Keller @ Large: Top 2022 political stories in Massachusetts and what’s to come in the new year

BOSTON – As is normally the case, it was busy 12 months in Massachusetts politics.

With 2022 within the rearview mirror, WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller was joined by Katie Lannan of GBH and Matt Murphy of State Home Information Service to look again on the huge tales of final 12 months and preview what could possibly be to return.

Lannan stated her prime story of 2022 was a bunch of immigration tales. Lawmakers handed new regulation permitting immigrants who’re within the nation illegally to acquire state driver’s licenses, however Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed the measure. Later within the 12 months, the Home and Senate overrode the veto and voters opted to maintain the regulation on Election Day.

Immigration was additionally on the forefront regionally when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew a gaggle of migrants to Martha’s Winery.

Murphy’s prime story of 2022 was the Supreme Court docket’s choice to overturn Roe v. Wade due to the influence it had regionally.

“Whereas this was an enormous nationwide choice clearly and performed out within the midterms, I feel we noticed this trickle down in quite a few methods all through Massachusetts each in elections right here, down poll legislative races we noticed it enjoying out,” he stated. “It additionally additional drove that wedge between Gov. Baker and the Massachusetts Republican occasion to the purpose the place we noticed losses throughout the board for Republicans. Actually to the purpose the place we’re virtually at one-party programs right here in Massachusetts and the ramifications are going to be felt for years to return.”

Looking forward to 2023, Murphy’s storyline to observe is the sum of money Beacon Hill has to spend and whether or not they’ll proceed spreading it round or “choose a lane and take a look at one thing huge and transformative.”

Lannan stated she believes workforce shortages and staffing issues in industries like well being care, early schooling and the T.

“I am undecided how these overlapping and intersecting points all get addressed, what the state can do, however I feel it is one thing to observe within the 12 months forward,” Lannan stated.

Keller @ Massive: Half 2