Massachusetts Unveils Major Policy Shifts: Salary Transparency, Education Reform, and Clean Energy Goals Set for 2025

Massachusetts is ushering in the new year with a slew of policy changes and legislative updates. One of the most notable changes is the salary transparency law, which will require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose salary ranges and protect an employee's right to ask for salary ranges, effective October 29, 2025[1].

In education, voters have passed an initiative that eliminates the MCAS graduation requirement for students in 2025 and beyond, prompting school districts to develop new graduation standards by the end of the school year[1]. Additionally, families will benefit from a bigger tax credit, with the expanded credit for children and other dependents increasing to $440 per dependent, up from $180 previously[5].

On the economic front, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) has released its annual HR Practices survey, which shows that wage increases are moderating, health-insurance costs are accelerating, and employers plan to spend 2025 strengthening workforce stability and optimizing compensation[2]. Governor Maura Healey is set to articulate her policy priorities and economic strategy for the coming year at the AIM Executive Forum on January 23[2].

In environmental news, Massachusetts continues to push forward with its Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2025 and 2030, aiming to achieve aggressive emissions reduction targets and transition to a clean energy economy[3]. The plan includes interim emissions limits and sector-specific sublimits, with the goal of achieving net zero statewide greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Looking Ahead:
- Governor Maura Healey will deliver her annual State of the Commonwealth address to a joint session of the Massachusetts Legislature, outlining her policy priorities for the year.
- The AIM Executive Forum on January 23 will provide insights into the governor's economic strategy and policy initiatives for 2025.
- The implementation of the salary transparency law and the development of new graduation standards will be closely watched as they take effect throughout the year.