Statement on the Governor’s Signing of the FY25 Supplemental Budget
We commend Governor Healey and the Legislature for their leadership in signing the supplemental budget for FY25, specifically applauding the investment of $20 million into the Endowment Match Program—allocating $10 million to UMass, $5 million to state universities, and $5 million to community colleges. This critical program encourages private donations to our public institutions' endowments by matching these contributions $2 for every $1 from the state. These endowments provide essential scholarships, faculty chairs, and critical program funding, enhancing institutional stability and sustainability.
We also recognize and appreciate the significant one time allocation of $115 million toward capital improvements at our public institutions. This funding is essential to addressing the substantial backlog of deferred maintenance, repairs, and renovations, which directly impact student learning environments and institutional effectiveness.
However, we remain concerned that only 10% of the Fair Share excess revenues—totaling $1.3 billion—have been dedicated to higher education in this supplemental budget. While we acknowledge this decision balances lower transportation funding in the FY25 General Appropriations Act, we urge the Legislature and Governor to ensure that this does not mark a return to the pattern of flat or insufficient funding seen in past years. Both the Senate and House’s proposed FY26 budgets currently allocate only 12% of the projected $1.9 billion in Fair Share revenues to higher education. This warrants close monitoring and proactive consideration, especially given the significant and ongoing needs within our higher education system. To maximize the impact of recent investments, we encourage decision-makers to strategically rebalance allocations in the FY26 budget and beyond, especially in light of the anticipated supplemental budget for FY26 that will draw on additional excess Fair Share revenues.
To establish a sustainable and impactful long-term strategy, we strongly support aligning with recommendations from the Board of Higher Education and numerous higher education advocacy groups by allocating at least 25% of total Fair Share revenues to higher education. This investment is essential, especially given the longstanding underinvestment experienced over the past two decades. Among the urgent needs are additional funding to address critical financial aid gaps for students' basic needs—currently averaging between $11,000 and $14,000 in unmet need per student—enhanced evidence-based student support services that significantly improve completion rates, and addressing key institutional needs such as fair faculty compensation.
Moreover, it remains imperative that the state continue to make strong investments in higher education through its general operating budget. Even allocating 25% of Fair Share revenues alone will not fully guarantee access to public higher education that is affordable, accessible, high-quality, and delivers strong value for every Massachusetts resident. Particularly in the context of uncertain federal funding and potential cuts to vital financial aid and student support programs, sustained and enhanced state investment is critical. Higher education must remain a transformative opportunity accessible to all Massachusetts residents, meeting the demands of our workforce and supporting our thriving economy.
We urge continued commitment and strategic investment from our state leaders to fully support and sustain Massachusetts' public higher education system.