Beacon Hill's plan to finish its work
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
It's extraordinary for the state Legislature to hold formal votes after July 31 in an election year.
- Also extraordinary: The amount of important work lawmakers left undone at the end of their formal session — so much they will need to return to Beacon Hill this fall.
Why it matters: Democratic leaders are teeing up special sessions to salvage legislation on clean energy, boosting the economy and hospital oversight.
Catch up quick: The formal law making session for the General Court ended with a whimper last month when the House and Senate failed to cut deals that members had repeatedly told advocates and constituents were top priorities.
State of play: The most urgent issue left undone is finalizing a bill that would pump funds into local businesses, boost the life sciences sector and authorize a new soccer stadium in Everett, among other developments.
- A bill to reform how the state sites and permits clean energy infrastructure is still in limbo.
- Boston restaurants are waiting on a promised bill to create more liquor licenses for the city.
What they're saying: "I am imploring the Senate and House to return as soon as possible and work together with me and my team to get this done" Gov. Maura Healey said earlier this month.
- "The people of Massachusetts deserve it and are counting on us."
Friction point: Bills to combat the opioid epidemic, reform long-term care facilities, lower prescription drug prices and oversee corporate hospitals are also still up in the air, but the parties may be too far apart to reach compromises this fall.
Inside the room: Both Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano say they're willing to call members back to the State House if and when they reach some compromises.
The big picture: Democratic leaders are protective of their own members' priorities and the specific versions of legislation they passed — even to the point where negotiations break down and nothing reaches the governor's desk.
- They have a habit of pushing high-stakes negotiations to the very last days of the session, then running out of time.
What's next: The House chamber is undergoing repairs, so the earliest leaders' could schedule special votes is likely September.