Massachusetts is facing a complex budget season with multiple funding proposals and deadlines looming.
Democrats in the House are set to vote on their version of a $57.9 billion budget for 2024-25, which shares some spending priorities with Governor Maura Healey’s $58 billion proposal released in January.
At the same time, legislative negotiators are meeting behind closed doors to negotiate a supplemental funding bill for the state’s emergency shelter system, which is facing potential funding shortfalls as early as the end of the month. The legislation would also impose limits on how long people can stay in the system.
The Senate has yet to release its own spending plan, but Senate President Karen Spilka has indicated support for her long-sought free community college for all initiative and a new public-private partnership to expand access to childcare.
The Legislature’s history of waiting until the last minute to finalize budgets raises concerns about timely completion. However, Senator Michael Rodrigues, the Senate’s top budget-writer, has stated that talks are ongoing for the supplemental funding bill, while Governor Healey has expressed confidence in working with House leaders on a deal.
Despite the challenges posed by flagging tax collections, both the House and Senate proposals include funding for new sources of revenue and initiatives such as online lottery legalization, MassHealth assessment restructuring, and gaming revenue redirection.
The differences between the proposals include the amount allocated for a new MBTA program providing half-priced fares for low-income riders, as well as the split of revenue from the so-called “Millionaire’s Tax” between schools and transportation.
As the budget season progresses, it remains to be seen whether the Legislature can navigate the complexities and meet its deadlines effectively.
