| Item Name | Start Time | Duration | Webcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Session of September 28, 2017 ( Part 2 of 2 ) | 9/28/2017 1:07 PM | 03:30:00 | |
| Senate Session of September 28, 2017 ( Part 1 of 2 ) | 9/28/2017 11:10 AM | 00:21:00 |
37 having voted in the affirmative, none in the negative. The matter stands not notwithstanding the objections of His Excellency, the Governor, to the contrary. Paper from the House.
Item 0710-0220 contain in section two relative to the health care cost containment investigation comes from the House with the endorsement that the item has been passed not withstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 118 to 34.
The question before the Senate has shelved this item passed notwithstanding the objections of His Excellency, the Governor, to the contrary. The senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you.
The senator from Middlesex? Middlesex and Norfolk.
Thank you, Madam President. This veto would decrease the office of the state auditor's health care cost containment investigation by $107,000. The health care cost containment investigation was originally intended to end in fiscal year '17. However, the auditor strongly believes that an extended investigation would be beneficial to the Commonwealth. This veto would cut about a third of the total amount that was appropriated, so it's a sizable percentage of the appropriation. The account funds, and investigation, and review of health care payment reform.
This agency's main goal is to improve efficiency and accountability in government spending-- something that I think we would all agree are worthwhile investments to have, and perhaps especially now during difficult times. Between uncertainty regarding our future health care system at the federal level, and the state's own efforts to make meaningful reform, it's important to leave no stone unturned in our efforts for health care cost containment efficiency and accountability. For these reasons I ask that you vote to overturn the veto.
Call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Senator Creem?
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo. No. Sal N. DiDomenico. Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F Humason Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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.
Senator Lovely? Senator Lovely?
Yes.
Yes. Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Yes. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch. Yes.
On this matter, 30 members have voted in the affirmative. Six members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 3000-6025 contained in section two, relative to commonwealth preschool partnership initiative, comes from the House with the endorsement that the House has passed this item not withstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 133 to 19.
Question before the Senate is shall this item passed, notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The senator from Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President, through to the members-- Madam President, it's interesting to note that in the Senate engrossed version of the budget of the General Appropriations Act, this item was appropriated for over $15 million, by my count. And in the conference committee report it was reduced to $200,000-- quite a variance, Madame President. And by the way, it is delightful to see you on the rostrum and how wonderfully you are presiding. But Madam President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation of this particular program because it appears that this particular item, or this particular veto, would eliminate the program, which the house did not fund. And Mr. President, which the Senate funded at $15 million.
So I'm trying to understand if the program takes $15 million to operate in the view of the Senate, and the House chose not to fund it at all, what the impact of $200,000 will be, number one. And number two, what the impact of eliminating that $200,000 would be. And whether or not, Madam President, this is a new program that sought to be funded with this $200,000. Thank you, Mr. President.
The second Middlesex and Suffolk-- excuse me, in Norfolk.
Thank you. This veto would eliminate the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative funded at $200,000 in the conference budget. Whereas current recipients of the federal preschool expansion grants served children as young as four, this initiative provides planning-- and this is for planning grants-- to communities looking to expand preschool opportunities to students from two years and nine months to three years and 11 months old. So this helps with planning.
In the past, we had provided funding for actual seats. That's being taken care of. Importantly, this grant program gives preference to communities that can secure a one to one match of state funds. We all know how important early childhood education is to a child's development and future success. This account will help to secure the success for even more students throughout the Commonwealth. For this reason, I ask that you vote to overturn the veto. Thank you.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. DeMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cyndy Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F Humason Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. 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.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. And James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
On this matter, 31 members having voted in the affirmative, five members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objection of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the matter. Paper from the House.
Item 3000-6073 contained in section two relative to early childhood mental health consultation services comes from the house with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 131 to 21.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President. You're doing a wonderful job at the rostrum. And, Madame President, I rise to ask about this particular item, which, again, seems very curious. And I'm hoping to benefit from the expertise of the gentlelady who leads the Committee on Ways and Means. It appears that this item was not funded in fiscal year '17, that the house sought to appropriate two and half million dollars, but the Senate contained in its version of the budget, zero. And so, Mr. President, through the Governor's reduction, it would appear, if it was sustained, to leave us with an amount of $1.25 million, which, Madame President, is $1.25 million than the Senate thought was appropriate to fund it at.
So I'm curious as to if we are being asked to override, why we are being asked to fund this item which the Senate, in its version of the budget, chose not to fund at all-- given the fact that even with the override in place this would leave the program at $1.25 million. I'm also curious, Madame President, if we can get some edification about whether or not this is a new program.
Second Middlesex and Norfolk.
Thank you. This veto would reduce funding for the early childhood mental health clinicians account by $1.25 million, as the gentleman from Gloucester acknowledged. It would cut the funding in half. These mental health clinicians provide comprehensive services to students in early education all the way up to age 14 both in and out of the classroom. This item has been funded in the past through prior budgets. And in fact, it's not that uncommon that the house sometimes funds something-- we have a certain pot of revenue.
Sometimes the house will fund certain items. Sometimes the Senate funds other items, and then it's hashed out in conference committee, what gets funded. That is the process. This grant-based program provides teacher training, classroom assessments, and parent consultations. And it works in particular to serve students affected by poverty, stress, and other environmental factors. I think we would all agree that supporting mental health services to our children in the Commonwealth is crucial to creating successful, educational, and even out of school environments. Therefore, I ask that you vote to overturn this veto. Thank you.
clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico. Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. 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 O. 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. Mayor Ross?
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
On this matter, 31 members having voted in the affirmative, five members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 4513-1027 contained in section two, relative Samaritans Inc Suicide Prevention services comes from the House with the endorsement. The House has passed this section notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 129 to 23.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary, the senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President. And through the members, I just would point out that, with regard to the last veto, I know that sometimes the branches fund things at different amounts, but with regard to the last particular item, we had not sought to fund it at all. So I think that's significantly different than funding at different amounts to reflect different priorities. But, Madame President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation of this particular veto. I believe it affects the Reach Out and Read Program. And my interpretation of this is that it would eliminate the program. I'm hoping that we can get an explanation of that.
The senator from second Middlesex and Norfolk.
Just to clarify to the minority leader, this is an override for the Samaritans Suicide Prevention, which I will address. This veto would reduce the Samaritans Inc Suicide Prevention account by $200,000. This is very notable, and we are taking this up today in light of it being suicide prevention month. Suicide, unfortunately has probably touched, in some way or another, through family, friends, neighbors, probably every single one of us here. I know I can say one of my closer friend's sons committed suicide a few years back. And we thought was doing all that's possible. You want to try to do all that's possible. Because, as we know, suicide is just so final.
The account funds an organization that provides services along the entire spectrum of services from intervention, prevention, education, and post intervention, the whole continuum. It's offered including a 24 hour, seven days a week hotline with texting options, community education, outreach workshops, grief support services, and peer to peer support groups. Depression and suicide are issues that could affect, really, any one of us almost at any time at any age. We have to support the organizations that are providing compassionate wrap around services to help alleviate suicidal feelings, to help members of our communities get through those hard times and come out on the other side hopefully. Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto and vote yes. Thank you.
The senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madame President. I appreciate the gentlelady who just spoke and who remarks. I think she makes a very compelling argument with regard to this item. I'm just hoping that she could provide some clarification of what the veto itself did in terms of reduction of spending and the impact that it would have.
From second Middlesex and Norfolk.
So the line item started with $400,000. The Governor cut $200,000, so he cut it in half, severely curtailing its ability to perform.
Thank you, Madam President. I think the gentlelady has made compelling arguments on behalf of this override. I think we all understand just how important it is to have timely and effective interventions with regard to suicide, and so, Madam President, I actually hope that the amendment, or the veto, is overwritten. Thank you.
Thank you. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
No. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo
Yes.
Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. 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. E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Yes. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
On this matter of 34 in the affirmative, two in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 3000-7070 contained in section two, Reach Out and Read, comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 139 to 13.
Senator from minority leader, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President. It's nice to see you up on the rostrum. It is very impressive to see the deep bench that's being reflected here today with our various presiding officers. Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation of this particular item, which I had earlier confused for the item that was pending before the Senate. Mr. President, I'm hoping that we can understand the impact of this particular veto, and if we are being asked to override it, what the rationale for that is. Thank you, Mr. President.
The senate chair of Ways & Means is now recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto would totally eliminate funding for the Reach Out and Read Program, which we funded at $1 million in the conference committee budget. Reach and Read is a program that provides books to doctors offices to assess childhood development and to promote early literacy in the home. We know that literacy is one of the foundational pillars of a child's entire educational career. And the process of learning to read really begins at home. It should begin at home. Using these funds, Reach out and Read's begins a life long educational journey for thousands of youth throughout the Commonwealth, and that improves their educational outcomes for years and years to come. Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto. Thank you.
Seeing no other questions. The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
No. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cyndy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. 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.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded? 31 members having voted in the affirmative, five in the negative, the item passes, notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper for the House.
Item 7009-6400, program for English language learners in gateway cities comes from the House for the endorsement that the House has passed this item notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 122 to 30.
Question comes before the Senate. Shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
All members have reported.
The chair recognizes the senator from Berkshire, Hampshire, and Franklin, and Hampden, Senator Hinds.
Adam G. Hinds. Votes Yes.
Chair recognizes the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk.
Mr. President, I wish [INAUDIBLE]
Michael F. Rush votes yes.
Have all members now been recorded?
Yeah.
31 members having voted in the affirmative, five having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 7035-0002 contained in section two, relative to adult basic education comes from the House with the endorsement that the House has passed this item notwithstanding the reduction in objections of His Excellency, the Governor, 122 to 32.
Mr. President. The chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President. You're doing an outstanding job at the rostrum. Mr. President, I'm hoping we can have an explanation for this item. It appears to me to be an earmark within the adult basic education line item for the city of Lawrence, but I don't know if that's a correct interpretation, so I'm hoping we can get an explanation and the rationale of [? wing ?] being asked to override this particular item.
Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means for that explanation.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto would eliminate $800,000 in general funding to adult basic education and $50,000 for the Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund. Adult basic education programs, as we know, they're designed to help adult populations gain the skills they need, the language skills, and other skills that they need to find career paths for themselves, and to help be more productive and self-sufficient members of our society. Adult basic education is a terrific source for economic development. It helps our workers, some of whom may have been out of work for years and often many are low income.
The Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund, for example, assists adults with citizenship education, citizenship application assistance, ESL, and computer training for low income adults. We must do all that we can to assure that everyone that wants a job has the opportunity to get one, and also find work that they find vocationally fulfilling. For these reasons, I ask that you vote to overturn the Governor's veto.
Question comes before the Senate, shall this item passed notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary, the Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico. Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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. Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Yes. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
30 members, having voted in the affirmative, six in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 7061-9401 containing section two relative to assessment to consortium, comes from the endorsement that the House has passed this item not withstanding disapproval of the Governor 119 to 33.
Question comes before the Senate, shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The Clerk will call the roll. The chair is in error.
That's OK. Sorry.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler. Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Senator Rush?
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
396.
The Chair recognizes the senator from Norfolk and Suffix, Senator Rush.
Mr. President, [INAUDIBLE] vote in the affirmative.
Michael F. Rush votes yes.
Have all members been recorded? Now they have.
30 members having voted in the affirmative, six in the negative. The item is passed notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Papers from the House.
Item 7066-1221 contained in section two Community College Workforce Grant Advisory Committee comes from the House with the endorsement that the House has passed this item notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 122 to 30.
Senator Tarr. The Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President. I will try forthwith to be as visible and as vocal as I possibly can.
That would be appreciated.
Mr. President, I was hoping that we can get an explanation of this particular veto, and if we are being asked to override it, the rationale for that request.
Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means for the purpose of an explanation.
Thank you. This veto, this particular veto, would reduce spending for the Community College work force grants by $750,000, basically eliminating the program in its entirety. These grants which support career training initiatives at the community college level are a very important source of funding for workforce development in the Commonwealth. After academic courses and career programs that build vocational skills and other skills, students are connected to local and regional employers through these grants. They obtain very critical necessary skills to make them better prepared and more able to enter the workforce. A strong workforce pipeline with uneducated and skilled workforce builds resilient communities, exactly what this Senate is looking for. So therefore I ask that you vote to overturn this veto. Thank you.
Chair recognizes Senator Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President, through the members. I appreciate the gentlelady's explanation of this very worthy program. And Mr. President, I'm inclined to be supportive of her request. I would just point out that this is an item that the Senate felt should not have been funded in its version of the budget, because my information indicates it was funded at 0 in the Senate engrossed version of the budget.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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. Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Yes. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
34 members having voted in the affirmative, two members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 7066-9600 containing section two, inclusive concurrent enrollment comes from the House with the endorsement that the House has passed this item notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 131 to 21.
Mr. President?
Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President and through to the members. Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation on this particular item, which the Governor has vetoed and which I believe we are being requested to override. Again, Mr. President, particularly in light of the fact that in the Senate budget, this item appears to have been funded at zero. So I believe the veto in question here reduced the program by some amount, and I'm hoping we can get an explanation of that, and what the impact would be if we do not override the veto. Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto would reduce funding for the concurrent enrollment program by $238,000, resulting in a final appropriation of $1.1 million. I do just want to remind the minority leader that this is the normal-- what has happened in the past often, as I said earlier, the House funds certain things. The Senate sometimes funds other things. We all just have one pot of revenue to fund so many of our critical programs and services, that it's at the conference committee level that we merge the budgets, so that we try to have a best approach to the programs and services that we can afford and within our fiscal constraints.
So, concurrent enrollment is a grant program that helps students with disabilities participate in college courses. Funds support partnerships between school districts and institutions of public higher education to allow enrollment in both credit and noncredit courses, that include students without disabilities. The results of this program have been very impressive. And not only is this program immensely valuable for the independence, and academic, and social growth of participants, but it benefits the students-- all of the students that are in the program or in the classroom who are able to learn in a much more diverse setting, so everybody learns and benefits from this. So, I ask that you vote to override his veto.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue. Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
Senator Tarr.
No. Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
32 members having voted in the affirmative, four members having voted in the negative, the item has passed notwithstanding the objections of the Governor two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 7077-0023 Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine has come from the House for the endorsement that the House has passed this item notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 122 to 30.
Question comes before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary.
Mr. President, point of parliamentary inquiry?
The gentleman shall state his point of parliamentary inquiry.
Mr. President, could the Clerk identify which item currently pends before the Senate?
Item number 7077-0023, Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine.
Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation of this particular item from the distinguished Chair of the Committee on Ways & Means.
Chair recognizes distinguished Chair of Ways & Means.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto would reduce funding for the Tufts Veterinarian Program by $1 million, resulting in a final appropriation of $4 million. The only veterinarian program of its kind in all of New England, the Tufts Veterinarian School is an important driver of economic activity, of health, and even security of the Commonwealth. With these funds, Tufts is able to offer tuition subsidies and seats to Massachusetts residents. Furthermore, and very importantly, funding in this account supports bioterrorism research and prevention by which the school works with Massachusetts emergency authorities to study diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The Tufts Veterinary Program is a valuable asset for the Commonwealth, and we should support it financially to secure these benefits. So, I ask that you vote to overturn this veto. Thank you.
If there are no other questions on this particular override, the Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Harriette L. Chandler?
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
No. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman. Fattman?
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds. Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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.
No.
No. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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.
No.
No. Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch. Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
30 members having voted in the affirmative, six having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Senate will be in a brief recess. Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President through to the members. Mr. President, on one particular item I think we deserve further consideration. So I move that Senate-- or item, rather, 7066-9600, and the vote that the Senate took on that matter be reconsidered. Motion to be made to reconsider. Is there no objection? Hearing none. All those in favor signify by saying aye-- all those opposed, no. The ayes have it. Reconsideration will prevail.
Question now comes on the current question before us is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the governor to the contrary. And this is, again, item number 7066-9600 that we'll be voting on. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger. Yes. Harriette L. Chandler. Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
Yes. John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Yes. Eric P. Lesser. 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. Michael O. Moore. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives. Yes. Marc 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. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
In the negative.
The gentleman recognizes senator Fattman.
Ryan C. Fattman votes yes.
All set? 36 members having voted in the affirmative, none in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. [INAUDIBLE].
OK. Paper from the House.
Item 7100-0700, Office of Dispute Resolution Operations, comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the action of the governor and his disapproval, 121 to 31.
Madame President.
Yes, the senator from first Essex and Middlesex, for what do you ask?
Why, thank you, Madam President. It's delightful to see you on the rostrum as we continue to see the depth of the majority bench here this afternoon with [? presiders ?] coming in from the bullpen to carry us into the late innings. It is great to see you, Madam President. And Madame President, I'm hoping that we can get an explanation of this current item that now pends before the Senate, which is relative to dispute resolution.
It appears to me, from my cursory read of this, that this veto, if not overridden, would actually eliminate the program. So I'm hoping we can get an explanation, Madam President, and also an explanation as to whether or not the Senate would be eligible for the services of the Office of Dispute Resolution. Thank you, Madame President.
Yes. The Chair recognizes the chairman of Ways & Means, senator from the [INAUDIBLE].
Thank you, Madam President. I would argue that we all get along so well. We do not need the services of dispute resolution, but I'm sure they're available for the State if need be. And the minority leader is 100% correct that this veto totally eliminates the funding for the Office of Public Collaboration Dispute Resolution, cutting $750,000. This is a very small cost to the Commonwealth. The Office of Public Collaboration at UMass Boston is an important cost saving resource.
Many of you-- and this is what I used to do-- conflict resolution-- dispute resolution prior to coming to the legislature working with the child courts, working with organizations. It is a very important function where trained volunteers-- and I stress the word, volunteers-- work with local governments in the trial court and other areas of the community to find innovative solutions to conflict. These grants allow for the conflict to be resolved with the help of a third party in a neutral forum. It helps to reduce litigation and settlement expenses and the Office saves the Commonwealth money. I stress that. This Office saves the Commonwealth money, and it improves efficiency. For these reasons, I ask that you vote to overturn the governor's veto. Thank you.
Question before the Senate is shall the item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger. Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz. Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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.
Have all members been recorded? The roll call is closed. On this matter, 33 members have voted in the affirmative, three members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 7112-0100, Framingham State University comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction from His Excellency, the Governor, 116 to 34.
The question before the Senate is shall this matter item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Yes. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Mr. Clerk, have all members voted?
Yes.
Yes. OK. OK. 30 in the affirmative. Six in the negative.
On this matter, 30 members have voted in the affirmative, six members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objection of the Governor, two thirds of the members have voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 1599-4417 contained in section two, EJ Collins Jr. Center for Public Management, comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 118 to 34.
Question before the Senate is shall the item pass notwithstanding the objection of the Governor to the contrary. And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue. Yes. James B. Eldridge. Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi. Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all [INAUDIBLE]. On this matter, 29 members haven't voted in the affirmative, six members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 1599-7114, UMass Center at Springfield comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval of His Excellency, the Governor, 120 to 32.
Madame President.
Yes. The good senator from first Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Why thank you, Madam President. What an outstanding job you are doing upon the rostrum this afternoon. As we get into the late innings you've come off the bench, and you are doing an outstanding job as our presiding officer. I noticed, Madame President, that you have a significant flurry of papers up there. And I'm thinking you might be examining the Uniform Commercial Code to determine the applicability of some of these particular items.
But Madame President, I'm hoping that we can hear about the next item that pends before the Senate. I'm hoping that we can understand the impact of this particular veto and the rationale if we are being requested to override it. Thank you, Madam President.
And thank you to the senator. I want him to know that I had, in advanced, checked the Uniform Commercial Code, so that I would know the answer before we got here. The senator chair of Ways and Means first Middlesex-- Essex and Middlesex-- no, sorry. set in Middlesex and Norfolk, Senator Spilka.
Thank you, Madam President. This veto would totally eliminate the funding for operational costs at the UMass Springfield satellite office. Now we don't want to do that. It would cut $250,000. The UMass system is a world class public university system. And it's a critical economic engine and a provider of top tier educational opportunities that students and families can afford. The UMass Center at Springfield represents a unique partnership between the UMass system, Holyoke Community College, and Springfield Technical Community College. Students can participate in undergraduate, graduate, and certificate level classwork and course work, with a focus on the work force needs of that region.
This is something we all have talked that we should be doing more of in the Commonwealth. This line item supports the services so that more students and more communities can take advantage of this wonderful resource in the Commonwealth. Even during difficult budget times, I would argue that even more so during difficult budget times, it's critical that we remain staunch supporters of our education system and our UMass system, so more students can afford to go to higher Ed. Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto.
The question before the Senate. Oh, yes. Senator Tarr?
Why, thank you, Madam President, and through you to the gentlelady at the microphone. Madame President, this particular item is titled the UMass Center for the Study of Racial Justice, but it appears that this might be a sub-component in that line item. So I rise to ask for further clarification because what the distinguished Chair of Ways & Means explained, seem to be a collaborative program between various institutions, which makes perfect sense. But I'm curious about the titling of this particular item. And, Madame President, I move the Senate to be in a brief recess.
The Senate is in a brief recess.
Chairman of Ways & Means, second Middlesex and Norfolk, Senator Spilka. Oh, Kenny, sorry. You guys have got to-- who's Tarr? Who's on first. The Senate-- the minority leader, first Essex and Middlesex, Senator Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President. I realize that this has taken on the appearance of a tennis match, so I can understand the back and forth volley. But, Madame President, my question for the distinguished chair lady of the Committee on Ways & Means is whether or not this item actually funds workforce development programs, as Opposed to the study of racial justice. Thank you, Madam President.
Yes, it's for workforce development.
The clerk will call-- and the clerk will call the roll.
When I was writing, it was 57. Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger. Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded? Senator Forry?
[INAUDIBLE]
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes.
Thank you. So, all members have been recorded? On this matter, 31 members have voted in the affirmative, five members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 1599-7115, UMass state regional campus, comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 120 to 32.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objection of the governor to the contrary. He said [INAUDIBLE].
OK.
And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
No. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. Michael F. Rush. Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Yes. Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
No. Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
Yes. James T. Welch.
Yes.
Yes.
Have all members voted? On this matter, 31 members have voted in the affirmative, five members have voted in the negative. The item passes notwithstanding the objection of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0005 contained in section two, Youth Violence Prevention Program grants comes from for the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction or objections of His Excellency, the Governor, 121 to 33.
Yes, the Chair recognizes the senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate it. I was hoping that the Chair of Ways & Means might be able to give us some understanding in regards to this particular line item that is being overridden. It seems to be, at least from what I can tell, more earmarks than it is the broader Youth Violence Prevention Program grant. And so my hope is that we might be able to get an understanding, if in fact, these are just specific earmarks-- which I thought we weren't doing. We were doing something more on a broad scale due to the revenue picture, so I'm hoping we might be able to get an analysis.
Thank you. And the Senator from second Essex, assistant Ways & Means, Senator locally.
Thank you, Madam President. This veto would eliminate three local projects for youth development and violence prevention services in the city of Springfield, funded through the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative in executive office for Health and Human Services, totaling $70,000. These initiatives represent investments in the young people of Springfield, reducing the likelihood of gang involvement and offering constructive alternatives to violence, investments in minimizing youth violence to the safe and successful successful youth initiative demonstrates a return through better life outcomes for young people, reduced crime, and reduced need for spending on incarceration. Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto. Thank you.
The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. DeMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
No. Patricia D. 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.
Lovely?
Yes.
Yes. Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Yes. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Yes. Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Yes. Richard J. Ross.
No.
No. 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. Bruce E. Tarr. votes no.
32 members having voted in the affirmative-- on this matter, 32 members having voted in the affirmative, five members having voted in negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objection of the governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. The Senate will be in a brief recess.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0007, contained in section two, unaccompanied homeless youth services, come from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval of His Excellency, the Governor 140 to 12.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The Senate will be in a brief recess. [INAUDIBLE] will come to order. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Plymouth, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to my colleagues. I was hoping that the gentlelady from Salem might be able to give us an explanation in regards to this line item before us, item 4000-0007, in regards to unaccompanied homeless youth services, so we might get an understanding of exactly what this particular override does-- in light of the fact that we spent a million last year, and it was the Conference Committee was $675,000.
The Chair recognizes the gentlelady from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto would cut $675,000 in funding for unaccompanied homeless youth Services, eliminating funding completely for this line item. This funding supports shelter beds, counseling services, and transitional housing programs for young, vulnerable youth ages 18 to 24, across the Commonwealth. This line item has been a priority of the Senate since the passage of the unaccompanied youth homeless bill in 2014. During the FY 2018 debate process, this body showed our strong commitment to vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.
Funding the unaccompanied homeless youth program at $2.5 million. Overriding this veto, we will not only show that our commitment to these services remains strong but also ensure that administering agencies will be able to continue providing services. Without this funding, the effects on youth, specific shelter beds, and services would be profound, and would set us further back. Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto. Thank you.
Question comes before the Senate is shall this pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
No. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
No. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen. Senator 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
35 matters having-- 35 members having voted in the affirmative, two members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House. Item 4000-0601, containing section two, MassHealth senior care comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 140 to 12.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Plymouth, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and through you to my colleagues. I'm asking if we might be able to get an explanation in regards to line item 4000-0601. It's the MassHealth senior care. In FY '17, the spending was zero here. The Conference Committee came out at $3.5 million-- I'm sorry, the Conference Committee was at $3.5 billion. So, I'm hoping we might be able to get an explanation of why it was FY '17, it was 0. I'm assuming that the line item was changed. Maybe we might be able to get an explanation for that, and why it should be overwritten. Thank you.
The lady from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto reduces the MassHealth senior care by $5 million. This line item funds crucial long term services and supports needs for our seniors on MassHealth, including innovative programs. It's combined spending on medical in-home care services in order to keep our residents out of the hospital and in the community. This $5 million will help ensure these services are fully funded for the seniors who need them, and will help our MassHealth program address caseload changes throughout the year. As demographic shifts result in more residents of the Commonwealth becoming senior citizens, it is important to fund the most successful and efficient programs to keep them healthy. Therefore, I ask that the veto is overturned. Thank you.
The question comes before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The Senate recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Why, thank you, Mr. President. It's delightful to see you upon the rostrum, as we continue to pull folks-- [? presiders ?] out of the bullpen here. And it's nice to see you upon the rostrum, and also, Mr. President, nice to see the gentlelady from Salem pinch hitting for the Committee on Ways & Means, and doing it so well. Mr. President, we're trying to ascertain the impact of this particular veto. Because if you look at this line item, in the past fiscal year it is zero, but we know that this is not a new program, because obviously the things that she described have been funded in the past. So we're trying to ascertain, if we possibly can, and hopefully with her help, what this item was funded at in the last fiscal year, given the fact that it might have been a combination of different line items-- or it might have been just one different line item. So we're trying to understand, to put this into context, what this is currently funded-- or what it was funded at in the past fiscal year.
Senate will be in a brief recess. Senate will come to order. The Chair recognizes the lady from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you to the minority leader for this very good question. It actually has to do with a shift in the line item. For fiscal year '17, line item 4000-0600, the MassHealth senior care options was funded at $3,516,116,093. And it got shifted down to MassHealth senior care, line item 0601, at $3,526,935,443-- so a difference of about $10 million. And so it really was a shift in the line item cost at that point. Hope that explains that for you. Veto is overwritten. Thank you.
The Chair recognizes gentleman from Essex, Mr.Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to thank the gentlelady for her explanation, which clarifies the situation significantly. So, I appreciate the explanation.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
It's 4:23.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler. Senator Chandler. Senator Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Yes. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore. Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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.
On this matter, 37 members having voted in the affirmative, zero in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0641, MassHealth nursing home supplemental rates comes from the House that this action has passed the House by a vote of 147 to 5, notwithstanding the reduction and objections from His Excellency, the Governor.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. I'm hoping that we can have an explanation of this particular item, and if we are being asked to override it, the rationale for that request. Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair recognizes the gentlelady from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka.
Thank you, Mr. President. This veto reduces the funding for MassHealth nursing home rates by $7.5 million. The majority of residents of the Commonwealth-- the majority of residents of the Commonwealth nursing homes are funded through MassHealth. And while rates to these providers have increased over the last several years, more must be done to ensure that nursing homes remain solvent. There are many, many of our residents across the state that live and rely upon these nursing homes. Even as we attempt to reform our long term services and supports systems to allow as many people as possible to receive care at home, many MassHealth members do, in fact, require care that can only be delivered in this kind of facility. To support and improve our nursing homes and their workers, we must continue to increase their funding. Therefore, I ask that you vote to override this veto.
The question before the Senate is shall this pass not withstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Yes. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives. Yes. Marc 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.
Have all members been recorded?
I just wait for the number?
On this matter, 37 members having voted that voted in the affirmative, zero members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0641 containing section two, MassHealth nursing home supplemental rates comes from the House with the endorsement that this item has-- we just did that one. Item 4590-1503, pediatric palliative care, having come from the House with the endorsement this item has passed notwithstanding the actions of the Governor, 139 to 13.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor to the contrary. The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Yes. Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes. Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
Yes. William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Yes. Harriette L. Chandler. Yes. Sonia Chang-Diaz. Yes. Cynthia Stone Creem. Yes. Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes. Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Yes. Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Yes. Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
Yes. James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Yes. Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Yes. Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Yes. Cindy F. Friedman. Yes. Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Yes. Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Yes. Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Yes. Patricia D. Jehlen. Yes. John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Yes. Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Yes. Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Yes. Barbara A. L'Italien. Yes. Joan B. Lovely. Yes. Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Yes. Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Yes. Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Yes. Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Yes. Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Yes. Marc 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.
I didn't know if I-- on this matter, 37 members having voted in the affirmative, zero members having voted in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative. The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, office in order of which the clerk will read.
Order there when the Senate adjourns today, adjourned to meet again on Monday next at 11:00 AM, and the clerk be directed to dispense with the printing of a calendar.
The question comes on adoption of the order. Is there objection? The Chair hears none, and the order is adopted. The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, moves that when the Senate adjourns today, it adjourn in the memory of Miguel Antonio Roldan-Castro Sr. Of chick a-p Miguel Antonio Roldan-Castro Sr. of Chicopee, a well-known community activist, died on Monday, August 21st, 2017 after a prolonged illness. Miguel proudly served his community over many years as the vice chair, and affirmative action officer, and minority leader of the Chicopee Democratic City Committee. He also served as Chairman of the Chicopee Commission on Disability, where he worked to improve the quality of life for disabled residents of Chicopee.
Additionally, Miguel was an appointed member of Chicopee's zoning board of appeals, using his experience as a paralegal to assist the city with permit and zoning issues. Miguel also previously served as president of the Worcester-based Hispanic Americans United of New England. Miguel was a proud son, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, and friend. He is described by his dear friend Al Kendall of Chicopee as having, "gone about doing good quietly." Miguel never sought recognition for his efforts to improve his community. He is survived by his son, Elvis Roldan and 8-year-old grandson, Josiah.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the motion prevails. The Senate will be in a moment of silence. The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Montigny, moves that the Senate do now adjourn. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. And the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Miguel Antonio Roldan-Castro Sr. of Chicopee, to meet again Monday next at 11:00 AM.
