Category: Uncategorized

(SHNS) As lawmakers begin to think about regulating the use of drones in Massachusetts, industry professionals are urging them to rethink their approach.

Six bills before the Transportation Committee aim to define and regulate the unmanned aircraft at the state level — the registration, operation and pilot requirements of which are currently broadly governed by the Federal Aviation Administration. Several drone enthusiasts contested every one of the bills Tuesday, arguing that lawmakers should press pause and further examine the existing regulations.

Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, and others painted drone regulations as a pressing safety issue. He called on his colleagues to address what he called “serious privacy and security threats” from unregulated drone use, which he said has resulted in interference with commercial aircraft at airports and grounding of some response aircraft.

“Our commonwealth laws have not kept pace with technology. In fact, currently, the Federal Aviation Administration has carte blanche when it comes to regulating drone usage, and this leaves law enforcement in Massachusetts and all public safety officials with very few options for overseeing drone usage,” Velis said. “We regulate cars, we regulate aircrafts — we must do the same for drones.”

A Velis bill (S 2454) would create no-fly zones surrounding “critical facilities” like airports, correctional institutions and military institutions, set minimum standards for drone operators and provide an enforcement process for recklessly-used or unmarked drones.

The industry seemingly is not on board with Beacon Hill’s proposed approach.

“I understand the intention behind some of these bills, but I encourage you to please do some more research and realize that these bills are destructive, not only to us, but the community as a whole and to future drone pilots,” Hayden Spitz, founder of Boston Drone Productions, told lawmakers Tuesday.

Spitz does photography and videography for realtors and businesses and teaches at the University of New Hampshire about drone laws and safety. He said he wouldn’t be able to help realtors show potential homebuyers the schools surrounding the homes they’re selling, under a Rep. Bruce Ayers bill (H 3618) that would bar drones from flying over early, elementary and secondary education facilities.

Ayers said Tuesday that his bill would “set a stronger precedent” for drone use by requiring operators to get written permission from a superintendent or school official to be able to fly drones over school buildings. Ayers named Louisiana, Alabama and New Jersey as places with similar restrictions.

Michael Ford, a commercial real estate aerial photographer, asked lawmakers Tuesday to table all six bills “to make sure these harmonize with the federal law, and also maybe put together an industry panel within Massachusetts to help guide how these come through and make them successful.”

A Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid bill (H 3663) specifically, Ford said, would inhibit his ability to do his job. The proposal would nearly completely prohibit night flying, and prohibit drone take-off or landing on municipal or state-owned property and near aquifers, schools, parks, churches, places where “children congregate” or areas like athletic events or concerts where crowds gather.

The proposals show “a misunderstanding of the drone laws,” according to Spitz.

“Talking about everything from recreational being more than 10 pounds — recreational has nothing to do with weight, it has to do with intention of flying,” Spitz said.

“Talking about recreational flyers being at least 16 — recreational flyers don’t have an age limit, but as long as they took the TRUST test and understand the rules and legislation that they put in there … that would allow them to fly.”

Additional Rep. Brian Murray and Sen. Michael Rush bills (H 3749, S 2438) would put certain operational definitions in place for drones, along with prohibiting the arming of drones with weapons and the conducting of surveillance via drone. Industry opposition extended also to a Rep. Marcus Vaughn bill (H 3800) that would ban the sale of Chinese drones in Massachusetts.

“I understand that there is worry at the federal level on securing those. I understand that they are working through to figure out what’s true and what’s not. But getting rid of Chinese drones in the short term would impact school STEM programs, it would impact public safety, it would impact search and rescue, it would impact anybody who uses these drones,” Ford said.

New law would lower interest rates, strengthen wage protections, and ban imprisonment for unpaid consumer debt.

(BOSTON—7/17/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed the Debt Collection Fairness Act to protect consumers and keep people from being pushed into financial ruin if they are sued for financial debt. The new law would make debt collection practices fairer, protect wages, and make clear that no person can be imprisoned for unpaid consumer debt.

The legislation, S.2537, would strengthen consumer protections to ensure that individuals can retain some financial security when they are sued for debts that are frequently old and potentially bought by debt collection companies for pennies on the dollar.

The bill would protect thousands of families across Massachusetts—including many in communities of color—by reducing the interest rate on consumer debt from 12 per cent to 3 per cent, exempting most wages and child support from garnishment, and establishing a five-year statute of limitations for legal claims.

The bill also prohibits employers from penalizing employees due to wage garnishment or personal debt, and adds further protections for individuals coping with financial hardship.

“Families already in the grip of debt should not have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the exorbitant costs charged by debt collection companies—or fear imprisonment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is a story we hear too often, and far too often in our communities of color. An equitable Commonwealth is one where we have people’s backs, and I’m proud that the Senate is taking action today to do just that. I am also thankful to Chair Rodrigues, Chair Feeney, and Senator Eldridge for their work.”

“I’m pleased the Senate has passed this commonsense consumer protection measure,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This long overdue legislation will protect individuals from being pushed over a financial cliff due to unsavory debt collectors who prey upon people experiencing financial hardship, with marginalized communities often being disproportionally affected. It’s more important than ever for the Commonwealth to stand up and protect these basic consumer rights in the wake of protections disappearing at the federal level. I thank Chair Feeney, Senator Eldridge, and Senate President Spilka for their determined effort to bring this important legislation to the Senate floor for passage.”

“Those caught in the grip of a debt cycle know all too well the often-predatory practices used by debt collectors, and the crippling reality of staring down a ballooning debt that seems insurmountable,” said Senator Paul Feeney, Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services (D-Foxborough). “While the Debt Collection Fairness Act will not eliminate debt

or an obligation to pay, the bill does provide a lifeline and opportunity for hope for those caught in the deepest depths of this spiral so that families have some room to breathe, to move forward and break this debilitating cycle. I am grateful to Senator Jamie Eldridge for championing this and for his strong advocacy, the many stakeholders and advocates who brought this bill forward, and for the leadership of Chair Michael Rodrigues and Senate President Karen Spilka for their commitment to empowering working people and protecting our constituents from shady practices.”

“President Trump is dismantling federal government agencies dedicated to protecting consumers,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), primary sponsor of the legislation. “Here in Massachusetts, I am proud that the state Senate is voting on my bill—the Debt Collection Fairness Act—to provide protections from the predatory practices of debt collectors for working class families. I’d like to thank Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Michael J. Rodrigues, and Financial Services Senate Committee Chair Paul R. Feeney for their steadfast support for this bill.”

The legislation was reported out of the Joint Committee on Financial Services on June 20, 2025, and from the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on July 10, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full summary of the legislation and a recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and vote on the bill.

Having passed the Senate, the bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Statements of Support

“In the face of the Trump Administration’s rollback of federal consumer protection efforts, stepping up to protect the economic security of Massachusetts residents is more critical than ever,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation and am grateful to Senator Eldridge for introducing and Chairs Rodrigues and Feeney and shepherding this important legislation, which will provide needed relief to Massachusetts families through common sense reforms that will help break cycles of indebtedness and poverty. I look forward to continuing to work with sponsors Representatives Nguyen and Barber as the legislation moves to the House of Representatives.”

“We are thrilled the Senate passed the Debt Collection Fairness Act,” said Nadine Cohen, former Managing Attorney, Consumer Rights Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services. “This bill will help many low-income families who are struggling to pay off old consumer debt. By reducing the interest rate on judgments and protecting more wages from garnishment many low-wage working families will be able to keep more of their hard earned money for their rent, food and other necessities.”

“This bill would reduce the strain on families already struggling to keep food on the table and pay some of the steepest rents in the country,” said Michael Best, Director of State Advocacy at the National Consumer Law Center. “We are grateful to the legislature for taking action to keep hard-earned wages in the pockets of working people threatened by unscrupulous debt collectors.”

Hello,

I hope everyone had a great week despite the very hot weather. Before I dive into all that happened this past week I would like to share my sincere congratulations to Tropical Smoothie Café in West Springfield on their grand opening later today.

On Monday, I joined first responders, local officials, and my legislative colleagues from throughout the region at the ribbon cutting of the new WestComm Dispatch Center in Chicopee. WestComm serves multiple communities in Western Massachusetts to help improve emergency response times and increase access to advanced communication technology. I had the opportunity to tour the new facility and see first-hand how technologies like Prepared Live, which enables people who called 911 to send photos and videos from the scene, can help prepare first responders to respond to calls.  

A huge milestone for CitySpace as we celebrated breaking ground on Phase 2 of their revitalization project at the historic Old Town Hall building this week in Easthampton! Last year I was proud to join then State Representative Dan Carey in supporting CitySpace’s Community One Stop for Growth grant application that later led to an over $500,000 award from the Commonwealth to make these accessibility improvements possible.

I am also pleased to share that earlier this week the Department of Recreation and Conservation (DCR) announced a grant award for the town of Montgomery! The town received $2,963 in funding through the Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) program, a federal grant administered by the DCR. The VFC provides fire equipment, training, and organizational help for small communities to be better equipped to respond to fire emergencies. Congratulations!

Throughout this week I have been speaking with our district local superintendents and nationally renowned researchers from The Anxious Generation to discuss ways we can help give our children a break from their phones during the school day. A few weeks ago, my bill to restrict student’s cellphone use was favorably reported out of Committee, and it is my sincere hope that the Senate will be considering it on the floor in a few weeks ahead of the new school year. The evidence is clear- taking cell phones out of the classroom improve students’ mental health and improve academic performance. With 21 other states having passed phone free school mandates I hope the Commonwealth will not be far behind for the benefit of our student’s education and well-being.

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Easthampton and Holyoke. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Tuesday at the Russell Council on Aging from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.  

Best,

John Velis 

(Boston- 7/10/2025) Today, Senator John C. Velis testified before the Joint Committee on Public Health in support of legislation, S1638 An Act relative to endometriosis awareness, to raise awareness and improve treatment of endometriosis- a serious, yet commonly unheard of, women’s health condition. Currently, due the lack of familiarity among medical professionals it often takes women an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed with endometriosis despite experiencing debilitating symptoms. During Velis’s testimony he spoke personally to the difficult journey a member of his family experienced to both be diagnosed and receive treatment.  

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows on the outside of the uterus causing excruciating pain throughout the whole body. With many medical professionals unfamiliar with the condition and effective treatments, the legislation taps on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to create a Special Commission on Endometriosis to provide policy recommendations on how diagnosis, treatment and research of the condition can be improved within Massachusetts. 

“If you asked me five years ago what Endometriosis is, I truthfully would not have had an answer for you. However, I have now seen first-hand the serious hurtles women with this condition must navigate to not only have their pain taken seriously but to receive a diagnosis right here in Massachusetts, home to the best healthcare institutions in the country, I was beside myself,” shared Senator John C. Velis. “We have a real opportunity here to not only spread awareness and begin a conversation in our Commonwealth, but also improve the research and treatment available to people suffering from endometriosis.”  

Velis shared that he is hopeful that the legislation will receive a favorable report by the Committee and that today’s hearing and other advocacy events surrounding the legislation have been a great start in spreading awareness around endometriosis among his colleagues and the public.  

### 

Hello,

I hope everyone had a great week!

I started off the week on Monday with constituent meetings over at my district office. I was happy to have had the opportunity to sit down with Nora Schmidt of Southampton to discuss policies that I can support in the state legislature to help improve pediatric cancer research and to celebrate here recent recognition as a Commonwealth Heroine. Nominating Nora for this award was the easiest decision I have ever made. What Nora has done to honor and advocate in her daughter Maddie’s memory is simply put special. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me Nora!

Later in the day I went up to Northampton to visit the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum with members of the Western Massachusetts delegation and colleagues from across the state that serve on the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. It was beyond interesting to learn more about the future plans for the Presidential Library to increase accessibility and showcase President Coolidge’s extensive life of public service. Next time you are in Northampton make sure to check it out!

On Wednesday the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism held a hearing at the State House to review draft recommendations on how school districts across the Commonwealth can proactively prevent antisemitic incidents from occurring and best practices on addressing incidents that do transpire. The stories I have heard since the Commission began 9 months ago from young people are beyond gut wrenching, and simply put we cannot allow this pervasive hate to continue to rear its ugly head in our K through 12 schools, or anywhere. I am grateful to all the Commissioner who participated and provided such thoughtful feedback on these draft recommendations.

Before the end of the week I had the opportunity to join Kamp for Kids for their 50^th annual “Welcome Day” celebration. Every year this event is filled with so much joy as campers of all abilities return for a fun and inclusive summer. Too often children with disabilities miss out on going to a summer program with their peers and I am so grateful for the team at BHN in ensuring all of kids have this memorable childhood experience.

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Agawam, Chicopee, and West Springfield. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Tuesday at the Easthampton Council on Aging from 10:30AM to 11:30AM, and again on Wednesday at the Holyoke Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM.  If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.  

Best,

John Velis

Hello,

I hope everyone had a safe and fun fourth of July! I participated in the Hampton Ponds Parade in the morning and the Wyben Parade in the afternoon where Carson was once again the star of the show. I was thrilled to see so many members of the community out celebrating our nation’s independence. Thank you to all the organizers of both parades for their hard work to make these great celebrations possible!

On Monday, the Legislature sent the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to Governor Healey’s desk for her consideration and signature. I am proud to share that I was able to secure $500,000 in local earmarks for our district. This funding will benefit a variety of local organizations including those that focus on supporting our veterans, improve public safety, combat food insecurity, and much more.

I am thrilled that the budget also included an amendment I sponsored that will repeal an archaic state law negatively impacting our Gold Star spouses. Previously spouses of our fallen heroes would lose their annuity benefits if they remarried later in life, an unfair and outdated rule. One of the most essential ways that we can all honor our fallen heroes is supporting their loved ones that they have left behind, and the annuity is a critical benefit our Commonwealth offers. I am beyond proud that this language has finally made its way to the Governor’s desk!

Monday marked the first hearing of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery. I am beyond honored to return to as the Senate chair of this committee. Over the past few years this Committee has accomplished so much from expanding access to mental health care through the ABC 2.0 Act, to expanding harm reduction and recovery resources with last session’s Substance Use Omnibus Bill.  However, there is still plenty more to accomplish to improve behavioral health services across our Commonwealth, and I’m excited to get to work!

On Thursday I joined local officials and community members in Agawam to celebrate a fiscal year 2025 earmark that I had secured last summer to help make improvements at the Council on Aging. It was awesome to see the improvements and new equipment that were purchased through this earmark. Many thanks to my good friend and director of the Agawam Council on Aging, Cindy Sullivan, for all her work to bring everyone together for such a great celebration of state and local partnership!

This week there were no community office hours. Next week Team Velis will be hosting office hours on Monday at the Agawam Council on Aging from 11:00AM to 12:00PM, on Tuesday at the Chicopee Council on Aging from 10:00AM to 11:00AM, and again on Wednesday at the West Springfield Council on Aging from 11:00AM to 12:00PM.  If you are unable to make office hours, I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.  

Best,

John Velis

Wide-ranging reforms deliver more information to the public and adjust the legislative calendar

(BOSTON—6/26/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature today adopted joint rules that will make lawmaking more efficient, transparent and accessible to the public while adjusting the legislative calendar to allow more time to get meaningful policy accomplished. The first agreed-upon joint rules since 2019, these new rules will now govern the legislative process, joint committees, and interactions between the House of Representatives and the Senate for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

To increase public accessibility, committees will now post plain-language bill summaries online, the public will have more advance notice of hearings, and committee attendance and votes will be made public. To increase legislative efficiency, committees are allowed to act independently on bills from their respective chambers, and formal lawmaking will be allowed to continue for the full two-year session.

“These critical reforms are representative of the House’s strong commitment to the pursuit of a more accessible and efficient Legislature that is responsive to the concerns of our constituents,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “We remain focused on the all-important responsibility of bettering the General Court as an institution, a goal that I know so many of my colleagues are committed to. I want to thank Leader Moran, Chairman Galvin, and my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for working diligently to find common ground, and to produce a strong set of meaningful reforms.”

“I’m proud of the contributions the Senate has made to this comprehensive joint rules agreement that will welcome the public into our day-to-day work in a much more transparent and accessible way, while adjusting the legislative calendar and workflow to better reflect how we operate today,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our best work on behalf of the people of Massachusetts happens when more voices are at the table, and these reforms are a positive step toward that goal. I’m deeply grateful to Majority Leader Creem and Rules Chair Lovely for their thoughtful leadership, to every Senator who contributed ideas and support, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their shared commitment to joint rules that meet our current moment.”

“I want to thank Senator Creem and all the members of the conference committee for their valuable contributions to this rules reform package,” said Representative Michael J. Moran (D-Boston), House Majority Leader. “These new joint rules will hopefully reduce the legislative logjam of the past and increase accessibility and participation in our legislative process.” 

“I am proud to have helped lead the effort, on behalf of the Senate, to reach an agreement on the Legislature’s joint rules, which reflects our shared commitment to transparency and increased public participation,” said Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “This is a meaningful step forward, made possible through close collaboration between the Senate and the House, and I am optimistic these reforms will bring greater clarity, accountability, and momentum to the work ahead.”

“These updates to the joint rules will streamline legislative work to aid efficiency and allow for more public involvement in the process,” Representative William C. Galvin (D-Canton), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Rules. “Our constituents are increasingly engaging in the legislative process online, and expect ample access to information on the progress of bills. These changes make information more accessible to the public on the legislative website in real time and provide more opportunities for residents to be involved.”

“I am pleased that this conference committee was able to formulate a rules package that reflects the priorities of the House and Senate by increasing transparency in the legislative process while fostering more public participation in our democracy,” said Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Rules.

The joint rules approved today include the following reforms:

Joint committees structure and process

• Notice time for joint committee hearings will increase from 72 hours to 10 days. Joint committees must also post a schedule of hearing dates within three weeks of committee appointments.
• Hearings will be conducted jointly on all House and Senate bills, and after a bill is heard, the House or Senate Chair may unilaterally poll members of the committee from their respective branch on a bill that was filed in that branch.
• Money bills filed in the Senate, constitutional amendments filed in the House, and any matters not filed by a member of the General Court will continue to be voted on by all members of a joint committee.

Committee participation and votes

• Members of the public will be able to participate remotely in joint committee hearings, as will members of the Senate. Per House rules, House Members of a joint committee cannot participate remotely and must be physically present in the hearing room.
• Attendance of joint committee members at hearings posted with 10 days’ notice will be taken and available on the General Court website.
• How each individual member votes on the bills being acted upon by the committee will be posted on the General Court’s website.

Bill reporting deadlines

• Joint committees will be required to report bills by the first Wednesday in December of the first year of session.
• Per House Rules, House Chairs will be required to make a final report not later than 60 days after a matter is heard by the committee, but they may request an additional 30 days, at their discretion. Additional extensions must be approved by the House. House bills cannot be extended beyond the third Wednesday in March of the second year of the session. Any bill not acted upon will be ordered to a study by default.

Summaries and other materials

• Joint committees will be required to produce plain-language summaries of all bills in time for their hearings, which will be posted to the General Court’s website.
• Joint committees will adopt rules making written testimony publicly available. The rules will contain limitations on the sharing of testimony including sensitive personal information, obscene content, or information that may jeopardize the health, wellness or safety of the testifier or others.

Conference committees

• The first meeting of conference committees will be open to the public.
• A minimum of 24 hours of will be required between a conference committee report filing and a legislative vote. If a conference committee report is filed after 8 p.m., it cannot be voted on until the second calendar day following the day on which it was filed.

Formal lawmaking

The Legislature may meet in formal session after July 31 in the second year of the legislative session to take up the following matters: reports of conference committees formed on or before July 31; appropriation bills filed after July 31; and gubernatorial vetoes or amendments.

Joint rules review

At the end of the two-year session, the Joint Committee on Rules will conduct a comprehensive review of the joint rules. As part of the review, it will conduct a public hearing and solicit testimony from the public and other interested parties.

In addition to the joint rules approved today, the House and the Senate approved their own chamber’s rules in February to govern their internal operations.

###

Legislature upholds ongoing fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and reinforces the state’s economic foundation in the face of federal uncertainty

(BOSTON—6/30/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature today enacted a $61.01 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026, a fiscally responsible plan that protects core services for the state’s most vulnerable residents, maintains critical investments, and positions the Commonwealth to confront the underlying budget challenges that are a result of federal funding uncertainty.

Approved on a bipartisan basis in both chambers, the budget neither raises taxes on residents and businesses nor spends dollars from the state’s stabilization fund—also known as the ‘Rainy Day Fund’—which currently stands at a historic $8.1 billion.

“This budget is a commitment to a more affordable, accessible, and inclusive Commonwealth. It responsibly manages taxpayer dollars while at the same time investing in the areas that matter most to every region of Massachusetts—housing, education, transportation, and protecting residents threatened by federal actions,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “No matter what part of our state you live in, this budget will expand opportunity, reduce everyday costs, and protect the services people rely on. I am deeply grateful to Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Comerford, Assistant Vice Chair Feeney, the committee, and all my Senate colleagues and staff for their thoughtful and collaborative work on this budget, as well as Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House who worked to get this done for Massachusetts.”

“This FY26 budget makes key investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, that increase access to affordable health care, and that provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system – all without raising taxes. In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, this budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for working diligently to craft a budget that delivers for our constituents in a fiscally responsible manner.”

“The Fiscal Year 2026 budget agreement of $61.01 billion reached by the House and Senate supports the Commonwealth’s priorities by making highly impactful and transformative investments in education, transportation, local aid, health and human services, housing, public safety, and other vital areas. Our final figure is a smart reduction of almost $1 billion from the original House 1 number, laying a strong foundation for the many challenges that lie ahead. This budget is centered on the principle of fiscal responsibility, never more important with the continuing economic uncertainty at the federal level,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D–Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The budget reflects the Legislature’s deep and steadfast commitment towards achieving long-term sustainability while protecting core services for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you to Chair Michlewitz and the conference committee conferees, whose thoughtful input, advocacy, and collaboration resulted in the first on-time budget in 15 years. Thank you to both committee staffs, whose tireless work was largely responsible for producing this budget. Lastly, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Senate President Spilka for placing her trust in me, and for her compassionate and resolute leadership as we work together to rebuild our economy and grow our state’s long-term economic health.”

“This final $61 billion Fiscal Year 2026 conference committee report will better position the Commonwealth for the challenges that lie ahead while also ensuring that we protect the programs that some of our most vulnerable populations rely on the most. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, food security, or early education the initiatives contained in this budget are a reflection of our shared values,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue to assist those in need while making our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my fellow House conferees, Representative Ferrante and Representative Smola. I also want to thank my counterparts in the Senate, specifically my co-chair Senator Rodrigues, for their partnership in bringing this proposal over the finish line.”

“As federal cuts continue to cause chaos and harm, the Legislature is delivering an on-time budget with record levels of investment in education, transportation, and local aid,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This regionally equitable budget supports our people, institutions, and communities at a critical time. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka, Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, fellow conferees, and our teams for this responsive budget.”

“At a time when our partnership with the federal government is uncertain, the Legislature has recommitted to the values that make Massachusetts a leader in the nation, producing a fiscally responsible and balanced budget that meets the moment,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (D-Gloucester). “With investments to strengthen public education and promote economic and workforce development, this budget reinforces our long-term competitiveness and works to make sure that Massachusetts remains a place where families and businesses can grow and thrive.”

“I am filled with optimism as I reflect on the outcome of the FY26 Budget conference committee. Through strong bipartisan collaboration, we in the House and Senate reached a consensus that not only addresses current needs but also sets a positive precedent for future partnerships. This final agreement reflects our shared commitment to the people of the Commonwealth and our ability to work together for the greater good” said Senator Patrick M. O’Connor (R-Weymouth), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The success of the FY26 budget underscores the incredible potential we unlock when we come together across party lines. We’ve made meaningful investments in critical areas, addressing urgent funding gaps and expanding access to higher education. These among other achievements demonstrate that balancing fiscal responsibility with community-focused priorities is not just possible, it is reality when collaboration leads the way. As the Ranking Minority Member of the Senate conferees, I am immensely proud of the cooperation and mutual respect that shaped our discussions.”

“This budget reflects the priorities of our communities and many advocates that have worked to make their voices heard throughout the process. Massachusetts remains focused on making improvements in education, public safety, human services and sending resources to programs that make a difference in the lives of children, families and seniors,” said State Representative Todd Smola, Ranking Member, Committee on Ways and Means (R-Warren). “We are mindful of the challenges that may be ahead, which is why we have settled on a balanced number. In the final analysis, we stay focused and committed to the greatest needs in our state so that we can prosper in the future.”

The Legislature’s final budget increases spending by $3.3 billion over Fiscal Year 2025, with the much of the increase attributed to MassHealth. Aligned with estimated tax revenue growth, the spending plan is based on a consensus tax revenue estimate of $41.214 billion for the coming fiscal year, a 2.25 per cent increase over the current fiscal year’s benchmark. Based on strong Fair Share surtax revenue collections to date, the Legislature’s budget includes $2.4 billion in available Fair Share generated revenues to support education and transportation investments, an increase of $1.1 billion over the last fiscal year.

The Legislature’s budget invests an additional $33 million in the Commonwealth Stabilization Fund. With the addition, the Fund’s balance would reach a historic high of $8.26 billion by the end of FY26. Since 2017, when the Fund’s balance was $1.3 billion, the Legislature has grown the account by 523 per cent as of FY24. 

Fair Share Investments

The Legislature’s budget includes $2.4 billion in Fair Share surtax spending, which is dedicated to  investments in public education and state transportation infrastructure.

Notable Fair Share education investments include:

• $360 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program, which is matched with $115 million in funds from the Early Education and Care Operational Grant Fund, for a total investment of $475 million. Despite the loss of federal funds after the COVID pandemic, the Commonwealth has maintained this vital early education program which has lowered costs for families and increased opportunities for teachers in the field.
• $460 million for Student Opportunity Act (SOA) expansion to support the fifth-year implementation of the SOAand provide $150 in minimum per-pupil aid for school districts.
• $180 million for universal free school meals.
• $120 million for MassEducate, the Commonwealth’s universal free community college program, including non-credit tuition funding for those seeking to become emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
• $192 million to provide child care financial assistance to families in need, which is in addition to the $773.7 million funded through general revenue.
• $91.6 million to maintain Department of Children & Families (DCF) and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) related child care, which is in addition to the $356.5 million funded through general revenue.
• $85 million to maintain financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, which is in addition to the $175.8 million for scholarships funded through general revenue.
• $83 million for child care supports to maintain current capacity and rates of the child care financial assistance program.
• $50 million for school transportation reimbursement costs, which is in addition to $53.7 million funded through general revenue.
• $14 million for the State University SUCCESS Program, providing wraparound supports to students at public state universities.
• $15.5 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), matching $5 million in general revenue for a total of $20.5 million, to support a pathway to universal pre-kindergarten expansion, including in Gateway Cities and the Summer Step Up program.
• $15 million for early literacy initiatives and programs.
• $8 million for the Reimagining High School Initiative.

Notable Fair Share transportation investments include:

• $470 million in direct investment to support Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations, including key initiatives like low-income fare relief, water ferry service and the MBTA Academy. Combined with the $535 million in funding from the recently passed Fair Share supplemental budget, the Legislature provides $1 billion in new investments in FY26 for operational improvements and transportation infrastructure upgrades across the MBTA system.
• $120 million to support Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the state. Together with resources from the General Fund, the bill provides a record $214 million for RTAs.  
• $71.8 million for debt service for expanded new bond capacity for the Commonwealth Transportation Fund (CTF) for essential transportation projects across the Commonwealth.
• $55 million in operating support for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

Education

The Legislature’s FY26 budget supports students of all ages by maintaining investments in public education at every level. The budget fully funds the fifth year of the Student Opportunity Act, provides a historic funding commitment to the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), and stands with public and private institutions of higher education at a volatile time.

With a $1.7 billion total investment in early education and care, the Legislature is building on last year’s investments in early education, which supported the sector’s workforce, protected programming, and maintained access to affordable care for families facing economic pressures.

Notable education funding includes:

• $475 million for the C3 operational grant program, supporting critical operational and workforce initiatives across the early education sector for the third year in a row. 
• $517.6 million for income-eligible child care, including $100.4 million in Fair Share resources.
• $448.2 million for Department of Children & Families (DCF) and Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) related child care, providing critical services for families eligible for subsidized care, including $91.6 million in Fair Share resources.
• $83 million for child care supports to maintain the current capacity and rates of the child care financial assistance program.
• $45.4 million for EEC quality improvement initiatives.
• $20.5 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to maintain access to universal pre-kindergarten and preschool opportunities in underserved areas.
• $20 million for Childcare Resource and Referral Centers to support parents, child care providers, employers, and community groups in navigating the state’s early education and care landscape.
• $20 million for grants to Head Start programs to promote school readiness for young children in low-income households.
• $5 million for grants to early education and care providers for childhood mental health consultation services.
• $1 million to continue a public-private pilot program with employers to create new child care seats.

To support schools across the state, the Legislature follows through on the commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act by Fiscal Year 2027 and invests $7.36 billion in Chapter 70 state aid to public schools, an increase of $460 million over FY25. Further, the budget increases minimum Chapter 70 aid to $150 per pupil.

Recognizing the continued fiscal challenges faced by cities, towns and school districts as we near full implementation of the SOA, the budget directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to study components of the state’s K-12 school funding formula related to local contribution requirements. DESE would be required to hold four public hearings in different regions of Massachusetts before reporting back to the Legislature by June 30, 2026.

For the second consecutive year, the Legislature fully funds, at $120 million in FY26, MassEducate, the Commonwealth’s universal free community college program that became law in last year’s budget. By again delivering free tuition and fees for residents, the FY26 proposal continues its support for this vital initiative that expands economic opportunity in a regionally equitable manner across the Commonwealth.

Other education investments include:

• $484.9 million for the Special Education (SPED) Circuit Breaker, in addition to the $190 million included in the Fair Share supplemental budget recently signed into law. Together with Fair Share supplemental funding, the Legislature’s FY26 budget fulfills the promise of 75 per cent reimbursement for eligible tuition and transportation costs, recommending $674 million in total to reimburse school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities.
• $199 million for charter school reimbursements.
• $260.8 million for scholarships to students, including $85 million in Fair Share resources to expand MASSGrant Plus financial aid support for students attending public institutions.
• $103.7 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, including $53.7 million in General Fund resources.
• $30 million for higher education wraparound services, including $16 million in General Fund resources, to support services for students attending community colleges through MassEducate, and $14 million in Fair Share resources to support wraparound services for students attending state universities.
• $12 million for rural school aid support.
• $14.3 million for early college programs and $13.1 million for dual enrollment, along with $8 million for Reimagining High School to empower high school students to take college courses prior to graduation.
• $5 million to support continued implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law, including $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities aged 18–22 access higher education opportunities; and $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund.
• $3 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund to continue the state’s commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide.
• $2.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund to maintain and support a statewide civic infrastructure, provide professional development to teachers, and ensure that every student can access high quality civics education.
• $1 million for Hate Crimes Prevention Grantsto support education and prevention of hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools. 

Community Support

Highlighting the Legislature’s longstanding commitment to sustainable partnerships between the state and local governments, the budget agreement provides significant resources to support all Massachusetts cities and towns, ensuring that the state can meet the needs of every region, city, and town—and leave no corner of the Commonwealth behind.

The proposal includes $1.323 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), the primary source of direct flexible state aid to Massachusetts towns and cities, an increase of $14.4 million over FY25. UGGA funding supports resources for municipalities as they collectively confront increased fiscal constraints at the local level.

In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Legislature’s FY26 budget also increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $54.5 million. PILOT funding provides a supplemental source of local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve essential services and programs.

Other local investments include:

• $209 million for regional public transportation systems, including $115 million from Fair Share funds to maintain and continue expansions to regional bus service, sustain systemwide fare free transit service, and support RTA commuter operations.
• $115.6 million for local housing authorities.
• $52.4 million for libraries, including $19 million for regional library local aid, $20 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks.
• $30.8 million in grants to Councils on Aging, increasing assistance per elder to $16 from $15 in FY25.
• $27 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture, and creative economic initiatives.
• $5 million to implement an immigration legal services program distributed by the office for refugees and immigrants to designated non-profit organizations to increase access to legal representation, advice, and advocacy for immigrants and refugees who are facing enhanced legal threats from the federal government.

The FY26 budget codifies fare-free RTA service, which will require all RTAs to eliminate passenger fares for fixed routes and ADA-required paratransit service. With this measure, the Legislature continues to prioritize regional equity, support RTAs as an essential public service that connects communities, and provide a crucial connection for commuters, students, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Health, Mental Health, and Family Care

The Senate’s FY26 budget funds MassHealth at $22.1 billion, an increase of over $2 billion over the last fiscal year. As the largest cost driver in the state’s budget, MassHealth alone accounts for 62 per cent of the total spending increase over the FY25 budget. Amid ongoing uncertainty in Washington, this budget maintains access to comprehensive health care coverage for over 2 million Massachusetts residents. MassHealth covers affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care services for more than one in four residents, nearly half of all children, and seven out of every ten nursing facility residents.

Other health investments include:

• $3.26 billion for a range of services and focused support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including $2 billion for community residential services and $287 million for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Community Day and Work program.
• $1.82 billion to support the Personal Care Attendant program and its historic collective bargaining agreement which raised the wage scale to $25 per hour.
• $694 million for adult support services, including $19 million to support jail diversion initiatives to better serve individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders and connect them with appropriate treatment.
• $650.1 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including $25 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce.
• $381 million for Department of Mental Health (DMH) hospital and community-based services, including $4.8 million to fully fund the operation of the Pocasset Mental Health Center.
• $237.7 million for Department of Public Health (DPH) hospital operations, including $31 million to fully fund and maintain operations of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children through the duration of FY26.
• $187.1 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS), including $500 thousand in new funding to develop the state’s recovery coach workforce, which will support key initiatives from last session’s Substance Use Disorder and Recovery Coach Licensure Act.
• $132 million for children’s mental health services.
• $102 million for nursing facility enhanced Medicaid rates to begin implementation of the 2024 Long-Term Care Act, including $25 million to support the nursing home workforce.
• $73.1 million for domestic violence prevention services.
• $39.3 million for Early Intervention (EI) services, maintaining necessary support and services for infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities.
• $35 million for Family Resource Centers (FRCs) to maintain mental health resources available to families.
• $26.5 million for family and adolescent health, including $11.2 million for comprehensive family planning services and $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding.
• $22.7 million for school-based health programming and services, including $3 million for school-based mental health services.
• $14.3 million for suicide prevention and intervention, with an additional $1.8 million for Samaritans Inc. and $1.1 million for the Call2Talk suicide prevention hotline. This investment protects and fully funds 9-8-8, the 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline.
• $14.7 million for maternal and child health, including $10.8 million for pediatric palliative care services for terminally ill children and a policy adjustment to ensure that children up to age 22 can continue to be served through the program.
• $12.75 million for Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs for seniors.
• $9.3 million for community health centers, including $1 million for gender affirming care services.
• $5.5 million for children advocacy centers to maintain critical support available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused.
• $5.5 million for the Office of the Child Advocate.
• $3.75 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing and Trauma.
• $3 million for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) grants to bolster social emotional learning support for K-12 students.
• $2.5 million for clinical care, veterans’ mental and behavioral health issues, including post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder and suicide prevention administered by the Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program.
• $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety.
• $1.25 million for the Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program, a behavioral intervention program that works to stabilize and support young women, most of whom are mothers, who are traumatized survivors of abuse and neglect.
• $150,000 for Reproductive Equity Now Foundation, Inc. to operate a free and confidential abortion legal hotline for Massachusetts-based health care providers and helpers, as well as patients obtaining care in-state.

The budget establishes a legislative commission to study the future of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, including a review of the hospital’s finances and programs.

To help residents manage high prescription drug costs, the budget also extends the right of consumers to use coupons to pay for prescription drugs. The provision is extended through 2031.

Additionally, it requires the Department of Public Health to form a strategic task force to prepare recommendations for the continuity of abortion and abortion-related care in the Commonwealth in the event of the federal government ending support for reproductive care. 

Expanding and Protecting Opportunities

The Legislature is committed to expanding opportunity and supporting the state’s most vulnerable residents. This budget therefore maintains the annualchild’s clothing allowance, providing $500 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also fully annualizes the FY25 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels to help families move out of deep poverty. Additionally, the budget ensures that pregnant women can access TAFDC, regardless of where they are in their pregnancy.

The Legislature’s budget dedicates $86 million to support food security and child nutrition initiatives, including $50.5 million forEmergency Food Assistance to assist residents in navigating the historical levels of food insecurity, $20.1 million for theHealthy Incentives Program (HIP) to ensure access to healthy food options, and $15.5 million for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program.

Economic opportunity investments include:

• $467 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $209 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase, which annualizes the deep poverty increases implemented in the FY25 budget.
• $101.3 million for DTA caseworkers to protect access to crucial financial assistance, food support, and employment and training programs for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
• $58.9 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce.
• $50.5 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.
• $20.1 million for the Healthy Incentives Program to support healthy food access for households in need.
• $20.6 million for employment services programs to help people with lower incomes move toward economic independence through pathways of self-sufficiency.
• $15.5 million for the Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program.
• $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals.
• $3.1 million for theInnovation Pathways programto continue to connect students to training and post-secondary opportunities with a focus on STEM fields.
• $1 million for employment programs for young adults with disabilities.

Housing

As the state envisions a more fiscally sustainable path for its future, increasing affordable housing opportunities and addressing housing challenges remain at the forefront of the Legislature’s agenda. This budget therefore invests more than $1.15 billion in housing initiatives, dedicating resources for housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services, and homelessness assistance programs. 

Housing investments include:

• $253 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP).
• $207 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT).
• $115.6 million for local housing authorities.
• $113.3 million for assistance for homeless individual shelters.
• $57.3 million for the HomeBASE program to support sustainable exits from shelter.
• $19.5 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), providing rental assistance to people with disabilities.
• $18.2 million for homeless program administration to move people from the Emergency Assistance shelter system.
• $16 million for the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
• $10.6 million for assistance for unaccompanied homeless youth.
• $10 million for sponsor-based supportive permanent housing to support 16 new housing units and case management services for vulnerable individuals.
• $8.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including funding to support homeless LGBTQ youth.
• $6.5 million for resident service coordinators to help residents maintain stable tenancies at local housing authorities, which are required to provide households with the services they need.
• $5.85 million for housing consumer education centers.
• $2.5 million for access to counsel.

In addition to these investments in housing, the budget includes a provision requiring that residential rental broker’s fees must be paid by the contracting agent, often the landlord of an apartment, ensuring that renters are not burdened with unexpected and extraordinary costs.

The budget also kickstarts two studies on ways to bring down housing costs for Massachusetts residents and increase housing production. One study for a sales tax exemption for multifamily housing projects stalled by federal tariffs. Another that would incentivize new affordable housing developments when considering local tax levy requirements.  The budget further creates a commission to help begin to explore solutions to address the remediation of concrete housing foundations that have crumbled because of the presence of pyrrhotite.

Further, the budget includes a provision that will allow candidates for elected office in Massachusetts to use their campaign funds for adult care services being provided to that candidate’s parent or other adult dependent, that occur because of campaign activities. In the 2024 economic development bill, the Legislature approved the use of campaign funds for child care.

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the budget will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.

###