Gov. Maura Healey recently released the list of local earmarks included in the $61.01 billion Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts state budget, highlighting significant investments across the Commonwealth.
Among the allocations, Marblehead received $50,000 for irrigation system improvements at its cemeteries and $35,000 for equipment upgrades at the Marblehead Police Department, thanks to funding efforts led by State Rep. Jenny Armini (D-Marblehead).
The work of the local delegation representatives has been at the heart of the earmarks that were released by Healey; Armini and State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) explained what that process looks like.
While the budget was passed by the Legislature and signed by Healey in July, the release of earmarked local funds was delayed until this fall. Crighton noted that such a delay was unusual but understandable, citing “the federal cuts we’re seeing and the loss of revenue coming in.” He emphasized that the hold-up reflected broader fiscal caution rather than disagreement with the projects.
“Traditionally, we pass our budget in early July, and at that point, we start to work with community organizations and groups that we’ve fought for funding for,” Crighton said. “This is really a reflection of our delegation authorizing and getting funds to the district.”
Armini and Crighton described the funding package as one of the most substantial the district has secured in recent memory. The earmarks span priorities such as education, public safety, parks and playgrounds, food security, and mental health.
“This may be the most funding we’ve been able to earn in a budget cycle, at least perhaps ever,” Crighton said, calling it “a significant investment in our entire district.”
Armini explained that many of these funding priorities emerge directly from community conversations.
“We’re on the ground in our communities, and people will tell us what’s needed,” she said. “For instance, with the Waterside Cemetery, I happened to be talking to one of the commissioners who mentioned they could really use some help with cemetery infrastructure. Cemeteries are incredibly meaningful places in communities, so that struck me as a really worthwhile investment.”
She also highlighted that these local earmarks are not subject to the state’s 3A zoning compliance rules, meaning Marblehead will receive its full allotment despite the Town’s noncompliance status.
“The town will get the money,” Armini said plainly. “Earmarks are not subject to 3A.”
Both lawmakers stressed the collaborative nature of the budget process. Crighton said, “It was a team effort.” He credited the broader North Shore delegation, including Representatives Sean Reid, Dan Cahill, and others, for working in concert to balance funding needs across multiple municipalities.
Armini said, “I think teamwork is definitely the theme when it comes to the earmarks, teamwork and just being connected to the community, each of us in our own ways.”
Despite the positive news for Fiscal Year 2026, both legislators expressed concern about the state’s financial outlook moving forward.
“We are already looking at a $650-$700 million deficit for the budget we just passed,” Crighton warned, citing federal cuts to Medicaid and other programs.
Armini added that Fiscal Year 2027 “will probably be a really, really difficult budget, and earmarks may not be an option.”
Still, the delegation remains optimistic about the immediate impact of the funding.
“We feel strongly about helping our community in any way we can,” Armini said. “These earmarks are part of that.”
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