By Bob Katzen
House 151-6, approved and sent to the Senate a $61.47 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve its own version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a compromise plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to Gov. Maura Healey.
“The House’s fiscal year 2026 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,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, our budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve.”
“This budget builds off the successes of the last few years by prioritizing our residents,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, public transportation or early education, these initiatives are a reflection of our shared values. By reinvesting in the people of the commonwealth, we will continue to make our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come.”
“The fiscal year 2026 budget is a bloated budget that is not attached to the reality of our fiscal situation, and there is a multitude of reasons I could not support it,” said Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson). “Although there are many good aspects relating to municipal funding that I was happy to see included, it does not go far enough in that realm and continues to poorly prioritize funds. With the fiscal uncertainty relative to the federal government, it is reckless to pretend that this budget should be business as usual and support a budget increase of 7 percent year-over-year and nearly 50 percent in just six years.”
“Beacon Hill has once again shown its commitment to secrecy over sound fiscal policy,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “The House tacked on $81 million in new spending over their original proposal. The last three days showed the House has no fiscal restraint. This was negotiated behind closed doors and rammed through massive, opaque consolidated amendments … At a time when the state is facing declining tax revenues, increased outmigration and deep structural budget challenges, lawmakers should be tightening the belt, not throwing more money into a budget crafted in the shadows.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes