Spilka Charts the Senate’s Course on Affordability at Greater Boston Chamber

Spilka Charts the Senate’s Course on Affordability at Greater Boston Chamber 

Senate President takes aim at primary care, housing, and energy in speech to business leaders 

 

(BOSTON—6/11/2026) Senate President Karen E. Spilka today addressed the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum, outlining the Massachusetts Senate's affordability agenda and the steps the Senate is taking to address the defining economic challenges facing the Commonwealth. 

 

“Massachusetts has never lacked for strengths. But if the last few years have shown us anything, it's that those strengths are not permanent. They have to be fought for every day. And they have to be earned again by every generation. I want Massachusetts to remain the place where talented young people come to learn, work, innovate – and stay,” said Senate President Spilka to leaders in the room. 

 

In her full remarks, she outlined how the Senate has taken action to drive costs down, and where the Chamber is looking next.  

 

Tackling the Most Urgent Affordability Challenges 

 

Massachusetts residents are feeling increasing pressure from the rising costs of housing, healthcare and energy. The Senate President said that the Senate is focused on delivering practical solutions, including building on the Affordable Homes Act — the largest housing investment in state history — advancing reforms that strengthen primary care and address healthcare cost pressures, and moving an energy affordability bill that lowers costs while maintaining reliability and supporting Massachusetts' clean energy leadership. 

 

Removing Barriers That Stand in the Way of Affordability 

 

Senate President Spilka emphasized that not every affordability solution requires a major new program.  

 

The Senate is focused on identifying and removing barriers that prevent progress, including streamlining housing approval and development processes, modernizing outdated regulations and permitting systems, and supporting targeted reforms — such as a multifamily construction materials sales tax exemption — that can help unlock tens of thousands of new housing units. 

 

Supporting Massachusetts Businesses and Competitiveness 

 

The Senate remains committed to maintaining Massachusetts' position as a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity.  

 

That commitment includes building on last year's tax relief package, maintaining fiscal discipline and a strong stabilization fund, avoiding new taxes and fees in the state budget, and advancing an economic development bill that strengthens key industries and supports long-term growth. 

 

Making It Easier for Young People to Build a Future Here 

 

Senate President Spilka stressed that retaining talented people is essential to the Commonwealth's future.  

 

The Senate is focused on making Massachusetts a place where young people can learn, work, raise families and build careers — through initiatives including MassEducate, expanded access to free community college, investments in vocational and technical education, and incentives for talented professionals, including healthcare workers, to build their careers in Massachusetts.