Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Here’s a brief look at some of the key state and federal issues the MMA is watching closely this season.
Last updated: Oct. 8
Summary
On Jan. 31, Gov. Maura Healey filed a multifaceted package of reforms and local options aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of local government operations. The 30-plus provisions include the codification of a local option for remote and hybrid meetings.
The latest
• Municipal Empowerment Act hearings begin (Sept. 25)
• Administration re-files Municipal Empowerment Act (Jan. 31)
Resources
• Municipal Empowerment Act information portal on mass.gov
What you can do
• Call your state legislators and their staff to discuss the importance of this bill and its benefits for your municipality.
• Use your social media, press releases and other communications to spread the word about the MEA and why it matters to your community.
What’s next
The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government will hold a hearing on the bill on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at the State House. Reach out to MMA Policy and Legislative Counsel Ali DiMatteo at [email protected] if you are interested in participating on a panel.
Summary
Pandemic-era local options for remote and hybrid public meetings have been highly successful, but have not been made permanent in state law, which has been a priority for the MMA.
The latest
• Gov. signs extension of remote and hybrid meeting allowances through June 2027 (March 28)
Resources
• MMA, MAPC, MARPA, MASC, MACC Thank Legislature, Governor for Extending Remote and Hybrid Meeting Options (March 28)
What you can do
• Let your state legislators and their staff know how successful remote and hybrid meetings have been in your community to increase access, engagement and transparency, while stressing the need for local flexibility.
What’s next
The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight will hold a hearing on Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. on several remote and hybrid meeting bills. Those interested in participating on a panel can reach out to MMA Policy and Legislative Counsel Ali DiMatteo at [email protected].
Summary
Gov. Maura Healey filed her $61.5 billion state budget plan for fiscal 2026 on Jan. 22, the House passed its own budget bill on April 30, and the Senate passed its version in May. The Legislature passed its final spending plan on June 30.
The latest
• Amid fiscal concerns, Gov. Healey signs FY26 state budget (July 7)
What you can do
• Call your legislators to urge them to override the governor’s $19.8 million veto of charter school reimbursement funding (Line item 7061-9010) – View the MMA’s letter to legislative leaders on this topic
Resources
• Preliminary Cherry Sheets for municipalities and regional school districts (Division of Local Services)
• Fiscal 2026 Chapter 70 aid and net school spending requirements for individual cities, towns and regional school districts (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education)
• In letter to House-Senate conference committee, MMA outlines municipal priorities in FY26 state budget (June 11)
Summary
A series of executive actions from President Donald Trump have caused serious concerns about the reliability of promised federal funds. Federal judges have taken action to at least temporarily halt certain freezes and rescissions, but there remains a lack of clarity about what funding streams still might be affected.
The latest
• U.S. Dept. of Education releases $6B in funds to states that had been frozen (July 29)
• U.S. Dept. of Education withholds $108M in K-12 funding for Mass. schools (July 9)
• Multistate lawsuit challenges federal termination of grant funding to states (June 26)
• Federal judge blocks immigration enforcement conditions on transportation funding (June 20)
• Trump administration halts $14.1M in funding for internet access in Mass. (May 22)
• New dashboard shows direct federal funding cuts to Mass. (May 16)
• Trump administration cancels $90M in BRIC aid for Mass. (May 2)
• Trump administration targets $106M in K-12 grant funding for Mass. (April 1)
• Trump administration delays lead pipe replacement funds (April 1)
• President signs order calling for dismantling of Education Department (March 21)
• Second judge orders halt to federal funding freeze (Feb. 3)
Resources
• NLC covers federal issues during Federal Funds Partnership meeting (April 3)
• Presidential Actions Summary: Impact to Local Governments – from National League of Cities (NLC nonmembers will need to provide contact information to view resource)
What you can do
• Call your representatives in the U.S. Congress to express your concerns about the potential loss of federal grants and commitments, and the impacts that would be felt in your community.
What’s next
Federal court decisions are expected to continue on a number of legal challenges, as well as further executive actions to prevent funding for initiatives that could have conflicts with Executive Orders.
Summary
Priorities in the MMA’s slate of local government bills, which were recommended by the MMA’s five policy committees for the 2025-26 session, include creation of a municipal and public safety building authority, accountability in charter school finance, sustainable water resource funds, municipal control of liquor licenses, unemployment insurance reforms, and much more.
The latest
• Board of Directors approves MMA Legislative Package for 2025-26 session (Nov. 12, 2024)
Resources
• MMA Legislative Package (PDF)
What you can do
• Call your state legislators and their staff and ask them to support these priority bills.
What’s next
Each bill filed gets assigned to a legislative committee. In the first year of a two-year session (in this case 2025), committees typically hold hearings on proposed bills. The MMA prepares testimony on each of the bills in its package.