Author: john_velis

 Legislation would give teachers until mid-2027 to join RetirementPlus 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed legislation to allow longtime public school teachers the opportunity to buy into an enhanced savings program if they missed out when the program was first launched a quarter century ago. 

An estimated 6,500 to 8,500 current teachers in Massachusetts have been unable to participate in the RetirementPlus pension program because they missed the window to opt into the plan in 2001. 

The bill—S.3109, An Act relative to benefits for teachers—would provide another one-time opportunity to that group of longtime educators and give them until mid-2027 to choose whether they would like to join RetirementPlus. 

“Massachusetts teachers give everything to our children and communities, and they deserve to retire with the security and dignity that reflects that commitment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Too many educators were shut out of RetirementPlus through no fault of their own. Today, the Senate is correcting that and giving these teachers the retirement they have earned. I thank Chair Rodrigues for his work on this bill and applaud Senator Miranda for her tireless leadership. I’m deeply grateful for the unmatched advocacy of AFT Massachusetts President Tang, and thank every advocate educator who raised their voice to make this day possible.” 

“Today, the Senate acted in a thoughtful manner to promote retirement security and protect the financial wellbeing of our hard-working teachers, providing them with a new pathway to opt into the RetirementPlus program,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I want to thank the Senate President, Senator Miranda, and Senator Brownsberger for their collective leadership, and many of my Senate colleagues for their unwavering support. With this action, we have passed a bill that will boost retirement benefits for teachers who have dedicated their time and energy to serve and teach kids in our communities and deserve to retire with the dignity they have earned.” 

Teachers who join RetirementPlus through this new opportunity would pay into the program as if they had joined at the outset, which would include interest payments, to ensure both fiscal stability and fairness for teachers and retirees who have been participating throughout the past 25 years. 

“This legislation will allow many educators who were disadvantaged by errors and poor communication to make themselves whole,” said Senate President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “The Senate has taken a careful and deliberate approach to this legislation and reached a fair result for the teachers who have given so much for our children.” 

“For too long, teachers who missed the original RetirementPlus enrollment period because of confusing procedures, inadequate notice, administrative errors, or time spent on maternity or medical leave have been denied benefits they believed they were working toward,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “In many cases, these educators have had to delay retirement, faced with the impossible decision between working well into old age and retiring without the security of knowing if there’s enough in the bank. This legislation creates a fair, one-time opportunity for these educators to enroll in RetirementPlus. I am grateful to my Senate colleagues for their partnership in bringing forward this bill. I also want to thank our labor partners and the many educators who shared their experiences and advocated for this change over the years. Their voices helped shine a light on this longstanding inequity and made this long-overdue reform possible.” 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the floor with a bipartisan 17-0 vote on June 3, 2026. A previous version of the bill was engrossed by the House of Representatives. 

The Senate passed the bill today on a 39-0 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. 

Statements of Support 

AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang 

“With today’s vote, the Senate is reaffirming its support for some of our state’s most dedicated teachers and the schools and communities they serve. This bill provides teachers who have been working in our schools for decades the chance to enroll in a retirement system many of them were unfairly shut out of 25 years ago, the same system new teachers are automatically enrolled in. These are teachers who were dropped from the system when they changed districts, teachers who were told they were enrolled only to find out years later that was not the case, and teachers who were not provided the necessary resources to enroll in the first place, including ASL interpreters to explain the new system and the enrollment process for deaf and hard of hearing teachers in the Boston Public Schools. We are grateful to the Senate President for her leadership and the Senate’s commitment to ensuring our public educators receive the dignified and secure retirement they’ve earned.” 

Boston Teachers Union President Erik Berg 

“The teachers who are represented by the Boston Teachers Union are grateful for the Senate’s passage of Retirement Plus. This important legislation will allow educators across the Commonwealth—who were left out 25 years ago—to retire on par with their colleagues after their years of tireless service to our state’s students. Final passage of this bill is particularly urgent at a time when Boston and many other districts are facing fiscal challenges, and we hope that it will allow some of the hundreds of educator positions facing cuts to be restored.”  

Ted Chambers, longtime Boston Public Schools teacher and Chairman of the Committee for a Fair Fix to R+ 

“Today marks a major step forward for fairness for Massachusetts educators. We are deeply grateful to our allies at AFT Massachusetts for their advocacy and especially to Senator Liz Miranda for her determined leadership and tireless fight on behalf of educators unfairly excluded from Retirement Plus. We also thank Senate leadership for advancing this legislation to a vote and moving it to the conference committee process. After years of advocacy educators across Massachusetts can finally see a path toward correcting a long-standing inequity. We look forward to working with legislative leaders to secure a final bill that delivers the fair fix teachers have earned.” 

Amy Piacitelli, Boston Public Schools teacher since 1995 

“Since April of 2019, I’ve worked with a team of dedicated teachers and allies to push for legislation that would provide a fair fix for Retirement Plus. I am proud of the work we’ve done to raise awareness about this issue and am thankful to the Senate for taking steps today that get us closer to correcting an injustice that is now a quarter-century old. For me, a clerical error on my paychecks during the R+ rollout period led me to believe I was already enrolled, and that administrative mistake cost me an extra four years. I am thrilled that we are now a step closer to passing the bill and look forward to seeing it pass into law this session. I want to offer a huge thank you to the Senate for recognizing the contributions educators make to the Commonwealth, and for the steps they’ve taken today to get us closer to the fair fix we need.” 

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Bill removes out-of-date and offensive terms related to persons with disabilities 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed a bill that removes outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities.  

The bill, S.2563, removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.”  

The bill replaces these terms with current terminology such as “person with a disability.” 

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Representatives Livingstone, Finn, and Garballey for their work on this important legislation, as well as our partners in the Senate for working with us to get these reforms to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

 “When dusty and dangerous relics of a bygone era darken our laws, it creates the potential for real harm to residents today,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Thanks to the voices of advocates like former Senate staff member Melissa Reilly and the leadership of Senator Jehlen and Senator Kennedy, the Legislature has acted to make our laws better represent who we are in 21st-century Massachusetts. With a White House that glorifies, and seemingly longs for, the days when many Americans were discriminated against because of who they are, now is the time to make sure our state laws respect and support the rights and dignity of our residents.” 

“Removing out-of-date and offensive language from the Massachusetts General Laws to describe people with disabilities is an important step in ensuring that our values are also reflected in our statutes,” said Representative Jay D. Livingstone (D-Boston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “As legislators, it is our job to help make sure that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities feel included, accepted and embraced for who they are, and this is an important step in doing so.”  

“An Act Dignifying Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities represents a significant step forward—not only in how we talk about disability, but in how we affirm the value and dignity of every person across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester) Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. “This bill updates 346 sections that includes language that is not only outdated but deeply hurtful and replaces those terms with modern, person-first language that centers respect, humanity, and inclusion. While this may seem like a small step on paper, it is a powerful act of recognition and at a time when disability rights are facing growing challenges at the federal level, this bill is a clear and necessary stand from the Commonwealth.” 

“I am proud to support H5474 and take this long-overdue step toward ensuring the laws of the Commonwealth reflect the dignity and humanity of every person,” said Representative Michael J. Finn (D-West Springfield), sponsor of the House bill. “Our General Laws still contain outdated language that demeans our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and that language has no place in the statutes of a state that has always led on civil rights and inclusion. Updating these words is an affirmation that Massachusetts stands for the respect and dignity of all its people. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leadership in bringing this legislation forward.” 

“Today the House of Representatives takes a transformational step towards a more inclusive Commonwealth,” Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington), sponsor of the House bill. “By removing outdated words like ‘handicapped’, ‘disabled’, and the ‘R Word’ from MA General Laws, we make a collective statement that Massachusetts is a place for all. I’d like to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Livingstone, Chair Finn, Senator Jehlen and our partners at The ARC of Massachusetts, Special Olympics, and many other disability organizations for their steadfast advocacy and support.” 

“Language is constantly changing.  And it’s changing because of the activism of people who were ignored and demeaned for too long,” said Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), the Senate’s primary sponsor of the legislation. “When people tell us they feel insulted and offended by the use of outdated words, we worked to change the legal language.  It took a long time, because we kept finding more examples of offensive language. Language and activism will continue to evolve, and there’ll always be more work to do, but this is a gigantic step forward in respect. Thanks to the many, many people who made this possible.” 

Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) as MassAbility, a change that defines the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently.  

The name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living. 

The Massachusetts Legislature approved the bill today and sent to the Governor for her signature.  

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Fair Share Funding Funds Broad Relief for Families, Communities, and Local Government 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) Massachusetts lawmakers today passed a $1.35 billion spending package that seeks to ease pressures caused by strained school budget and delivers a massive infusion of cash into the state’s public transportation system. 

The investments in H.5740 are expansive and include cutting taxes to jumpstart housing construction, training the next generation of doctors and teachers, helping cities and towns dig out from an extreme winter, taking steps to shield the state’s finances from the ripple effects of federal tax and tariff policy, and protecting immigrants from federal deportation actions. 

“This legislation reflects exactly the responsible, forward-looking governance that Massachusetts families deserve. It makes significant investments in our schools and transit, paired with fiscally prudent steps to protect our state finances during a period of uncertainty,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “From making childcare more affordable to keeping the T running to helping immigrants access legal protections, this package addresses the needs of residents across the Commonwealth. I thank Chair Rodrigues and my Senate colleagues for their diligent work, and I’m grateful to Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House for their collaboration in getting this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk.” 

“From significant investments in public transportation and public education, to support for DTA caseworkers and expenses related to the World Cup, to fiscally prudent tax conformity measures – this legislation is representative of the responsible approach that Massachusetts must continue to take during this period of significant fiscal uncertainty, while still ensuring robust state support for vital projects,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House for working to make these investments a reality, as well as our partners in the Senate for ensuring that they reach the Governor’s desk for her signature.”  

“Reflecting the priorities of my Senate colleagues, this package makes meaningful investments in education and transportation that touch all corners of the Commonwealth. The bill prioritizes municipal winter relief and targeted tax incentives to jumpstart housing production,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “With its passage, we are bolstering our public transportation system, supporting statewide education initiatives, training the next generation of doctors and teachers, and taking proactive steps to responsibly mitigate the fallout from federal tax changes. Thank you to the Senate President, our partners in the House including my good friend Chair Michlewitz, and our Senate conferees for their thoughtful input and support.” 

“The use of these one-time surplus funds provides us with a unique opportunity to better strength the Commonwealth in numerous ways. By further improving our educational and transportation sectors we will build off the work we have done in the last several budget cycles with a judicious use of the Fair Share funds. The tax changes contained in this bill will help support the state’s economic competitiveness, while giving us time to absorb the expected loss in revenue,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank Speaker Mariano and all our House colleagues for their input and support on this critical funding legislation.” 

Investing in Schools and Students 

The legislation puts $558 million in Fair Share funds toward education, delivering relief to families, students, and school districts across the state. School districts struggling to cover the costs of serving students with disabilities will see immediate help, with $152 million directed toward special education reimbursements, while $150 million goes toward making childcare more affordable and accessible across the Commonwealth. 

On literacy, the bill invests $40 million to help the youngest learners read, including $20 million for high-dosage tutoring and $20 million for classroom programs specifically designed to accelerate reading skills for kids in kindergarten through third grade. Research consistently shows that children who are not reading proficiently by third grade face steeper challenges throughout their education, making this one of the most consequential investments in the package. 

Fixing Roads, Rails, and Transit 

The legislation directs $794 million in Fair Share funds toward transportation. A $595 million investment in the MBTA includes $450 million to keep the T running, $60 million for maintenance and upgrades physical infrastructure with an emphasis on  commuter rail improvements, $50.4 million to improve workforce and safety, $20 million to make fares more affordable for low-income riders, and $15 million for water transportation infrastructure across the state. 

For communities across the state, the bill delivers $100 million to help cities and towns recover from an exceptionally costly winter—$80 million distributed based on how many roads a community maintains, and $20 million specifically for communities hit hardest by this year’s historic storms.  

Regional public bus systems across the state also receive $25 million to recruit and retain workers, plus $10 million for equipment and facility upgrades. An additional $3.75 million goes toward maintaining unpaved roads in rural areas. 

Making It Cheaper to Build Housing 

To address one of the biggest barriers to building new homes in Massachusetts, the bill creates a new tax exemption on building materials used in the construction of affordable, moderate-income, and middle-income housing projects, saving developers money and making it more financially viable to build the homes that families across the state desperately need. 

The exemption is capped at $35 million per year and is specifically designed to help offset rising costs driven by tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration. 

Responding to Federal Policy Changes 

The bill also takes steps to protect Massachusetts taxpayers and businesses from the financial fallout caused by the Trump Administration and Congressional Republican policies. The Legislature is carefully phasing in changes to state tax law to align with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, doing so gradually to avoid a sudden hit to state revenues. The bill includes provisions that would pause these tax changes if the proposed ballot question to lower the state’s income tax from 5 percent to 4 percent were to pass in November, which would help mitigate the expected loss in revenue that the ballot question would inflict. 

The bill also creates a new tax credit for airlines that use sustainable aviation fuel, helping Massachusetts work toward its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and offers a tax credit of up to $5,000 for farmers who donate surplus food to local food banks. 

Training the Next Generation of Doctors and Teachers 

To address a growing shortage of primary care physicians, the bill sets aside $10 million in scholarships for UMass Chan Medical School students who agree to pursue family medicine and practice in underserved communities in Massachusetts after they graduate.  

To encourage young educators to start their career in Massachusetts, the bill creates the Tomorrow’s Teachers program, investing $10 million in scholarships and loan forgiveness to college students and high school graduates who commit to teaching in Massachusetts public schools. 

Helping Immigrants Stay Safe 

With the Trump Administration ramping up immigration enforcement, the legislation directs $1 million toward free legal services for immigrants and refugees who need help navigating the courts. This builds on a $5 million investment the Legislature already made to launch the Massachusetts Access to Counsel Initiative, which has helped hundreds of residents access legal representation. 

Keeping Phones Out of Classrooms 

The bill sets aside $1 million to help public school districts implement bell-to-bell cell phone-free policies that so that students can learn without distractions.  

The full text of the legislation is available online, along with a fact sheet summarizing highlights of the legislation.  

The Legislature enacted the bill and sent it to the Governor for her signature.  

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Package includes funding for pothole repairs, bridge modernization, rail improvements across Massachusetts 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today approved over $2.7 billion in bond funding to help municipalities make local road and bridge repairs, invest in public transit infrastructure, and support transit-oriented housing development statewide. 

The package includes $200 million in bonding to spur new transit-oriented housing construction with capital projects such as stormwater management, culverts, and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. 

Additionally, it authorizes $300 million to support departments of public works in local cities and towns as they fill potholes and strengthen bridges at a crucial time for many municipalities dealing with strained finances. 

“Today, the Legislature is taking action to fix potholes, repair local bridges, and build on the progress Massachusetts public transit has made,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “At the same time, this legislation will help ease serious financial burdens on cities and towns that are navigating a difficult financial landscape. I’m grateful to Chair Rodrigues for his leadership, Chair Crighton and Chair Cronin for their partnership, and Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for getting this across the finish line.” 

“Providing funding for critical infrastructure projects through investments in the Commonwealth’s public transportation, roads, and bridges is one of the most important responsibilities that we have as members of the Legislature,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the support for local infrastructure repairs that this legislation provides, and of the funding included for the MBTA. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House for supporting this vital legislation, as well as our partners in the Senate for working with us to ensure that these important investments get to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

“Grateful that we can say the winter of 2026 is finally in the rearview mirror, the Legislature has moved forward in addressing long-term capital projects for roadways and bridges all across the Commonwealth. This sweeping $2.7 billion bond bill provides support for critical capital projects in transportation that will spur housing development, make our roads and bridges safer, and continue to build and improve upon the MBTA’s ongoing railway improvement projects,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “This legislation builds upon our commitment to make Massachusetts the leader and a model for a safe and state-of-the-art public transportation system.” 

The bond bill—H.5375, An Act financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges—also contains $500 million in bonding to target and fast-track repairs to the roads that are in the worst condition, through MassDOT’s Lifecycle Asset Management Program. 

“With all the important issues facing the state, we cannot lose focus on the basics like maintaining our roads and bridges,” said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Fitchburg), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This substantial investment in cities and towns goes a long way to improve the everyday life of the people who use our local roads every day.” 

“I am proud to see another annual Ch. 90 bill fund the Commonwealth’s immediate municipal roadway and transportation needs,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “This year’s legislation also gives the Administration the flexibility to deploy additional funds towards large-scale transportation investments which may arise over the next few years. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their leadership, as well as Chair Arciero for his collaboration.”  

“Municipalities across the Commonwealth are feeling the impact of a brutal winter, with roads, sidewalks, bridges, and culverts in need of serious repair,” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “This funding addresses those immediate concerns, while balancing long-term investments in our DCR roadways and infrastructure of the MBTA so that people can travel safely throughout Massachusetts.” 

“This legislation represents a significant investment in the infrastructure that communities rely on every day,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “By providing critical funding for local roads, bridges, public transit, and transit-oriented housing, we are helping cities and towns address immediate transportation needs while also planning for long-term growth and economic development. These investments will ensure that Massachusetts continues to strengthen a transportation system that supports residents across the Commonwealth. I am grateful to House Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Finn and our Senate colleagues for their partnership and commitment to getting this important legislation across the finish line.”  

Support is included for all cities and towns through financing for the traditional Chapter 90 program, while a portion of the bonding would especially aid rural areas by distributing support solely based on communities’ road mileage. 

In addition to improving the condition of roadways and integrity of bridges across Massachusetts, the legislation supports commuter rail and public transit at the MBTA with $200 million for rail improvements, vehicle modernization, and procurement of new vehicles. 

It also boosts the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which is responsible for maintaining around 180 lane miles of roadway and more than 100 bridge structures, with $200 million for repairs and modernization. 

Having been passed by both chambers of the Legislature, the bill has been sent to Governor Maura Healey for her signature.  

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Statement of Support: 

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director & CEO of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) 

“Local leaders across the Commonwealth are deeply grateful to the Legislature for passing this vital transportation and infrastructure package. By delivering robust funding to repair winter-damaged roadways, modernize local bridges, and provide critical support for our municipal infrastructure, this legislation directly addresses the pressing needs of our 351 cities and towns. We especially want to thank Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, and all of our legislative partners for their collaborative leadership and steadfast advocacy on behalf of our communities. We look forward to Governor Healey signing this bill into law so these crucial funds can be put to work immediately to support local roads and bridges.” 

(6/2/2026 – Westfield)  As utility costs are on the rise for residents across the Commonwealth and the state begins accepting applications for its new Data Center tax incentive program, Senator John C. Velis continues to call on state leaders to ensure that Data Centers do not pass the costs of their heavy energy and water usage on to local rate payers.

In March, the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) issued final regulations for the Commonwealth’s new tax incentive programs designed to encourage significant investments by technology companies aiming to expand their networks through data centers, technology hubs for data processing and storage. Data Centers, which Velis described in a recently released pair of letters sent to the agency as “extremely and increasingly energy-hungry”, have been shown to put substantial strains on local resources and communities.

“I firmly believe that Massachusetts needs to continue to be a leader of technological innovation and advancement; in fact I think it is vital for Massachusetts to remain a competitive with other states however, these advances cannot be born on the backs of residents,” shared Senator John Velis. “Today’s costs already put enough strain on residents’ wallets, and that is why I firmly believe that any costs associated with Data Centers should fall squarely on the facilities that are directly responsible for the increased usage.”

An October 2025 letter from Velis to EOED noted his concerns regarding Data Center’s energy usage as the agency collected feedback on the program’s then-draft regulations. The Agency’s final regulations released in March now include a requirement that any applicant for the tax incentive program must provide information on “the peak electricity demand and consumption of the proposed Qualified Data Center” to better assess applicants and promote the efficient planning of any dater centers. A subsequent letter from Velis noted these improvements and stressed again that any “costs associated with increased energy usage or consumption should absolutely not fall to the residents of our communities”.

Senator Velis noted that he is grateful for the attention paid to his letters by EOED and that he will continue to work with them, other relevant state agencies, members of the legislature, and municipalities themselves to ensure that any data center program is carried out in a balanced and responsible way. 

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