Skip to Content
April 17, 2026 Clouds | 63°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Press Room

Subscribe for 'New' Updates Through MyLegislature


Senate Approves $532 Million Budget to Bolster Fiscally Strained Hospitals and Health Centers

June 18, 2025

Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed a supplemental budget that directs funding to hospitals and community health centers throughout the state confronting rising costs while working to serve vulnerable populations.

Massachusetts Legislature Invests $1.39 Billion into Public Transportation and Education

June 18, 2025

Today, the Massachusetts Legislature approved $1.39 billion in new investments in public transportation and public education across the Commonwealth. The supplemental budget—funded by surplus revenue from the Fair Share surtax on incomes over $1 million, allocates $716 million for transportation and $593.5 million for education at every level.

FACT SHEET: Fair Share Supplemental Budget Conference Committee Report

June 16, 2025

The Fair Share supplemental budget agreement reached by the House and Senate provides $1.39 billion in new investments in education and transportation while prioritizing regional equity and maintaining fiscal responsibility in the face of federal uncertainty.

Massachusetts Retailers Set for Sales Tax-Free Weekend on August 9, 10

June 12, 2025

Saturday, August 9, 2025, and Sunday, August 10, 2025, are the official dates of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday thanks to actions taken by the Massachusetts Legislature today. During the holiday, the state’s 6.25 per cent sales tax is suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500.

Senate Approves Bill Marking Annual Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in Massachusetts

June 5, 2025

Today the Massachusetts Senate gave final approval to a bill that would mark an annual Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day in Massachusetts. Once signed into law by the Governor the first observance will be set for this Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Massachusetts Senate Passes Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to Safeguard Financial Health and Protect the State’s Most Vulnerable

May 22, 2025

The Massachusetts Senate today approved a $61.4 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). Over three full days of debate, the Chamber adopted 493 amendments, adding a total of $81.1 million in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities for communities throughout the Commonwealth to the Senate Ways and Means Committee’s originally proposed budget.

Notable Amendments Added to the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

May 22, 2025

During three days of debate on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, the Senate added amendments that included policy to unlock housing production, lower the cost of prescription drugs, empower municipalities to control liquor licenses, and expand benefits for Gold Star spouses, among other policies.

Senate Votes to Empower Cities and Towns to Issue Alcohol Licenses

May 22, 2025

Today the Massachusetts Senate adopted an amendment to their Fiscal Year 2026 budget that would allow cities and towns to set the number of alcohol licenses that would be available for restaurants and bars within their communities.