LEGISLATURE

More than four months into the Legislative session, lawmakers on Beacon Hill have not agreed on a rules package, and that's beginning to affect western Mass. residents.

Diving into a more than 150 year old tradition, one a law, that is still upheld by a couple of small Massachusetts towns and supports Massachusetts libraries.

A western Massachusetts family practice doctor has testified at seven hearings on Beacon Hill. Meanwhile, lawmakers have not enacted meaningful changes to enable her to keep from laying off staff.

The Mass. House Ways and Means Committee released its $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 budget. Floor deliberations are planned for the week of April 28.

The Mass. House budget will be released this week. Many are hoping it continues to fund children's mental health, unlike the budget proposed by Gov. Maura Healey.

Some western Mass. lawmakers object to the T — the Boston area subway — receiving the bulk of revenues collected from high wage earners.

The slow start of the new term in the Judicial Nominating Commission and Governor's Council could be the cause of the delayed appointments.

Following cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, Massachusetts lawmakers take testimony from state education officials as FY26 budget-making resumes, following a week off.

Lawmakers face the challenge of addressing the potential loss of $16B in federal funding in next year’s Mass. budget, which may require significant Legislative action.

Massachusetts state Rep. Natalie Blais of Deerfield was named to co-lead the Legislature's Agriculture Committee.