Healey Files BRIGHT Act to Boost Public Higher Education Potential in Massachusetts
Gov. Maura Healey announced the filing of the BRIGHT Act, a comprehensive legislative proposal to modernize public higher education in Massachusetts. The announcement was made at Bridgewater State University on Jan. 21, 2025. This proposal represents the largest investment in the higher education sector in Massachusetts in decades, focusing on infrastructure, student services, and workforce development.
“[Our] state universities and community colleges are central to the Administration’s mission of providing equitable and affordable access to education for all Massachusetts residents,” Healey said in comments shared by The Online Beacon of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).
The BRIGHT Act aims to foster partnerships between secondary and higher education institutions to strengthen workforce development efforts and create career pathways for young people. At the core of the proposal is an estimated $2.5 billion investment for the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) System, with substantial funding expected to create approximately 15,000 construction-related jobs.
While primarily focused on the UMASS System, the BRIGHT Act will also support Massachusetts-based institutions, including the MCLA. In addition to the infrastructure improvements, the BRIGHT Act will provide funding for deferred maintenance and promote new projects in higher education, benefiting industries such as advanced manufacturing and web development.
If the BRIGHT Act fails to pass in the Commonwealth, Massachusetts public higher education institutions could face significant challenges. These setbacks could include worsening infrastructure, inadequate funding for student support services, and stalled workforce development programs.
You can view more information about the BRIGHT Act and its potential impacts on modernization, equity, and workforce development for public higher education institutions by visiting Mass.gov.
