Governor Healy touts Mass Leads Act at Western New England University, pledges $99M for manufacturing and $25M for robotics

Governor Healy visited Western New England University in Springfield to promote the Mass Leads Act, the administration’s newly filed economic development bill that would fund advanced manufacturing, robotics and other sector investments across the state. "Were here today to talk about the Mass Leads Act, which is the economic development bill that we recently filed," she said, underscoring the administrations focus on tying education and workforce training to local industry.

The bill, as described at the event, would include $99,000,000 to expand advanced manufacturing partnerships administered through the MassTech Collaborative and a new $25,000,000 robotics investment program. "These funds will support collaboration among manufacturers, colleges, non profits, and businesses," the governor said, adding that the investments are intended to strengthen regional ecosystems and scale programs like the advanced manufacturing work exhibited during the campus tour.

Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Howe framed the proposal as part of a broader strategy to address geographic inequity. Howe said Massachusetts is among the nations highest per-capita income states but also among the most unequal, and that the Mass Leads Act seeks to close regional gaps by investing in life sciences, climate tech, applied AI and manufacturing. "So this is a really important part of the Mass Leads Act, is this regional tech hub build, for example, Quantum in Springfield," she said, noting the bill also proposes a rural designation and support for the creative economy and tourism.

Local industry leaders emphasized the demand for trained workers and the effect of state-supported grants. Kristen Carlson, president and owner of Peerless Precision in Westfield, described her companys work for aerospace, medical and scientific customers and credited an M2I2 grant for bringing technology and about $5,000,000 in work back to Massachusetts over five years. "Since we received that laser welder through the M2I2 grant, we have brought $5,000,000 over the past 5 years of work from California to Massachusetts," Carlson said.

Mike Tomasi, president and CEO of AccuRounds and co-chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, spoke about the sectors pandemic response and growth. Tomasi praised the proposed $99,000,000 and $25,000,000 line items as a substantial commitment to training and capital investment that industry leaders say are needed to integrate modern technologies into small and mid-sized shops.

Governor Healy also highlighted the administrations federal funding efforts, saying her office of federal funds has helped secure roughly $3,000,000,000 in federal awards for the state and noting Massachusettss selection as a regional microelectronics hub. When asked how the bill will help Western Massachusetts specifically, she pointed to an expanded Western Mass office and a new director role, and promised investments in classroom equipment and programming tailored to regional employers.

The visit included remarks from university President Robert Johnson, local elected officials and several industry representatives who said state grants and partnerships have directly supported capital purchases and hiring. The event closed with the governor thanking hosts and urging students to stay in the state as the administration pursues the bill through the legislature.

No formal votes or motions were recorded during the event.