How I Voted: Financing Long-Term Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges

Investing in Roads, Bridges, Transit, and Housing Across Massachusetts

Bill: H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges

Date of Vote: June 4, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Communities across Massachusetts continue to face significant infrastructure needs, including aging roads, bridges, public transportation systems, and the challenge of building more housing near reliable transportation.

Many cities and towns are also dealing with increased financial pressure after a difficult winter that caused extensive damage to local roads and infrastructure. This legislation provides long-term funding to help communities make critical repairs while strengthening the Commonwealth’s transportation network for the future.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Authorizes more than $2.7 billion in bond funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements across Massachusetts. 

• Provides $300 million to help cities and towns repair local roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. 

• Continues support for the Chapter 90 program, which provides transportation funding directly to municipalities. 

• Provides $500 million to address the Commonwealth’s roads in the greatest need of repair through MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program. 

• Invests $200 million to support transit-oriented housing projects, including infrastructure improvements such as stormwater management, pedestrian connections, and bicycle infrastructure. 

• Provides $200 million for MBTA improvements, including: 

  • Rail improvements. 

  • Vehicle modernization. 

  • Procurement of new vehicles. 

• Provides $200 million for Department of Conservation and Recreation roadway and bridge repairs. 

• Supports rural communities by distributing certain transportation funding based on road mileage. 

• Invests in transportation infrastructure that supports economic development and future housing growth. 

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

Reliable infrastructure is one of the most basic responsibilities of government. Residents depend on safe roads, well-maintained bridges, and reliable transportation every day to get to work, school, appointments, and community activities.

As a former educator and school leader, I understand how important transportation infrastructure is to families and communities. Students, workers, and businesses all benefit when our transportation systems are safe, accessible, and dependable.

This legislation provides critical support to municipalities while also making long-term investments in the future of the Commonwealth. By addressing immediate needs like potholes and bridge repairs while investing in transit improvements and housing connected to transportation, we are strengthening communities across Massachusetts.

I supported this legislation because maintaining and improving our infrastructure is essential to public safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life. These investments will help communities address today’s challenges while preparing Massachusetts for future growth.