Press Room

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

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.