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.
Author Archives: Jamie Perkins
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.
Posted inStatehouse
Long-awaited sexual misconduct protections for students advance on Beacon Hill
The Massachusetts Senate voted to extend protections against sexual misconduct and abuse by school staff to students who are 16 and 17.
Posted inStatehouse
How to cut energy bills? Mass. Senate, House disagree
A key senator wants to eliminate a gas pipe program. The House wants cuts from Mass Save.
Posted inImmigration
Mass. Senate passes immigrant protections
Senate Democrats described the PROTECT Act as a reaction to Trump administration abuses. Their bill goes further than a House version passed in March.
Posted inStatehouse
Massachusetts gun regulations will go before voters in November
The fate of a 2024 Massachusetts gun law will soon lie in voters’ hands. A petition drive by gun advocates has sent it to the statewide ballot.
Posted inStatehouse
Massachusetts considers one of the nation’s strictest social media bills
Mental health and online safety advocates are praising the bill. Critics say it threatens personal privacy and would put marginalized communities at risk.