By Bob Katzen
Senate 38-2, approved a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House has already approved a different version, and 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.
“This budget reflects the Senate’s commitment to a commonwealth that carefully balances investing in our people with responsible money management so we can protect our residents, communities and economy for years to come,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate’s statewide approach to investment delivers resources to every part of the state and protects our most vulnerable residents, while our continued focus on education and mental health ensures that residents have the keys to unlock the doors of opportunity.”
“This budget is a testament to the Senate’s collective values and our shared responsibility to invest in every community and every person in the commonwealth—from the Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By prioritizing education, transportation, health care and support for municipalities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient commonwealth amid a time of great national turbulence and strife.”
“Constituents and businesses from across my district are exhausted by Gov. Healey’s budget priorities that underfund core local services, overfund benefits for non-residents with billions of tax dollar and burden them with ever-increasing taxes and energy costs,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators to vote against the budget. “Massachusetts residents are going to keep voting with their feet as they move out-of-state if we continue with the status quo – it’s unsustainable and must end.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes