Massachusetts budget omits protections for mental health case workers

State mental health case workers in Massachusetts face uncertainty as the Senate Ways and Means Committee has not included measures to protect 170 jobs proposed for elimination by Governor Maura Healey. The governor’s fiscal 2026 budget originally aimed to cut the Department of Mental Health (DMH) case manager workforce in half, from 340 to 170 positions. Lawmakers in the House managed to block these layoffs through a recent budget amendment.

Senate Ways and Means Chair, Senator Michael Rodrigues, acknowledged the importance of mental health services but did not clarify whether the committee’s budget would maintain the current number of DMH case managers. He referred questions about workforce levels to the Department of Mental Health. Budget director Christopher Czepiel indicated that the committee opted to refrain from intervening in the ongoing labor negotiations between the administration and the DMH case workers’ union.

Czepiel stated, ‘We’re proposing that we don’t wade into that issue, and let the administration negotiate that.’ He noted that if additional funding becomes necessary due to collective bargaining agreements, the committee would consider it then.

Rodrigues emphasized that mental health remains a priority for the Senate. He expressed confidence that the current budget provides sufficient resources for the DMH community, stating, ‘If contracts and negotiations require adjustments, we routinely pass supplemental budgets to address those needs.’

The House Ways and Means Committee’s budget also did not offer protections for DMH case managers, with Chair Aaron Michlewitz echoing the sentiment of allowing the administration and union to negotiate a resolution. He suggested that a supplemental budget might be necessary once an agreement is reached.

The proposed layoffs would save the state approximately $12.4 million, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. DMH Commissioner Brooke Doyle informed lawmakers that her department is reallocating resources to improve inpatient psychiatric care.

However, the union representing DMH workers, SEIU Local 509, is currently in conflict with the administration regarding a new care model that accommodates a potentially reduced workforce. Union President Dave Foley criticized the administration for misrepresenting the state of negotiations, asserting, ‘The administration walked away from a series of conversations with DMH workers and union leadership several weeks ago after refusing to budge on these cuts.’ Foley called for a halt to the proposed layoffs, emphasizing the need for maintaining essential services.

The Senate Ways and Means budget does include funding to sustain operations at three youth mental health treatment facilities. State-run public health hospitals would receive $237.7 million, with specific allocations for Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and Pocasset Mental Health Center.

Foley’s comments highlight the tension between the administration and the union as both parties navigate the budget process. The Senate is expected to debate amendments aimed at securing protections or funding for DMH case managers and related facilities as budget discussions continue.