Healey outlines $8B transportation plan, $5B housing rollout and social supports in State of the Commonwealth address
January 08, 2026 | Office of the Governor, Executive , Massachusetts
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Governor Maura Healey used the annual State of the Commonwealth address to present a broad agenda focused on infrastructure, housing, affordability and public services.
In the opening portion of her speech, Healey credited recent legislative work for tax relief measures she described as the first state tax cut in more than 20 years, noting direct payments including $1,000 for seniors and $400 per child. She said the administration has invested $1.5 billion to replace federal childcare supports and that 36,000 additional children are now receiving care as a result of that state investment.
On housing, Healey said the Affordable Homes Act—a $5 billion law she signed—will move into implementation, with state programs already reporting a 50% increase in production and more than 116 towns opting into MBTA Communities zoning to allow more homes near transit. She called for abolishing tenant broker fees to reduce upfront costs for renters.
The governor proposed a 10-year, $8 billion transportation investment intended to stabilize the system, close budget gaps at the MBTA and accelerate repairs to major and local bridges, commuter-rail platforms and station upgrades. Healey credited roughly $9 billion in federal grants the state recently secured for roads, bridges, broadband and clean-energy investments.
Health and social services featured prominently: Healey said 60,000 more residents gained affordable coverage last year and noted a new law capping certain prescription costs at $25 per month. She highlighted 31 community behavioral health centers providing 24-hour care and said they have helped more than 30,000 young people. The governor also announced $100 million toward an AI hub and investment in a Holyoke data center to support research and climate- and health-related innovation.
Healey closed by invoking civic service and a call to bipartisan action, thanking troops, first responders, educators and state employees and asking the legislature to work with the administration to implement the agenda.
The joint convention recessed and later adjourned by voice vote; the House stood adjourned to meet Tuesday at 11 a.m.
In the opening portion of her speech, Healey credited recent legislative work for tax relief measures she described as the first state tax cut in more than 20 years, noting direct payments including $1,000 for seniors and $400 per child. She said the administration has invested $1.5 billion to replace federal childcare supports and that 36,000 additional children are now receiving care as a result of that state investment.
On housing, Healey said the Affordable Homes Act—a $5 billion law she signed—will move into implementation, with state programs already reporting a 50% increase in production and more than 116 towns opting into MBTA Communities zoning to allow more homes near transit. She called for abolishing tenant broker fees to reduce upfront costs for renters.
The governor proposed a 10-year, $8 billion transportation investment intended to stabilize the system, close budget gaps at the MBTA and accelerate repairs to major and local bridges, commuter-rail platforms and station upgrades. Healey credited roughly $9 billion in federal grants the state recently secured for roads, bridges, broadband and clean-energy investments.
Health and social services featured prominently: Healey said 60,000 more residents gained affordable coverage last year and noted a new law capping certain prescription costs at $25 per month. She highlighted 31 community behavioral health centers providing 24-hour care and said they have helped more than 30,000 young people. The governor also announced $100 million toward an AI hub and investment in a Holyoke data center to support research and climate- and health-related innovation.
Healey closed by invoking civic service and a call to bipartisan action, thanking troops, first responders, educators and state employees and asking the legislature to work with the administration to implement the agenda.
The joint convention recessed and later adjourned by voice vote; the House stood adjourned to meet Tuesday at 11 a.m.
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