Beacon Hill Roll Call
Volume 50 – Report No. 21
May 19–23, 2025
Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved.
THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of May 19-23. All Senate roll calls were related to the Senate version of a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget.
During the week of May 19-23, the House met for a total of seven hours and 15 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 33 hours and two minutes.
APPROVE $530 MILLION FISCAL 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4150)- House 149-1, approved a $530 million fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that will carry a net cost to the state of $318.2 million after federal reimbursements.
Provisions include $189 million for childcare financial assistance; $134 million for the Medical Assistance Trust Fund; $60 million for Home Care Services; $42.9 million for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program; and $15 million in grants to support municipal celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the American independence.
(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian – Yes
Rep. Donald Wong – Yes
ENGLISH LEARNERS (H 4150)- House 150-1, approved an amendment that would enshrine protections for English language learners and students with disabilities currently provided under federal law into state law, ensuring that these students receive both English language development and Special Education services in a coordinated, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, regardless of school district or demographic. The amendment also prohibits discrimination in public schools based on immigration, citizenship status or disability.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian – Yes
Rep. Donald Wong – Yes
SENATE APPROVES $61.4 BILLION FISCAL 2026 STATE BUDGET (S 3)- Senate 38-2, approved a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House has already approved a different version, and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a compromise plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to Gov. Maura Healey.
(A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS (S 3)- Senate 34-5, approved an amendment that would allow Health Policy Commission regulators to place a maximum price limit on some medications, capping what patients, providers, pharmacies and others in Massachusetts would pay.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
HUMAN TRAFFICKING (S 3)- Senate 12-28, rejected an amendment that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to trafficking situations. The measure also requires these establishments to post in plain view, in the lobby and in any public restroom in their establishment, a written notice developed by the attorney general, which must include the national human trafficking hotline telephone number.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – No
CAPITAL GAINS TAX DISTRIBUTION (S 3)- Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would require any excess revenue in capital gains revenue over $1 billion to annually automatically be transferred as follows: 80 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 10 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 10 percent to the State
Retiree Benefits Trust Fund. The amendment would replace a section that distributes 5 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 90 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – No
INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 3)- Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would increase from $2 million to $5 million the amount of money that is tax exempt from the value of a person’s estate when calculating the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over three years.
(A “Yes” vote is for increasing the exemption to $5 million. A “No” vote is against increasing it.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – No
ALLOW GOLD STAR MOTHERS TO RECEIVE ANNUITY EVEN IF THEY REMARRY (S 3)- Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would repeal a current law that restricts a surviving spouse from receiving the Gold Star annuity if they remarry.
(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
$400,000 FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE (S 3)- Senate 39-0, approved an amendment increasing funding for a pediatric palliative care program by $400,000 (from $10.4 to $10.8 million). This program provides invaluable comprehensive care for children living with life-limiting or end-of-life illnesses, as well as support for their families.
(A Yes” vote is for the $400,000.)
Sen. Jason Lewis – Yes
For more information and details on each bill, roll call attendance, and other relevant information, please visit the Wakefield Daily Item at www.localheadlinenews.com
