11-02-2025 3:50am

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. 44

October 27-31, 2025

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on roll calls from the week of October 27-31. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.

FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4670)

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The funds would be used for procurement, development and distribution of personal financial literacy educational resources and materials, as well as professional development opportunities, including training, seminars, conferences and materials for educators to use in teaching personal financial literacy.

Provisions include requiring school districts to provide instruction to middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy, starting in the 2026 school year. The instruction would include earning and spending income; local, state and federal taxes; charitable giving; methods of payment; consumer protection; balancing ledgers and checkbooks; budgeting; long-term saving; simple and compound interest; planning for the future; using credit; making investments; risks of various financial instruments and basic diversification of assets; and rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home or making other large purchases or investments.

“Too many young people graduate without understanding how credit, loans or savings work,” said Rep. Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate) “This bill gives them the foundation to make informed financial decisions that will impact their entire lives.”

“I taught Financial Literacy as an elective at Attleboro High School and my point was always long-term planning,” said Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro). “Ten years ago it mattered that students learn about their credit score. It can affect not just buying a house but also car purchases and admission to schools and other programs. Now the economy is a threat since young people may want to buy a house but with $200,000 in student debt and $1,000 monthly car payments, they may have used up the limits of their indebtedness before even applying for a mortgage. And should they want to save up to a 20 percent down payment, that would be a challenge with $2500+ monthly apartment."

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY (H 4671)

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers.

Under current law, in order to qualify for the seal, a student must meet criteria established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) including a specified level of performance on the 10th grade language arts exams of the MCAS, and at least one nationally recognized and readily available assessment that measures literacy in a language other than English.

The bill that the House approved updates these criteria by changing the MCAS requirement to allow another assessment or equivalent alternative to be established by BESE.

“Under the current law, some bilingual students have been unintentionally excluded,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Until now, the only way to prove English proficiency was by passing the 10th grade English MCAS. That meant if you attended a private school that didn't administer the MCAS, you were ineligible, even if you earned a five on your AP English exam and a perfect score on the SAT.”

“[My] bill addresses this issue,” continued Lewis. “Once it becomes law, all bilingual students, regardless of the high school they attend, will be eligible for this important designation."

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

TEACHER PREPARATION AND STUDENT LITERACY (H 4672)

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction.

Supporters said this bill would define evidence-based early literacy as grounded in scientific research methods and demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. They noted that many school districts in Massachusetts have switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, and some have been assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch Program. They said that some school districts have yet to fully adopt proven literacy curricula, despite it being the most effective way to improve reading outcomes.

Supporters also argued that the bill supports teachers by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources, including online materials and free training modules, to aid districts with professional development aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction for K-3. It also ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction.

“We filed this legislation because literacy is not just an academic skill — it is a life skill,” said Rep. Danillo Sena (D-Acton), the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “It is the foundation for all future learning, for civic participation, and for economic opportunity. This bill ensures that our students learn through evidence-based and high-quality strategies.”

"As a former special education teacher and as a father of four young kids, making sure all students are taught to read using effective, scientifically proven methods is deeply personal to me,” said Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) also the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “I am proud to have co-filed the bill.”

“Currently, fewer than half of Massachusetts third graders are reading at grade level,” said Rep. Alice Pesich (D-Wellesley), another co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “Research shows that children who do not read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to fall behind academically, drop out of school or face limited opportunities later in life. We must ensure that every student in Massachusetts has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.”

American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang has her doubts about parts of the bill.

“As passed today, this bill establishes a limited, blanket curriculum that is concerning, particularly to veteran educators who have developed rich and effective evidence-based literacy curriculum over the years,” said Tang. “Even more concerning is that it bans important, proven tools our educators currently use and use successfully, particularly with our English language learners and students with special needs. As educators, we fully support evidence-based literacy curriculum. We also know that it will take more than just curriculum for our students to fully thrive as they progress from learning to read to reading to learn.”

Tang continued, “Even though we have concerns, we are pleased that the bill passed today includes key provisions we were proud to advocate for, including reporting and tracking measures, expanding funding opportunities for critical positions and establishing a commission to continue the important work to advance literacy in the commonwealth. We will continue to work with legislative and state allies on this issue and we look forward to seeing what comes out of the Senate.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

STUDY EDUCATION WORKFORCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (H 4672)

House 132-22, approved an amendment to a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy.

The amendment would provide that DESE, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents study and make recommendations about the education workforce in public school districts in the area of reading and literacy development.

Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the amendment, did not offer any arguments in favor of her amendment during debate on the House floor. She also did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the amendment.

“I opposed this amendment because it would hand groups such as the Massachusetts Teachers Association and American Federation of Teachers an outsized role in determining how schools staff their literacy and reading workforce,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “These groups were opposed to this bill in its entirety; thus, it would be counterproductive to have them play such a prominent role in producing those recommendations.”

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST REPORT ANNUALLY (H 4672)

House 133-22, approved an amendment requiring that each school district report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the number of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals and other staff employed by the district that directly support student reading and literacy development.

Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the amendment again did not offer any arguments in favor of her amendment during debate on the House floor. She also did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the amendment.

“I opposed this amendment because it imposes an unfunded reporting mandate on school districts at a time when cities and towns are facing increased financial constraints,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Also, there are already extensive reporting requirements included in the underlying bill, so this would only add to that burden.”

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND SNAP AND OTHER BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS – The Senate approved two separate measures urging action from the state and federal government to provide funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - the federal food security program that provides food to more than 40 million United States residents, including 1 million residents of Massachusetts.

The first one is a resolution that urges President Trump and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to use all existing authority to supplement and transfer available funds to sustain SNAP benefits throughout the duration of the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The second one is in the form of a letter that urges the House-Senate conference committee that is hammering out a fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget, to include funds for the SNAP program in its budget.

Supporters said that any disruption in SNAP benefits, even brief, “would threaten the food security and well-being of residents of the Bay State, disproportionately burdening seniors, children and individuals living with disabilities.”

They noted that “more than 5,500 retailers in the state participate in SNAP, with purchases accounting for up to 20 percent of all grocery spending in some stores” and argued that “an interruption in benefits would destabilize local grocers, undermine jobs and cause cascading harm to farmers, fishers and food producers.”

The House sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Liz Warren urging them to work with their colleagues in the Senate to resolve the continuing impasse as quickly as possible.

“As members of the Massachusetts Legislature, we are writing to express our deep concerns about the ongoing federal government shutdown's detrimental impact on individuals and families,” reads the letter. “The consequences of the federal government shutdown are already having a far-reaching adverse impact on our constituents and their daily lives, but the problem is only going to get worse the longer this shutdown continues. Workers, including air traffic controllers and other essential employees, are going without pay or being furloughed. with about 25,000 federal employees in Massachusetts being impacted, among them members of our military. Small businesses that depend on government operations are also struggling, and our local economies are being placed under increasing strain.”

The letter continues, “Because of the shutdown, people who depend on having a strong safety net in place are now bracing for the imminent disruption of vital federally funded food and nutrition programs, including SNAP and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. In addition, more than 10,000 Massachusetts children are facing cuts in Head Start services, which are critical to promoting school readiness for preschoolers under the age of 5.

The letter concludes, “The ongoing stalemate at the federal level is untenable and is creating significant hardships and uncertainty for many Americans. We cannot allow this situation to continue indefinitely without a resolution because far too many people are being hurt by Congress’ inaction. While both parties may disagree on certain policy priorities, maintaining the basic operations of government and protecting the people we serve should never be a partisan issue.”

In the meantime, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund SNAP as the government shutdown threatens food aid benefits for millions of Americans, ordering the White House to outline a plan to provide at least partial assistance starting Nov. 1. The ruling comes after a coalition of 25 states, including Massachusetts, sued to compel the administration to release the contingency funds for SNAP.

Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said the administration’s suspension of benefits "is contrary to law," noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is statutorily required to use previously appropriated SNAP contingency funds when necessary and has discretion to use other available funds.

"Today's court rulings affirm what we have known all along: the federal government must follow the law,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It has both the responsibility and the means to ensure that no person in our great country goes hungry.” She urged the federal government to comply with the law and provide this essential funding.

VETERANS DISABILITY LICENSE PLATE (H 3657) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran's plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces.

“I filed this bill on behalf of a constituent who came to my office with a concern about the current policy on getting a Veterans Disability plate in Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “They are a 100 percent disabled veteran with PTSD, and unable to obtain a plate under the current Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations, as they are not physically handicapped. Our veterans with mental health disorders face daily battles that are not always apparent to the outside world. By providing disability license plates tailored to their needs, we can offer a visible symbol of recognition and support, acknowledging the profound impact of their service. This simple yet powerful gesture can serve as a reminder to all that our veterans, regardless of their wounds, deserve our utmost respect and understanding.”

PEER-TO-PEER CARD GAMES AND DOMINOES (H 3177) – The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation.

Players would use chips instead of cash, with games limited to between two and nine players and dealers must be non-participating.

The bill would impose a 10 percent tax on gross receipts and a 15 percent admission tax, if a separate entry fee is charged. Revenues would be split between the Gaming Local Aid Fund (80 percent) and the Racehorse Development Fund (20 percent).

The cardroom operator can charge a participation fee or "rake" but cannot have a direct economic interest in game outcomes. Cardroom operators must pay a license fee of $1000 per table. There are occupational licenses for employees and managers, and background checks and fingerprinting would be required.

“I elected to file this bill to start the conversation about the creation of peer-to-peer cardrooms in the commonwealth for games such as poker and dominoes, where players can play against each other instead of a casino,” said sponsor Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston). “We understand that this industry has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to preserve declining jobs at Suffolk Downs, where East Boston residents continue to be employed. These facilities will also generate much-needed tax revenue at a time of increasing uncertainty over continued federal funding.”

PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) – A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes.

“[The bill] is a deserving gesture of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country and aims to protect veterans’ privacy and uphold their dignity by preventing the public release of their personal information related to taxes,” said its sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “It ensures that any tax notifications are handled privately and respectfully through a local VSO.”

McMurtry continued, “[The bill] gives our veterans the respect they deserve when they find themselves facing financial hardship regarding property taxes. We can avoid any public embarrassment and take a more hands-on approach through personal interaction with the VSO for assistance with their tax situation.”

EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) – A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs.

“New state employees should not have to choose between paying high health care costs out of pocket or foregoing necessary care altogether,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “By empowering state employers to offer employees health insurance on day one, we can better attract quality candidates and ensure new workers have the benefits and coverage they deserve.”

ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) – The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts.

Appointing authorities would be required to work to appoint diverse members, including developing and implementing plans to attract and recruit diverse members. Each public board and commission would report annually on membership information, to measure progress, to the governor’s office which would publish it.

“Increasing diversity in our state’s workforce and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, is both a moral and an economic imperative for our commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “In Massachusetts we have several hundred public boards and commissions, each with a wide range of responsibilities and powers. Much progress has already been made to represent the diversity of Massachusetts, but more work still needs to be done to increase diversity in our state’s leadership.”

“This bill is about expanding opportunity and making sure we are drawing from the full range of talent and experience across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), the sponsor of the House bill. “When our public boards and commissions reflect the diversity of the people they serve, everyone benefits. We are not lowering standards — we are raising them by ensuring our decision-making includes the voices and perspectives that have too often been left out.”

CREATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM (H 3351) – Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who practice Islam.

The commission would be a resource to the state on issues affecting American Muslim communities including promoting research and serving as a clearinghouse and source of information on issues pertaining to American Muslims; informing the public and leaders of business, education, human services, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of the unique cultural, social, ethnic, economic and educational issues affecting American Muslims; serving as a liaison between government and private interest groups on matters of unique interest and concern to American Muslims; and identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions.

“Freedom of religion is one of our most fundamental constitutional rights, and no one should face persecution for their beliefs," said sponsor Rep. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “This legislation was filed to address and elevate the serious issues currently affecting the over 131,000 members of our commonwealth's Muslim community”.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Massachusetts’ innovation economy is the foundation of our competitiveness. It fuels discovery, drives growth and sustains good jobs in every region of the state. Through the DRIVE Initiative, we are taking action to protect our leadership in science and technology and support the institutions and workers that make it possible and ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solving the world’s hardest problems.”

---Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley on Gov. Healey’s DRIVE Initiative, designed to grow Massachusetts’ renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs.

“The contrast is becoming impossible to ignore and Massachusetts cannot afford to continue to bury its head in the sand on this. Ranking so close to the very bottom should alarm every lawmaker and every taxpayer. Our high-cost tax system is driving out talent, capital and opportunity, and New Hampshire's top tier ranking proves that better policy is possible right next door. We are falling behind not by chance, but by poor policy choices.”

--- Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on the Tax Foundation’s newly-released “2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index.” in which the Bay State ranks just 43rd in the nation, while neighboring New Hampshire jumped in rank to come in at number 3.

“These rankings confirm what Massachusetts residents and employers already know: our tax burden is too high, making it increasingly difficult for people and businesses to thrive here. Turning this around will require successful, coordinated efforts by private-sector leaders and policymakers to advance meaningful reforms that strengthen the state’s competitiveness. This data should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers as they consider proposals that would further raise the portion of certain income subject to the state's corporate tax rate from 5 to 50 percent.”

--- Christopher Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council and Mass Opportunity co-organizer, on the Tax Foundation’s newly released “2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index” which ranks Massachusetts 43rd in the nation, placing it among the 10 least competitive states for taxes.

“Massachusetts recognizes strategically investing in the future of manufacturing will reap enormous downstream benefits for the rest of our economy. The Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) program continues to support innovation while also providing opportunities for a new generation of manufacturing workers throughout the state.”

---Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley on the Healey Administration’s announcement of $7.3 million in grant awards to 13 manufacturers across the state. The grants are designed to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization within the manufacturing sector and the combined projects are projected to create 180 jobs statewide.

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 October 27-31, the House met for a total of seven hours and five minutes and the Senate met for a total of four hours and nine minutes.

Mon. Oct. 27 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:28 a.m.

Senate 11:22 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.

Tues. Oct. 28 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. Oct. 29 House 11:00 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

No Senate session.

Thurs. Oct. 30 House 11:04 a.m. to 11:52 a.m.

Senate 11:17 a.m. to 3:08 p.m.

Fri. Oct. 31 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.