In the News
With bills passed on wage equity and menstrual product access, here's why representation matters
MASSterList • October 27, 2023
The Senate unanimously approved two health care access measures on Thursday, one which would require public buildings such as schools, correctional facilities and temporary housing to make tampons and pads accessible at no cost to those who need them.
And last week, the upper chamber quickly passed a bill aimed at closing gender and demographic wage gaps. Jehlen thanked Spilka for prioritizing these issues that primarily affect women and LGBTQ+ folks, again pointing to the power of having a woman leading the chamber.
Mass. Health Connector workers visit Framingham businesses to inform them of insurance
MetroWest Daily News • October 27, 2023
Spilka said the state Senate recently passed a bill that targets reducing the co-pay residents face while paying for prescription drugs that treat illnesses such as asthma and high blood pressure, which impacts lower-income residents at a higher rate.
Senate passes menstrual period equity bill
CommonWealth • October 26, 2023
“I don’t say that very often for bills coming through the Legislature, but this one is simple,” said Senate President Karen Spilka at a press conference following the Senate vote. “If we truly believe in equality for women and menstruating people, then making period products accessible is something that we absolutely need to do.”
Massachusetts' tax reform bill is now law. How big of a boost is it?
WBUR’s Radio Boston • October 5, 2023
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka joins Radio Boston to talk about the benefits and address the pushback.
Op-ed: Tax relief makes Mass. more affordable
By Karen E. Spilka and Ronald J. Mariano • CommonWealth Magazine • October 4, 2023
The culmination of more than a year of work by the Legislature, this law strikes the critically important balance of providing tangible, permanent financial relief for Massachusetts families, seniors, and businesses, while ensuring that robust state funding for the Commonwealth’s most vital programs and institutions will continue.
$1 billion tax break bill set for House, Senate votes this week
GBH • September 26, 2023
More than 565,000 families in Massachusetts will benefit next year from an expanded tax credit of $440 for children, disabled adults and seniors under a compromise tax break package that top Democratic lawmakers announced Tuesday.
NBC Boston @Issue: Catching up with Senate President Karen Spilka
NBC Boston • October 1, 2023
Senate President Spilka joins hosts Sue O’Connell and Matt Pritchard to talk tax relief, what’s next for the Senate, and more.
Spilka celebrates in-state tuition becoming law in Massachusetts
El Mundo Boston • September 5, 2023
Senate President Spilka joins El Mundo Boston to celebrate in-state tuition being included in Massachusetts’ final budget and becoming law.
Beacon Hill returns to unfinished business
Massachusetts Playbook • September 5, 2023
In an interview with Playbook, Senate President Spilka discusses the Massachusetts Senate’s agenda for Fall 2023.
Senate President discusses need for tax reform in Massachusetts
WCVB On the Record • September 3, 2023
Senate President Karen Spilka discusses tax relief, the legislature, and today’s issues with WCVB’s On the Record.
Lawmakers tour flood damage in North Andover, Haverhill
The Eagle-Tribune • August 16, 2023
State lawmakers toured flood damage sites in North Andover and Haverhill on Wednesday, where officials are assessing the extent of wrecked businesses, homes, public infrastructure and other buildings as they prepare to seek federal disaster relief money.
State senate proposes $20 million in funding to help farms impacted by flooding
Western Mass News • July 24, 2023
State senate leaders are proposing $20 million, the most financial assistance that Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka said she can ever recall to help local farmers who have suffered unfathomable damage in recent weeks.
Spilka and Senator Edwards discuss tuition equity with El Mundo Boston
El Mundo Boston • July 12, 2023
State Senate President Karen Spilka joined "La Hora Del Café" to talk about the significance of having the state legislature include funding for In-state tuition in the state's budget. If approved, the program will allow high school students without legal immigration status to qualify for in-state tuition rates and financial aid.
PHOTOS: Mass. Leaders with Black Business Owners in Framingham
MetroWest Daily News • April 24, 2023
Mass. Senate President Karen Spilka, right, speaks at the Nzuko Restaurant in Framingham meeting with Black business owners to discuss the economic recovery from the Pandemic, April 24, 2023. Read more here.
'Unfair financial burden.' MetroWest lawmakers cite need for efficient transportation
Boston State House University Program • April 14, 2023
MetroWest lawmakers gathered Wednesday to outline top legislative priorities for their region, including transportation, housing and affordability. Read more here.
Senate President Spilka Shocked By ‘Reprehensible’ & ‘Anti-Democratic’ Actions in Tennessee
Framingham Source • April 8, 2023
Tennessee Republicans on Thursday expelled two Democratic lawmakers from the state Legislature for their role in a protest calling for more gun control in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Nashville. Read more here.
40 Years After Declared A Super Fund Site, EPA Awards More Funding For Nyanza Clean Up
Framingham Source • April 4, 2023
In 2006, a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Health study validated what Marie Kane knew – that the cluster of rare cancers, including angiosarcoma, that killed her son at age 26, was due to the Nyanza chemical plant in Ashland. Read more here.
‘It will happen’: Senate President Karen Spilka, Sen. Jake Oliveira visit Palmer depot, proposed stop on east-west rail
MassLive • March 14, 2023
“When, not if,” Spilka, D-Ashland, said of the east-west passenger rail project promising faster and more frequent trains from Boston west to Springfield and Pittsfield. “It will happen.” Read more here.
Prominent Massachusetts women gather for ‘Galentine’s Day’ celebration
Boston Globe • February 14, 2023
More than 100 influential women in Massachusetts politics, business, philanthropy, and the arts gathered Monday night to celebrate “Galentine’s Day” at an event organized by Senate President Karen Spilka. Read more here.
Spilka's love letter to a revolution
Politico • February 14, 2023
A new political tradition blossomed last night in a city and state now run almost entirely by women: Galentine’s Day. Read more here.
Spilka, Healey both pushing free community college
Boston Herald • January 9, 2023
With a new governor in place and her position leading the upper chamber of the state Legislature secured, the Senate’s President wasted little time before taking to the airwaves to push her plan for free community college. Read more here.
Senate President Karen Spilka urges state to make community college free
State House News Service • January 9, 2023
In a speech delivered to fellow state senators on Wednesday, the Ashland Democrat looked ahead to the new legislative session by declaring a plan to both return to unfinished business and by eyeing a few other issues primed for possible action under Healey. Read more here.
Should Massachusetts Teachers' Associations have the right to strike?
CBS Boston • January 8, 2023
Jon Keller questions Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka on education, pharmaceutical drug prices, and more. See more here.
Massachusetts Senate president discusses state's housing crisis
WCVB • January 8, 2023
Karen Spilka talks about making her goal of using vacant state land for new affordable housing a reality. See more here.
Massachusetts Senate president recounts Gov. Healey's inauguration
WCVB • January 8, 2023
Karen Spilka, president of the State Senate, says she is thrilled to have sworn in the first elected female governor in Massachusetts. See more here.
Spilka, opening legislative session, proposes free community college
Boston Globe • January 4, 2023
Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka kicked off the new legislative session Wednesday by proposing free community college for the state’s residents. See more here.