By Bob Katzen

House 139-6, Senate 38-2, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a conference committee version of a $61.01 billion fiscal 2026 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025. The price tag represents a 3.3 billion increase over last year’s fiscal 2025 budget. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the budget and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version. Gov. Healey has ten days, until July 10, to veto or amend any portions of the budget, before signing it.

“This budget is a commitment to a more affordable, accessible and inclusive commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “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. 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.”

“This fiscal year 2026 budget makes key investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, which 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, this budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve.”

“I am filled with optimism as I reflect on the outcome of the fiscal year 2026 budget conference committee,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “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. The success of the fiscal year 2026 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.”

“While Massachusetts tax dollars continue to be used on housing and benefits for non-residents, this budget uses more tax dollars to create a legal fund to stop the deportation of illegal immigrants, including those who have committed violent crimes,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators who voted against the budget. “Meanwhile, cities and towns across the state are struggling to balance their budgets and provide services to seniors and children being educated in our public schools, including many of the towns I represent in Worcester and Hampden County. This dichotomy is Gov. Healey’s responsibility, and in good conscience, I can’t support it.”

“The fiscal year 2026 budget continues a completely unsustainable budget increase year over year,” said Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson), one of only six representatives who voted against the package. “A 6 percent increase from last year, nearly 50 percent increase from 2019, and nearly 140 percent increase from 2010. The commonwealth should only be paying for needs instead of wants with the extreme federal uncertainty and the impending cuts.”

“Beacon Hill leaders are trying to have it both ways,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. ”They’re talking about caution and restraint while greenlighting billions in new spending, using one-time gimmicks to paper over structural imbalances and shortchanging local aid to the cities and towns they claim to represent. Local governments are in crisis. Budgets are breaking, override votes are stacking up and yet Beacon Hill refuses to share the wealth. They’re prioritizing their own pet projects while towns are forced to cut core services and raise taxes on residents.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $61.01 billion budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Didn’t Vote Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes