Question now comes on the adoption of the amendment. The Chair recognizes Mr. Lyons of Andover.
Mr. Speaker, I just want to clarify there is no further amendment here. This is one we're going to vote on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what this is an adoption tax credit. The amendment is put forward to encourage adoption in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It allows for for a $1,000 tax credit. And it also allows for some expenses associated with the adoption to be written off as part of an individual's income tax. I would ask that when we take this vote, Mr. Speaker, we take it with a call of the yeas and nays.
Mr. Lyons asked when the matter is taken, it be taken by a call of the yeas and nays. Those joining with him will rise. The monitors will return the count. First division. First division, 0. Second division.
16.
16. Sufficient number having risen, when the matter is taken, it will be taken by a call of the yeas and nays. Chair recognizes Mr. Lyons of Andover.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would urge that my colleagues consider this. I think this is a very important issue. It's one to encourage adoption within the Commonwealth. It's a short amount of money, which I think could have some immense rewards down the road. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Chair recognizes Miss O'Connell of Taunton.
Mr. Speaker, I stand in favor of this most worthy amendment. My former legislative aide adopted two babies when she was with me-- two newborn babies. She adopted one year and one the next year. And they were both born addicted to drugs. But she and her husband scrimped and saved and sacrificed to adopt those babies. And there are so many needy babies and children out there that people would be more than willing to adopt. But they just need that little extra help. I hope you'll join me and the representative from Andover in supporting this amendment.
Roll call having been ordered, the roll call machine is now open. Remain open for three minutes. Court officer, some of the members indicated roll call is in progress.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. On this matter, 47 members vote in the affirmative. 110, the negative. The amendment is not adopted. Mr. Jones of North Reading offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Amendment number 270. Representative Jones of North Reading and other members of the House move to amend the bill by adding the following sections. Section 38AA of chapter 63 of the general laws as appearing in the 2014 official edition is hereby amended by striking--
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the reading of the paper. The Chair has none. Question now on the amendment. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted.
Question now is on ordering the bill to a third reading. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The bill is ordered to a third reading.
The Committee on Rules [INAUDIBLE] for the order filed by Speaker DeLeo establishing a Joint Special Committee to make an investigation and study relative to establishing a suitable memorial to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. House number 3652. The committees on Rules reports recommending that the order ought to be adopted.
Mr. Kulik of Worthington moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, any. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended. Question now comes on adoption of the order. Mr. Kulik asked for roll call on this matter. Those voting in favor with him will rise. The monitors will return the count. First division, seven. Second division.
Six.
Six. Third division. Third division.
15.
15. Sufficient number having arisen, roll call machine is now open. Remain open for three minutes. Court officer, summon the members. Indicate a roll call is in progress.
On the previous roll call, Mr. Lewis of Framingham asked unanimous consent to be recorded. Does the Chair have objection? The Chair his none.
On roll call number 831, Jack Patrick Lewis answers present.
Chair would like to indicate to the members to please stay in the chamber for an additional roll call on chapter 90 funding.
[GAVEL]
Chair would indicate to the members that they should check with the clerk's office to sign a disclosure relative to GIC when it comes up. So all members should go to the clerk's office and sign a disclosure form with regard to GIC insurance. We will advise the members as to when it's available at the clerk's office. Just to remind the members to please stay within the chamber for a chapter 90 roll call vote.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 156 members voted in the affirmative, none in the negative. The order is adopted. House will be in order. Following [INAUDIBLE] bill having been rightly and totally prepared is now before the House for final passage. House 3648, an act providing for the financing of certain improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Roll call required. The roll call machine is now open. Remain open for three minutes. Court officers, some of the members indicate a roll call is in progress.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting is expired. The clerk will display the tally. On this matter, 156 members vote in the affirmative, none in the negative. The bill is passed to be enacted.
Mr. Donahue of Worcester asks unanimous consent to be recorded on roll call 32. Chair objection? Chair has none.
Roll call number 32, Daniel Donahue, yes.
Chair would like to take this opportunity to introduce to the right of the rostrum Dr. Robert Littleton, Jr, recipient today of the distinguished Alumni Service Award from UMass Amherst Alumni Association. Dr. Littleton is the founder and CEO of numerous human service agencies, including the Evergreen Center and the Criterion Center Enrichment located in Milford. He's here with his wife, Wendy Littleton [INAUDIBLE] and his daughter Brooks Littleton. Welcome. They're the guests of Representative Brian Murray.
[APPLAUSE]
Miss Barber of Somerville asks unanimous consent to be recorded on roll call number 32 and 33. Chair objection? Chair has none. Mr. Stanley of Waltham asks unanimous consent to be recorded on roll call number 33. Chair objection? Chair has none.
Roll call number 32, Christine Barber, yes. Roll call 33, Christine Barber, yes. Thomas Stanley, yes.
[GAVEL]
Chair would like to announce that at 4:30 in room 348, we will be doing Social Services and Veterans Affairs. Room 348 at 4:30, Social Services and Veteran's Affairs.
Mr. Heroux of Attleboro asks unanimous consent to be recorded in the last roll call. Chair hear objection? Chair has none.
Roll call number 33, Paul Heroux, yes.
Chair would like to once again announce to the members that in room 348 at 4:30 will be Veteran Affairs and Social Services.
House will be in order. Message from His Excellency the Governor.
A message from His Excellency the Governor recommending legislation relative to financing the reduction and preservation of housing for low and moderate-income residents was filed in the Office of the Clerk this afternoon at 3:46 PM.
The message from His Excellency the Governor will go to the Committee on Housing. [INAUDIBLE] Committee.
The Committee on Rules and the Committees on Rules are the two branches acting concurrently, reports recommending that Joint Rule 12 be suspended on the petition of Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. for legislation to establish a sick leave bank for Elizabeth C. Cox, an employee of the Department of Public Health to the Committee on Public Service.
Mr. Mariano of Quincy moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended. Question now is on suspension of Joint Rule 12. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Joint Rule 12 is suspended.
Chair has been informed that a calendar item number 9, House 3600, has been released by the Committee and bill is on the third reading. Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill moves suspension of the rules. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. Rules are suspended. Brief recess. Third reading.
That act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2018 to provide for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions certain activities in the Commonwealth for interest, sinking fund, and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements.
This has been passed [INAUDIBLE]. The House will be in a brief recess.
Chair would like to inform the members that at 7:15 it will be Housing and Mental Health and Disabilities in room 348. In room 348 at 7:15.
Chair would like to inform the members that at 6:05 in the Members Lounge will be dinner. Dinner will be served at 6:05. And, once again, at 7:15 in room 348 will be Housing, Mental Health and Disabilities. Miss Haddad of Somerset now moves that the House stand in recess till the hour of 7:30. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay. The ayes have it. The House stands in recess until the hour of 7:30.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
The House will come to order. Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill offers a consolidated amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
This is consolidated amendment B as in boy. Constitutional officers, state administration, and transportation. All of the amendments within the category have been accounted for. In fiscal note, $3,228,441. Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill moves to amend the bill on section 2 and item 05401900 by striking out the figures $1,806,000 and 109, inserting in place of the figures $1,906,109. Further amendment of the bill in said section 2--
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the further reading of the amendment. Does Chair have objection? Chair hears none.
House will come to order. Question comes on adoption of the consolidated amendment. Chair recognizes Mr. Kocot of Northamptom.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I rise in support of the consolidated amendment dealing with constitutional officers, state administration, and transportation. And in particular, I'd like to focus on the significant increases in funding for our constitutional officers. We have a sizable increase in the line items for our AG. And in that capacity, she oversees everything from being a consumer advocate, victim and witness advocate. She has a high-tech crime unit and is also implementing the new reform of the public records, a law which this body passed last year.
We have significant increases in the office of the IG. And he is currently involved in several major investigations, which seek to save taxpayer dollars. And we have a significant increase in the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. And in that capacity, the current director has been very active in terms of trying to make sure that all campaign contributions are transparent, that we get dark money out of our system. And I think this is a very important investment for all of us and all taxpayers. When there is a vote on this, Madam Chair, I would like to call for the yeas and nays.
For what purpose does the gentleman rise? Oh, I'm sorry. The gentleman has asked for a call of the yeas and nays. Those joining with him will stand and the monitors will return the count. First division.
Six.
Six. Second division. Second division?
12 [INAUDIBLE]
12. Sufficient number having risen, when this matter is called it will be done with the yeas and nays. For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
[INAUDIBLE]
What is the gentleman's point of parliamentary inquiry?
Under the rules, does a consolidated amendment require a roll call under the rules or does a request need to be made from the floor?
The Chair will answer that. You are correct that under the rules a roll call is required. But we're giving the Chairman the latitude of also asking that that be done as well.
Madam Speaker.
For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
The Chair recognizes Mr. Jones of North Reading.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I appreciate the explanation. I was just trying to give the Chair an opportunity to highlight the significant rules reform that was undertaken by the leadership. Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would move to amend consolidated amendment B by inserting after the words 0810-000 the following-- provided that no additional funding over the fiscal 2017 appropriation shall be made available until an appropriate response is provided to the 57 and 82 legislators whose correspondence was dated July 23, 2016 and July 28, 2016, respectively.
House will be in a brief recess.
Mr. Jones has submitted a further amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Mr. Jones of North Reading moves a further amendment to the consolidated amendment B by inserting after the words 018040 the following-- provided that no additional funding over fiscal year 2017 appropriation shall be made available until an appropriation response is provided for the 57 and 82 legislators whose correspondence was dated July 23, 2016 and July 28, 2016, respectively, and further.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The nos have it. The amendment is not adopted. Gentleman doubts the vote and asks for calls of the yeas and nays. Those joining with him will stand, and the monitors will return the count. First division? 0. Second division?
16.
Sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays will be called forthwith. For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
[INAUDIBLE] consolidated amendment [INAUDIBLE].
The amendment was already called, and there was a roll call pending. Question comes on the roll call. Court officers will please summons the members and indicate to them that a roll call is in progress and will remain open for three minutes.
The Chair would announce that any representatives interested in the category of Public Health should report to room 348 at 8:30. So once again, anyone with amendments or interest in the category of Public Health will be in 348 at 8:30.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 35 have voted in the affirmative, 117 in the negative. The further amendment is not adopted. House will be in a brief recess.
Mr. Honan of Boston asks for unanimous consent to be recorded in on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
Roll call number 34, Kevin Honan, no.
Roll call having been ordered on the consolidated amendment, it will be called forthwith. Court officers will please remind the members that there is a roll call in progress and will remain open for three minutes.
[INAUDIBLE]
For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
[INAUDIBLE] for five minutes. I'm asking to speak on the consolidated amendment.
The roll call has already been called, representative.
Five minutes. I was asking for your attention and you simply ignored [INAUDIBLE].
We did not hear you up here, sir.
You cannot hear me?
And please, the Chair was not ignoring you. You were not heard. The House will be in a brief recess.
The Chair asks unanimous consent to have no action on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none. Question comes on adoption of the consolidated amendment. The Chair recognizes Mrs. [? Delions ?] of Andover.
Thank you for the courtesy, Madam Speaker. I appreciate it. So I am up speaking against the consolidated amendment. And included in the consolidated amendment is section 2, line item 15990840, it appears to be $4 million going to the treasurer's department.
And I call that in my amendment which I did not have an opportunity, because I was here late, to pull it. Tries to zero that line item out. It seems to me that given the fact that we in Massachusetts are experiencing an incredible epidemic where there are so many people that we all know that are dying, I believe that we need to slow down the process when it comes to what we do on this marijuana legislation.
Now, I appreciate the fact that there have been five meetings. I don't know whether we've had a report yet, but I think by putting this $4 million in now, we're letting this go down the road without the necessary oversight that I think this legislature should do.
If you take a look at how bad this epidemic is and whether you think marijuana has an impact or not, I think at this point in time what we have to do is err on the side of safety and on the side that maybe, just maybe, by increasing the amount of marijuana that's on the street at a time when this epidemic is just exploding still, that it could be a mistake. It could be a mistake.
I urge my colleagues-- I urge my colleagues-- every single one of us knows somebody. Every one of us knows somebody who's died because of this terrible epidemic. People will tell you marijuana isn't the problem. Well, I can tell you firsthand that I know that marijuana does create problems among young people. It's the last thing we ought to be doing without proper oversight. And I would urge you to vote against this consolidated amendment. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.
Question comes on adoption of the consolidated amendment. Roll call having been ordered, it will be called forthwith. Court officers will please summons the members and indicate that a roll call is in progress and will remain open for three minutes.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 125 have indicated in the affirmative, 28 in the negative. The consolidated amendment is adopted. House will be in a brief recess.
House will to come to order. Mr. Jones of North Reading offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Amendment number 275. Mr. Jones of North Reading and other members of the House move to amend the bill by adding the following section-- there shall be an educational mandate task force to review--
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the further reading of the amendment. Does the chair hear objection? Chair hears none. Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Ms. Hogan of Stow asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
Roll call number 35, Kate Hogan, yes. Mr. Moran of Lawrence asks for unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous two roll calls. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
On roll call number 34, Frank Moran, no. Roll call number 35, Frank Moran, yes.
Mr. Gonzalez of Springfield asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
On roll call number 35, Carlos Gonzalez, yes.
Ms. O'Connell offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Amendment number 663. Representative O'Connell of Taunton and other members of the House move to amend the bill by adding the following section-- there shall be established a commission for the purpose of investigating and studying college affordability. The commission shall--
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the further reading of the amendment. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none. Chair recognizes Ms. O'Connell of Taunton.
Thank you, Madam Speaker and through you to the members. The rising cost of college is something we've been discussing for years and years and something that we see families and students strapped with more and more debt. This amendment simply creates a commission to study the affordability at public and private colleges. And it brings together people from all sectors and interests to study a variety of different things like expenditures, expense accounts, bonuses, stipends.
And I would remind you that this is probably pretty important to folks in your district who are strapped with thousands and thousands of dollars in student loans and debts. And it's a well-rounded study, and it is a desperately needed study, particularly as we hear more and more stories coming out about the UMass university system and the trouble that they are in right now. And yet we've known about that for years. No corrective action has been taken.
Just over the past decade, across the five campuses, debt has gone from $1 billion to almost $3 billion, and payment for debts has tripled. But at the same time, the assistance deferred maintenance has grown from $2.7 billion to $3.3 billion. Also in the past decade, staffing has increased 29%. And the budget for employee salaries and fringe benefits grew by 2/3 over that period.
Costs are out of control. It is at a crisis right now for families that are struggling. And it really is our duty to dig in, find out why, and fix it. Everyone keeps asking the question, why are college costs so high? But no one seems to be able to answer it. And we can't expect the taxpayers to just keep giving more and more money when we give them no answers.
And by the way, this is an amendment we really can all agree on because we all agreed on it last year when it passed unanimously in this budget. It was the right thing to do last year. It was the right thing to do for families, for our constituents, and it is the right thing to do this year. I hope you'll join me in adopting this amendment. And I ask for a call of the yeas and nays.
Gentlelady asks for a call of the yeas and nays. Those joining with her will stand, and the monitors will return the count. First division?
[INAUDIBLE]
Second division?
16. Sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays will be called. Court officers will please summons the members and indicate to them that a roll call is in progress and will remain open for three minutes.
Mr. Cassidy of Brockton asks unanimous consent to be recorded on roll call number 35. Does Chair hear objection? Chair hears none. I'm sorry that was roll call number 34.
On roll call number 34, Gerard Cassidy, no.
Mr. Rushing of Boston asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous two roll calls. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
On roll call number 34, Byron Rushing, no. Roll call number 35, Byron Rushing, yes.
Ms. Garlick of Needham asks unanimous consent to be recorded on roll calls number 34 and 35. Does Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
Roll call number 34, Denise Garlick, no. Roll call number 35, Denise Garlick, yes.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 38 have voted in the affirmative, 120 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted. Mr. Diehl of Whitman offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Amendment number 810. Mr. Diehl of Whitman moves to amend a bill by adding the following section-- the special Education Advisory Council shall be tasked with drafting regulations on the training and licensing of special education advisers to be referred to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment. Chair recognizes Mr. Diehl of Whitman.
Thank you, Madam Speaker and through you to the members. I rise to speak in favor of amendment number 810 relative to special education advisers or they can be called consultants or advocates here in the state of Massachusetts. Special education advisers, consultants, advocates, whatever you want to call them, perform important work related to education of our young people with special needs.
However, right now they do not need a license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to perform that important work. There are no standardized services, fees, nor accreditation for these advisors, consultants, advocates who engage our school districts to develop IEPs for their clients. I believe it's important to the safety and education of our special needs students to make sure that the people performing this work meet certain minimal standards. That's why I proposed this amendment.
Under amendment 810, the Special Education Advisory Council will be tasked with drafting regulations on the training and licensing of special education advisers or consultants or advocates, which would be referred to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for action. Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I ask that when a vote be taken, it be taken by a call of the yeas and nays.
Gentleman moves that when the vote be taken, it be done with the yeas and nays. Those joining with him will stand, and the monitors will return the count. First division.
0.
0. Second division?
16.
16. Sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays will be called forthwith. Court officers, please summons the members, indicate to them that a roll call is in progress and will remain open for three minutes.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 27 have voted in the affirmative, 131 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.
Mr. Lyons of Andover offers an amendment in the hands of the clerk. The clerk will read the amendment.
Amendment number 886. Representative Lyons of Andover and Lombardo of Billerica move to amend the bill in section 2, an item, 1233 2350 by striking out the figures $1,061,783,475.
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with the further reading of the amendment. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none. Question comes on adoption of the amendment. Chair recognizes Mr. Lyons of Andover.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I speak to an amendment of-- we have a plan that we've got before the legislature regarding MassHealth and certain parts of MassHealth that we hope to reform. And we hope to have some savings from it. And the reason I have to talk to this amendment now is because it's part of our overall plan.
And the amendment would basically increase whatever savings that we were able to generate through the two areas that we're working on-- would be redirected to the local communities. So I would ask Madam Speaker that when we take a vote on this, we vote on it with a call of the yeas and nays. Madam Speaker, thank you.
Gentleman moves that when this is called, it be done with the yeas and nays. Those joining with him will stand, and the monitors will return the count. First division?
0.
0. Second division?
16.
16. Sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays will be called forthwith. The court officers will please summons the members, indicate to them that a roll call is in progress and will remain open for three minutes. The Chair will remind the members that anyone who is interested in the category of Public Health, they are meeting as we speak in room 348.
Have all members voted who wish to do so? Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally.
In this matter, 11 have voted in the affirmative, and 130 in the negative. The amendment is not adopted.
[AUDIO OUT]
Ms. Vincent of Revere asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none.
Roll Call number 38, RoseLee Vincent, no.
[AUDIO OUT]
Mr. Crocker of Barnstable asks unanimous consent to be recorded on a previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none.
On Roll Call number 38, William Crocker, yes.
[AUDIO OUT]
Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill offers a consolidated amendment. The clerk will read the amendment.
[AUDIO OUT]
Consolidated Amendment "A" in the category of Education and Local Aid. Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill, all of the amendments have been accounted for within the category. Amendment number 423 has been recategorized to legislation on budget. Fiscal note, $16,695,861. Mr. Dempsey of Haverhill and others move to amend the bill in Section Two by inserting after item 1599-7104 the following two items, 1599-7114 will reserve for costs associated UMass--
If there be no objection, the clerk will dispense with a further reading of any amendment. Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment. Roll call being required. Roll call will be called forthwith. Wait a minute. No no no.
[AUDIO OUT]
The Chair is in error. Pending adoption of the amendment, the Chair recognizes Ms. Peisch issue of Wellesley. As the lady approaches the microphone, Mr. Silvia of Fall River and Ms. Peake of Provincetown ask unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none.
On Roll Call number 38, Sarah Peake yes. Alan Silvia, yes.
[AUDIO OUT]
The clerk will recall Mr. Silvia of Fall River, Ms. Peake of Provincetown.
On Roll Call 38, Sarah Peake, no. Alan Silvia, no.
Ms. Barber of Sommerville. Mr.--
[AUDIO OUT]
Mr. Cassidy of Brockton, Mr. Lewis of Framingham, Ms. Poirier of North Attleborough ask unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection?
[AUDIO OUT]
Does Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
On roll call number 38, Gerard Cassidy, no. Christine Barber, no. Jack Patrick Lewis, no. Mrs. Poirier of North Attleborough, yes. Elizabeth Poirier, no.
[AUDIO OUT]
Chair recognizes Ms. Peisch of Wellesley.
Thank you, Madam Speaker. And through you to the members, I rise in support of the consolidated education amendment for the Department of Early Education and Care in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This amendment demonstrates the House's continued commitment to education. I would like to thank the Speaker and the Chairman of Ways and Means for their strong support of the House commitment to education.
I'd just like to take a minute to highlight what the education budget does in this year's FY18 budget. We increase Chapter 70 Local Aid by over $105 million dollars, a $14.9 million increase over the governor's budget. We take the first step towards funding the most significant recommendation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission by increasing funding for the health care benefits component of the Foundation Budget Review Commission for employees and retired teachers.
In addition, we generously fund a pothole account to take into account those communities that have had some issues relative to low-income students accounting due to a change in the federal government's requirement for free and reduced lunch eligibility. In addition to that, we have increased the METCO budget substantially over both the governor's budget and our prior year's budget. And in addition to that, we have greatly increased after-school grants, Safe and Supportive School, state aid to regional libraries, as well as the Center for the Book, which I know many of you are interested in. I strongly urge your support for the consolidated amendment, which continues what I think is the strong support for public education in Massachusetts so that we can continue to lead the country in this area. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes Mr. Scibak of Southampton.
[INAUDIBLE]
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to thank Chairman Dempsey and the Speaker for support for higher education funding, despite this difficult fiscal year. This House Budget provides nearly a million dollars for state scholarships and financial aid line-item over what was appropriated an FY17.
We're providing an increase in state funding for the operation of the University of Massachusetts, our community colleges, and our state universities, again, over the FY17 levels. We increased funding for dual enrollment from the $750,000 as were initially proposed to $1 million, which makes it possible for high school students to get a head start in college and increase the likelihood that they'll be ready for, and succeed in college. We increased funding for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment program, provide funding and restore it for the Nursing and Allied Health program, provide $200,000 for a partnership between the state universities and community colleges to undertake collaborative efforts to increase efficiency and reduce costs. And we authorize the Board of Higher Education to join an interstate reciprocity agreement that will allow Massachusetts colleges to offer online education in other states, and allow these degree-granting institutions to offer their own online programs in Massachusetts.
In another year where money remains tight, we're moving forward in our efforts. And I, like my colleague before me, urge favorable vote on the consolidated amendment. Thank you.
Chair recognizes Mr. Cabral of New Bedford. While the gentleman approaches the microphone, Mr. Ultrino of Malden asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. The Chair hears objection? The Chair hears none.
On Roll Call number 38, Steven Ultrino, no.
[AUDIO OUT]
Chair recognizes Mr. Cabral of New Bedford.
Madam Speaker, through you to the members, I rise in support of the consolidated amendment. But I wanted to really take the unrestricted local aid and begin a conversation with all of you. I've been working as the chair on the Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus, and we've been doing a lot of work over the last several years, [INAUDIBLE] several sessions, in trying to really affect the local aid that we receive, our communities receive.
As you know, a few years back, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston did a study and came up with a white paper, and made some recommendations that we should consider changing the way we provide unrestricted local aid. We should take into consideration what they call in their white paper, in their study, the municipal gap, which is the ability of the community to raise its own revenues and the so-called fixed costs to that community. So in reality, creating a real formula. A real formula that takes into consideration the ability of that community to raise revenue on its own, and the expenses that each one of those communities are saddled with.
As you know presently, the way we do it, whatever percentage we could increase local aid by, we just add to the previous amount that that community receives on the previous fiscal year. Presently, the budget before us, the recommendation is 3.9% increase on local aid, which means, in total, $39 million dollars. Well, let me give you a little example of what happens if we keep that system going, which is not a formula of anything. Doesn't take into consideration any restrictions or any abilities on that community. This is what happens when we don't have a formula that really makes sense that is fair, that takes into consideration the needs of that community and their own ability to raise money.
For example, we are adding $39 million of additional unrestricted local aid. Out of those $39 million dollars, the city of Boston is going to get 18% of the $39 million, while my community is going to get 2.2% of the $39 million. City of Brockton is going to get 2.01% of the $39 million. Cambridge is going to get 2.07%, almost as much as Brockton gets and almost how much New Bedford gets, as an example.
Now, if we were to funnel the $39 million through the formula, that scenario would change. And there is a direct correlation between the local aid that each community receives and the property taxes that we pay on that community. In my community, for example, in the city of New Bedford, the residential rate is $16.69. The commercial rate is $36.03
Now, let's go back to Boston, to the capital of the state. The residential tax rate is $11.29, and their commercial rate is $25 versus $36 in New Bedford. Think about that.
Think about that. Actually, someone who lives in Boston, or has a house that has the median value of that house in Boston, or the median value of that house in New Bedford, they actually pay less property taxes in Boston that they pay in New Bedford. In Cambridge, for example they pay even less than half than I would pay, or you would pay, in New Bedford.
So if we were to actually to change this and adopt an actual formula that makes sense, it's not my formula, it's a formula developed by the Federal Reserve Bank, we would begin to change these things. But it's a long conversation that I want to start with you. And I hope today, we begin that conversation.
I know we need to take a vote on this week by 9:00, so I don't have much time to actually continue down this line in this conversation with you. Because I think, if I keep talking just to myself and to a half dozen folks here, that will never change this formula. The problem is, today, we don't have a formula. We need to have a formula that makes sense and takes into consideration the needs of the community. Madam Speaker, I hope the consolidated amendment passes.
Thank you. Roll call, having been ordered, will be called forthwith. Court officers will please summon the members and indicate that a roll call is in progress, and will remain open for three minutes.
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On the previous roll call, Representative Kuros of Oxbridge asks unanimous consent to be recorded. Does the Chair hear objection? The Chair hears none. Mr. Cantwell of Marshfield also ask unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll calls
On Roll Call number 38, Kevin Kuros, yes. James Cantwell, no.
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As members are entering the chamber, the Chair would like to inform the members that, at 10:30 tomorrow morning, Health and Human Services and Elder Affairs will be meeting in Room 348. So any representative with an interest or amendments in Health and Human Services and Elder Affairs, you should meet in Room 348 at 10:30.
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Ms Hogan of Stow, Mr. Murray of Milford, asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Chair hears objection? Chair hears none.
Roll Call number 38, Brian Murray, no. Kate Hogan, no.
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Ms. Campbell of Methuen asks unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll calls. Chair hears objection? Chair hears none.
Linda Dean Campbell on roll call number 38, no.
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Have all members voted who wish to do so?
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Mr. Schmid of Westport asks unanimous consent to be recorded on a previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection. Chair hears none.
Roll Call number 38, Paul Schmid, no.
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Have all members voted who wish to do so? Time for voting has expired. The clerk will display the tally. In this matter, 158 have voted in the affirmative, none in the negative. The consolidated amendment is passed.
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Yes.
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Ms. Garlick of Needham ask unanimous consent to be recorded on the previous roll call. Does the Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
Roll Call number 38, Denise Garlick, no.
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The Chair will announce that the House will recess and roll calls will resume at 12:00 noon tomorrow. So one more time, at 10:30, Human Services and Elders will be heard in Room 348. And the House will now stand in recess, with roll calls tomorrow-- will stand in recess until 10:30 roll call.
Mr. Hill of Ipswich moves that the house stand in recess to the hour of 10:30 AM, and roll calls will begin at noon. All those in favor say "aye." Opposed, "no." The "ayes" have it. The House now stands in recess.
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If there be no objection, the Chair will call Mr. Linsky and Mr. Rushing on the previous roll call Does Chair hear objection? Chair hears none.
On roll call number 38, David Paul Linsky, no.
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