By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a $1.3 billion fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that uses funds generated from the surtax imposed on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually, to fund $593 million for education-related projects and $716 million for transportation-related ones.

The surtax was created by voters in November 2022 when they voted for a constitutional amendment, dubbed by supporters as the “Fair Share Amendment,” that allows a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and imposes an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually.

A total of $535 million of the $716 million for transportation will be used for various MBTA projects. Other provisions include $80 million for Chapter 90 aid to ensure every city and town receives funding to maintain local roads and bridges; $16.4 million for municipally owned small bridges and culverts; $7 million for the improvement and maintenance of unpaved roads; and $5 million for transportation improvements associated with the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The $593 million for education includes $248 million for special education; $115 million for public higher education infrastructure investments; $25 million for tutoring to support accelerated literacy growth and success for students in kindergarten through grade 3; $10 million for English Language Learning Programs; $10 million to support the Holocaust Museum in Boston; and $10 million for grants to eligible local school districts for clean energy infrastructure improvements and upgrades.

“I proposed this bill to address two of the most critical needs we have as a state – transportation and education,” said Gov. Healey. “For decades, our transportation system has been underinvested in, and Massachusetts residents and businesses have been paying the price. We’re delivering an historic infusion of funding to upgrade roads and bridges and finally stabilize the finances at the T. We’re also expanding access to the programs that have been proven to support students and help them recover from the learning losses they suffered due to the pandemic, like tutoring and career and technical education.”

“As the school year comes to a close, educators and families can head into summer break knowing that significant funding is coming their way that delivers the support they need for special education, childcare and tutoring,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “At the same time, we’re ushering in a new era of modern, reliable transportation across Massachusetts. We look forward to continuing to build on the progress we’ve been making on transportation and education across the state.”

“Ensuring that every Massachusetts resident has access to a safe and reliable public transportation system, and that every student in the commonwealth receives a high-quality education, are two of the most fundamental responsibilities that we have as elected officials,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “The investments being made in this supplemental budget are representative of the commonwealth’s continued focus on meeting those responsibilities.”

“No matter where you live in Massachusetts, you deserve reliable transportation and an education that opens doors to opportunities,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “This funding moves us closer to a commonwealth where everyone has access to both. At a time when the federal government’s commitment to safe transit and strong public education is in doubt, this legislation makes direct investments in local communities, our school systems and the infrastructure projects that keep Massachusetts moving forward.”