Senator Eldridge Highlights FY27 Massachusetts Senate Budget Wins
Wins include protecting residents from federal cuts, spending on public education, supporting environmental sustainability, ensuring equitable housing access, and making critical investments in Metrowest communities
(BOSTON—5/29/2026) On Thursday, May 21st, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a $63.37 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027. Facing federal cuts and challenges, this budget makes historic investments in our communities to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to deliver for its residents. Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Malborough) focused his efforts on earmarks and programs that deliver directly for his constituents in the Metrowest area. This includes investments in high quality education, environmental sustainability, housing access for all, and furthering central community programs.
“I want to thank Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Michael Rodrigues for their leadership and dedication to residents across the Commonwealth with the passage of this FY27 budget,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “Despite cuts to important programs, I am proud to have successfully fought for funding that facilitates affordability for all, enhances our education system, supports social justice, and protects our environment. While there is more to be done, this budget keeps Massachusetts on the path toward achieving our commitments to residents and mitigating the harm from federal cuts.”
This budget provides vital investments into our public schools through record levels of Chapter 70 school aid by fully funding the Student Opportunity Act to $7.66 billion. These funds boost both teachers and students alike in the classroom and go a long way in creating strong learning environments in our schools. Additionally, the Senate budget updates the minimum per-pupil spending to $160 for local school aid. Knowing the educational support and services goes beyond the classroom, Senator Eldridge filed amendments that secured $45,000 to improve Boys and Girls Club of Metrowest facilities and further supported the One Family Scholars Program which supports single parents pursuing higher education.
Critical funding to further support environmental and conservation priorities across the Commonwealth was also secured in the Senate Budget. Working alongside Senator Brownsberger and environmental advocates, Senator Eldridge helped to secure $1,000,000 in additional funding to the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Senator Eldridge also obtained $250,000 for the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program which aims to both protect and boost biodiversity across Massachusetts. Investing in environmental sustainability is so important for our ecosystem services, public health, and local economies across the Commonwealth.
Housing affordability was also a central point of this budget. As housing costs rise and price out both existing and prospective residents, the Commonwealth must act to ensure it remains an affordable place to live for all. Senator Eldridge knows housing is a basic right and is focused on ensuring that affordable, accessible, and environmentally responsible housing is developed. To ensure that everyone, no matter background, has access to housing options and support, Senator Eldridge secured an additional $200,000 for the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center. As the oldest fair housing organization in Massachusetts, the group has tirelessly advocated against voucher discrimination, supported those experiencing domestic violence, and advanced disability access.
Municipalities and local programing also received significant support in the Senate Budget with Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) with a $53,000,000 increase from the previous budget. Providing flexible support to our cities and towns allows for creative localized solutions that can inspire statewide policy. Senator Eldridge secured earmarks directly for residents and organizations in the Middlesex and Worcester District including funding for food access, furniture for low-income residents, and environmental education.
$250,000 to the MIDAS Collaborative for their matched savings account program that rewards low- to middle-income individuals transitioning into stable employment and housing for maintaining personal goals and maintaining modest savings.
$190,000 to the Acton Food Pantry for a dedicated mobile market truck to expand the pantry’s mobile food distribution program, which provides fresh produce and staple goods directly into underserved communities.
$100,000 to the Ayer Senior Center for the design, construction of a new senior center that will replace the outdated, inaccessible current facility and better serve the community’s growing older adult population.
$60,000 to the New Life Furniture Bank for a van to enhance their operations supporting individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness with household furnishings at no cost.
$53,000 to the Nashua River Watershed Association for a pickup truck and canoe trailer to support environmental educational and volunteer stewardship programs on the Nashua and Squannacook Rivers.
$51,500 to the Metrowest Worker Center Inc. / Casa do Trabalhador / Casa Del Trabajador to support culturally appropriate food distribution efforts serving immigrant families facing food insecurity and expand programming in the city of Marlborough.
The final FY25 Senate budget will be available on the Senate budget website.
A conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile differences between the budgets passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.
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