Boston, MA - On November 14, 2024, the Democratic supermajority successfully avoided debate on two critical matters brought forth by Republicans during a joint session. Nine items were slated for discussion, including two key Republican proposals:

- Legislation that would require a supermajority vote to access the rainy day fund, a resource intended for emergency situations.

- A constitutional amendment to cap the state income tax.

Instead of fulfilling their responsibility to debate these important issues, Democrats moved to adjourn the session, sidestepping the opportunity to address proposals that would protect residents’ finances. Republicans introduced these measures in response to the Democrats’ growing disregard for fiscal responsibility through their tax-and-spend policies.

When Democrats pushed to adjourn, effectively blocking debate on two proposals crucial to the people of Massachusetts, Senator Tarr objected and sought a roll call vote. Unfortunately, the Democratic majority pushed forward to not only end today’s session but preclude any more sessions for the rest of the year.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr commented on the Democratic supermajority’s move, stating, “It’s unfortunate that our Democratic colleagues refuse to debate issues that directly impact Massachusetts residents and would likely earn their support. Residents want a balanced, two-party government and bipartisan legislation, not a system that avoids responsibility and stacks the deck to bypass meaningful policy debate in Massachusetts.”

Tarr continued, “The state’s rainy day fund is intended for true emergencies, not as a means to overspend tax dollars we may not have readily available in the budget.  We’ve seen the revenue implications of enacting the millionaire’s tax, and this amendment would help counteract its effects, encouraging wealth to remain in Massachusetts.”