Budget & Taxes (Government Spending)

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 2, 2026

HD 5815: A communication from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (see Section 2WWWWW of Chapter 29 of the General Laws) submitting the revenue and expenditure activity of the Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Intervention Trust Fund for fiscal year 2024

This document is a formal report submitted by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to state legislative committees detailing the financial activity of the Behavioral Health Access and Crisis Intervention Trust Fund for fiscal year 2024. The fund supports a statewide system that provides 24/7 behavioral health crisis services and a help line to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of their insurance status. The report explains how the trust fund covers costs for crisis interventions after the general fund pays an initial portion, while also reimbursing providers for services related to commercially insured individuals. It includes a breakdown of revenue collected through assessments and payments made to vendors and the help line, noting that spending is expected to rise in future years as services expand.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reports financial activity of a trust fund funding essential public behavioral health services, indicating support for government spending on public programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending State Budget

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Apr 9, 2026

HD 5793: The annual report of the Tax Expenditure Review Commission (under Section 14 of Chapter 14 of the General Laws) submitting a review of tax expenditures for fiscal year 2026

This bill requires the Tax Expenditure Review Commission to submit an annual report reviewing tax expenditures for fiscal year 2026. The report will analyze various tax breaks and incentives to provide data on how much revenue is lost and which groups benefit from these programs. The bill directly affects the commission and state policymakers who use the findings to evaluate tax policy. The text includes data tables showing statistics on tax credits and exemptions by income level and industry sector.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates reporting on tax expenditures to improve transparency and fiscal accountability, aiding policymakers in evaluating tax policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 4289: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

By Representative Luddy of Orleans and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4289) of Hadley Luddy (by vote of the town) relative to the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs existing community preservation funds for housing, advancing public housing funding through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates community preservation funds specifically for community housing in Chatham, directly funding affordable housing initiatives per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1590: An Act protecting inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly addresses 'expenditure of state funds' to protect inmate safety, aligning with fiscal responsibility and proper budget management.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly protects inmate safety, a core correctional aspect of criminal justice, aligning with reform goals like rehabilitation and safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Corrections

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 138: An Act to advance health equity

HD 138 creates new definitions for "Health equity" and "Priority population" (communities facing health disparities) within Massachusetts health law. It requires state health agencies to appoint a chief health equity officer, integrate health equity into all agency duties, and establish specific expenditure targets for primary care and behavioral health services (a 30% increase above baseline through 2026). The bill mandates annual reports tracking health inequities, including data on costs of disparities and strategies to reduce them, and requires public hearings before setting new spending targets. These changes directly affect state health agencies, boards, and healthcare entities managing public health funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates 30% funding increase for health services through 2026, directly increasing state health agency expenditures per bill's expenditure targets.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates 30% funding increase for primary/behavioral health services and requires health equity integration into agency duties per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Primary Care Public Health

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1385: An Act relative to reasonable Mass Wildlife Board expense reimbursement

This bill amends Massachusetts law to set a $30,000 annual spending cap on total travel and expense reimbursements for Mass Wildlife Board members. It specifies that board members serve without salary but can be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred while performing official duties, with the total reimbursement for all members limited to $30,000 per fiscal year. The change directly affects current and future board members who travel for official business. The key provision replaces the previous reimbursement language with this clear annual spending limit.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill imposes $30,000 annual cap on board reimbursement expenses, directly limiting government spending on official travel costs for state board members.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4204: An Act achieving a green future with infrastructure and workforce investments

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate action projects. The fund, administered by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, receives leftover revenue from existing clean energy market mechanisms after other designated funds are distributed. It will support eligible projects including clean transportation infrastructure (like electric buses and charging stations), energy-efficient building upgrades, renewable energy expansion, and rural clean energy investments. The fund's spending priorities are guided by an 18-member board with diverse representation (including environmental justice advocates, labor, businesses, and youth), requiring annual public reporting and a 3-year expenditure plan. It directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and low-income communities through targeted investment criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects leftover clean energy revenue to fund climate infrastructure projects, increasing targeted government spending without new taxes or tax changes.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates Green Infrastructure Fund to finance renewable energy expansion, clean transportation, and energy-efficient upgrades using clean energy market revenues.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate action projects including clean transportation, renewable energy, and energy-efficient upgrades, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds clean transportation infrastructure (electric buses, charging stations) as part of climate action projects, directly advancing sustainable transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Renewable Energy Environmental Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4879: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

This bill allows the town of Chatham to use its community preservation funds for housing projects targeting residents earning under 200% of the area median income - expanding eligibility beyond the standard definition in Massachusetts law. It requires approval from Chatham’s community preservation committee for any such spending. The policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families in Chatham seeking affordable housing through the town’s community preservation program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands use of existing community preservation funds for affordable housing, directing budget resources toward essential housing needs for low-income residents.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands community preservation funds for housing targeting ≤200% AMI residents, directly advancing affordable housing access for low-to-moderate income families in Chatham.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1236: An Act relative to the net school spending cap

SD 1236 adjusts Massachusetts school district spending caps for districts that move out of the lowest 10% spending category. It sets a 9% spending cap for these districts unless they were already above 9% when they left the lowest 10%, in which case they retain their previous cap. The bill restricts new charter school seats from districts that exited the lowest 10% with spending above 9% and requires the education department to calculate tuition owed for charter students from such districts, without deducting this amount from the district’s state aid. This affects school districts, charter schools, and the state education department in managing funding and enrollment. The bill also ensures current charter school students won’t be unenrolled by August 1, 2024.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesImposes spending cap on school districts, restricting government spending growth in education budget management.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill imposes 9% spending cap on districts exiting lowest 10% spending category, restricting funding increases for schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending School Choice

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 393: An Act relative to the net school spending cap

This bill adjusts the net school spending cap for Massachusetts public school districts. It sets a 9% spending cap for districts that move out of the lowest 10% spending category, unless they previously spent above 9%, in which case the cap remains at their prior spending level. The bill also prevents the state from approving new charter school seats from districts that exited the lowest 10% category with spending above 9%, and requires the state to cover tuition costs for students enrolled in charter schools from those districts without deducting from the district's state aid. These changes specifically affect school districts and charter schools, particularly those transitioning out of the lowest spending category.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesSets 9% school spending cap to promote fiscal responsibility, directly managing state budget allocation for public schools.90% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationBill imposes 9% spending cap on districts exiting lowest spending category, restricting funding flexibility and preventing new charter seats for certain districts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending School Choice

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