Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of April 27 to May 1. All roll calls in the House were on matters relating to House passage of a $63.41 billion fiscal year 2027 state budget. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.
Most votes were strictly along party lines, with most Republicans supporting the various tax cuts and other amendments, and most Democrats opposing them.
House approves $63.41 billion budget (H 5500)
The House, 149-9, approved and sent to the Senate a $63.41 billion fiscal year 2027 budget after three days of debate. The Senate will approve its own version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a compromise plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to Gov. Maura Healey.
“As a result of the Trump administration’s sweeping federal funding cuts and reckless trade war, as well as two proposed ballot questions that seek to cut the commonwealth’s revenues by more than $5 billion annually, this budget has come during a period of significant economic uncertainty,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano. “That’s why I’m incredibly proud of the investments that this budget makes despite those challenges, from funding for free school meals and for the final year of the Student Opportunity Act, to robust support for the MBTA, to nearly $10 billion for cities and towns.”
“This budget builds off the successes of the last few years by prioritizing our constituents,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, D-Boston, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, public transportation or early education, these initiatives are a reflection of our shared values.”
“The budget is all wrong,” said Rep. John Gaskey, R-Carver. “Communities should be the first thing funded behind roads and other infrastructure. School funding needs to be reimagined. We need to work on cutting taxes and energy costs, and returning that money back to citizens and communities. Democrats rejected multiple amendments that would move a little back to communities, and eventually, a little adds up to a lot, and before we know it, everyone is fully funded, bills are lower and people have more money in their pockets.”
“The Massachusetts House budget is the largest in state history,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “It includes no reforms to the state’s welfare system, which is spending $1 out of every $4 state dollars on welfare benefits, nor does it include any tax cuts, which were offered as budget amendments. In fact, it doesn’t even address the concern that local aid in Massachusetts is now below the national average levels. State spending has become incredibly reckless and irresponsible, hurting local towns and cities with below-national-average local aid, and saddling taxpayers with obligations we cannot afford.”
A “Yes” vote is for the $63.41 billion budget.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes
Lower sales tax to 5% (H 5500)
The House, 25-131, rejected an amendment that would reduce the state’s current 6.25% sales tax to 5%.
Amendment supporters said this reduction would save consumers millions of dollars. They argued this is a reasonable way to provide relief to taxpayers who are suffering during tough economic times.
Amendment opponents said the reduction would cost the state up to $2 billion in revenue and result in reduced local aid and/or cuts in programs that help millions of residents.
A “No” vote is against reducing the sales tax to 5%.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Exempt overtime wages from income tax (H 5500)
The House, 25-132, rejected an amendment that would exempt a worker’s hourly overtime wages from the state’s income tax. The exemption would not apply to salaried employees.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, said if workers are willing to put in the extra time, take those additional shifts and work harder to support their families, they should reap the benefits and not be punished with taxes. He noted that overtime, often the difference between getting by and getting ahead, creates a real incentive for workers to step up and for businesses to meet their demands without adding a new bureaucracy or mandates.
Rep. Adrian Madaro opposed the amendment and said this exemption is untested, unsupported and would be unwise to implement. He noted that an identical bill received no support testimony at a public hearing.
A “No” vote is against exempting overtime wages from the state’s income tax.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Exempt tips from income tax (H 5500)
The House, 25-132, rejected an amendment that would exempt up to $25,000 of a worker’s tips from the state’s income tax.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick, said the amendment would provide meaningful tax relief to service industry workers at a time when costs are rising. He noted that these workers who serve our restaurants, our hotels, our hospitality businesses and deliver groceries often rely heavily on tips to support themselves and their families.
Rep. Adrian Madaro opposed the amendment and said it irresponsibly proposes hefty deductions for tips, mirroring part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and puts Massachusetts in lockstep with a shortsighted and fiscally irresponsible federal administration. He noted a separate similar bill that is pending in the Legislature has not received any support.
A “No” vote is against exempting up to $25,000 of a worker’s tips from income tax.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Exempt retirement income from tax (H 5500)
The House, 25-132, rejected an amendment that would exempt retirement income of seniors ages 69.5 and older from the current 5% tax.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick, said the cost of living is soaring and that the amendment would strengthen retirement income security for senior citizens. He noted that these seniors have worked for decades and saved as much as they can.
Rep. Adrian Madaro opposed the amendment and said it unfairly attempts to bypass the legislative process by proposing massive tax code changes as a budget amendment without public hearings and rigorous stakeholder engagement. He noted that the state’s 5% tax on retirement income is modest in comparison to other states.
A “No” vote is against exempting retirement income from the current 5% tax.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Tax amnesty (H 5500)
The House, 27-129, rejected an amendment that would authorize cities and towns to conduct a municipal tax amnesty program over a two-month period, as determined by the local legislative body, prior to June 30, 2029. It authorizes communities to waive penalties, fees, charges and accrued interest if the original overdue tax assessment is paid in full.
“Many cities and towns are struggling to balance their budgets and still maintain essential services,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones, R-North Reading. “Previous statewide tax amnesties offered by the Department of Revenue have proven to be highly successful, and that allowing municipalities to utilize their own amnesty program will give them a proven collection tool to recover back taxes that can help pay for critical local services.”
Rep. Adrian Madaro opposed the amendment, noting that legislators need more time to consider the proposal, which should be vetted through the legislative process, including public hearings.
A “No” vote is against authorizing cities and towns to conduct a tax amnesty program.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Require photo ID to vote (H 5500)
The House, 27-131, rejected an amendment that would require voters to present a valid government-issued photo identification to vote, including a Massachusetts driver’s license or state identification card issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles; a United States passport; a United States military identification card; a Massachusetts-issued firearm identification card; or any other federal or state government-issued identification card that includes a photograph of the voter.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo, noting that 36 other states require an ID to vote, said the amendment would strengthen the integrity of elections while guaranteeing fairness and access for every eligible voter. He noted that a key provision, ensuring voters would not have to pay for an ID, requires the Massachusetts secretary of state to provide a photo ID at no cost to any registered voter who files an affidavit requesting one.
Rep. Daniel Hunt, D-Boston, opposed the amendment. He said similar bills have come before the Election Laws Committee and have had zero support, while there was a significant amount of testimony opposing them. He noted that there is virtually no evidence of election fraud and argued the amendment would cause undue delays.
A “No” vote is against requiring voters to present an ID to vote.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Redirect $10 million (H 5500)
The House, 26-130, rejected an amendment that would delete a section of the budget that provides $10 million for unlimited phone calls for inmates at county and state correctional facilities, and redirect the $10 million to support unrestricted local aid for cities and towns.
“The Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) account in the budget is only $10 million more than the current funding level and is $23 million less than what Gov. Maura Healey has proposed,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones, R-North Reading. “The UGGA line item provides an important revenue source for helping communities fund non-education programs and services, including police and firefighters, but it has failed to keep pace with inflation. This amendment would take funding that is already earmarked in the budget for the controversial unlimited no-cost calls for prisoners program and instead divert it to much better use to support essential local services in our communities.”
Opponents said the No-Cost Calls Law works because when prisoners are able to communicate with their families and friends, the result is better success rates and less recidivism. They argued that this $10 million is wisely spent on the program.
A “No” vote is against redirecting and favors keeping the $10 million funding for the No-Cost Calls Law.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Must be a citizen to get housing aid (H 5050)
The House, 26-132, rejected an amendment that would require the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to verify the United States citizenship of each applicant for any HomeBASE benefit and to deny the benefit to any applicant who fails to provide satisfactory evidence of citizenship. HomeBASE is a state-funded program that provides up to $30,000 over a two-year period to help homeless families in the Emergency Assistance system secure stable housing by covering rent, deposits, utilities, furniture and some moving expenses.
“This amendment reflects a straightforward effort to ensure that limited taxpayer-funded housing resources are directed to individuals who are lawfully eligible to receive them,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Ken Sweezey, R-Duxbury. “At a time when Massachusetts continues to face a significant strain on its shelter system — including the shifting of thousands of families between programs — it is both fiscally responsible and appropriate to establish clearer eligibility standards.”
Rep. Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley, opposed the amendment and said it would result in legal residents being prohibited from participating in the HomeBASE program, which is one of the best ways to bridge the gap to more permanent housing and to help residents.
A “No” vote is against the amendment and favors not requiring an applicant to prove U.S. citizenship.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Increase local aid by 10% (H 5500)
The House, 25-113, rejected an amendment that would increase unrestricted local aid to cities and towns by 133,310,951 (10%) from $1,333,109,519 to 1,466,420,470.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida, R-Abington, said many of cities and towns are sounding the alarm because local budgets are soaring while promises for funding from the state are only at a 4% increase. She noted that costs are rising for education, public safety, transportation, health care and basic needs, but the state support has not kept pace. As a result, she said we are seeing a sharp increase in local override requests.
Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham, opposed the amendment and said that while further increasing unrestricted aid may be a tempting prospect, it is important to note that the budget already increases local aid over the current year’s final budget and over the governor’s proposed budget, and it does so in a deliberate, responsible and targeted way. He noted that this amendment ignores the broader fiscal realities of the state budget and treats this single amendment as if it exists in isolation, ignoring the other local line items with substantial increases in local aid.
A “No” vote is against increasing unrestricted local aid for cities and towns.
- Rep. Aaron Saunders — No
- Rep. Susannah Whipps — No
Lower income tax from 5% to 4% (H 5500)
The House, 25-132, rejected an amendment that would reduce the state’s income tax rate from 5% to 4%.
Amendment sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo said this is another attempt to make the state more affordable and more competitive. He noted that too many residents, including working families and seniors on fixed incomes, are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and businesses and residents are fleeing Massachusetts.
Rep. David Linsky, D-Natick, said he recognizes that this amendment would lower the state tax rate for personal taxable income and thus lower tax costs, but he noted “it must not go unsaid that such cuts would disproportionately benefit the ultra-wealthy while forcing the commonwealth to cut the programs that our communities rely on to survive.” Linsky continued, “The implementation [of the reduction] would result in a $5.1 billion revenue loss to the commonwealth, a loss that would force severe cuts to the resources our residents depend on: our public schools, our police and fire departments, our hospitals and nursing homes, and all in the immediate aftermath of the Trump administration’s reduction in state funding.”
A “No” vote is against reducing the income tax to 4%.
Rep. Aaron Saunders No Rep. Susannah Whipps No
Also up on Beacon Hill
Sky Bar candy (HD 5583)
A bill before the House Rules Committee would make the candy Sky Bar the official chocolate bar in Massachusetts.
“Sky Bar has been a great chocolate candy bar for generations,” said sponsor Rep. Carmine Gentile, D-Sudbury. “After its previous manufacturer closed down years ago, I was delighted to celebrate its rebirth at Duck Soup in Sudbury by filing legislation to recognize it as the commonwealth’s official chocolate bar.”
Gentile promoted the bill to House members in a unique way — by placing a Sky Bar on each member’s desk before the session began.
Make asparagus the official state vegetable (S 3073)
The House sent a bill, sponsored by Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Rep. Homar Gomez, D-Easthampton, to the State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee that was requested by some third-grade students at Hadley Elementary School.
“It kind of started by us asking what our state vegetable was, and we really didn’t have one,” said 8-year-old student James Rathbun. “We thought that was interesting, and it would be cool to invite the senator and representative to the class and ask them to make a bill.”
According to the students, back in the 1950s and 1960s, almost 100% of asparagus grown in Massachusetts came from fields in Hadley, unofficially making the town the asparagus capital of the world.
“I filed this bill because western Massachusetts should be more visibly represented across the commonwealth, and there’s no better way to do that than through our amazing farms,” Gomez said. “The work the children did truly made this a no-brainer for me.”
“When a classroom filled with passionate third graders is advocating for asparagus to become the official state vegetable, I listen closely,” Comerford said. “It was inspiring to meet with these students at Hadley Elementary School as they shared the history and regional significance of asparagus — also known as Hadley Grass. I am grateful to these young people for reminding us how democracy works.”
AG secures $5 million settlement
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced that her office has reached a $5 million settlement with Adroit Health Group LLC, a Texas-based health insurance agency that sold plans to thousands of Massachusetts consumers beginning in 2016. The settlement resolves allegations that the company used deceptive and unfair business practices to sell supplemental health insurance products and non-insurance health programs that failed to meet state and federal requirements.
Under the terms of the consent judgement, Adroit Health Group will pay $5 million to the state, which will then distribute some of it as restitution to Massachusetts consumers who purchased plans through Adroit. Once payment is received, the Attorney General’s Office will determine the best way to return money to impacted consumers.
In addition, the company is permanently barred from selling, offering or administering any health insurance policy or non-insurance health program to Massachusetts residents.