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Massachusetts Senate Launches RESPONSE 2025 to Counter Federal Threats
April 1, 2025In response to federal actions under the second Trump Administration that threaten critical programs and institutions, the Massachusetts Senate is launching RESPONSE 2025, a coordinated effort to protect residents, defend the Commonwealth’s values, and lead Massachusetts through a potentially difficult time.
Senate selects Abigail Adams, Elizabeth Freeman to be First Woman Busts in State House
March 27, 2025Today, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka announced that busts of women’s rights leader and presidential advisor Abigail Adams, as well as freedom fighter Elizabeth Freeman, the first enslaved woman to successfully sue for her freedom in the United States of America, will be commissioned and placed in the Massachusetts Senate Chamber.
Legislature Extends Hybrid Public Meeting Law to 2027, Expanding Access to Local Government
March 20, 2025Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.
Statement on Hybrid Meeting Law Agreement
March 17, 2025Today Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) released the following statement regarding an agreement on the extension of remote and hybrid meetings for public bodies in Massachusetts
Legislature Passes Supplemental Budget for Emergency Shelter System
February 26, 2025Today, the Legislature passed a $425 million supplemental budget to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth.
FACT SHEET: Agreement on Emergency Assistance Supplemental Budget
February 25, 2025The legislature’s agreement on a supplemental budget will allocate $425 million to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth. The bill adds cost controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure the state responsibly uses taxpayer dollars, while continuing to fund a system that serves Massachusetts mothers, fathers, and children in crisis.
Massachusetts Senate Launches Art Committee to Select First Woman Sculpture and Diversify Symbols
February 24, 2025Today, Senate President Karen E. Spilka announced the membership of the Senate Art Committee, a group of Senators and arts leaders who will be tasked with making the art and symbols in the Senate more representative of the residents of the Commonwealth.
Senate Passes Rules Proposals Broadening Public Access to Legislature’s Work, Decision Making
February 13, 2025The Senate’s rules proposals for the 2025-2026 session aim to create a transparent and efficient Legislature that meets our current moment. These proposals will build on the Senate’s commitment to transparency and create a framework for increased productivity during legislative sessions.