By Bob Katzen

The Senate 30-9, approved an amendment providing $100,000 to establish a new advisory commission, under the governor’s charge, to propose a new state flag, seal and motto within one year. The commission would be authorized to request proposals from professional designers and solicit a public competition for people to submit designs.

The current seal portrays an indigenous person on a shield. The crest above it, which is also the state’s military crest, features an arm holding a sword. The motto is roughly translated from Latin as “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

This would not be the first commission to try to tackle this project. In November 2023, a commission that was first formed in 2000, issued a report but without any specific recommendation on changes to the flag, seal and motto.

“The imagery on our state seal and flag has long been viewed by indigenous people and others as racist, symbolizing white supremacy and ethnic cleansing perpetrated against the indigenous peoples of this region,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “I was proud to sponsor and help lead the passage of an amendment … that would establish an advisory commission to design a new seal, flag and motto for the commonwealth. Our collective symbols of identity matter, and if they marginalize some of our fellow residents and perpetuate harmful stereotypes, then they should be reconsidered and replaced.”

“The current flag, seal and motto convey the subjugation of Native Americans through violence, and our indigenous residents have told us the pain and harm that result,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “We should never be afraid to learn and move forward from our historical mistakes. It’s rarely a compelling argument to say, ‘it’s always been this way.’ Several communities in my district strongly support an update that better reflects our shared values and hope to have the new flag, seal and motto swiftly, before our towns have to invest more resources printing an antiquated design that will soon be changed.”

“Symbols have weight,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “They have meaning. They have power. With this amendment, Massachusetts moves necessarily forward in the process of creating a new state flag, seal and motto that reflect the mutual respect and connection we want and need between all people who share the commonwealth today.”

“The Massachusetts Legislature is currently working to address critical, urgent issues such as the commonwealth’s housing crisis, the rising cost of living, our changing climate and more,” said Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “While there are valid arguments to be made that the state seal, flag and motto are due for modernization, a special commission created to study the issue met for almost three years before issuing a report in 2023 that made no specific proposals. With so many more pressing issues affecting the everyday lives of Bay Staters, do we just keep creating commissions?”

“Given the current fiscal state of the commonwealth, using taxpayer funds to recommission a commission for a new flag, seal and motto is wasteful,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “Over two years were spent by the previous commission to reveal no concrete plan forward or even consensus if changes are needed. That commission decided to turn this issue over to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office because of a lack of consensus. There are countless other priorities troubling the residents of Massachusetts and in my opinion, elected officials should be focused on those, not this.”

“My decision to vote no … was informed by the fact that a commission already exists for the purpose of designing a new seal, flag and motto for Massachusetts,” said Sen. Mike Brady (D-Brockton). “Moreover, I have concerns about the necessity of allocating an additional $100,000 for another commission. I believe that existing resources should be utilized efficiently, prioritizing essential services such as funding for our police, firefighters and teachers.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes