How I Voted: Appropriations for Education, Transportation, Housing, Workforce Development

Investing in Education, Transportation, Housing, and Massachusetts Communities

Bill H.5740: legislation making appropriations for education, transportation, housing, workforce development, and other state priorities

Date of Vote: June 4, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

Massachusetts continues to face significant challenges in areas that directly affect residents’ daily lives, including school funding pressures, transportation needs, housing costs, and workforce shortages.

This legislation uses available state resources to make targeted investments in communities across the Commonwealth while addressing immediate needs and strengthening long-term economic stability.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Invests $558 million in education through Fair Share funding to support students, families, and school districts. 

• Provides $152 million for special education reimbursements to help districts meet the needs of students with disabilities. 

• Invests $150 million to expand access to affordable and accessible childcare. 

• Provides $40 million for early literacy initiatives, including tutoring and classroom programs for young learners. 

• Invests $794 million in transportation, including: 

  • $595 million for MBTA operations, maintenance, safety improvements, and affordability initiatives. 

  • $25 million for regional transit systems to support workforce needs. 

  • $100 million in assistance for communities recovering from significant winter storm costs. 

• Creates incentives to reduce construction costs and encourage the development of affordable, moderate-income, and middle-income housing. 

• Supports workforce development by: 

  • Providing scholarships for future primary care physicians who commit to serving Massachusetts communities. 

  • Establishing the Tomorrow’s Teachers program to encourage future educators to work in Massachusetts public schools. 

• Provides funding for legal assistance programs supporting immigrants and refugees navigating the court system. 

• Provides grants to help school districts implement cell phone-free classroom policies. 

• Includes additional measures related to tax policy, economic competitiveness, and environmental goals. 

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

As a former teacher, assistant principal, and principal, I understand firsthand the challenges facing our schools. Educators, families, and communities need the resources necessary to support students, provide appropriate services, and prepare young people for success.

This legislation also recognizes that education does not exist in isolation. Students and families depend on reliable transportation, affordable housing, accessible childcare, and strong local economies. Investing in these areas strengthens communities and improves opportunities across Massachusetts.

I also appreciate that this package makes strategic use of available state resources by directing funding toward immediate needs while making investments that will benefit residents for years to come. Supporting special education, early literacy, workforce development, and public transportation addresses some of the most important challenges facing the Commonwealth.

I supported this legislation because strong communities require strong schools, reliable infrastructure, and opportunities for families to thrive. This package represents a meaningful investment in the people and future of Massachusetts.