Session DetailsSenate Session (Full Formal with Calendar)

The forum is now present, so the Senate may proceed with its business. The chair would ask all members, staff, and guests, to rise and join the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason, in the Pledge of Allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Senate will be in a brief recess. Senate will come to order. Members are asked to kindly take their seats. And the chair recognizes the majority leader, the senator from Worcester, Ms. Chandler.

Thank you very much, Mr. President. We have a very interesting presentation for you. The five senators from Worcester County are going to present for the 120 ninth birthday of "Casey at the Bat" and to celebrate the opening of the baseball season. Worcester is reading "Casey at the Bat" 129 times in the next week, starting on Sunday, and we are one of the 129 readings.

And if you haven't read it already, heard it, or done it, I think you'll find it fun. It's one of the classic poems in American literature. And it has special meaning in Worcester because the poet, a man by the name of Ernest L. Thayer, lived in Worcester, lived at 67 Chatham Street, which is in my district. He had been in California at the time that he wrote this where he was in the employ of William Randolph Hearst, but he returned to Worcester to help the family run their mill in Cherry Valley. And I believe Cherry Valley is in Senator Moore's district.

So this is Worcester, and we will do it alphabetically. And I will start it here, and I will begin.

Chair respectfully reminds the members that we need to be seated so this performance may be fully appreciated by all who are present and all who are seeking to hear a bit of art as we start the day. Senator from Worcester, Ms. Chandler.

"Casey at the Bat" by Ernest L. Thayer. The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day. The score stood four to two with but one ending more to play. And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same, a sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest clung to that hope which springs eternal in the human breast. They thought if only Casey could get but a whack at that, we'd even put up money now with Casey at the bat.

But Flynn-- also Jimmy Blake, in the former was a lulu and a latter was a cake. So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat, for there seemed but little chance of Casey's getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all, and Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball. And when the dust had lifted, the men saw what had occurred, there was Jimmy safe at second and Flint a-hugging third.

Then from 5,000 throats and more there rosy a lusty yell, it rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell. It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat.

Hey, Mike, what's a dell?

Mighty Casey was advancing to the bat.

--manner as he stepped into his place. There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile on Casey's face. And when responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat. No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.

10,000 eyes-- as he rubbed his hands with dirt, 5,000 tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt. Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip, defiance gleamed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.

Through the air, and Casey stood a-watching in the haughty grandeur there. Close by the sturdy batsman, the ball unheeded sped. That ain't my style, said Casey. Strike one, the umpire said.

From the benches-- roar, like the beating of the storm waves on a stern and distant shore. Kill him, kill the umpire, shouted someone on the stand. And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.

Charity in great Casey's visage shown. He's still the rising tumult. He blade the game go on. He signaled to the pitcher and once more das sphere flew, but Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said strike two.

Fraud, cried the maddened thousands. An echo answered, fraud. But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was odd. They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain, and they knew that Casey wouldn't let that go by again.

The sneer is gone on Casey's lip. His teeth are clenched in hate. He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate. And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go. And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.

Oh, somewhere in this-- shining bright, the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light. And somewhere men are laughing and somewhere child shout, but there is no joy in Mudville. Mighty Casey has struck out.

[APPLAUSE]

Chair first would like to congratulate the Worcester county players for their performance this morning. And I'm sure with just a little bit of practice more, we can take you on the road. The chair recognizes the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Spilka. For what purpose does the lady rise?

I would like permission to make a point of personal privilege.

Permission to make a point of personal privilege. You are recognized.

I congratulate the Worcester delegation, but I do need to at point out-- it's my understanding that Casey heralds from Holliston, Massachusetts. They claim him as well, which happens to be in my district. So I just want to note that there's a little competition here. Thank you.

Recognizes the senator from the Berkshires.

Send the chair--

Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. The majority leader asked me to bring to the attention of the Senate that actually Massachusetts holds another piece of history for baseball, and that is that in 1791, the first known reference to baseball in town records took place in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where they said that it was illegal to play baseball within 80 yards of the town hall, which is not quite the distance of the Green Monster, but it's a pretty good shot. Thank you, sir.

Contradiction and the conflict that has arisen by the presentation of this poem, the chair intends to appoint a special committee of the Senate to thoroughly research the origins of this amazing poem and amazing ball player. The chair wishes to-- is Senator Rush here? Senator Rush are, you here? Rush from Norfolk and Suffolk will make a special introduction.

Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. It is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome here to the Massachusetts State Senate, Massachusetts State House, guests of Representative McMurtry and myself, the outstanding students of Westwood's own Sheehan School right here. Welcome to the State House.

[APPLAUSE]

We will do some budget items today honoring our outstanding educational system here in the Commonwealth. And of course, as the history is flowing around the chamber, I am reminded that my predecessor in the Senate, at the Senate district representative Westwood when it was part of the town of Dedham was Horace Mann, the founder of public education.

So I'd like to acknowledge-- we're going to some great things for education today. And none of this is possible without our outstanding teachers. So I know we have Mrs. McGuire, Mrs. Cormier, and Mrs. Holbrook with us. If you could raise your hands, so we could thank you for all you do.

[APPLAUSE]

I present to you the Sheehan School. Thank you so much.

[APPLAUSE]

Rush have presented resolutions, which the clerk will read.

By senators Timothy Keenan and Rush, resolutions congratulating the Neponset River Watershed Association Incorporated on its 50th anniversary.

Question comes on adoption of the resolution. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted.

A number of amendments have been withdrawn. A number of amendments have been withdrawn, which the chair would like to call at this time. We'll give the children a minute to get out of the chamber, so that you'll be able to hear the list.

Have been withdrawn-- numbers 438, 461, 482, 624, 789, 829, 836, 837, 852, 853, 882, 895, 916 redraft, 938, 975, 983, 1025, 1029, and 1003. All of those matters have been withdrawn. We'll now proceed to a group of matters that can be considered as one on a single vote, and if there's no objection, these several--

Brief recess, Mr. President?

Senate will be in a brief recess. Senate will be in order. So if there's no objection, several amendments will be considered as one. Does the chair hear objection? Chair hears none. The question will come on the adoption of the amendments. And under the rules, there is a requirement of a call of the yeas and nays. The clerk will call the roll.

Rosenberg.

Yes.

Yes.

Michael J. Barrett. Joseph A. Boncore.

Yes.

Yes

Michael D. Brady.

Here.

Yes. William N. Brownsberger.

Yes.

Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.

Yes.

Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.

Yes.

Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem. Julian Cyr.

Yes.

Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.

Yes.

Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico. Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.

Yes.

Yes. James B. Eldridge.

Yes.

Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.

Yes.

Yes. Jennifer L. Flanagan.

Yes.

Yes. Linda Dorcena Forry. Anne M. Gobi.

Yes.

Yes. Adam G. Hinds.

Yes.

Yes. Donald F. Humason Jr.

Yes.

Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.

Senator Jehlen?

Yes. John F. Keenan.

Yes.

Yes. Eric P. Lesser.

Yes.

Yes. Jason M. Lewis.

Yes.

Yes. Barbara A L'Italien.

Yes.

Yes. Joan B. Lovely.

Yes.

Yes. Thomas M. McGee.

Yes.

Yes. Mark C. Montigny.

Yes.

Yes. Michael L. Moore.

Yes.

Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.

Yes.

Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.

Yes.

Yes. Mark R. Pacheco.

Yes.

Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.

Yes.

Yes. Richard J. Ross.

Yes.

Yes. Michael F. Rush.

Yes.

Yes. Karen E. Spilka.

Yes.

Yes.

Bruce E. Tarr.

Yes.

Yes. Walter F. Timilty.

Yes.

Yes. James T. Welch.

Yes.

Yes. Linda Dorcena Forry.

Yes.

Yes. Michael J. Barrett.

Yes.

Yes.

Thank you, Mr. President. I decided to be put in the affirmative.

Cynthia Stone Creem votes yes.

On this matter 38 having voted in the affirmative, none in the negative, the amendment is adopted. The amendments plural are adopted. OK, we're now going to return to the order, beginning with the amendment number 225. 225, offered by the senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 225 by Mr. Tarr, Credit Card Audit.

Question comes-- do we have to withdraw the roll call? On adoption of the redrafted amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have it, and it is adopted.

Number 231, offered by the senator from Suffolk, Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 231 by Mr. Rush, Relative to Civil Service Streamlining.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The nos have it. The amendment is not adopted.

The next is offered by the same senator, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 232 by Mr. Rush, Veterans Civil Service Ombudsman.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The nos have it. The amendment is not adopted.

What does B mean again?

Bundled. Skip it.

Amendment number 238, offered by the senator from Essex Mr. McGee, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 238 by Mr. McGee, Updating State Employee and Retiree Death Benefits.

Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye. The senator from Essex, Mr. McGee.

Brief recess, please?

The Senate will be in a very brief recess.

Mr. President, I'd like to withdraw this amendment, and ask unanimous consent to make a statement.

Unanimous consent to make a statement and withdraw the amendment. Is there an objection to withdrawing the amendment? The chair hears none, so ordered.

And now, the gentleman asks unanimous consent to make a statement. Is there an objection? Chair hears none. The senator from Essex, Mr. McGee.

Thank you, Mr. President. This is an issue that I think many of my colleagues are familiar with, but I want to again speak to it, because I think it is an important issue that we may not be able to do today, but I think is very important for us to address, and hopefully, in the near future, move this issue forward.

This is the State Employee and Retiree Basic Life Death Benefit, and right now, it's $5,000. That was established in 1985, 32 years ago. Since that time, funeral costs have increased by 300%. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average funeral home costs alone have increased from $2,837 to $8,343. This amendment would affect 149,000 active and retired state employees.

The legislature recently recognized how important this is and how this inflation has happened since 1985. And we've recognized that fact by increasing the death benefit for unemployed private sector individuals from $4,000 to $10,051 under the recent Unemployment Insurance Reform Act of 2014. So we understand this issue clearly, how it impacts families.

The only option state retirees have to provide a realistic level of death benefits is to buy $5,000 of additional life, which is unaffordable for those over the age of 74. They can't afford it, and obviously, they are struggling or their families will struggle if they pass away with a $5,000 benefit.

For more than 21,000 state retirees, age 75 or older-- that's 21,000-- the cost to buy additional $5,000 in life insurance would essentially wipe out any of the annual cost of living benefit. The average pension for retirees over the age of 75 is approximately $25,000. At age 85, a nonsmoker retiree must pay over $1,000 a year for the additional $5,000 coverage. There were 7,626 retirees over such age whose benefit is $21,000.

This data came from the state valuation of January 1, 2016. Again, obviously we're struggling with the budget, the finances of the state, but this is something I think we really need to address. We're not doing it today. I would hope all of you would be supportive as we look in the near future to making this a reality. And in fairness, taking care of the state retirees who are depending on this to really allow themselves to be buried with dignity. Thank you, Mr. President.

The Senator from Middlesex, Miss Donoghue, a redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 241 by Miss Donoghue, Encouraging Savings through Split Tax Refunds.

The senator from Middlesex, Miss Donoghue.

Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. I rise in favor of this amendment, which would instruct the Department of Revenue to allow tax payers to split their tax refunds into multiple accounts. Tax refunds are the biggest lump sum of money that people receive all year many times. And oftentimes, the refund season is a great time for people to set money aside for retirement or 529 plans.

We did the 529 plan last session, and taxpayers are more likely to do that, however, if they can direct their refund, part of it, into that account, for example, the 529. They can put some money in the checking account to cover their immediate expenses and put some into that special account.

The ability to split a refund would also make it easy for families who are trying to save. Oftentimes, families who are hardest hit, that's an opportunity to make that decision and put it aside for the future and get a tax benefit at the same time. I hope the amendment passes.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.

A couple of transportation amendments that could--

Senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman, offers an amendment, number 280, that the clerk will read.

Amendment number 280, by Mr. Fattman, Sick Time Reform.

Senate will stand in a brief--

It's a old--

--sto and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, offers an amendment, number 295, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 295 by Mr. Timilty, DCAM Additional Funding.

He doesn't want to debate it. Just call a go.

Signified by saying aye, all those opposed. The ayes have it.

The nos won.

I mean, the nos have it. The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, offers an amendment, number 296, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 296 by Mr. Tarr, Spouses as Caregivers.

Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.

The nos have it.

The nos have it. OK, better check that off.

So you know the plans for this one--

So this one is on hold.

Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, offers an amendment, number 300, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 300 by Mr. Tarr, Nursing Home Licensure.

Senate will stand a brief recess. The Senate will come to order. Amendment number 300 will be set aside.

Amendment number 305, the senator from Worcester and Middlesex, Miss Flanagan has got an amendment on hold.

310 is on hold.

All of these are on hold. That's in a bundle. OK.

39. The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Miss L'Italien offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 339 by Miss L'Italien, Lawrence Family Health Services.

Senator for Essex Middlesex is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. This amendment is for the letter Lawrence Family Health Services. Since 2013, Greater Lawrence Family Health Service has been the only federally qualified teaching health center to participate in a nationally accredited, nationally recognized four year residency program. And that's crucial because we want residents, doctors, to come into cities and serve underserved populations.

The funding that we are looking at today would fund the fourth year of their training to augment some cuts that have happened at the federal level. This program has-- because it's a four year program, the training and experience the residents get is extremely high quality. The residents--

Mr. President.

What purpose does the senator to rise?

[INAUDIBLE]

From Essex and Middlesex, you have the floor.

Thank you. So again, as I was saying, the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center has a residency program. Many of the residents stay once they're through their residency, work as docs at our family health center. They live in the community, they learn the language, which is Spanish, which is the group that we are seeking to serve.

And I've gone and toured a number of the family health centers in Lawrence, and they provide a critical first step to keep people getting good health care, as opposed to landing at Lawrence General Hospital in the emergency room. So it's money well spent. People are getting the care that they need. It's driving down the cost. And so this money will go a long way towards keeping the residency program intact.

And thank you. I hope we support this. Thank you.

Thank you. Question now comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.

Amendment 356, the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, has a redrafted amendment, and the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 356 by Mr. Boncore, Bulk Purchase of Medication Task Force.

Question--

Senator from-- recognizes the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex.

Thank you, Mr. President, through you to the members. I rise in support of amendment 356, which would establish a task force to study the impact of non-Medicaid bulk purchasing for our state agencies. We talked yesterday about the benefits of bulk purchasing. Essentially a group or a consortium of multiple state agencies within a state can bring together a number of purchases and have greater purchasing power that they can leverage to keep the cost of medications low for these non-Medicaid state agencies.

Bulk purchasing is a cost containment initiative. There is one short side to some bulk purchasing. And that issue would be that oftentimes, because of bulk purchasing agreements, patient choice of medicine and preferred therapies may not be available to them because the agreements may not work with all providers or manufacturers of the medication.

So this task force, not only having the non-Medicaid state agencies on it and a seat at the table, we'll also bring onto to the table the Boston Chamber or Congress and the CEO of MassBio. And that will give some good industry and understanding to the manufacturing process, the research and development process around how drug companies come up with their pricing. I think it's important that these two groups have a seat at this table. And I asked for support of this amendment. Thank you.

Question comes on adoption--

Thank you very much. Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed. The ayes have it.

378.

You got 375 next.

It's on hold.

78. The senator from Suffolk, Miss Forry, offers a redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 378 by Miss Forry, HIV/AIDS Prevention.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor sig--

Senator from Suffolk.

The senator from Suffolk.

Thank you, and through you to the members. I rise in support of this important amendment to prevent HIV/AIDS infections. This fund allocated in this amendment are critical to the public health prevention program. You know, we have done so much progress here in our great Commonwealth, tremendous success in preventing new HIV infections and improving health outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Our investments in HIV/AIDS prevention and care has saved lives and money. It is estimated that for every dollar spent, the state saves for dollars in near-term health care costs. And since 2000, new HIV diagnosis in Massachusetts have declined by 47%, saving Massachusetts more than $1.7 billion over that time period.

Even though the rate of infection overall has decreased by 47%, we know there is more work that needs to be done in communities of color, because even though it's decreased, there is an uptick in terms of HIV infection diagnosis taking place. So I just want to thank the members here today. And thank you, chairman and the chair of Ways and Means. And I hope this amendment is adopted.

On adoption of the amendment. All those in favor say aye, opposed no.

The ayes have it.

The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Next amendment is amendment number 412--

392.

Excuse me, 392, brought by the senator from Suffolk, Miss Forry, which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 392 by Miss Forry, Suicide Prevention.

The Senator from Suffolk.

Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members. Amendment 392 impacts all of us every day, impacts folks in our communities every day, impacts us here at the State House, where earlier this month we lost a State House family member. So I want to thank you for this amendment that provides $400,000 for Samaritans Inc. They provide critical suicide prevention programs throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In Fiscal Year 17, Samaritans is on track to answer over 73,000 calls. Their call demand in Fiscal 17 is running 5% higher than Fiscal Year 16, and will exceed about 100,000 calls by the end of this fiscal year. So this tells us that in our Commonwealth, we have people who are hurting, people who are suffering, people who feel that they have no other place to turn, but the only way they feel the way out.

So this organization has been able to touch lives, has been able to change people's outcome of taking their own life and saying that they're going to have people online 24/7 to give people the counseling and the support they need to not do that. Incredible, incredible program.

The Samaritans texting services launched in October 2015. It's their fastest growing service. Text conversations are on track to exceed 4,200, closing in on 6,000 since its launch. The volume is expected to grow by 50%.

Grief support programs for those who lost a loved one to suicide are also offered by Samaritans Inc, and the service has grown by close to 30% in the last two years. Community education and suicide prevention workshops have more than doubled in the last two years because that's what we want to do, is how do we prevent people from taking their own lives? How do we prevent our young people. Who are being bullied in our great Commonwealth from going home and taking their own lives?

This is what Samaritans does every. Day and we know this because on the brochures of the Commonwealth and on resources that are listed around the Commonwealth, Samaritans Inc number is present, telling people if you're feeling down, if you're feeling out, if you're not feeling loved or support, you can call us, right? You can call the number and someone will be there to listen to you.

And so I'm grateful today, because this month we lost an incredible person in this building-- Teddy Fusco, who worked in this building for a long, long time, and yet he was in a dark place. And he didn't find the support or knew where to turn. And that's why we're here today doing this work. And funding the Samaritans Inc is giving someone else another opportunity to call that lifeline, to save themselves, or more importantly, to save their families from tremendous grief. So I thank you all for supporting this amendment.

Senator from Norfolk and Plymouth. For what purpose does the gentleman rise?

To speak in favor of the amendment, Mr. President.

Senator is recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank the gentlelady from Dorchester for her moving remarks and for all the work that she's done on this particular amendment, and also the chair of the Ways and Means Committee for recognizing the great need for this funding. This funding represents about 18% of Samaritan's budget, and yet they leverage it to a great degree through their extensive and incredible volunteer network, people who day in and day out go to a place, man the phones, and are there for people who are in really their darkest hours.

I take particular interest in this amendment for a whole bunch of reasons, some personal and some certainly professional, related to what we deal with here. But in my district, every school department has seen the need to send emails home to parents advising them that there's something going on out there that they fear may increase the number of people who are considering suicide.

There's a Netflix show out there called 13 Reasons. I don't know if anybody's heard of it or if anybody's seen it, but it is something that's all the rage with teenagers these days. So I've taken some time to sit down and watch several episodes of this show. They're all along the 13 Reasons as to why a young high school student committed suicide.

And I will tell you, not having the perspective of a student, but having the perspective of an adult, it is gripping TV. You turn it on, and it grabs you. And that's from an adult perspective, so I cannot imagine how it is grabbing young people today, but clearly, it is. And clearly, it is grabbing him to such an extent that school systems throughout the Commonwealth have felt the need to contact parents and say, be aware of this, use it in a positive way to talk to your teenagers about what's going on out there and about suicide.

So in that context, with everything that's going on, this money is vitally important. It funds the programs that the gentlelady talked about. And most importantly, we as a Commonwealth, use the Samaritans. We put their name and their numbers on billboards throughout the Commonwealth. We post it on the MBTA so that people know where to call.

Wouldn't it be a shame if they picked up the phone and nobody was on the other end? So this funding makes sure that somebody is on the other end when somebody needs them most, and also that people are there to help people with grief for those that weren't able to reach out, in a timely manner. So I want to thank the gentlelady and Madam Chair of Ways and Means for recognizing that this is important funding, and that it's something that we should support. So I urge that all my colleagues support this amendment. Thank you.

Senator from Essex and Middlesex.

The senator from Essex and Middlesex is recognized.

Thank you, and through you to the members. So I'd like to give you a different perspective. I was a Samaritans volunteer for three years. I did this during college.

There had been a Lawrence Samaritans set up at that point in time. It was set up by a middle school teacher, and she made a Lawrence affiliate because her son, who was in my high school class, had committed suicide. And so I was local at the time in college and was able to devote three years as a Samaritans volunteer.

The volunteers are well-trained, they are not paid. And what I did in addition to manning the phones, was I went around and did outreach to high schools and colleges to get to kids to break down the stigma and to allow people to say if you thought about suicide, that's OK. Let's have a conversation about it, and let's see what we can do to help.

The biggest takeaway that I had from my three years, I would say, was that most people truly don't want to take their life. They just lack hope. They lack of a forward step. They don't know where to turn. They don't know what to do.

And sometimes in their darkest hour, just being present on that phone and listening, because you're taught as a Samaritan volunteer to listen, is the most powerful thing you can offer that person. And as the cousin of someone who took his life, it's a very, very personal thing for me to support the Samaritans. They are still present in Lawrence. They are now working under the auspices of Family Services of the Merrimack Valley.

But it's critically important that we have people on the other end of the phone. And those three years that I volunteered I would not trade for anything because I know that I made a difference for someone who I don't know, but in their hour of need, they were able to get through it and move on to a better day. So I wholeheartedly support what the two previous speakers have said, and I'm really glad that we're doing this. Thank you.

The question now comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed. The ayes have it.

Amendment 461, the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 461 by Mr. Lewis, Peer Recovery Centers.

Question--

That was withdrawn. I'm sorry, that's been withdrawn.

What purpose does the gentlemen rise?

It's withdrawn.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's drawn? Shut down. 461 has been withdrawn. 466, right?

466 is on hold.

482 has been withdrawn.

492 is the next one.

Next amendment will be amendment 492. The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 492 by Mr. Timilty, Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children Bed Minimum.

He's asking to be recognized. He's going to speak to it.

Mr. Timilty, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. The Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital is a 110-year-old pediatric chronic care hospital for children ages eight to 22. Specifically, patients must have a physical disability which requires medical management and a cognitive level that allows them to participate in therapy, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Moreover, in addition to being a medical facility, Pappas is also a school overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It provides not only academic education, but a wide variety of recreational opportunities, such as swimming, horseback riding, adaptive sports, and many key opportunities for socialization. In short, vital services and activities that I have just delineated are provided by Pappas, and these services are crucial to the development of hundreds of children across the Commonwealth facing the gravest of physical and cognitive challenges. And with that, I thank you and I hope for the amendment is adopted.

The question now comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed. The nos have it. Same senator offers an amendment, number 493, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 493 by Mr. Timilty, Pappas Rehabilitation hospital Summer Program. Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed no. The nos have it, and the amendment is not adopted.

Senator L'Italien offers amendment number 494, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 494 by Miss L'Italien, Adult Autism Services.

Chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex.

Thank you, Mr. President. This amendment has to do with the Adult Autism Services line item. We have people who are on the autism spectrum, similar to my son, who are above 70 IQ. We fought very hard as a result of the three and 1/2 years of the autism commission that I chaired to bring forth a change in that policy, so that the DDS would not be able to decide that these folks weren't eligible for any services as adults.

And that commission, which was also served on by Senator Ross and Senator Flanagan, did great work. We did an omnibus bill in 2014, and we changed the rules so that folks who are struggling, who are above 70 IQ, but have great difficulty getting through the day, would be able to be considered for DDS services.

Many of those folks have gone through the process. They had been rejected before, or they're now coming of age, they're above age 22. They are required to have a neuropsych evaluation and go through a thorough investigation to qualify. That costs money, that can cost thousands of dollars. They're being asked to do this each year to reapply, and yet many of those folks are on a wait list. And so it's very frustrating for many of those families who've waited for years to qualify to go through the process and then be told that you're on a wait list because there's not enough funding.

And so there are approximately 40 adults that fit this category statewide every single month that are being told that they need to get into a wait list. And so I really want to bring this to the attention of the membership, partly because we are fully funding this line item with a trust fund, the Community Trust Fund, which is going to go away next year. So the funding that we have this year is going to go away, and the funding this year is insufficient to clear the wait list.

And we just talked about suicide a couple of minutes ago. I'm aware of a young man who took his own life within the last month that was on the spectrum, frustrated and awaiting services. So I know this is not going to be successful today, but I feel compelled to talk about this and to put this in the forefront of people's minds, that we have people who really struggle day to day that are on that spectrum, that it was a real fight and an honor that the Senate did the work and the legislature to open the door for them, but it doesn't help if you're sitting on a wait list and you're not receiving the services you need. So again, I understand that this will not be successful today, but I would like everyone to think about this, so that going forward, we can find a way to adequately fund this line item. Thank you.

Thank you very much, senator. The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed no. The nos have it.

Amendment 497, the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 497 by Mr. Lewis, Health Care Facility Safety.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed no. The nos have it, and the amendment is not adopted. Both of these are in the bundle, right?

Mhm.

The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Miss L'Italien, office an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 501 by Miss L'Italien, Autism Waver One.

The chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex.

Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. Amendment 501 sought additional funding within the autism waiver, and that is the waiver that's been in existence for about a decade now. It serves kids with autism between the ages of zero and eight. They have to be MassHealth eligible.

We have a wait list on that program. It provides wraparound funding so that our youngest kids get the best opportunity to get the services they need to be put on the best possible track and outcome. What I'd asked for was $1.25 million to be able to serve an additional 100 young children at risk of institutionalization who require intensive in-home services. That would have brought us up to about 360 children being served at one time. This is actually a waiverable item, so we're actually receiving 50% federal match funds on this.

So that was the funding. I'm going to speak right now about 502 as well, if that's OK, because they're sort of paired. The 503 amendment on the waiver would have actually reinserted reporting language, so that we would understand the number of children being served. Without that language, we really don't know who is being served. And that's traditionally been within this line item.

As we know from research, children that we can get to early and give them intensive services, such as early intervention, and as this waiver, provide the best possible outcomes for these children. And the cost benefit analysis has shown that if children with autism receive intensive services at a young age, that provision of intensive services can result in estimated cost savings ranging from $187,000 to $203,000 per child ages three to 22 and a total lifetime savings range of $1 to $2 million. So I've just covered 503 as well in the process, because they're linked, OK? Thank you so much.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed say no. The nos have it. The amendment is not adopted. 503 is on hold. Amendment 505, the senator from Essex and Middlesex Miss L'Italien offers redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 505 by Miss L'Italien, Alzheimer's Public Awareness.

Yes. For what purpose would the gentleman rise?

Well, first of all, Mr. President, to say how nice it is to see that you have ascended the rostrum. And in addition to your many accolades of Archduke and other things, you now have presiding officer to add to your very impressive resume. But in the second instance, Mr. President, I'd like to ask the sponsor of this amendment to provide us with an explanation, because this is a very important subject and I know that she has been working on this for some time. And this amendment touches on one element of it. So I'm hoping that we can get an explanation.

Chair thanks the minority leader for his interest, and will recognize the senator from Essex and Middlesex.

Thank you, Mr. President, through you, to the members. Amendment 505 has to do with Alzheimer's public awareness education. It would fund, at $50,000, the statewide Alzheimer's public awareness and education program that we actually-- we began last session in the Senate. As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control, this includes teaching people about the early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease, access to patient services, the importance of early diagnosis, and the importance of family caregiver education and support.

There are more than 120,000 people in Massachusetts that have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and that number continues to grow. This is the most costly disease with the most impact on the caregiver family. Alzheimer's prevalence will increase by 25% in Massachusetts over the next decade. I know that if you are age 85, you have a 50% chance of having Alzheimer's. And in fact, my mom, at age 85 was when I first saw the signs of Alzheimer's for her.

Most people don't know or understand the early warning signs, and nearly all families don't know of the services and supports that are available. And initiatives such as this is desperately needed to help people identify early warning signs for the disease and make families aware of support services.

And as I mentioned, my family dealt with this for seven years with my mom. I was fortunate because I had worked in the field and knew where to turn for supports and services for my mom. But I'm the exception. I am not the rule. There are so many people who do not know where to turn, who desperately need our assistance. So this $50,000, again, an initiative in the Senate last session, will go a long way towards helping families in Massachusetts. Thank you.

Mr. President?

Yes? For what purpose this gentle lady rise?

Thank you, Mr. President. Through you, to the members. I'd like to say a few remarks. Thank you. OK.

Senator from Boston.

I want to thank the senator from Andover for filing this amendment that has to do with Alzheimer's public awareness. So critical. As she mentioned, with the passing of her mom, but there's so many people in the Commonwealth that have been impacted by Alzheimer's.

I stand as a child with a parent that has Alzheimer's. My dad was diagnosed about nine years ago. He is living at home. My parents are 79. My mom is taking care of my dad. My grandmother turned 104, and she also lives in my parents' household, my mom's mom.

So this is a very difficult-- we know that it's a very difficult illness and diagnosis. And I'm just grateful to the woman from-- the senator from Andover, you know, for putting this amendment forward, because it is about public education, and how is it that we can allow our loved ones to age at home and to stay at home with their families as long as they can? So I just wanted to rise in support of this amendment.

Mr. President?

The chair recognizes the gentleman from the Cape and the Islands.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I too rise in support of the gentle lady from Andover's amendment. I represent a district in the Cape and Islands district just on Cape Cod alone. We estimate there are 10,000 people who live with Alzheimer's or dementia in a population of 200,000.