The Berkshire delegates take questions from residents during the public session at Town Hall. 

BECKET, Mass. — Members say this legislative session has seen financial successes and moves towards housing stability.

State Sen. Paul Mark and Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli attracted a sizable crowd to Town Hall on Monday for a legislative update. The current session began in January 2023 and will conclude on Dec. 31.

"I'd like to say that the Berkshire delegation works pretty well together," said Pignatelli, dean of the Berkshire delegation who is stepping down after 22 years in the State House.

"We have our disagreements, which any mature adults should be able to have disagreements and still get along with each other, and I think we've done that very well."

Mark said there have been great relationships within the predominantly Democratic Legislature and the Democratic and Republican governors.

"And I think everybody has focused when it comes to financial management, on making sure that the state is in the best position as it can be for the longest term possible."

He reported that Massachusetts is lucky to have about $9 billion saved and "as we track revenue right now, we're in a stable place." At the end of July, Gov. Maura Healey signed a $57.78 billion budget for fiscal year 2025.

The state is currently about 0.04 percent under budget expectations. Pignatelli pointed out that expectations were exceeded on a monthly basis during the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year.