### Healey and Legislature Reach Resolution on Jobs and Energy Bills

Governor Maura Healey's persistent efforts bore fruit as the Massachusetts Legislature reconvened to finalize crucial economic development and climate legislation. Despite a turbulent end to the formal lawmaking session in late summer, Healey called upon lawmakers to address the unfinished jobs package and energy reform proposal, which she emphasized were essential for improving the state's competitiveness amid soaring living costs.

In an interview with the Herald, conducted while Healey was in Washington, D.C., the governor clarified that she did not perceive her request as political pressure. Instead, she believed there was a shared commitment between the House and the Senate to complete the legislation. Although time ran out at the end of the formal session, Healey expressed confidence in the willingness of both chambers to work together to bring the bills to a conclusion.

The necessity of revisiting the bills became apparent after a contentious final session on August 1, during which top Democratic leaders engaged in mutual recrimination. Representative Aaron Michlewitz of the House, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations, highlighted the lack of engagement as a significant obstacle. Senate President Karen Spilka attributed the chaotic conclusion to the complexity of the bills, commending the Senate for their hard work despite the challenges.

Two days later, Healey publicly called on the Legislature to return to work, underscoring the importance of the jobs bill for economic growth and later adding the climate bill to her legislative priorities. This appeal prompted House Speaker Ron Mariano and Spilka to agree to reconvene, committing to resolving the issues during the five-month period from August to December, a time typically reserved for election-focused activities and a break from major legislative business.

By early November, the Legislature had come back to the table, resulting in the successful passage of both the economic development and climate bills. Healey, refraining from taking personal credit, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of administration officials and lawmakers.

Reflecting on the process, Healey noted that ongoing discussions had continued even as the formal session was winding down in July. She was prepared for a return to deliberations, which ultimately led to the signing of the legislation.

Moving forward, there is an opportunity to reassess the legislative timetable to avoid such deadline-induced chaos in the future. Mariano and Spilka have expressed willingness to rethink the July deadline, a measure established in the 1990s to prevent post-election policy rushes. Mariano suggested that it is time to examine how to improve the legislative process to prevent a repeat of this year’s challenges.