I’VE BEEN WORKING in and around the Massachusetts State House for over 20 years. From lobbying on behalf of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, to serving in a senior role in Gov. Deval Patrick’s administration, to countless causes I’ve taken on as an advocate in my personal time, I’ve seen the State House work – and I’ve seen it come up short.
Over the summer, a narrative took hold that the State House was coming up short, with big issues left unresolved as formal legislative sessions wrapped up. I know I felt a knot in my own stomach when I saw that bills on pressing issues like maternal health, economic development, and climate had not passed as the legislative clock ran out. In the two months since, that knot has loosened. It hasn’t gone away – what advocate is ever relieved of all stress? – but taking a hard look at two things has eased my anxiety.
First, I looked at Minnesota. Just as the formal legislative session ended here in the Commonwealth, Vice President Kamala selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Coverage of Walz’s impressive record during Minnesota’s most recent legislative session— now known as “The Minnesota Miracle” – drew comparisons to our Legislature’s record. “What Mass. legislators can learn from Tim Walz,” wrote one observer, while another asked, “Why can’t the legislature do its job?”
Walz’s track record in Minnesota got my progressive heart racing. But as I read through the North Star State’s list of accomplishments, they started to remind me of something – Massachusetts. We have been driving our own record of accomplishments for years now, a fact that is important to keep in mind as we continue to hear the media narrative that our state hasn’t gotten enough vital work done.
A number of policies enacted in Minnesota were approved previously in Massachusetts.
Reproductive and gender rights: Minnesota enacted protections for reproductive freedom and gender-affirming care in 2023, but Massachusetts led the way with the Roe Act in 2020 and the Act Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender-Affirming Care in 2022.
Climate: Both states passed major climate bills focused on clean energy, electrification, and environmental justice. Massachusetts expanded offshore wind and renewable energy capacity while setting ambitious decarbonization targets in two bold climate bills during the last session. And a third major bill, designed to make the changes to siting and permitting necessary to ensure we meet those ambitious targets, is poised to be sent to the governor in weeks, if not days.
Workers’ rights: Minnesota’s new protections include paid leave and a ban on non-compete agreements, but Massachusetts banned non-competes in 2018 and passed Paid Family and Medical Leave in 2020.
Voting rights: Minnesota expanded voting rights in 2023, while Massachusetts passed the VOTES Act in 2022, expanding early voting and mail-in voting.
Legalized Cannabis: Minnesota legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023; Massachusetts did this back in 2016.
A number of policies enacted in Minnesota were approved this session in Massachusetts.
School meals: Minnesota invested $2.3 billion in education and established free school meals, while Massachusetts passed the Student Opportunity Act in 2019 and universal school meals last year.
Gun control: Minnesota passed red flag laws and expanded background checks, much like Massachusetts’ SAFER Act, which strengthens firearm laws and public safety and was recently signed into law.
Tax relief and housing: Both states enacted significant tax relief and affordable housing investments. Massachusetts’ $5.1 billion investment surpasses Minnesota’s $1 billion, but both focus on tenant rights and rental protections.
Elder care: Minnesota strengthened nursing home oversight, and Massachusetts passed legislation to improve elder care protections and regulate assisted living services.
In some areas, Massachusetts is setting the standard nationally.
Free community college: Massachusetts passed universal free community college this year, and our community colleges are already seeing increased enrollment.
Early education and childcare: Massachusetts invested $1.5 billion in early education and childcare and implemented reforms to make it more affordable and accessible.
Maternal health: Massachusetts passed a comprehensive maternal health bill, expanding access to postpartum care, midwife licensure, and maternal mental health coverage.
LGBTQ protections: Massachusetts further strengthened LGBTQ parental rights and non-binary gender recognition on birth certificates and drivers’ licenses.
It’s tough to criticize Massachusetts for not keeping pace with another state when in reality we’re the pacesetter.
Second, I looked at what has happened in the Legislature these past two months. Bills on maternal health equity, long term care reform, Boston liquor licenses, and others have passed in recent weeks. A final comprehensive climate bill is now on its way to final passage. The crucial economic development package is still out there, but the Legislature is still negotiating and has committed to return to formal session to pass it.
The end of formal sessions over the summer has not meant the end of progress on issues – a trend that must continue through the end of the calendar year. Of course, the new session coming in 2025 must also be met with a sense of urgency.
My reduced anxiety about the Legislature’s productivity this session doesn’t mean that there isn’t still room for improvement. There is no question that the lawmaking process can be smoother, and I’ve been glad to see leadership acknowledge that the Legislature can do better. One only need look to Washington, DC to see how rare it is for people in positions of power to claim anything shy of perfection.
We rightly have high standards here in Massachusetts. We have been, and continue to be, a national leader across numerous policy areas. The Legislature should be held to those high standards and should strive to keep us at the front of the policy pack. When I took another look at the continuing work coming out of the State House this year, however, I saw that we are closer to meeting those marks than this summer’s narrative described.
Jesse Mermell is the president and founder of the deWit Impact Group, which provides marketing, communications, and social engagement support for nonprofits and candidates. She is the former president of the Alliance for Business Leadership, and a former candidate for Congress in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.
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