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Legislature

Posted inOpinion

Question 1 delivered a harsh verdict on the Legislature

by Tatishe Nteta, Jesse Rhodes and Adam Eichen December 2, 2024December 2, 2024

Overwhelming public support for Question 1 suggests state legislators may need to do some soul-searching about how to address the public’s concerns about state government. 

Posted inSource Document

‘We have faced an anti-democratic presidency before’

by Karen Spilka, Ronald Mariano, Brooke Thomson and John Velis November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

the Democratic Party must view this election not only as a wake up call, but also as an opportunity to renew our focus on the issues that drove voters across the country towards the Republican Party this year.

Posted inPolitics

Republicans make a handful of gains on Beacon Hill

by Chris Lisinski I State House News Service November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

Republicans flipped at least three legislative seats in Massachusetts, including one held by a veteran Democrat once in the House’s inner circle. In the other direction, a Democrat claimed at least one House district held by a Republican.

Posted inBallot Questions

Voters demand audit of Legislature, hurdles remain 

Headshot of Bruce Mohl, Editor at CommonWealth Beacon. by Bruce Mohl November 6, 2024November 6, 2024

In a brief interview on Tuesday night, DiZoglio said she is prepared to take on the Legislature either in court or on Beacon Hill. She said she is enlisting the support of supportive lawmakers to block any action in the Legislature that would undermine Tuesday’s vote. If that fails, DiZoglio said, she is urging the governor to side with the state’s voters.

Posted inState Government

Mariano sets legislative game plan for rest of year

Headshot of Bruce Mohl, Editor at CommonWealth Beacon. by Bruce Mohl October 28, 2024October 29, 2024

The speaker also indicated he is very open to changing the Legislature’s rules in the future to provide more flexibility in approving legislation. “The Joint Rules and associated legislative timeline are both due for updates. That, however, is a discussion for the 194th General Court after the New Year,” he said.

Posted inState Government

Senate goes different law-making route to pass climate bill

Headshot of Bruce Mohl, Editor at CommonWealth Beacon. by Bruce Mohl October 24, 2024October 25, 2024

Tarr, a Republican, said he saw the Senate’s new standing order for this session as a one-time event. “We should never let this practice be part of the everyday operations of this body,” he told his colleagues during a speech.

Posted inState Government

Beacon Hill mourns death of Rep. Gifford, Republican from Wareham

by Alison Kuznitz // State House News Service October 24, 2024October 24, 2024

“Susan was also kind, and a person of integrity, traits that allowed her to bring an invaluable perspective to her work here in the Legislature,” said Spreaker Ron Mariano.

Posted inState Government

Business community needs attitude adjustment, Michlewitz says

Headshot of Gintautus Dumcius, Reporter at CommonWealth Beacon by Gintautas Dumcius October 23, 2024October 23, 2024

“The negativity I hear on a daily basis is enough to make you think we’re bordering on the Great Depression, or that we’re almost wishing it into existence.”

Posted inOpinion

Legislature pulled up short in July, but it’s getting job done now

by Jesse Mermell October 22, 2024October 22, 2024

My reduced anxiety about the Legislature’s productivity this session doesn’t mean that there isn’t still room for improvement. There is no question that the lawmaking process can be smoother, and I’ve been glad to see leadership acknowledge that the Legislature can do better.

Posted inBallot Questions

DiZoglio releases audit of Legislature 2 weeks before ballot question vote

Headshot of Bruce Mohl, Editor at CommonWealth Beacon. by Bruce Mohl October 21, 2024October 23, 2024

Polls indicate DiZoglio’s ballot question is expected to pass overwhelmingly, but any victory is likely only the beginning of a legal struggle over what operations of the Legislature the auditor can audit without infringing on the authority of a separate branch of government.

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