7-06-2025 4:20am

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. 27

June 30-July 4, 2025

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of June 30-July 4.

APPROVE $61.01 BILLION FISCAL YEAR 2026 STATE BUDGET (H 4240)

House 139-6, Senate 38-2, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a conference committee version of a $61.01 billion fiscal 2026 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025. The price tag represents a 3.3 billion increase over last year’s fiscal 2025 budget. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the budget and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version. Gov. Healey has ten days, until July 10, to veto or amend any portions of the budget, before signing it.

“This budget is a commitment to a more affordable, accessible and inclusive commonwealth,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It responsibly manages taxpayer dollars while at the same time investing in the areas that matter most to every region of Massachusetts—housing, education, transportation and protecting residents threatened by federal actions. No matter what part of our state you live in, this budget will expand opportunity, reduce everyday costs and protect the services people rely on.”

“This fiscal year 2026 budget makes key investments that better support Massachusetts students and families, which increase access to affordable health care and that provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system – all without raising taxes,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “In a moment of incredible uncertainty at the federal level, this budget is proof that government can be both fiscally responsible and an agent of good, the kind of government that our residents deserve.”

“I am filled with optimism as I reflect on the outcome of the fiscal year 2026 budget conference committee,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Through strong bipartisan collaboration, we in the House and Senate reached a consensus that not only addresses current needs but also sets a positive precedent for future partnerships. This final agreement reflects our shared commitment to the people of the commonwealth and our ability to work together for the greater good. The success of the fiscal year 2026 budget underscores the incredible potential we unlock when we come together across party lines. We've made meaningful investments in critical areas, addressing urgent funding gaps and expanding access to higher education.”

“While Massachusetts tax dollars continue to be used on housing and benefits for non-residents, this budget uses more tax dollars to create a legal fund to stop the deportation of illegal immigrants, including those who have committed violent crimes,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only two senators who voted against the budget. “Meanwhile, cities and towns across the state are struggling to balance their budgets and provide services to seniors and children being educated in our public schools, including many of the towns I represent in Worcester and Hampden County. This dichotomy is Gov. Healey’s responsibility, and in good conscience, I can’t support it.”

“The fiscal year 2026 budget continues a completely unsustainable budget increase year over year,” said Rep. Ken Sweezey (R-Hanson), one of only six representatives who voted against the package. “A 6 percent increase from last year, nearly 50 percent increase from 2019, and nearly 140 percent increase from 2010. The commonwealth should only be paying for needs instead of wants with the extreme federal uncertainty and the impending cuts.”

“Beacon Hill leaders are trying to have it both ways,” said Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. ”They’re talking about caution and restraint while greenlighting billions in new spending, using one-time gimmicks to paper over structural imbalances and shortchanging local aid to the cities and towns they claim to represent. Local governments are in crisis. Budgets are breaking, override votes are stacking up and yet Beacon Hill refuses to share the wealth. They’re prioritizing their own pet projects while towns are forced to cut core services and raise taxes on residents.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $61.01 billion budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

$7.5 BILLION INTERIM FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET (H 4237)

House 144-1, Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a 7.5 billion interim one-month fiscal 2026 state budget, sometimes called a one-twelfth budget, to pay the state's bills and fund accounts while Gov. Healey takes her constitutionally allotted time of ten days to review and then to veto or amend any provisions in the full $61.01 billion budget. The interim budget will only be in effect for a maximum of ten days and is superseded by the full-year budget once that takes effect.

"The issue is she needs the ten days for vetoes,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano. “So, no matter when we do it, we need a one-twelfth budget."

Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica), the only representative to vote against the $7.5 billion interim budget, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to explain why he voted against it.

(A “Yes” vote is for the interim $7.5 billion budget. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

REPEATED PUBLIC NUISANCE COMPLAINTS (H 2246) – A bill heard by the Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government would empower cities and towns to hold property owners financially accountable when their properties are the source of ten or more repeated public nuisance complaints within a 1-year period. The measure holds the owner responsible for the costs associated with any subsequent police responses, as well as any other costs.

“This legislation is about restoring fairness for taxpayers and ensuring safer neighborhoods,” said sponsor Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy). “When a property becomes a repeated source of disturbance, the financial burden shouldn’t fall on the community, it should fall on the property owner responsible. By holding them accountable, we give municipalities the tools they need to protect quality of life for all residents.”

BAN FREE PHONE CALLS FOR SOME PRISONERS (S 1689) – The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban no cost phone calls for incarcerated violent criminals who have been found guilty of rape of a child, first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, assault and battery on second offense, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, arson, stalking and armed robbery.

"Unlimited phone calls for violent criminals in prison means that murderers can freely call their loved ones while the loved ones of their victims will never talk to their murdered child or spouse again,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “These phone calls allow criminals to communicate with their network of associates and continue criminal activity even while incarcerated. It is primarily for these reasons that I authored this legislation to eliminate no cost calls for violent criminals.”

THE COMMITTEE ON MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE AND RECOVERY- This committee held a hearing on several bills including:

AVAILABILITY OF NARCAN IN SCHOOLS (S 1422) – Would require all school districts to create a Narcan overdose prevention program. Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is an emergency treatment used for the complete or partial reversal of an opioid overdose. The measure would require every school nurse to be trained in Narcan assistance and to have Narcan in the nurse’s office. Another provision requires all public schools to offer training to junior high school and high school students on how to administer naloxone hydrochloride, in nasal spray form.

“I’m in the camp that Narcan should be available everywhere — absolutely everywhere, including in our schools,” said sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “It absolutely terrifies me that a growing number of high school students are using drugs, many of which could be unknowingly contaminated with a deadly contaminant like fentanyl. We can and must increase access to these life-saving medications in our communities, because in those terrifying minutes when an overdose occurs, every second is so critical to prevent death.”

USE OF PSYCEHDELICS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE (S 1400) – Would establish a pilot program under the Department of Public Health, to explore the use of psychedelics in mental health care. The proposal authorizes a maximum of three specialized mental health clinics, excluding any tied to the cannabis industry, psychedelic development or pharmaceutical companies, to use psychedelics under strict supervision. Participating clinics are tasked with reporting patient outcomes to contribute to the development of refined treatment protocols and regulatory frameworks for psychedelic use in mental health care.

“Last session, I served as co-chair of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions, where we heard heartfelt and compelling testimony from veterans, first responders and others with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, who have used psychedelic treatment to address their trauma,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “These advocates were in support of 2024’s Question 4, a broad measure that would have allowed people to possess, use and even grow their own psychedelics in the commonwealth, which was soundly rejected by voters. Given the developing nature of psychedelic treatment, I believe my legislation establishing a supervised pilot program would provide us with the opportunity to take a measured approach in evaluating the effectiveness of this treatment, while also allowing residents with significant mental health challenges to access an alternative form of treatment if they choose.”

STUDENT ID CARDS AND SUICIDE LINE (H 2221/S 1384) - Would require that newly printed student ID cards for public school students in grades 6-12 and students in public colleges, include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline phone numbers and text message numbers. The line directs all callers to trained call takers who are available to provide free, confidential emotional support for those in crisis.

The measure allows schools that have a supply of unissued student identification cards that do not comply with this new requirement, to issue the old student identification cards to students until the remaining supply is depleted.

In 2024, the House and Senate approved different versions of the bill, but the legislative session ended before the two sides could agree on a version.

“We must ensure that every student has the information and access they need to receive critical support and resources,” said House sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Reaching out for help can be difficult, and finding the right information isn't always easy. That’s why this bill is so important. Nineteen other states have already passed similar legislation, and I’m hopeful that Massachusetts will be next in ensuring every student has access to the life-saving support of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline right on their student ID.”

“Suicide is a leading cause of death for people of all ages in the United States, and young people are particularly at risk,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “According to a study published by the National Center for Health Statistics at the end of 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-24, representing a 56 percent increase from the previous decade. Massachusetts' most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that, in 2021, only 11.3 percent of students asked for help from a doctor, counselor or hotline before their suicide attempt. That's well-below the (already low) 24.3 percent of students who asked for help in 2019.”

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Electric vehicles (EVs) are cheaper to operate and maintain and access to charging shouldn’t be the determining factor in the decision to go electric. By supporting innovative charging solutions, we’re tackling some of the most persistent barriers to EV adoption head-on. These efforts will catalyze real-world, community-driven projects that reduce pollution, drive economic growth and move Massachusetts closer to a clean transportation future.”

--- Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert announcing that 36 Bay State cities and towns will receive funding to expand EV charging stations.

“It is critical that the state steps in to ensure that schools are protecting all students — without exception. Every day without intervention allows these districts to stand idly by while students of color are bullied. The damage inflicted by racial harassment doesn’t end when the school day does — it can reverberate across a child’s lifetime.”

--- Erika Richmond Walton, a Lawyers for Civil Rights attorney, on representing two Black students who say they have been racially bullied at their schools. The two formally withdrew their federal civil rights complaints, citing a lack of confidence in the federal government’s ability to protect them and refiled their complaints with Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office.

“The state is well-positioned to achieve these ambitious nature protection and restoration goals, but … needs to invest much more to make that happen. No other investment of public dollars will return as many benefits to Massachusetts residents. This will boost an outdoor recreation industry already contributing $13 billion and 100,000 jobs to the state's economy, protect us against impacts of floods and extreme heat and improve our health and well-being at a time of soaring healthcare costs.”

---David O’Neill, President and CEO of Mass Audubon testifying before the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in favor of legislation that calls for a dedicated sustainable revenue stream to protect and restore land, water, urban greenspace and outdoor recreational access across Massachusetts.

"With this expanded and permanent funding for the Community Investment Tax Credits program, we’re ensuring that every corner of the state has resources to build housing and drive economic development. This is a smart, community-driven approach to building economic security and housing opportunities."

---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcing the Healey Administration is awarding $13.2 million in grants to nonprofit Community Development Corporations to support programming that includes affordable housing development and preservation, community planning and economic development initiatives, homeownership assistance, financial education, foreclosure prevention, savings programs and job training and job creation programs.

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 June 30-July 4, the House met for a total of six hours and 15 minutes while the Senate met for a total of four hours and 13 minutes.

Mon. June 30 House 11:02 a.m. to 5:06 p.m.

Senate 1:17 p.m. to 5:09 p.m.

Tues. July 1 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. July 2 No House session.

No Senate session.

Thurs. July 3 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:12 a.m.

Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:28 a.m.

Fri. July 4 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com

Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.