Maura Healey

Massachusetts passed the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act, removing statutory restrictions on abortions past 24 weeks and signing it into law. The legislation has created a rift among state Democrats, who have criticized the bill as an 'extremist' and 'barbaric' position that goes beyond their constituents' views.

A board-certified OBGYN warned that Massachusetts' new late-term abortion law could expose mothers to danger, arguing that third-trimester procedures are medically unnecessary and risky. The law, signed by Gov. Maura Healey, allows for broader physician discretion in authorizing later abortions. Critics also dispute the claim that such procedures only occur in rare medical emergencies.

Governor Maura Healey and GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue agreed to participate in separate general election debates this fall, with Healey committing to two October debates and Minogue to a debate hosted by Boston 25, GBH, and New England Public Media. GOP candidate Brian Shortsleeve confirmed participation in all debates but will first compete against Minogue in the September 1 GOP primary.

Lawmakers completed their formal work by July 31 ahead of the traditional deadline, avoiding chaotic all-night sessions seen in previous years. Twelve bills, including economic development and public records reforms, are now in conference committee for negotiations ahead of the January 2027 legislative term end.

Governor Maura Healey will sign a new immigrant protection bill into law, expanding restrictions on ICE activities in courthouses, schools, hospitals, and childcare centers. The law, which takes immediate effect, blocks new agreements for state-local immigration enforcement and preserves existing partnerships with ICE, while codifying a 2017 court decision limiting federal detainer use.

Massachusetts lawmakers sent a bill to Gov. Maura Healey establishing guidelines for book availability in schools and public libraries, requiring decisions by trained professionals through a transparent process. The bill (S 3241) mandates public hearings and review committees for material removals, protects employees from retaliation, and addresses rising book challenges nationwide.

Governor Maura Healey criticized utility companies and President Donald Trump for rising energy costs but did not specify legislative progress. Lawmakers are negotiating an energy affordability bill, but a compromise remains delayed as House and Senate versions differ.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue proposes a healthcare plan to reduce costs and expand access in Massachusetts, emphasizing innovation and reducing regulatory burdens. He highlights disparities in healthcare access between Boston and other areas, citing hospital closures and long travel times for critical care.

GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue unveiled a healthcare plan to lower costs and expand access in Massachusetts by reducing regulations and promoting innovation. He highlighted geographic disparities in healthcare access, such as hospital closures in Norwood, and aims to improve care statewide while challenging incumbent Gov. Maura Healey.

Governor Maura Healey supports a conservation ballot question (Question 6) that would allocate $100 million for land and water protection, park restoration, and outdoor recreation by redirecting sales tax revenue from recreational goods. The measure is backed by 95 groups and aims to avoid new taxes or fees. Healey also endorsed housing proposals, including a ballot question allowing starter homes on smaller lots.

Massachusetts lawmakers closed a legal loophole allowing authority figures who engaged in sexual activity with teenagers aged 16-18 to claim consent. The new law also permits exceptions to the statute of limitations when DNA analysis identifies a perpetrator.

Massachusetts lawmakers are advancing a bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices by speed tier, with the Senate considering the proposal. The framework would allow human-powered devices on sidewalks, limit faster devices to bike lanes or roads, and impose age and helmet requirements. The bill aligns with Governor Maura Healey’s Ride Safe Act and recommendations from a state committee on micromobility.

Small businesses and individuals in Massachusetts will face a 10.4% average increase in health insurance premiums for 2027, down from insurers' initial 12.9% proposal after negotiations by the Healey administration. Fallon Community Health Plan's requested 25% increase was rejected, and the merged market—a subset covering 700,000 members—will see its second consecutive year of double-digit rate hikes.

Massachusetts' surtax on households earning over $1.1 million generated $3.38 billion in fiscal year 2026, exceeding initial revenue estimates by more than double. Supporters argue the tax's overperformance disproves claims that wealthy residents would leave the state, with funds allocated to education and transportation initiatives like free school meals and regional transit.

Massachusetts state senators, led by Sen. Jason Lewis, are pushing to repeal Chapter 62F, a tax cap law, through an amendment to an economic development bill. The move aims to prevent a fall tax-reform ballot question and has 20 cosponsors, but requires House and gubernatorial approval. Jim Stergios of the Pioneer Institute criticizes the effort as undermining voter initiatives.

Phil Eng has served as both MBTA general manager and interim Department of Transportation secretary for nearly a year without the Healey administration confirming an active search for replacements. Eng's contract as MBTA general manager extends through 2028, and no job postings for the roles exist on state employment portals. Governor Maura Healey praised Eng's performance, and he has no set timeline to end his dual responsibilities.

Governor Maura Healey proposed an additional $100 million in public school funding for Massachusetts to address financial challenges like enrollment declines and rising costs. The funds aim to prevent program cuts and layoffs, with existing K-12 funding at over $7 billion in the 2027 budget.

House Speaker Ron Mariano expressed skepticism about the Senate’s primary care bill and indicated a focus on prescription drug reforms. The Senate passed primary care legislation (S 3141) with a 15% spending target for the sector, while the House aims to negotiate improvements before the July 31 deadline for conference committee bills.

Governor Maura Healey announced two new revolving loan programs, Build for Mass and the Green Loan Program, offering low-interest financing for municipal infrastructure and clean energy projects. The $75 million initiative aims to address funding gaps, leverage federal resources, and support projects like climate resilience, water infrastructure, and clean energy installations.

Massachusetts lawmakers have agreed to regulate Big Tech's data collection and addictive features for young users but face challenges reconciling conflicting proposals from the House and Senate. The House proposed a ban on social media for under-14s, while the Senate focused on disabling addictive features by default. Negotiations also involve aligning school cell phone bans with social media regulations.

Governor Maura Healey signed a $63.4 billion fiscal year 2027 budget without any vetoes, focusing on economic stability, healthcare, and education funding while avoiding tax increases. The budget includes $2.7 billion from surtax revenues and allocates $51 million to the rainy day fund, which is projected to reach $8.2 billion by fiscal year-end.

Massachusetts recently passed a literacy bill mandating evidence-based reading instruction and banning discredited methods like three-cueing. Lexington Public Schools, a high-performing district, faces scrutiny for using balanced literacy approaches despite strong student test scores, challenging the state's new science of reading policies.

Governor Maura Healey intervened in a negotiation stalemate between Mass General Brigham and over 4,000 nurses and 450 home care clinicians ahead of a potential historic strike. The nurses seek cost-of-living increases, affordable health insurance, and limits on temporary staff, while home care workers negotiate their first union contract. Healey urged both parties to resolve the dispute to avoid disruptions to healthcare services.

Donna Festinger, a Massachusetts woman, attended the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. to represent her state after Massachusetts and other states boycotted the event. She criticized the boycott as 'shameful' and expressed disappointment in state leaders for not supporting the celebration of American heritage. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, known for opposing President Trump, mocked the fair and claimed it was financially exploitative.

A Massachusetts woman, Donna Festinger, attended the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. to represent her state after Massachusetts and other states boycotted the event due to opposition to President Donald Trump. Festinger criticized the decision by state leaders, including Governor Maura Healey, as 'shameful' and expressed disappointment that several states did not support the celebration of American heritage.

Massachusetts will extend the statute of limitations for rape cases involving DNA evidence, allowing indefinite prosecution if DNA matches a suspect after 15 years. Governor Maura Healey signed the law as part of her budget proposal, responding to advocacy from survivors and reports showing most states allow longer timelines for such cases.

Lawmakers sent Governor Maura Healey a $63.4 billion annual budget bill with a 3.9% increase over the previous year's spending. The budget allocates $2.7 billion from a surtax on high-income households, split between education and transportation, and avoids tax or fee increases. Officials highlighted the budget's alignment with Healey's proposal and its sustainable spending growth.

Legislators in six states have approved measures to address patient medical debt, including laws capping interest rates, prohibiting wage garnishment, and requiring hospitals to inform patients about financial assistance programs. Hawaii's bill awaits a governor's signature, and other states have introduced similar legislation.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced $31.2 million in funding for childcare financial assistance, allowing 2,000 more children to benefit from early childhood education. She visited the YMCA in Pittsfield's Childcare Center and interacted with children.

Massachusetts will pause data center tax incentives until energy and environmental protections are established, as Gov. Maura Healey emphasized the need to prevent rising utility costs and environmental harm. The new framework requires data centers to use clean energy, avoid shifting costs to other consumers, and contribute to clean energy goals, with the state noting it is not a major data center hub due to high costs and regulations.

The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration can end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants, overturning previous court protections. Massachusetts officials warned this would disrupt healthcare workers and families, while the White House called it a victory for enforcing TPS as a temporary measure.

Vineyard Wind 1, the first U.S. commercial-scale offshore wind project, is operational but not at full capacity. The project faces financial disputes with turbine supplier GE Vernova and landlord BP Hancock LLC over unpaid sums, while Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey celebrated its completion in New Bedford, emphasizing job creation and environmental benefits.

Governor Maura Healey's health care affordability work group, operating confidentially, has reached the midpoint of its process and is expected to deliver initial recommendations to the governor within weeks. The group, formed in January, aims to address rising health care costs through 'new and innovative' solutions, with ongoing work planned through the year.

The Senate energy bill proposes ending the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) by 2030, aiming to save $1.46 billion by narrowing its scope. The legislation highlights growing legislative division between the House and Senate over energy policy, with the Senate targeting cost concerns related to GSEP, which allows gas companies to recover costs from ratepayers for replacing aging pipes.

Massachusetts is considering not opting into a federal scholarship tax credit program that could provide $2.2 billion annually for educational supports, with critics labeling it a voucher program but advocates arguing it benefits public school students. Refusing the program would mean losing funds to other states or the Treasury.

Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts' first state climate chief, leads Governor Maura Healey’s climate agenda but faces challenges including rising energy costs and policy shifts under President Trump. Her role involves coordinating state agencies to advance climate initiatives, though progress is hindered by stalled projects and voter concerns over utility bills.

Massachusetts Secretary of Housing Juana Matias states the state is on track to meet its goal of building 222,000 new homes by 2035 despite permitting challenges. The state faces funding gaps amid a potential Trump administration shift and a pending rent control ballot question, with over half of residents cost-burdened by housing expenses.

The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line, operational since January, has delivered only marginal increases in hydropower to the region, with 27 days of zero power flow in its first six months. The project, part of a 2016 Massachusetts law requiring renewable energy procurement, faces challenges as current hydropower imports may fall below previous levels, compounded by the new Champlain Hudson Power Express line diverting Canadian supply.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey praises Scottish soccer fans (Tartan Army) for boosting the local economy and creating a vibrant atmosphere during World Cup matches in Boston. The governor discusses plans to extend World Cup-related benefits like extended bar hours and transit services beyond the event.

The House Ways and Means Committee reduced the Senate's $3.94 billion environmental borrowing bill to $3.078 billion, removing policy riders like the Plastics Reduction Act and other provisions. The revised bill aligns closer to Governor Maura Healey's original $2.9 billion proposal, focusing on environmental protections while streamlining permitting for infrastructure projects.