Legislative Update: Week of May 2, 2022

May 02, 2022

LAST WEEK

The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed their $49.7 billion fiscal year 2023 budget proposal. The budget included a redrafted amendment, initially filed by Representative Coppinger, to extend the expiration of copay assistance programs in Massachusetts to January 1, 2026. Current law is due to sunset on January 1, 2023. By extending the expiration, Massachusetts residents will be allowed to continue using these critical cost-saving measures. The budget now moves to the Massachusetts Senate for consideration.

Representative Thomas Golden offered his farewell address on the House floor on Wednesday. After serving 27 years as a member of the Massachusetts House, he is departing to become the city manager for his hometown of Lowell.

THIS WEEK

At the federal level, on Wednesday, the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies holds a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2023 for the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Senate Commerce Committee’s subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security holds a hearing on “Ensuring Fairness and Transparency in the Market for Prescription Drugs.”

Tuesday, May 2 is the deadline for candidates in Massachusetts to submit their nomination papers to make the ballot in the fall. Candidates for state Senate must have at least three hundred signatures and candidates for state House of Representatives must have 150 signatures from voters in their districts.

Also, on Tuesday, voters in East Boston, North End, and Charlestown will cast their ballots for the next woman to represent District 1 in the Boston City Council. Candidates Gigi Coletta and Tania del Rio are running to replace the seat vacated by Lydia Edwards, who recently left the Boston City Council to serve in the Massachusetts Senate in the seat formerly held by Joe Boncore.

On Thursday, MassBio will hold it’s 2022 State of Possible Conference in person.  The agenda includes a Fireside Chat with former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.

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