In the face of looming budget cuts to essential services, our members pushed back and did not let the Healey administration’s proposals go unchallenged. Because you took action, the final state budget includes several victories we fought for – wins that protect vital services our members provide.
Some highlights of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget:
- Pocasset & Pappas Hospitals: The budget includes protections and funding for Pocasset Mental Health Center and Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children.
- Department of Mental Health case managers: We secured full funding for the case manager line items, a 90-day notice to the legislature before any changes in service, and an increase in data reporting and metrics by case managers.
- Immigration Defense Fund: The budget signed by Gov. Healey established a legal defense fund for low-income immigrants at risk of deportation.
These are real, tangible wins, and they happened because you took action and made your voices heard.
We still have work to do:
- The budget does not include language that maintains the number of Department of Mental Health case managers. The bargaining team will continue to meet with management and do everything we can to negotiate a removal of the threat of layoffs.
- The state’s proposed cuts to the Department of Transitional Assistance would leave some of our most vulnerable populations at risk – especially in light of the federal changes to SNAP. We are urging the Governor to immediately file a supplemental budget to prevent layoffs and interruptions in services.
- Child Care Vouchers: While we were able to secure funding for existing child care vouchers, we were not able to secure additional funding to end the freeze on Childcare Financial Assistance and move eligible families off the wait list. More to come on next steps to advocate for an end to the voucher freeze.
We know that Massachusetts has the funds and the capacity to protect essential services without resorting to devastating cuts. Our union is entering one of the most serious fights in its history. As a member, it’s critical that you remain engaged and active in your union.
We will continue to keep you posted on ways to take action.
