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Commission on the Status of Women seeks modest FY26 increase to sustain regional work, reports and advocacy
Summary
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women requested a 1% FY26 funding increase (to approximately $1.03M) to continue regional commissions, research and advocacy, including an updated survey and an Advocacy Day planned for March.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women presented the committee with a FY26 funding request and a summary of its regional engagement, research and upcoming legislative priorities.
Chair Meredith Tuitt told lawmakers the MCSW operates statutory responsibilities to study conditions for women and to advise executive and legislative branches. The commission emphasized its network of 11 regional commissions, a pipeline that the agency said produces regional insights and local public hearings that directly inform policy recommendations.
Tuitt said the commission planned a reissue of COVID‑era analysis of women of color and an updated, post‑pandemic survey of women’s conditions to be released in 2025. The commission said it will hold an Advocacy Day (March 24) and announce a slate of legislative priorities to support women and families. The commission asked for a 1% budget increase that would bring the MCSW to roughly $1,031,256 in FY26 to sustain core programs, research and regional partnerships.
Commission leaders highlighted the Commonwealth Heroines recognition program and youth empowerment summits as ongoing public engagements and asked the committee to support continued modest funding increases to maintain program continuity.
Ending: The MCSW asked for a small appropriation increase to continue statutory studies, regional outreach and an advocacy calendar that brings constituents and stakeholders to the State House at key moments in the legislative cycle.
