Massachusetts State Senate Passes Reform, Shift + Build Act

The Massachusetts State Senate on Tuesday passed An Act to Reform Police Standards and Shift Resources to Build a More Equitable, Fair and Just Commonwealth that Values Black Lives and Communities of Color (S.2800). Known as the Reform, Shift + Build Act, the comprehensive bill is designed to increase police accountability, shift the role of law enforcement away from surveillance and punishment, and begin to dismantle systemic racism.

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Sarah Blodgett
Massachusetts Legislature Passes Critical Legislation to Safeguard Fall 2020 Elections

The Massachusetts Legislature today passed a bill that expands voter access and ensures voters have safe voting options for all remaining 2020 elections, including the September 1, 2020 state primary and November 3, 2020 general election, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. An Act relative to voting options in response to COVID-19 now moves to the governor’s desk.

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Sarah Blodgett
Senate Passes $1.7 Billion General Government Bond Bill

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 2, 2020, passed a $1.7 billion General Government Bond Bill focused on capital improvements to improve government infrastructure, empower communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system, support early education and care providers with safe reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expand equitable access to remote learning opportunities for vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.

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Sarah Blodgett
Senate Passes FY 2020 COVID-19 $1.1B Supplemental Budget

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.

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Sarah Blodgett
Karen's Message June 29, 2020

Senate 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.

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Sarah Blodgett
Senate Passes Patients First Act

The 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.

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Sarah Blodgett
Karen's Message June 22, 2020

Lincoln 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.

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Sarah Blodgett
Senate Unveils Patients First Act

The 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.  

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Sarah Blodgett