The Gazette’s report on Gov. Maura Healey’s March 10 press conference quoted this response to the question of how the commonwealth could make up for the drastic cuts in federal funds: “The numbers are so huge that there is no way the state can begin to fill the void or pick up the tab.” For this citizen, her answer gave off an air of helplessness and negativity that was dispiriting.

And yet at the close of the article, two avenues for fighting back are mentioned. The first would be an increase in local taxes. Yes, there is pain in such a move, but it is also an exercise in resistance we are all longing for. Let the federal government know we can buckle down and take care of our local needs.

A second solution, mentioned almost casually, is the state’s $9 billion reserve, which “lawmakers are hesitant to tap into.” If not now, when?

Monica Strauss

Northampton