Lewis: Massachusetts will push back against federal policies—AG lawsuits, protections for reproductive and immigrant rights

Summary

Senator Jason Lewis said Massachusetts is responding to federal policy moves by suing or otherwise defending state policies: the attorney general has filed numerous suits, the state has strengthened reproductive and gender-affirming care protections, and leaders are assessing ways to mitigate federal funding cuts that could affect healthcare.

Senator Jason Lewis described ongoing state efforts to push back against federal policies the speaker characterized as harmful to residents and state institutions.

Lewis said Attorney General Andrea Campbell has sued the federal administration dozens of times on behalf of the state and has prevailed in many district courts, though he said the U.S. Supreme Court has been less favorable in some cases. He said the legislature and the governor have passed laws strengthening reproductive rights, protecting abortion access, and safeguarding gender-affirming care; he also noted protections for immigrant students and increased legal-defense funding for immigrants facing immigration enforcement.

Lewis singled out a current federal policy change he described as jeopardizing MassHealth coverage beginning in July and said the state is exploring how to backfill funds and protect hospitals and residents if federal dollars are reduced. He said Massachusetts will continue to use litigation and state policy to defend residents' rights where possible.