New state budget proposals include funding for Pappas
By Jay TurnerCanton’s Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, a state-run facility serving children and young adults with multiple disabilities for the past 120 years, has been given a potential lifeline thanks to the efforts of state Rep. Bill Galvin, state Senator Paul Feeney, and many others.
With the planned closure of the facility currently on pause at the direction of Governor Maura Healey amid a major public outcry, both Galvin and Feeney advocated for funding in their respective houses to ensure Pappas’ continued operation through at least the next fiscal year.
Last week, the Mass. House passed its version of the state budget totaling $61.47 billion, and it included an amendment filed by Galvin stipulating that services provided by Pappas shall not be reduced or eliminated, nor shall it be closed or consolidated with any other facility, until a commission to study Pappas’ finances, programs, and infrastructure presents its findings. The commission was also pitched by Galvin as part of the amendment and would be tasked with identifying the necessary investments to keep Pappas open for current and future residents.
On Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Ways and Means released its own FY26 budget proposal ($61.3B), and that version also included full funding for Pappas through the end of FY26.
Senator Feeney, who was recently appointed as assistant vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee, said he was both proud and grateful to see funding for Pappas kept in the budget proposal, which would ensure its continued operation next year to “meet the physical, medical and educational needs of the most vulnerable and medically complex young people in Massachusetts.”
“This could not have been accomplished by one senator, one committee, or one individual,” said Feeney. “It is due in large part to the many who raised their voices to save Pappas. This budget shows that Massachusetts values the level of care that these individuals and their families deserve and supports the staff who provide their care. This budget shows that Pappas is worth it.”
The Senate Ways and Means budget will now go to the full Senate for discussion and debate, and once approved, it will move on to the House Conference Committee to resolve any differences between the House and Senate versions. The completed Conference Committee Report will then be sent to the governor for final approval.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=131653
Posted by Jay Turner
on May 9 2025. Filed under News, Schools.
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