Rep. Stanley, Massachusetts Legislature Pass FY24 Supplemental Budget, Ratifying Collective Bargaining Agreements and Directing Funds to Vital Services Statewide

Rep. Stanley and the Massachusetts Legislature passed a supplemental budget that ratifies 38 collective bargaining agreements and directs funding to the health and human services workforce, childcare assistance programs, community services, and initiatives vital to the wellbeing of Massachusetts residents. The legislation directs funding to deficiencies outlined by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and makes numerous clarifications to state policies to cut red tape and create efficiencies in state government.

The legislation appropriates $362 million in funding from Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations that would be made available through Fiscal Year 2025. It directs $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services (ARPA HCBS) Reserve to promote innovative services that enhance the quality of life and independence of people in their home and community, an investment that comes at no net cost to the state.

It includes $61 million for a critical health and human services and workforce reserve to cover projected deficiencies in Fiscal Year 2024 related to the continued need for direct care staffing to respond to health needs in nursing homes, group care settings, state hospitals, and veterans’ homes, as well as other patient health and safety supports.

“This supplemental budget makes essential investments in our direct care workforce, especially those serving in nursing homes and community settings,” said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (D-Waltham). “By allocating funds to programs that provide long-term services and supports (LTSS) at home or in the community, we’re not only strengthening care options but also improving the quality of life for those who depend on these vital services and ensuring that their caregivers are fairly compensated.”