Governor’s FY 2022 Proposal: Short-Sighted Recovery Budget Leaves Opportunity to Chance for K-12, Transportation & More

 
“The Baker Administration’s budget proposal for the upcoming Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 fails to make the level of investments needed to advance racial and economic equity. Our budgets must be antiracist and provide stable housing, quality education, food security, community well-being, health, and economic opportunity for all. This budget does not achieve that vision.
 
1.5 million Massachusetts adults in early January said they are having at least some difficulty paying for usual household expenses, like rent or utilities. The Baker Administration is taking a risk by relying on one-time federal funds to address a housing crisis that existed before COVID, but has been made more acute by the pandemic.
 
In K-12 schools, last year’s delays to implementation of the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) has left our school districts lacking desperately needed funds. While it is commendable that the Governor is making some progress on the SOA, we’ve still lost one year out of the seven that we won’t get back — catching up means doing one-sixth of the SOA. After a year of unpredictability, students need us to deliver on our promises.
 
The proposal excludes any substantial new revenue, running counter to public opinion showing a majority of Massachusetts voters saying they want us to raise taxes on the wealthiest and profitable corporations. Not raising progressive revenue at this time shortchanges essential programs such as K-12 education and transportation, at the time of greatest need. Using federal dollars and Rainy Day Funds are all acceptable maneuvers to balance a strained budget, but more is required if we are to build an equitable recovery that benefits everyone.”

Latest

New Census Data Highlights Need for Family Tax Credits Waiting in State House

While the Massachusetts Legislature debates two versions of expanded tax credits to improve affordability for families, new census data dramatically show what a difference these credits make to reduce poverty, especially for children.

Read More →

Higher Education Investments: Supporting Our Economy and Future Generations

Public higher education is critically important to the success of Massachusetts’ economy, but state support has lagged in recent decades. This report evaluates current proposals to better support campuses and make higher education more affordable, particularly the CHERISH Act and the Debt-Free Public Higher Education Act.

Read More →

MassBudget testifies to end tax subsidy for private jets

MassBudget testified in support of House bill 2826 and Senate bill 1758, which would end the sales tax exemption for personal aircraft. The exemption disproportionately benefits very wealthy individuals and worsens climate change by encouraging the most fuel-intensive form of travel.

Read More →
Scroll to Top

Get news from Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center in your inbox.