MASSACHUSETTS STATE BUDGET

Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2019 Budget

The House of Representatives enacted the Fiscal Year 2019 budget on July 18th, 2018, providing $41.88 billion in funding for a wide variety of important programs and ensuring that the Commonwealth remains on strong economic footing. Additionally, the budget directs $367 million to be deposited into the Stabilization Fund to protect Massachusetts’ fiscal health and future.

The Legislature continued its support of local education aid, increasing Chapter 70 funding to an unprecedented $4.9 billion, thereby helping to ensure that Massachusetts remains the nation’s leader in public education (for more information on education budget highlights, see page 3). The FY19 budget also reflects the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of children and families, increasing support for childhood mental health consultation services, and increasing the funding levels of essential early childhood education programming.

The House and Senate also recognized the continued need to ensure access to safe and affordable housing for the most vulnerable Massachusetts citizens, providing $100 million for the Rental Voucher Program, $32 million for the HomeBASE program, and $20 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program. The budget also establishes a $5 million rapid homeless rehousing program.

Finally, the Legislature recognizes the tragic reality of the continuing opioid epidemic. To address this public health emergency, the budget includes $142 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services in order to create five recovery centers across the Commonwealth.  The budget also features $5 million to support community-based treatment programs, $4.9 million for step-down recovery services, and $1 million for greater access to Narcan for first responders.