Statement Regarding the FY’2026 State Budget

July 1, 2025

State Representative Steve Xiarhos released the following statement today regarding the FY’2026 State Budget:

Crafting the state budget is always a challenge—full of complexities, negotiations, and difficult decisions. Yesterday, I voted to send the FY’2026 budget to the Governor for her approval. While I strongly disagree with some provisions and would have voted against those parts if given the opportunity, legislative rules require an up-or-down vote on the entire bill. In the end, despite my misgivings about some parts, I voted favorably because my job is to promote the interests of the 5th Barnstable District and this budget secures millions in direct support for our district and delivers real results for the people I represent.

First and foremost, I am proud to announce that we successfully secured critical funding to keep the Pocasset Mental Health Center fully open. This is not just a promise kept, it’s a major victory for Cape Cod, for our region’s behavioral health infrastructure, and for the countless individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Not only will the center remain operational, but this funding also includes resources to upgrade facilities, expand access to care, and enhance the quality of services delivered.

As the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, I’ve made it my mission to protect and expand mental health services across Massachusetts. Closing Pocasset would have left a dangerous gap in care. I’m proud that we fought back—and won.

District and Regional Highlights

We delivered millions of dollars in local and targeted investments, including:

Local Aid to Our Cities and Towns

  • Barnstable: $26,088,377 in Chapter 70 education aid, $2,618,509 in unrestricted general government aid (UGGA)
  • Bourne: $5,892,775 in Chapter 70, $1,824,875 in UGGA
  • Sandwich: $8,063,976 in Chapter 70, $1,403,117 in UGGA
  • Cape Cod Regional Tech: $3,579,390
  • Upper Cape Tech: $4,720,060

Public Safety and First Responders

  • Secured PFAS-free turnout gear for fire departments in Sandwich, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Plymouth, and others—protecting our firefighters from cancer-causing chemicals.
  • Funded $25,000 for new equipment and $10,000 for peer support training for the Sandwich Fire Department.
  • $19,000 to support essential equipment for the Bourne Police Department.
  • $40,000 to enhance Barnstable County fire training programs.

Education and Student Services

  • $70,000 for an accessible van to safely transport students with disabilities in Barnstable.
  • $40,000 more to meet the overall transportation needs of Barnstable Public Schools.
  • $100,000 for pedestrian improvements in downtown Hyannis and a new traffic signal at Barnstable High School.

Housing, Workforce, and Environment

  • $150,000 to help Barnstable launch a Municipal Housing Resource Initiative, including direct support for local workforce and first-time homebuyers.
  • $150,000 for shellfish propagation across Barnstable, Dukes County, and Nantucket—strengthening our environment and local economy.

Veterans, Gold Star Families, and Infrastructure

  • Increased funding for Gold Star families and veterans in need—a cause close to my heart.
  • Secured funding to keep the Sandwich Gate at Joint Base Cape Cod open.
  • Supported redesign work at Upper Cape Tech, including installation of traffic lights and road re-markings to improve safety and flow.
  • $15,000 for renovations at the Sandwich Glass Museum, preserving local history and culture.

As I stated, I do not approve of every dollar being spent in this budget or every priority reflected. But, such is the way of the legislative process. This budget does reflect certain values I hold dear: protecting first responders, expanding mental health and substance use services, strengthening our schools, and investing in the infrastructure and people of our region. I will never stop fighting to bring resources home to our communities—and this budget proves that when we work together, we can deliver real results.

Wishing everyone a safe, reflective, and proud Independence Day week as we honor those who’ve fought for the freedoms we enjoy—and recommit ourselves to serving others.

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