Mass. Gov. Healey eyes $21M boost for sheriffs in 2026-27 budget plan
Gov. Maura Healey's annual budget includes a $21 million boost in state funding for county sheriffs, whose spending practices are being investigated by a public official scheduled to testify on Beacon Hill on Wednesday.
Healey, who is also testifying on Wednesday on her fiscal 2027 spending plan, proposed about $759.5 million for the sheriffs, up from roughly $738.4 million in projected spending this fiscal year.
State aid to the sheriffs, who run county jails and houses of correction, rose to $878.9 million in fiscal 2025, prompting a strong legislative reaction.
Inspector General Jeff Shapiro was assigned in November to investigate sheriffs' spending. His preliminary report to the Legislature is due by Feb. 27.
In a spending law, lawmakers tasked Shapiro with assembling a detailed accounting of sheriffs' expenditures in fiscal year 2025; an analysis of sheriffs' offices' compliance with state finance laws; a review of sheriffs' spending on activities not specifically required by statue, case law or court order; and an analysis of compensation levels and changes over the preceding three fiscal years. Shapiro's final report is due by May 31.
Shapiro was among the state officials who were invited to testify Wednesday when the Joint Ways and Means Committee opened its public hearings on the fiscal 2027 budget.
More on Politics
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
