8 hours ago - Politics

Senate budget boosts local aid $53M

Mike Deehan

Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka and Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues present details of the state Senate’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal at a briefing. — Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues outline the chamber's roughly $63.3 billion fiscal 2027 budget proposal on May 5, 2026. Photo: Katie Castellani/SHNS

Massachusetts Senate wants a significant boost in direct aid to cities and towns this year amid mounting municipal fiscal pressure.

Why it matters: Fifteen cities and towns have held Proposition 2½ override votes to boost their bottom lines since December, a sign of how stretched municipal budgets have become.

In its $63.3 billion annual budget plan, the Senate is proposing a $53 million increase in unrestricted state aid to all 351 cities and towns.

That's well above the House's proposed $10 million bump and the governor's $33 million increase.

Yes, but: The Massachusetts Municipal Association, which speaks for cities and towns, wanted $351 million statewide.

The big picture: The proposal is part of a proposed $1.38 billion local aid package Senate leaders described as the largest in state history.

Senate President Karen Spilka told the press this week the funds would help cities and towns manage police, fire, schools and social services.

What's next: Senate floor debate is scheduled to begin May 18.

A House-Senate conference committee will then negotiate a final budget before it gets to Healey's desk.

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Senate budget boosts local aid $53M

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