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HOW I VOTED ON H.5555, H.5562, AND H.3028

  • Writer: State Rep. Mark Sylvia
    State Rep. Mark Sylvia
  • 7 days ago
  • 14 min read

HOW I VOTED ON H.5555

SUBJECT: FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET – CONFERENCE REPORT


On Wednesday, July 1, 2026 the House enacted the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2027 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions, and certain activities of the commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements – by accepting the conference report and enacting the budget.


Without raising taxes on Massachusetts residents, the Massachusetts Legislature delivered a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that drives down costs for residents, boosts the state's economy, and adds to the state’s savings account.  


The plan makes record investments in public education, unlocks new housing production, strengthens the state’s public transportation systems, and protects vulnerable residents from the impact of federal cuts. 


The bill spends $63.4 billion, a 4 percent increase from last year, and includes $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds that will support public education and transportation as voters intended. The budget raises no taxes and adds $51 million to the state’s ‘Rainy Day’ Stabilization Fund, which is projected to reach a historic $8.2 billion balance by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. 


MY VOTE


I voted YES on H.5555, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 142 Yes, 6 No in accepting the conference report, and 142 Yes, 6 No in enacting the bill and sending it to the Governor for her signature.


The Governor signed the FY 2027 budget without vetoes on July 9, 2026.


EARMARKS SECURED FOR THE DISTRICT

1. $40,000 Costal Foodshed – Food Access and Local Agriculture Support

2. $25,000 Town of Mattapoisett Automatic External Defibrillators Replacements

3. $25,000 Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship Society / Museum


NEW BEDFORD FIRE STATION 9 FUNDING


Senator Montigny filed an amendment during the Senate’s consideration of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget to provide $500,000 to support the continued operation of Fire Station 9 in the North End of New Bedford. The amendment was accepted in the Senate budget and was accepted during the Conference Committee of House and Senate members. Leading up to the Conference Committee deliberations, I along with the other members of the House delegation that represent New Bedford, advocated for this funding directly with the House Ways and Means Committee to ensure it was included in the final budget voted on by the House and the Senate.


NEW BEDFORD EARMARKS I CO-SPONSORED


I also co-sponsored various amendments filed by Reps Cabral, Hendricks and Markey for the City of New Bedford, and ultimately on all regional amendments that were included in the final bill.


Examples include:


  • $25,000 to PAACA, Inc. in the city of New Bedford for costs related to their PAACA housing support fund


  • $75,000 to Immigrants Assistance Center, Inc. in the city of New Bedford to provide citizenship and workforce readiness programming


  • $300,000 to for Office-Based Addiction/Opioid Treatment, a program of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center


  • $75,000 to assist in programming efforts for the Southcoast LGBTQ Network, Inc. in the city of New Bedford


  • $50,000 for Buttonwood Park Zoological Society, Inc. to support public access to the zoo for underserved residents in the city of New Bedford


  • $25,000 to the New Bedford Festival Theatre, Inc


  • $75,000 to AHA! Art, History & Architecture in the city of New Bedford


  • $50,000 to the Frederick Douglass House in the city of New Bedford


  • $25,000 to the Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford


  • $50,000 to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center in city of New Bedford for production programming;


  • $20,000 for youth programs at Dennison Memorial Community Center, Inc. in New Bedford


  • $100,000 for the New Bedford Youth Court and Fall River Youth Court programs in the cities of New Bedford and Fall River to support juvenile diversion programs based on the principles of peer-lead restorative justice


  • $500,000 shall be expended for the SouthCoast Community Foundation, Inc. to administer a 1-time grant program to provide access to resources for underserved residents in the greater New Bedford area


  • $75,000 to the New Bedford public schools for the Girls Design Academy


OVERALL BILL SUMMARY


Education 

  • The agreement completes the Legislature’s commitment to fully fund and implement the Student Opportunity Act with $7.66 billion in Chapter 70 aid to public school districts, an increase of $297 million over Fiscal Year 2026 and the highest level ever, along with a record $160-per-pupil minimum in local school aid. 

  • The budget also revives the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) to

    examine the K-12 funding formula and assess how the state can address rising costs in special education, student transportation, personnel, and educator health care statewide. 

  • The agreement funds the Special Education Circuit Breaker at $654.6 million to help students who need support, which, combined with $152 million from the recent Fair Share supplemental budget, brings the total investment to $806.6 million, reimbursing school districts for 75 percent of the costs of educating students with disabilities and complex needs. 

  • Other education investments include $475 million for the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grant program to support early education and care providers’ day-to-day operational and workforce costs, $137 million for the MassEducate and

    MassReconnect free community college programs, $20 million for rural school districts, and $180 million for universal free school meals, which serve nearly 150 million free meals to Massachusetts kids every year.  

  • The budget also includes $11.7 million to support students receiving special education services through the DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program, and $2 million for a new grant program helping schools address young people’s social media use. 


Transportation 

  • The agreement provides $465 million in direct investment for the MBTA, which,

    combined with $595 million from the recent Fair Share supplemental budget brings the total new investment in the system to over $1 billion for Fiscal Year 2027. It also includes $217 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs), including $40 million to sustain fare-free transit service statewide. The state’s fare-free Regional Transit program has resulted in ridership exceeding pre-pandemic levels. 

  • The budget also responds to a string of fatal wrong-way driving incidents on Massachusetts highways, including the tragic line-of-duty death of State Trooper Kevin Trainor, by directing MassDOT to implement new infrastructure and officer training, including directional striping, signage, lane delineators, and motorist alert systems. 


Municipalities and Housing 

  • The agreement provides record support to cities and towns across the state, including $1.363 billion for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $40 million increase over Fiscal Year 2026 and the highest level ever. For new dollars, the legislation implements a new funding formula to equitably distribute the increase throughout all of the state’s 351 communities.  

  • In another step toward addressing the housing crisis and building homes faster statewide, the budget builds on last session’s Affordable Homes Act by streamlining local permitting, supporting development on nonconforming properties, providing reasonable timelines for projects under existing zoning, and modernizing the variance standard, all aimed at boosting housing production and driving down costs. 


Health Care 

  • The agreement extends the ConnectorCare expansion pilot program through 2027. Since 2024, the pilot has helped more than 115,000 residents access more affordable insurance through lower premiums, no deductibles, and reduced co-pays. 

  • The budget also codifies existing federal protections requiring comprehensive insurance coverage of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) without cost sharing or utilization management barriers and directs a new study to modernize and improve the long-term sustainability of emergency medical services in the Commonwealth. 


Retiree COLA Reform 

  • This budget includes comprehensive, fiscally prudent reforms to cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retired public employees, based on recommendation from the Special COLA Commission. It establishes a COLA Reserve Fund financed in part by pension investment returns above target, provides enhanced COLA benefits for certain current retirees based on years in retirement, and allows the base amount used to calculate future COLAs to increase in $1,000 increments as funding allows. 


Food and Economic Security 


Protecting Vulnerable Residents 

  • The agreement includes provisions protecting children aged 16 and 17 from sexual interactions with mandated reporters and others responsible for their care and oversight, including teachers, coaches, police officers, and social workers. 

  • In response to the tragic fire at Gabriel House in Fall River, the agreement provides $500,000 to implement recommendations from the Assisted Living Residences (ALR)

  • Commission to improve safety standards, emergency preparedness, and oversight at assisted living facilities statewide. 

  • The budget also establishes a commission to study transitional youth services for individuals with disabilities whose access to special education services will end due to high school graduation or turning 22, as the Legislature works to preserve community-based care options amid federal challenges to the Olmstead decision. 


Sports Wagering Revenue 


NEXT STEPS

Having been passed by the Legislature on July 1, 2027, the bill was sent to Governor Healey for her signature.  She signed the bill without vetoes on July 9, 2027.


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HOW I VOTED ON H.5562

SUBJECT: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOND BILL (AKA MASS WINS)


On Wednesday, July 8, 2026 the House passed H.5562, An Act relative to economic

development in the commonwealth, a $561 million bond bill that strengthens key innovation sectors, supports small businesses, expands housing opportunities, and positions the Commonwealth for long-term economic growth and competitiveness.


The legislation makes targeted updates across dozens of state programs to improve efficiency, encourage investment, reduce barriers to economic development, and better prepare Massachusetts for emerging industries and workforce needs.


MY VOTE

I voted YES on H.5562, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 148 Yes, 2 No. I also voted YES on Consolidated Amendment A (145 Yes -6 No) and B through E, which passed by unanimous, bipartisan votes.


BOND AUTHORIZATIONS SECURED FOR THE DISTRICT


As part of the amendment process, I was able to secure (by filing amendments) the following bond authorizations for the 10th Bristol District. It is important to note that bond authorizations are not guaranteed funding – the Executive Branch is responsible for pursuing bonding (borrowing) as authorized by this bill once it is enacted in both

chambers and signed by the Governor. Thereafter, if authorized under the applicable

categories, these projects are eligible for funding but ultimately the Executive Branch

will make those decisions. It will be important for legislators to advocate for bond

authorizations for their districts.


1. $80,000 shall be expended to the town of Acushnet to conduct a planning and zoning study of the downtown South Main street/Main street corridor to evaluate development potential and create a new mixed-use zoning district that supports economic development and downtown revitalization.


2. $250,000 shall be expended to the town of Fairhaven for, but not limited to, planning, feasibility studies, site assessment, engineering, environmental review, surveying, infrastructure evaluation, permitting and preliminary design necessary to identify, evaluate and prepare municipally-owned and other strategic properties for commercial, industrial, mixed-use, marine-related and other economic development opportunities that support private investment, job creation and expansion of the local tax base.


3. $500,000 shall be expended to the town of Marion for town center revitalization and

pedestrian safety improvements within the village corridor from Island wharf to

Silvershell beach, including, but not limited to, sidewalk reconstruction, ADA upgrades, curb cuts, and utility pole relocation to improve connectivity between the town center, waterfront and public beach facilities and support economic activity and visitor access.


4. $100,000 shall be expended to the town of Mattapoisett for the establishment of an affordable housing trust and the development of a housing production plan


5. $250,000 shall be expended to the town of Rochester for planning, engineering, environmental review, permitting and preliminary design of a regional shared-use path connecting Rochester to the Marion shared-use path and advancing regional trail connectivity to support economic development, tourism and access to local businesses.


I also co-sponsored various amendments filed by Reps Cabral and Hendricks for the City of New Bedford, and ultimately on all regional amendments that were included in the final bill. Examples of amendments for New Bedford that were in the final bill include:


1. $250,000 shall be expended to the Southcoast LGBTQ Network, Inc. to complete construction on an LGBTQ+ Community Center in the city of New Bedford.


2. $250,000 shall be expended to The Gateway Project nonprofit in the city of New Bedford for the purpose of establishing a land bank to identify and hold parcels of land that shall be developed into climate conscious buildings for community-based projects and services.


3. $250,000 shall be expended to The Gateway Project, Inc. in the city of New Bedford for the purposes of conducting a neighborhood revitalization study to assess the viability of climate-conscious and energy-efficient renovations to buildings in downtown New Bedford.


4. $1,000,000 shall be expended to the city of New Bedford for the purposes of creating a 1.5-mile walking path along the western bank of the Acushnet river from Sawyer street to the former Aerovox site, opening public access to portion of the riverfront that has long been cut off by legacy industrial sites.


5. $50,000,000 shall be expended to the Foss New Bedford Marine Terminal for infrastructure, equipment and site work to support offshore wind, clean tech, and other climate-positive maritime industry growth in the south coast region.


6. $1,000,000 shall be expended to complete phase 2 restorations at Hazelwood park in the South End section of the city of New Bedford, which shall include, but not be limited to, the creation of new playground facilities for children, construction of a community amphitheater and upgrades to the historic Congdon-Lucas House.


7. $125,000 shall be expended to the New Bedford Port Authority for an economic impact study of the port of New Bedford, which shall evaluate the port’s contributions to: (i) regional and statewide employment; (ii) commercial fishing; (iii) seafood processing; (iv) maritime commerce; (v) offshore wind development; (vi) tax revenues; and (vii) supply- chain activity; provided further, that the results of said study shall be made available to the executive office of economic development and the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate upon completion


8. $750,000 shall be expended to the city of New Bedford, the New Bedford Port Authority or a designee for coordinated pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding signage, streetscape elements and public-realm improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and navigation at the port of New Bedford and strengthen physical and visual connections between the working waterfront, downtown New Bedford.



POLICY AMENDMENTS FOR OUR DISTRICT

Included in the House bill was language adjusting the harbor lines for New Bedford in

Consolidated Amendment A, which I voted YES on.


OVERALL BILL SUMMARY


Among its most significant provisions, the legislation:


  • Addresses the state's housing crisis by creating new tools to encourage housing production and adaptive reuse. The legislation authorizes municipalities to adopt

    commercial conversion zoning to transform underutilized commercial properties into housing and mixed-use developments through streamlined local approvals. It also establishes the "Yes in God's Backyard" (YIGBY) framework allowing multifamily housing as of right on qualifying land (maximum 4 acres) owned by religious institutions, except for land zoned for or used as a school, including institutions of higher education. A minimum 20 percent of the units must be affordable units. The bill also improves local planning and permitting by standardizing site plan review procedures and establishing training requirements for local land use boards to promote greater consistency and predictability in municipal decision-making.


  • Empowers tenants and strengthens fair housing protections by creating a local option allowing municipalities to adopt a tenant right of first refusal for the sale of multifamily residential properties, giving tenants the opportunity to purchase their building after receiving notice of the owner's intent to sell. The bill also strengthens fair housing protections and oversight of the real estate profession by expanding the composition and responsibilities of the Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen.


  • Strengthens the Commonwealth's fiscal resilience by authorizing the Commonwealth Federal Matching, Fiscal Resilience and Debt Reduction Fund to help protect Massachusetts from reductions or delays in federal funding, support hospitals and community health centers serving vulnerable populations, provide pay-as-you-go capital funding for critical infrastructure projects, and establish a $200 million bridge funding reserve for public and private nonprofit colleges and universities facing uncertainty in federal research funding.


  • Reduces the cost of starting a business by lowering the filing fee for a new limited

    liability company (LLC) from $500 to $100, making it more affordable for entrepreneurs to launch new businesses. The legislation also establishes a graduated annual reporting fee structure for most LLCs while maintaining higher filing fees for entities holding significant real estate assets, ensuring relief is targeted toward operating businesses and startups.


  • Creates Massachusetts's first comprehensive framework for micromobility devices by establishing safety standards and operational rules for personal transportation

    devices such as motorized bicycles. The bill classifies micromobility devices based on speed, establishes equipment and helmet requirements, sets a minimum operating age of 16 for powered micromobility devices, and defines where these devices may be used. It also authorizes registration and regulatory oversight, strengthens safety standards for lithium-ion batteries, and creates a working group to recommend additional long-term policies as the micromobility industry continues to evolve.


  • Attracts the film, television and digital game development industry to

    Massachusetts by extending the period during which taxpayers may claim the Massachusetts film tax credit from 12 months to 24 months, and by creating a tax credit program to encourage digital game development in Massachusetts.


The bill includes $561 million in capital authorizations, such as:


  • $100 million to strengthen the Commonwealth’s defense leadership and accelerate them development of cutting-edge national security solutions, also known as the SHIELD initiative.


  • $75 million to support AI tools, infrastructure, and emerging technologies, and position Massachusetts as a national leader in AI and innovation.


  • $50 million for municipal grants and technical assistance for the conversion of commercial properties into residential housing.


  • $50 million for grants to support remediation efforts at former state-owned buildings.


  • $25 million to support the expansion of a key capital program that helps businesses build or expand commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities.


  • $25 million to support MassTech’s robotics initiative, helping advance R&D and move new technologies from the lab into real-world use.


  • $25 million to support downtown revitalization through capital funding for infrastructure, public spaces, and placemaking projects that attract residents, businesses, and jobs.


  • $25 million for capital grants to strengthen arts, culture, and the creative economy

    through investments in public spaces, historic districts, wayfinding, performance

    venues, and public art.


  • $20 million in capital funding to invest in sites designed to attract international

    companies to Massachusetts.


  • $20 million for the veterans supported housing initiative program. 


  • $10 million for capital grants that support food science, strengthen sustainable food systems, and help grow AgTech businesses.


NEXT STEPS

Having passed the House of Representatives 148-2, the bill now goes to the Senate for

consideration.


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HOW I VOTED ON S.3028 (as amended)


SUBJECT: ANIMAL WELFARE BILL


On Wednesday, July 15, 2026 the House passed S.3028 (as amended), An Act promoting pet equity, treatment and safety, which strengthens animal welfare, modernizes veterinary care, improves consumer protections, and supports responsible pet ownership across the Commonwealth.


MY VOTE

I voted YES on S.3028, a Senate bill amended by the House. It passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 151 Yes, 1 No.


BILL SUMMARY

The bill modernizes the Commonwealth's dog licensing and kennel oversight laws by strengthening inspection requirements, by improving reporting from licensing authorities, and by ensuring that dogs housed in kennels are properly licensed. The legislation provides practical updates for licensed kennels by allowing alternative forms of identification, such as microchips, under specified circumstances, while maintaining accountability and traceability for animals in their care.


To strengthen animal protection, the legislation establishes a clearer legal process for addressing cases of animal neglect. Law enforcement and animal control officers will be able to petition courts for timely intervention when animals are suffering from neglect, allowing courts to order appropriate care, remove animals from dangerous situations when necessary, or permanently prohibit individuals from owning animals in serious cases.


The bill strengthens protections for animals used in research by expanding adoption

opportunities for dogs and cats after research concludes, and by increasing public

reporting. The bill prohibits a manufacturer or contract testing facility from using a

traditional animal test method if there is an alternative test method when testing a

product, product formulation, chemical or ingredient. The bill also updates

Massachusetts law governing pet insurance by adopting nationally recognized

consumer protection standards.


The legislation establishes a statewide pet ownership program for older adults living in

public housing. The program prohibits blanket bans on pets while allowing housing

authorities to adopt reasonable pet policies that protect residents, animals, and housing facilities. An advisory group will develop recommendations to support the

implementation of the program.


The bill further improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities by establishing

meaningful penalties for transportation network companies (TNC) and drivers who

unlawfully refuse service to riders accompanied by service animals, and ensuring

stronger enforcement of existing accessibility requirements.


The bill creates a statewide licensing framework for veterinary technicians under the

Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine. The legislation expands the Board to

include licensed veterinary technicians, establishes professional licensing standards,

creates temporary licensure pathways, and provides a transition period to ensure the

profession is fully licensed by 2031.


The legislation makes significant investments in animal health and welfare by expanding the allowable uses of the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund, and by directing additional revenue from animal health and livestock disease enforcement fines into the fund to support programs that improve animal care throughout Massachusetts.


NEXT STEPS

The bill passed the House of Representatives 151-1 and now goes back to the Senate

for further consideration.


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