Senate President Spilka Applauds Signing of Budget Focused on Early Literacy, Tutoring, Child Care and Public Transportation
(Boston — 6/12/2026) Today, Senate President Karen E. Spilka applauded Governor Healey’s signing a budget focused directing surplus Fair Share income toward transit and learning priorities across the Commonwealth, with big investments in the MBTA, Regional Transit Authorities, early literacy initiatives, high-dosage tutoring , child care affordability, and municipal relief after severe winter weather.
The legislation puts $1.35 billion in surtax money in place to bolster core public systems, including support to improve transit service reliability, broaden early education and care access, strengthen special education, and deliver specific assistance to cities and towns for snow and ice removal costs.
It also establishes a new tax credit for farmers who donate surplus food to food banks and pantries, helping expand food access while reducing waste.
"This is Fair Share dollars doing exactly what voters intended: investing in public schools, transportation in every region, and by extension our communities and our families," said Senate President Spilka.
"From special education funding, to early literacy, to slashing taxes on housing production, this package delivers for Massachusetts residents.
I'm grateful to Governor Healey for her signature, and I applaud Chair Rodrigues and my Senate colleagues for their work on this bill, as well as our partners in the House for making it happen."
The budget also includes additional investments to address immediate state needs, including support for caseworkers at the Department of Transitional Assistance, court and correctional system services, energy assistance programs, and workforce development initiatives.
Lawmakers say the package reflects a continued effort to use Fair Share revenue for targeted, long-term investments in education and transportation while also trying to handle short term pressures on communities and state agencies.
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