The Massachusetts Legislature enacted a $63.4 billion budget for the 2027 fiscal year, including earmarking for local projects in Swampscott.
Swampscott is set to receive $25,000 for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and $35,000 for the maintenance and repair of deteriorating structures at the cemetery. The budget still needs approval by Gov. Maura Healey.
“The budget is a trifecta of thoughtful, responsible legislation. It meets the needs of our constituents and adds to the state’s rainy day fund, all without raising taxes,” said State Rep. Jennifer Armini.
The budget, passed by the legislature on July 1, includes $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds to support public education and transportation, and adds $51 million to the state’s “Rainy Day” Stabilization Fund, which is projected to reach a historic $8.2 billion balance by the end of fiscal year 2027.
The agreement completes the legislature’s commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act, providing $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 aid to public school districts — an increase of $297 million over the 2026 fiscal year — along with a record $160-per-pupil minimum in local school aid.
The budget also revives the Foundation Budget Review Commission to examine the kindergarten through twelfth grade funding formula and assess how the state can address the rising costs of special education, student transportation, personnel and educator health care.
The budget also provides $456 million in direct investment to the MBTA, which, when combined with $595 million from the recent Fair Share supplemental budget, brings total new investment to more than $1 billion for the 2027 fiscal year.
The agreement protects access to benefits through the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) programs, including a $500 clothing allowance per child for families receiving TAFDC benefits
The budget also provides $21.5 million for the Health Incentives Program and $56.1 million in emergency food assistance, an increase from the $6.1 million allocated in the 2026 fiscal year.
“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 support the services that are important to Massachusetts residents,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton. “Partnering with my colleagues in the House, we are marking investments that will positively impact our constituents and our communities.”
