Analyzing the viability of a state budget will always fall into partisan zones. What’s good for one group will invariably be criticized by another. Writing in a January 26th 2024 posting on Masslive.com, John L. Micek put it succinctly while reflecting on the sometimes desperate measures we all take to adjust our priorities based on available funds:
“They’re all short-term fixes that get you where you need to be. And they solve the immediate problem. But it’s not exactly the way you want to keep covering expenses over the long haul.”
Sampan spoke to Massachusetts residents to hear their concerns about Governor Healey’s budget proposal. One of the most striking aspects of Healey’s budget proposal is the substantial cuts earmarked for MCI Concord and Head Start. The decision to cut $16 million from MCI Concord raises questions from some factions about the administration’s approach to corrections and rehabilitation. With concerns over prison overcrowding and the need for effective rehabilitation programs, slashing funds for MCI Concord could have far-reaching consequences on inmate well-being and public safety. Similarly, the $2.5 million cut to Head Start raises alarms about the accessibility of early childhood education for low-income families. Head Start programs play a crucial role in providing disadvantaged children with essential educational and social support, and any reduction in funding threatens to widen existing disparities in education.
Leaders in the corrections system express apprehension over the potential consequences of reduced funding for MCI Concord. They emphasize the importance of investing in rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reintegration into society. Similarly, advocates for early childhood education decry the cuts to Head Start, citing research that underscores the long-term benefits of quality early childhood education in improving academic outcomes and socio-economic mobility. One parent desperately described her fears if childcare is cut:
“I depend on my daycare to be reliable and staffed with educated professionals,” a single Cambridge parent told this reporter. “If there are state budget cuts to daycare, I fear that I won’t be able to depend on the people who care for my child every day while I’m at work. Actually, I will not be able to work at all.”
However, Sanjay Moorjani, Boston College Professor of Economics, supports more education spending:
“Investing in education not only benefits individuals but also augments societal welfare by fostering human capital development. Access to quality education at lower costs, coupled with free meals, is poised to incentivize higher enrollment rates in both primary and higher education. Over the long run, this translates to a more skilled workforce and increased productivity, elevating overall prosperity.” Furthermore, “While concerns about financing such initiatives through future taxes are valid, they must be weighed against the potential gains in economic output. Higher levels of education lead to enhanced productivity and income growth, expanding the economic pie. Consequently, even with lower future tax rates, the increased tax base resulting from heightened productivity can offset the initial investment in education, making it financially viable in the long term.”
Additionally, the budget’s treatment of the migrant crisis underscores the complexity of addressing this immense humanitarian challenge with limited financial commitments. Sampan has heard growing complaints in communities being “forced to help”; that the proposed budget cuts will exacerbate the sense of unfairness. “As communities grapple with the impact of migration on their resources and infrastructure, it becomes critical that we have an open and transparent discussion with the politicians. It’s not happening in Roxbury! “ said a Roxbury parent.
Current calls for fairness by local communities regarding the migrant crisis highlight the need for comprehensive and compassionate solutions. Recent efforts to provide shelter and assistance to migrant families have led to tensions within local communities. The backlash arising from Governor Healy’s decision to transform Roxbury Recreation Center into a migrant shelter was strong. “It’s a shame we can’t find those funds for the homeless issue. And taking away the Rec Center which for many youths in the area is the most stable safe space they have, seems like a terrible idea,” one local resident commented. A student and former member of the Rec Center simply stated, “Why Roxbury, of all places?”
The budget proposal regarding the T was an emotional topic for everyone we spoke with. “What’s more important? Housing the immigrants or subsidizing the T?” one Dorchester resident mused. “For me, I am torn but I am getting pretty sick of delays every day trying to get to work on time.” The question of what holds greater importance—providing shelter and support for immigrants seeking refuge in our communities or ensuring affordable and efficient public transit for all—weighed heavily on the minds of many individuals we interviewed and many, in the end, said they couldn’t answer that question. A university student said, “Too little is being invested into the T, but it is a sticky situation since the governor has to get extra funding by either taking it from other budgets like migrant services or by increasing taxes which makes it hard.” A high school student stated, “To be honest, I don’t think anything will change no matter what Healey does”.
Amidst the pressing concerns surrounding recent displacement of the homeless population, many Massachusetts residents are aggravated by concurrent fiscal challenges. With revenue shortfalls exceeding $1 billion in the current fiscal year, coupled with a proposed $375 million cut to address this fiscal deficit, skepticism and apprehension loom large across the state. MassHealth takes the biggest hit in Healey’s budget with an estimated slash of around $294 million. One significant change is in the PCA (Personal Care Attendant) Program for disabled patients living alone at home. This budget is pursuing flat-line spending and controlling costs through restrictions on eligibility and a cap on hours authorized for meal preparation. “Altering eligibility criteria for individuals receiving less than 10 hours of services per week could leave many vulnerable individuals without the support they desperately need,” a Mass General intern has observed. “I need my PCA the same way a working parent needs reliable childcare,” explained a PCA patient to this reporter.
Sampan also spoke with a Springfield resident who had this to say about the future. “Governor Maura Healy’s FY25 budget demonstrates a commitment to fostering an environment where all residents can thrive. With a focus on infrastructure, education, and social services, it sets a promising path for not only specific parts of Massachusetts. An impassioned mom of an MCI Concord resident told us that Healey did not care about people. She is afraid of what the governor will do to her son and others who want the chance to start again. “My son needs the rehabilitative services at Concord. He made his mistakes and all he needs is counseling and education to start again. If the governor pulls everything out, he will fail after he is released and be back in. Rehabilitative programs for my son is the best investment for our society to get him to start working again and giving back to society.”
