Executive Summary A Note from the Administration and Finance Secretary

Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is filing a balanced and responsible Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with strategic investments and policy proposals that will make Massachusetts an even better place to live, work, play and stay. House 2 advances our administration’s goals of strengthening Massachusetts's leadership in sectors like education and healthcare, continuing to provide critical state programs and services, and driving down costs for residents and businesses.

Over the last 12 months, our administration has protected the integrity of Massachusetts’s budget despite significant national economic uncertainty. By controlling spending and carefully managing available resources, including the voter-approved Fair Share surtax, we have kept Massachusetts on strong fiscal footing. House 2 further advances our strategy and prepares the state for continued success in an unpredictable national climate.

I am grateful to Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and their staff for their tremendous leadership in building a budget proposal that improves life in Massachusetts and preserves our long-term financial stability.

I also want to thank my fellow Cabinet Secretaries and their teams for their partnership in translating our administration’s bold agenda into tangible budget recommendations.

My staff at the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (A&F) and I have received thoughtful ideas and input about our FY27 budget from advocates, legislators, and stakeholders across Massachusetts. We are grateful for that feedback, and we have sought to incorporate it into House 2.

My A&F team has worked tirelessly to craft this budget, and I could not be more grateful for their creativity, hard work, and dedication to Massachusetts. Thank you!

Finally, I am grateful to Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Chairman Michael Rodrigues, and their teams for their partnership and shared commitment to Massachusetts’s success. I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Chairs and their colleagues through the next steps in the FY27 budget process.

Sincerely,

Matthew J. Gorzkowicz

Secretary