Author: john_velis

Hello,

Happy 250^th Anniversary to the Town of Southampton! Later today the Town will be holding a birthday party over at Conant Park with music, ice cream, and of course, birthday cupcakes! While I wish I could be there to celebrate this momentous occasion, I will be participating in my monthly drill as a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. I am, however, grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Governor to issue a celebratory proclamation that will be shared during the festivities!

I started off my week over at the Holyoke Veterans Home to meet a few residents for coffee. From learning more about their time in the service to all the improvements in care the residents have seen over the past few years, it simply was a special time connecting with these residents. While I’ve also seen the new building grow and near completion in some of the exterior work from passing by, it truly is breath taking to stand in its shadows outside the current Veterans Home.

On Wednesday the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court celebrated the final session of Judge Laurie MacLeod ahead of her retirement. For ten plus years Judge MacLeod has presided over the Veterans Treatment Court in Holyoke, helping well over 70 veterans find new opportunities in life. Thanks to her dedicated work in pioneering this specialty court—one that prioritizes probation with therapy and treatment over incarceration for justice-involved veterans—the program has since been replicated across the state. Thank you, Judge MacLeod, for all that you’ve done for our veterans and the entire Western Massachusetts community!

For too many families and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities it can be difficult to find community and resources. Thankfully a new program in Easthampton was created by three local mothers to help provide a space to support neurodivergent children and their families! I was thrilled to go visit the Neuro Bridge program in person on Thursday to learn more about their workshops, informational sessions, and one-on-one consultations to help parents support and advocate for their children. Thank you, Amy, and Sunia for inviting me to drop in and all that you are doing to help create a more inclusive community.

Before I rounded out the week, I had the opportunity to sit down with the new Superintendent of the Easthampton Public Schools, Michelle Balch. I really appreciated learning about her priorities for the new school year that will support our teachers’ professional development and student’s learning. For community members interested in getting to know the new Superintendent, community listening sessions are being organized during September and early October!

This week Team Velis hosted office hours in Holyoke. Next week there will be no community office hours however, please know I can always be reached by email, john.velis@masenate.gov, by phone, (413) 572-3920, and you can find me online at senatorjohnvelis.com.   

Best,

John Velis

Preliminary report receives overwhelming praise from statewide leaders. 

(BOSTON – 8/11/2025)- Ahead of the 2025-2026 school year, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism voted on Thursday, August 7, 2025 to adopt its Preliminary K-12 Education Findings and Recommendations to guide state agencies and local school districts in the prevention of and response to incidents of antisemitism. During the meeting, Special Commission co-chairs Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) and Representative Simon J. Cataldo (D-Concord) expressed their profound gratitude to the many community members who courageously shared their experiences with antisemitism in local schools—contributions that played a vital role in shaping the Commission’s report. They also acknowledged the widespread support the preliminary report received from officials across the state. 

The preliminary recommendations come at a time where the Commonwealth continues to see an alarming number of antisemitic hates crimes, rising by 20% in 2024 alone. The Special Commission, established by Session Law (Acts 2024) Ch. 140, issued this preliminary report which will be included in the final report that is due for submission to the House and Senate Clerks by November 30, 2025. The Co-chairs decided to issue a preliminary report on K-12 education prior to the school year to meet the urgency of the issue. The decision was based on stakeholder input, encouragement from the Legislature and Governor Healey, and the deeply concerning rise in antisemitic incidents that has been occurring in K-12 settings across the Commonwealth in recent years. This report is the result of 10 public meetings involving over 35 hours of testimony and discussion by the 19-member Special Commission. The full list of Special Commissioners and their roll call votes on this report (18/18 present voted yea, 1 absent) is included in the report’s introductory section. 

“Back in 2024, I met with a Jewish mother from my district who had shared how truly terrified her young daughter was to share that she was Jewish with her friends, especially when she was at school. This conversation truthfully became the genesis of why I sought to create the Special Commission and why I am so proud to have this Preliminary Report released ahead of the new school year, so Jewish students like this young girl may no longer have to fear bullying and persecution for who they are,” shared Special Commission Co-chair Senator John C. Velis. “It is my sincere hope that as our schools begin preparing for the new school year that they will look to the Commission’s report for helpful guidance to prevent and respond to hate. I am incredibly community from across the Commonwealth on the Commission’s work and for the strong partnership of Co-Chair Cataldo and all of the Commission’s dedicated members.” 

“After 10 public meetings and countless hours of engagement with students, educators, families, and community leaders, the Special Commission has delivered a set of preliminary recommendations that represent a major step forward in the fight against antisemitism in K-12 education,” said Special Commission Co-chair Representative Simon Cataldo. “We asked the hard questions, confronted uncomfortable truths, and worked to understand how antisemitism shows up in our schools — and how best to stop it. These recommendations offer a clear, actionable playbook for state and local school leaders to create safer, more inclusive learning environments. I want to extend my gratitude to the House Speaker for entrusting me with a Chair position on this Special Commission, and to all of the appointing authorities for their excellent appointments.” 

The preliminary report outlines the Special Commission’s findings that antisemitism in Massachusetts K–12 public schools is a pervasive and growing issue. Numerous incidents of hate, bullying, harassment, and discrimination have been reported by both families and educators. Many Jewish students feel afraid to openly express their identity or disclose their faith due to fear of mistreatment or bullying. Meanwhile, students, teachers, and administrators often lack clarity on how to appropriately respond to such incidents, and the state currently has limited insight into how these situations are being addressed. 

The report seeks to clarify the current situation and propose both proactive and reactive measures to address and eliminate antisemitic hate in the Commonwealth’s schools. It outlines recommended actions that state agencies and local school districts can take to prevent and respond to antisemitism, including: 

• Teaching about antisemitic tropes and myths which are prevalent online when instructing on digital literacy 
• Implementing programming and lessons for Jewish American Heritage Month to promote Jewish contributions to America 
• Instituting mandatory anti-bias training which specifically addresses antisemitism 
• Providing guidance to officials on how to address and communicate effectively when antisemitic incidents occur 
• Expanding access to Kosher and Halal foods in schools 
• Promoting after school programs to encourage cross-communal bonding 
• Encouraging the state to review existing curriculum and make changes to provide age-appropriate, balanced classroom resources to teach about Ancient Israel, Palestine, modern Israel, and Middle East conflicts in alignment with state history and social science standards 
• Creating a statewide bias reporting system that includes antisemitism as a form of bias 

“Antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts. The Senate fought to get this commission signed into law because in a moment of rising hate and division, the only path forward is to recognize these challenges, call them out, and confront them head-on,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I was very young when I first experienced hate simply because I was Jewish. No young person should ever have to feel fear or shame because of who they are. The recommendations in this report seek to ensure that the next generation will celebrate our differences, learn from one another, and reject hate and discrimination in all forms. I am deeply grateful for the thoughtful and dedicated leadership of Senator Velis, and the work of Representative Cataldo, every member of the Commission, and each individual who bravely testified and shared their stories. I look forward to working together to implement these recommendations in our laws and policies.” 

“The preliminary K–12 recommendations issued by the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism mark a critical step forward in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism in our schools,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “The Commission’s commitment to this work—and the strong support it has received from state leaders—reflects exactly the kind of leadership this moment demands. I’m especially grateful to Representative Cataldo, Senator Velis and the members of the Commission for working tirelessly to ensure that every student in Massachusetts feels safe, supported, and seen.” 

Ahead of Thursday’s vote Commissioner Pedro Martinez of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education went before the Commission to provide an update on the Departments work and to publicly share the Department’s strong endorsement of the preliminary recommendations (06:34-06:54). The Commission’s work has received statements of support from officials throughout the Commonwealth including Governor Healey, Attorney General Campbell, Treasurer Goldberg, and members of Congress. 

Statements of Support: 

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kimberly Driscoll 

“Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable. We want to thank the members of the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism for their thoughtful deliberations and recommendations on the issue. As a state, Massachusetts is committed to doing everything we can to address antisemitism. That starts in our schools. If we want to combat antisemitism and protect the members of our Jewish community, it starts with educating our children, building a better understanding of the Jewish experience, and making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts. We will work with DESE to review and begin to implement the recommendations to make sure everyone feels welcome and safe in our schools. We look forward to the continued work of the Commission.” 

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell 

“I am extremely grateful to the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism for preparing these critical recommendations to combat antisemitism in our schools. Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe and accepted for who they are. In Massachusetts, we have a zero-tolerance policy for hate, and my office remains committed to confronting antisemitism and bigotry in all forms.” 

Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg “Addressing antisemitism in our schools is urgent and non-negotiable. I strongly support the Antisemitism Commission’s effort to adopt its K-12 recommendations, which provide clear, balanced steps to eliminate hate and foster understanding while respecting free speech. Every student deserves to learn in a safe, inclusive environment where they feel valued, respected, and free from fear or discrimination.” 

Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District 

“I applaud the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism for their critical work to develop tangible, actionable recommendations to increase awareness of and confront antisemitism in schools across the Commonwealth.” 

“As antisemitic and religious-based hate crimes rise here in Massachusetts and across the country, we are reminded that each of us has an obligation to protect one another – and especially our children – from hate, ignorance, and violence. 

Education is one of our most powerful tools to fight bigotry. I’m grateful to the Commission for ensuring our classrooms remain places of safety, inclusion, and truth.” 

Congressman Jake Auchincloss, Massachusetts 4th Congressional District 

“There has been a surge of antisemitism in Massachusetts. In our public schools, Jewish and Israeli students are subject to harassment and ostracization that undermine their sense of self and their inclusion in American society. I commend Senator John Velis, Representative Simon Cataldo, and the members of the Special State Commission on Combating Antisemitism for their leadership in devising a response to antisemitism in our state, which is home to a vibrant Jewish community and Israeli diaspora.” 

“The mainstreaming of antisemitism will not be addressed with performative gestures or one-off bias training, lacking proven efficacy. Our schools must both educate against antisemitism, including with a model curriculum focused on Holocaust education, and educate for critical thinking. In an era marked by post-truth politics and conspiracies platformed by social media, we must be intentional about educating future citizens who reject hate and embrace the American tradition of pluralism, freedom, and individual dignity.” 

“I encourage Massachusetts lawmakers and administrators to center this Commission’s recommendations in their follow-on work.” 

Congresswoman Katherine M. Clark, Massachusetts 5th Congressional District 

“Antisemitism is on the rise — across the country and here in the Commonwealth. We have a responsibility to root out this hatred and protect our communities. I’m grateful to the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission for taking urgent action. Their findings will strengthen our efforts to combat antisemitism in schools and help us build a safer future for our children.” 

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Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements

(BOSTON—8/1/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed a bill to distribute $1.2 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.

The bill enacted today includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 per cent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

“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 that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for supporting this vital legislation.”

“Today the Legislature acted to give our cities and towns the financial tools they need to improve the infrastructure residents use to get to work, school and home every day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud that this funding will go to continuing to build a 21st century infrastructure in our Commonwealth and make investments in projects that promote public transit and reduce emissions. I’m thankful to Chair Rodrigues and Senator Crighton for their work, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their partnership.”

“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Thank you to Speaker Ronald Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership in the House. This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs.”

“This historic level of funding will help cities and towns improve their roads and sidewalks along with other transportation infrastructure.” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “As we are experiencing increasing traffic congestion and the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we prioritize investments that make it easier for our residents to travel safely. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and commitment to transformative infrastructure.”

“This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the Governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term, and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz’ continued commitment to smart, forward-looking investments in transportation.”

“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the Administration and our local partners,” said Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50 per cent more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges, and transportation related infrastructure in all types of communities in the Commonwealth.”

The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:

• $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
• $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.

• $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.

• $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.

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Massachusetts Legislature Approves Road and Bridge Funding for Cities and Towns

Annual Chapter 90 legislation delivers funding for paving roads, easing traffic, and culvert and bridge improvements

(BOSTON—8/1/2025) The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed a bill to distribute $1.2 billion among cities and towns to maintain and repair roads and bridges across the state. The funding, derived from bonding, will expand the Chapter 90 program and help address transportation related improvements, road and bridge repairs, and the impacts of climate change on local infrastructure.

The bill enacted today includes a one-year authorization of $300 million for the Chapter 90 Program, a 50 per cent increase over past funding levels. The bill also appropriates $885 million in additional funding that will help ensure the Commonwealth is able to achieve its long-term transportation goals.

“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 that it allocates for projects that will address congestion hotspots across the Commonwealth. I want to thank Chairman Arciero, Chairman Finn, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as our partners in the Senate, for supporting this vital legislation.”

“Today the Legislature acted to give our cities and towns the financial tools they need to improve the infrastructure residents use to get to work, school and home every day,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud that this funding will go to continuing to build a 21st century infrastructure in our Commonwealth and make investments in projects that promote public transit and reduce emissions. I’m thankful to Chair Rodrigues and Senator Crighton for their work, and to Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House for their partnership.”

“I applaud the Massachusetts Legislature for passing this bill and recognizing the need to be responsive to our cities and towns while also proceeding with caution due to the federal funding uncertainty,” said Representative James Arciero (D-Westford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “Thank you to Speaker Ronald Mariano and Chairman Aaron Michlewitz for their leadership in the House. This bill leverages the Legislature’s strategically increased appropriations to the Commonwealth Transportation Fund to expand our borrowing capacity and allow for additional transportation funding for our local infrastructure needs.”

“This historic level of funding will help cities and towns improve their roads and sidewalks along with other transportation infrastructure.” said Senator Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. “As we are experiencing increasing traffic congestion and the negative impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we prioritize investments that make it easier for our residents to travel safely. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and commitment to transformative infrastructure.”

“This legislation strikes a balance between increasing funding for municipal roadways and transportation-related projects while maintaining outstanding fiscal responsibility,” said Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our decision to continue giving the Governor the authority to utilize either general or special obligation bonds enables us to capitalize on competitive interest rates, save money long term, and preserve general obligation bond capacity for the Commonwealth’s most pressing needs. I am grateful to Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz’ continued commitment to smart, forward-looking investments in transportation.”

“This legislation takes into consideration years of feedback from the Administration and our local partners,” said Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “In addition to incorporating 50 per cent more funding to Chapter 90 than in previous years, these funds are supplemented by additional targeted resources that will improve the roads, bridges, and transportation related infrastructure in all types of communities in the Commonwealth.”

The one-year $300 million authorization in the Chapter 90 program funding represents a historic 50 per cent increase and includes:

• $200 million to be distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula;
• $100 million to be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage.

Funding for three additional critical programs to support various transportation related projects include:

• $500 million for the Lifecycle Asset Management Program (LAMP), which supports non-federally aided roads and targets the pavement and bridges that are in the worst condition in the Commonwealth.

• $200 million for a culvert and small bridge repair program for municipalities’ local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement.

• $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots, funding that will be available for projects such as shared use paths, intersection improvements, railroad grade crossings, and sidewalks.

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the legislation, the bill now goes to the Governor for her signature.

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Legislation protects students, strengthens the Massachusetts public defense system, and funds food security

(BOSTON–7/31/2025) The Massachusetts State Legislature today passed a $259 million supplemental budget, S.2575, that provides midyear funding for ongoing state priorities and includes important provisions to protect students, strengthen the Massachusetts public defense system, and fund vital services for residents.

This legislation provides critical funding for the Healthy Incentive Program (HIP)—which provides healthy fresh food to residents while benefiting Massachusetts farmers—as well as for extraordinary Emergency Medical Services (EMS) costs across the state and upgrading Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) benefits technology through the conversion to chip cards. It also responsibly addresses the ongoing work stoppage among private bar advocates and bolsters our Commonwealth’s public defense system.

“Despite chaos at the federal level, the Massachusetts Legislature remains committed to delivering important services to our residents and communities, ensuring our bills are paid, practicing fiscal responsibility, and maintaining access to justice for all,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to commend Chair Rodrigues and Chair Michlewitz and the conferees for finalizing this supplemental budget, and thank my Senate colleagues and our House partners for ensuring we get this legislation to the Governor’s desk.”

“This supplemental budget addresses timely issues through key, targeted investments. Critically, it provides for a significant raise for the bar advocates, and takes steps to ensure that the Commonwealth will no longer be over-reliant on the bar advocates by increasing the budget for the Committee for Public Counsel Services by $40 million, allowing them to hire over 300 new public defenders,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Additionally, amid President Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education, and amid sweeping cuts at the federal level to programs that millions of Americans rely on, this supplemental budget makes key investments that will ensure continued funding for state programs that support many of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and Assistant Majority Leader Peisch for their work on this legislation, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their support for these vital investments.”

“I’m pleased that, after a productive and deliberative process, the conference committee has come to a consensus agreement on the midyear supplemental budget. This agreement is focused on balancing fiscal responsibility amid ongoing uncertainty, paying the bills, and upholding our Constitutional obligation to ensure indigent defendants have access to legal representation,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Covering $259 million in total spending, the plan provides necessary funding for home care services for adults, extraordinary EMS costs, the state’s Healthy Incentive Program, and bolsters the state’s public defense workforce. I thank my fellow conferees, and Chair Michlewitz, for their commitment to getting this important legislation finalized.”

“This supplemental budget makes timely investments that will better position the Commonwealth in the weeks and months ahead.  It also seeks invest a combined total of $95M in resources toward indigent defense, which will hopefully lead to a stronger and more stable criminal justice system in the Commonwealth,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means. “I want to thank the Speaker and my colleagues in the House for their support on this matter. I also want to thank my counterpart. Senator Rodrigues, for his commitment to reaching a final product on this matter.”

The agreement on private bar advocates included in the legislation provides for sustainable rate increases for these advocates while being mindful of continuing fiscal and federal uncertainty. It also shifts a greater share of the work burden from the private bar to state public defenders by providing increased resources to the Committee on Public Counsel Services (CPCS). Details of this agreement are outlined below:

• Improving the State Public Defender Workforce. With $40 million for CPCS, the state public defender agency, will be able to more than double its existing workforce. These resources will allow CPCS to hire approximately 320 new public defenders by the end of Fiscal Year 2027. Increasing the proportion of indigent clients represented by public defenders—as opposed to private bar advocates, who are independent contractors—will help stabilize the public defense system in Massachusetts.

• Timely Representation for Defendants. This agreement ensures that clients are given access to counsel in a timely manner. It requires that CPCS prioritize the hiring of public defenders serving areas with unrepresented individuals awaiting counsel assignment. That includes counties with a recent history of private bar advocate work stoppages.

• Fiscally Responsible Rate Increases. The agreement sustainably increases rates for private bar counsel by $20 per hour over a period of two years, an increase of more than 30 per cent for district court rates. Beginning on August 1, 2025, the annualized rate of pay for private bar counsel would range from $150,000 to $260,000, increasing to $170,000 to $280,000 beginning August 1, 2026.

• Minimizing Disruptions. A series of measures will minimize future disruptions, recognizing the government’s Constitutional duty to provide legal representation to indigent defendants and protect the integrity of the overall justice system. All contractual agreements for the appointment of private counsel will need to prescribe requirements for minimum coverage and availability; private counsel contractual agreements must be renewed biannually; and an agreement among private bar advocates to refuse to compete for or accept new appointments or assignments unless the rates of pay are increased will constitute evidence of a violation of the Commonwealth’s antitrust laws, consistent with federal precedent.

• Independent, Non-Partisan Oversight. The Inspector General (IG) will examine the utilization of public defense and review the billing practices, procedures, and oversight of private bar advocates. This report, which will ensure integrity in our indigent defense system, is due back to the Legislature by June 30, 2026.

As legislation designed to ensure the Commonwealth’s bills are paid, the midyear supplemental budget puts forward $259 million in spending, including:

• $60 million for Home Care Services
• $43 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
• $15.5 million for increasing the security of Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards by transitioning to chip cards
• $10 million for extraordinary cost reimbursements in the EMS system, with $5 million specifically dedicated to the communities impacted by the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center
• $7.5 million for the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), which both strengthens food security for residents and supports Massachusetts farmers in the face of federal funding cuts
• $6 million for veterans’ benefits
• $4 million for the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) crime lab
• $1 million for the Fair Housing Fund.

The legislation also ratifies several collective bargaining agreements.

The final legislation also includes a series of provisions that codify certain federal protections for English language learners (ELL) and ELL students with disabilities that might be in jeopardy under the Trump Administration, ensuring the Commonwealth protects the right to public education for these students during this uncertain time.  This includes the long-time guarantee of public education to children regardless of their immigration status. 

Both chambers of the Legislature having voted to enact the midyear supplemental budget, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.

Statements of support

Shane Callahan, Esq.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as a bar advocate. As a young attorney, it has given me invaluable trial experience early in my career. This raise will help ease some of the financial pressure that comes with supporting a young family, and I hope it will encourage more attorneys to take on this important work.”

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