Senator Patricia Jehlen (D- Somerville) is happy to announce the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved a $57.999 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Following robust and spirited debate, the Senate adopted over 400 amendments, and took 43 roll call votes. A fire alarm Thursday night delayed the final vote till shortly after midnight on Friday.

“This budget reflects our commitment to investing in families and workers across the state by funding crucial initiatives in education and transportation to boost our economy and help people thrive,” said Senator Jehlen. “I am grateful for the work of my colleagues on this budget and am excited to see investments in our community.”

The Senate’s budget continues responsible and sustainable planning for the future by continuing to grow the Rainy Day Fund, already at a historic high of over $8 billion. The Senate’s proposal would build the Commonwealth’s reserves to a healthy balance in excess of $9 billion at the close of FY25. 

Fair Share Investments

Thanks to the voters of Massachusetts and the thousands of people who campaigned for the Fair Share Amendment in 2022, the budget includes $1.3 billion in revenue from that surtax, all dedicated to strengthening our state’s economy by expanding access to quality public education and transportation infrastructure. It is likely, based on higher-than-expected April returns, that more Fair Share money will be available in December for one-time investments, also in education and transportation. 

“It’s important that the Senate’s budget includes funding generated from the Fair Share ballot initiative voters approved in 2022,” said Senator Jehlen. “The Senate budget clearly invests these funds in crucial initiatives for education and transportation, keeping our promise to the voters.”

Notable Fair Share education investments include:

• $170 million for Universal School Meals
• $150 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program to provide monthly grants to early education and care programs, which is matched with $325 million in funds from the General Fund and the High-Quality Early Education & Care Affordability Fund for a total investment of $475 million
• $117.5 million for MassEducate to provide free community college across the Commonwealth
• $105 million to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, which is in addition to the $175.2M for scholarships funded through the General Fund
• $80 million for childcare affordability, creating more than 4,000 new subsidized childcare seats and expanding access to subsidized childcare to families making 85 per cent state median income
• $65 million for early education and care provider rate increases, to increase salaries for our early educators
• $15 million for the CPPI Pre-K Initiative, matching $17.5 million in funds from the General Fund, for a total of $32.5M to support the expansion of universal pre-kindergarten, including in Gateway Cities
• $10 million for wraparound supports to boost community college and state university student persistence, which is matched with the $18 million in SUCCESS funds from the General Fund, for a total of $28 million
• $10 million for early literacy initiatives
• $7.5 million for school-based mental health supports and wraparound services
• $5 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways

In K-12 education, the Senate follows through on the commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by Fiscal Year 2027, investing $6.9 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $319 million over FY24, as well as increasing minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $110 per pupil, delivering an additional $40 million in resources to school districts across the state. With these investments, the Senate continues to provide crucial support to school districts confronting the increasing cost pressures that come with delivering high-quality education to all students.  

Notable Fair Share transportation investments include:

• $127 million to double operating support for the MBTA
• $63 million in debt service to leverage additional borrowing capacity
• $60 million in operating support for MassDOT
• $125 million for Roads and Bridges Supplemental Aid for cities and towns
• $120 million for Regional Transit Authorities
• $4 million for expanded mobility options for the elderly and people with disabilities
• $24.5 million for Commuter Rail capital improvements
• $23 million for low-income fares at the MBTA
• $15 million for municipal small bridges and culverts
• $7.5 million for ferry transportation

Senator Jehlen’s Adopted Amendments

The budget includes funding for fare-free buses at Regional Transit Authorities, and for a low-income fare for the T. Senator Jehlen’s amendment requires the T to study the feasibility of fare free bus pilots in MBTA communities and report on it before the next budget. This study would be used to work toward implementing pilots in the next budget year. 

Senator Jehlen’s amendment increased funding for Jumpstart, which pays college students to work in pre-school programs, helping programs like HeadStart and Elizabeth Peabody House in the second Middlesex district, and encourages students to consider careers in early education.

Her amendment for Dementia Care Coordination provides $300,000 to help over 1,000 families and reduce hospitalizations, emergency department visits and delay long-term care placements. 

Another amendment from Senator Jehlen provides $100,000 for the Building Pathways training program, which helps recruit, retain and promote under-represented groups in the building trades.

Local Wins

The budget includes multiple local earmarks for the second Middlesex district sponsored by Senator Jehlen:

• $75,000 for Community Action Agency Somerville. CAAS’ mission is to help local families and individuals achieve financial security while working to eliminate the root causes of economic injustice
• $75,000 for the Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc. This program creates youth leadership jobs and helps teen voices reach city policymakers
• $100,000 to fund a program in Somerville to help older adults waiting for housing assistance to afford their rent
• $50,000 to the Somerville Homeless Coalition. This funding allows them to keep their basic needs closet well stocked with supplies like toiletries and clothes

The FY25 Senate budget was approved as amended and moves to a Conference Committee. The committee will look at both Senate and House versions of the budget to reconcile the differences between the two proposals before it moves to the Governor.

— Office of State Senator Patricia Jehlen