On May 22, the Senate approved a fiscal year 2026 budget totaling approximately $61.4 billion by a 38-2 vote. This version increases state spending by over 6% compared to the budget signed by Governor Maura Healey last summer — more than double the previous year’s growth rate. The Senate added $81.1 million through amendments, primarily for local earmarks, bringing the total to about $61.4 billion — slightly below the House’s nearly $61.5 billion proposal.
Chapter 257 continues to be funded at the $207 million proposed by both the House Ways and Means Committee and the Governor, which represents an increase of $34 million, or 19.65%, from FY ’24 (The Council compared the Chapter 257 line item to the FY ’24 budget, rather than the FY ’25 budget, because the number of Chapter 257 rates reviewed by EOHHS alternate in proportion every other year).
Thanks to the advocacy from Providers’ Council members with CIES contracts, the budget included the following language:
“provided further, that the department shall expend not less than the amounts expended in fiscal year 2025 for the young parents program and the competitive integrated employment services program.”
To view the full Senate budget, click here.
The preliminary analysis from the Providers’ Council, which tracks frequently discussed human services line items is available here. To discuss any of these line items or ask that other line items be tracked, please contact Caroline O’Neill.
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