MA median wealth tops $370K, but 1 in 3 can't cover a $400 emergency
A Boston Fed report highlights severe wealth inequality in Mass., prompting lawmakers to evaluate housing reforms and estate tax policies to address the divide.
Beacon Hill In 5
Beacon Hill in 5 is a weekly check-in at the Massachusetts Statehouse from New England Public Media. Get a quick look at the week ahead in state politics and government with Carrie Healy, NEPM’s Morning Edition host, and a journalist from the State House News Service.
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Beacon Hill versus local control: the battle over tiny towns and an empty seat
State House News Service reporter Colin Young deep dives into home rule petitions and how they're aimed at addressing local communities issues.
Massachusetts lawmakers pivot to campaign trail mode as regularly scheduled sessions end
All 160 Massachusetts legislative districts are electing members this fall, while new operating rules keep the current Legislature in session.
July 31 isn't the hard deadline anymore, so when will Beacon Hill actually finish up?
Under new rules, Mass. lawmakers can schedule formal sessions to take up any of the numerous bills that they have been dumping into six-person conference committees, after the end of July.
Mass. governor seeks $100M school band aid, while Beacon Hill weighs a WooSox wage carve out
Less than a week after signing the new Massachusetts budget, Gov. Maura Healey filed a supplemental budget seeking an additional $100 million for public schools this year.
Mass. farm wage battles and a school tax credit fight are set to collide on Beacon Hill
Lawmakers face no strict deadlines to advance the bills in conference other than the end of this two-year session on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027.
Massachusetts lawmakers eye a new child welfare bill as a high-stakes rent control showdown looms
The deadline for Mass. lawmakers to enact a law related to rent control, in order to remove the question from November's ballot, is swiftly approaching.
Massachusetts political minefields: shelter crises, sludge bans and the Red Sox
A preview of Mass. political strategies on immigration, upcoming gig worker regulatory battles, a sewage sludge ban, and why state lawmakers won't target the Red Sox.
Massachusetts lawmakers serve up immigrant shields, killer bots & $63B 'eggless omelets'
Massachusetts hosts the first of seven World Cup matches on June 13, 2026, but before then, Mass. lawmakers want to shore up immigrant laws, begin reconciling the state budget and other timely matters.
Massachusetts leaders pitch tech growth as a shield against tax cuts
Lawmakers debate the "Mass Wins Act" containing tech and business investments, amid tight deadlines, assessing consequences of a decreased income tax and state budget talks.