Bill provides relief to fiscally stressed hospitals, reduces pension liability, assists special education obligations, and dedicates funding for farms and rural communities affected by natural disasters
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The Massachusetts Senate unanimously approved a $590 million Tax Relief bill that delivers support to low- and middle-income earners and chips away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts’ competitiveness.
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The Senate approved a $55.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). As the Commonwealth continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget prioritizes upholding fiscal discipline and responsibility, and supports the long-term economic health of the state. The Senate budget delivers historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate preparedness, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.
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(BOSTON– 5/09/23) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Tuesday released a $55.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). As the Commonwealth emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee’s budget continues to uphold fiscal responsibility and support the long-term economic health of the state, providing historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, accessible, competitive, and inclusive.
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The Massachusetts State Senate passed a reorganization plan to create a state Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, a cabinet-level position which will assist the Commonwealth with meeting its long-term goals in addressing the housing crisis and expanding safe, accessible, and affordable housing for residents.
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The Senate passed a bill that includes bond authorizations for transportation needs across the state, including the state’s Chapter 90 program, which provides municipalities with a reliable funding source for transportation-related improvements, including road and bridge repairs.
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The Massachusetts Legislature passed a $388.6 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The legislation funds vital services that support vulnerable populations and address food insecurity, housing instability, the state’s long-term COVID-19 response, economic development, essential support services for incoming immigrants and refugees, and more. Notably, the bill extends initiatives first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as outdoor dining, remote public meeting access, and support for assisted living residences.
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The Massachusetts State Senate passed a $368.7 million supplemental budget for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The legislation funds vital services that support vulnerable populations and address food insecurity, housing instability, the state’s long-term COVID-19 response, economic development, essential support services for incoming immigrants and refugees, and more. Notably, the bill extends initiatives first implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as outdoor dining, remote public meeting access, and support for assisted living residences.
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Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ’98, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka ’80, Federal Defender for Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island Kyana Givens ’02 and US Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins ’97 were featured in the Winter 2023 issue of Northeastern Law.
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Senate President Karen Spilka, the third woman to be elected to the presidency of the Massachusetts State Senate, hosted a Galentine’s Day event on Monday, February 13, 2023 billed as a lighthearted evening of fun and stories to celebrate leaders, visionaries, and trendsetters who identify as women.
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On February 9, 2023, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a comprehensive rules package updating the Senate and joint rules to incorporate the best practices learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. This package reflects the societal shift toward hybrid operations while building on the Senate’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and equity.
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On Wednesday, January 4, 2023, Senator Karen Spilka was re-elected President of the Massachusetts State Senate after the Senators of the 193rd General Court were sworn in.
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The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed legislation that would support parents running for public office by recognizing childcare as a valid campaign expense.
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The Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to prevent individuals who default on their student loans from having their license or professional certification revoked as a result.
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The Legislature on passed legislation that protects open and public spaces throughout the Commonwealth and ensures their conservation for future generations. This legislation, known as the Public Land Preservation Act, permanently preserves and protects the amount of land designated as open spaces and prevents it from being used for other purposes.
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Leaders from MetroWest Medical Center and Tufts Medicine today announced continued progress in their plans to ensure that cancer services remain open in Framingham without any disruption to care in the community.
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The Massachusetts Legislature passed a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs, and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.
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The Senate passed two bills to help people with disabilities live independently in Massachusetts. The first takes steps to ensure that people with physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs are not stranded for long time periods in the event of the breakdown of an in-warranty wheelchair. The second recognizes supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, allowing certain people with disabilities to retain greater decision-making power over their lives.
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The Massachusetts Senate enacted legislation to limit the use of step therapy, or ‘fail first’ protocols that too often direct patients to cheaper medications rather than those more suitable to treat their condition.
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Senate President Spilka’s 55+ Fair: Health and Wellness for Active Agers and Those Who Love Them will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Keefe Regional Technical School (Keefe Tech), located at 750 Winter Street in Framingham, Massachusetts.
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