LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

December 2023

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As 2023 ends, I am happy to share a legislative update about what the House of Representatives accomplished this year. 

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The Legislature approved the FY24 Budget, which included historic levels of funding for public education, housing, regional transportation, health care, and workforce development. This funding will support a broad strategy to grow our state’s economy and make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive. Budget highlights include universal school meals, $181 million for MBTA capital projects, $1.5 billion for early education and care, and $1 billion for housing support services.

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The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bipartisan tax relief package that will help families and residents of all income levels across the state. This legislation increases the refundable tax credit for a dependent child, disabled adult, or senior, updates the estate tax, increases the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), doubles the refundable senior circuit breaker tax credit, and increases the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000.

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The House approved legislation to reform the long-term care industry. This legislation will expand the workforce, improve state oversight of facilities, ensure wider access, prioritize quality of care, and address several of the recommendations made by the 2020 Nursing Facility Task.

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The House approved pay equity to help close the gender and racial wage gap in Massachusetts. It requires employers with 25 or more employees to disclose salary ranges for positions. In Greater Boston, women on average were paid 70 cents for every dollar earned by a man in 2021. Pay transparency exists in other states and has proved beneficial. This legislation was supported by numerous organizations including The Black Economic Council of Massachusetts and Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

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A Gun reform bill also recently passed the House. This legislation cracks down on the sale of ghost guns, strengthens the Commonwealth’s red flag laws, and updates the definition of assault weapons.

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The end of 2023 marks the halfway point in our legislative session. I look forward to providing a legislative update this time next year regarding the full accomplishments of our two-year session.

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Please contact my office if you have any questions- 617-722-2692- William.galvin@mahouse.gov.

Wishing you and your families a happy holidays and wonderful New Year.

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