In the News

SPRINGFIELD – It was almost like a covert operation out of a James Bond movie but instead of nuclear secrets staff from Baystate Health were trying to buy medical masks. The cloak-and-dagger operation started about three weeks ago when supply experts at the hospital got a tip on a possible shipment of the KN95 masks, which are most sought after by medical personnel. It involved a… Read more »

A top physician at the Baystate Health medical system in Western Massachusetts says he was questioned by the FBI as he was buying badly needed personal protective equipment, offering a detailed glimpse into the difficulties faced by hospitals as they try to navigate supply shortages amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Andrew W. Artenstein, who is chief physician executive at the system… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD — The city has received an initial allotment of 300 COVID-19 testing kits for use at a new tent triage area for the homeless. The delivery was aided by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and Gov. Charlie Baker’s office, city officials said Wednesday. The city recently erected the three-tent complex on Worthington Street across the street from the Friends of the Homeless… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WHSM) -- The much anticipated federal stimulus money is now appearing in bank accounts around the country. For those looking for their check, the IRS has set up a new tool to track their portion of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus aid package. The IRS said they are making direct deposit payments to 80 million people right now, and then will start sending checks out by… Read more »

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, took part in a Tele-Town Hall staged by the Springfield Regional Chamber on April 7 to talk about some of the relief measures flowing out of Capitol Hill to help families and businesses battered by the COVID-19 pandemic — specifically, the large-scale economic shutdown it has caused. Here are some takeaways from… Read more »

Dozens of residents have died after a coronavirus outbreak at a Massachusetts nursing home for veterans, and a federal lawmaker is now speaking out. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., weighed in Monday on the situation at Holyoke Soldiers' Home, where 40 veterans have now died, 33 of whom tested positive for COVID-19. "This is an American challenge," Neal said. "It's an international problem,… Read more »

(WWLP)–On Friday, $30 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was distributed to health care providers under the CARES Act Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. It is the first portion of the $100 billion that was included in the CARES Act to support hospitals and health care providers on the front lines of the COVID-19… Read more »

SPRINGFIELD -- Hospitals across Massachusetts will receive more than $841 million in federal funds under the CARES Act Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal announced Monday. The $841 million, sent Friday to 8,746 health care providers, includes $32.1 million for Springfield based Baystate Health. Neal, D-Springfield, is chairman of the powerful… Read more »

What will the $2.2 trillion CARES Act mean for Americans? In today’s Congressional Corner, Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal speaks with WAMC’s Alan Chartock. This conversation was recorded April 9. Listen HERE.  Read more »

Americans who earn less than $99,000 a year can expect to receive stimulus checks from the federal government beginning Monday, Rep. Richard Neal said Thursday on Boston Public Radio. As Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Neal had significant influence over the language that was put into the stimulus bill. Neal said 60 million checks are expected to go out Monday. The… Read more »