Gov. Maura Healey introduced a $62 billion budget proposal on Wednesday, emphasizing significant investments in infrastructure, education, and public services.
The plan aims to address the state’s transportation needs, enhance educational opportunities, and support economic development.
“Our Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal is a balanced, forward-looking blueprint that meets the needs of our residents and businesses while also taking care of their tax dollars,” said Healey. “We’re making historic investments in the infrastructure that our quality of life and economy depend on – stabilizing the MBTA, fixing our roads, bridges and regional transit, and modernizing college campuses, all while creating good jobs.”
The budget allocates $500 million to stabilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations, with a total of $8 billion earmarked for transportation over the next decade.
This includes $1.5 billion for road and bridge repairs and $850 million for MBTA maintenance and modernization.
In education, the proposal includes $7.3 billion in aid for school districts, a $420 million increase from the previous fiscal year. It also outlines $475 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children program to support early education providers and $1.1 billion for Child Care Financial Assistance.
Higher education initiatives include $125 million to unlock $2.5 billion in capital funding for infrastructure improvements and $94 million to sustain free community college programs.
The budget also addresses housing, with a record $1.2 billion investment to improve affordability and accessibility. This includes $253.3 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program and $325 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelter and Services.
Healey’s plan further supports climate and environmental programs with $559.8 million for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and $30 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.