Boston, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has expressed strong criticism towards federal actions regarding research funding, National Guard deployments, offshore wind restrictions, and vaccine guidance. She highlighted the risks to the state’s economy posed by a halt in research funding and called for federal support in offshore wind development to alleviate energy costs. The governor also issued a standing order allowing COVID-19 booster shots for individuals aged 5 and over, responding to shifts in federal vaccine policies while voicing concerns over an anticipated federal immigration enforcement surge targeting non-violent workers.
Boston — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey sharply criticized recent federal actions on research funding, the use of the National Guard for domestic operations, offshore wind restrictions, and federal vaccine guidance, while directing state-level measures to preserve vaccine access and prepare for local immigration enforcement activity.
Key developments
Governor Healey warned that a halt to federal research funding threatens the state’s knowledge-based economy, risking jobs and the retention of a highly educated workforce. She called for federal support for offshore wind development to increase electricity supplies and help households facing high utility bills.
The governor publicly rejected federal plans to federalize the Massachusetts National Guard and criticized recent federal deployments of Guard troops for domestic use as inappropriate and disrespectful to service members. She noted a federal court ruling that found at least one prior deployment in Los Angeles to be unlawful and said that ruling was the correct outcome, while acknowledging the possibility of appeals.
On public health, Healey issued a state standing order allowing anyone aged 5 and older to receive a COVID-19 booster in Massachusetts, and enabling pharmacists to administer vaccines to all eligible persons. The order was framed as a direct state response to recent changes in federal vaccine recommendations and guidance from federal health leadership.
The governor also signaled concern about an anticipated federal immigration enforcement surge in Boston, decrying actions that target non-violent individuals such as construction workers and caretakers and calling such tactics economically and socially harmful.
Supporting details
Research funding and economic impact
State officials warn that interruptions in federal research funding could slow innovation, reduce employment in research-intensive sectors, and discourage highly trained professionals from remaining in or moving to Massachusetts. The governor framed continued federal funding as essential to sustaining the state’s economy.
Offshore wind and energy policy
Healey urged the federal government to stop moves that would halt offshore wind developments, arguing that additional renewable generation capacity is needed to lower consumer energy costs and increase the supply of electricity for residents and businesses. The governor emphasized that federal and state governments should coordinate energy policy rather than work at cross-purposes.
National Guard deployment and legal questions
The governor dismissed the need to federalize the Massachusetts National Guard and criticized recent federal uses of Guard forces in Washington, D.C., and other cities. She characterized those deployments as politically motivated and noted concerns raised by a federal judge who ruled a deployment in Los Angeles unlawful, a decision she supported while noting the likelihood of legal challenges.
Immigration enforcement in Boston
State leaders expect increased immigration enforcement activity in Boston and have publicly criticized enforcement actions that detain non-violent workers and caregivers. The governor described such operations as counterproductive and harmful to families and local economies.
State vaccination policy and public health collaboration
Under the governor’s direction, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a standing order that expands access to COVID-19 booster shots to everyone age 5 and up and permits pharmacists to provide vaccines to eligible people. State officials positioned the order as a safeguard against federal policy changes that could restrict vaccine access for children, pregnant people, and high-risk groups.
The state is coordinating with other New England jurisdictions to maintain consistent public health policies in the region as federal guidance and leadership undergo shifts. Officials noted that the absence of certain federal recommendations is creating practical barriers for high-risk populations, prompting state-level action.
Background and broader context
These developments fit a broader pattern of states acting independently on public health and energy policy in response to shifting federal directives. Court challenges to federal deployment of troops for domestic matters highlight legal and constitutional questions about the appropriate use of military forces within U.S. cities. Meanwhile, tensions between federal and state approaches to vaccination policy have led several states to issue their own orders to preserve or expand vaccine access.
Governor Healey framed her actions as prioritizing public safety, economic stability, and the welfare of service members and residents. Her administration’s policy choices reflect ongoing debates about federal-state roles in emergency response, public health, immigration enforcement, and energy development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Massachusetts standing order on COVID-19 boosters do?
The standing order permits any person aged 5 and older in Massachusetts to receive a COVID-19 booster and authorizes pharmacists to administer vaccines to all eligible individuals. It is intended to preserve local vaccine access amid changing federal guidance.
How does the state order differ from federal vaccine guidance?
The state order expands eligibility beyond recent federal recommendations by allowing boosters for all persons age 5 and up and by directing pharmacists to provide vaccines. The order is a state-level response to federal changes and aims to reduce barriers for high-risk groups.
Did the governor support federal deployment of the National Guard?
No. The governor opposed plans to federalize the Massachusetts National Guard and criticized recent federal use of Guard forces for domestic operations, citing legal, ethical, and morale concerns for service members.
What are the state’s concerns about halting federal research funding?
State officials contend that stopping federal research funding would harm Massachusetts’s knowledge-based economy, potentially causing job losses, undermining research institutions, and driving highly educated workers to other states or countries.
What is the state doing about anticipated immigration enforcement in Boston?
The governor warned of an expected federal enforcement surge and criticized actions targeting non-violent workers. State leaders are monitoring the situation and have publicly objected to tactics they describe as harmful to families and local economies.
At-a-glance: What the Massachusetts standing order allows
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Age eligibility | All persons aged 5 years and older are eligible for a COVID-19 booster under the state standing order. |
| Who may administer | Pharmacists in Massachusetts are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines to eligible individuals under the order. |
| Vaccines covered | The order permits boosters and authorizes administration of specified vaccines for both children and adults as defined by state public health guidance. |
| Reason for the order | Issued to maintain vaccine access amid changing federal recommendations and to reduce barriers for high-risk populations. |
| Related state actions | Massachusetts is coordinating with other New England states on public health measures and continuing to advocate for federal cooperation on energy and research funding. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Leaders Push Back Against Federal Takeover of South Station
UMass to Offer Free Tuition for Low-Income Residents
Federal Immigration Enforcement Operations Planned in Boston
Boston Prepares for Potential Federal Law Enforcement Deployment
Massachusetts Approves $15 Million for Housing Development
Suffolk County Sheriff Indicted on Federal Extortion Charges
Boston Prepares for Potential National Guard Deployment
Federal Administration Considers National Guard Deployment to Major Cities
Mayor Michelle Wu Leads Josh Kraft in Boston’s Mayoral Race
Gronkowski Inaugurates Gronk Playground on Charles River Esplanade
Additional Resources
- Bloomberg: Massachusetts Governor Urges Trump to Stop Attacks on Wind Farms
- Google Search: Governor Healey Trump Wind Farms
- Boston.com: Healey Issues Order Making COVID Vaccines More Accessible
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 Vaccination in the United States
- MassLive: Gov. Healey No Reason for Trump to Federalize Mass National Guard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- BGov: Massachusetts Governor Urges Trump on Wind Farms
- NY Times: Massachusetts Governor Healey Critiques Trump Funding
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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.
