ELM Statement on House FY27 Budget and Income Tax Ballot Question

April 30, 2026 – Yesterday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed their version of the FY27 budget with significant cuts to state environmental agencies. Legislators are factoring in the possibility of markedly reduced tax revenue resulting from the upcoming income tax ballot question. 

“The potential of new state revenue reductions from the income tax ballot question, combined with eroding federal support, will have massive impacts on the state’s ability to deliver clean air, clean water, and affordable energy solutions,” said David Melly, senior policy director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “The recently-passed version of the FY27 budget would trigger significant staff cuts in state agencies leading essential environmental programs. Protecting these critical investments is the only way Massachusetts will see any forward progress on housing, economic development, or climate.” 

ELM opposes efforts to cut the state income tax, including the proposed ballot question that would reduce the tax from 5 to 4 percent. If passed, this cut would strain the state budget, cutting staff, programs, and services that our communities rely on. Our state’s environmental agencies are already overcommitted as they work to protect clean air, water, and natural land while also taking on important new responsibilities like clean energy deployment and PFAS monitoring. Already faced with reduced federal support, this tax cut would be detrimental to this critical work. 

As leaders of the Green Budget Coalition, ELM aims to ensure our Commonwealth’s agencies are properly staffed and resources in order to grow our green economy, protect our natural resources, and preserve public health. ELM thanks Chair Aaron Michlewitz and the House Ways and Means Committee for advancing a budget under difficult circumstances and looks forward to working with the Senate to further advocate for essential state funding for our environment.