Senator Cindy Friedman

Legislation requires greater investment in primary care, fairer pay for community health centers, and a larger medical workforce, with aim of driving down health care costs 

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today overwhelmingly passed landmark legislation to invest in primary care and make it easier for Massachusetts residents to get a primary care appointment. 

The bill, originally filed by Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), simplifies finding a primary care clinician, reduces the amount of time providers have to spend on administrative paperwork, and aims to reduce health care costs. 

Currently, 43 per cent of Massachusetts residents have difficulty accessing primary care. Studies show that 40 per cent of emergency room visits in Massachusetts could have been prevented if treated in a primary care setting. 

The legislation—S.3116, An Act relative to primary care for you—requires health care providers and insurers to invest more heavily in primary care services. Additionally, it ensures fairer compensation for community health centers, which serve as the frontline of primary care for many residents, and grows Massachusetts’ primary care workforce by unlocking matching federal funds to train and recruit more primary care doctors. 

“Massachusetts has always led the way on health care, and today the Senate is doing it again. Too many of our residents are struggling to find a primary care doctor, or putting off basic care because of the cost,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “That’s not acceptable, and it’s not sustainable. This legislation takes direct aim at the problem: it requires greater investment in primary care, lifts up the community health centers at the heart of so many neighborhoods, and grows the workforce our residents need. When we get primary care right, everything else in our health care system works better. I… Read more.

The bill requires teaching of evidence-based reading instruction, supports school districts in adopting proven instructional materials and practices, requires consistent statewide literacy screening, and improves educator preparation 

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) and her colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature today passed landmark literacy legislation that will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read.  

An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy establishes clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensures access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhances educator training and support, and creates new reporting and accountability systems. 

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill now goes to Governor Healey for her signature.  

“Reading is the most fundamental skill that a child can learn, as it serves as the foundation for all types of learning and civic engagement,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “As a former elementary school teacher and parent of a child that had challenges learning to read, I understand how important it is for student development for schools to use high-quality, evidence-based instructional materials. this legislation will help close the early literacy gap that is seen in communities across the Commonwealth, and I am excited for students in the Fourth Middlesex district and statewide to be afforded the opportunity to learn to read and develop comprehension skills through strengthened instruction practices and materials.”  

Although Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in education and our students consistently test high among national peers, recent data confirms there is more work to do.  English Language Arts (ELA) scores continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels.… Read more.

Already piloted by the State Police, the program helps drivers with autism communicate while giving officers the information they need to respond effectively 

(BOSTON—6/15/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed legislation establishing a statewide ‘blue envelope’ program, giving motorists with autism spectrum disorder a simple, recognizable way to alert police officers to their diagnosis and help guide the interaction before it escalates.

The easily recognizable envelopes can be handed over during a traffic stop by an individual with autism whose ability to communicate is likely to be negatively affected by a stressful situation.

The outside of the blue envelope prominently notes that the person has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), along with guidance on how to effectively interact with them, while the inside features places to store their driver’s license and auto registration.

“I am so happy that the entire legislature has adopted this subtle, yet meaningful approach to increase community safety that the Senate has led on for several consecutive sessions,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “The Blue Envelope legislation will help make traffic stops safer and smoother, leading to calmer interactions between police officers and those with autism spectrum disorder. I am so excited that we finally got this legislation to the Governor’s desk so we can make this popular and effective program permanent in Massachusetts.”

The bill—S.2565, An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder—would codify the program, which was rolled out by the Massachusetts State Police last year after it was first proposed in the Legislature during the previous legislative session.… Read more.

Legislation establishes Foster Child Bill of Rights, expands community-based support for at-risk youth 

(BOSTON—6/11/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed legislation that safeguards the well-being of children, particularly those in state care and foster care; increases access to community support for children at risk of court involvement; and strengthens investigations of abuse cases. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) joined her colleagues in supporting this measure, which passed without opposition on a 39-0 roll call vote. 

By establishing a Foster Child Bill of Rights, the bill—S.3111, An Act enhancing child welfare protections—guarantees certain basic rights for children in foster care related to their safety, education, and health care. 

This legislation also expands the diversion of children dealing with behavior or attendance problems to Family Resource Centers (FRCs) instead of the court system.  

FRCs provide accessible, confidential support to children and families in crisis close to home and have proven successful in helping kids and teens stay in school, connecting families with services such as mental health or substance use treatment, housing aid, and legal help, and—most importantly—avoiding the need for the child to obtain a court record just to access assistance. 

The bill further strengthens the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) to support robust investigations into reports of harm or abuse to a child. It places the Child Fatality Review Team within the OCA and explicitly empowers the OCA to review cases of indecent assault and battery, abuse or rape of a child. 

“In Massachusetts, we must take accountability and ensure all children, especially those in our foster care system and at-risk youth, get the support and protection they need to thrive,” said Senator Friedman, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “This legislation takes much-needed strides, establishing a Bill of Rights for foster children that importantly guarantees basic rights to health services for these youth. I am very grateful for Senate President Spilka’s long-standing commitment to supporting community services and Family Resources Centers, and for Senator Kennedy’s leadership on this initiative as we strive to improve outcomes for children across the Commonwealth.”  … Read more.

State’s sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500  

(BOSTON—6/11/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today set Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 as the official dates of Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday.

During the holiday, the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax will be suspended for most retail items priced under $2,500.

A 2018 state law, which made the sales tax holiday permanent, requires the Legislature to vote to set the dates of the holiday each year. Both branches adopted resolutions today setting this year’s dates (H.5495/S.3119), sponsored by Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Fall River) and by Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston).

“The annual sales tax holiday serves as a way to make purchases just a little more affordable, which is especially important during this time of economic uncertainty as costs have risen due to tariffs and inflation,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Removing the sales tax serves as a boon to economic development statewide, and I encourage residents to shop in the 4^th Middlesex district during this weekend and support our small businesses and local economies.”

A spike in consumer activity routinely boosts indirect tax revenues. According to the Department of Revenue, the 2025 sales tax holiday generated $3.65 million in indirect tax revenues due to increased economic activity.

At a time when consumers are seeing prices on store shelves rise, driven in part by federally imposed tariffs, this year’s Massachusetts sales tax holiday will give shoppers a much-needed break.… Read more.

Cities and towns could permit outdoor alcohol zones and later service hours through the end of July 

(BOSTON—6/8/2026) With a landmark summer on the horizon, the Massachusetts Legislature has approved a bill to let communities create outdoor drinking districts and keep bars and restaurants open an hour later than usual. 

“This pilot program gives our cities and towns more flexibility to bolster economic development in downtowns and public spaces across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “I look forward to reviewing the impacts analyzed by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission of this temporary law to help inform future discussions and decisions on our municipal alcohol laws.” 

Both measures are opt-in, requiring individual cities and towns to authorize them locally before taking effect. 

Under the bill, municipalities could designate outdoor areas, including streets and public parks, where residents and visitors may consume alcohol, provided their drinks are purchased from a licensed establishment within the zone. 

The bill would also give municipalities the option to extend permissible service hours by one hour at bars, restaurants, breweries, distilleries, and any other establishment licensed for on-premises consumption—up to a maximum of 3 a.m. 

Both provisions would expire before August begins.  

Having been passed by both chambers of the legislature, the legislation now goes to Governor Healey for her signature. 

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New registration framework gives commercial interior designers greater independence and economic opportunity 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) New opportunities to grow the commercial interior design industry in Massachusetts would be unlocked through legislation passed by the Senate today. 

The Senate voted to advance a bill to create optional state licensure for commercial interior designers, a step that would empower smaller designers to bid individually for certain projects rather than having to contract with a larger firm. 

“Building off of the proposal that passed the Senate last session, this bill continues the critical work underway in Massachusetts to address wage disparity by providing a system of licensure that levels the playing field for commercial interior design professionals,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “These professionals deserve to be recognized for the work they do through professional licensing, should they choose to do so. This bill is especially important for our small business owners to open up a wider market of projects that match their existing skillset. I hope to see the House of Representatives move this proposal forward so we can finally get it to the Governor’s desk this session.” 

The legislation—S.3107, An Act relative to advancing the profession of commercial interior design—would ensure flexibility for designers by making the new licensure process optional. 

Currently, smaller interior design operations have to contract with larger firms that have architectural licenses in order to bid on certain projects. 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on June 1, 2026. A previous version was vetted and advanced by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. … Read more.

Legislation would prohibit DEHP — linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer — from intravenous bags and tubing used in Massachusetts hospitals 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) Use of a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and linked to cancer cases would be banned in Massachusetts under a bill advanced today by the Massachusetts Senate. 

Senators voted to pass the bill, which would phase out the use of DEHP—a toxic chemical—in IV bags and tubing in Massachusetts. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. 

The legislation—S.3106, An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices—would prohibit the manufacture or sale of IV containers and tubing made with intentionally added DEHP. DEHP—Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate—has been linked to breast, liver, lung, and testicular cancer, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners. 

“This bill will help keep patients across the Commonwealth safe, especially our most vulnerable that frequently receive treatments delivered through IV bags and tubes,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “It is antithetical to good health care to subject residents to additional health dangers from carcinogenic chemicals when receiving treatments to keep them healthy, and I am glad that the Senate is taking the lead on this initiative to help keep Massachusetts patients safe.” 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. 

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means reported the bill to the full Senate with a 17-0 vote on June 1, 2026. A previous version was vetted and advanced by the Joint Committee on Public Health. 

The Senate passed the bill and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. … Read more.

 Legislation would give over 6,500 educators until mid-2027 to join RetirementPlus 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) The Massachusetts Senate today unanimously passed legislation to allow longtime public school teachers the opportunity to buy into an enhanced savings program if they missed out when the program was first launched a quarter century ago. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure, which passed unanimously on a roll call vote. 

An estimated 6,500 to 8,500 current teachers in Massachusetts have been unable to participate in the RetirementPlus pension program because they missed the window to opt into the plan in 2001. 

The bill—S.3109, An Act relative to benefits for teachers—would provide another one-time opportunity to that group of longtime educators and give them until mid-2027 to choose whether they would like to join RetirementPlus. 

“Our educators should not be unduly withheld from retirement benefits as a result of unclear guidance 25 years ago,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This bill allows educators who were otherwise eligible in 2001 for RetirementPlus to catch up by paying into the system and unlocking an earlier retirement date than if this bill was not passed. I heard loud and clear how important this is to the educators in my district-—this is a win not only for them, but for the many thousands of teachers statewide who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the growth of student achievement.”  

Teachers who join RetirementPlus through this new opportunity would pay into the program as if they had joined at the outset, which would include interest payments, to ensure both fiscal stability and fairness for teachers and retirees who have been participating throughout the past 25 years. 

Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room. … Read more.

Fair Share Funding Delivers Broad Relief for Families, Communities, and Local Government 

(BOSTON—6/4/2026) Massachusetts lawmakers today passed a $1.35 billion spending package that seeks to ease pressures caused by strained school budgets and delivers a massive infusion of cash into the state’s public transportation system. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the legislation, which includes $1 million in local project funding she secured through amendments during the Senate’s debate of the supplemental budget. 

The investments in H.5740 are expansive and include cutting taxes to jumpstart housing construction, training the next generation of doctors and teachers, helping cities and towns dig out from an extreme winter, taking steps to shield the state’s finances from the ripple effects of federal tax and tariff policy, and protecting immigrants from federal deportation actions. 

“Since the Fair Share Act went into effect, we have responsibly used this funding to bolster much-needed support for public education and public transportation statewide,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “These investments will make a meaningful difference for residents across the Commonwealth, covering special education costs, childcare, early literacy, and upgrades to the MBTA. Importantly, at a time when our primary care system is in crisis and many go without or receive delayed care, this supplemental budget provides $10 million in scholarships for UMass Chan Medical School students who agree to pursue family medicine and practice in underserved communities in Massachusetts after they graduate. I am also pleased to have been able to bring significant funding back to the district to allow our communities to prioritize the maintenance of essential municipal government operations. It is vital to get this bill to the Governor’s desk without delay — our local communities need the help.”  

Local Project Funding 

Through amendments to the Senate version of the supplemental budget, Senator Friedman secured $1 million in direct funding to support local education and public transportation, road, and bridge projects.… Read more.