Building on our past efforts to support genocide education and guard against hate-based attacks, our chambers are each committing $5 million in state funds, $10 million in total, to support the Holocaust Museum Boston, an institution that will serve as a powerful reminder of the atrocities perpetrated because of prejudice, the importance of resisting hate in every form, and the power of democratic institutions to fight back against bigotry and dehumanization.
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In 2023 the Massachusetts Legislature passed, and Governor Healey signed into law, a historic tax relief bill aimed at lowering costs for working families, homeowners, renters and the Commonwealth’s seniors, among others. Residents can expect to see the effects of this tax relief package as they file their taxes for tax year 2024.
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In response to federal actions under the second Trump Administration that threaten critical programs and institutions, the Massachusetts Senate is launching RESPONSE 2025, a coordinated effort to protect residents, defend the Commonwealth’s values, and lead Massachusetts through a potentially difficult time.
Read MoreToday, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka announced that busts of women’s rights leader and presidential advisor Abigail Adams, as well as freedom fighter Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved woman to successfully sue for her freedom in the United States of America, will be commissioned and placed in the Massachusetts Senate Chamber.
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Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.
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Today, the Legislature passed a $425 million supplemental budget to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth.
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Today, Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced the membership of the Senate Art Committee, a group of Senators and arts leaders who will be tasked with making the art and symbols in the Senate more representative of the residents of the Commonwealth.
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On February 13, Senate President Karen Spilka hosted her third annual Galentine’s Day Celebration, bringing together women leaders from government, business, philanthropy, nonprofits, and the arts. With comedy and dialogue, the evening recognized and celebrated the contributions of the women shaping industries and communities across Massachusetts and the nation.
Read MoreThe Senate’s rules proposals for the 2025-2026 session aim to create a transparent and efficient Legislature that meets our current moment. These proposals will build on the Senate’s commitment to transparency and create a framework for increased productivity during legislative sessions.
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Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to allocate $425 million to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth. The bill adds cost controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure the state responsibly uses taxpayer dollars, while continuing to fund a system that serves Massachusetts mothers, fathers, and children in crisis.
Read MoreSenate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) released the following statement regarding the rollback of gender identity designations on federal documents
Read More"I applaud the Governor’s proposal to eliminate renter-paid broker fees, which reflects a priority the Senate championed and one which remains a central focus of the Senate," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland).
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Today the Massachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive reforms to lower the cost of prescription drugs at the pharmacy counter and improve oversight of the state’s pharmaceutical industry.
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Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation that will close loopholes in the health care market regulatory process exposed by the collapse of Steward Health Care, increase financial transparency by gathering more information regarding hospital finances, and assist in maintaining a more stable and sustainable health care system.
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In December 2024, a conference committee of the Massachusetts House and Senate reached agreement on An Act relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure. This compromise legislation widely expands access to opioid reversal drugs, bolsters non-opioid pain treatments, and strengthens treatment for Massachusetts residents going through recovery.
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Today the Massachusetts Legislature approved legislation to combat the opioid crisis and support residents living with substance use disorder (SUD).
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Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a sweeping economic development bill authorizing a nearly $4 billion infusion into the Commonwealth’s economy while making wide-ranging policy changes to make Massachusetts more competitive.
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Today the Massachusetts Legislature passed sweeping climate legislation to empower the state’s fight against climate change and accelerate progress towards the state’s goals of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
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