This bill creates a Midwifery Workforce Development Fund to support midwifery education, retention, and birth centers. The fund will finance midwifery student tuition, licensing fees, childcare stipends, loan forgiveness for midwives serving underserved areas, and grants for midwifery training programs. It also requires that certified midwives and freestanding birth centers be paid the same rate as physicians for equivalent services under state employee health plans. The bill directly affects midwifery students, practicing midwives, birth centers, and state health programs by providing dedicated funding and ensuring equitable reimbursement.
Senate, November 26, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 929) of James B. Eldridge, Vanna Howard, Jacob R. Oliveira, Mike Connolly and other members of the General Court for legislation to guarantee debt-free public higher education, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2755).
By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1467) of Andres X. Vargas, Chynah Tyler and others for legislation to facilitate student financial assistance. Higher Education.
By Representative Mendes of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4044) of Rita A. Mendes relative to tuition and student loan reimbursement in gateway cities for certain physicians, dentists or nurses. Higher Education.
This bill allows the state commissioner to transfer a 3,500-square-foot parcel of land (currently used by Massachusetts Bay Community College for a gravel driveway in Wellesley) to Kimberlee A. Dow or her successors. It requires the commissioner to obtain an independent appraisal of the land’s fair market value or proposed use, review by the inspector general, and approval before the transfer. All proceeds from the sale must be deposited into a new scholarship trust managed by the college president, which funds student scholarships without needing annual legislative appropriations. The college president administers the trust, with unspent funds rolling over annually to support future scholarships.
By Representative Higgins of Leominster, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1438) of Natalie M. Higgins, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and James B. Eldridge that the student loan ombudsman establish a live annual training program for all state employees regarding eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program through the U.S. Department of Education. Higher Education.
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3035) of Antonio F. D. Cabral relative to the taxation of graduate student loan debt. Revenue.
By Representative Arena-DeRosa of Holliston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1421) of James C. Arena-DeRosa, Kristin E. Kassner and Carmine Lawrence Gentile for legislation to establish a student debt relief grant program. Higher Education.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 921) of Joanne M. Comerford and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to facilitate student financial assistance and establish the FAFSA Trust Fund. Higher Education.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1983) of Ryan C. Fattman and Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to promote student loan repayment. Revenue.
