Massachusetts Senate Opens $63.3 Billion FY27 Budget Debate, Sets Tuesday Vote

BOSTON -- May 18, 2026, The Massachusetts Senate opened general debate Monday on a $63.3 billion fiscal year 2027 budget that would send a record $1.376 billion in unrestricted local aid to the state's 351 cities and towns. Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues, presenting his eighth consecutive budget, said the proposal is $2 billion above FY25 spending, carries no new taxes, and does not draw on the state's $8.4 billion stabilization fund. The plan funds Chapter 70 school aid at a record $7.66 billion, a $297 million increase over FY26, raises minimum per-pupil aid by $160, and revives the Foundation Budget Review Commission to begin reforming the K-12 funding formula. Health and human services spending totals $36.4 billion, roughly 58 percent of the overall budget, with MassHealth projected at about 2 million enrollees but rising 12 to 14 percent in per-enrollee costs. Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr pressed Rodrigues through an extended colloquy on debt service ($2.67 billion), the unfunded pension liability ($40.5 billion, with $5.1 billion appropriated toward the 2039 payoff schedule), and the absence of any tax relief. The Senate appointed conferees, Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Senator Pavel M. Payano, and Senator Ryan C. Fattman, on a Rule of Law bill before adjourning to reconvene Tuesday at 10 a.m. for formal budget floor debate on 1,158 filed amendments.