Friedman joins colleagues to uphold ongoing fiscal responsibility, protect core services, and reinforce the state’s economic foundation in the face of federal uncertainty
(BOSTON—5/22/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today approved a $61.4 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Over three full days of debate, the Chamber adopted 493 amendments, adding a total of $81.1 million in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities for communities throughout the Commonwealth to the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s originally proposed budget.
The final budget—which safeguards the state’s financial health, protects the state’s most vulnerable residents, and makes investments that reinforce the Commonwealth’s economic vitality in the face of mounting federal threats—was passed with bipartisan support by a vote of 38-2, with Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voting in favor. It neither raises taxes nor spends dollars from the state’s stabilization fund—also known as the ‘Rainy Day Fund’—which currently stands at a historic $8.1 billion.
“As we continue to evaluate the status of the economic health of our Commonwealth in the midst of federal funding cuts and policy changes, this budget strikes a necessary balance between preparing for an unknown future and funding important priorities on behalf of our residents,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Importantly, this budget allows us to remain vigilant and makes targeted efforts to fund programs that are under threat from the federal government. Through an amendment I filed that was adopted, this budget also gives the Commonwealth an additional tool to lower certain prescription drug costs, which will lead to renewed physical and financial health for our residents.… Read more.