In the News

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, continues cutting costs by canceling the leases of several federal offices across the country including several buildings here in Massachusetts. But what does that mean for us at home?

Congressman Neal told us point blank that he feels very little thought has gone into these terminations and he would not be surprised if they were assessed in the near future and at this time it’s really unknown what kind of effects this can have.

“I don’t think anybody understands the reasoning here and it seems to be highlighted by the fact that within hours of the announcement there are alterations and amendments that are offered and reversals,” Neal stated.

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE was developed under the Trump administration to cut back on government spending. It’s now been announced that several federal buildings across Massachusetts are in the crosshairs as DOGE has decided to end their leases.

Although most are in other parts of the state, there are a handful of those buildings here in western Mass including:

·         The IRS national office in Springfield

·         The Small Business Administration

·         The Employment Standards Administration Building

·         The Natural Resources Conservation Service Building in Amherst

·         The United States Fish and Wildlife located in Hadley

Western Mass News wanted to know what would happen to those working in these buildings if and when their lease is indeed cancelled? This is what Congressman Richard Neal had to say.

“I don’t think anyone knows what would happen, I think it’s ill-considered to suggest that you could leave 80 thousand veteran services employees away we have a million and a half new veterans from Iraq, Somalia, Afghanistan, and I think we made a promise to them on a contractual basis to take care of them when they come home.”

Neal also shared concerns as tax season approaches.

“How about the idea that were targeting thousands of people in The Internal Revenue Service at the very time we’re in tax season.”

As for the impact on the general Public Congressman Neal tells me that’s up in the air at this point.

“I want to make sure that we push back against any inconvenience that comes to the general public it’s a connection between the government and people that need those services, and we should stick with it.”

According to DOGE’s website, estimated savings from a combination of several cuts including these lease cancellations would equal about $105 billion, while the savings per taxpayer would be about $652.

For more info, click here: https://doge.gov/savings