In the News

Residents in the state and around the country participated in “Hands Off!” protests on Saturday, showing their opposition toward President Trump and Elon Musk.

Described as a national day of action, Hands Off! protests are taking place in many areas of western Massachusetts, with locals and officials speaking out against the current administration.

“It’s affecting every bit of society, in terms of the poor, in terms of science, in terms of health care, in terms of education,” said Alan Peterfreund of Hadley. “It has no bounds.”

Communities came together in South Hadley to make sure their voices were heard.

“I’m here because democracy matters,” Peterfreund said. “I’m here because America is gonna be great, only if people care and we have a win-win philosophy of life that everybody can benefit by helping everybody else.”

President Trump and Republicans in office say that their work will prevent a tax increase for most American families, and Elon Musk says he is saving taxpayers billions of dollars by downsizing the government through DOGE, but many citizens are worried about the status and future of their benefits.

These Hands Off! protests are bringing community leaders, everyday people, and members of Congress together as a call for action.

“We’ve written to him and called him, and hoping he’ll be part of the Democratic Party doing something against the president,” said Margaret Sullivan of Granby.

U.S. Congressman Richard Neal attended the rally in South Hadley, showing his solidarity with the people.

“This proposed tax cut that is coming up is overwhelming,” Congressman Neal said. “Going to go to wealthy people, but it’s being used as a disguise to cut Medicaid, to challenge Medicare, to cut Social Security offices and veterans benefits. And I think we all need to stay shoulder to shoulder to remind the American people that these are earned benefits.”

Neal said people showing their support on Saturday means families may already be feeling the proposed tax cuts and what may change, but that there is also support on the legislative side.

“You’re gonna see almost across the board opposition from Democrats as we go forward and I want our Republican colleagues to stand up, because I know they don’t agree with a lot of this on the inside,” Neal said. “When you talk to them at the elevator, or you see them, the eye rolls, you’re reminded that they are skeptical. We just need them to step up and vote against these proposals.”

After the vote-a-rama in the U.S. Senate, the budget resolution was approved Saturday morning in a 51-48 vote. It still has to pass in the House before it moves on.