House FY2026 Budget Advocacy

On Monday (4/28/25), State Representatives will begin debating the FY26 House Budget.We need your help gaining support for the following priority House budget amendments:

• Rep. Barber's Amendment #388 - Therapy Matcher Program: Would provide $50,000 in funding to NASW-MA’s Therapy Matcher program. Therapy Matcher is a well-established public service in Massachusetts that connects thousands of people with licensed clinical social workers (LICSWs) across the state. Consumers often struggle to find social workers during difficult moments in their lives, such as when they are grappling with substance use disorder, mental illness, anxiety, and depression. Investing in the Therapy Matcher Program pays dividends in addressing these issues. 

• Rep. Decker's Amendment #1445 - Lift Our Kids: This amendment would raise cash assistance grants by 10% - the next step toward ending Deep Poverty. Even with the historic grant increases that have occurred, cash assistance grants are still far too low to meet families' basic needs. 

• Rep. Stanley's Amendment #350 - Elder Behavioral Health: This amendment would increase funding in line item 9110-1640 to support Behavioral Health Services for Older Adults. These services are often staffed by social workers and masters level social work interns who assist older adults with immediate needs as well as long-term supports and services.