Massachusetts Lawmakers Take a Six-Week Paid Holiday Vacation

It irks me that many politicians seem to have a warped sense of priorities. Imagine telling your boss you're going to take a six-week paid vacation to enjoy the holidays, and will deal with all of your unfinished business when you return.

Happy Holidays!

The Massachusetts Legislature wrapped up business on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and will not return to formal session until sometime in January.

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Long periods of time away from the office are nothing new for high-paid public officials. When they are in session, members of Congress might actually work four-day workweeks.

Here is the rub: much legislation impacting everyday Massachusetts people remains on the table while our lawmakers are gallivanting about, spreading holiday cheer.

Go to work!

Long Break Leaves Key Bills Unresolved

State House News Service (SHNS) reported, "Beacon Hill has passed 66 new laws so far this year, but the vast majority of those are local bills or affect one person. They also agreed in August to a law to expand reproductive health care protections in the face of threats from other states."

Lawmakers departed "with lots of unfinished business," including a proposed expansion of the "move over" law, protections against abuse of people with disabilities, and fairness in debt collection practices, according to SHNS.

Major Reforms Still Waiting for Action

Also left unfinished were proposed legislation to assist home health care workers, reforms to early literacy instruction, child welfare reforms, and changes to help retired teachers access pension benefits.

Effectiveness Reports Raise Serious Concerns

Act On Mass (AOM) stated, "Massachusetts is unique in New England as the only full-time legislature. This means that legislators are paid enough to make a living without outside income, and they are in session year-round."

However, AOM wrote, "In 2023, FiscalNote reported that Massachusetts was the least effective state legislature among all 50 states, exceeding the fewest total number of bills, as well as the smallest percent of enacted bills of total bills introduced."

"We saw similar results in 2024, with Massachusetts again ranking among the least effective state legislatures," according to AOC.

Should Beacon Hill Face Accountability?

Perhaps an audit and a renewal of commitment are in order on Beacon Hill for the new year. What say you?