Press Release: 10/14/2025

Joint Statement on Sheriffs’ Deficiency in the Fiscal Year 2025 Closeout Supplemental Budget

 

October 14, 2025

 

(BOSTON—10/14/2025) Today, Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, issued the following statement regarding funding for sheriffs’ offices in the Fiscal Year 2025 Closeout Supplemental Budget.

"Over the past few months, serious questions and concerns have been raised about the financial and operational integrity of our sheriffs' offices across the Commonwealth. As we work to maintain fiscal stability, live within our means, and responsibly close the books on Fiscal Year 2025, it is clear that the Legislature must act to rein in questionable spending practices and restore public confidence in the sheriffs’ operations.

To that end, we have agreed to only fund the sheriffs’ costs associated with the Section 35 alcohol and substance use treatment program and the no-cost calls communication program in the upcoming closeout budget. At this time, we are opting to withhold the remainder of the sheriffs’ $162 million deficiency until a thorough review can be completed.

We will continue to explore further steps to ensure appropriate oversight, achieve cost containment, and keep sheriffs’ offices on a more sustainable fiscal path in the months and years ahead."