MMA urges Legislature to override governor’s veto of $19.9M in Charter School Mitigation Payments

The Honorable Aaron M. Michlewitz, House Chair
The Honorable Michael J. Rodrigues, Senate Chair
Joint Committee on Ways and Means
State House, Boston

Dear Chair Michlewitz and Chair Rodrigues:

On behalf of cities and towns across the Commonwealth, I write today to thank you again for the many provisions in the fiscal 2026 conference committee report (H. 4240) that benefit communities throughout Massachusetts. Top among these investments is funding the Student Opportunity Act as well as the significant increase to minimum aid up to $150 per student. This boost is not only an essential support for school districts this year, but a critical investment in the future of the Commonwealth.

In the face of growing uncertainty due to federal government actions, the House and Senate has strengthened its commitment to the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns with a budget that offers stability when communities need it most. With this in mind, we would like to highlight needed action by the Legislature to support an account that is critical to school districts, cities, and towns: Charter School Mitigation Payments (7061-9010).

We are grateful for the Governor’s initial H. 1 proposal and for signing many top priorities of the FY2026 budget into law. However, the veto to reduce charter school mitigation payments far below the state’s estimated legal obligation sends the wrong message to our communities. We respectfully urge you to override the Governor’s veto of $19.9 million and restore the Legislature’s budgeted $199 million for charter school mitigation payments.

Per projections by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the $199 million included in H. 4240 is expected to fully fund the state’s statutory obligation for charter school mitigation payments as outlined in the Student Opportunity Act. As you know, assessments levied on local school districts to pay tuition to charter schools impose a significant financial burden on cities and towns. This veto would negatively impact communities in every corner of the Commonwealth. We are grateful for your consideration to restore this critical funding.

My team and I are available to answer any questions or offer additional information. Please don’t hesitate to have your office contact me or MMA Senior Legislative Analyst Adrienne Núñez at any time. Thank you for your leadership and for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of our 351 cities and towns.

Sincerely,
Adam Chapdelaine
MMA Executive Director and CEO

Cc:
The Honorable Ronald J. Mariano, Speaker of the House
The Honorable Karen E. Spilka, President of the Senate