This bill appropriates additional state funds for fiscal year 2026 to support various government programs, including substance addiction services, homelessness initiatives, and transportation snow removal. It also establishes a new State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for prize payments, administrative costs, and affordable childcare grants. Furthermore, the legislation amends laws regarding military service recognition to define specific conflict periods and remove residency requirements for certain veteran benefits.
This bill provides funding for various state agencies and programs for the fiscal year 2026, including support for substance addiction services, homelessness programs, and emergency management. It also establishes a separate State Lottery and Gaming Fund to manage lottery revenues specifically for paying prizes, operating costs, and providing aid for local property tax relief and affordable childcare. Additionally, the legislation updates laws regarding military service recognition by defining specific conflict periods and removing residency requirements for certain veterans' benefits.
This document is not a legislative bill but a formal budget report submitted by the Office of Veteran Advocate for fiscal year 2027. It details the financial resources the agency is requesting to continue its operations and services for veterans. The report was filed on June 18, 2026, and does not contain new laws or policy changes.
By Representative Stanley of Waltham, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Thomas M. Stanley that the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance be authorized to provide the city of Waltham with a right of first refusal over the lease of the Veterans Memorial rink in said city. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3608) of James C. Arena-DeRosa that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation be authorized to designate a certain bridge in the town of Hopkinton as the Major General Frank D. Merrill memorial bridge. Transportation.
This bill renames a specific bridge in Princeton (Route 140 over Keyes Brook, bridge P16017) as the "Captain Christopher J. Sullivan Memorial Bridge" to honor Captain Christopher J. Sullivan. It requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to install a permanent marker with this name, following standard department guidelines. The bill has no policy impact beyond the naming designation and takes effect immediately upon passage.
By Mr. Durant, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2383) of Peter J. Durant and Kimberly N. Ferguson for legislation to designate a certain bridge in the town of Princeton as the Captain Christopher J. Sullivan memorial bridge. Transportation.
This bill designates Massachusetts Department of Transportation Bridge H-23-009 on Fruit Street in Hopkinton as the "Major General Frank D. Merrill Memorial Bridge." It honors Major General Frank D. Merrill, a Hopkinton native who led the WWII unit known as Merrill's Marauders, which received the Congressional Gold Medal for its service in the South-East Asian theater. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will install markers bearing this new name.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2153) of Cindy F. Friedman, Sean Garballey, Michael J. Barrett and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2153) of Cindy F. Friedman, Sean Garballey, Michael J. Barrett and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
