Senators voted unanimously Thursday on a sweeping reform bill aimed at aiding child care and early education providers, fortifying the pipeline of workers entering that field, and helping more families access a costly service vital to their economic success.

"If you are a Massachusetts resident and you have abortion care or any other reproductive care your appointment stands."

“If we are meaningfully going to combat systemic racism we need to pass this bill today.”

“I have seen so much innovation and persistence from these local leaders. I am excited to give our communities’ businesses a seat at the table to inform my work on Beacon Hill and meet the diverse needs of our local economy."

Not only will having more tested and insured drivers “make the roads safer for everybody,” giving more people the option to use private rather than public transportation is an important asset in the fight against a pandemic entering its third year.

Senator Rausch comments on the lack of legislative action to change the date of the state primary in the commonwealth.

“I’ve lost count of the number of people who have reached out to me saying they simply cannot find a test. Over-the-counter COVID tests are sold out — if people can even afford the $25 or more per test kit. Testing appointments are gone.”

Senator Rausch, as chair of the joint committee on the environment, natural resources, and agriculture, passes consensus legislation that resolved concerns over egg shortages in the Commonwealth

Beyond a mask mandate, Baker should focus on increasing the state’s vaccination rate and access to free COVID testing, the lawmakers — led by state Sen. Becca Rausch — said in a letter to Baker on Wednesday afternoon. The goal is to protect frontline workers who have been disproportionately impacted by the virus, the lawmakers wrote, and ensure that in-person learning can continue for young students.

Rausch’s testimony was about a bill (S 723) that would require all insurers in Massachusetts to offer coverage for preventive well child visits once a calendar year rather than annually, which is the practice of many insurers and which Rausch said translates in practice to 12 months plus one day. She said it was a problem before the pandemic that has turned into an even bigger problem now.