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The following was submitted by the Office of Rep. Michael Day:
Rep. Michael S. Day worked with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass a $1.8 billion supplemental budget that invests $885 million in public transportation, $417 million in public education and funds several fiscal year 2026 (FY26) obligations.
As a result of his advocacy, Day also successfully secured a direct appropriation of $250,000 for Winchester in the bill. If included in the final law, Winchester could use these funds to assist in the potential acquisition of land known as Forest Ridge to be used for conservation and nature-based education.
“This supplemental budget makes significant investments in our infrastructure, in our education system and in our downtowns in the face of ongoing federal funding chaos,” said Day. “I am proud that my work with my colleagues resulted in a direct appropriation of $250,000 to Winchester if it moves forward with efforts to preserve open space at Forest Ridge.”
In addition to his earmark for Winchester, Day also secured a $100,000 appropriation for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro North to assist in the continued operation of the INspire Café. The Inspire Café, located in Wakefield, provides meaningful employment opportunities for people with diverse abilities, enabling them to work and learn in a welcoming environment.
“I truly appreciate the support from my colleagues for the INspire Café, and I hope others will join me in patronizing the business,” continued Day. “The café’s mission is as laudable as the food and drink it offers, and I am thrilled to be able to help it continue to operate.”
The supplemental budget bill also delays Massachusetts’ adoption of several recent federal corporate tax changes passed by the United States Congress last year, preventing a $400 million revenue loss for the Commonwealth.
The bill postpones the Research and Experimental expense deduction by one year and delays the deductions for the Modification of Business Interest, Depreciable Asset Expensing and Qualified Production Properties by two years. The bill also pushes back the Modification of Qualified Opportunity Zone Investments program by two years.
The $1.8 billion bill is funded in part by $1.3 billion from Fair Share surtax funds dedicated to increasing investments in public transportation and education.
Some highlights include:
- $885 million for transportation and infrastructure improvements:
- $740 million to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
- $525 million for the Deficiency Reserve
- $125 million for the Workforce & Safety Reserve
- $60 million for physical infrastructure with a focus on the core subway system
- $20 million for low-income reduced fares
- $10 million for water transportation infrastructure
- $50 million for snow and ice removal costs
- $30 million to fund the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Credit
- $30 million for MassDOT Service Investments
- $417 million in education investments:
- $150 million for the municipal Special Education Circuit Breaker
- $150 million to fund Early Education Child Care (EEC) costs, including $8 million for childcare providers and $7.5 million for the provider loan forgiveness program
- $20 million for the Green SchoolWorks program to help fund clean energy upgrades at our schools
- $18.3 million for Financial Aid Supplements
- $5.1 million for Tomorrow’s Teachers Loan Forgiveness program
The bill passed the House of Representatives 150-3 on March 23 and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
