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MCB says federal funding intact for now; describes strategy to stretch grants
Summary
Commissioner John told the advisory board the agency closed FY25 accounts, expects federal FY26 funding in October, has reallotment and Social Security reimbursement funds to stretch grants, and reported no current notices of federal cuts affecting MCB.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind told its Statutory Advisory Board that it has closed state fiscal year 2025 accounts and is positioned to receive federal fiscal year 2026 funds, while using reimbursement and reallotment dollars to sustain services.
Commissioner John said the agency completed closing fiscal year 2025 books and is now loading the FY26 budget. He explained that the agency is still using federal fiscal year 2025 funds through Sept. 30 and that leftover federal funds can remain available if the required state match is met. "So right now it looks like we are in good shape," John said, adding that the agency expects federal FY26 funding to reach it in October.
John also described additional funding sources that provide flexibility. He said MCB received reallotment dollars from the Rehabilitation Services Administration for one‑year projects and has been receiving Social Security Administration reimbursement funds tied to successful placements; those reimbursement funds, he said, are used ahead of the federal grant so the agency can stretch federal dollars farther and draw down the full grant. "Those were sent back to RSA and looking forward to to see what what happens," he said of paperwork required to access FY26 funds.
When asked whether the new state budget or recent news reports signaled potential cuts, John said he had seen no indications that MCB’s federal funding had been impacted and that the agency signed required documents last week to start receiving federal FY26 funding.
The board received this budget update as the agency balances closing FY25 obligations while preparing service and program budgets for FY26. No formal budget votes or changes were taken during the meeting.
