Their economic development bills would address the housing crisis from several angles, but the work’s not over yet.
Author Archives: Jamie Perkins
Posted inStatehouse
How productive are New Bedford legislators’ committees?
New Bedford’s legislators sit across 23 committees. So far, seven of these committees have not considered any bills this session, and eight have not held any hearings this year.
Posted inStatehouse
Where’s the funding to close Ash Street Jail?
The sheriff said the necessary funding hasn’t been a legislative priority. State legislators say they need a breakdown of the project’s costs to push it forward.
Posted inStatehouse
Mass. Senate wants to address primary-care doctor shortage
Thirty percent of Massachusetts residents have had difficulty accessing primary care. Will the House take up the bill this month?
Posted inStatehouse
New sexual misconduct protection for students becomes law
The long-awaited law prohibits sexual relationships between school staff and students who are 16 and 17.
Posted inStatehouse
Mass. Senate passes sweeping energy affordability bill
The bill is expected to save ratepayers more than $14 billion over the next decade, though details are scarce about how that translates to individual customers.
Posted inStatehouse
As ballot initiatives multiply, critics want to limit them
Massachusetts could have eight initiative questions on the November ballot. Legislative leaders don’t like that. Is direct democracy working? Or does it need new limits?
Posted inStatehouse
Mass. House passes bill safeguarding libraries from book bans
The bill would require all school libraries and public libraries in the state to adopt rules for handling book challenges.
Posted inStatehouse
Massachusetts House passes transparency bill
While most House members tout the legislation as “comprehensive,” critics say it falls short of meaningful reform sought by a 2024 ballot measure.
Posted inStatehouse
Mass. Senate proposes ‘historic’ increase in local aid. Is it enough?
New Bedford, Fairhaven, and Dartmouth officials all face budget struggles. They say they need more local aid from the state.
