Beacon Hill In 5

By Carrie Healy

What's Beacon Hill In 5 about?

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 In 5 episodes:

04.22.2024
On tap for the Mass. House: a budget debate including about 1,500 amendments
Deliberations on hundreds of amendments to the $57.9 billion Mass. House Ways and Means committee budget for fiscal 2025 are set to consume attention this week.
04.15.2024
Sizable shelter funding gap between projected costs and Mass. House lawmakers' proposed budget
The Massachusetts House budget makes $500 million available to cover emergency assistance shelter costs for FY'25. The House budget debate is set for Wednesday, April 24.
04.08.2024
Could Massachusetts lawmakers upstage the much-anticipated eclipse this week on Beacon Hill?
While an expected Massachusetts House budget redraft is expected, and talks are ongoing over a FY'24 spending bill, the solar eclipse might distract lawmakers, if only for a few moments, from focus on these and other pressing legislation.
04.01.2024
No fooling on gun reform, bottle deposits and marijuana pardons at the Massachusetts Statehouse
Gun reform lawmaking in Massachusetts will continue with urgency behind closed doors. We get the scoop on that and other stories from State House News Service reporter Chris Lisinski.
03.18.2024
Is implementing a time limit on stays in the Mass. emergency shelters the right fix?
As lawmakers around the country struggle with an over-capacity emergency shelter crisis, Mass. lawmakers wrestle with reform and time limits in the only state in the country that guarantees access to shelter.
03.11.2024
Mass. Senate stares down early education, childcare bill; soon to tackle spending bill
The Massachusetts Senate this week takes its second run in three years at a bill to expand access to early education and fortify that sector's workforce.
03.04.2024
Massachusetts is taking part in Super Tuesday, but it's looking pretty sleepy
Voters will cast ballots for a presidential candidate and vote for party representation in many districts across the commonwealth.
02.26.2024
For fifth time, Mass. senators will vote to update school sex education guidelines
On Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate will take up a bill to reform and codify the state's framework for sexual health education. The chamber has passed similar legislation four times previously.
02.19.2024
Massachusetts' high court confirmation hearing will give Western Mass. a voice, but not a nominee
The confirmation hearing for Gabrielle R. Wolohojian on Wednesday will be the second Supreme Judicial Court pick by Gov. Maura Healey of a nominee from eastern Mass. The last SJC justice from western Mass, Francis Spina, stepped down in 2016.
02.12.2024
The state's shelter system is overwhelmed. What can Massachusetts lawmakers do?
An attempt by Congress to sort out the immigration issue fell apart last week. The question of how Massachusetts' governor will handle the ever increasing number of unhoused families seeking shelter in the Commonwealth, continues to be top-of-mind for many...
02.05.2024
On Massachusetts gun law reform, lawmakers in search of common ground
There are a number of key differences between the bill approved by the Massachusetts House last fall, and what the Senate passed last week. That could lead to a lot of work for a conference committee between early February and...
01.29.2024
Massachusetts lawmakers agree gun reform is needed, as Senate's gun reform bill takes the spotlight
Massachusetts Senate lawmakers will put gun safety laws to debate this week, countering the House gun bill passed in October with legislation containing a number of key differences.
01.22.2024
The Massachusetts governor is talking up her budget plans. But is there enough money to go around?
Following her State of the Commonwealth address, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has begun offering a sketch of areas where she feels the state still has enough money to deliver critical improvements. She will file her budget with the Legislature by...
01.15.2024
Mass. nonprofits, advocates for low-income residents are calling foul after Healey makes deep cuts
There have been many reactions to Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey's mid-year spending cuts of $375 million dollars ahead of Healey's "State of the Commonwealth" address this week.
01.08.2024
Western Mass. could be left out of experiment to block oil and gas for new, renovated buildings
A major environmental experiment will require new construction and major renovations to embrace fossil fuel-free infrastructure for heating and cooling in some Massachusetts communities — none yet in the western part of the state.
01.01.2024
It's the New year and new laws are in effect in Massachusetts
In this edition of Beacon Hill in 5, we hear about some new laws — and what's ahead for Massachusetts lawmakers.
12.18.2023
Divide over the Israel-Hamas War splinters Massachusetts state lawmakers
Top Massachusetts senators were saddened by their colleagues' public remarks.
12.11.2023
Lawmakers demand more transparency into the Massachusetts emergency shelter system
Language requiring updates every two weeks on the emergency shelter system in Massachusetts was tucked into a spending bill that passed and was signed by Gov. Maura Healey last week.
12.04.2023
How far apart are Mass. lawmakers on emergency shelter funding? That's the $3 billion question
Mass. lawmakers were unable to muster a quorum for the third straight day. Efforts to advance a $3.1 billion supplemental budget bill will begin again Monday.
11.27.2023
'The breakthrough, as always, remains out of reach': Still no deal on funding for Mass. shelters
With most lawmakers headed home for the holiday break, members of the conference committee continue to try to work out differences between spending bills approved by the Massachusetts House and Senate. The bills hold funds for the state's emergency shelters.
11.20.2023
Despite broad support, funding for Mass. emergency shelters has not been passed
Massachusetts House and Senate Democrats failed to negotiate a compromise before their holiday break that would send hundreds of millions of dollars to the state's emergency shelters. The spending bill was presented to the Legislature in September.
11.06.2023
Massachusetts will waitlist those in need of housing once state reaches capacity in shelter system
Following a Superior Court upholding the Healey Administration's plan to stop expanding shelter availability amid surging demand, once the number of families in shelter reaches 7,500, Massachusetts won't guarantee placement to additional applicants.
10.30.2023
Will mass shooting in Maine have implications for gun laws in Massachusetts?
While Massachusetts House lawmakers have passed a version of new, strict gun regulations, the Massachusetts Senate has yet to finish crafting their own bill.
10.23.2023
Will Massachusetts experience a weakened economy as researchers note a shrinking population?
A recent out migration trend has researchers and lawmakers in Massachusetts concerned.
10.16.2023
Massachusetts officials looking at how to address crush of need on state's shelter system
Appeals to the federal government have so far yielded no change to work authorizations or funding to address the strain on the Massachusetts emergency shelter system.
10.09.2023
Massachusetts gun legislation is taking a path less traveled as bill emerges from House lawmakers
Massachusetts House lawmakers will hold a hearing on a revised gun bill on Tuesday. No senators are expected to participate.
10.02.2023
Tax relief package makes it to Gov. Healey's desk for review
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey has 10 days to review the tax relief package.
09.18.2023
Will Massachusetts lawmakers finally get tax reforms done?
Two months remain in the state legislative year, and tax relief legislation remains unfinished.
09.11.2023
As transportation secretary departs after short tenure, 'a lot of confidence' in new MassDOT leader
This week marks the first significant departure from the Healey administration.
08.28.2023
Mass. has dropped thousands of residents from MassHealth. Where does that leave them?
A Federally-mandated “unwinding” process aimed at ending Medicaid health insurance coverage for enrollees who are no longer eligible continues in Massachusetts.
08.21.2023
Will Mass. consumers be able to bring home the bacon after humane pork laws take effect?
A Massachusetts law passed in 2016 aimed at selling only humanely raised pork products goes into effect later this week, after multiple delays by lawsuits.
08.14.2023
Healey looking for help housing immigrants coming to Massachusetts
Mass. Governor Maura Healey is appealing to federal government officials for assistance, housing new immigrants coming to the state. Healey is also asking religious groups and state residents to consider taking in individuals and families. The just signed state budget...
08.07.2023
Massachusetts lawmakers finally send spending plan to the governor — a month late
On Monday, Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers voted on a consensus spending plan to send to Gov. Maura Healey for her review.
07.17.2023
Massachusetts lawmakers to consider major gun legislation
Massachusetts lawmakers will take on so-called ghost guns — pitting some gun owners against those favoring more regulation.
07.10.2023
With Massachusetts speeding toward climate goals, are the state's car owners doing their part?
The state Department of Transportation launched an online dashboard that will help officials track progress made toward climate goals.
07.03.2023
Budget deadline? What budget deadline? Massachusetts lawmakers still negotiating final plan
Closed-door negotiations continue between Massachusetts House and Senate lawmakers over spending in the annual state budget.
06.26.2023
Massachusetts lawmakers are running out of time to put a state budget in place for July 1st
Both an interim budget filed by Gov. Maura Healey and the fiscal year 2024 budget hang in the balance as the clock ticks toward July 1.
06.19.2023
Healey introduces 'entirely different approach' to pardons
Some governors like to wait until the last minute before leaving office to issue pardons. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is touting her decision to move quickly in her first year.
06.12.2023
One Mass. official says MassHealth eligibility check forms are 'almost torture' to fill out
Massachusetts' Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh says the federally required process of checking the insurance eligibility of Massachusetts residents is difficult and a lot more hands-on than expected.
05.30.2023
Massachusetts senators look at penalties for driving at peak times
Congestion pricing is one of the measures Mass. state senators might consider imposing to discourage drivers from commuting at already-crowded peak times.
05.22.2023
Lawmakers look at 'embodied carbon' reductions to help achieve Massachusetts' 2050 climate goals
Some Mass. lawmakers want to add embodied carbon reductions to the portfolio of policies the state will use to achieve decarbonization by 2050.
05.15.2023
Mass. Senate turns to budget: Includes child care grants and free college for some, but no iLottery
Massachusetts Senators spend this next week combing through amendments to their $55.8 billion annual budget, which will hit the floor for debate on May 23.
05.08.2023
As Mass. tax collections fall short by $1.4B, what's the impact on next year's budget?
As lawmakers on Beacon Hill continue their budget planning, we finally get a look at the state Senate's proposal.
05.01.2023
After 'stress-free' House debate lacking transparency, Mass. budget moves to the Senate
Following unanimous passage by Mass. House lawmakers last week, the state budget process moves to the state Senate. Lawmakers are working toward a final plan to send to the governor for her signature. The new fiscal year begins July 1.
04.24.2023
After quiet spring break, Massachusetts House set for busy budget week
Massachusetts House lawmakers piled about $700 million onto Gov. Maura Healey's budget, and this week the House Ways and Means Committee's $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 budget is the focus. The extra funding authorizes online lottery sales to fund child care...
04.10.2023
Poll shows Massachusetts residents want tax relief
As Massachusetts lawmakers continue to work on crafting budget legislation, a recent poll shows affordability is top of mind. The majority of Massachusetts voters polled indicated that they would like to see taxes go down.
04.03.2023
Massachusetts Republicans react to Trump's indictment
Massachusetts Republicans call the indictment politically motivated. Meanwhile the state's Democratic lawmakers in the House are putting the finishing touches on a tax proposal expected to be released soon.
03.27.2023
Funding for urgent needs, essential services will be the 1st major measure Gov. Healey signs
Massachusetts lawmakers agreed to a compromise spending bill featuring $388 million in spending directed at what the Senate's budget chief called "time-sensitive, urgent" needs along with $740 million in borrowing plans.
03.20.2023
It's been 3 years since the pandemic began, will Massachusetts lawmakers continue remote meetings?
The provision allowing governmental bodies to meet using remote meeting technology has not been renewed yet. It, along with other pandemic-related measures are set to expire on March 31 and April 1, if the Legislature doesn't get a measure through...
03.13.2023
Blue envelopes could mean uncertain times for many people now on MassHealth
More than a million state residents on MassHealth will be getting U-S postal mail with a blue envelope from the state agency. It means a re-certification is required, and the clock is ticking.

What's Beacon Hill In 5 about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Beacon Hill In 5 episodes:

On tap for the Mass. House: a budget debate including about 1,500 amendments

Sizable shelter funding gap between projected costs and Mass. House lawmakers' proposed budget

Could Massachusetts lawmakers upstage the much-anticipated eclipse this week on Beacon Hill?

No fooling on gun reform, bottle deposits and marijuana pardons at the Massachusetts Statehouse

Is implementing a time limit on stays in the Mass. emergency shelters the right fix?

Mass. Senate stares down early education, childcare bill; soon to tackle spending bill

Massachusetts is taking part in Super Tuesday, but it's looking pretty sleepy

For fifth time, Mass. senators will vote to update school sex education guidelines

Massachusetts' high court confirmation hearing will give Western Mass. a voice, but not a nominee

The state's shelter system is overwhelmed. What can Massachusetts lawmakers do?

On Massachusetts gun law reform, lawmakers in search of common ground

Massachusetts lawmakers agree gun reform is needed, as Senate's gun reform bill takes the spotlight

The Massachusetts governor is talking up her budget plans. But is there enough money to go around?

Mass. nonprofits, advocates for low-income residents are calling foul after Healey makes deep cuts

Western Mass. could be left out of experiment to block oil and gas for new, renovated buildings

It's the New year and new laws are in effect in Massachusetts

Divide over the Israel-Hamas War splinters Massachusetts state lawmakers

Lawmakers demand more transparency into the Massachusetts emergency shelter system

How far apart are Mass. lawmakers on emergency shelter funding? That's the $3 billion question

'The breakthrough, as always, remains out of reach': Still no deal on funding for Mass. shelters

Despite broad support, funding for Mass. emergency shelters has not been passed

Massachusetts will waitlist those in need of housing once state reaches capacity in shelter system

Will mass shooting in Maine have implications for gun laws in Massachusetts?

Will Massachusetts experience a weakened economy as researchers note a shrinking population?

Massachusetts officials looking at how to address crush of need on state's shelter system

Massachusetts gun legislation is taking a path less traveled as bill emerges from House lawmakers

Tax relief package makes it to Gov. Healey's desk for review

Will Massachusetts lawmakers finally get tax reforms done?

As transportation secretary departs after short tenure, 'a lot of confidence' in new MassDOT leader

Mass. has dropped thousands of residents from MassHealth. Where does that leave them?

Will Mass. consumers be able to bring home the bacon after humane pork laws take effect?

Healey looking for help housing immigrants coming to Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers finally send spending plan to the governor — a month late

Massachusetts lawmakers to consider major gun legislation

With Massachusetts speeding toward climate goals, are the state's car owners doing their part?

Budget deadline? What budget deadline? Massachusetts lawmakers still negotiating final plan

Massachusetts lawmakers are running out of time to put a state budget in place for July 1st

Healey introduces 'entirely different approach' to pardons

One Mass. official says MassHealth eligibility check forms are 'almost torture' to fill out

Massachusetts senators look at penalties for driving at peak times

Lawmakers look at 'embodied carbon' reductions to help achieve Massachusetts' 2050 climate goals

Mass. Senate turns to budget: Includes child care grants and free college for some, but no iLottery

As Mass. tax collections fall short by $1.4B, what's the impact on next year's budget?

After 'stress-free' House debate lacking transparency, Mass. budget moves to the Senate

After quiet spring break, Massachusetts House set for busy budget week

Poll shows Massachusetts residents want tax relief

Massachusetts Republicans react to Trump's indictment

Funding for urgent needs, essential services will be the 1st major measure Gov. Healey signs

It's been 3 years since the pandemic began, will Massachusetts lawmakers continue remote meetings?

Blue envelopes could mean uncertain times for many people now on MassHealth