Massachusetts Senate
Coverage of Massachusetts Senate in the Nexus archive.
- With House vote, Beacon Hill inches closer to landmark primary care reforms
The Massachusetts House passed a bill to increase primary care funding, aligning with the Senate to potentially reshape the state's healthcare system, similar to the impact of Romneycare. The bill aims to raise primary care spending from 6.6% to 15% of insurer expenditures.
- I led efforts to increase primary care spending in Rhode Island. Here are the things Massachusetts must get right.
The Massachusetts Senate passed S-3116 to increase primary care spending from under 7% to 15% of health care dollars by 2028. The author, former Rhode Island health insurance commissioner, argues this shift is critical for improving access and equity, citing past success in Rhode Island where primary care spending was increased without raising premiums.
- Spilka to lead Senate into a ninth year, first since Bulger
Karen Spilka is set to lead the Massachusetts Senate into a ninth consecutive year, the first time since William Bulger's tenure. A rule limiting Senate leadership terms to eight years was removed three years ago, allowing Spilka to continue. She plans to seek re-election in 2027, which could extend her leadership beyond a decade.
- A proposed moratorium on data centers hits resistance in Mass. Senate
Sen. Michael Moore proposed a one-year moratorium on new data centers in Massachusetts as part of an economic development bill, but Senate leaders, including Michael Rodrigues and Barry Finegold, opposed the measure. The amendment, which aimed to address concerns over data centers' energy and water consumption, failed to advance despite 13 senators supporting it, with leaders citing insufficient support for a conference committee reconciliation.
- Massachusetts Senate preserves energy-efficiency funding in new bill
The Massachusetts Senate has preserved energy-efficiency funding in new energy legislation, which includes provisions on plug-in solar and renewable energy procurement, with sponsors projecting $14 billion in consumer savings over the next 10 years.
- Senate ready to force more money toward primary care — and away from specialists
Massachusetts senators plan to pass a bill increasing primary care funding by requiring health care entities to allocate 15% of spending to primary care by 2028, shifting resources from specialists and pharmaceuticals. The proposal faces expected pushback from hospital systems and specialty care sectors, as primary care currently receives only 6.6% of insurer spending.
- Shortsleeve would tie legislative funding to audit compliance
Republican Brian Shortsleeve threatened to veto $110 million in legislative funding unless lawmakers comply with an audit by Auditor Diana DiZoglio. The House passed a bill limiting the scope of the audit to administrative functions and blocking courts from resolving disputes. DiZoglio accused the Legislature of violating separation of powers by restricting the audit.
- House approves later last call bill that would run through July
The Massachusetts House approved a bill allowing bars to extend last call to 3 a.m. through July 31 with local approval. The Senate is expected to follow suit, and the bill includes provisions for 'social consumption districts' where alcohol can be consumed in public spaces. The legislation aims to support local businesses during summer events, including the FIFA World Cup.