9-06-2026 4:50am

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 51 - Report No 36

August 31-September 4, 2026

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local senators voted with their party’s leadership in the 2026 session through Sept. 4.

Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 96 of the 122 votes from the 2026 Senate session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls except 26 that were on local issues.

The votes of 33 Democrats were compared to Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D-Newton), second-in-command in the Senate. We could not compare the Democrats’ votes to those of Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) because, by tradition, the Senate president rarely votes.

Twelve (36.3 percent) of the 33 Democrats voted with Creem 100 percent of the time. Thirteen others (38.2 percent) voted against Creem only once.

The senator who voted with Creem the lowest percentage of times is Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) who voted with Creem only 87.5 percent of the time. A close second is Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) who voted with her only 88.5 percent of the time.

Rounding out the list of the top five senators who voted with Creem the least percentage of times are Sens John Keenan (D-Quincy) and Michael Moore (D-Millbury) who each voted with Creem only 93.7 percent of the time; and Barry Finegold (D-Andover) who voted with Creem 94.7 percent of the time.

Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted all five senators and asked them why they voted among the least percentage of times with Sen. Creem.

Only Sens. Keenan and Moore responded:

Sen. Keenan responded, "When it comes to matters before the Senate, I do my research, value input from my colleagues and consider the positions of my constituents. Ultimately, I vote for what I believe is best for my district and the commonwealth."

“My voting record in the Massachusetts Senate reflects the priorities and interests of the people who sent me to Beacon Hill to represent them,” said Moore. “While I have deep respect for all of my colleagues, how they plan to vote is not a factor that I take into consideration. My decision on whether to support or oppose every bill that comes to the floor is based solely on whether it will be good for the people of the Second Worcester District.”

Three senators did not respond to repeated requests asking them to comment. They are Sens. Montigny, Keenan and Finegold.

Beacon Hill Roll Call also contacted all 12 senators who voted with Creem 100 percent of the time and asked them to comment. None of the 12 responded.

They are Sens. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington); Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont); Jo Comerford (D-Northampton); Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough); Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth); Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington); Adam Gomez (D-Springfield); Vanna Howard (D-Lowell); Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester); Jason Lewis (D-Winchester); Paval Payano (D-Lawrence) and Becca Rausch (D-Needham).

The votes of four Republican senators were compared with those of GOP Senate Minority Leader Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). None of the four voted with Tarr 100 percent of the time. Sens. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Peter Durant (R-Spencer) voted with Tarr the least percentage of times - only 93.7 percent.

Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) and Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) were close behind and voted with Tarr only 94.7 percent of the time.

PERCENTAGE OF TIMES LOCAL SENATORS VOTED WITH THEIR LEADERSHIP in 2026 THROUGH SEPT. 4

The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported his or her party’s leadership in 2026 through September 4. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the senator opposed his or her party’s leadership.

Some senators voted on all 99 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each senator is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted.

Sen. Rebecca Rausch 100 percent (0) Sen. Karen Spilka President rarely votes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

AUTISM AND POLICE STOPS – Gov. Maura Healey launched the statewide Blue Envelope Program, a free and voluntary program designed to support safer, more effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.

In June, the Legislature approved and Gov. Healey signed into law this legislation establishing the statewide program. This program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 but was not an actual law until passage of this legislation.

The measure, dubbed the “Blue Envelope Program," would create a program giving people with autism 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 regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism. 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.

Blue Envelopes are now available at all Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers, participating AAA locations and through an online mail request form at https://www.mass.gov/forms/request-a-blue-envelope.

“People with autism and their families deserve to feel safe and understood when they interact with law enforcement,” said Healey. “By helping residents communicate their needs and giving officers useful guidance, the Blue Envelope can prevent misunderstandings and make traffic stops safer for everyone. I’m grateful to our police officers for their partnership and commitment to making this program work across Massachusetts.”

“The Blue Envelope Program continues the commonwealth’s longstanding commitment to foster trust and supports successful interactions with members of the autism community,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Raising awareness of this important communication tool will continue to build trust between law enforcement and our neighbors within this important community.”

“The Blue Envelope Program is a practical and meaningful way to foster safer and more effective interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “By making these envelopes widely available through the RMV, AAA locations and an online request process, we are helping individuals and families feel more prepared and confident while giving officers useful information that they can use to support positive interactions and outcomes.”

“The Blue Envelope Program provides a supportive tool for individuals with autism to communicate with law enforcement, creating more understanding and making traffic stops safer for them,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “We’re pleased to take this innovative program piloted by the Massachusetts State Police and make it available statewide in support of our ongoing efforts to make RMV services accessible and inclusive to all residents.”

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT AWARDS FOR 248 EARLY EDUCATORS – Gov. Healey announced the awarding of $1.8 million in student loan repayment grants to 248 early educators and staff across Massachusetts.

This first-time ever program in Massachusetts provides eligible recipients with up to $7,500 per year in student loan repayment assistance and is designed to help experienced early educators stay in the field, build long-term careers and continue providing high-quality care and education for children and families. Recipients were selected based on eligibility requirements and program priorities, with preference given to educators with five or more years of experience and those working in communities serving children and families with high needs or in regions experiencing shortages of early education and care seats.

“We want Massachusetts to be the best place to raise a family and build a career, and supporting early educators is a big part of that,” said Gov. Healey. “That’s why we’re helping 248 educators pay down their student loans and keep more of their hard-earned money. When we invest in early educators, we strengthen our workforce, give children a strong start and help families get the care they need.”

“Supporting early educators is essential to expanding access to high-quality early education and care for families across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Steve Zrike. “This program connects two priorities that are critical to our state’s future: making higher education more affordable and supporting a strong, experienced early education workforce. Investing in these educators helps ensure our youngest learners have a strong start, while giving families the reliable early education and care they need to work and support their families.”

“Educators working in early education and childcare make an extraordinary commitment to the children and families they serve, and we want Massachusetts to be a place where they can build rewarding, sustainable careers,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This first group of recipients represents educators working across our early education and care system, and this investment is one more way we are supporting their professional growth and compensation, while recognizing their experience and strengthening the workforce.”

CREATE “DOLLY PARTON 9 TO 5 DAY” (SD 4203 and HD 6304) - Sen. Julian Cyr (D–Provincetown) and Rep. Sam Montaño (D–Boston) have introduced legislation to designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day" across the commonwealth, recognizing “Dolly Parton’s emblematic cultural impact on the United States, her steadfast dedication to charitable causes and her unwavering support of women, workers, LGBTQ+ people and children.”

“In Dolly Parton, we lost an icon: a legendary singer-songwriter, a philanthropist and a role model who showed generations of Americans what it means to lead and live with kindness and authenticity,” said Cyr and Montaño in a joint written statement. “Dolly’s passing felt incredibly personal to millions of us, like we had all lost our ‘Aunt Dolly.’ To honor her legacy, this legislation would designate September 25 as ‘9 to 5 Day' across the commonwealth, following the lead of lawmakers from Tennessee in celebrating Dolly Parton and all people on the job working 9 to 5.”

“Dolly embodied the very best of what makes our country so special,” said the duo in the joint statement. “She grew up in poverty in Appalachia, but was never afraid to dream big and want something more for herself. Even after reaching stratospheric fame, she never lost her humility, never took herself too seriously and never stopped giving back to the communities that needed it most. For so many of us, Dolly is a patron saint of audacious beauty, wit and acceptance. She was a steadfast ally to LGBTQ+ people, decades before it was popular to be, and constantly reminded us not to be afraid of showing up as our whole selves––even if others poked fun or simply didn’t understand us.”

They continued, “Dolly spent her life working to bring joy to others through her music, charity and grace. Let’s honor her legacy on September 25 and beyond by being a little kinder to each other, finding humor even on the hard days and asking ourselves, ‘What would Dolly do?’”

Matt Fortin, Director of Communications for Sen. Cyr, told Beacon Hill Roll Call, “It is our hope to have the bill passed by Sept. 25 this year.”

ALCOHOL DONATIONS FOR CHARITIES (H 5351) – The House and Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Healey the Senate version of legislation that would allow local licensing authorities to issue temporary licenses to charities in order for the charities to accept donations of wine, beer and alcohol for their charitable events. These licenses were previously allowed under 1997 legislation, but the authorization has since expired. The House had earlier approved a different version of the bill but then agreed to the Senate version.

“I was happy to see the House concurred on the redraft of the charity alcohol licensure legislation the Senate passed in August,” said sponsor Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence.) “Support from both chambers was crucial in helping get this bill this far in the legislative process. Our state will continue to support organizations doing charitable and community-focused work, and this bill is a reflection of that commitment.”

“Today, more than ever, nonprofits are in need of charitable donations to stay afloat,” said House sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “This bill would allow for safe and regulated alcohol licensure for nonprofits in order to raise revenue at charity events by partnering with alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers. The Senate made small changes to accommodate some of the larger nonprofits that host many events throughout the year.”

DOMESTIC WORKERS’ RIGHTS DAY (H 3417) – The House and Senate, on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a measure that would annually establish June 16 as Domestic Workers’ Rights Day to honor all domestic workers who work in private homes and in recognition of Massachusetts’ historic enactment of basic labor standards in the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights.

“For me, [the bill] is really about building on the important work that began with the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which passed before I joined the House of Representatives,” said co-sponsor Rep. Judith Garcia (D-Everett). “This holiday is symbolic in nature, but deeply meaningful because it recognizes the domestic workers whose care and labor are so important to families across our commonwealth. I’m very grateful to see it receive final approval from both branches and reach Gov. Healey’s desk …This moment really belongs to the domestic workers and advocates who have been doing this work for years.”

Co-sponsor Rep. Priscila Sousa (D-Framingham) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her how she feels about the bill’s passage and why she filed it.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“I’m outraged that President Trump has once again turned his back on Massachusetts. Our communities were hit by one of the worst winter storms we’ve seen in decades, and instead of helping them recover, he is refusing to provide the federal disaster assistance they deserve. Our first responders, public works crews and local officials worked around the clock to keep people safe and clean up after this storm. They did their jobs. We did ours. President Trump should do his. Instead, he’s leaving cities, towns and Massachusetts taxpayers to shoulder the costs of a major disaster on their own.”

---Gov. Maura Healy denouncing President Donald Trump for denying disaster relief for Massachusetts communities recovering from the February 2026 blizzard.

“Housing needs look different across the commonwealth, and this funding round responds with a wide range of solutions. These investments will deliver more than 2,500 new homes, while preserving existing communities and expanding opportunity for families, seniors, veterans and others.”

---Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias announcing $278 million in state and federal financing and tax credits for housing development with a goal of 2,500 homes to be built in 20 communities across the state.

“Workers deserve timely paychecks and the protections afforded to them under state law. Anything less is unacceptable. My office is dedicated to protecting all workers across the commonwealth, and we will continue to ensure employers comply with our wage and labor laws.”

---Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing that her office has secured $1.46 million in citations against Dunkin’ franchise operator Northern Management Group (NMG), which operates more than 20 Dunkin’ franchises in Eastern Massachusetts, for failing to comply with various state employment laws pertaining to employee classification, timely wage payment and proper notice of new assignments to temporary employees. NMG been ordered to pay restitution to 100 employees and penalties to the commonwealth. Workers in Massachusetts who believe their workplace rights have been violated are invited to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/file-a-workplace-complaint

“Independent Expenditure ‘Super’ PACs, which can spend without limit to support or oppose candidates, reported making $2 million in expenditures in the eight months before the Massachusetts September 1 primary. The top PAC in 2026 as of Sept. 1 is Commonwealth Unity, disclosing $774,311 in expenditures, mostly targeting the Republican gubernatorial race."

---From a report by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. The report is available at: https://ocpf.us/Reorts/IndependentExpenditurePacReports

“Before the ink dried on Gov. Healey’s politicized signature, we started receiving messages from outraged residents across the state, people sickened that Healey had legalized abortion up to birth for healthy mothers and healthy, pain-capable infants. Every person who contacted us wanted us to ‘do something’ to restore protections for viable, fully formed babies.”

---Myrna Maloney Flynn, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, announcing that her group along with Massachusetts Family Action, are co-sponsoring an effort to place a question on the 2028 ballot to repeal the abortion expansion law signed by Gov. Maura Healey on August 10.

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 August 31-Sept. 4, the House met for a total of 20 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 16 minutes.

Mon. August 31 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:05 a.m.

Senate 11:41 a.m. to 11:47 a.m.

Tues. Sept. 1 No House session.

No Senate session.

Wed. Sept. 2 No House session.

No Senate session.

Thurs. Sept. 3 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Senate 11:09 a.m. to 11:19 a.m.

Fri. Sept. 4 No House session.

No Senate session.

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com