How I Voted: Fair Share Supplemental Budget

Investing Fair Share Funds in Education, Transportation, and Essential Services

Bill: H.5347, Fair Share Supplemental Budget

Date of Vote: March 18, 2026

What Problem Was This Bill Trying to Solve?

The Commonwealth received additional revenue from the Fair Share surtax approved by Massachusetts voters in 2022, creating an opportunity to make targeted investments in areas that directly affect residents and communities.

At the same time, Massachusetts faced immediate financial pressures, including increased costs for public transportation, education, health care, and essential government services.

This legislation uses available one-time funds to address current needs while making strategic investments in transportation, education, workforce development, and programs that support communities across Massachusetts.

What Does the Bill Do?

• Invests $1.8 billion in transportation, education, and essential state services.

• Uses $1.3 billion in Fair Share funds for public education and transportation investments.

Transportation Investments:

Provides $885 million for transportation priorities, including:

• $740 million for the MBTA. 

• $525 million for MBTA operating needs. 

• $125 million for workforce and safety initiatives. 

• $60 million for physical infrastructure improvements. 

• $20 million for reduced fares for low-income riders. 

• $10 million for water transportation infrastructure.

Provides additional funding for: 

• Snow and ice removal costs. 

• Regional Transit Authority workforce development. 

• MassDOT service investments. 

• Sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. 

Education Investments:

Provides $417 million for education priorities, including:

• $150 million for Special Education Circuit Breaker costs. 

• $150 million for early education and childcare costs. 

• Funding to reduce childcare waitlists and support childcare providers. 

• $20 million for Green SchoolWorks clean energy upgrades. 

• Financial aid supplements for higher education students. 

• Funding for teacher recruitment and loan forgiveness programs. 

Other Investments:

• Provides $300 million for the Group Insurance Commission to maintain health coverage obligations.

• Provides funding for sheriffs, Department of Transitional Assistance caseworkers, and World Cup-related expenses.

• Delays certain state tax conformity changes to provide businesses and the Commonwealth additional time to adjust to federal tax changes.

• Establishes tax credits supporting food donations and sustainable aviation fuel.

• Ratifies collective bargaining agreements.

How I Voted

I voted YES.

Why I Voted This Way

A supplemental budget provides an opportunity to address immediate needs while making thoughtful investments that strengthen the Commonwealth for the future.

This legislation directs one-time Fair Share revenue toward priorities that impact residents every day, including public transportation, schools, childcare, higher education, and essential government services.

As a former educator and public servant, I understand the importance of investing in the systems that support our communities. Strong schools, reliable transportation, and accessible services are essential to Massachusetts’ continued success.

At the same time, responsible budgeting requires careful consideration of long-term fiscal impacts. This legislation uses available resources strategically while maintaining a focus on financial responsibility and protecting the Commonwealth’s future fiscal health.

I supported this legislation because it invests in our students, supports working families, strengthens transportation systems, and uses Fair Share resources to address important needs across Massachusetts.