“This bill will ensure that when folks go to the pharmacy counter, they are going to pay less for their medications that they need to maintain their quality of life,” said Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland. “It is a lifesaving bill.”
Read MoreThe measure, dubbed the PACT Act 3.0, targets drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers. They have been the subject of intense debates in statehouses and Congress, as lawmakers’ attempts to make life-saving drugs more accessible and affordable collided with the interests of some of the most deep-pocketed and influential industries in the country.
Read MoreThis time around, the legislation will feature new language aimed at reducing or eliminating cost burdens for Bay Staters with conditions like heart disease, asthma and diabetes, a push Senate President Karen Spilka forecast when she signaled plans to bring the bill to the floor before Thanksgiving.
Read MoreSpilka 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.
Read MoreAnd 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.
Read MoreSenate President, Senator Cyr, and Senator Jehlen stand with advocates after the passage of a menstrual equity bill in the Senate.
Read More“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.”
Read MoreMassachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka joins Radio Boston to talk about the benefits and address the pushback.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka makes remarks alongside Governor Healey and Speaker Mariano, after tax relief is signed into law.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka joins hosts Sue O’Connell and Matt Prichard to talk tax relief, what’s next for the Senate, and more.
Read MoreMore 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.
Read MoreIn an interview with Playbook, Senate President Spilka discusses the Massachusetts Senate’s agenda for Fall 2023.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka joins Senator Lydia Edwards and El Mundo Boston to celebrate in-state tuition for all becoming law in Massachusetts.
Read MoreSenate President Karen Spilka discusses tax relief, the legislature, and today’s issues with WCVB’s On the Record.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka makes remarks prior to the launch of MassReconnect, at MassBay Community College.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka joins Governor Healey at Norther Essex Community college for a celebration of in-state tuition.
Read MoreState 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.
Read MoreSenate President Spilka joins state leaders as the Governor signs the FY24 state budget.
Read MoreDuring a conversation with WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller, Sen. President Karen Spilka addressed the budget, and why it takes so long for the state to reach an agreement year after year.
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