Articles by Steve LeBlanc

Critics of Massachusetts Immigrant Driver’s License Law Seek Repeal

A just-passed state law allowing immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver’s licenses in Massachusetts is now the subject of a repeal effort. Critics, including members of the Massachusetts Republican Party, are supporting the push to put the repeal …

Massachusetts Governor Wants to Expand Mental Health Services, Lower Drug Costs

Gov. Charlie Baker unveiled a bill Tuesday that he said would help expand access to primary care and mental health services and help control rising health care and prescription drug costs. The Republican detailed the legislation during a stop at …

Massachusetts House Passes Bill to Let Immigrants Get Driver’s Licenses

The Massachusetts House has approved a bill that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain state driver’s licenses. If passed into law, Massachusetts would join 16 other states and the District of Columbia which already have similar laws. The …

Massachusetts Lawmakers Advance Internet Data Privacy Bill

A bill that would grant Massachusetts residents what supporters describe as fundamental internet privacy rights — including greater control over their personal information — is making its way through the Statehouse. The bill, which would set standards for how companies …

Massachusetts Ballot Question Would Stop Short of Declaring Gig Workers Employees

Some gig workers and a coalition of app-based businesses including Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart are pushing a proposed ballot question in Massachusetts they say would grant new benefits for workers while stopping short of declaring them employees. Supporters said …

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker Vetoes Sweeping Climate Change Bill

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker vetoed a sweeping climate change bill Thursday, just days after top Democratic lawmakers on Beacon Hill vowed to immediately refile and pass it again if the Republican refused to sign the legislation. The bill had been …

Massachusetts Lawmakers Pass Sweeping Climate Change Bill

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said last week he is reviewing legislation passed by lawmakers that would overhaul the state’s climate laws, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create renewable energy jobs and protect poorer communities that can be at higher risk from …

Report Says Boston Public Transit System Needs to Improve Safety

The public transportation system in metropolitan Boston needs to step up efforts to improve safety along its network of subways, buses and commuter rail trains. That’s the finding of a panel of transit experts hired in June by the Massachusetts …

Bills on Tap at Massachusetts Statehouse Target Lead in School Water

Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are pushing legislation aimed at improving the safety of drinking water in schools in part by requiring schools and child care centers to test every drinking water outlet each year for elevated lead levels. Legislation on …

Massachusetts Lawmakers Approve Rental, Voter, Climate Bills as Deadline Looms

The Massachusetts Legislature gave final approval Monday to a bill that would tax and regulate short-term rentals, including those offered by Airbnb and other online platforms. After weeks of negotiations, House and Senate lawmakers reached agreement on the compromise bill …