How I Voted: Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Investing in Education, Transportation, and Families Across Massachusetts

Bill: Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget

Date of Vote: April 29, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

The state budget is one of the Legislature’s most important responsibilities because it determines how Massachusetts invests taxpayer dollars to support residents, communities, and essential public services.

The Commonwealth is facing a period of significant economic uncertainty, including federal funding reductions, rising costs, and pressure on state revenues. At the same time, families, schools, municipalities, and communities continue to face challenges related to education, transportation, housing, healthcare, and workforce needs.

This legislation creates a balanced Fiscal Year 2027 budget that maintains critical services, makes targeted investments in communities across Massachusetts, strengthens financial stability, and supports programs that improve the quality of life for residents.

What Does the Bill Do?

Establishes a balanced $63.41 billion Fiscal Year 2027 state budget without new taxes or tax increases.

• Provides nearly $10 billion in funding for cities and towns through local aid, including:

  • $7.65 billion for Chapter 70 education funding.

  • $1.33 billion in unrestricted general government aid.

  • Additional support for municipalities facing increased costs and financial pressures.

• Invests $1.725 billion in education initiatives supported through Fair Share funding, including:

  • Continued implementation of the Student Opportunity Act.

  • Universal free school meals.

  • Childcare affordability and access.

  • Special education reimbursements.

  • Higher education affordability programs.

• Provides $975 million in Fair Share transportation investments, including:

  • $470 million for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

  • Funding for Regional Transit Authorities.

  • Support for transportation services benefiting seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

• Expands support for early education and childcare through a $1.86 billion investment, including:

  • Childcare assistance for low-income families.

  • Support for childcare providers.

  • Early education workforce investments.

• Provides $22.41 billion for MassHealth and invests in health and human services, including:

  • Behavioral health services.

  • Substance use treatment programs.

  • Community health centers.

  • Support for vulnerable populations.

• Invests in affordable housing and homelessness prevention, including:

  • Rental assistance programs.

  • Emergency shelter services.

  • Legal assistance for families facing eviction.

• Supports workforce development through investments in:

  • Adult education.

  • Career technical education.

  • Apprenticeships.

  • Employment and training programs.

• Strengthens public safety and the criminal justice system through investments in:

  • Sheriff’s offices.

  • Community corrections.

  • Reentry services.

  • Legal assistance programs.

Strengthens the Commonwealth’s financial position by increasing the Stabilization Fund while maintaining a balanced budget.

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

A state budget reflects our priorities as a Commonwealth. It is a statement about what we value and how we choose to invest in the future of our communities.

Throughout my career in public service, including my time as an educator, school leader, military officer, attorney, and now state representative, I have understood that responsible decision-making and stewardship of resources are essential. Every dollar spent by government represents a commitment to the residents we serve.

As a former teacher and principal, I know that investments in education have a direct impact on students, families, and communities. This budget continues important commitments to public schools, special education, early childhood education, free school meals, and pathways that help students succeed.

This budget also recognizes the importance of supporting the communities that make up the Commonwealth. Investments in local aid, transportation, housing, healthcare, and workforce development provide critical resources to cities and towns while helping Massachusetts remain competitive and prepared for the future.

A responsible budget must balance immediate needs with long-term fiscal responsibility. This legislation makes significant investments while maintaining a balanced budget and strengthening the state’s financial position.

I supported this budget because it invests in our students, supports our communities, strengthens essential services, and reflects a commitment to building a stronger Massachusetts for future generations.