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.
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| 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.
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| 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
