Senator Edwards Votes in Favor of the $61.4 Billion FY26 Budget Securing Major Wins in Critical Fundings for the Third Suffolk District and Live-Changing Policies in the Commonwealth

CONTACT: Caroline Larangeira, Office of Senator Lydia Edwards: caroline.larangeira@masenate.gov 

(Third Suffolk District - May 22, 2025) – Senator Lydia Edwards proudly voted in favor of the Massachusetts Senate’s $61.4 billion Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, joining her colleagues in passing a fiscally responsible and values-driven plan that protects the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents while investing in long-term economic stability. The Senate's dedication to working families and the general welfare is further demonstrated by the $1.95 billion in Fair Share Amendment revenues allocated to transformative investments in transportation and education in the FY26 Supplemental Budget. The Senate has now allocated over $3 billion in total Fair Share funds for statewide improvements this fiscal year, including the $1.28 billion Fair Share supplemental budget that was passed earlier this month.

Fair Share Amendment Investments

Education:

• $325 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program

• $265 million to expand the Student Opportunity Act (SOA)

• $170 million for universal free school meals

• $120 million for universal free community college, including EMT and paramedic training

• $100 million for MASSGrant Plus financial aid at state universities

• $98 million for childcare supports, alongside $192.8 million from the General Fund

• $50 million to reimburse school transportation costs

• $20 million for early literacy initiatives and programs

• $14 million for the SUCCESS Program (student services at state universities)

• $10 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI), with $17.6 million in matching general revenue

• $8 million for the Reimagining High School Initiative

• $5 million for school-based mental health and wraparound services

Transportation: 

• $500 million for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operations, including:

  • Low-income fare relief

  • Year-round ferry service

  • MBTA Academy workforce training

• $120 million to support Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), part of a record $214 million in total RTA funding

  • $66 million in direct operating support

  • $40 million for fare-free fixed-route access across all RTAs

  • $10 million to connect regional transit to local economic hubs

  • $4 million to expand mobility for seniors and people with disabilities

• $52 million in operating support for MassDOT

Preparing for the possible fiscal uncertainties:

• $165 million deposited into the Education and Transportation Reserve Fund to hedge against federal uncertainty.

Other key highlights in the FY26 Budget:

• $1.71 billion total investment in early education and care, maintaining access to affordable care and supporting the sector’s workforce and programming.

• $1.16 billion in housing initiatives, dedicating resources for housing stability, residential assistance, emergency shelter services, and homelessness assistance programs. 

• $7.3 billion in Chapter 70 state aid to public schools, an increase of $460 million over FY25, and $120 million to MassEducate, the Commonwealth’s universal free community college program.

• $1.337 billion for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), the primary source of direct state aid to Massachusetts towns and cities.

• $22.41 billion to MassHealth, covering affordable, accessible and comprehensive health care services for more than 1 in 4 residents, nearly half of all children, and 7 out of every 10 nursing facility residents.

• $82 million to support food security and child nutrition initiatives, including $42 million for Emergency Food Assistance and $25.4 million for the Healthy Incentives Program.

In addition to the said allocations in the FY26 budget, Senator Edwards was able to secure $12.5 million in critical funding to her Third Suffolk District, focused on key improvements to environmental resiliency, recovery, arts and culture, housing, food insecurity, economic development and public safety.

Budget highlights for the Third Suffolk include the following:

Environmental Resiliency and Parks Preservation - $100,000

A grant of $50,000 has been awarded to the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh to support the implementation of their environmental preservation programs at Belle Isle Marsh, the only remaining natural salt marsh within the City of Boston. Additionally, the Friends of the Public Garden will receive $5,000 to light the Women’s Memorial on Commonwealth Ave, as well as $45,000 to continue infrastructure for public bathrooms accessibility at the Boston Common and Public Garden.

Recovery Services - $30,000

Community Against Substance Abuse, Inc. (CASA) of Winthrop has been granted $30,000 to support substance use treatment programs in Winthrop. 

Arts and Culture $120,000

The East Boston community has received a $70,000 grant for the organization of the 4th annual East Boston Latin Music and Dance Festival “Sonidos de la Gente.” Also, the Veronica Robles Cultural Center Corp in East Boston will receive $50,000 to promote Latin American arts and culture.

Housing Resources - $125,000

A grant of $50,000 has been allocated to the City of Revere to establish a pilot program offering grants of at least $5,000 directed to eligible first-time homebuyers who have lived in Revere. Also, North Suffolk Community Services will receive $25,000 for coordinating and implementing eviction sealing outreach in East Boston, especially for individuals in addiction recovery working toward getting a second chance at finding housing after a previous eviction. The Crossroads Family Shelter in East Boston has been awarded $50,000 to provide mental health, substance use and clinical recovery services for individuals and families impacted by family homelessness. 

Food Insecurity - $50,000

To combat food insecurity, $10,000 has been allotted to each one the recipients listed below that are located across Third Suffolk: 

• Veterans Food Bank, Winthrop. 

• Grace Church Federated, East Boston. 

• Friday Night Supper Program, Back Bay.

• The food pantry at the First Congregational Church, Revere.

• The East Boston Community Soup Kitchen.

Economic and Workforce Development - $175,000

$75,000 has been awarded the Brazilian Worker Center, a non-profit organization that capacitates immigrant workers to learn about workplace rights, immigration, and health equity. Also, We Reach Workforce Development will receive $100,000 to expand programs in East Boston, Revere and other communities in need of job training and economic empowerment for underserved communities. 

Public Safety and Justice - $11.98 Million

$4,315,446 will be allocated to fund the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) administration line item and to increase the fee for the private attorney bar for those engaged in cases on mental health and murder. Additionally, $7,662,193 will be allocated to Trial Court maintenance to keep our courts safe, staffed and functioning and keep guaranteeing the proper due-process. 

POLICY WINS

Extremely Low-Income Housing Commission - (Amendment 168) 

Amends language in Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024 (formerly known as the Housing Bond Bill) for the Extremely Low Income Housing Commission to include a representative of Justice for Housing, Inc. in order to provide input from the perspective of returning citizens.

Broker’s Fees - (Amendment 187)

Amends language to shift the responsibility of paying broker’s fees to the party that hires the broker, making the housing process more accessible and affordable and removing the financial burden that broker’s fees represent for so many families. 

“This year’s budget reflects our values—investing in our people, protecting our environment, and building a more just and equitable future. I’m proud of the concrete wins we’ve delivered for our communities, and I remain committed to ensuring every resident of the Third Suffolk district sees meaningful impact from these investments.” said Senator Edwards. “I am grateful to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and to my Senate colleagues for their contributions to this year’s budget, protecting and supporting communities across the Commonwealth” 

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