Big Concerns for Massachusetts as Census and Politics Collide
Massachusetts’ Secretary of State, William Galvin, recently shared some serious worries about the upcoming 2030 census. Even though the actual count is still years away, he’s sounding the alarm now—and with good reason. The accuracy of that census could have huge consequences for the state’s future representation in Congress and how much federal funding it receives.
One big problem? The massive wave of retirements among local officials and election workers, many of whom have years—sometimes decades—of experience under their belts. That institutional knowledge is disappearing fast. And when it comes to a mammoth task like counting every resident accurately, losing that expertise is a major setback.
“Even as many have been replaced, some of that body of knowledge previous persons had is not there. We’ve seen this at the local level,” Galvin explained during a hearing before the state Senate Census Committee. The pandemic didn’t help either, adding strain and pushing many long-time workers out of their jobs.
Census Challenges in the Current Political Climate
On top of the staffing challenges, the current political environment around immigration is making it harder for census takers to get accurate counts. Galvin pointed out that many communities already struggled to get their residents counted in previous years. Now, some are downright reluctant to participate, especially among immigrant populations.
Many non-native born citizens, especially those with children, are hesitant to fill out even basic census questionnaires due to anxiety over sharing personal information with the government. This reluctance isn’t just hearsay—it’s something local officials are reporting directly to Galvin’s office.
The stakes are high. The census isn’t just about numbers on a page; it determines everything from congressional seat allocations to how billions in federal funds are divided. That means a low count can leave Massachusetts shortchanged in Washington and politically weaker on the national stage.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population count includes everyone living in the U.S. — citizens, noncitizens, even unauthorized immigrants. The Bureau’s fact sheet emphasizes: “All people (citizens and noncitizens) with a usual residence in the United States are included in the resident population for the census.”
Political Violence Shakes Beacon Hill Lawmakers’ Sense of Security
In a totally different but related story, Massachusetts lawmakers are grappling with their own safety concerns after a shocking shooting incident rocked Minnesota politics. The killing of a well-known Minnesota state lawmaker and the wounding of another sent shockwaves through Beacon Hill, prompting serious conversations about the security of elected officials here in the Bay State.
Senate President Karen Spilka revealed that she’s been reviewing privacy and protection measures for lawmakers even before the shooting occurred. The fact that the assailant impersonated a police officer has made many feel vulnerable, even questioning the trustworthiness of law enforcement officers who are out there trying to keep everyone safe every day.
The accused shooter, Vance Luther Boelter, allegedly targeted former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as Democratic state Senator John Hoffman and his wife. These events have sparked calls for potential reforms to better protect local lawmakers in Massachusetts.
During a Senate meeting focused on an unrelated spending bill, Senator Becca Rausch tried to push an amendment that would have removed candidates’ home addresses from ballots and nomination papers — an effort aimed at boosting security and privacy. Though she later withdrew the proposal for further discussion, the debate highlights how seriously elected officials are taking these safety issues.
Rausch summarized the somber reality perfectly: “Unfortunately, we are in a time now where we have to have really serious conversations about the safety and security not only of elected officials, but also of licensed professionals across the country whose work subjects them to elevated security risks.”
Spilka agreed, saying Democratic leadership will consider the proposal carefully. The goal, she stressed, is to help make people safer.
Republican Candidate Promises to Protect Massachusetts’ Fishing Industry
Switching gears, the fishing industry in Massachusetts is facing its own battles—this time in the political arena. Mike Kennealy, a Republican governor candidate from Lexington, recently laid out a bold plan to “protect and revitalize” this vital industry.
Kennealy, who’s 57 and a former housing and economic development secretary, announced several key pledges aimed at safeguarding fishermen’s livelihoods. Among them:
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Exempting the sale of fishing boats from the 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million (the so-called “Millionaires Tax”).
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Appointing a dedicated “fishermen liaison” within the governor’s office to ensure their voices are heard.
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Giving the fishing industry a permanent seat at the table in discussions about offshore wind projects, which have disrupted traditional fishing grounds.
Why does this matter? For generations, fishing has been a cornerstone of Massachusetts culture and economy, shaping communities along the coast and supporting hardworking families. But Kennealy warns that this way of life is under threat.
“Offshore wind projects have disrupted vital fishing grounds that have been used for decades,” he said. “Fishermen are being left out of the conversation while political elites and special interests dictate policy from Beacon Hill.”
The Millionaires Tax Debate
The 4% surtax on incomes over $1 million has been a hot topic at the State House lately. Supporters highlight the billions in revenue it has generated, funding critical transportation and education initiatives across the state. Critics, however, argue it’s driving wealthy individuals out of Massachusetts.
Kennealy joins the critics on this one, particularly when it comes to fishermen selling their boats. He stresses that these transactions are often necessary business moves for survival — not luxury profits that should be taxed heavily.
“It isn’t,” he said of the sale of fishing boats. “These are business decisions made for survival, not windfall.”
Meanwhile, Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan praised Gov. Maura Healey’s ongoing support for coastal communities and fishing families, pointing out millions in funding and legal efforts to protect fishing rights.
Healey herself, seeking reelection, recently announced plans to cut “outdated and duplicative” regulations that hamper businesses in Massachusetts. Kennealy echoes this goal, pledging to eliminate “burdensome and ineffective regulations” and build policies based on real-world industry needs.
If elected, Kennealy promises to bring a trusted industry leader into his administration to serve as the fishermen liaison, ensuring direct communication between government and fishermen. He envisions a partnership built on respect and collaboration to help the fishing industry not only survive but thrive in a changing world.
Why These Issues Matter for Massachusetts
Whether it’s the accuracy of the census count, the safety of lawmakers, or the survival of the fishing industry, these topics share a common thread: They all impact how Massachusetts shapes its future — politically, economically, and socially.
Key takeaways to keep in mind:
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Census accuracy = federal funding + congressional power. Losing experienced census workers and immigrant participation creates risks of undercounting, which means less money and less influence.
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Lawmakers’ safety is no joke. Recent violence has put a spotlight on the need for better privacy protections and security reforms to protect those who serve the public.
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Fishing is more than a job. It’s a way of life, deeply tied to community identity, economic vitality, and now, political battles over taxes and environmental policies.
As Massachusetts approaches these challenges, leadership decisions in the coming months and years will have ripple effects far beyond state borders.
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