(BOSTON)- The Massachusetts Legislature approved a $61.01 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 on June 31st with bipartisan support. The plan maintains critical investments and positively positions the Commonwealth to confront underlying budget challenges that are a result of federal funding uncertainty. One highlight is education and transportation are receiving a $1.1 billion bump over last fiscal year. This was done without raising taxes or dipping into the state’s stabilization fund. The stabilization fund—also known as the ‘Rainy Day Fund’—currently stands at a historic $8.1 billion.

“The FY26 budget makes important investments in education, transportation, local aid, and human services. I am pleased that despite economic variability we produced a balance budget that funds vital programs residents and communities rely on. These investments will encourage continued progress across the state,” said State Representative Bill Galvin (D-Canton).

"Grateful for the opportunity to secure funding in the FY26 budget on behalf of the Canton Community to ensure the spending package is reflective of Canton's unique needs. Especially as we continue to navigate economic headwinds and federal uncertainty, this budget represents a pragmatic, common sense yet competitive approach towards meeting the most pressing needs of Massachusetts residents, all without raising new taxes. Thank you to Representative Galvin for his partnership through this budget process, especially in our charge to fully fund the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton through Fiscal Year 2026," said Senator Paul Feeney, State Senator for Canton. 

The FY26 Budget allocates $9.5 million for Canton schools and $2.6 million in unrestricted government aid to the Town of Canton. Successful budget amendments filed by Senator Feeney and Representative Galvin secured-

·         $50,000 for the Paul Revere Heritage site

·         $30,000 for the Canton Fire Department’s Blood Transfusion program

·         $100,000 for the Blue Hill Weather Observatory and Science Center

·         $100,000 for the Regional Emergency Communication Center

·         $100,000 to replace the Ponkapoag boardwalk

·         $15,000 for the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse,

·         $100,000 for the improvements to the Irish Cultural Center

Senator Feeney and Representative Galvin also successfully obtained funding and policy language to halt the closure of the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. The budget contains $31 million to keep the facility open through FY26 and contains language to create a commission tasked with developing a plan to keep the Pappas open for the long-term.

The budget will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.

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