State Representative Kelly Pease

This week, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey unveiled a $63 billion spending plan, filed amid an election year. The budget proposal packs increases to local aid while seemingly avoiding any massive cuts.Most lawmakers in the Pioneer Valley say there are no objections to more aid, but as some told WAMC, making sure funding keeps up with growing costs and other factors remains a priority as the legislative session goes on.

Tuesday night saw a number of Massachusetts lawmakers hold on to their seats in the legislature, with many not even facing a challenger. But in the lower Pioneer Valley, a rare, competitive race came to a head – with a decisive win for the incumbent.

Throughout this week, WAMC is hearing from voters across the Northeast as the election looms. In Massachusetts, there are plenty of big ticket items on the ballot for voters to consider – the presidential contest, a challenge to a sitting senator and multiple ballot questions. But down the ballot in a pocket of Hampden County is one of the state’s few competitive races.

Voters in Western Massachusetts are sending some new people to the Massachusetts legislature. One closely watched race remains too close to call. Two…