Special to the Times-Free Press
Following the conclusion of House and Senate budget debates at the Massachusetts State House, Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Adrian Madaro have secured critical funding and policy provisions in the FY26 state budget that will directly benefit East Boston residents. These investments address longstanding community needs, including access to housing and recovery services, youth programming, cultural events, and equitable transportation.
Senator Edward’s Amendments:
Food Insecurity & Recovery Services
To combat food insecurity in East Boston, Senator Edwards has secured a total of $50,000 of much-needed funding to be allocated to several food services, including the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen and Grace Church Federated. To help East Boston families impacted by homelessness, $50,000 has been secured to help fund the Crossroads Family Shelter to provide several services including mental health, substance use and clinical recovery.
The Eviction Sealing provision went into effect on May 5th, 2025, and $25,000 will be allocated to fund North Suffolk Community Services to coordinate and implement eviction sealing outreach and coordination for the East Boston community. These services are especially for those in addiction recovery who are working towards getting a second chance at finding housing without past records standing as a barrier.
Latin American Arts and Culture
To promote Latin American arts and culture, The Veronica Robles Cultural Center will receive $50,000 to build up the community and boost economic growth. Additionally, the 4th annual East Boston Latin Music and Dance Festival, “Sonidos de la Gente”, which partners with East Boston Main Streets and the City of Boston, will receive $70,000.
Workforce Development
To promote workforce development, $50,000 has been allocated to We Reach Workforce Development to expand programs in East Boston in need of job training and economic empowerment. The East Boston-based organization is dedicated to creating equitable workforce development for underserved communities, offering several programs including entrepreneurship training, pathways for education and job training for returning citizens, construction management programs, and apprenticeship training in emerging industries.
“Securing major funding for East Boston in the FY26 budget is not just a line item — it’s a commitment to equity, resilience, and opportunity. East Boston is a vibrant, hardworking community that has long faced environmental, economic, and infrastructure challenges. This investment is about ensuring families have access to housing, recovery services, workforce development programming, and the resources they need to thrive,” said Senator Edwards. “I’m honored to provide the East Boston community with the support it deserves alongside Representative Madaro.”
Representative Madaro’s Amendments:
Youth Programming
To promote holistic youth development, Representative Madaro secured $150,000 for the East Boston FC, a recreational soccer club powered by Boston Scores in partnership with the Salesian Boys and Girls Club of East Boston that offers PreK -12 programming at free or low-cost. Registration for Fall 2025 will open in late June. Additionally, the Piers Park Sailing Center will receive $125,000 to sustain inclusive sailing programs and marine science education for families in East Boston and surrounding communities. Lastly, Representative Madaro helped secure $300,000 for Friends of the Children Boston to expand one-on-one professional mentorship for Boston Public Schools students facing significant obstacles to opportunity.
Housing & Health
To connect area residents with housing services and supports, Representative Madaro secured $75,000 for Maverick Landing Community Services. This funding will continue existing efforts to connect tenants and small property owners to eviction defense, housing search assistance, and support navigating financial assistance programs. The budget also directs $5,000 to the Prospera Institute to support their work advancing health equity in underserved communities.
Seniors
Representative Madaro secured $75,000 for the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission to enhance senior programming in East Boston, including through services at the East Boston Senior Center.
Additional Funding and Policy Directives to Support the East Boston Ferry
Representative Madaro secured $1.3 million from the MBTA’s operating budget for the East Boston ferry to run from April 1 through November 30 in both 2025 and 2026. The budget also directs the MBTA to add a new stop at the Seaport and to conduct a capital assessment of extended service hours and a new stop at Liberty Plaza in East Boston. Finally, the budget requires the MBTA to report ferry ridership numbers to House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means by January 31, 2026.
These accomplishments build on Senator Edwards’ successful advocacy in the Senate’s supplemental spending bill passed earlier this month, which includes:
• $1.5 million in new funding for the planning and construction of a vessel dock on Border Street in East Boston; and
• Funding for the MBTA to procure additional ferries, supporting the expansion of water transportation in communities like East Boston.
“These investments reflect our deep commitment to increasing access to opportunity for all East Boston residents,” said Representative Adrian Madaro. “From expanding youth mentorship and senior services, to strengthening housing supports and investing in critical ferry service upgrades, this funding meets real needs in our community. I’m proud to have worked alongside Senator Edwards to deliver meaningful resources that will uplift our neighbors in East Boston today and into the future.”
The House and Senate must now reconcile the differences between their respective versions of the annual budget. Once a compromise is reached, the final budget will be engrossed by the Legislature and sent to the Governor for her review.