5-25-2025 4:03am

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Alan Earls Editor

If you have any questions about this week's report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562.

Volume 50 -Report No. 21

May 19-23, 2025

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators' and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of May 19-23. All Senate roll calls were related to the Senate version of a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget.

“BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SENATE BUDGET DEBATE”

Of the 1,058 amendments filed by senators, only 21 came to a roll call vote. Many others were simply approved or rejected one at a time on voice votes, some with debate and some without debate.

To move things along even faster, the Senate also did its usual “bundling” of many amendments. Instead of acting on each amendment one at a time, hundreds of the proposed amendments are bundled and put into two piles—one pile that will be approved and the other that will be rejected, without a roll call, on voice votes where it is impossible to tell which way a senator votes.

Senate President Karen Spilka, or the senator who is filling in for her at the podium, orchestrates the approval and rejection of the bundled amendments with a simple: “All those in favor say ‘Aye,’ those opposed say ‘No.’ The Ayes have it and the amendments are approved.” Or: “All those in favor say ‘Aye,’ those opposed say ‘No.’ The No’s have it and the amendments are rejected.”

Senators don’t actually vote "Yes" or "No," and, in fact, they don’t say a word. The outcome was predetermined earlier behind closed doors. Supporters of the system say that any senator who sponsored an amendment that is in the "No" pile can bring it to the floor and ask for an up or down vote on the amendment itself. They say this system has worked well for many years.

Critics say that most of the time members do not bring their amendment, which was destined for the "No" pile, to the floor for an up-or-down vote because that is not the way the game is played. It is an “expected tradition” that in most cases you accept the fate of your amendment as determined by Democratic leaders.

APPROVE $530 MILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4150)

House 149-1, approved a $530 million fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that will carry a net cost to the state of $318.2 million after federal reimbursements.

Provisions include $189 million for childcare financial assistance; $134 million for the Medical Assistance Trust Fund; $60 million for Home Care Services; $42.9 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program; and $15 million in grants to support municipal celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the American independence.

“Amid President Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education, and amid sweeping cuts at the federal level to programs that millions of Americans rely on, this supplemental budget makes key investments that will ensure continued funding for state programs that support many of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).

“This supplemental budget will fund critical programs such as childcare financial assistance, home care services and food insecurity that require immediate attention,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means.

“The policies of kill, maim, medicate and indoctrinate our children continue, as does the policy of putting illegal immigrants ahead of our citizens,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only members to vote againt the budget. “[Speaker] Mariano's hint at a lower budget to help struggling taxpayers turned into a free-for-all as the House budget ballooned all week long.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

ENGLISH LEARNERS (H 4150)

House 150-1, approved an amendment that would enshrine protections for English language learners and students with disabilities currently provided under federal law into state law, ensuring that these students receive both English language development and Special Education services in a coordinated, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, regardless of school district or demographic. The amendment also prohibits discrimination in public schools based on immigration, citizenship status or disability.

“This is a strong step toward ensuring English learners are fairly evaluated and appropriately supported in special education,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “This will help ensure our English Language Learners students receive the same opportunities to succeed as every other student.”

“This is a requirement that further burdens an already struggling education system but, show me where this isn’t already happening,” said amendment opponent Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver). “The schools have every resource they need available to them. If there is a significant problem and parents need to be involved, translators are always available. The state wants to provide translators for non-English speakers but refuses to allow teachers to speak to parents when their children are suffering mental health breaks, declaring they are the opposite sex.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

SENATE APPROVES $61.4 BILLION FISCAL 2026 STATE BUDGET (S 3)

Senate 38-2, approved a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House has already approved a different version, and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a compromise plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to Gov. Maura Healey.

“This budget reflects the Senate’s commitment to a commonwealth that carefully balances investing in our people with responsible money management so we can protect our residents, communities and economy for years to come,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate’s statewide approach to investment delivers resources to every part of the state and protects our most vulnerable residents, while our continued focus on education and mental health ensures that residents have the keys to unlock the doors of opportunity.”

“This budget is a testament to the Senate's collective values and our shared responsibility to invest in every community and every person in the commonwealth—from the Connecticut River Valley to Cape Cod,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By prioritizing education, transportation, health care and support for municipalities, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more equitable and resilient commonwealth amid a time of great national turbulence and strife.”

“Constituents and businesses from across my district are exhausted by Gov. Healey’s budget priorities that underfund core local services, overfund benefits for non-residents with billions of tax dollar and burden them with ever-increasing taxes and energy costs,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators to vote against the budget. “Massachusetts residents are going to keep voting with their feet as they move out-of-state if we continue with the status quo – it’s unsustainable and must end.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (S 3)

Senate 34-5, approved an amendment that would allow Health Policy Commission regulators to place a maximum price limit on some medications, capping what patients, providers, pharmacies and others in Massachusetts would pay.

“I was supportive of this amendment because of the impact high prescription drug prices have had on the most vulnerable in my community" said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). "Nobody should have to make a choice between paying their bills and paying for their prescriptions.”

"While I agree with the intention behind this amendment, I believe that the subject matter needs to be addressed. I voted no … because I believe, given its magnitude, that it should go through the regular committee-review process,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “While versions of the legislation that this amendment reflect have been filed in previous sessions, this amendment includes new language that deserves a committee hearing and additional committee review.”

"If this doesn't belong in a budget, I'm not sure where else it belongs,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “This is having a profound effect on how we use our resources in the commonwealth, and if we don't address this issue sooner rather than later, we will be in major trouble. Our hospitals are in major trouble because of this, our insurers are in major trouble, our state is in major trouble, so this, in my mind, is absolutely the right place for this."

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

HUMAN TRAFFICKING (S 3)

Senate 12-28, rejected an amendment that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to trafficking situations. The measure also requires these establishments to post in plain view, in the lobby and in any public restroom in their establishment, a written notice developed by the attorney general, which must include the national human trafficking hotline telephone number.

Amendment sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) said the passage of the amendment will send a message to survivors that we support them. He noted that almost no one trafficking people is in jail in Massachusetts and said that when people call him and ask him why, he doesn’t have an answer. Training front-line people in hotels to recognize trafficking and posting a hotline number might give a victim a chance. He said he has worked with hundreds of survivors and advocates on this and they always stress why is there so much inaction on Beacon Hill.

Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), who voted against the amendment, said the goals are laudable, but this is a situation where you really don't create a mandate that every hotel employee, no matter their job, is required to be trained to recognize human trafficking without extensive discussions with the labor unions that represent the employees. He noted this mandate could arguably involve tens of thousands of individuals.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch No Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

CAPITAL GAINS TAX DISTRIBUTION (S 3)

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would require any excess revenue in capital gains revenue over $1 billion to annually automatically be transferred as follows: 80 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 10 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 10 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund. The amendment would replace a section that distributes 5 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 90 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund.

Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the amendment sponsor, said that putting only 5 percent into the stabilization fund at a time when we recognize there's a possibility of a downturn in federal support for our budget is not a good idea. He noted we have a stabilization fund to ensure we have those resources when we need them.

Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), who voted against the amendment, said the Rainy Day Fund is currently already funded at an impressive gold standard of $8.1 billion. He argued that putting the majority of the funds into the Pension Liability Fund would be wiser and would boost the state’s bond rating.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch No Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 3)

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would increase from $2 million to $5 million the amount of money that is tax exempt from the value of a person’s estate when calculating the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over three years.

Most Republicans are against any such tax and coined the name “death tax” to imply that the government taxes you even after you die. Most Democrats support the tax and call it an “estate tax” to imply that this tax is mostly paid by the wealthy.

Amendment supporters said that Massachusetts is one of only 12 states that have an estate/death tax and that the Bay State’s is the most aggressive of the 12. They said that in light of the high value of houses, with the average home price more than $500,000, the $1 million threshold of this “unfair and regressive” tax is too low and noted the federal tax exempts the first $12 million. They noted that Massachusetts is losing many residents who move to Florida and other states where this tax does not even exist.

Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) Senate Chair of the Committee on Revenue, said he voted against the increased exemption because the Legislature in a bipartisan manner already raised the threshold last session from $1 million to $2 million, providing tax relief to many middle class and working families. “Further raising the threshold would not only further reduce state revenue at a time when federal budget cuts are looming, but such a change would only make our tax system more regressive, disproportionately benefiting Massachusetts' wealthiest families," said Eldridge.

(A “Yes” vote is for increasing the exemption to $5 million. A “No” vote is against increasing it.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch No Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

ALLOW GOLD STAR MOTHERS TO RECEIVE ANNUITY EVEN OIF THEY REMARRY (S 3)

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would repeal a current law that restricts a surviving spouse from receiving the Gold Star annuity if they remarry.

"As we near Memorial Day, a day where we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, we can never forget those they left behind,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “It is truly so cruel to me that these husbands and wives, who lost their loved ones, who have sacrificed so much themselves, are told that their sacrifice will no longer matters to the commonwealth if they decide to remarry.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

$400,000 FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE (S 3)

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment increasing funding for a pediatric palliative care program by $400,000 (from $10.4 to $10.8 million). This program provides invaluable comprehensive care for children living with life-limiting or end-of-life illnesses, as well as support for their families.

“I am proud to secure additional funding for this critical program which will help clear the waiting list for these services and support the staff who work with these children,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico(D-Everett). “Families who are seeking pediatric palliative care do not have time to wait on a waitlist. These children deserve quality care and support throughout the duration of their illness and at the end of their lives, and their families deserve the support they need as they face one of the most traumatic times of their lives. This program has been one of my top priorities during my 15 years in the Senate and I will continue to ensure that all families have access to these vital services.”

(A Yes” vote is for the $400,000.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

HEALTHY PUBLIC COLLEGES (S 949) – The Higher Education Committee will hold a hearing on June 3rd to hear testimony and consider legislation that would establish a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to evaluate and make recommendations on campus infrastructure -- focusing on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, life safety and overall public health.

The proposal creates a trust fund to alleviate campus debt and lower student fees currently used to finance aging infrastructure. It also ensures long-term investments so that all public higher education campuses meet Green and Healthy standards by 2037. The bill prioritizes renovations for buildings in greatest need and addresses longstanding environmental and health inequities across campuses.

“I filed this bill because every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, healthy and sustainable,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “By investing in our public college and university infrastructure now, we can reduce student debt, eliminate health disparities and build a more equitable, climate-resilient future for higher education in Massachusetts.”

SENIOR SHELTERS (H 787) – The Committee on Elder Affairs will hold a hearing on June 24th to consider a bill that would establish a special commission to study the feasibility of dedicated senior shelters in Massachusetts. The commission would examine the unique needs of homeless seniors, evaluate existing resources and propose recommendations to address gaps in services and housing for this population.

Supporters say that homeless seniors are a growing part of the homeless population in the Bay State. They note they face unique challenges and need specialized support because of limited retirement savings, rising housing costs and a lack of affordable housing options.

Rep. Sean Reid (D-Lynn), the sponsor of the measure, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his bill.

$500,000 FOR ENVIRONMENT - The Healey Administration announced nearly $500,000 in grants from the inaugural Environmental Justice Capacity Building Grant Program to help empower local organizations to build organizational capacity, strengthen local advocacy, advance community-driven solutions and improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities. The Healey Administration said the grants represent an ongoing commitment to addressing environmental inequities and ensuring that all Massachusetts residents, particularly those in low-income and marginalized communities, have the tools and resources they need to tackle climate change and other environmental challenges.

“We are committed to ensuring every community in Massachusetts has a seat at the table in shaping the decisions that impact our families and environment,” said Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “From growing culturally relevant produce in community gardens to creating youth environmental employment opportunities – these organizations serve as vital resources in neighborhoods across Massachusetts.”

$22.2 MILLION TO MODERNIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTERNET – The Healey Administration announced $22.2 million in grants to upgrade internet access for 15,793 affordable housing units across 54 communities in Massachusetts. The projects will install modern fiber-optic cables in public and affordable housing properties that will increase residents’ access to high-quality, reliable and affordable broadband service.

“Massachusetts is leading the nation in its efforts to improve internet access and adoption statewide,” said Massachusetts Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. “The Residential Retrofit Program is a key component of our strategy to upgrade broadband infrastructure statewide and will expand economic opportunity to residents by enabling them to access essential online tools.”

“The Residential Retrofit Program is an ambitious effort to revamp decades-old wiring affecting low-income families and we’re already seeing how much of an impact this work has had,” said Massachusetts Broadband Institute Director Michael Baldino. “This round of Residential Retrofit Program grantees demonstrated a dedication to serving affordable housing residents and providing them with access needed to thrive in the digital age.”

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION?

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.

During the week of May 19-23, the House met for a total of seven hours and 15 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 33 hours and two minutes.

Mon. May 19 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:08 a.m.

Senate 11:08 a.m. to 3:53 p.m.

Tues. May 20 No House session.

Senate 11:05 a.m. to 7:54 p.m.

Wed. May 21 House 11:01 a.m. to 6:09 p.m.

Senate 10:38 a.m. to 7:48 p.m.

Thurs. May 22 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:04 a.m.

Senate 10:06 a.m. to 8:24 p.m.

Fri. May 23 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com