Executive Summary A Note from the Secretary for Administration and Finance

Putting together a state budget is challenging under any circumstances. That is especially true for a new administration working under a compressed timeline to produce a balanced and fiscally responsible spending plan for the state that reflects the priorities of a new administration.

I want to thank all my partners both inside and outside of state government for their thoughtful collaboration.

This is especially true of the Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll, and their team, who have been tremendous partners in crafting a budget that they can be proud of and that reflects their shared goals for Massachusetts.

My colleagues in the Cabinet, and their staff, have also been there every step of the way, sharing their ideas and priorities as we’ve worked together to make sure every dollar spent gets put toward programs and initiatives that will advance the vision of the new administration.

My team and I are also cognizant of the fact that behind every line-item in this budget there is a person, family, business, organization or municipality that will be impacted by the choices we make. During this process, we have heard from many legislators and advocates about valued programs, ideas for new investment, and thoughts on how to spend available resources. Their input and the relationships we have started to build have been a important part of our efforts and we hope will be a strong foundation on which to build moving forward.

I’m especially proud of my team at the Executive Office of Administration and Finance for all their hard work and the contributions they’ve made to this budget. This would not have been possible without everyone leaning in and working together – Thank you!

Finally, thank you to Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues, and their respective staffs. I look forward to a continued partnership as the Legislature begins its work of reviewing our budget recommendations and crafting their own plans over the course of the spring.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Gorzkowicz

Secretary