Senate FY2026 Budget Advocacy

On Monday (5/19/25), State Senators will begin debating the FY26 Senate Budget. We need your help gaining support for the following priority Senate budget amendments:

• Senator DiDomenico Amendment #682 - Health Education Data: Filed by Senator DiDomenico, would require schools to provide a biennial report regarding the standards of the most current Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Framework by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The updated standards allow students to have access to quality health education, and we need data to ensure that this is happening.

• Senator DiDomenico's Amendment #522 - Lift Our Kids: Filed by Senator DiDomenico, this amendment would add a 10% increase to TAFDC and EAEDC cash assistance grants starting January 2026. Very low-income families, elders, and individuals are struggling with the increased cost of living and the growing housing crisis in our state. We can’t leave families living in deep poverty behind. This program helps lift our most vulnerable members of the Commonwealth. 

• Senator Jehlen Amendment #515- Geriatric Mental Health Teams: Filed by Senator Jehlen would increase funding in line item 9110-1640 to support Behavioral Health Services for Older Adults.These services are proven to help overcome treatment barriers by supporting older adults in their own home to address issues associated with behavioral health conditions such as chronic disease, social isolation, housing insecurity, and financial challenges

Thank you for your advocacy on the behalf of social workers and the communities we serve!