The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 2, 2020, passed a $1.1B supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2020 to support extraordinary costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic that require immediate attention. The spending authorized in this supplemental budget will maximize federal financial support while providing critical resources for our most vulnerable populations.
Read MoreSenate President Karen E. Spilka recaps the passage of the Senate's third piece of health care legislation, the Patients First Act, and looks ahead to action COVID-19 funding, government bond bill and vote-by-mail legislation.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts Senate on Thursday unanimously passed the Patients First Act, the third piece of signature healthcare legislation advanced by the body to increase access to health care, protect patients, and enhance quality care. The legislation builds on vital lessons learned during the COVID-19 public health crisis, as unprecedented demands on the healthcare system have prompted innovation and the expedited adoption of policy changes.
Read MoreLincoln is taking a break from the beautiful weather to help me breakdown the week ahead in the Massachusetts State Senate including action on the Patients First Act and an agreement on a budget to address COVID-19 related spending.
Read MoreOn Tuesday, June 23, 2020, Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced her appointments to the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Read MoreSenate President Karen E. Spilka joined all of her Senate colleagues in adopting a resolution to celebrate June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts Senate unveiled the Patients First Act, comprehensive healthcare legislation that aims to increase access to health care, protect patients, and enhance quality care. The legislation builds on vital lessons learned during the COVID-19 public health crisis, as unprecedented demands on the healthcare system have prompted innovation and the expedited adoption of policy changes.
Read MoreGovernor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo today announced additional administrative tax relief measures for local businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, especially in the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to expand voter access and address safety for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1, 2020 state primary and November 3, 2020 general election, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Read MoreOn Monday June 15, 2020, Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Chair of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) Representative Carlos González, and members of the MBLLC met to discuss racial justice legislation. The following is a joint statement from President Spilka and Chair González.
Read MoreLincoln is taking the day off again, but I’m here to update you on how the Massachusetts Senate is moving forward on racial justice legislation and our upcoming debate on vote-by-mail legislation
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed legislation to invest in municipal transportation projects and establish a new leadership board for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed legislation that will help protect residents from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne arbovirus that is rare but can be fatal. The legislation comes as the state prepares for what is expected to be another active season for mosquitos across the state.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate will engage in a listening session hosted by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senator Patricia D. Jehlen, and Senator Adam G. Hinds on Massachusetts’ economic recovery, reinvestment and workforce on Friday, June 12 beginning at 11AM.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate is committed to urgently addressing racial inequities in the Commonwealth, to that end Senate President Karen E. Spilka has formed a bipartisan Senate Advisory Group onRacial Justice to review and recommend legislation to consider this session.
Read MoreI believe we are at a history-making moment, and the Massachusetts Senate is poised to meet that moment with action addressing racial inequity. We’re also taking action on other issues, like transportation, the mosquito-borne illness EEE, vote-by-mail and COVID-19 reopening. I cover it all in my weekly message.
Read MoreThe Massachusetts State Senate and Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday, June 4, 2020, to provide governance and fiscal flexibility for many municipalities grappling with public health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill has been signed into law.
Read MoreIn her weekly message, Senate President Karen Spilka addresses the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery as well as the ongoing protests for justice and change.
Read MoreAddresses disparate impact of the COVID-19 on underserved and underrepresented populations
Read MoreAs we reopen the state’s economy, the Massachusetts State Senate is focused on the actions we need to take to support the recovery of our residents, our businesses and our communities.
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