Policy and Budget Resources

Here are some resources you may find helpful for learning more about state government, the budget process, and policy changes up for debate.

How Bills Are Created.

The legislative process can sometimes seem — and sometimes is — confusing and convoluted. There are many steps a bill must go through before it becomes a law. However, this long process exists so that we can make sure that every law that is passed is in the best interests of the people of the Commonwealth.

Learn the full legislative process — in summary — here.
One of the most important responsibilities of the legislature is to draft and vote on the state’s operating budget each fiscal year. It’s during this process that we decide which programs should be supported financially — making it one of the most critical ways we demonstrate our priorities as a Commonwealth.
The budget process can be complicated, but I encourage you to learn more about how the process works, and to tell me what budget priorities you’d like to see me support.
Here is an overview of the budget process.
One great resource for learning about our annual budget is MassBudget, which provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies, as well as economic issues, with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.
Here, you can view the latest reports from Mass Budget.
To learn more about the Massachusetts Legislature, including legislation currently being considered, click here.