Energy and transportation in the FY27 budget

House of Representatives will release their draft of the fiscal year 2027 budget in about six weeks. In 22 News, State House reporter Olivia Ray breaks down how the House is considering spending your taxpayer dollars on transportation and energy. The Massachusetts House and Senate held a budget hearing at UMass Amherst on Tuesday to hear more about the governor's proposed spending plan for energy and transportation offices. On the transportation side, Governor Healey proposed a 4% increase The MassDOT is slated to receive $645 million, 85 million of which is dedicated to snow and ice removal. As winter storms become more severe and unpredictable, regional transit authorities would receive $217.5 million under the spending plan. The committee's afternoon was spent on energy line items. The governor's proposal funds the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs the Department of Public Utilities around $29 million and the Clean Energy Center at $10 million. This funding is focused on transitioning the state to cleaner energy options, preserving access to natural resources and addressing increasing climate disasters after a particularly chilly last two months. As you all know, we have had a tough winter and a tough year weather-wise. We've had droughts, major rain events and record-breaking snowfalls. This funding conversation comes just days after the House passed a bill that cuts $1 billion from the MassSAVE program, which is aimed at lowering utility costs for ratepayers. Once the House passes their budget, it's the Senate's turn. Then they'll reconcile their differences and send a final version to the governor's desk at the end of June. Working for you from the Statehouse in Boston, I'm Olivia Rae, 22 News.