Boston Globe: "Mass. sheriffs pitch budget fix after spending scrutiny"

via the Boston Globe:

Boston Globe: "Mass. sheriffs pitch budget
fix after spending scrutiny"

"Massachusetts’ county sheriffs are conceding what lawmakers and a state watchdog have been warning for months: The system used to fund and oversee their offices is “opaque, chaotic, and deeply flawed” — and they have their own suggestions for how to change it as the annual budget debate gets underway.

In a letter sent last week to top budget writers, the 14 sheriffs outlined a series of reforms they said would begin to address the “real problems” that Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro flagged in the review published earlier this year of their budgeting practices.

“We recognize that the current budget process is not working for our Offices and for the Legislature. This letter is our commitment to change that,” the sheriffs wrote in the letter sent to Senate Ways and Means chair Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means chair Aaron Michlewitz last Thursday and obtained by the Globe."

Continue reading the article with this share link -

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/23/metro/mass-sheriff-spending-budget/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view

Massachusetts House Passes Fair Share Supplemental Budget

The Massachusetts House of Representatives today (3/18/26) passed a $1.8 billion supplemental budget that invests $885 million in public transportation and $417 million in public education, and funds several Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) deficiencies.

The bill includes several local investments secured through amendments by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) for a total of $455,000 for funding in Franklin and Medway. 

The amendments consist of: 

• $250,000 for Medway Burke/Memorial School parking lot improvements to remove rear and side parking area surface and replace with new subsurface and top course to improve pedestrian safety and address increased stormwater MS4 drainage efficiency 

• $50,000 for the creation of a CTE Teacher Access & Equity fund to provide financial assistance to beginning vocational-technical instructors for fees associated with competency-based vocational-technical teacher training performance written examinations 

• $150,000 to redesign and modernize the Franklin Middle School library/STEM space into a student-centered Library and Innovation Commons to support interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and an accessible gathering place. 

• $5,000 for Smarter HEPA air filters for classrooms at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School in Franklin

“These amendments address critical support needs for the schools in the district,” Rep. Roy said. “I was proud to join my colleagues in passing a supplemental budget that delivers meaningful investments in the priorities that matter most to our communities.”

The bill passed also includes the tax conformity legislation filed by Governor Healey that delays the state’s alignment with the corporate tax changes passed by Congress in the OB3 Act last year.

The bill delays conforming to the federal corporate tax changes that were passed by Congress in the OB3 Act last year, which will represent approximately a $400 million revenue loss for the Commonwealth when fully implemented. Under the bill, the Research and Experimental expense deduction will be delayed one year, the deductions for the Modification of Business Interest, Depreciable Asset Expensing, Qualified Production Properties will be delayed two years, and the Modification of Qualified Opportunity Zone Investments program will also be delayed two years. However, should the ballot question to lower the state income tax from 5 percent to 4 percent pass in November, which would result in a $5 billion revenue loss when fully implemented, the Commonwealth would permanently decouple from these tax credits, preventing them from going into effect.

The $1.8 billion bill is funded in part by $1.3 billion from excess Fair Share surtax funds to invest in public transportation and education. 

Highlights include: 

• $885 million towards transportation:

o $740 million towards the MBTA

 $525 million for the Deficiency Reserve

 $125 million for the Workforce & Safety Reserve

 $60 million for physical infrastructure with a focus on the core subway system

 $20 million for low-income reduced fares

 $10 million for water transportation infrastructure 

o Other transportation items include:

 $50 million for snow and ice costs

 $25 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) workforce development

 $30 million to fund the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit

 $30 million for MassDOT Service Investments

• $417 million towards education:

o $150 million towards Special Education Circuit Breaker costs

o $150 million to fund Early Education Child Care costs

o $38.7 million for the EEC income eligibility waitlist

 Includes $8 million for child care for providers and $7.5 million for the loan forgiveness program for providers

o $20 million for Green SchoolWorks program to help schools with clean energy upgrades

o $18.3 million for Financial Aid Supplements 

o $20 million endowment Match for UMass and other state colleges and universities 

o $5.1 million for Tomorrow’s Teachers Loan Forgiveness program

o $5 million for ESOL Services Waitlist

The bill also allocates $507 million from the General Fund:

• $300 million for the Group Insurance Commission (GIC)

• $54.4 million for sheriffs, representing half of the deficiency

o Requires reporting on the expenses of proposed usage of the funds 

• $41.6 million for DTA caseworkers

• $10 million for FIFA Boston for World Cup related expenses

The bill also includes the following outside sections: 

• Food Donation Tax Credit: Establishes a food donation tax credit for farm businesses based on the amount of food donated to a nonprofit food distribution organization. The credit is capped at $5,000 annually per individual.

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credit: Allows taxpayers to take a credit against the tax imposed on fuels used for aircraft propulsion and, subject to limitation, requires the amount of credit per gallon of sustainable fuel to increase by $0.015 for each additional 1 percent reduction in life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions above 50 percent. The credit is capped at $10 million total for all cumulative tax credits over a fiscal year.

• Ratifies eight Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs)

The bill passed the House of Representatives 150-3 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. 

You can find the full text of the legislation at

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5264

Don't get sick, research cuts may prevent the solution from being discovered

"Think about the disease that worries you most — the one that runs in your family. Or, maybe, someone you love is living with it. Whether that’s cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, or depression, odds are the US government has been funding the research to treat it.

That research is a big reason we have drugs that made fatal blood cancers survivable, treatments that turned HIV from a death sentence into something people live full lives with, and a vaccine that all but prevents cervical cancer.

But, last year, the US funded dramatically fewer grants to do medical research that can lead to breakthroughs like those. New data released by the NIH this week shows how the damage from those cuts broke down. The numbers are striking across the board."

Read the full story at the link - https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/482363/nih-medical-research-grants-cut-2025

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DV1YIPyk33O/

This Chalkboard Chat shares insights into the FY 2027 budget and implications (audio)

FM #1652 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1652 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chair Paul Griffith.  We had our discussion via Zoom on Monday, February 2, 2026. We condense and get into the explanations behind the key items from the recent School Committee meeting January 27, 2026.

Our conversation covered the following topics:

Budget, and budget implications

Budget hearing Feb 10, budget vote Feb 24

Health care costs proposed to move to Town Account 910

Simplification, ensure all depts now have apples to apples budget comparison

Hold harmless, Chap 70 local contribution under re-evaluation

Special education reimbursement, cost advantages of in house programs

Policy updates

Remote participation

Middle school awareness of pathways

ECDC tuition re-voted to correct an oversight

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1652-chalkboard-chat-02-02-26/

The YouTube video of our conversation -> https://youtu.be/dh4BqY7UvtI

--------------

School Committee page (with contact info) - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-committee 

School Committee subcommittee assignments - 

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-UxhayAn6s 

The agenda can be found - https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/8d6ca562-53e6-4ea4-a1af-54dc11571527/SCAGENDA-1-27-26.pdf?disposition=inline 

FY 2027 budget presentation doc -

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/Fpsd/f0eb6e5e-b914-4650-9811-892c46570b5f/FINAL---FY27-Superintendents-Recommended-Budget-%282%29.pdf?disposition=inline 

Released documents will be posted to the 'packet folder' - https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/january-27%2C-2026-sc-meeting-packet/24906664 

My notes in one PDF file -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/140kTZI5bmwVFlufRsU54cNneJ2BytZ-c/view?usp=drive_link 

 

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Governor Maura Healey released her proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027)

To the people of Massachusetts,

As we begin the fourth and final year of our first term in office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration remains as focused as ever on making Massachusetts a more affordable place to work, learn and do business, while also protecting our people, our communities and our economy.

These principles have guided our decision making and informed our agenda, leading to the enactment of the first major tax cuts in Massachusetts in decades and the passage of legislation to speed housing production, improve education, strengthen businesses and upgrade our roads, bridges and public transportation.

We have filed new proposals to curb energy costs, rebuild our higher education campuses and bolster our research and innovation economy. And we look forward to partnering with the Legislature to pass these and more as we work every day to improve the lives of constituents from Boston to the Berkshires.

While our goals have not changed, the challenges confronting us have.

For the past year, it has become clear that we no longer have a partner in Washington. In fact, since President Donald J. Trump took office in January 2025, we have had an adversary in the White House working to undo and undermine our efforts to provide accessible and affordable health care, prepare our young students for the future, grow our economy, bring more energy into our state to lower costs, and keep our communities safe.

From tariffs and attacks on offshore wind to a retreat from science that continues to disrupt our higher education, life sciences and research ecosystem, President Trump and Republicans in Congress are doing more than ever before to make life harder and less affordable in Massachusetts.

Our challenges are not unique. Other states, like Massachusetts, are confronting rising health care and energy costs. Reduced federal support is putting pressure on governors and state legislatures to balance budgets while continuing to help schools prepare our young people for college and careers, care for those with mental health challenges and support cities and towns straining to deliver basic services.

But this is no time to back down. Instead, Massachusetts must lead. And that’s exactly what we are doing.

Governor Maura Healey released her proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027)

Continue reading Governor Healey's message ->

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy27/governors-message/

Find all the documents for the FY 2027 State budget as released ->

https://budget.digital.mass.gov/govbudget/fy27/

MassBudget: "Preliminary Analysis of Governor Healey’s FY 2027 Budget"

Today (Jan 28, 2026), Governor Maura Healey released her proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY 2027). 

This proposal starts the FY 2027 budget cycle and outlines the governor’s plan to spend over $62.8 billion, including $2.7 billion in Fair Share surtax spending, a nearly 4 percent increase over FY 2026. 

The governor’s FY 2027 proposal was filed alongside a supplemental budget proposal for the current fiscal year (FY 2026) with recommended uses for the $1.15 billion in additional one-time Fair Share spending.

Statement from Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, Ph.D., MassBudget President

“The Commonwealth continues to benefit greatly from the Fair Share surtax. The governor’s FY 2027 budget proposal shows that due to the Fair Share revenue, the state can continue to invest in education and transportation services, programs, and infrastructure.

We are pleased to see that the budget proposal, with support from the Fair Share, continues to fund operational grants for child care providers, free buses through the Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) across the state, and free school meals for all Massachusetts children to name a few. The proposal also supports the final year of the Student Opportunity Act. We are also glad to see funding to support new vouchers through the state’s rental voucher program. 

While the governor’s proposed budget calls for critical investments in education and transportation, there are areas where it falls short. The proposal does not adequately fund upstream housing programs that prevent displacement of residents at risk of eviction or foreclosure.  Keeping families and individuals stably housed and having a solid commitment to housing affordability should always be a state priority, both in terms of spending and revenues.

MassBudget: "Preliminary Analysis of Governor Healey’s FY 2027 Budget"

Continue reading the statement -> https://massbudget.org/2026/01/28/massbudget-statement-on-governor-healeys-fy-2027-budget-proposal/

For additional analysis of the FY 2027 state budget as released ->

https://massbudget.org/2026/01/28/massbudgets-preliminary-analysis-of-governor-healeys-fy-2027-budget-and-fy-2026-supplemental-budget-proposals/

MMA Podcast: Building Trust and Resilience in Local Leadership (audio)

What are the real pressures facing local leaders in Massachusetts in 2026? 

"We are not built to go out of business but we are funded to go out of business."

In this episode, we speak with the outgoing president and incoming president of the MMA — Franklin Town Administrator Jaime Hellen and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, respectively — as they go in-depth about how local leaders are often torn in multiple directions and work to achieve success for their communities under the constraints of time, staffing and budgets. 

They share how fortunate they feel to do the work they do, despite the challenges, and how the MMA is the “glue” that brings local leaders together to solve mutual problems. They also discuss tackling funding shortfalls, and what they’ve learned from their mutual love of hiking.

For Further Reading:

• More on Jaime and Kassandra’s leadership: https://www.mma.org/jamie-hellen-is-new-mma-president-kassandra-gove-is-vp/
• To learn more about the MMA: www.mma.org

Listen On Spotify ->  https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sJHSmaKU2ZC71rVSiRGtH 

CommonWealth Beacon: "Municipalities seek big batch of state cash to navigate financial crunch "

"AFTER WARNING ABOUT the “perfect storm” on the horizon, the organization representing Bay State cities and towns has ideas on how to chart a course through the fiscal rains and winds. 

CommonWealth Beacon: "Municipalities
seek big batch of state cash
to navigate financial crunch "

The Massachusetts Municipal Association on Thursday (12/11/25) offered up a package of steps it wants Beacon Hill to take in support of strained city and town hall finances, including a gargantuan increase in local aid and reforms to loosen — but not eliminate — the property tax cap law known as Proposition 2½.  

The 10-page report formalizes a major request for action on behalf of all 351 cities and towns, adding more pressure on the Legislature to come to the rescue of their municipal counterparts and constituents. "

Continue reading the CommonWealth Beacon article ->

https://commonwealthbeacon.org/government/local-government/municipalities-seek-big-batch-of-state-cash-to-navigate-financial-crunch/

MMA report on perfect storm -> https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MMA-APerfectStorm-HistoricFiscalPressures-report-10.9.25.pdf

New 10 page report -> https://www.mma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MMA-Navigating_the_Storm_report-12.11.25.pdf

"Progressive reforms often include concessions such as hold harmless clauses for political feasibility" (video)

Tracy O'Connell Novick (@TracyNovick) posted Mon, Sep 15, 2025:

"Progressive reforms often include concessions such as hold harmless clauses for political feasibility, which can limit their potential equalizing effects."

#amreading

Shared from -> https://t.co/PMOzfQoyKK 

You can also go directly to the article Tracy references ->   https://www.aera.net/Newsroom/Slow-Progress-School-Finance-Reforms-and-Racial-Disparities-in-Funding

Video brief from article co-author -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDz2cse0WnU

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

August 13, 2025  6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

Franklin, MA: Town Council - agenda for Meeting August 13, 2025

a. Proclamation: John “Jay Bird” Simons

b. Proclamation: Saumy Jani & Andrew Bairos

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Appointments and Reappointments of Town Board and Committee Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6509/5a-Appointments

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Pledge of License of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License: Santa Fe Burrito Grill, LLC, Located at 28 West Central Street, Franklin, MA, 02038  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6510/7a---LICENSE-TRANSACTION---Santa-Fe-Burrito-Grill

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a. FY26 Budget Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6513/8a-Budget-Presentation---Fin-Com-Materials

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-52: FY26 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-52 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6514/9a-LINK-ONLY---NOT-FOR-PDF-PACKET---Budget-Presentation---Fin-Com-Materials-1

b. Resolution 25-53: Acceptance of Gift to the Town of Franklin to Restore Part-Time Health and Wellness Nurse Position  (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-53 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6512/9b-25-53---Donation-for-Senior-Center-Nurse-Salary

c. Resolution 25-54: Approval of the Installation of a Sign on Public Property in Recognition of Nello P. Bassignani (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-54 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6518/9c-25-54---Approval-of-Naming-of-Public-Property-in-Recognition-of-Nello-P-Bassignani

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-942: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic - First Reading  (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-942 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6520/9d---25-942---Lewis-Street-Parking-Restrictions

e. Resolution 25-55: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,571), Library ($970), Historical Museum ($90) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-55 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6517/9e-25-56--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Library

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Complex Update

b. National Grid Smart Meter Announcement

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions. 

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (The Franklin Police Association) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares. 

c. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: CSX Land. 

d. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body: Other Property. 

e. Exemption #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel: Town Administrator.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08132025-1852 

Federal funding by state (chart)

Who really depends on Washington?

Source: Visual Capitalist

https://www.voronoiapp.com/economy/Visualized-Which-US-States-Need-the-Federal-Government-the-Most-5485

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy Announces Passing of House Budget

Investments Made Supporting Franklin and Medway

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced key victories for Franklin, Medway, and the Commonwealth in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) House budget, a $61.47 billion spending plan focused on economic opportunity, education, housing, and transportation passed without new taxes. Representative Roy successfully advocated for targeted local investments and critical statewide initiatives through a series of budget amendments.

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
Announces Passing of House Budget

"I was proud once again to deliver local aid to Franklin and Medway that will improve the lives of my constituents," said Representative Roy. "In these difficult times, I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for making it all happen.

"The House's FY26 budget makes key investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, that increase access to affordable health care, and that provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system - all without raising taxes. In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, our budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and the House Committee on Ways and Means for working diligently to craft a budget that delivers results for our constituents, as well as all my colleagues in the House for their valued input."

"This budget builds off the successes of the last few years by prioritizing our residents. Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, public transportation, or early education these initiatives are a reflection of our shared values," said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "By reinvesting in the people of the Commonwealth we will continue make our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come. I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his leadership during this budget process, as well as my Vice-Chairs Ann-Margaret Ferrante and Kipp Diggs, and the entire membership of the House for their thoughts and guidance over the last few months to make this a more successful and well-rounded budget."

Due to responsible fiscal management, the House's FY26 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across several issue areas, without needing to include new taxes or tax increases nor drawing from the Stabilization Fund, which is set to reach $8.36 billion.

Representative Roy's local and statewide budget wins include:

Local Investments in Franklin and Medway

• $100,000 for the Franklin Performing Arts Company to support arts and cultural programming.

• $50,000 for the Children's Museum of Franklin to expand educational opportunities for local families.

• $50,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry and $50,000 for the Medway Village Food Pantry to fight food insecurity.

• $25,000 for the Medway Community Farm to support local agriculture.

• $25,000 for the Franklin Downtown Partnership to promote economic development in the heart of Franklin.

• $100,000 for the SAFE Coalition to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.

Local Investments in Franklin and Medway

Statewide Initiatives Led by Roy

• $500,000 for the Genocide Education Trust Fund to support curriculum and teacher training on genocide awareness in middle and high schools.

These amendments complement major statewide investments in the FY26 House budget, including:

• $7.1 billion in Chapter 70 school aid, with minimum $150 per pupil increases.

• $1.3 billion in Unrestricted General Government Aid to cities and towns.

 

• $450 million for the MBTA and $110 million for RTAs, alongside $40 million to launch the MBTA Academy.

• $94 million to make community college free and expanded financial aid and adult learner support.

• $275 million for Emergency Assistance shelters, and $258 million for rental vouchers to protect housing stability.

• $475 million for childcare provider grants and $15 million to reduce the waitlist for affordable child care.

Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY26 budget proposal on April 16, 2025, following a review of the Governor's proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 151-6 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The PDF press release from which this was copied can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFwWYNL8pPPCnuyq41thIXd7sfVaZpb4/view?usp=drive_link

MASSter List: "Federal funding for libraries at risk, forcing tough decisions at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners"

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has already made cuts following a Trump administration executive order attempting to shrink the agency that provides the single largest source of federal funding for libraries nationwide. The $3.6 million the MBLC receives annually from the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences is at risk, according to Director Maureen Amyot — a chunk of money she said might seem small, but is essential for Massachusetts libraries to fully operate.   Amyot and her colleagues anticipate that a funding rescission is en route, as has already happened in states including Washington, California and Connecticut. Memos sent in March put IMLS staff on leave and slotted a May 4 agency-wide reduction in force. Without IMLS staff to administer the funding that goes to states, reimbursement is uncertain, Amyot said. MBLC had to make preliminary spending cuts to get through fiscal 2025 as a result, including grants that enable libraries to offer English as a second language services, citizenship classes, and efforts to preserve historic materials.  "We cannot expend funds that would be reimbursed by IMLS unless and until we are assured that IMLS and the Grants to States Program is staffed and operating, and that reimbursements for the program are being processed," Amyot told MASSterList.  Turning to fiscal 2026: the ability for MBLC to support all existing library programs could rely on how much it receives in the state budget — the agency can't absorb all federal costs, Amyot said. Aside from specific municipal grants, MBLC spends its federal money in a few buckets, including on subscriptions to statewide databases used in K-12 schools, universities and public libraries; an interlibrary loan system; a statewide eBook and audiobook program; and the full or partial salaries of 13 of the board's 23 staff.  "We can't function as an agency with any less staff than we have now," Amyot said. "The staff are our services — without staff, we cannot provide services to the libraries that we are statutorily required to provide." The AG is already at it: Attorney General Andrea Campbell joined AGs from at least 19 other states in suing the Trump Administration for attempting to shrink multiple federal agencies, including IMLS. An initial hearing on the case took place before the District Court of Rhode Island on April 18; on April 30, a motion hearing on a suit filed by the American Library Association and union AFSCME is set to happen in D.C. — Ella Adams

Send tips to Ella Adams: Editor@MASSterList.com. For advertising and general inquiries, contact Dylan Rossiter: Publisher@MASSterList.com.

The ability to use your Franklin Library Card to read the Boston Globe online is one of the services at risk:  This is one of many services provided by Mass Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). These resources are in danger of disappearing across the Commonwealth after Executive Order 14238. 

 

Learn more at: https://mblc.state.ma.us/federal-cuts.php

 

MASSter List: "Federal funding for libraries at risk, forcing tough decisions at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners"