 82 chambers involved from 35 states, the coalition aims to promote bipartisan support for stable research funding policies crucial for Massachusetts’ economy.
Boston — Business leaders from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and allied regional chambers have revived a multistate advocacy effort to press federal lawmakers to protect and release research funding deemed vital to local and statewide economies.
What happened
The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce primarily lobbies on state and local issues, but has recently sent representatives to Washington due to threats against research funding that is critical to the city’s economy. In Spring 2024, the Boston Chamber led a revival of a multistate coalition of business groups aiming to secure stable federal research funding after significant grant cuts by the Trump administration. Chamber CEO Jim Rooney previously launched this coalition during Trump’s first administration and mobilized it again for ongoing advocacy.
Recent advocacy trip to Washington
Chris Eicher, Vice President of Government Relations, and Emily Baer, Director of Research, from the Boston chamber visited Washington to meet with federal leaders and advocates on September 12-13. The visit was organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber and included a 15-person contingent, with representatives from the New England Council, including Emily Heisig and Mariah Healy. During the recent trip, coalition members visited at least 35 congressional offices to advocate for the importance of federal research funding. Eicher reported mixed responses from meetings with Congress, although there was general receptivity to their message about the economic importance of research funding.
Coalition makeup and growth
Interest in the coalition has grown, now counting 82 chambers and business groups across 35 states, many of which lean Republican. Rooney mentioned that the coalition’s formation was prompted by outreach from states like Pennsylvania and Michigan that had previously participated and wanted to re-engage. The visit was also the first in-person advocacy by coalition members during this current push for funding.
Goals and economic stakes
The coalition seeks to highlight the adverse economic effects that cuts to research funding could have, emphasizing job creation and local economic vitality. The coalition aims to persuade lawmakers to release previously approved but frozen research funding. Rooney highlighted that the long-term economic competitiveness of the United States relies heavily on research funding and associated job creation in communities.
Economic data cited by advocates
Reports estimate that Massachusetts receives over $8 billion in annual federal research funding, which supports approximately 81,300 jobs and generates over $16 billion in economic activity, according to a UMass Donahue Institute study. Advocates point to these figures to connect federal research investments to job support and broader economic output in the state.
Immediate outcomes and next steps
Coalition leaders returned from Washington reporting that they secured meetings with a significant number of congressional offices and found a mix of responses. The immediate objective remains persuading lawmakers to release funds that were previously approved but are currently frozen, and to build bipartisan support for stable, long-term research funding policies.
Background
The coalition’s revival follows earlier efforts during the previous decade when federal grant decisions and budget proposals led business groups to organize around protecting research funding. This recent push responds to renewed concerns about funding cuts and their potential effects on jobs and regional economic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main reason the Boston Chamber sent representatives to Washington?
A: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce primarily lobbies on state and local issues, but has recently sent representatives to Washington due to threats against research funding that is critical to the city’s economy.
Q: Who visited Washington on behalf of the Boston Chamber and when did the visit occur?
A: Chris Eicher, Vice President of Government Relations, and Emily Baer, Director of Research, from the Boston chamber visited Washington to meet with federal leaders and advocates on September 12-13.
Q: Who organized the visit and who joined the delegation?
A: The visit was organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber and included a 15-person contingent, with representatives from the New England Council, including Emily Heisig and Mariah Healy.
Q: How large is the revived coalition and what is its geographic reach?
A: Interest in the coalition has grown, now counting 82 chambers and business groups across 35 states, many of which lean Republican.
Q: What economic data are advocates using to support their case?
A: Reports estimate that Massachusetts receives over $8 billion in annual federal research funding, which supports approximately 81,300 jobs and generates over $16 billion in economic activity, according to a UMass Donahue Institute study.
Q: What did coalition members do during the Washington trip?
A: During the recent trip, coalition members visited at least 35 congressional offices to advocate for the importance of federal research funding.
Q: What are the coalition’s objectives going forward?
A: The coalition seeks to highlight the adverse economic effects that cuts to research funding could have, emphasizing job creation and local economic vitality. The coalition aims to persuade lawmakers to release previously approved but frozen research funding.
Q: What prompted the coalition’s revival?
A: Rooney mentioned that the coalition’s formation was prompted by outreach from states like Pennsylvania and Michigan that had previously participated and wanted to re-engage.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary local actor | The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce |
| Reason for Washington visit | Threats against research funding that is critical to the city’s economy |
| Delegation members (Boston) | Chris Eicher, Vice President of Government Relations; Emily Baer, Director of Research |
| Visit dates | September 12-13 |
| Organizer of trip | The visit was organized by the Detroit Regional Chamber |
| Delegation size | Included a 15-person contingent, with representatives from the New England Council, including Emily Heisig and Mariah Healy |
| Offices visited | During the recent trip, coalition members visited at least 35 congressional offices to advocate for the importance of federal research funding |
| Coalition size and reach | Interest in the coalition has grown, now counting 82 chambers and business groups across 35 states, many of which lean Republican |
| Massachusetts research funding impact | Reports estimate that Massachusetts receives over $8 billion in annual federal research funding, which supports approximately 81,300 jobs and generates over $16 billion in economic activity, according to a UMass Donahue Institute study |
| Immediate objective | The coalition aims to persuade lawmakers to release previously approved but frozen research funding |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Boston Chamber of Commerce Federal Funding
- Axios: Boston Chamber Business Leaders Federal Funding
- Detroit News: Detroit Regional Chamber Rallies
- Wikipedia: Research Funding
- MassLive: Greater Boston Chamber Boss Jim Rooney
- Centre Daily: CBICC Joins National Coalition
- Google Search: Chamber of Commerce Research Funding
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BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
