Massachusetts State Senator Michael Rodrigues, who begins his eighth term representing Fall River, spoke to FRCMedia to preview the upcoming senate term.
Members of the state senate were inaugurated this week and Rodrigues says he continues to be humbled with the opportunity to represent the First Bristol & Plymouth distinct.
Senator Rodrigues says Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature, unlike Congress, continue to work collaboratively in the best interests of residents, focusing on the cost of living in Massachusetts.
The senator will begin his seventh year as chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, becoming the longest-serving member to hold that office. He is in charge of guiding the senate’s budget version of the state budget.
In recent years the state experienced an increase in revenue due to increased federal investment during the pandemic. As the legislature begins work on the FY 2026 state budget taking effect in July, revenue projections for the coming year are back in line with levels before 2020, meaning discretionary spending may be impacted.
Senator Rodrigues says he expects investments in education, health care and other social service programs will not be negatively impacted within the next budget.
Voters in November passed Question One, authorizing the state auditor to audit the state legislature. In the past legislative leaders have denied the auditor access to information. Senator Rodrigues says despite perceptions, the legislature is becoming more transparent.
Even though voters in Fall River voted to support Donald Trump for President, There was only a minor shift of party loyalty within the state legislature, with Democrats still holding a large majority in both the state house and senate.
