[News & Insights](https://hbrama.com/news-insights)# HBRAMA Opposes Surcharge on Ready-Mixed Concrete

June 22, 2026      [Hot Topics](https://hbrama.com/hot-topics) 

The Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts recently testified at the State House in opposition to a bill that would impose a surcharge of $6 per cubic yard on ready-mixed concrete to fund a state assistance program for homeowners who have been affected by crumbling concrete foundations. HBRAMA counsel and lobbyist Benjamin Fierro urged the Joint Committee on Financial Services to strike the surcharge from [**Senate Bill No. 3091**](https://spaces.dative-cdn.com/hbrama-craftcms/Files/S3091.pdf), An Act creating crumbling concrete relief for homeowners.

Fierro argued that the committee should reject any legislation that would add to the already high cost of building housing in the commonwealth. He noted that depending upon the size of the house, the concrete surcharge could add on average an additional $1,500 in cost. While that may seem relatively minor in the context of overall construction costs, he warned that these incremental additional expenses ultimately push the cost of a new home out of reach of families of average means. He cited the example of proposed stormwater regulations from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that are estimated to add an additional $18,000 to the cost of every single-family house lot, as well as the additional construction costs associated with the complying with the [**Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code**](https://www.mass.gov/doc/stretch-energy-and-municipal-opt-in-specialized-building-code-faq/download).

Senate Bill No. 3091 was also opposed by the Massachusetts Concrete & Aggregate Producers Association. The Massachusetts Association of Realtors testified in support of the bill.

A copy of the legislation can be found below:

[**Senate Bill No. 3091**](https://spaces.dative-cdn.com/hbrama-craftcms/Files/S3091.pdf)

Keep reading

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