Massachusetts FY26 State Budget Results
The NAMI Massachusetts Advocacy team offers this summary of priority concerns about mental health programs in the state’s FY 26 budget:
Dear Mental Health Advocates,
We are deeply grateful for your unwavering advocacy during this FY26 budget process. Your dedication has made a true impact for individuals living with a mental health condition and their families across the state. We could not have done this without your support.
On Friday, July 4th, the Governor signed the $60.9 billion FY26 budget after making $130 million in vetoes and reductions to the Conference Committee's final budget. Now that the budget is finalized, we would like to update you on the status of our priority mental health services and programs.
$19 million for the Jail Diversion Program (JDP): The Governor's budget and the House budget funded JDP at $3.8 million. Thanks to tireless advocacy efforts, the Senate budget increased the amount to $19 million for JDP, which was ultimately included in the final state budget. JDP provides funding to municipalities, behavioral health providers, and law enforcement to support initiatives that connect individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with appropriate care, rather than subjecting them to arrest or incarceration. The program reduces strain on law enforcement, the judicial system, and hospital emergency departments.
Level funding for the DMH Rental Subsidy Program: The DMH Rental Subsidy Program was level-funded at $16.5 million. This program provides housing vouchers to department clients, along with support services to help individuals maintain their tenancy, health, and recovery. Stable, affordable housing is foundational to long-term recovery and effective treatment.
Level Funding for Safe Havens: The Safe Haven Program was level funded at $26.71 million. These programs offer low-barrier, supportive housing for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions. They serve as a bridge to permanent housing and help connect people to essential services.
$4.8 million for the Pocasset Mental Health Center: The full funding request was met. This 16-bed inpatient facility is the only state-run mental health hospital on Cape Cod and one of just two inpatient psychiatric units in the region. Continued funding is critical to ensuring access to psychiatric care for Cape residents.
DMH Caseworkers: The Governor's original H.1 budget proposed cutting DMH caseworkers by half. While no additional funding to restore these cuts was given, language was included through an amendment that requires the Department of Mental Health to produce a monthly report on case manager workloads, staffing levels, and waitlists as a transparency measure.
Thank you for advocating for mental health at every step of this budget process. With the FY26 budget now finalized, your dedication has been instrumental in shaping outcomes that support mental health care access and equity across the Commonwealth. We deeply appreciate your commitment and look forward to continuing this important work together.
With gratitude,
NAMI Massachusetts