Top Mass. Democrats face off on liquor, school reform
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Deehan here, back with Spill of the Hill, my column unraveling Massachusetts politics.
Tensions are high between House and Senate Democrats on Beacon Hill as their leaders clash on changes to local liquor licensing, vocational school reforms and health care protections.
Why it matters: With 35 days until the new fiscal year begins, House and Senate negotiators are trying to reconcile significant differences between their budget proposals.
The big picture: Both chambers approved spending roughly 6% more this year.
- Though they're ostensibly part of the same political party, Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano diverge on several big issues that will require compromise.
What we're watching: The Senate wants to end the nearly century-old population-based cap system for local liquor licenses and let cities set their own limits. House leaders have historically opposed a change.
- The two chambers are also at odds over how to end broker fees on apartment rentals.
- The House wants to pause new changes to vocational school admissions.
- The Senate plan includes prescription drug price caps and more funding to protect hospitals from closing.
How it works: Budget negotiations are top-down affairs, with the Ways and Means committee chairs — Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues — making offers, trading proposals and protecting their bosses' priorities.
Between the lines: Aside from the chaos before the end of the lawmaking session, budget season is the pinnacle of horse-trade politicking in this one-party state.
- Whatever compromises are hashed out will almost certainly become law. Rank-and-file lawmakers don't go against leadership.
- The Republican minorities in the House and Senate have little to no influence on the outcome.
What's next: Closed-door conference committee negotiations rarely meet the July 1 fiscal year deadline these days, so expect talks between Spilka and Mariano's top lieutenants to extend well into mid-summer.