The Massachusetts Senate recently passed our FY2026 budget
A brief overview about local priorities in the FY26 Budget
The Massachusetts Senate recently passed our FY2026 budget, reflecting our shared commitment to building a more equitable, resilient, and forward-looking Commonwealth. At just over $61.4 billion, this budget balances fiscal responsibility with bold investments in education, transportation, local aid, health and human services, public safety, and other vital areas. We shaped this year’s budget with a close eye on the economic landscape, including inflation, and shifting federal support to ensure we meet the needs of our communities.
We made strategic use of the Fair Share Amendment—an additional surtax on income over $1 million—to significantly boost investments in public education and transportation. These funds allow us to expand early education access, support public higher education, and address long-standing challenges with the MBTA. Additionally, with a focus on regional equity, we increased funding for the RTAs across the state. We also prioritized community-based care, behavioral health services, food security, and affordable housing, ensuring our investments remain centered on the people of Massachusetts.
Throughout the budget process, we engaged in weeks of deliberation, considered hundreds of amendments, and worked collaboratively to reflect the needs of every region in our state. From supporting youth programs and mental health services to funding regional infrastructure and economic development, we remained focused on delivering for the people we represent. As we move into the reconciliation process with our colleagues in the House, our priorities remain clear: to invest in families, communities, and the future of Massachusetts.
Below is a description of the allocation for the First Worcester District:
$140k - Worcester Center for New Americans
About: Provides $140,000 for a Center for New Americans in the City of Worcester to provide support, resources, and wrap-around services to new arrivals in the region to ensure that their needs are being met. Learn more about what they do: https://ona.friendlyhousema.org/
$40k - Worcester Literacy Partnership
About: Provide $40K in funding for the targeted Worcester Literacy Partnership put together by the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC) and the United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) to respond to the low 3rd Grade Reading Proficiency in Worcester. Learn more about what they do: https://www.wecollaborative.org/raisingreaderstogether
$25k - Together for Kids
About: Provides $25K in funding to support the work of the Together for Kids Coalition. As the only early childhood coalition in Worcester, their work is focused on child and family wellbeing in MA’s second-largest city. The Coalition is building an aligned, effective, and efficient early childhood system where one did not previously exist. They place family needs at the center as they create a responsive continuum of care that supports and promotes healthy families and communities. Learn more about what they do: https://togetherforkidscoalition.org/
$25k - Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan
About: Provides $25,000 for implementation of racial equity strategies in the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan. This funding will support the development of community resources and sustainability plans for racial equity training and alignment with the 6 primary community-identified principles for improving programs and services. Learn more about what they do: https://www.healthygreaterworcester.org/current-chip
$25k - Marie's Mission
About: Provides $25,000 to Marie's Mission to support their community free diaper efforts. Learn more about what they do: https://www.instagram.com/mariesmissionworcester/?hl=en
$350k - YWCA Organizations
About: Adds $350,000 to the earmark for YWCA organizations to bring to a total of $1M for gender specific youth leadership development programming. Learn more about what they do: https://www.ywca.org/
$10k - Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association
About: Provides $10,000 in funding for the Worcester Caribbean American Carnival Association's annual festival. Learn more about what they do: http://www.worcestercarib.com/
$10k - Worcester Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival
About: Provides $10,000 for the Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival in the City of Worcester. Learn more about what they do: https://www.blackheritagejuneteenthworcester.com/
$10k - Casita Cultura Latina
About: Provides $10,000 for the Día de los Muertos event and other cultural programming in the City of Worcester. Learn more about what they do: https://www.casitaculturalatina.com/
$40k - City of Worcester: ESOL Navigator
About: Provides $40,000 to the City of Worcester for drop-in English classes at the Worcester Public Library. Learn more about what they do: https://mywpl.libnet.info/event/12761463
$65k - Town of Northborough: Downtown Sidewalk Repairs
About: Provides $65,000 to the Town of Northborough for downtown sidewalk repairs. Learn more about what they do: https://www.town.northborough.ma.us/
$50k - Regional Environmental Council Inc.
About: Provides $50,000 to support the Regional Environmental Council and its programs and operations to fight for Food Justice in Worcester and Central Massachusetts. Learn more about what they do: https://www.recworcester.org/
$250,000 - New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill
About: Provides $250,000 to support exhibitions and educational programs. Learn more about what they do: https://nebg.org/
$100k - Worcester Community Midwifery
About: Provides $100,000 to support the Worcester Community. Learn more about what they do: https://www.worcestermidwifery.com/
$100k - Pernet Family Health Universal Newborn Home Visiting
About: Provides $100,000 Pernet Family Health Universal Newborn Home Visiting. Learn more about what they do: https://www.pernetfamilyhealth.org/universal-newborn-home-visiting-program/
$25k - Latin American Business Organization Regional Small Business Support
About: Provides $25,000 to LABO to provide technical assistance to BIPOC businesses in Worcester County focused on financial management, access to capital, legal compliance, startup fundamentals, and supplier diversity certification. Learn more about what they do: https://labous.org/
$50k - Latino Education Institute
About: Provides $50,000 to Worcester State University’s Latino Education Institute and pre-collegiate programs targeting urban youth will amplify proven asset-based strategies to improve academic outcomes and social well-being and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce. Learn more about what they do: https://www.worcester.edu/latino-education-institute/
$200k - Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC)
About: Provides $200,000 in funding to MAWOCC to build infrastructure, capacity, and expand program delivery to advance their goal of eradicating racial inequities among women of color created by structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized racism. Learn more about what they do: https://mawocc.com/
$200k - Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center
About: Provides $200,000 to the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Inc. to train community health workers to serve as the patient link to medical and social services for disenfranchised populations throughout the Worcester and MetroWest regions. Learn more about what they do: https://www.kennedychc.org/
$50k - RISE Clinic
About: Provides $50,000 to the Worcester RISE Clinic to support community healthcare workers. Learn more about what they do: https://www.riseworcester.org/