Legislature Approves Final FY25 Budget

Following the FY 25 Budget Conference Committee reaching agreement on funding for the upcoming fiscal year, the House and Senate were poised on Friday to send a final budget to Governor Healey.  This would mark the first time in several years that the Legislature has passed an on-time budget.  The FY 25 Budget was largely positive for housing, including funding increases across many accounts.  

Where there were differences between the House and Senate on housing programs, the Conference Committee mostly approved the higher funding levels.  Perhaps the most significant victory in the final bill is the inclusion of the long-sought Access To Counsel program (0321-1800) with funding of $2.5 million for FY 25.  

Additional housing items that were considered by the Conference Committee were:

• Housing Consumer Education Centers (7004-3036), which received the higher Senate allocation of $10.5 million;
• Foreclosure and Housing Counseling (7006-0011), which received higher funding than proposed by either branch at $3.05 million; and 
• Public Housing Operations (7004-0095), which split the difference between the House and the Senate proposals at $113 million.

Thanks to chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, as well as their staffs, for their tireless work on the FY 25 budget.  Massachusetts is fortunate that the Legislature again has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the housing needs facing the Commonwealth through the prioritization of these and other housing accounts.