Oct 23, 2024
BOSTON (WWLP) - As voters begin to weigh in on ballot questions with early voting, top Massachusetts Democrats are leaving the possibility open of appealing potential new laws. Top lawmakers were asked specifically about question 2, which would get rid of MCAS standardized testing as a high school graduation requirement. Senate President Karen Spilka, along with Governor Healey, have expressed concern about doing away with the MCAS. When asked about a legislative response to a successful question 2, Spilka said "You know, I am not in favor of getting rid of MCAS. I believe that it's done, some assessment has done, Massachusetts well." The house speaker did not say whether he is in favor of repealing a potential MCAS change, but noted "to walk away from any evaluative tool is maybe premature." Both House and Senate leaders did not directly respond to questions about whether they would appeal question 1, which would grant the state auditor the power to examine the finances of the legislature, although both publicly criticized the auditor and her campaign on Tuesday. Massachusetts lawmakers have made changes to ballot question laws in the past. In 1998, voters approved a Clean Elections Act--which was never fully implemented-- but it was repealed by the legislature in 2003. Most recently, in 2016, the legislature voted to delay implementation of some parts of a cannabis legalization law, less than two months after it was approved by voters. They used the extra time to rewrite the language of the law before it eventually took effect. The organization leading the campaign for yes on question 2 told 22News that they will continue to fight for their cause, even if lawmakers attempt to repeal the potential law. Local News Headlines New “SoloRider” golf carts at Springfield golf courses, expanding access for disabled golfers Springfield Thunderbirds to feature Patriots and Celtics-Themed nights in November Lawmakers could repeal new laws from ballot questions Congressman Neal visits WNE to announce significant funding for college’s engineering department WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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