By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 03/24 As the warmth of spring approaches, my dedicated team and I are working tirelessly to strengthen community bonds and advance key legislative initiatives. A recent and pivotal highlight was the historic unveiling of Frederick Douglass’s bust in the Massachusetts Senate, symbolizing not only our commitment to justice and equality […]
By: Senator Pavel Payano – Feb. 2024 In a series of landmark decisions, the Massachusetts State Senate recently passed three crucial bills aimed at enhancing consumer and animal protection across the Commonwealth. Here are some of the bills that passed the Senate and are waiting for the Massachusetts House of Representatives to further consider. 1. […]
Massachusetts State Senator Pavel Payano December, 2023 In a historic move, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed the Act Relative to Pharmaceutical Access, Costs, and Transparency, commonly known as the PACT Act 3.0, on November 15, 2023. This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step in urgently needed reforms to address the rising costs of prescription […]
The Crucial Need to Increase the Dropout Age State Senator Pavel Payano – Nov. 2023 As a State Senator, my commitment to improving education in Massachusetts is unwavering. Senate bill 341, “An Act Relative to Dropout Prevention and Student Recovery,” a pivotal piece of legislation, which I sponsored, aims at reshaping the educational landscape for […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano 10-23 In a landmark achievement of bipartisan cooperation, the Massachusetts Legislature has reached a historic compromise on a comprehensive tax relief package, and I am proud to have cast my vote in favor of it. This extraordinary effort was a true compromise between Democrats and Republicans and between the Senate and […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano 9-23 In our modern, interconnected world, the internet has become a fundamental necessity, impacting every facet of our lives, from education and healthcare to employment and communication. However, for numerous families and individuals, a formidable obstacle remains – the digital divide. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) emerges as a pioneering […]
By: Senator Pavel Payano, 7-23 For nearly a century, legacy preferences have played a significant role in American college and university admissions, granting preferential treatment to the children of alumni. These policies were established in the 1920s, coinciding with an influx of Jewish applicants to top schools. However, legacy preferences have been widely criticized as […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 6/23 On Thursday, May 25th, the Massachusetts Senate approved a comprehensive budget of $55.9 billion for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), signaling the Commonwealth’s commitment to fiscal discipline and the long-term economic well-being of the state. With a focus on equity and opportunity, the Senate’s budget delivers historic levels of […]
State Senator Pavel Payano (5-23) As your State Senator, I am committed to ensuring that every resident in our state has access to the quality mental health care they need and deserve. Mental health challenges can impact anyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, there are significant barriers to accessing mental health care, […]
Leading Community Development and Small Businesses By: MA State Senator Pavel Payano 3-23 This month, I would like to draw attention to a pressing issue regarding over-the-counter medication and introduce a bill that was filed this session to address it: S.1106, An Act specifying an electronic system to ensure that sales of certain products containing […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 3/23 My first two months in office have been busy but incredibly rewarding as my team, and I begin to settle in on Beacon Hill. The 2023-2024 legislative session is officially underway as the Senate and House announced leadership and committee assignments. I am proud to share that I […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano ~ 02-23 My first month as a state Senator has been eventful both in the district and on Beacon Hill. I have been joined by an amazing team who work diligently to help me serve the First Essex District. They assist me with everything from policy research to responding to […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 01-23 I am honored to have the opportunity to represent the communities of Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill as the State Senator for the First Essex District. In the Senate Chamber, I am in seat number 13- the seat my predecessor, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, held. Diana was a fierce […]