“Budget season” is an active and critical time at any advocacy organization. The state budget is a reflection of our state’s values and has far-reaching implications for education and children across our state.

The House Ways and Means Budget proposal, the first step in finalizing the state budget for the next fiscal year, was released April 14. As the budget makes its way through the State House to the Governor’s desk, MAC has identified the following key priorities for children and the funding needed to implement or maintain them at an impactful level.

Click on the name of each priority for a fact sheet.

The Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI): Access to Higher Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

This line item supports partnerships between high schools and public institutes of higher education to provide students with intellectual disabilities and autism the opportunity to participate in college with supports and services they need to be successful. This cost-effective initiative increases school and work success when students exit special education at age 22.

Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver and the Division of Autism

The Children’s Autism Medicaid Waiver has provided critical services to children with autism and their families during the pandemic. Governor Baker’s emergency order recognized that ABA service providers are essential workers. Through the Waiver, almost 300 children with autism were able to receive the in-person and remote services and supports essential to their safety, well-being, and development.

Safe and Supportive Schools

In 2014, the Legislature incorporated the Safe and Supportive Schools law into its groundbreaking Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence. The Legislature’s vision was to help schools create safe and supportive whole-school cultures where all students feel a sense of safety, connection and belonging and can learn and achieve at high levels. This work is more important now than ever as schools prepare to welcome students back after the unprecedented and traumatic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special Education Circuit Breaker

The Special Education Circuit Breaker account was put into effect in 2004 so that the Commonwealth would help defray the expense to local school districts for providing legally mandated special education supports and services to children with severe disabilities. The Circuit Breaker provides critical financial support for districts to deliver mandated special education services and programs, rather than utilizing other costly administrative processes which reduce financial resources necessary to secure services/programs for students.

Civil Legal Aid

Civil legal aid is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s response to the COVID crisis, helping resolve issues related to housing, unemployment, debt, health care, domestic violence, and more. During the COVID-19 crisis, legal aid is a lifeline for children and their families who need help asserting their right to an equal education and other rights.

Click here to learn more about how civil legal aid helps children in Massachusetts.

The budget timeline

Mid-April: The Massachusetts House of Representatives releases the Ways and Means Budget.
Mid-May: When the House budget is finalized, it goes through the same process in the State Senate.
Early/mid-June: If funding differs in the House and Senate budgets, members of both will hold a Conference Committee to decide what the final budget should include.
Late June: After the Legislature finalizes the budget, it goes to the Governor for final approval.