This is a critical moment for Massachusetts - join us in ensuring that existing mental health care is maintained in FY26.
State Budget
Budget Priorities and Implications for People with Behavioral Health Conditions
Massachusetts has made historic strides in advancing mental health and substance use reform, and improving access to timely, high-quality, and culturally responsive care. MAMH hoped to build upon this progress with the Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) $19 million planned expansion of Adult Respite and $9 million expansion of Adult Community Clinical Services (ACCS). However, the Governor’s and the House’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposals cut several key existing programs and services.
The Big Picture
As the budget process has proceeded, money and priorities have shifted in the Governor’s Budget, House Budget, and Senate Budget. The Governor’s Budget cuts DMH child and adolescent programs and services. The House Budget transferred dollars to children and adolescents but away from DMH adult services. The Senate Budget adequately funds child, adolescents, and adults.
MAMH appreciates the payer rate increases, but it has become clear that DMH needs more resources for all populations, to protect existing clients, programs and services, and workers. MAMH requests funding for all existing programs and line items be maintained, at the very least, to ensure that those currently receiving services continue to get the support they need.
MAMH Budget Priorities Areas of Focus
Behavioral Health Services
Behavioral Health Services
| Line Item | Budget Priority |
|---|---|
DMH 5046-0000 Adult Mental Health and Supports Services |
Overall:
|
DMH 5042-5000 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services DMH 5095-0000 Inpatient Facilities |
MAMH advocates for stopping the closure of the only Clinically Intensive Residential Treatment (CIRT) program for children ages 6-12 and the only Intensive Residential Treatment Programs (IRTPs) that provides intervention for youth who identify as gender diverse in the state.
|
Housing with Supportive Services
Housing with Supportive Services
| Line Item | Budget Priority |
|---|---|
HLC 7004-9033 Rental Subsidy Program for DMH clients DMH 5046-0000 Adult Mental Health and Supports Services DMH 5047-0001 Emergency Service Programs and Acute Inpatient Mental Health Care Services |
MAMH advocated for $21.548M, $5M increase over FY25, in the HLC account, for the Department of Mental Health Rental Subsidy Program (DMH RSP). Governor’s Budget: $16.548M (HLC) + $19.5M (DMH accounts) = level funding with FY25 House Budget: $16.548M (HLC) + $19.5M (DMH accounts) = level funding with FY25 Senate Budget: $17.048M (HLC) + $19.5M (DMH accounts) = $500K over FY25 Conference Committee Budget: $16.548M (HLC) + $16.8M (DMH) = level funding with FY25 |
DMH 5046-2000 Statewide Homelessness Support Services |
MAMH advocated for $29.71M for the Safe Haven Program to annualize funding from a federal pandemic relief funding source. Governor’s Budget: $29.71M House Budget: $26.71M Senate Budget: $29.71M Conference Committee Budget: $26.71M |
Criminal Legal Reform
Criminal Legal Reform
| Line Item | Budget Priority |
|---|---|
EOHHS 4000-0300 EOHHS and Medicaid Administration |
Middlesex County Restoration Center Governor's Budget: No earmark House Budget: No earmark Senate Budget: $1.5M earmark Conference Committee Budget: $1.5M earmark |
Older Adult Services
Older Adult Services
| Budget Priority | Proposed Funding Level |
|---|---|
AGE 9110-1640 Geriatric Mental Health Services |
MAMH advocated for $2.973M, a $500K increase over the Governor's Budget for Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Populations (BHOAP) program Governor's Budget: $2.473M House Budget: $2.473M Senate Budget: $2.473 Conference Committee Budget: $2.473M |
Next Steps
The House and Senate appoint three members each to a "Conference Committee" to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate proposals. One member of the minority party must be appointed by each branch. The Conference Committee reports a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch - this was done on Sunday, June 29.
The Governor now has 10 days to review the budget and act to either approve or veto the budget. The Governor may approve or veto the entire budget, veto, or reduce specific line items, veto outside sections or submit changes as an amendment to the budget for further consideration by the Legislature.
Following any legislative overrides to the Governor's actions, the budget is finalized and is commonly referred to as the "General Appropriations Act" for the upcoming fiscal year.
Massachusetts government is funded on a fiscal year basis. A fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th.
Interested in getting involved? Learn more about efforts to expand access to behavioral health care, decriminalize mental health, and promote wellness, and Take Action here!