2018 Press
Democrat Karen Spilka of Ashland elected president of Mass. Senate
MetroWest Daily News • July 26, 2018
An Ashland resident will lead the Senate for the first time, as veteran legislator Karen Spilka was elected Senate president Thursday. Spilka succeeds Sen. Harriet Chandler. Read article
The Legislature elects third female Senate President
WWLP-22 News • July 26, 2018
Just days before formal sessions come to an end, Interim Senate President Harriette Chandler handed the gavel to Ashland Democrat Senator Karen Spilka, the state senate's next president. Watch video
Karen Spilka will be voted in as 95th president of the Massachusetts Senate on Thursday
The Republican • July 26, 2018
On Thursday, it will indisputably be Spilka's time: she'll be voted in as the 95th president of the Massachusetts Senate. Read article
Incoming Senate president vows transparency, reforms in wake of scandal
WCVB • July 25, 2018
State Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, will be the third president this session when she replaces the current president, Sen. Harriette Chandler of Worcester. Watch video
MassBay receives $25M for new health sciences center in Framingham
MetroWest Daily News • July 13, 2018
Thanks to $25 million in state money, MassBay Community College will continue to have a presence in Framingham through a new health sciences center. Read article
Women Lead Ways and Means Committee for 1st Time
NBC10 Boston • June 6, 2018
For the first time in history, women are leading the Massachusetts Senate's Ways and Means Committee. Watch video
State Senate passes $41.49B spending plan
SHNS/MWDN • May 25, 2018
The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a $41.49 billion spending plan for fiscal 2019 in the early morning hours Friday. Read article
Karen Spilka to become Senate president in July
SHNS/MWDN • April 5, 2018
Senate President Harriette Chandler and Ways and Means Chairwoman Karen Spilka have agreed after weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations that Chandler will cede the presidency to Spilka the week of July 23. Read article
Karen Spilka says she has votes to be next Mass. Senate president
Boston Globe • March 21, 2018
“Senators have made clear that they want certainty in leadership to allow us to focus solely on the vitally important work to be done on behalf of the people at this time,” she said. “It’s time to turn the page and usher in a new era of collaborative leadership in the Senate.” Read article
Incoming Senate president talks Beacon Hill, governor race: On The Record
WCVB • April 29, 2018
Incoming Mass. Senate president Sen. Karen Spilka joins On The Record to talk about the latest on Beacon Hill. Watch video
Spilka’s Bill To Protect Puppies and Kittens Passes Senate; On To House Next
Framingham Source • March 15, 2018
Senate 1155, An Act relative to protecting puppies and kittens, filed by Senator Karen Spilka, ensures that puppies and kittens are bred and sold in safe and healthy environments and strengthens the Massachusetts “Puppy Lemon Law” to give pet owners more options if they unknowingly purchase a sick pet. Read article
First Responder Peer Support Bill Passes Mass. Senate
NBC10 Boston • May 25, 2018
A bill the could save the lives of first responders in Massachusetts is one step closer to becoming law. The Senate has approved the First Responder Peer Support Bill which would allow first responders to ask for help from their peers, as opposed to a counselor or a supervisor, with confidentiality. The bill, which moved forward with the help of Senator Karen Spilka, still needs final approval. Watch video