Rep. Stanley, Massachusetts House passes Fiscal Year 2026 Supplemental Budget

BOSTON – Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a $228 million supplemental budget to address time-sensitive budget deficiencies, including winter storm recovery costs, public safety operations, substance use treatment services, homelessness assistance, and emergency management expenses.

“It is important that we stay on top of budget deficiencies to ensure these critical state programs can continue operating and supporting residents at the highest level,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their efforts passing legislation that will keep these important programs funded.”

Key investments in the supplemental budget passed today include:

• $159.8 million for snow and ice removal costs incurred by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and Department of Conservation and Recreation, funded through Fair Share revenues

• $22.5 million to support the implementation of no-cost calls in Fiscal Year 2026, including $12.5 million for sheriffs and $10 million for the Department of Corrections

• $14 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services to address increased utilization and ensure continued access to treatment and recovery services

• $9.5 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to support costs associated with snow emergency response and recovery efforts

• $8.1 million for homelessness programs to help maintain services for vulnerable individuals and families

• $1.7 million for Massachusetts National Guard expenses related to winter storm response activities

In addition to these investments, the bill includes several policy initiatives:

• Updates veterans’ bonus eligibility requirements by requiring a veteran to be living in Massachusetts, rather than having lived in the Commonwealth for at least six months before entering service, to qualify for certain veterans’ bonus payments

• Allows revenues generated through future online lottery operations to be directed to the Early Education and Care grant fund, creating an additional source of support for early childhood education initiatives

• Expands the Massachusetts School Building Authority's capacity to support local school construction projects by increasing its grant authorization limit from $1.2 billion to $1.3 billion and allowing 10 percent additional grants over the limit each fiscal year

• Extends the maximum length of stay in the Emergency Assistance program’s “bridge shelter track” from six months to nine months for eligible families with children and pregnant women

• Eliminates the $10 surcharge currently imposed on car-sharing rentals

• Authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to assess pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and collect at least $1 million annually to fund the state's oversight and regulation of PBMs

The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-2 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.