Boston, MA - The Massachusetts Republican Party is alarmed by Governor Maura Healey’s proposed $62 billion budget, which increases spending by 2.6% while relying on nearly $1 billion in one-time revenues. This reckless fiscal approach risks plunging the state into financial instability, further burdening hardworking families and jeopardizing critical programs and services. 

MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale criticized the budget as a misguided blueprint for Massachusetts’ future:
“This budget exemplifies the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s disregard for fiscal responsibility. Relying on one-time revenues while increasing spending is an unsustainable path, particularly given the unchecked financial strain caused by the emergency assistance shelter program and ongoing uncertainty over monthly tax revenues. Instead of charting a path toward stability, this budget doubles down on reckless spending and higher taxes.” 

Carnevale highlighted several concerning elements of the budget:

• Backdoor Tax Increases Through the Municipal Empowerment Act:
  “Reintroducing the so-called Municipal Empowerment Act allows local governments to raise taxes, shifting the burden onto residents instead of providing sufficient state aid. This is a political maneuver that avoids accountability while forcing families to pay more.”
• Harmful Tax Proposals:
  “The new tax on candy, capping charitable donation deductions, and other tax hikes further punish Massachusetts residents while enabling unchecked spending on Beacon Hill. These measures will harm families, stifle economic growth, and undermine the essential work of charities that rely on donations to support our communities.”
• Fiscal Recklessness and Missed Opportunities:
  “The reliance on one-time revenues mirrors past mistakes when Governor Healey’s administration was forced to make disruptive mid-year 9C cuts. Without sustainable funding, these spending commitments only postpone an inevitable financial crisis. Instead of pursuing new taxes and bloated budgets, the state should adopt the meaningful reforms proposed by House and Senate Republicans to restore fiscal accountability and stability, particularly to the emergency shelter program.”

Carnevale also expressed frustration over the Administration’s contradictory messaging:
“It’s outrageous that Governor Healey claims she’s not raising taxes while presenting a budget that does exactly that. Her proposals are disconnected from the realities faced by Massachusetts families and businesses.”

The MassGOP calls on the Healey-Driscoll Administration to prioritize sustainable, transparent, and responsible budgeting that respects taxpayers and supports long-term stability. “Massachusetts deserves leadership that focuses on reform, efficiency, and fiscal discipline-not one-time fixes and political posturing,” Carnevale concluded.