LYNN – The Massachusetts Legislature enacted a $61.01 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026. This is a fiscally responsible plan that protects core services for the State’s most vulnerable residents, maintains critical investments and positions the Commonwealth to confront the underlying budget challenges that are a result of federal funding uncertainty.
“Delivering a balanced and robust budget in spite of federal turmoil highlights our commitment to protecting the core values of our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton. “We are proud of this final budget that provides critical funding for transportation, housing, education and many other services that impact our constituents’ daily lives.”
Approved on a bipartisan basis in both chambers, the budget neither raises taxes on residents and businesses nor spends dollars from the State’s stabilization fund – also known as the “Rainy Day Fund” – which currently stands at a historic $8.1 billion. After Gov. Maura Healey’s vetoes, the final budget was reduced to $60.9 billion.
The Legislature’s final budget increases spending by $3.3 billion over fiscal year 2025. Much of the increase is attributed to MassHealth. Aligned with estimated tax revenue growth, the spending plan is based on a consensus tax revenue estimate of $41.214 billion for the coming fiscal year – a 2.25% increase over the current fiscal year’s benchmark.
“This budget delivers critical investments in education, housing, public health and transportation – all while preserving our Rainy Day Fund,” said Rep. Dan Cahill. “I’m especially proud of the direct support we secured for Lynn, from youth programming and mental health services to environmental restoration and public safety initiatives.”
In addition to the aforementioned statewide funding, the State Legislature delegation was able to secure the following earmarks for the City of Lynn:
- $160,000 for the City of Lynn Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Supports
- $90,000 to Greater Lynn Senior Services for programming for the Phoenix Food Hub
- $50,000 for gun violence prevention programming in Lynn
- $50,000 to support the Lynn Community Health Center’s Recuperative Care Center
- $50,000 to support academic enrichment opportunities at LEAP for Education in Lynn
- $40,000 to support the maintenance and preservation of war memorials in Lynn
- $40,000 to finance the treatment of invasive species in the Lynn ponds
- $15,000 for improvements at Kiley Park in Lynn
“Unlike the chaos coming out of Washington, this budget reflects a strong investment in the health, safety and well-being of our communities,” said Rep. Jenny Armini. “From public parks in Lynn to school facilities in Swampscott and infrastructure in Marblehead, these funds will support essential improvements that residents will experience in their daily lives. At the same time, major investments across the state are helping to build a more equitable, sustainable future for all Massachusetts residents.”
The State is giving $35,000 to Swampscott High School for track and field repair work and $25,000 to the Swampscott Council on Aging for infrastructure updates. The State is giving Marblehead $50,000 for improvements to the irrigation systems at Marblehead cemeteries and $35,000 for Marblehead Police Department equipment upgrades.
“We’re incredibly proud of this budget, which delivers meaningful investments in housing, transportation, education and so much more for our communities,” said Rep. Sean Reid. “It’s clear that even amid turbulence, we’re staying true to our values and are committed to making our Commonwealth the best place to live, work and play for all residents.”
