Conference Committee Negotiating the FY27 State Budget 

Now that both the Massachusetts House and Senate have concluded their separate budget proposals for FY27, the two versions are being reconciled through a Conference Committee. This final version will then be voted on by each chamber before moving to Governor Healey's desk, where she will have 10 days to sign it into law. MPHA's advocacy has now turned to the conference committee members, urging them to fund Local and Regional Boards of Health at $15M and the Massachusetts Food Trust Program at $300K in the final budget proposal, to support healthy food access across the Commonwealth. Check back for updates as the budget process moves forward.

Gearing Up to Get Our Bills Over the Finish Line



After months of advocacy, the final stretch of the 2025-2026 legislative session is upon us.  MPHA is tracking the economic development bill, the environmental bond bill, a slate of housing bills, data privacy proposals, and more, and mobilizing alongside our partners to ensure each is signed into law before the session closes on July 31. 

Between now and then, we’ll be in your inboxes with action opportunities to help get our priority legislation over the finish line. Remember: every call, every email, every postcard makes a difference! 



Celebrating Commonwealth Pride Awardees 

Yesterday, the Massachusetts LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus presented the 2026 Commonwealth Pride Awards, honoring leaders from across the Commonwealth, including Kade Crockford and Oami Amarasingham, a couple whose advocacy and leadership continue to shape a more just and equitable Massachusetts. Nominated by Rep. Christopher Worrell, the pair are proud residents of the 5th Suffolk District and embody LGBTQ+ excellence through their dedication to public service, human rights, and community empowerment. 

Kade directs the Technology for Liberty Program at the ACLU of Massachusetts, where they're a nationally recognized advocate for privacy rights and civil liberties in the digital age. Oami, MPHA Deputy Director, champions policies that support the building blocks of good health across Massachusetts. Please join us in congratulating Oami and Kade, along with all the amazing awardees! 

Photo credit: ACLU Massachusetts

The Time is Pass Rent Control is Now! 

Over the past several weeks, MPHA Director of Campaigns Jacqueline Velez has been organizing with Homes for All, Springfield No One Leaves, and grassroots partners across Western Massachusetts to help secure the signatures needed to put rent control on the ballot this November. At the same time, a local municipal strategy has taken shape, leading Springfield to pass a local resolution in support of rent control. From the ballot box to the Legislature and city council chambers across the state, the campaign is pushing on every possible lever to lift the statewide ban on rent control and deliver the immediate relief our communities need and deserve. 

Health Equity Trends Summit Highlighted Path Forward 

Congratulations to our partner, the Health Equity Compact, on another stellar conference exploring how, together, we can “protect access to care for all, invest in community-centered safety nets, strengthen equity-centered primary care, and advance statewide goals for health equity.” Carlene Pavlos and Oami Amarasingham attended the 2026 Health Equity Trends Summit and came away with a renewed sense of community across sectors, all committed to addressing the threat of widening inequities.