Author: Cindy Friedman

Group Insurance Commission funding ensures providers are paid for care delivered to state employees

(BOSTON—5/15/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed a $240 million supplemental budget that will direct funds to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the health insurance agency responsible for delivering coverage to state and local government employees. The funding ensures that health care providers will continue to be paid for services rendered to employees.

“Ensuring that the hundreds of thousands of public employees and their loved ones have access to health insurance is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud to advance this legislation and grateful to Chair Rodrigues and the members of the Committee on Ways and Means for acting expeditiously.”

“I’m pleased the Senate has acted swiftly to pass the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s supplemental budget request, filed early last month. This prompt action by the Senate will allow GIC members’ full access to health care, prescription drugs, and all benefit coverage to remain intact,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.

“The Group Insurance Commission is facing a challenge that is not unique to any insurer, as pharmaceutical usage is going up and the costs of drugs are rising at an unsustainable rate,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The Senate is actively working on measures to address this larger issue, as well as other cost drivers throughout the health care system, to relieve the pressure on insurers and the premiums that residents in the Commonwealth face.… Read more.

‘Fair Share’ dollars would be sent to shovel-ready projects around Massachusetts, Friedman secures $750,000 to benefit municipalities and schools in 4^th Middlesex district 

(BOSTON—5/8/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed a $1.33 billion plan to invest in public education and transportation across the Commonwealth.  Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the Senate bill, which directs funding to expand career and technical education opportunities, bolster construction projects at local schools and college campuses, and support public transit, road and bridge funding for city and town governments.  

The bill, S.2512, prioritizes regional equity by providing support statewide for K-12 school district special education programs, rural roads and bridges, capital improvements for public bus transportation, and infrastructure upgrades at Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities. 

The overwhelming success of the Fair Share amendment to the Constitution—voted for by residents in 2022—generated more than $1 billion over initial projections in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. This legislation contains restricted one-time investments in public education and transportation initiatives and primarily uses funds from that surtax, which is paid by households in Massachusetts earning more than $1 million per year. The Senate will debate its annual general budget later in the month. 

“We all fought for the Fair Share amendment, and this bill bears the fruit of that labor,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “The surtax funds allow us to strategically invest in public education and public transportation across the Commonwealth and, due to the fiscal responsibility employed over the last few budget cycles, the growth of the surplus funds affords us the ability to address critical one-time needs.… Read more.

Senate upholds ongoing fiscal responsibility, protects core services, and reinforces the state’s economic foundation in the face of federal uncertainty 

(BOSTON—5/6/2025) The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today released a $61.3 billion Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget proposal that safeguards the state’s financial health, protects the state’s most vulnerable residents, and makes investments that reinforce the Commonwealth’s economic vitality in the face of mounting federal threats. 

“The proposed budget offered by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means is a strong budget that takes measurable steps towards meeting the priorities of our chamber,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “Included in this proposal is $1.5 million in funding that I advocated for to continue the progress of standing up the Middlesex County Restoration Center, a program that is truly shaping up to benefit residents of every community in our district, and frankly, is a model the whole country can turn to. I was also excited to see funding for jail diversion initiatives, such as the co-responder model, used by police chiefs throughout our district that diverts individuals to appropriate treatment. I look forward to offering both funding and policy amendments in the areas where I believe that we can and should be stronger, and I am eager to advocate for these changes on the Senate floor.” 

The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $61.3 billion in spending, a $3.61 billion increase over the last fiscal year. Aligned with estimated tax revenue growth, the fiscally responsible spending plan is based on a consensus tax revenue estimate of $41.214 billion for the coming fiscal year, a 2.25 per cent increase over the current fiscal year’s benchmark.  … Read more.

Effort focuses on safeguarding residents, the Massachusetts economy, and state operations

(BOSTON—4/1/2025) In response to federal actions under the second Trump Administration that threaten critical programs and institutions, the Massachusetts Senate is launching RESPONSE 2025, a coordinated effort to protect residents, defend the Commonwealth’s values, and lead Massachusetts through a potentially difficult time.

Under the direction of Senate President Karen Spilka, the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy will spearhead this effort, working closely with Senate committee chairs and policy experts. The RESPONSE 2025 initiative will focus on four key goals:

• Assessing federal actions to determine their real-world impact on Massachusetts.
• Identifying policy solutions to mitigate potential harm and safeguard residents.
• Prioritizing state responses based on need, feasibility, and effectiveness.
• Providing clarity to the public by cutting through misinformation and helping residents understand the state’s role in protecting their rights and services.

“With this initiative, the Senate wants to state unequivocally that we are committed to protecting our residents, defending our values, and leading Massachusetts through the uncertainty of federal action,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “We are watching the systematic erosion of programs, supports and institutions that are critical to the wellbeing of our residents, the health of our economy, and the effective operations of our state—which is consistently ranked high on quality-of-life metrics like education, public safety, healthcare, and veterans’ services, among many things. Our economy is consistently strong thanks to the diversity of industries we support here. But I am worried about the reckless and cruel actions of the current administration and their potential negative impact on the things we value.… Read more.

Remote civic engagement option expands access to local government through June 2027 

(BOSTON—3/20/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation to extend the hybrid public meeting option, allowing cities and towns to offer remote participation through June 2027. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings.  

Hybrid meetings enable more civic participation by residents who otherwise might have limited access to public meetings. 

“I have heard from both the leaders and the residents of the communities in the 4^th Middlesex district about the benefits that remote and hybrid meetings have brought to local government,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This action will not only increase the ability for residents to be civically engaged, but will also make participation easier for volunteer board members who have other commitments that may conflict with full, in person participation. Based on the track record of success this initiative has had, I hope that we will build consensus to make this measure permanent in the Commonwealth and give local governments the flexibility to hold meetings in a manner that best fits its members’ needs.”  

The Massachusetts Municipal Association estimates that there are over 10,000 boards, committees, and commissions across Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Most officials serving on the panels do so on a volunteer basis.  

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill will now be sent to the Governor for her signature.  

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Returns as Senate Chair of Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, Receives new position as Chair of the Senate Committee on Policy and Steering 

(BOSTON—3/3/2025) Last week, the Massachusetts Senate released committee assignments for the 194th session of the Massachusetts General Court, which spans from January 2025 through December 2026. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) was reappointed as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and appointed as Chair of the revamped Senate Committee on Policy and Steering. 

“I am incredibly thankful to Senate President Karen Spilka for her continued trust in me to deliver necessary policy reforms to strengthen our Commonwealth’s health care system, especially given the uncertainty of federal health care support and funding,” said Senator Friedman. “I am also excited for the opportunity to bolster the Senate Committee on Policy and Steering and further develop and move strong policy in line with the priorities of the Senate. There is much work to be done in the Legislature to continue to serve our constituents, and I am eager to get started. I look forward to a productive legislative session.” 

Now serving in her fourth full legislative session, Senator Friedman’s full list of committee assignments are as follows: 

• Chair, Senate Committee on Policy and Steering

• Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Health Care Financing

• Vice Chair, Senate Committee on Rules

• Member, Joint Committee on Aging and Independence

• Member, Senate Committee on Ethics

• Member, Senate Committee on Personnel and Administration

The committee assignments come on the heels of a robust package of newly adopted Senate rules for the chamber and a proposal for the joint rules governing the full legislature.… Read more.

Bill adds fiscal guardrails and continues support for families in crisis 

(BOSTON–2/26/2025) Today, the Legislature passed a $425 million supplemental budget to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) voted in favor of the measure in the Senate. 

The bill adds cost controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure the state responsibly uses taxpayer dollars, and that the program is financially sustainable over the long term. At the same time, it continues to support the mothers, fathers, and children who use the system, who are in a moment of crisis.  

“Our emergency assistance shelter program has been in trouble for many years, not as a result of, but exacerbated by, migrant families in need of shelter,” said Senator Friedman, Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy. “This legislation begins to implement the reforms needed to make the program more efficient, while also addressing what I believe are fundamentally moral obligations to those in need of shelter. As we continue to navigate this challenging situation, I want to thank the outstanding Resettlement Agencies that support the state in this work to put residents on a path towards housing stability.” 

The bill allows families to stay for up to six months in shelter and grants the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities the authority to grant hardship exemption waivers to families with young children, to families at risk of domestic violence, or other individuals in vulnerable circumstances, to lengthen their stay in shelters. … Read more.

The package would publish all committee votes, make testimony public, and create summaries for legislation before committees 

(BOSTON—2/13/2025) Today the Massachusetts Senate approved two rules proposals for the 194th General Court that would increase transparency and public accessibility. Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), joined her colleagues in unanimously voting to support the proposed rules for the Senate and the proposed joint rules governing the work of the Senate alongside the House of Representatives. 

The Senate’s rules proposals for the 2025-2026 session aim to create a transparent and efficient Legislature that adapts to the needs of the Commonwealth. These proposals will build on the Senate’s commitment to transparency and create a framework for increased productivity during legislative sessions.  

“The work of the Legislature is done on behalf of the people of the Commonwealth, and they deserve a legislative body that is representative, efficient, and responsive,” said Senator Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Temporary Committee on Rules. “The Senate rules and our joint rules proposal reflect our intentions to continue to build towards these values, without letting arcane procedures hinder this work. We hear from constituents that they want to see more transparency and easier public participation, and I think the Senate’s proposals deliver this.” 

The Senate’s rules proposal includes measures to improve transparency, and ensures that in the absence of joint rules, the Senate would be able to still take steps to make information public.  

Senate Votes in Committees: Senate rules would require that the votes Senators take in joint committees, such as whether to advance a bill out of committee, be posted online.… Read more.

Balances fiscal responsibility to taxpayers with moral responsibility to Massachusetts families in need of shelter 

(BOSTON–2/12/2025) Today, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation to allocate $425 million to support emergency housing assistance for unhoused families across the Commonwealth. The bill adds cost controls and reporting mechanisms to ensure the state responsibly uses taxpayer dollars, while continuing to fund a system that serves Massachusetts adults and children in crisis.  

The bill, S.16, will provide safe shelter and supportive services for unhoused families, establish eligibility requirements and time-limited benefits, and ensure program accountability to help protect Massachusetts residents. 

“It is incredibly difficult to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers and moral obligation to support Massachusetts residents that need a safe place to lay their heads,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “I am appreciative to my colleagues for participating in the uncomfortable, yet necessary, discussions on the amendment that I filed and that was adopted to ensure our most vulnerable families have the time to provide the state, and the outstanding Resettlement Agencies that support the state in this work, with the materials necessary to put them on a path towards stability.”  

The legislation enhances the existing residency requirements for families in the shelter system, ensuring assistance is received by those who are Massachusetts residents. 

Those in shelter would be able to stay for up to six months, and those families with young children, a pregnant person late in their pregnancy, or in other vulnerable circumstances, would be able to receive hardship exemptions to increase their length of stay.… Read more.

Bill helps close gaps that caused the Steward Health Care collapse 

BOSTON (12/30/2024)—Today, the Massachusetts Legislature passed legislation that will close loopholes in the health care market regulatory process exposed by the collapse of Steward Health Care, increase financial transparency by gathering more information regarding hospital finances, and assist in maintaining a more stable and sustainable health care system.   

“This bill is a continuation of the Commonwealth’s long-standing effort to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts has access to quality, affordable health care,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Lawn for working diligently to get this legislation over the finish line, a process that included the incorporation of input from dozens of stakeholders and outside experts, and I want to thank all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for recognizing the need for this legislation amid a number of daunting challenges facing the Commonwealth’s health care system.”   

“Massachusetts is a health care leader globally because we take seriously our responsibility to invest in our health ecosystem and protect providers and patients,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “As we stare down a health care system plagued by high costs and the fallout from private equity mismanagement, we are doubling down on our responsibility to our residents by safeguarding patients, expanding access to care, and holding private equity accountable. I’m grateful to the unmatched work of Senator Friedman, the work of my colleagues, the countless advocates who have contributed their voices to this legislation, and our partners in the House for making this legislation a reality.”  … Read more.