Lawmakers warn that Massachusetts 2025 budget may be grim, NBC Boston reports

Massachusetts lawmakers are facing a challenging financial situation as the state grapples with a $260 million tax revenue shortfall in January 2024. Despite the grim outlook, Governor Maura Healey presented a $58 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, emphasizing housing, early childcare and education, and transportation. The budget also includes $1 billion for housing for migrants arriving in Massachusetts, with Healey expressing disappointment in Washington’s failure to pass immigration reform. Healey stressed the need for a collaborative and fiscally responsible approach to address the state’s financial challenges. The budget now moves through legislative review, with the House and Senate set to negotiate details before finalizing the plan. Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz also expressed concern about the state’s financial situation, noting that tough decisions lie ahead. Governor Healey expressed confidence in the budget proposal, calling it balanced and responsible while acknowledging the difficult path ahead. The budget, she said, builds on progress made in the previous year and signals her commitment to fighting for areas in need of investment. As the budget proposal moves through the legislative process, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address the state’s financial challenges and whether the final budget plan will reflect Healey’s priorities.

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