AFT Massachusetts Raises Concerns Over Governor's Budget Proposal

Union warns of unsustainable costs and service reductions for public schools and community resources

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:15pm

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AFT Massachusetts, the state's teachers union, has voiced concerns over Governor Maura Healey's Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendations, arguing that current funding levels are insufficient to address rising costs and maintain essential services in public education and community resources across the state.

Why it matters

The concerns raised by AFT Massachusetts underscore the complex interplay between economic factors, social policies, and educational funding. A failure to adequately support schools and community resources could have long-term consequences for vulnerable students and the state's overall economic competitiveness.

The details

AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang stated that the combination of increasing expenses and service reductions is creating an unsustainable cost of living for many families in the state. The organization argues that the financial strain extends to local school districts, where the cost of providing a quality education is exceeding available state investment. Beyond state-level concerns, AFT Massachusetts points to reductions in federal funding for schools, with further cuts anticipated, as well as a 'chilling effect' stemming from 'attacks on immigrants and those supporting our immigrant families.' Specifically, school districts in Boston, Lynn, Chelsea, Lawrence, and Lowell are reportedly facing shortfalls due to declining enrollment linked to fears within immigrant communities.

  • Governor Healey's Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendations were released in January 2026.

The players

AFT Massachusetts

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts, representing educators and staff, has voiced concerns over the potential impact of Governor Healey's budget proposal on public education and community resources across the state.

Governor Maura Healey

The current Governor of Massachusetts, who has released her Fiscal Year 2027 budget recommendations, which have raised concerns among education advocates.

Jessica Tang

The President of AFT Massachusetts, who has characterized the current economic climate as one that 'does not work for working families.'

Boston, Lynn, Chelsea, Lawrence, and Lowell

School districts in Massachusetts that are reportedly facing shortfalls due to declining enrollment linked to fears within immigrant communities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

It is possible that the legislature may consider increasing funding levels during the budget process. A scenario could unfold where lawmakers seek to allocate additional resources from the Fair Share Amendment to address enrollment disruptions, mirroring grant funding provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also possible that the budget will remain largely unchanged, potentially leading to cuts in services and programs.

The takeaway

The concerns raised by AFT Massachusetts underscore the complex interplay between economic factors, social policies, and educational funding. A failure to adequately support schools and community resources could have long-term consequences for vulnerable students and the state's overall economic competitiveness.