Senate-approved budget includes $69.5 million for DTA staffing and technology systems, $1.8 billion for MassHealth, and critical investments in veterans support, early education, and victim services.
BOSTON, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) voted in favor of a $2.62 billion supplemental budget, S.3290, to close out Fiscal Year 2026 and provide critical funding for essential state programs and services. The Senate-approved legislation includes significant investments in healthcare, food assistance, public safety, early education, and criminal justice reform, while also providing additional support to municipalities facing rising costs.
The supplemental budget includes $1.79 billion in net state spending after accounting for federal reimbursements, with funding directed toward addressing outstanding expenses, maintaining essential programs, and strengthening services for Massachusetts residents.
“At a time when federal funding cuts and rising costs are putting additional pressure on working families across Massachusetts, it is critical that we continue investing in the programs and services that our residents depend on,” said Senator Eldridge. “I am proud to support this supplemental budget, which makes important investments in healthcare, education, public safety, and our social safety net. As we face continued uncertainty at the federal level, Massachusetts must remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents, strengthening our communities, and ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you to Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues for listening to Senators’ concerns and budget priorities.”
Key investments in the Senate-approved supplemental budget include:
Healthcare and Public Health
$1.8 billion for MassHealth to address rising healthcare costs and maintain access to healthcare services for Massachusetts residents.
$14.1 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to support substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
$9.8 million for public health hospitals to support essential healthcare operations and services.
Criminal Justice Reform and Public Safety
$22.5 million for the No Cost Call Trust Fund to support free phone calls for incarcerated individuals, helping maintain family connections and reduce financial burdens on loved ones.
$13.8 million for the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance (MOVA) to address reductions in federal funding and maintain essential services for victims, witnesses, and survivors of crime.
$2 million for municipal public safety needs to assist cities and towns with critical public safety expenses.
Food Assistance and Economic Security
$7.4 million for SNAP error rate enhancements to improve the administration and accuracy of food assistance benefits.
$69.5 million for the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) to strengthen technology systems and increase staffing capacity to better serve residents relying on public assistance programs.
$2 million in retained revenue for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program to support the administration of affordable housing initiatives.
Education, Veterans, and Community Investments
$18.5 million to increase reimbursement rates for subsidized early education providers, supporting family childcare and center-based programs.
$2.5 million for the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke to support services and operations for veterans.
$2.5 million for National Guard tuition and fee waivers, supporting educational opportunities for members of the Massachusetts National Guard.
$855,000 for state parks and recreation to support public recreational resources and facilities.
In addition to these investments, the legislation includes several policy provisions aimed at protecting consumers and reducing administrative burdens on municipalities.
The bill would require companies offering online subscriptions to make cancellation as easy as enrollment, helping protect consumers from unnecessary recurring charges. It also updates municipal procurement procedures to provide cities and towns with greater flexibility when purchasing goods and services, particularly as municipalities face rising operational costs.
The Senate also adopted an update to Nicky’s Law, extending protections against abuse for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities receiving MassHealth day habilitation services.
The supplemental budget was approved by the Massachusetts Senate and returned to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The House of Representatives passed a similar version of the Supplemental Budget in October.
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