Governor Maura Healey presented her FY ’25 budget proposal on January 24, a $58.1 billion spending plan that would allocate a record amount of funds to the human services sector.
The proposal includes $390 million for the Chapter 257 Reserve, which represents an increase of $160 million, or nearly 70%, from FY ’23. (The Council compared the Chapter 257 line item to the FY ’23 budget, rather than the FY ’24 budget, because the number of Chapter 257 rates reviewed by EOHHS alternate in proportion every other year.)
The preliminary analysis from the Providers’ Council, which tracks frequently discussed human services line items, is located here. To discuss any of these line items or ask that other line items be tracked, please contact LaJuan Allen.
Among other highlights in the budget proposal were a 54.63% increase to HomeBASE (DHCD line item 7004-0108), a 57.21% increase to Family Support & Stabilization (DCF line item 4800-0040) and a 21.79% increase to Respite Family Supports (DDS line item 5920-3000).
“Our budget proposal for fiscal year 2025 shows a path forward to continue making the necessary investments in housing, education, climate, transit and workforce development that will strengthen our communities and our employers, protect our most vulnerable and bring even greater equity to the work we do every day,” said Gov. Healey.
You can view the full budget here. You can also view the EOHHS budget itself at this link.
Other items of interest include:
- EEC line item 3000-3060 – DCF and DTA Related Child Care – rose from $346.6 million to $356.6 million, an increase of 2.89%.
- MRC line item 4120-2000 – Vocational Rehabilitation for People with Disabilities – increased from $25.9 million to $26.2 million, an increase of 1.29%.
- DTA line item 4401-1000 – Employment Services Program – dropped from $19.9 million to $18.4 million, a decrease of 7.71%.
- DPH line item 4512-0103 – HIV/AIDS Prevention Treatment and Services – decreased 16.02%, dropping from $35 million to $29.4 million. The administration noted the funding decreased as it eliminated FY ’24 one-time costs and decreased funding to meet projected need.
- DPH line item 4513-1020 – Early Intervention Services – decreased 27.97%, dropping from $42.9 million to $30.9 million. Again, the administration noted the funding decreased as it eliminated FY ’24 one-time costs.
- DCF line item 4800-0041 – Congregate Care Services – rose from $431 million to $495.9 million, an increase of over 15%.
- DCF line item 4800-0200 – DCF Family Resource Centers – decreased 19.14%, dropping from $33.8 million to $27.3 million. The administration noted the funding decreased as it eliminated FY ’24 one-time costs and decreased funding to meet projected need.
- DMH line item 5095-0015 – Inpatient Facilities and Community-Based Mental Health – rose from $316.4 million to $385.3 million, an increase of 21.8%.
- DDS line item 5920-2000 – Community Residential Services – dropped from $1.72 billion to $1.69 billion, a 1% decrease.
- DDS line item 5920-3000 – Respite Family Supports – rose from $98.1 million to $119.4 million, an increase of 21.79%.
- DHCD line item 7004-9024 – Mass. Rental Voucher Program – rose from $179.6 million to $219 million, an increase of 21.96%.
- DHCD line item 7004-0101 – Emergency Assistance — Family Shelter and Services – remained level funded at $325 million from the FY ’24 budget, though the administration has previously told the Legislature it will need more than $900 million annually this year and next year to pay for the unprecedented demand in the shelter system.
According to State House News Service, “Healey on Wednesday also plans to file a separate supplemental budget that proposes draining a savings account, known as the transitional escrow fund, to help manage the shelter crisis in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.”
If you have questions about the FY ’25 budget or the budget process, please contact LaJuan Allen.
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