Governor Healey says the Trump Administration has cut a million dollar grant earmarked for Western Mass to fight Asthma.
The money was going to mold removal and improved ventilation, in Chicopee, Holyoke and Springfield.
By canceling these grants for Hampden County, the Trump Administration is undermining our efforts to improve the health of the people of Western Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With extreme heat, droughts and wildfires becoming all the more common, it’s essential that we prioritize improving air quality and reducing causes of asthma. This is just their latest attack on the health and well being of communities across our country.”
The Governor says she will fight to get the money back.
“I stand with Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll in condemning this move by the Trump Administration to take away this much needed funding as we continue to tackle this challenging and multifaceted public health issue of Asthma,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. "My administration has worked very hard to knock down the Asthma rates here in Springfield, but there is much more work to be done to keep all our residents safe, whether young or old, to properly deal with an Asthma affliction, or more importantly, prevent future generations from getting it. Believe you me, I know firsthand, for my youngest daughter Chiara has had to deal with a serious case of Asthma. Mr. President, many people who voted for and supported you and/or their family members and friends are afflicted with Asthma and now you turn your back on them?! In the name of public health, I ask President Trump to review and reverse this edict.”
“The termination of nearly $1 million in critical funding from the EPA is definitely a setback in our collective efforts to improve the living conditions of our most vulnerable residents. With this cut, our abilities are limited to protect the health of our children, our seniors, and families struggling with already difficult circumstances,” said Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. “These funds were targeted to directly combat the health risks caused by substandard housing conditions, risks that exacerbate existing health disparities within our communities. It's unconscionable that the administration would choose to take away these vital resources, resources that were intended to create healthier, safer living conditions.”
“The Revitalize CDC Program has been an important resource to allow Chicopee residents to live safely in their homes," said Chicopee Mayor John Vieau. "We are disappointed that this critical resource that was slated to provide environmental remediation to homes in Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield residents has been terminated.”