The Massachusetts House revealed their $57.9 billion FY25 state budget last week. The plan calls for a 3.3% spending increase over last year’s FY24 budget. Roughly $20.3 billion of the state spending package is attributed to various MassHealth line items.

The policy-related sections of the budget include items like allowing the sale of online lottery tickets and preventing people from utilizing both workers’ compensation and PFML leave. While there are no proposed tax increases, there are several amendments that impact small business that NFIB will bring to legislators’ attention.

• Amendment 802 may result in higher workers’ compensation rates, making several changes to one of the few programs that is somewhat fair for employers. It adds new fines and penalties as well.
• Amendment 1396 repeals the 2035 sales ban on fossil fuel powered vehicles.
• Amendment 69 adds new food allergy requirements and training for restaurants.
• Amendment 283 expands the state bottle redemption law to miniatures.
• Amendment 792 requires project labor agreements for all public works projects.
• Several amendments call for new health mandated benefits.

NFIB will continue to monitor the budget as it moves through the House and over to the Senate for any provisions that will affect Massachusetts small businesses.