On Tuesday, May 6, the Senate Ways and Means Committee released its proposed $61.3 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget. For a big picture overview, please see Mass. Budget and Policy Priorities statement here.
On housing and homelessness programs, the news is mixed.
Some programs received small increases or level funding – see Mass. Housing and Shelter Alliance’s summary of their priority programs here.
Our biggest bad news is the continuing 42% cut in funding for Housing Consumer Education Centers, threatening a significant loss in homelessness prevention services across the western region.
The budget amendment filing deadline is 2 pm today (Fri., 5/9). We know amendments are coming to restore HCECs to level funding and to strengthen RAFT, MRVP, HomeBASE, Emergency Assistance and several more vital programs.
We will be ready first thing Monday morning with a list of our priority amendments (in collaboration with our statewide partners) and a call to reach out to our senators to ask for their co-sponsorship.This coming week is the time to be heard!
The budget will be debated starting on Tuesday, May 20. Next week is our chance to make an impact. Talk soon!
