2027 State Budget Brings Funding to Holbrook

On April 16, the Massachusetts House of Representatives proposed its 2027 budget plan for the Commonwealth. The $63.3 billion proposal would increase spending by 3.6% but is also $33 million less than Governor Maura Healey’s budget.

On April 16, the Massachusetts House of Representatives proposed its 2027 budget plan for the Commonwealth. The $63.3 billion proposal would increase spending by 3.6% but is also $33 million less than Governor Maura Healey’s budget. 

Representative Mark Cusack, who represents Holbrook as part of the 5th Norfolk District, focused on the town’s role in the budget.

Holbrook’s funding can be broken down into four categories: Chapter 70 and 90 Apportionment, Fair Share Supplemental Funding, Additional Local Aid, and 2027 Fiscal Year Funding.

Chapter 70 Apportionment, which funds local public schools, will provide $13,156,698 to Holbrook. This includes universal free school meals, which became law in 2023, and funding for the Special Education Reimbursement Program. 

Chapter 90 Apportionment, which funds local transportation infrastructure, will provide $375,136 to Holbrook. This aid was based on three factors: local road mileage, population, and employment. 

The Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) allows local municipalities, such as Holbrook, greater flexibility with their grant. It is primarily funded through the State Lottery and Gaming Fund. Holbrook will receive $1,850,690 from this program.

The 2027 Fiscal Year Funding will provide $100,000 for the Holbrook Regional Emergency Communication Center. Although not specifically allocated to Holbrook, $200,000 will go to One Life at a Time, an addiction treatment program, and $150,000 to the ALS Association. 

Finally, Holbrook will receive $100,000 for transportation improvements via Fair Share Supplemental Funding. In 2022, Massachusetts voted narrowly Yes on Question 1, 52%-48%, which created a 4% tax on income over $1,000,000. Funds raised from this new tax are distributed to municipalities around Massachusetts and are used for both education and public transportation.

On May 21, the Massachusetts State Senate passed its own version of the budget. Although similar to the House version, both budgets will now be sent to a conference committee to smooth out any differences. 

Senator John F. Keenan, who represents Holbrook as part of the Norfolk and Plymouth District, added 14 amendments to the budget proposal. This includes about $1,928,148 in UGGA funding, compared to the House budget of $1,850,690. It also includes an additional $179,000 for local senior centers.

Massachusetts is facing a tough budget session this year due to the Federal government's cut of $3.7 billion in funding. A 2026 ballot question would also decrease the income tax from 5% to 4% by 2029, although the initiative is still collecting signatures to be placed on the ballot. The same could be said for another initiative that aims to repeal laws that allow the sale of marijuana, which would cut out another source of tax revenue.