The Massachusetts House and Senate were markedly quiet during the week of April 21-25, 2025, with no roll calls taking place.
During this time, the spotlight turned toward the updated salaries and benefits enjoyed by the state’s 160 representatives.
The base salary for representatives has seen a significant increase, moving from $73,655 to $82,044 for the 2025-2026 session.
This increase reflects an 11.39 percent hike, resulting in an additional $8,389 for each representative, summing up to an estimated overall financial impact of $1,342,240 on the state budget.
Governor Maura Healey announced these adjustments back in January, in accordance with a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 1998.
According to the amendment, legislators’ salaries are reassessed every January in a biannual cycle, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ measure of salary and wage changes.
This process also extends to the stipends used by the 108 representatives who hold leadership positions or committee roles.
It’s noteworthy that the base salary at the inception of this adjustment mechanism in 1998 was only $46,410.
Since then, salaries have typically increased biannually, aside from a few exceptions that included pay cuts in the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 sessions, as well as a salary freeze in 2015-2016.
The current base salary signifies a 76.7 percent increase since the voters originally adopted the automatic adjustments, amounting to a total increase of $35,634.
In addition to the base salary, representatives also receive an annual general expense pay allowance.
For those residing within 50 miles of the Statehouse, the allowance is set at $22,430.96, while those living outside that radius receive $29,907.95.
This expense allowance, which is taxable, is intended for operational costs related to district offices, local civic contributions, and communication expenses like newsletters.
Representatives are not required to account for the spending of these allowances, though they can deduct allowable expenses from their taxable income.
Furthermore, 108 representatives earn additional stipends that range from $7,776.07 to $119,631.81 on top of their base salary.
These stipends pertain to leadership roles such as committee chairs and vice chairs.
House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) commands the highest stipend, totaling $119,631.81, while House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) receives $89,723.85.
When combining base pay, stipends, and general expenses, the top five representatives with the highest salaries are:
1. Rep. Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy) – $224,107.08
2. Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston) – $201,676.11
3. Rep. Bradley Jones (R-North Reading) – $194,199.12
4. Rep. Michael Moran (D-Brighton) – $194,199.12
5. Rep. Kate Hogan (D-Stow) – $179,245.15
On the flip side, the 34 representatives with the lowest salaries each earn $104,475.27.
Notable names from the lower salary group include representatives from various districts, such as:
– James Arena-DeRosa (D-Holliston)
– Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth)
– Michael Chaisson (R-Foxboro)
– Manny Cruz (D-Salem)
Legislators also benefit from designated parking spaces within the Statehouse garage or at the nearby McCormack State Office Building.
In 2025, the monthly parking space value has been assessed at $477, with the first $325 considered a tax-free benefit.
Any amount exceeding $325 is subject to taxation.
Health insurance options for representatives are generous as they choose from 11 plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission.
Those elected prior to July 1, 2003, contribute 20 percent of the premium, while newer electees must pay 25 percent.
Monthly premiums for family coverage can range from $369.98 to $655.62, depending on the plan selected.
Moreover, all representatives purchasing health insurance are required to opt for a basic $5,000 life insurance policy at minimal costs, typically ranging from 4 cents to $2.49 monthly based on age and smoking status.
Each representative also has the option of acquiring additional life insurance that can amount to eight times their salary, with premiums paid solely by them.
In terms of long-term financial planning, representatives can participate in a Health Care Spending Account (HCSA) and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), offering tax benefits on out-of-pocket health expenses.
Additionally, representatives can choose one of two dental/vision insurance plans, where the current monthly premiums range from $15.16 to $20.52 for family plans, and from $4.91 to $6.64 for individual plans.
Typically, representatives pay 15 percent of the premium, with the remainder funded by the state.
It is important to note that representatives residing more than 50 miles from the Statehouse no longer qualify for a particular federal income tax relief on their legislative salary.
Historically, a 1981 federal law provided such members with a daily expense allowance that was deductible from their taxable income, determined by the federal per diem for Massachusetts.
This allowed representatives to claim deductions for every legislative day throughout the entire year, leading to significant financial benefits.
However, in fiscal 2023, 41 representatives who previously lived far from the Statehouse were eligible for this deduction, which is now no longer available.
Representatives also ceased receiving per diem reimbursements for travel-related expenses such as mileage, meals, and lodging in 2017, which were previously non-taxable benefits.
The final tally for the total annual salary, incorporating base pay, stipends, and general expense pay allowances for specific local representatives, is significant as well.
For instance, Rep. Jeffrey Roy earns an annual total of $149,337.20.
In other developments on Beacon Hill, the Judiciary Committee convened to hold hearings on vital legislative measures.
One of the highlighted bills was S 1236, aimed at safeguarding survivors of spousal abuse from alimony obligations.
This proposal empowers courts with authority to terminate alimony payments in situations where the receiving spouse has a conviction for spousal abuse.
Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow), who sponsored the bill, emphasized its necessity in providing safety for survivors who have taken substantial steps to escape their abusive relationships.
Another piece of legislation under review is S 1164, which focuses on custody rights, seeking to prevent a parent’s disability from negatively influencing custody determinations.
Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) noted this bill aims to protect parents with disabilities from unjust custody losses unless clear evidence shows their disability poses harm to the child.
Bill S 1048 addresses a pressing issue concerning what happens to a deceased person’s digital assets, ensuring regulations are established for the handling of social media and online accounts.
Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton) highlighted that as many people do not specify instructions regarding their digital assets in wills, the new legislation aims to solidify clarity in accessing these digital possessions while preserving privacy.
Additionally, the proposed S 1047 bill aims to streamline the process concerning incapacitated patients without a health care proxy.
Currently, healthcare providers face arduous steps to appoint medical guardians for decision-making regarding such patients’ care.
This proposal allows attending physicians to designate surrogate decision-makers (spouses, parents, adult children, or siblings) and thus expedite timely care while ensuring protections remain in place for critical decisions.
Massachusetts, being one of only four states lacking a specific surrogate appointment statute, recognizes the need for reform.
In the context of legislative actions, notable quotes echoed significant sentiments regarding pressing issues, including a statement from Governor Maura Healey.
She praised the state’s beautiful parks on Earth Day, urging everyone to commit to their preservation, showcasing her appreciation for the natural resources available.
On the contrary, Paul Craney, of the Mass Fiscal Alliance, criticized the administration for its handling of job losses, asserting that public spending is ballooning amidst a critical economic landscape, with taxpayers bearing the brunt of this financial burden.
Furthermore, Attorney General Andrea Campbell expressed her commitment to enforcing worker rights fiercely amid wage theft allegations involving Swissport, a service company at Logan Airport.
Samantha Joseph of the Anti-Defamation League reiterated concerns over rising antisemitism statistics published in their annual audit, calling for continuous efforts to address such incidents.
Lastly, the discourse around the upcoming gubernatorial race heated up as Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan critiqued Mike Kennealy, a Republican candidate, for not engaging in recent presidential elections, sparking conversations about leadership capabilities.
On the other hand, Kennealy’s campaign manager contended that Democratic officials need to face the challenges affecting state policies rather than solely attacking their opposition.
During the week, Beacon Hill Roll Call also tracked legislative session durations, noting the House only convened for a mere seven minutes, while the Senate convened for 25 minutes in total.
In summary, this legislative period marked an interesting juxtaposition of increased salaries for representatives against a backdrop of pressing legislative bills and broader political discussions, with various legislative powers navigating through existing challenges and confronting future goals.
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