- More than four months into the Legislative session, lawmakers on Beacon Hill have not agreed on a rules package, and that's beginning to affect western Mass. residents.
- Diving into a more than 150 year old tradition, one a law, that is still upheld by a couple of small Massachusetts towns and s Massachusetts libraries.
- A western Massachusetts family practice doctor has testified at seven hearings on Beacon Hill. Meanwhile, lawmakers have not enacted meaningful changes to enable her to keep from laying off staff.
- The Mass. House Ways and Means Committee released its $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 budget. Floor deliberations are planned for the week of April 28.
- The Mass. House budget will be released this week. Many are hoping it continues to fund children's mental health, unlike the budget proposed by Gov. Maura Healey.
- Some western Mass. lawmakers object to the T — the Boston area subway — receiving the bulk of revenues collected from high wage earners.
- The slow start of the new term in the Judicial Nominating Commission and Governor's Council could be the cause of the delayed appointments.
- Following cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, Massachusetts lawmakers take testimony from state education officials as FY26 budget-making resumes, following a week off.
- Lawmakers face the challenge of addressing the potential loss of $16B in federal funding in next year’s Mass. budget, which may require significant Legislative action.
- Massachusetts state Rep. Natalie Blais of Deerfield was named to co-lead the Legislature's Agriculture Committee.