This week, Senator Nick Collins, as a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, voted for a Fiscal Year 2027 budget that invests nearly $1.16 billion to support public health programs, improve access to services, and promote healthier communities across the Commonwealth.
Included in the proposal is $192 million for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), a substantial increase over the previous fiscal year, supporting treatment, recovery, and harm reduction programs for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder.
In addition to these statewide investments, Senator Collins filed amendments aimed at supporting recommendations put forward by the South End/Roxbury/Newmarket Working Group, a coalition focused on improving public safety, public health outcomes, and quality of life in neighborhoods surrounding the Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard corridor.
The proposed amendments would support increased public safety presence in the area, including dedicated patrols, while also investing in neighborhood organizations and public spaces that serve residents directly. Funding proposals include support for Saint Stephen’s Youth Programs, Boston Community Pediatrics, United South End Settlements, the Berkeley Community Garden, improvements to the Southwest Corridor Park, and community organizations such as Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA).
“For too long, the challenges facing these neighborhoods have outpaced the level of sustained investment needed to address them,” said Senator Collins. “This budget makes meaningful investments in treatment and recovery services while also supporting the community organizations and public safety initiatives that residents have been calling for. These are imperative investments if we are serious about addressing the major issues that have plagued this area for years, and I will continue fighting to make sure this progress continues in the final budget and beyond.”
The Senate will continue deliberations on the final budget in the coming weeks.