Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from recent House sessions debating the $61.47 billion fiscal year 2026 House version of the budget. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

Consolidated housing, judiciary and public safety amendment (H 4000)

The House, 154-2, approved a consolidated amendment adding $10.5 million in funding to housing, judiciary and public safety programs in the $61.47 billion FY26 budget. Much of the funding was for projects and programs proposed by individual representatives for their local districts.

“This amendment underscores our values by investing in a wide range of housing line items that will help keep our residents housed, support our public housing authorities and provide tools to help residents during transitional times,” said Rep. Richard Haggerty, D-Woburn, House chair of the Housing Committee.

Reps. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, and Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick, the only two members to vote against the amendment, did not respond to requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the amendment.

A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.

Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes

Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes

Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes

Consolidated energy, environmental and food assistance amendment (H 4000)

The House, 154-3, approved a consolidated amendment adding $5.8 million in funding to energy, environmental and food assistance programs in the $61.47 billion FY26 budget. Much of the funding was for projects and programs proposed by individual representatives for their local districts.

“[The amendment] makes important investments in the environment, including over $85 million for the Department of Environment Protection and over $160 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to support clean water and our parks and natural resources,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Christine Barber, D-Somerville, House chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. “Funding for the Department of Energy Resources builds in a new line item to directly support the objectives of the climate bill without adding to assessments that are passed on to the residents of the commonwealth.”

Barber added, “There are also significant investments in addressing food insecurity in the commonwealth. Funding for emergency food assistance is increased by $13 million to bring this line item to $55 million.”

Reps. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick, and John Gaskey, R-Carver, the only three members to vote against the amendment, did not respond to requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the amendment.

A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.

Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes

Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes

Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes

Consolidated labor and economic development amendment (H 4000)

The House, 154-3, approved a consolidated amendment adding $25 million in funding to labor and economic development programs in the $61.47 billion FY26 budget. Much of the funding was for projects and programs proposed by individual representatives for their local districts.

“The amendment demonstrates the commitment the House has in investing in local economic development projects and supports the many amazing programs in our communities,” said Rep. Carole Fiola, D-Fall River, House chair of the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee.

Reps. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica, Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick, and John Gaskey, R-Carver, the only three members to vote against the amendment, did not respond to requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the amendment.

A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.

Rep. Natalie Blais — Yes

Rep. Aaron Saunders — Yes

Rep. Susannah Whipps — Yes

Also up on Beacon HillHiring freeze

Gov. Maura Healey announced that she will be implementing a hiring freeze across the executive branch, beginning May 27, in response to “widespread economic uncertainty at the national level and a tightening state budget outlook for fiscal year 2026.”

The Healey administration said the hiring freeze will apply to all executive branch agencies and departments and there will be no formal waiver process. However, consistent with common practice during past hiring freezes, exemptions will be made for certain positions, including public safety officers and direct care providers.

“The people of Massachusetts expect us to protect and maximize their tax dollars and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” Gov. Healey said. “Tariffs and funding cuts from Washington are causing so much economic damage and instability. We are taking this step to prepare for more uncertain economic times, protect taxpayer dollars and move our state forward while ensuring funding will be available for the vital services people need.”

“As we navigate the close of fiscal year 2025 and prepare for the start of the new fiscal year in July, the governor’s action to implement a hiring freeze across the executive branch will give us added flexibility in the budget to respond and react to unforeseen program needs and other deficiencies that may arise,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. “Our uncertain economic future in fiscal year 2026 has been made less predictable by the threat of federal funding cuts and recent market upheaval. While we hope for the best, it is both prudent and responsible to be prepared and take control of what we can now.”

The Republican State Committee responded and released a statement saying that, in January 2024, Gov. Healey gave each of her 12 cabinet members a $15,000 pay hike, at the same time slashing hundreds of millions of dollars from elsewhere in the state budget. They noted that those cuts hit services for seniors, homeless shelters and local earmarks.

“One year ago, Maura Healey used the winter holiday break to play Santa, dumping the news that she’s rewarding the good little boys and girls of her administration with pay raises for their ‘tireless’ work ethic,” said MassGOP Executive Director John Milligan. “She hopes her tone-deaf pay hikes for political friends go unnoticed when she can’t make ends meet in her budget without more taxes, but the MassGOP won’t let voters forget what she likes to do with their money when she has extra cash to play with.”

Switch school buses from diesel to electric (S 2241)

The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee held a hearing on a bill that would establish a grant program run by the Department of Energy Resources to help cities and towns offset the cost difference between buying zero-emission electric school buses and traditional diesel-powered ones. The grant program would prioritize support for communities in which the median household income is below the state’s median income or where the five-year average rate of emergency department visits for childhood asthma is greater than the state’s five-year average rate.

“Most of our school busses still run on diesel, which pollutes the air, contributes to climate change and exposes children to harmful emissions every day, especially when buses idle outside schools,” said sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem, D-Newton. “While zero-emission buses are more expensive up front, this legislation helps close that gap so more communities can make the switch.”

Sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV status (H 776)

The Elder Affairs Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would amend current state law under which the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, signed by the late President Lyndon Johnson, offers social and nutrition services for seniors ages 60 and older. Under current law, the state administers the act using two definitions: “greatest economic need” and “greatest social need.” The bill would add sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status to the definition of “greatest social need.” Seniors within these groups would be eligible for aid from the government for food, disease prevention, community-based services, elder rights programs and other forms of assistance.

“Our seniors deserve a safe and affirming environment regardless of HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham. “[The bill] is a critical step to include those in critical at-risk populations to be eligible for aide ensuring that the quality of care and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals is preserved and protected. We cannot rest on our laurels. These inequalities need to be addressed to end discriminatory practices and policies.”

Agriculture Committee airs several bills

The Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on several bills, including:

Safety of food and food additives (H 113): Would establish a 16-member Commission to Study the Safety of Food and Food Additives to investigate the health impacts of certain foods and food additives and propose policy and regulatory changes to enhance food safety in Massachusetts.

The commission would include medical professionals, dietitians, food scientists, a pediatrician, consumer advocates and representatives from local farming communities. It would study additives such as high fructose corn syrup, seed oils, artificial coloring dyes, monosodium glutamate, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, sodium nitrite/nitrate in processed meats and bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging.

The commission would be empowered to hold public hearings, conduct research, employ staff and issue subpoenas to gather evidence. Within two years of its first meeting, the commission would deliver a report to the governor, the Legislature and the public — assessing health impacts, recommending legislative or regulatory actions, and suggesting public education campaigns to promote healthier food choices.

“The surge in obesity and chronic illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune disease and behavioral health disorders, particularly among children, demands a thorough investigation,” said sponsor Rep. Nick Boldyga, R-Southwick. “Growing research and frankly commonsense suggest that the root of the problem is related to the foods we eat. Additives like artificial dyes, seed oils and high fructose corn syrup as well as ultra processed foods are poisoning Americans of all ages, robbing them of living healthy and fulfilling lives. This commission will deliver evidence-based solutions to enhance food safety and educate families on healthier options. Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead the way in addressing our growing health crisis.”

Octopus (H 127): Would prohibit the aquaculture of octopus in tanks or other controlled environments for human consumption.

Aquaculture is defined as “waters used primarily and directly in the commercial cultivation of aquatic organisms, including finfish, mollusk or crustacean in a controlled environment.”

The measure would prohibit businesses from selling, transporting or possessing commercially farmed octopus. Violators would be fined up to $1,000 per day and would also be required to pay restitution for any money they made from the octopus.

“The neurological complexities of octopuses are not compatible with controlled aquaculture processes and practices,” said sponsor Rep. Chris Hendricks, D-New Bedford. “During this session, I hope the Legislature can take a serious look at this measure and move it across the finish line.”

Rodeos (H 139): Would require that any rodeos comply with the rules, regulations, standards and practices established by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

“I filed this bill because Massachusetts has no standards for rodeos unlike many other states, a fact which came to light after the incident last fall when seven bulls escaped from a traveling exhibition in North Attleboro and crossed Route 1 into residential neighborhoods,” said sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon, D-North Attleboro. “I like that North Attleboro is a venue for all types of entertainment. Variety is the spice of life, after all. We just need to make sure that standards are met for public safety as well as for animal welfare.”

Agricultural equity for minorities (S 53): Would create a special legislative commission to study and develop recommendations for supporting investments, policies and practices designed to “promote equity in agriculture for socially disadvantaged groups in the commonwealth that have been historically or systematically excluded or have had less access to resources and opportunities based on cultural, racial or ethnic prejudice.”

These groups would include, at a minimum, African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Caribbean Islanders, Native Americans and Alaskan natives.

“Property ownership is a leading source of intergenerational wealth accumulation,” said sponsor Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton. “In the United States, white people have always had more access to land ownership than Black, Indigenous and people of color. While we know these populations are significantly underrepresented among farm landowners, we do not have reliable data on who is receiving state grants and other state funding for agriculture.”