The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a $63.4 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget that includes record investments in education and transportation, more than $1 billion for the MBTA, additional funding for local aid, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in earmarks for projects across the North Shore.
Passed by the Legislature on July 1, the spending plan now heads to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature. The budget includes $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds for education and transportation, adds $51 million to the state’s Stabilization Fund, and is projected to bring the state’s “Rainy Day” Fund to a historic balance of $8.2 billion by the end of Fiscal Year 2027.
The budget fully funds the Student Opportunity Act with $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 aid to public school districts, a $297 million increase over Fiscal Year 2026, while providing a record $160-per-pupil minimum in local school aid. It also revives the Foundation Budget Review Commission to examine the state’s K-12 funding formula and rising costs associated with special education, transportation, personnel, and educator health care.
Transportation funding includes $465 million in direct investment for the MBTA. Combined with $595 million approved in a recent Fair Share supplemental budget, the system will receive more than $1 billion in new funding during Fiscal Year 2027. The budget also allocates $217 million for Regional Transit Authorities, including $40 million to continue fare-free transit service statewide.
Lawmakers also included funding and policy changes aimed at addressing housing production, food insecurity, and public assistance programs. In response to recent fatal wrong-way crashes, including the line-of-duty death of State Trooper Kevin Trainor, the budget directs the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to implement additional safety infrastructure and officer training, including directional striping, signage, lane delineators, and motorist alert systems.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton said the budget reflects investments in priorities across Massachusetts.
“We are proud to deliver a budget that provides funding for our schools and our transportation systems, invests in new programs to unlock housing production, and supports the services that are important to Massachusetts residents,” Crighton said. “Partnering with my colleagues in the House, we are making investments that will positively impact our constituents and our communities.”
House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. said the budget includes important funding for Lynnfield while laying the groundwork for future education funding reforms.
“I’m pleased to have been able to work with Senator Crighton to advocate for several important local funding priorities for Lynnfield in the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget,” Jones said. “This budget delivers additional local aid to communities to help support education and preserve essential municipal services. It also sets the stage for reforming the way state funding is distributed to local school districts by reviving the Foundation Budget Review Commission to help devise a more equitable funding formula for future budget cycles.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini called the spending plan fiscally responsible.
“This budget is a trifecta of thoughtful, responsible legislating: It meets the needs of our constituents and adds to the state’s rainy day fund — all without raising taxes,” Armini said. “Thank you to Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz, and their staffs for setting up Massachusetts for success — even in these uncertain times.”
State Rep. Dan Cahill said the budget will benefit Lynn and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
“This budget delivers meaningful investments that will benefit Lynn and communities across the Commonwealth, including stronger public schools, reliable transportation, support for our cities and towns, and protections for our most vulnerable residents, all without raising taxes,” Cahill said. “By making smart investments in education, housing, and infrastructure while strengthening our fiscal reserves, we are helping families manage rising costs today and building a stronger, more resilient Massachusetts for the future. I am proud to support a budget that reflects responsible leadership and delivers real results for our community.”
State Rep. Jessica Giannino said local communities will benefit from investments across multiple sectors.
“The FY27 budget reflects what can be accomplished when we come together to invest in our communities,” Giannino said. “I’m pleased to see so many important local priorities included in this year’s budget, from investments in education and transportation to public safety and community programs. These resources will have a meaningful impact on residents throughout the 16th Suffolk District. I’m sincerely grateful to House Speaker Mariano and House Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership and collaboration in crafting a fiscally responsible budget that continues to invest in a stronger future for Massachusetts.”
State Rep. Sean Reid highlighted investments made during a challenging fiscal climate.
“I am proud of the Legislature’s investments in education, healthcare, housing, and transportation, especially during these turbulent economic and political times,” Reid said. “These initiatives will continue to strengthen our communities and uphold the values of the Commonwealth.”
State Rep. Donald Wong credited the delegation’s collaboration.
“This budget is a direct result of the strong collaboration and shared commitment within our legislative delegation,” Wong said. “By working closely together, we successfully secured necessary funding for local schools, public safety, and essential public services. I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues in delivering these critical investments to our communities.”
The North Shore delegation also secured funding for dozens of local projects. Earmarks include $200,000 for the Lynn Community Health Center, $160,000 for the Lynn Police Department’s behavioral health unit, $100,000 for equipment for the Lynn Fire Department, $90,000 for Greater Lynn Senior Services’ Phoenix Food Hub, $75,000 for upgrades to the Lynnfield Middle School auditorium, $75,000 for gear and equipment upgrades for the Saugus Fire Department, $55,000 for maintenance at Red Rock Park, $50,000 for the refurbishment of the Glover Elementary School playground in Marblehead, $40,000 for a replacement boiler at the Marblehead Fire Department, $35,000 for repairs at the Swampscott cemetery and $25,000 for equipment upgrades for the Nahant Fire Department, among numerous other local initiatives.
