The Massachusetts legislature recessed for the summer and will reconvene to conduct business again in the Fall. Following the end of legislative activity, Governor Maura Healey signed the $56 billion FY24 budget into law.

NFIB urged Governor Healey to veto two specific outside sections of the budget that deal with legislative policy. Currently, there is a maximum weekly wage replacement total that a worker can collect under the Paid Family and Medical Leave law. The budget includes a provision allowing workers to “top off” their PFML using other paid time off benefits. NFIB thinks it is unfair to tamper with the PFML law created under the Grand Bargain without taking a more comprehensive look and providing something beneficial for businesses as well.

The other problematic portion of the budget expands ConnectorCare premium assistance to up to 500% of the federal poverty level. The ConnectorCare section calls for a two-year pilot program with the potential to continue in perpetuity without a permanent revenue source. Remembering the dreaded EMAC tax levied on employers to cover the cost of a bloated MassHealth budget, the state cannot have this program falling on the shoulders of employers when it requires additional funding. This pilot program appears to be the first step towards a single-payer health system in Massachusetts.

As noted in an earlier update, the House and Senate recessed without acting on the tax reform package and claim negotiations will continue into the Fall. NFIB will continue to update business owners on its progress when lawmakers reconvene for session in September.