Walsh and Lynch Announce American Rescue Plan Relief for Boston, Slam MBTA Cut Plans

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — Boston Mayor Walsh and Congressman Lynch outlined American Rescue Plan relief for the city while Lynch issued sharp warnings to the MBTA over reported service cuts. Speaking at a City Hall press conference approximately one week after President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion package on March 11, Lynch said the Massachusetts delegation was "furious" that MBTA management was considering furloughs and bus service reductions even as the agency stood to receive roughly $1 billion in federal transit relief. Lynch, a member of the House Transportation Committee, tied Massachusetts's cooperation to its prospects in an upcoming federal infrastructure bill, saying cutting service and laying off frontline workers was "incongruous with our intent." The American Rescue Plan directed approximately $8 billion to Massachusetts state government and an estimated $100 million to Lynch's 8th Congressional District alone, including $46 million for Quincy and $37 million for Brockton. Walsh reported that 23.7 percent of Boston residents 16 and older had received at least one vaccine dose as of March 10, and announced outdoor restaurant dining would resume citywide on March 22 — one week ahead of the previous April 1 date — with North End restaurants following on April 1 due to the more complex street buildout required along Hanover Street.