THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 30, 2026 Page 7 Massachusetts House passes FY26 closeout supplemental budget O bill addresses important time-sensitive defi ciencies and provides additional support for state programs and services n October 21, 2026, Representative Joe McGonagle, along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, passed (1520) a supplemental budget to close the books on Fiscal Year 2026. The bill addresses important time-sensitive deficiencies and provides support for maternal mental health services and other vital programs, including MassHealth, the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and for the life sciences sector. It also includes policy sections to address emerging issues, such as the use of artifi cial intelligence (AI) in political advertising. The $2.354 billion bill includes $1.524 billion in net spending. On October 26, 2026, the Senate referred the bill to its committee on Ways and Means. “From funding for critical services and programs like maternal mental health supports and MassHealth, to policy changes designed to ensure that artifi - cial intelligence and taxpayer money aren’t used inappropriately in political advertising – this supplemental budget addresses a number of important, time sensitive issues as we work to wrap up the fi scal year,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz for his hard work, as well as all my colleagues in the House for recognizing the importance of the funding and reforms included in this supplemental budget.” “This supplemental budget looks at glaring problems in the Commonwealth and provides tangible solutions to close out the fi scal year,” said McGonagle. “Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz have shown how leaders act responsibly and fairly for the Commonwealth. While there are many projects we all would like done, this supplemental budget allows us to tackle some major issues and set ourselves up strong for next year.” “This supplemental budget will close the books on FY26 in a balanced and fi scally responsible manner. By making critical investments into much needed programs in healthcare, DTA Caseworkers, and early education to name a few, the Commonwealth will be in a strong fi scal position for Immaculate Conception Parish Announces Fall Celebration Nov. 6 T he Immaculate Conception parish is pleased to announce that our parish will be holding a “Fun” Raiser at the Everett-Saugus Elks on Friday evening, November 6, 2026 from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. For over a hundred years, the Immaculate Conception Church has provided for the spiritual needs of thousands of Everett families and continues to support many Catholics in our community. The event will feature music and dancing provided by our music director, John Pelligrini a buff et meal a cash bar and numerous raffl es, including a 50/50 raffl e. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gather as a parish family, past, present and future, in a relaxing and fun atmosphere. If you are interested in attending, individual tickets are $60 per person or a Table of 10 seats can be purchased for $50 per person or a total of $500. Feel free to call the Rectory at 617-389-5660 and leave your name and number and one of our members will return your call. All proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Immaculate Conception Parish. Tickets are limited so please share the news with your family and friends. Whether you are a past or present member of the Immaculate Conception church, this is a great opportunity to celebrate our Parish family. We anticipate a fantastic event and look forward to seeing you there. OCT 31 EVERETT REC CENTER , 4 7 EL M ST. SA TURD A Y 2 : 3 0– 5 PM FY 27 and beyond,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), who is Chair of the House’s Committee on Ways & Means. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano for his dedication to these issues, as well as all my colleagues in the House for supporting this proposal.” Key investments include: ● $1.8 billion gross ($1.03 billion net) for MassHealth ● $159 million (M) for snow and ice removal costs incurred at the beginning of 2026 ● $78.9M for unemployment insurance interest repayments ● $56M to increase nursing facility rates ● $54.5M to support the hiring of additional DTA caseworkers ● $22.5M for no-cost calls for the Department of Correction and county sheriff s ● $18.5M for the Early Childcare Rate Reserve ● $13.8M for the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) to help offset federal funding cuts ● $10M for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center ● $5.6M to implement cannabis legislation enacted earlier in 2026 ● $4M to support rest homes across Massachusetts ● $2.25M for maternal health needs, including $250,000 for the MCPAP for Moms statewide initiative of the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program In addition to key investments, the bill includes several policy provisions: ● Prohibits the Commonwealth’s constitutional officers from spending or authorizing the use of public funds for advertisements or promotions to build personal recognition. It preserves their ability to use public funds to inform residents about state programs, as long as those communications are not intended to establish personal recognition. ● Regulates the use of AI in political advertisements. The BUDGET | SEE PAGE 9 ANNUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY Y
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