After a long night of frenzied activity, the Massachusetts Legislature has left many big priorities unfinished. Lawmakers had until midnight on Tuesday to pass bills before the end of the legislative session, but they found themselves scrambling to finish their work in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
One of the major issues left unresolved was the state budget. The House and Senate were unable to reach a compromise on the $48 billion spending plan, which will now be left to Governor Charlie Baker to piece together through amendments.
Other important measures left unfinished included bills on transportation, climate change, healthcare, and police reform. The failure to pass these bills is seen as a disappointment by many, especially in light of the pressing issues facing the state.
Despite the setbacks, some lawmakers were able to celebrate victories. A landmark climate policy bill was passed, which sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. Additionally, a police reform bill was passed, requiring officers to be licensed by a state board and increasing transparency in law enforcement.
However, there were still many bills left on the table, including measures to expand voting rights, provide relief to small businesses, and address racial disparities in healthcare. Some lawmakers expressed frustration with the lack of progress on these issues, while others pointed to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for the delays.
Overall, the Massachusetts Legislature has left many important priorities unfinished as they wrap up the legislative session. Despite some successes, there is still much work to be done to address the pressing needs of the state.
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