5-24-2026 4:22am

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 51 - Report No. 21

May 18-22, 2026

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 $63.37 billion fiscal 2027 state budget.

“BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE SENATE BUDGET DEBATE”

Of the 1,161 amendments filed by senators, only 26 came to a roll call vote. And 21 of those were approved unanimously.

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.

EPINEPHRINE TO TREAT ANAPHYLAXIS (H 5443)

House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would expand access to epinephrine autoinjectors that are used to treat anaphylaxis - a severe, sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

The measure would allow frequently visited and authorized public entities such as restaurants, sports arenas, recreation camps and universities to obtain, store and administer epinephrine. It also empowers trained personnel to act swiftly in emergencies, even when the affected individual does not have a known allergy or prescription on file.

Other provisions require that individuals complete an approved anaphylaxis training program and submit proof of that training to the Department of Public Health; establish clear protocols for storage and oversight; and provide appropriate liability protections for those acting in good faith, while preserving accountability in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

“Anaphylaxis is sudden, severe and often fatal,” said Rep. Thomas Moakley (D-Falmouth) who sponsored an earlier version of the measure. “It does not require a prior diagnosis. It does not wait for an ambulance to arrive, and it does not distinguish between known allergy sufferers and individuals experiencing their first reaction. When it [occurs], the immediate administration of epinephrine is often the only intervention that can prevent a tragedy.”

Moakley continued, “The journey that led to the [bill] began when I met a constituent, Megan Shai Brown [who] has been the heart and soul of this bill, fiercely advocating for life saving legislation in the wake of her own family tragedy. Megan lost her husband, Michael Brown at age 42 from a wasp sting and unknown allergy during a charity golf tournament in 2023. In the wake of that devastating and unexpected loss, Megan learned that Michael’s passing may have been avoided if an Epipen were more readily available. She then set her mind to make that happen, first on Martha’s Vineyard and then across all of Massachusetts.”

“This legislation will help students experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction to

receive immediate care when every second matters,” said Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy), the sponsor of an earlier version of the proposal. “By allowing properly trained school personnel to administer epinephrine in emergencies when a school nurse is not immediately available, this bill strengthens student safety while maintaining appropriate oversight, training, and accountability standards.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

BIRTH DEFECTS (H 5441)

House 155-1, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would mandate that hospitals screen all newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (CCMV) by using saliva or Urine Polymerase Chain Reaction tests. The cost of providing the screening would be required to be a covered benefit by all health insurers.

Other provisions would establish a framework to create prenatal education on CCMV and on prevention methods to reduce the number of mothers that contract the virus and pass it along to their child; and mandate reporting of CCMV incidence to the Department of Public Health to provide better data on the disease.

“I’m delighted that this legislation passed the House yesterday,” said sponsor Rep. Sally Kerans (D-Danvers). “A simple newborn screening can detect the presence of CCMV, making critical, time sensitive and highly effective treatment possible. Left undetected and untreated within three weeks of birth, the virus can rob a baby of its hearing and cause other devastating and lifelong complications. CCMV is the leading infectious cause of birth defects and the leading cause of non-genetic childhood hearing loss. It is more common than many of the existing conditions on the universal newborn screening panel. “

“Not every parent may want their child tested for CCMV much like any of the other invasive tests and vaccines the state forces on newborns,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only member who voted against the proposal. “Parental rights are just that. Parents have the right to decide. The bill supported educating the parents but when debated on, [supporters] admitted that people don’t understand. So, the state has to step in and mandate testing. I disagree.”

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

DRONES (H 5444)

House 155-1, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that makes it illegal for a person to manufacture, modify, sell, transfer, possess or operate a robotic device equipped or mounted with a weapon. Other provisions prohibit anyone from using a robotic device to threaten to commit a crime, criminally harass a person or physically restrain or attempt to physically restrain a person; and exempt law enforcement agencies from the proposed new law.

Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) who filed an earlier version of the measure, said the bill is designed to get ahead of potential misuses of advanced robotics technology while ensuring that this technology can be used responsibly by law enforcement for non-violent purposes. She said, “The commonwealth of Massachusetts is a global leader in robotics, and with the passage of this bill in the Senate and signature of the governor, it would become one in robotics safety as well.”

"Massachusetts has always believed that innovation and accountability go hand in hand, and this bill makes sure that as robotic technology advances, it does so with the right guardrails in place,” said Rep. Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “We're not standing in the way of progress. We're making sure it doesn't become a tool for unchecked surveillance or harm in our own neighborhoods."

“Ensuring that our laws keep up with advancements in technology is critical,” said Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham), House Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary. “This bill prohibits the possession of drones and robots equipped to harm others and ensures clear civil rights protections for our residents.”

“[This] is a ‘feel good’ bill that is not well thought out and does nothing to protect the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver), the only member who voted against the proposal. “It merely stifles innovation, like farmers using drones to spray their fields as it will be illegal to use a drone to spread a chemical agent and gives more power to the government infringing on our right to privacy and creativity, seeking to make criminals of law-abiding citizens.”

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

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

AUTISM AND POLICE STOPS (H 5438)

House 156-0, approved a bill designed to improve interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops. The measure, dubbed the “Blue Envelope Bill," would create a program giving people with the disorder the option to be given a special blue envelope that holds the person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. On the outside of the envelope there would be written information and guidance on the envelope regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism spectrum disorder. The envelope must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching it to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bill is designed to enable the driver to quickly and easily hand the envelope to a police officer during a traffic stop.

“This bill will make a meaningful difference for countless individuals with autism and their families by expanding access to tools and resources that promote better understanding, clearer communication and improved safety during these interactions,” said Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “At the same time, it provides valuable support to law enforcement officers as they carry out their responsibilities effectively and compassionately. Ultimately, this legislation reinforces the commonwealth’s commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, independence and well-being of all residents.”

The Senate has already approved its own version of the bill and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration.

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

BLUE STAR LICENSE PLATES (H 5439)

House 156-0, approved its version of a measure that would create a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. The measure would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to provide the plates, at no charge, to the officers’ surviving parent, child, spouse, sibling or grandchild. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.

“I strongly support this legislation because it provides a lasting and visible tribute to the sacrifice made by fallen law enforcement officers and their families,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “As both a retired law enforcement officer and a Gold Star father of a fallen United States Marine, I believe the commonwealth has a responsibility to honor those who gave their lives protecting our communities and to ensure their families know their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

“This legislation is deeply personal and profoundly important to my district following the tragic loss of Uxbridge's Officer Stephen LaPorta, who gave everything to his community in the line of duty,” said Rep. Michael Soter (R-Bellingham). “The bill is a necessary, visible token of the commonwealth's enduring gratitude, ensuring that the sacrifice of officers like LaPorta is never forgotten and that their families know the community stands with them in their grief.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Jeffrey Roy Yes

SENATE APPROVES $63.37 BILLION FISCAL 2027 STATE BUDGET (S 4)

Senate 40-0, approved a $63.37 billion fiscal 2027 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 is proof of what we can accomplish when every member of this chamber brings their best to the table,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Together, we have built a spending plan that meets this moment and delivers record investments in our cities and towns, expands access to food and economic security for our most vulnerable residents and creates new pathways for housing growth across the commonwealth. This is a budget that reflects the kind of state we are committed to being, investing in our people, protecting our communities, and leading with purpose even in uncertain times.”

“Over these past three days, Senators have embraced the collaborative budget process and engaged in a thoughtful manner to address our shared priorities in areas like early education, special education, school-based mental health, food security, child protection, public safety, and supportive housing for our most vulnerable,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The deliberations this week are a strong example of our commitment to fiscal responsibility and living within our means to produce positive results for the commonwealth during this time of continued economic uncertainty.”

“This budget proposal reflects the Senate’s commitment to meet this moment with urgency, compassion, skill, and resolve,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “As residents and communities across Massachusetts face rising costs and constant uncertainty, this proposal makes critical investments in food security, health care, education and municipal support. While we cannot fully address the hardship stemming from federal cuts, this budget works to protect essential services and to guard against further harm.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the $63.37 billion fiscal 2027 state budget.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

$300,000 TO INVESTIGATE THE GROUP INSURANCE COMMISSION (S 4)

Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would provide $300,000 for the Inspector General to conduct an investigation into the spending by and practices of the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) which provides health insurance coverage for the 460,000 public employees, retirees and dependents.

Amendment supporters said that the commission is funded to the tune of $2.7 billion per year and argued that its spending and practices should be investigated to be sure the funds are well used. They noted that they are not pointing fingers at the commission but simply want to ensure its proper functioning and spending.

Amendment opponents said that the commission is doing a good job and is already the most regulated, overseen and investigated agency in the state. They noted the Division of Insurance oversees the commission which requires adherence to rate setting and other financial regulations determined by the division.

(A “Yes” vote is for the $300,000 investigation. A “No” vote is against it.)

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

UNEXCUSED SCHOOL ABSENCES AND WELFARE BENEFITS (S 4)

Senate 36-4, approved an amendment that would repeal a current law, often called “Learnfare,” that allows the state to reduce Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) financial assistance to families whose children under age 16 have excessive unexcused school absences. The reduction or end to the benefits would apply only to the aid received by the child with the unexcused absences.

The amendment also tasked the Department of Transitional Assistance to seek federal permission to prevent SNAP recipients from using their public benefits on candy and soft drinks.

“Learnfare is an outdated state policy from 1995 that strips low-income families of their TAFDC financial assistance if a student has too many unexcused absences from school,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). "Learnfare has proven to be ineffective, inequitable, needlessly punitive and pushes away students and families who need support the most. Chronic absenteeism for low-income students often comes from barriers such as housing and food insecurity, lack of transportation, illness and mental health struggles, disabilities and family responsibilities. We are working at the local and state level to address these issues to combat chronic absenteeism which has declined since the pandemic but still remains a problem.”

Lewis continued, “At the end of the day, taking away critical assistance from financially struggling families simply does not get students to attend school and only makes things worse, which is why I was proud to champion this issue and lead my Senate colleagues in voting to repeal Learnfare.”

Four of the chamber’s five Republicans voted against the repeal -- Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton), Peter Durant (R-Spencer), Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) and Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). None of them spoke against the repeal during the Senate debate and none responded to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they voted against the repeal.

(A "Yes" vote is for the amendment that would repeal a current law that allows the state to reduce TAFDC financial assistance to families whose children under age 16 have excessive unexcused school absences. A "No" vote is against the repeal and favors keeping the current law on the books.)

Sen. Rebecca Rausch Yes Sen. Karen Spilka Yes

MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4000)

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment to the current law, known as the MBTA Communities Act, which according to the state’s website, requires that an MBTA community “must have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria including minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; and a location not more than 1/2 mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. No age restrictions can be applied and the district must be suitable for families with children.”

Cities or towns that do not comply with the MBTA law are in danger of losing various state grants. The amendment would put the law on hold for two years for any municipality categorized as an “Adjacent Community” or an “Adjacent Small Town” without direct access to MBTA service.

Amendment supporters said the Healey Administration’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is not being flexible and is pulling funding from some cities and towns that are not complying. They said that the delay in implementation of the law will give some communities additional time to work out a solution.

Amendment opponents said that current law already allows some flexibility for these adjacent communities or adjacent small towns by establishing lower capacity requirements and greater flexibility over where they site their districts. They noted that the Office of Housing and Livable Communities currently has the administrative ability to offer some flexibility to these communities and said the amendment is not necessary. They argued that the amendment is unfair to more than 100 communities that have already done the work and complied with the law and sends the message that deadlines don’t mean anything.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment that would put the law on hold for two years for any municipality categorized as an adjacent community or an adjacent small town” without direct access to MBTA service. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)

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

PROHIBIT TAX REDUCTION AMENDENTS FROM BEING CONSIDERED (S 4)

Senate 35-4, upheld the ruling of Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont), the acting Senate president at the time of the ruling, that ten amendments which proposed tax reductions will be prohibited from being debate and voted on by the Senate.

The proposed tax reductions include a reduction in the income tax, short term capital gains tax, estate tax, tax on overtime work and tax on tips.

Sen. Brownsberger said the ten tax reduction amendments would technically turn the state budget into a money bill and noted that under the Massachusetts Constitution, all money bills must originate in the House of Representatives.

Opponents of the ruling said the ruling is misguided and inappropriate and argued this is simply a way to avoid Democrats going on record as voting “No” on tax cuts. They noted that amendments that raise, not lower taxes, would make the bill a money bill.

(A “Yes” vote supports the ruling that prohibits the tax reductions amendments from being debated and voted on by the Senate. A “No” vote is against the ruling and favors allowing the tax reduction amendments to be debated and voted upon.)

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

$800,000 FOR YMCA (S 4)

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YMCAs across the state by $800,000 (from $7.2 million to $8 million.)

"Having spent countless hours at my local Boys and Girls Club, shooting hoops as a kid and later as a youth mentor, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact these organizations have on children and teens,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield). “That is why I am beyond proud to champion this increased funding for the Boys and Girls Clubs in the Senate’s proposed budget, ensuring they can continue providing essential resources and support to the next generation."

(A “Yes” vote is for the $800,000.)

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

SECURITY GUARDS AT NONPROFITS (S 4)

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase by $450,000 (from $300,000 to $750,000) funding for a grant program that helps pay for security guards at nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of being targeted for terrorist attacks or hate crimes.

"Across the commonwealth, nonprofits including religious organizations of many denominations, continue to face harassment and threats of violence," said Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). "These nonprofits and the communities they serve are seeking to hire additional security, and they need help from the state to afford it. I am proud this amendment was adopted as part of the Senate's fiscal year 2027 budget to help ensure that Massachusetts residents can feel safe in the places where they gather to learn, pray, celebrate and serve."

(A Yes” vote is for the $450,000. A “No” vote is against it.)

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

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

$2.737 BILLION FOR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS INCLUDING $300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROAD AND BRIDGES (H 5375) – The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call, a $2.737 billion bond bill to fund various local, regional and state transportation programs.

The package includes $300 million for cities and towns for local road and bridges -- $200 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula and another $100 million which will be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Provisions include $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program which aids non-federally funded roads and targets the pavement and bridges across the state that are in the worst condition; $200 million for capital projects to support housing development, including stormwater management, culverts and bike and pedestrian improvements; $200 million for a new accelerated deferred maintenance and modernization program for infrastructure under the care and control of the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and $200 million for the MBTA for the procurement of electrically powered locomotives.

Only final approval is needed in each branch prior to the package going to Gov. Maura Healey for her signature.

“Today, the Senate is authorizing funding that will go directly toward fixing potholes, repairing local bridges and building on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult fiscal moment.”

“With the winter of 2026 in the rearview mirror, the Senate now moves forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This sweeping bond bill provides critical support for capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer and continue to improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement project. This legislation builds upon our commitment to make Massachusetts the leader and a model for a safe and state-of-the-art public transportation system.”

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said, “With this legislation successfully advancing through the Senate today, municipal leaders across the commonwealth are seeing a powerful, bipartisan commitment to our local infrastructure. Chapter 90 remains the premier program for promoting the safety and reliability of municipal roads and bridges.”

THE GOVERNOR AND ATTORNEY GENERAL WARN ABOUT ILLEGAL RENTER-PAID BROKER FEES – A new law that took effect last August requires landlords, instead of renters, to cover the cost of broker fees unless a renter is the one to hire the broker first.

Amidst reports that some brokers and landlords are attempting to illegally charge these fees to renters, Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell last week reminded renters, landlords and brokers that under Massachusetts law, a broker fee may only be charged to the party who hired the broker. Both offices say they are working to ensure renters understand their rights and that landlords and brokers understand their obligations.

“Any broker or landlord who continues trying to charge illegal fees is breaking the law, taking advantage of renters who are already struggling with high housing costs and will be at risk of losing their license,” said Healey. “Renters should know their rights, and if anyone tries to charge them unlawful fees, they should report it immediately.”

“This law establishes a clear standard: a broker may only charge a tenant a fee if the broker is working for the tenant and not for the landlord,” said Campbell. “I encourage anyone who may have been charged an unlawful fee to report it, so that my office can continue protecting renters and helping ensure compliance with the new law.”

$254,000 TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY AT BAY STATE BEACHES – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is awarding $254,000 in grant funding to Massachusetts to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of bacteria make swimming unsafe.

“New England’s beaches are central to the region’s coastal way of life, sustaining communities and driving local economies,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator Mark Sanborn. “This funding helps protect human health by ensuring beaches are regularly monitored so Americans can enjoy clean, safe water for swimming and recreation.”

$3.1 BILLION IN REVENUE FROM THE NEW 4 PERCENT SURTAX ON MILLIONAIRES - The Raise Up Massachusetts Coalition announced that the State Department of Revenue certified that Massachusetts collected more than $3.1 billion in revenue from the state’s 4 percent surtax on millionaires over the first ten months of the state’s current fiscal year. They said that is a 20 percent increase over the $2.5 billion collected at that same point last year.

The revenue is generated by the 2022 voter-approved constitutional amendment, known by supporters as the Millionaire’s Tax and the Fair Share Amendment, which imposes an income surtax of an additional 4 percent, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually.

“Nearly four years after voters passed the Fair Share Amendment, it’s still surpassing expectations,” said Raise Up Massachusetts spokesperson Andrew Farnitano. “The skeptics who said multi-millionaires would flee for other states rather than pay their fair share are being proved wrong. The ultra-rich are clearly staying in Massachusetts and paying more in taxes, leading to the tax’s massive overperformance relative to initial projections.”

Farnitano continued, “Thanks to this windfall paid for by the richest 1 percent, we’re allocating billions of dollars to improve our public schools, colleges, roads, bridges and public transportation. We’re finally fixing the T and rebuilding crumbling bridges across the state. We’re delivering record funding to local public schools and colleges and increasing access to affordable childcare. And Fair Share-funded programs like universal free school meals, free community college and free buses are making a real difference in the cost of living for Massachusetts families.”

"The latest claims from Raise Up Massachusetts ignore the broader economic reality facing the commonwealth,” said Paul Craney, executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “While revenues from the surtax may be higher in the short term, that does not mean the policy is leaving our state on a solid economic footing. Massachusetts has seen above average unemployment compared to national trends, alongside a growing reputation for being far less economically competitive than it had been and downright hostile to employers.”

Craney continued, “In the last several months alone, we’ve witnessed a steady stream of high-profile business closures, relocations and expansions happening elsewhere, which should concern anyone focused on long-term growth. At the same time, Massachusetts continues to experience a significant outflow of residents and wealth to lower-cost, lower-tax states, a trend greatly exacerbated by this surtax.”

“Temporary revenue spikes should not be confused with sustainable economic health. Policymakers should be asking whether these policies are strengthening the state’s long-term competitiveness or simply extracting more in the short run. Massachusetts cannot afford to ignore the warning signs while celebrating a revenue surge that will inevitably prove fleeting."

QUOTABLE QUOTES ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSMAN BARNEY FRANK

Former State Representative and Congressman Barny Frank died last week. Gov. Maura Healey ordered that all flags on state buildings be flown at half-staff.

“Barney Frank was smart, deeply principled and unfailingly honest – a combination that made him an incredibly effective legislator on major issues from financial reform after the Great Recession, to legislative reform here in Massachusetts. As one of the first openly gay members of Congress, Barney broke barriers and often played an indispensable role in efforts to protect and expand gay rights. Even from hospice care, Barney’s legendary political acumen and trademark candor meant that he was still uniquely capable of answering questions about how Democrats can expand their coalition and govern more effectively. Above all else though, Barney’s honesty and relentless commitment to his principles were increasingly rare traits in politics — leaving behind a legacy that we should all strive to learn from.”

---House Speaker Ron Mariano

“Barney Frank was one of a kind — a giant in public life who helped change Massachusetts and America for the better. Over the course of his career, Barney fought tirelessly for working people, civil rights and LGBTQ+ equality. He was brilliant, fearless, quick-witted and never afraid to say exactly what was on his mind. Barney was a relentless advocate and someone who understood both the urgency and the complexity of the issues he took on.”

---Gov. Maura Healey

“I join a grateful commonwealth and nation in mourning the loss of Barney Frank. Barney was many things: a skilled legislator, a trailblazer for gay Americans and a public servant in every sense of the word. Most importantly, he was a good person. His quick wit and keen sense of humor served him well in this work, providing a much-needed sense of levity during times of great challenge. It was a privilege not only to serve alongside him for more than 20 years, but also to call him a dear friend.”

---Congressman Richard Neal.

“For more than 30 years, he showed up – as a champion for consumers, a watchdog over Wall Street and a trailblazer for equality. He came out as gay while serving in Congress and married the love of his life. He was a true legislator who understood the role of Congress, passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to protect the American people after the 2008 banking crisis. And right up to the very end, he was still fighting, still speaking plainly, still demanding more of his party and his country.”

---Congresswoman Lori Trahan.

“As Congressman, Barney Frank left an indelible mark on public life in Boston, our commonwealth and the country. He did so with common sense, penetrating intelligence and his trademark wit. He embodied the very best of our Democratic Party. A steadfast champion of our core principles, Barney’s deep commitment to the people he served earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike. All Americans owe a debt of gratitude to Barney for his leadership in expanding civil rights and creating a fairer and more responsive financial system. Barney’s legacy is defined not only by his legislative achievements, but by his unwavering dedication to fairness, accountability and the enduring belief that government can be a force for meaningful, positive change in people’s lives.”

--- Steve Kerrigan, Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

“Barney’s wit was legendary, and he used it as a powerful tool of engagement. No matter the situation, he got people laughing. And he could use that laughter to pierce the arguments of his antagonists on the House floor and in the hearing room, simplifying what they called intractable problems, but what he knew were simple solutions that everyone understood. He embraced his role as LGBTQ icon, advocating for the people and communities who had been long overlooked. Through both personal example and public legislation, he strove to make the lives of the LGBTQ community more just and more equitable.”

---U.S. Sen. Ed Markey.

"Barney Frank was a true Massachusetts original. He employed humor and hard work to blaze new paths and used his voice to speak up for the voiceless. He was both larger than life and approachably human. We are the lucky benefactors of his legacy of public service and LGBTQ+ visibility."

---Senate President Karen Spilka.

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 18-22, the House met for a total of five hours and 19 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 32 hours and 42 minutes.

Mon. May 18 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:12 a.m.

Senate 11:04 a.m. to 3:51 p.m.

Tues. May 19 No House session.

Senate 10:41 a.m. to 7:27 p.m.

Wed. May 20 House 11:00 a.m. to 3:57 p.m.

Senate 10:11 a.m. to 8:59 p.m.

Thurs. May 21 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.

Senate 10:30 a.m. to 6:51 p.m.

Fri. May 22 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com