Boston, January 29, 2026
Governor Maura Healey has submitted a comprehensive $63.36 billion budget proposal for Massachusetts, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and preserving key services without introducing new taxes. The plan highlights significant investments in housing, education, transportation, and healthcare, aiming for a sustainable approach to the state’s finances amidst recent federal funding cuts. The budget is designed to enhance affordability and improve the quality of life for residents across the Commonwealth.
Boston – Governor Maura Healey formally submitted her Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget proposal on Wednesday, presenting a comprehensive spending plan totaling $63.36 billion for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This expansive blueprint, with its primary component filed as House 2 at $62.8 billion, underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility by controlling spending while aiming to preserve essential services and lighten the burdens for the residents of the Commonwealth.
The Governor’s budget reflects a considered approach to governance, prioritizing the protection of key services and strategic investments in programs deemed crucial for the well-being and affordability of life in Massachusetts. Notably, the proposal does not include any new taxes or fees, signaling a deliberate effort to manage state finances without imposing additional costs on taxpayers. The plan represents a measured 1.1 percent growth over estimated Fiscal Year 2026 spending, which marks the lowest spending rate increase since Governor Healey assumed office. This prudent growth rate is aimed at aligning expenditures more closely with projected tax revenue increases, reflecting a careful stewardship of public resources.
Key Investments and Strategic Allocations
The budget delineates specific areas for significant investment, addressing critical societal needs and infrastructure. The financial plan recognizes that behind every budgetary line item are the daily realities and aspirations of individuals and families across the Commonwealth.
Housing and Affordability Initiatives
Recognizing the pressing need for accessible living, the budget allocates $1.2 billion to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This investment is intended to bolster efforts in enhancing housing affordability and accessibility, striving to provide stable foundations for residents amidst an evolving economic landscape.
Education and Child Care Support
Education remains a cornerstone of the Commonwealth’s future, with the budget directing substantial resources. It includes $7.6 billion in Chapter 70 aid, fully funding the final year of the Student Opportunity Act. This allocation ensures a minimum per-pupil aid of $75 for all school districts, fostering equitable educational opportunities. Furthermore, child care financial assistance programs are set to receive $1.22 billion, alongside continued support for operational grants to providers and the provision of free school meals for all children in Massachusetts, recognizing the foundational role of early care and education.
Advancing Transportation Infrastructure
The plan addresses the vital arteries of the Commonwealth’s mobility, with $645 million designated for MassDOT operations, encompassing $85 million specifically for snow and ice removal, a tangible measure of preparedness for the region’s winters. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is slated to receive $470 million for operations within House 2, further bolstered by $523 million from a Fair Share supplemental budget. These funds are critical to stabilizing the MBTA’s operating budget for another year and averting potential service reductions, ensuring the continued movement of daily life. The budget also maintains free bus services through Regional Transit Authorities, an acknowledgment of the importance of accessible public transit.
Healthcare Policy Adjustments
In an effort to manage the escalating costs of healthcare, the budget proposes some adjustments to MassHealth benefits. This includes discontinuing coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs and implementing a $1,000 cap on adult dental benefits, while pediatric dental benefits are to remain uncapped. These decisions, though difficult, are made with an eye toward long-term fiscal sustainability in a critical sector.
The Broader Fiscal Landscape
The Governor’s filing aligns with the constitutional requirement for the submission of a budget proposal by the fourth Wednesday of January, or within five weeks later in the event of a new term. This annual exercise in fiscal planning unfolds against a backdrop of considerable fiscal challenges. The Commonwealth has faced the erosion of federal funding, with over $3 billion cut from Massachusetts since January 2025. This significant reduction in federal support, coupled with increasing costs for the state workforce and the MassHealth program, has necessitated a disciplined and strategic approach to spending. The budget anticipates $44.9 billion in tax revenue for FY27, representing a modest 2.9 percent growth over Fiscal Year 2026 projections.
This blueprint for the Commonwealth’s future is more than a compilation of financial figures; it is a statement of collective priorities and the careful stewardship of public trust. Each line item represents a decision that will ripple through communities, touching lives in tangible ways. The work ahead, as this proposal moves through the legislative process, will be a testament to shared purpose in navigating complex realities with an eye toward sustained well-being for all who call Massachusetts home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Governor Maura Healey’s latest budget proposal?
- Governor Maura Healey formally submitted her Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget proposal on Wednesday, presenting a comprehensive spending plan totaling $63.36 billion for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The primary component of this plan is filed as House 2 at $62.8 billion.
- What is the proposed amount of the budget?
- The comprehensive spending plan totals $63.36 billion. The main budget bill (House 2) is for $62.8 billion. Additionally, there is a supplemental budget bill for $1.15 billion in surplus FY25 surtax revenue for education and transportation.
- When was the budget proposal submitted?
- Governor Maura Healey formally submitted her budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2027 on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
- What are the main goals of Governor Healey’s FY27 budget proposal?
- The main goals are to control spending, protect key services, and invest in programs that residents rely on to make their lives better and more affordable, without proposing any new taxes or fees.
- What is the constitutional requirement for the Governor to submit a budget proposal in Massachusetts?
- Under the state Constitution, the Governor must submit a proposal by the 4th Wednesday of January or, in the event of a new term, within five weeks later.
Key Features of Governor Maura Healey’s FY27 Budget Proposal
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spending Plan | $63.36 billion |
| Main Budget Bill (House 2) | $62.8 billion |
| Fiscal Year | 2027 (FY27) |
| Submission Date | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 |
| Key Goals | Controlling spending, protecting key services, investing in programs for affordability, and making life easier for residents |
| New Taxes/Fees | None proposed |
| Spending Growth | 1.1 percent over estimated FY26 spending |
| Fair Share Surtax Spending | $2.7 billion included in $62.8 billion budget; $1.15 billion supplemental for education and transportation |
| Housing Investment | $1.2 billion for affordable housing and accessibility |
| Education Funding (Chapter 70) | $7.6 billion, fully funding final year of Student Opportunity Act |
| Child Care Funding | $1.22 billion for financial assistance programs |
| MassDOT Operations | $645 million, including $85 million for snow/ice removal |
| MBTA Funding | $470 million for operations (House 2) and $523 million from Fair Share supplemental for operating stabilization |
| MassHealth Changes | Discontinuation of GLP-1 weight loss drug coverage; $1,000 cap on adult dental benefits (pediatric uncapped) |
| Federal Funding Impact | Over $3 billion cut from Massachusetts since January 2025 |
| Projected Tax Revenue (FY27) | $44.9 billion, a 2.9% growth over FY26 |
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