Skip to content

UPDATE: Additional End of Legislative Session Activity in Massachusetts

UPDATE: Additional End of Legislative Session Activity in Massachusetts

August 17, 2022

NFIB opposed this legislation because small businesses require access to clean, affordable natural gas.

UPDATE: Additional End of Legislative Session Activity in Massachusetts

NFIB opposed a last minute, unvetted bill that would create a two-year pilot program expanding subsidized Health Connector coverage. The bill allowed individuals with an estimated annual income of $80,000 and families of four earning up to $140,000 per year to receive state-subsidized coverage through the Health Connector. This change would have increased health costs for small businesses who already unfairly cross-subsidize premium expenses in our unique merged market. As many small businesses in Massachusetts will remember, the last time the state allowed unfettered access to state subsidized health coverage it resulted in a costly and devastating EMAC tax on employers. NFIB successfully urged Governor Baker to veto this legislation.

The House and Senate easily passed a climate and energy bill that allows ten communities to ban natural gas hookups for new buildings, makes the sale of nonelectric vehicles an unlawful practice by 2035, mandates the state building codes include provisions on charging stations in residential and commercial buildings, and requires large buildings to report their energy usage. NFIB opposed this legislation because small businesses require access to clean, affordable natural gas. Businesses also need dependable vehicles as electric vehicles may still be too expensive and unreliable for their operation. NFIB urged Governor Baker to veto this legislation, but despite concerns, he signed the legislation. Almost immediately after the bill was signed into law, the city of Boston expressed an interest in becoming one of the pilot program communities banning the use of fossil fuels for newly constructed buildings in the city.

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Receive our newsletter and email notification
Knowledge is power. Let us help you stay informed with breaking legislative news, regulatory updates, business tips, and more.

Related Articles

NFIB and Community Bankers Association of GA hosted a town hall on Aug. 6 2024 in Gainesville Georgia
July 10, 2025
Legislative Town Hall Brings Lawmakers, Small Business Owners T…
The meeting is one of several planned throughout the state in the coming we…
Read More
Massachusetts State House and Capitol, Boston
July 10, 2025
NFIB Asked the Governor to Veto a New Mandate in the FY26 Budge…
NFIB urged legislators not to reinstate the mandate if veto overrides occur…
Read More
July 8, 2025
Aug. 5 Webinar to Help Employees Return to the Workplace
The program is presented by the REWARD Employee Support Network.
Read More
July 8, 2025
NFIB: Mississippi Sales Tax Holiday Could Be a Boon to Main Str…
This year’s tax-free weekend begins Friday, July 11-13, and covers purchase…
Read More

© 2001 - 2025 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Accessibility