Let’s talk budgets—because, let’s face it, everyone feels the pinch when spending gets out of hand. Governor Maura Healey recently unveiled a whopping $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget proposal, but not everyone’s on board. Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, one of the state’s top Republicans, isn’t exactly thrilled. His message? Now’s not the time to dig deeper into taxpayers’ wallets.
A Growing Price Tag
Tarr points out that while some of the state’s recent policies sound great on paper, they come with hefty price tags. Inflation has already stretched household budgets thin, and adding more costs to taxpayers might not be the relief residents are looking for.
“This budget is increasing spending by 7.4%—there’s a concern there,” Tarr shared with WCVB. “New programs always seem appealing, but the real question is, what happens when we can’t afford them anymore?”
What’s “Free” Isn’t Always Free
Take the new free community college program, for example. It’s a fantastic opportunity for adults over 25 to pursue higher education without worrying about tuition. But here’s the catch—“free” doesn’t mean no one’s footing the bill.
“Everyone loves the idea of free community college,” Tarr said, “but can we sustain it at this scale? Someone has to pay, and right now, that’s taxpayers.”
Pay Raises and Priorities
Another eyebrow-raiser in the proposed budget? An 11% pay hike for lawmakers. While Healey’s plan focuses on infrastructure, education, and economic growth, Tarr believes there are “more foundational” issues to tackle first. He’s open to discussions about blocking the raises altogether.
Governor Healey’s Take
Governor Healey defends her budget as balanced and forward-thinking. Her vision includes fixing the MBTA, improving roads and bridges, and modernizing college campuses—all while creating jobs.
“We’re prioritizing affordability and economic development,” Healey said. “From child care and housing to tax cuts and veterans’ services, we’re building on progress while staying mindful of our spending—just like families across the state.”
Healey’s budget relies partly on Fair Share Amendment funds, with about $2.4 billion expected to come from that source. Excluding those funds, the governor argues, spending growth aligns with inflation at a modest 2.6%.
Crunching the Numbers
The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation sees things differently. They say the budget actually represents a $4.29 billion increase over last year. To make it work, the plan leans on nearly $2 billion from one-time revenue sources and new tax policy proposals.
A Call for Focus
Tarr believes it’s time to refocus. “We need to take a long, hard look at where we’re at,” he said. With revenue growth slowing, Beacon Hill must revisit its priorities and make sure spending stays in check.
What’s Next?
As lawmakers debate the fiscal 2026 budget, the big question remains: How do we balance progress with affordability? It’s a delicate dance between meeting residents’ needs and keeping the state’s finances on solid ground. One thing’s for sure—Massachusetts residents will be watching closely.
