Opinion/Guest column: Health care cuts bode ill for Central Mass. economy
Sadly, the local impacts of Congress' enactment of President Trump's so-called 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and of the White House's pending proposal to slash National Institutes of Health funding by 40%, will be onerous.
A great deal has been reported on the patient impact of these policies. Appropriately so, considering that the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the $1 trillion cuts to health care programs in the 'Beautiful Bill' will cause over 10 million people to lose health insurance coverage by 2034 and the near certainty that the administration's proposed NIH cuts will impede development of new treatments for patients with critical health conditions.
Less obvious, but also important, are the potentially devastating impacts these policies will inflict on the Central Massachusetts economy. By targeting health care and scientific research, they will not only harm the largest employers and biggest drivers of the regional economy but will also have a ripple effect on sectors outside of health care or research.
The leaders of this region's two largest employers, UMass Memorial Health and UMass Chan Medical School, have been outspoken about the dire consequences of massive federal cuts to their institutions. UMass Memorial expects to lose at least $100 million in Medicaid funding annually, and UMass Chan cites an expected $94 million shortfall in NIH grants in the upcoming fiscal year, on top of $42 million in grant disbursements already withheld by the Trump administration. Cuts of this magnitude will have a devastating impact on patients, employees and the public service missions of both institutions.
These cuts will also affect workers and businesses in sectors that work regularly with medical, research and education institutions. The construction industry is a case in point. Hospitals and research institutions rely upon highly skilled electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and other tradespeople to build, renovate and maintain complex facilities that adhere to the most stringent safety and health regulations. But as federal cuts cause some health services to be reduced and laboratories to close, construction and renovation projects will inevitably decline, impacting the livelihoods of tradespeople and construction firms. The same dynamic will replicate across other industries that provide supportive services to medical and research institutions, whether it be finance, legal, suppliers or countless others whose businesses rely, at least in part, on such work.
Hard data back up this dynamic. In its 2025 annual analysis on the economic impact of NIH research, United for Medical Research reports that each $1 of NIH funding results in $2.56 of economic activity. So, when the federal government cuts research grants to Worcester research universities by an aggregate of tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, the secondary impact will hit businesses and workers well beyond the campuses of UMass Chan or WPI. Similar ripple effects will reverberate across the local economy when hospitals' finances are torpedoed by massive cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and rising volumes of uninsured patients.
It is impossible to find a silver lining in policies that wreak such havoc on the engines of our local economy, and that feeling is exacerbated by the Congressional Budget Office's estimate that the 'Beautiful Bill' will also drive up the national deficit by $3.4 trillion. Nonetheless, it is imperative not to give up. Everyone impacted — patients, workers, businesses and institutional leaders — must speak up and remain engaged so future Congresses prioritize reversing these irrational policies.
Jim Leary is an attorney and former state legislator from Worcester.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Opinion/Guest column: Health care cuts bode ill for regional economy
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNBC
23 minutes ago
- CNBC
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blasts Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Trump over GOP redistricting efforts
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker slammed President Donald Trump as a "cheater" and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as a "joke" days after welcoming Texas Democrats who fled their state in protest of GOP-led redistricting efforts. "Governor Abbott is the joke," Pritzker, a Democrat, told NBC News' "Meet the Press" in an interview that aired Sunday in response to Abbott calling Illinois' congressional map a "joke." "He's the one who is attempting mid-decade here — at a time when, frankly, all of us are concerned about the future of democracy. He's literally helping whittle it away and licking the boots of his leader, Donald Trump," Pritzker added. Pritzker also defended himself against allegations that Illinois' congressional map is gerrymandered. Trump won 44% of the statewide vote in 2024 but Republicans hold only three of the state's 17 House districts. "We held public hearings, legislative hearings. People attended them. They spoke out. There was a map that was put out. There were actually changes made to the map. And a map was passed, and it was done at the end of the census, the decennial census. So that's how it's done in this country," Pritzker said. He went on to say, "This is — it's cheating. Donald Trump is a cheater. He cheats on his wives, he cheats at golf, and now he's trying to cheat the American people out of their votes." Democratic state legislators from Texas have been huddling in Illinois and other blue states after leaving the state to deny GOP leaders a quorum in the state House. Republicans have repeatedly attempted to move forward with their legislative plans, but have fallen short of the 100 people necessary for a quorum. Abbott and his Republican allies late last month unveiled plans to draw new congressional district lines in the state that could guarantee their party up to five additional safe Republican seats in Congress. The process of redrawing district lines traditionally happens only once a decade, after the decennial census is conducted. Abbott has clashed with Democrats in the legislature in the past and GOP leaders in Texas have threatened the Democratic legislators with suspension of pay and civil arrests if they don't return to the statehouse. "Democrats act like they're not going to come back as long as this is an issue. That means they're not going to come back until like 2027 or 2028, because I'm going to call special session after special session after special session with the same agenda items on there," Abbott told NBC News in an interview Thursday. Trump has defended Abbott and Texas Republicans' efforts to draw new maps that favor the GOP, telling CNBC's Squawk Box, "We have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats. We have a really good governor, and we have good people in Texas. And I won Texas." "I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats," he added. During the "Meet the Press" interview, Pritzker also responded to reports that the FBI granted a request from Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who is running for re-election in 2026, to help track down the Democratic state legislators who fled Texas. "There's no federal law that would allow the FBI to arrest anybody that's here visiting our state," Pritzker said. "So it's a lot of grandstanding. That's what this is all about." Pritzger was also asked about the war in Gaza and a Senate resolution this week to block arms sales to Israel amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "I think that the resolution that was put up in the United States Senate was an effort to send a message. And it's the right kind of a message, which is that Israel needs to make sure that the food assistance that ought to go to innocent Palestinians should arrive there," he said. "And they should do everything in their power to prevent the starvation that I think we've all seen."
Associated Press
23 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Zentrogene Medical Laboratory Announces Vision for National Healthcare Self-Reliance and Scientific Sovereignty in Cambodia
Zentrogene Medical Laboratory transforms Cambodia's healthcare landscape with advanced genetic testing, reducing dependency and building national resilience. Cambodia, August 10, 2025 -- In Cambodia's pursuit of greater scientific and healthcare self-reliance, Zentrogene Medical Laboratory is playing a pivotal role. Since my appointment as Chief Operating Officer, I have worked diligently to create a future where Cambodians no longer rely on foreign powers for essential healthcare services, particularly genetic testing. For too long, Cambodian patients and healthcare providers faced the challenge of sending critical genetic samples abroad due to the lack of local technology and expertise. This dependency often resulted in delayed results, increased costs, and limited control over the outcome. At Zentrogene, we have transformed this scenario by creating a fully equipped genetic testing laboratory that now serves as a cornerstone of Cambodia's medical independence. Pioneering a New Era in Genetic Testing At Zentrogene, our mission is to revolutionize genetic testing in Cambodia, empowering individuals and healthcare professionals with precise insights for proactive health management and personalized treatments. With the establishment of Cambodia's most advanced genetic laboratory, we have achieved this goal. The lab is equipped with a Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform, a state-of-the-art facility, and a team of experts with international experiences and educational backgrounds from the UK, the US, China, and Hong Kong. We now offer a range of genetic testing services that allow for faster, safer, and locally-controlled diagnostic results, eliminating the need for international outsourcing. These services include: Genetic Testing: Medical Testing: By offering these services locally, we are able to reduce the dependency on foreign laboratories, ensuring that Cambodian doctors can rely on world-class testing right at home. This approach enhances the speed and efficiency of healthcare delivery, while also reducing costs and improving quality control. A Strategic Asset for National Resilience The mission of Zentrogene extends beyond individual healthcare. By localizing cutting-edge genetic capabilities, we are building a strategic asset for Cambodia, one that strengthens not only healthcare but also other critical sectors. It strengthens Cambodia's national resilience by establishing a foundation for scientific innovation that serves various sectors, including public health, agriculture, environmental science, and scientific research. Our advanced NGS technology supports: Through these efforts, Zentrogene is helping to build a self-reliant, scientifically empowered Cambodia - one that can address complex challenges with homegrown expertise and technology. In short, genetics is no longer a foreign asset we borrow; it is now a Cambodian strength we grow. Supporting Cambodian Research and Innovation Zentrogene is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of Cambodian researchers. We offer cost-free testing services and sequencing assistance to academic and scientific institutions conducting genetic research and precision medicine studies. Our goal is to foster an environment where Cambodian research thrives, using the latest technology and eliminating the need for outsourcing. We actively seek partnerships with institutions across all ranges of sectors, ranging from healthcare to agriculture, environmental science, and public health. By empowering local researchers with cutting-edge technology, we are ensuring that Cambodia's scientific future is in the hands of our own people. A Commitment to Cambodia's Future In this moment, the importance of our national healthcare capability has never been clearer. Cambodia must not and will not depend on the other country that threatens our well-being in times of conflict. At Zentrogene, our dedication to Cambodia's healthcare system and scientific growth is unwavering. With our state-of-the-art laboratory and world-class expertise, we are ensuring that Cambodians have access to the latest advancements in healthcare and genetic testing without relying on external sources. Furthermore, under the highly esteemed and visionary leadership of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei HUN MANET, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the nation continues to enjoy peace and stability, which is a critical foundation for progress in healthcare and scientific innovation. His government's clear vision has prioritized the development of a resilient healthcare system, the advancement of medical science, and the reduction of dependency on foreign services. Our vision is one of national self-reliance in science and medicine, where Cambodia's people are empowered by local solutions that are tailored to our unique needs. By continuing to advance the field of genetic testing, Zentrogene is proud to contribute to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system in Cambodia. About Zentrogene Zentrogene Medical Laboratory is Cambodia's first and only laboratory focused on advanced genetic testing. The company's mission is to empower the Cambodian healthcare sector by providing cutting-edge diagnostic services and fostering the development of scientific and medical self-reliance in Cambodia. Media Contact Chanraksmey Veal COO, Zentrogene Medical Laboratory Email: [email protected] Facebook LinkedIn Contact Info: Name: Chanraksmey Veal Email: Send Email Organization: Zentrogene Medical Laboratory Website: Release ID: 89166320 Should any problems, inaccuracies, or doubts arise from the content contained within this press release, we kindly request that you inform us immediately by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our dedicated team will promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, taking necessary steps to rectify identified issues or assist with the removal process. Providing accurate and dependable information is at the core of our commitment to our readers.
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Alberta government changes expense disclosure policy, removes eight years of records
While many Albertans were preparing for a long weekend last Friday, the provincial government published changes to its rules for disclosing expense claims made by senior officials. The new policy, published Aug. 1, removes a requirement that the premier, ministers, deputy ministers and senior staff must publicly disclose receipts for expenses over $100. In keeping with a new provision introduced in the policy that published expense reports be available for five years, the government also removed eight years of expense reports that were previously available on its website. Marisa Breeze, press secretary to Finance Minister Nate Horner, said in a statement that the changes were made to "improve government operations and reduce red tape," and to bring Alberta's policies into alignment with other provinces. "Our government remains committed to the highest transparency and accountability standards." Not everyone agrees. "All of these changes diminish transparency," said a statement from Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod. "Our office has no knowledge of the rationale for the changes." James Turk, executive director of Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre for Free Expression, said the new policy was clearly "lowering" existing standards. "There should be very limited restrictions on what the public has a right to know." Years of expense reports no longer available The previous policy, dated April 30, 2020, applied to a wide range of government positions, from cabinet members to executive managers. Public disclosure of receipts was required only for the premier, ministers, associate ministers and political staff. According to Treasury Board and Finance, receipts are still required to be provided when claiming expenses, but they will no longer be made public. Before being published, receipts and invoices were required to be redacted to protect personal information. The expense reports can be viewed on the government's website, and are also available for download as a dataset. In the first five months of 2025, there are more than two dozen expense claims over $100 for Premier Danielle Smith personally, as well as more than 200 for ministers and nearly 300 for chiefs of staff. Under the new policy, those receipts will no longer be publicly disclosed. A newly added provision in the policy states that published expense reports "must remain publicly accessible online for five years after its publication." The previous policy did not have any minimum time frame. According to a copy of the dataset downloaded by CBC News prior to the changes, the available records previously went back to 2012. However, the data now begins in 2020, with eight years of expense reports having been removed from public view. The dataset that was available until recently had about 600,000 entries, with each entry being an expense claim by a government employee or official. The current dataset has approximately 100,000 entries. In other words, roughly half a million expense claims spanning eight years have been removed. "It sounds like they're assuring they'll be there for five years, but in fact they've been there historically longer," said Turk. "The net result is that the five years is a maximum. So there's going to be much less access to records than there was under the previous [policy]." According to Breeze, the data was removed to enhance "system performance, as the volume of data hosted on the public site currently exceeds the tools capacity to efficiently download and process it," as well as "to be consistent with the public disclosure of salary and severance under Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act." However, the regulations for that legislation describe the five-year disclosure period as a minimum, not a maximum. Breeze did not answer questions to clarify how the changes relate to that legislation. Reaction from opposition, auditor general "It's absolutely shameful," said Christina Gray, house leader of the Alberta NDP. "No longer requiring [disclosure of] receipts is a way of obfuscating or hiding. It's a way to hide what's actually being spent and what's happening in a way that I know Albertans would not support. "At the same time, the government scrubbing eight years of records limits the ability to compare this government spending to previous governments." Gray drew a contrast between Premier Danielle Smith's expressions of support for increased government transparency while in opposition and actions taken by her government, including a recent rewrite of access to information legislation that many experts — including McLeod and Turk — viewed as reducing transparency. "Here we see these changes being made on a Friday before a long weekend with absolutely no notice, no disclosure — and these rules are not something that change often, so a deliberate choice was made," said Gray. The Office of the Auditor General provided a statement saying they aren't able "to provide any context for the changes, as our officer was not consulted or informed about the rationale behind them." Policies vary across Canada The Alberta legislature has its own disclosure rules that apply to all MLAs, separate from expenses while performing government business. Members' expenses are posted online within 30 days of the end of each quarter. Those public disclosures include receipts, except for expense categories that are capped or are counted by a non-financial unit, such as kilometres or days. Outside Alberta, the rules around government expense disclosures vary by province. Ontario requires disclosure within 90 days of approval of an expense claim, and the information must remain publicly available for at least two years. However, receipts are not published. In British Columbia, travel expenses are published quarterly for ministers and monthly for deputy ministers, and receipts of ministers are publicly disclosed. Turk said Alberta should seek to be a leader in transparency standards rather than weakening its rules to match those of other jurisdictions. "In other words, we don't want provinces going to the lowest common denominator," he said.
