Recent news and opportunities for action regarding the federal policy landscape, impacting children in Massachusetts and across the country. Visit our Federal Advocacy page for more information about key issues that CLM regularly tracks.
Take Action!
Several federal policies currently under consideration could impact children, families, and vulnerable populations. We encourage members to make their voices heard by submitting comments and participating in advocacy opportunities. Action alerts include supporting supportive housing, nutrition programs, and broader child and family services. Links to take action are listed below.
- HUD Proposal Threatens Supportive Housing | National Low Income Housing Coalition
- Grassroots Advocacy Network | Social Current
- Submit Your Federal Advocacy Comments | SchoolHouse Connection
UPDATE: Government Shutdown
The U.S. government reopened on November 12 after a record-breaking 43-day shutdown when President Trump signed funding legislation. While federal programs have resumed, many services, including food assistance and child-welfare supports, are still experiencing delays and uncertainty. In Massachusetts, several Head Start classrooms had to close temporarily during the shutdown, creating additional challenges for families and children who rely on these programs.
- The government shutdown is over, but not everything is back to normal | NPR
- Head Start programs shutter during government shutdown, despite infusion of state funds | Boston Globe
Federal Policy Lawsuits
Massachusetts and the city of Boston have joined legal challenges against the Trump administration over new loan forgiveness rules. These lawsuits argue that the administration’s changes create unfair barriers for borrowers and may violate federal law. These cases are part of broader legal efforts across the country to protect access to federal student aid and financial relief programs.