Session DetailsSenate Session (Full Formal with Calendar)

The hour to which the Senate adjourn. Having arrived, the Senate will come to order. The chair asks all members, guests, and staff to please rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. 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.

[HITS GAVEL]

Several resolutions have been presented, which the clerk will read.

By Mr. DiDomenico, resolutions congratulating Sandra Albano on her retirement. By Ms. Lovely, resolutions recognizing Dr. Henry Mejía Oviedo's visit to the Commonwealth in celebration of Dominican Independence Day. And by Mr. Cyr, a resolution congratulating Mary Hill Tucker on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

The question now comes on adoption of the resolutions. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted. Ready? Ready?

[INAUDIBLE].

OK. Report of a committee.

The Committee on Ways and Means, to whom is referred the Senate bill to protect access to confidential health care, Senate number 591. Reports recommend the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title. Senate number 2296, Karen E. Spilka for the committee.

The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka, has presented an order, which the clerk will read.

Order that notwithstanding Senate rule 7, or any other rule to the contrary, the Senate bill to protect access to confidential health, Senate number 591, the Committee on Ways and Means having recommended the bill be amended by substituting the new draft, Senate number 296, shall be placed in the orders of the day for a second reading on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. All amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5:00 PM on Monday, February 12, 2018. All such amendments shall be second reading Amendment to the Senate number 2296, but further amendments in the third degree to such amendment shall be in order.

The clerk shall further specify the procedure and format for filing all amendments consistent with this order. After the bill is amended, it is ordered to a third meeting. It shall immediately be read a a third time, and the question shall then immediately be on passing it to be engrossed, and no amendment shall be in order at the third reading of the bill unless recommended by the Committee on Bills in the third reading.

Under the rules, the order is referred to the Committee on Rules.

Report of a committee.

Report of a committee.

The Committee on Rules, to whom is referred, said Senate order report recommend the same ought to be adopted. Mark C. Montigny for the committee.

The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Pacheco, moves that the rules be suspended so that that matter may be considered forthwith. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the rules are suspended. The question now comes on adoption of the order. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, nay. The ayes have it and the order is adopted.

Report of a committee.

The Committee on Ways and Means to whom is referred the Senate bill expanding the Community College Training Incentive Program, Senate number 676. Reports recommend the same ought to pass with an amendment substituting a new draft with the same title, Senate number 2297. Karen E. Spilka for the committee.

The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka, has presented an order, which the clerk will read.

Order that notwithstanding Senate rule 7 or any other rule to the contrary, the Senate bill expanding the Community College Training Incentive Program, Senate number 676. The Committee on Ways and Means having recommended the bill be amended by substituting a new draft, Senate number 2297, shall be placed in the [INAUDIBLE] for second reading Wednesday, February 14, 2018. All Amendments shall be filed electronically in the office of the clerk of the Senate by 5:00 PM.

On Monday, February 12, 2018, all such Amendments shall be second reading Amendments to the Ways and Means new draft, Senate number 2297. But further Amendments to the third degree to such Amendments shall be in order. The clerk shall further specify the procedure and format for filing all Amendments consistent with this order. After the bill is amended, it is ordered to a third meeting. It shall immediately be read a third time. And the question shall then immediately be, on passing it, to be engrossed. And no Amendment shall be in order at the third reading of the bill unless recommended by the Committee on Bills in the third reading.

Under the rules, the order will be referred to the Committee on Rules. Report of a committee.

The Committee on Rules, to whom is referred, said Senate order reports recommend the same ought to be adopted. Mark C. Montigny for the committee.

The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, rules that the rules be suspended so that the matter may be considered forthwith. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the rules are suspended. The question now comes on the adoption of the order. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the order is adopted.

Ready? Paper from the House.

The Senate bill authorizing the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority to convey a certain parcel of land in the town of Sheffield to the Great Barrington Housing Authority, Senate number 2102, comes from the House with the endorsement that the House has passed a bill to be engrossed in concurrence with an amendment in Section 1, in lines 1 to 10 inclusive, by striking out the paragraph contained in those lines and inserting in place thereof a new section 1.

The senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg, moves that the rules be suspended to allow the matter be considered forthwith. Is there an objection? The chair hears none, and the rules are suspended. The question comes on concurring in the House amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the Senate concurs in the House amendment. If there is no objection, item number 117 on page 6 of the calendar, an act providing for the purchase of the Milford Water Company by the town of Milford, House number 3978, will be considered forthwith. Is there an objection? The chair hears none. Third reading of the bill.

An act providing for the purchase of the Milford Water Company by the town of Milford, House number 3978.

The question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is passed to be engrossed. If there is no objection, item number 119 on page 6 of the calendar, an act relative to the dissolution of the Milford Water Company and the acquisition of its assets by the town of Milford. House number 4055 will be considered forthwith. Is there an objection? The chair hears none. Third reading of the bill.

An act [INAUDIBLE] relative to the dissolution of the Milford Water Company and the acquisition of its assets by the town of Milford, House number 4055.

The question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is passed to be engrossed. Senate will be in a brief recess.

[GAVEL]

Will come to order. Is there any objection with proceeding with the orders of the day? The chair hears none. On page 1, the first item is calendar item number 127, Senate number 2245. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is ordered to a third reading. The next item is calendar item number 128, Senate number 2271. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is ordered to a third reading. The next item is calendar item number 129, House number 3873. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is ordered to a third reading.

This will be the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason.

The next item is calendar item number 130, House number 3942. The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is ordered to a third reading. The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason, moves that the rules be suspended so that the matter may be considered forthwith. Is there an objection? The chair hears none. Third reading of the bill.

An act relative to the retirement benefits of certain employees of the City of Chicopee, House number 3942.

The bill has been read a third time. The question now comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it and the bill is passed to be engrossed. On page 2, the next item is calendar item number 132.

Pass!

Chair hears pass.

Brief recess now.

Senate will be in a brief recess.

[GAVEL]

Come to order. On page 2, the first item passed over is calendar item number 132, House number 4045. The question now comes on ordering the bill to a third reading, coming first on an amendment, as recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means.

Senate will be in a brief recess.

The Senate will come to order. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

Why, thank you, Mr. President. And good morning.

Good morning.

It is wonderful to be here with you and our colleagues this morning for the very important measures that will come before the Senate during today's session. And Mr. President, currently on the calendar, and now pending before the Senate, is a very substantial bond bill, which I know has been filtered through the Committee on Bond and Capital Expenditures and State Assets, and also is now has been the subject of an effort by the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. President, I would point out that this bond bill represents bond authorizations for over $3.5 billion. So this is a serious exercise in allocating state assets.

So Mr. President, I'm hoping that before we get into the several amendments-- and I know that there are many amendments-- that we can have an explanation, preferably from the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, who is presently in consultation with the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Bond and Capital Expenditures and State Assets. They may be working out the final details and comparing notes of their analysis of this particular bill. So hopefully any last minute information that can come as a result of that conversation will be shared with us.

I know the gentle lady who was the distinguished Chair of the Committee on Ways and Means has a very large notebook with regard to this subject, and she has now got that notebook open, and so I'm hoping that she will pry it open even further and share with us an overview of the bond bill that now pends before the Senate. I appreciate her work on this, and I look forward to her explanation, and I thank you, Mr. President.

The chair recognizes the gentle lady from-- where are you from? From Norfolk and Suffolk.

Some days I wonder.

Yeah, I wonder. I wonder what counties. I'm learning. Norfolk and Suffolk-- Ms. Spilka.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to thank the minority leader for asking for an update as a highlight of what this bill does. So I will talk briefly about it, give a brief overview.

[COUGHS]

Excuse me. Today we take up Senate 2279 to provide for the Commonwealth's capital needs. The bill before us authorizes the issuance of up to $3,546,000,000. And I will repeat that-- $3,546,000,000 in bonds. It authorizes that for the improvement of capital facilities of the commonwealth and for the general operations, for general government operations, including $475 million for state university and community college campus improvements that's desperately needed across our commonwealth to make sure our public higher ed students have the best possible education that we can give them, and they deserve nothing less.

$475 million for the University of Massachusetts system for campus improvements-- we know that we have been continually investing in the UMass system. We need to continue to invest in the UMass system, also, to make sure those campuses provide the best education, not only for public higher ed, but for all of the education for our students here. $675 million for the trial court facility improvements. We have some trial court buildings across the commonwealth that are literally falling apart. I know the one in my district-- believe it or not, there's four walls to a building. We all know that. The rear wall is separating from the rest of the other three walls. It has literally been separating. It's very old. It's fallen apart.

$85 million for the Clean Energy Investment Program to improve the energy efficiency of state-owned facilities. To put this all in perspective, at the close of 2017, the Debt Affordability Committee recommended a total issuance of $2.34 billion for fiscal year 2019. This is an increase of approximately rightly 3.5% over the fiscal year 2018 issuance cap of $2.26 billion. As of August 31, the commonwealth's total outstanding debt was $26.1 billion, including $20.6 billion in direct debt subject to the statutory limit. That limit will increase from $22.9 billion in 2018 to $24 billion in fiscal year '19.

So all of the debt that we incur has that cap that we cannot incur any other debt over that bond cap. So the bill before us responsibly-- and I stress the word responsibly-- provides for the capital needs of the commonwealth and assures that we are providing those capital needs and covering every corner of the state, all around the state, and the needs. We must equally provide for all regions of the state. And I believe that the bill before us makes great strides towards this effort to help all of the residents of our commonwealth. Therefore, I ask for your support of this bill. I ask that when we do the final bill that when the vote would be taken, it be taken with a call of the yeas and nays.

The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka, has asked that when a vote is taken, it be taken by a call of yeas and nays. Those members joining with her please rise and be counted. A sufficient number of members haven't arisen. The yeas and nays will be ordered when the time comes. The chair recognizes Ms. Spilka.

I do just would like to add that this has been a really strong collective effort and acknowledge the chair of bonding, the senator from Quincy, who has done a yeoman's job in these efforts. And I thank him for it. I know that he would like to expound on the bond cap and the other issues surrounding the state bonding, but I also would like to thank each one of the senators who has given their input, their priorities, and put a lot of time towards creating this fiscally responsible bill. Thank you.

Recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

Thank you, Mr. President and [INAUDIBLE] the members. Mr. President, I appreciate the gentlelady's explanation. And I do appreciate the very important fact that she cited that the passage of this bond bill would not violate the principles that we have in terms of an overall bond spending cap and the fiscal discipline. That's absolutely imperative here. And I appreciate that. I would sound a note of caution, that we continue to in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have very high levels of indebtedness per capita versus states all across the country.

And so even as we move forward with this exercise, I appreciate the elements of fiscal discipline that she has cited. But I, again, do not think it would be proper to undertake this exercise without realizing that we still have, as a collective situation, very high levels of bonded indebtedness. With that, Mr. President, I look forward to consideration of the several amendments.

Shall I just get started, or you want to--

[INAUDIBLE] amendments have been submitted, filed for the bill at hand. We are going to begin with them forthwith. Amendment number 1, filed by the gentleman from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 1 by Mr. Eldridge, Hudson Rotary reconstruction.

The question comes on adopting the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 2, filed by the gentleman from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 2 by Mr. Eldridge, Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 3, filed by the gentleman from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 3, by Mr. Eldridge, North-South Rail Link.

Question now comes on adoption of the amendment. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge.

Thank you, Mr. President. And I want to thank the lady from Ashland, the Chairwoman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, for her excellent work on putting together this capital bond bill, as well as the gentleman from Quincy, Senate Chair of Capital Bonding. I just want to briefly talk about this amendment, Amendment number 3, which is $10 million to update and complete a final environmental impact statement in reporting on the North-South Rail Link. I am very proud that the Senate has taking the lead, going back to the Transportation Bond Bill of four years ago, to pass a $2 million feasibility study for the North-South Rail Link, which the Baker and Polito administration is currently studying, and a study is hopefully going to be come back to us in July.

However, Mr. President, I think the recognition is we need an environmental impact of the North-South Rail Link, not only to preserve that path, but also to get a better sense of the cost of building a North-South Rail Link. It's a critical link, not only for improving traffic congestion in Boston, but I would say the entire MBTA commuter rail system in general. And this earmark not only would provide that study, but it sends a message, Mr. President, that the Senate strongly stands behind the North-South Rail Link, and we need to invest in transportation infrastructure. Many of the earmarks, which are in this capital bond bill, are doing just that. Urge my colleagues to support Amendment number 3. Thank you, Mr. President.

[INAUDIBLE] amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 4, filed by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 4, by Mr. Tarr, Gloucester Court Amendment.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 5, filed by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 5, by Mr. Tarr, Essex Public Safety Building.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 6, filed by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 6, by Mr. Tarr, Groveland Senior Center.

Question comes on adoption of the Amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the Amendment is adopted. Amendment number 7, filed by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 7, by Mr. Tarr, Patton Homestead Museum Restoration in Hamilton.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 8, filed by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 8, by Mr. Tarr, Intergenerational Community Center in North Redding.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the Amendment is adopted. Amendment number 9, filed by the gentleman from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 9, but Mr. O'Connor, Cohasset Town Hall Construction.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 10, filed by the gentleman from Plymouth and Nofolk, Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 10, by Mr. O'Connor, Hingham Town Hall Improvement Project.

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

Amendment number 11, filed by the gentleman from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 11, by Mr. O'Connor, Weymouth Department of Public Works Improvement Project.

The question comes on ordering on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 12 filed by the gentleman from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 12 by Mr. O'Connor, Marshfield and Situate Senior Center Improvement Projects.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 13, filed by the gentlelady from Middlesex, Ms. Friedman, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 13 by Ms. Friedman, Southern Middlesex Justice Complex.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 14, filed by the gentlelady from Middlesex, Ms. Friedman, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 14 by Ms. Friedman, Ned O'Brien Ice Rink Renovations.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 15, filed by the gentlelady from Middlesex, Ms. Friedman, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 15 by Ms. Friedman, Minuteman High School's Photovoltaic Overlay District.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 16, filed by the gentleman from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 16 by Mr. Hinds, Pittsfield Police Station.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 17, filed by the gentleman from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 17 by Mr. Hinds, North Adams Public Safety Facility.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 18, filed by the gentleman from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 18 by Mr. Hinds Health Public Safety Complex.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 19, filed by the gentleman from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 19 by Mr. Hinds, Pittsfield Parking Garage.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 20, filed by the gentleman from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 20 by Mr. Keenan, Quincy Ferry Terminal.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 21, filed by the gentleman from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 21 by Mr. Keenan, Quincy Public Safety Building.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 22, filed by the gentleman from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 22 by Mr. Cyr, North Truro Center Improvements.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 23, filed by the gentleman from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 23 by Mr. Cyr, Barnstable County Regional Government Facilities.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 24, filed by the gentleman from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 24 by Mr. Boncore, Magazine Beach Powder House.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Amendment number 25, filed by the gentlelady from Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 25 by Ms. Chang-Diaz, Jackson Square Recreation Center.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 26, filed by the gentlelady from Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 26 by Ms. Chang-Diaz, Infrastructure Upgrades at Roxbury Community College.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 27, filed by the gentlelady from Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz, the title of the which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 27 by Ms. Chang-Diaz, Boston Fire Department Engine 42.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 28 is on hold. Amendment number 29, filed by the gentleman from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 29 by Mr. Boncore, Winthrop Fire Station.

Question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 30, filed by the gentleman from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 30 by Mr. Boncore, Parish Street Pool, East Boston.

Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 31, filed by the gentleman from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 31 by Mr. Rush, Needham Public Safety.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 32, filed by the gentleman from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 32 by Mr. Rush, Norwood Rink and Recreation Center.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 33, filed by the gentleman from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 33 by Mr. Rush, Municipal Reimbursement.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 34, filed by the gentlelady from Middlesex, Ms. Donaghue, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 34 by Ms. Donaghue, Lowell Judicial Center.

Question now comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 35, filed by the gentlelady from Middlesex, Ms. Donaghue, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 35 by Ms. Donaghue, Lowell Public Safety.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 36, filed by the gentleman from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 36 by Mr. Rosenberg, Turner Falls Canal District Development and Safety Project.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. I'll just finish this page. Only two more.

OK, [INAUDIBLE].

Amendment number 37, filed by the gentleman from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number 37 by Mr. Rosenberg, Bank Road Development Project.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, say no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Amendment number 38, filed by the gentleman from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg, the title of which the clerk shall read.

Amendment number of 38 by Mr. Rosenberg, South Hadley Senior Center.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Senate will be in a brief recess.

The Senate will come to order. The chair recognizes the gentleman from Plymouth and Norfolk to make an introduction of some guests. Mr. O'Connor.

Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Madam President for the opportunity to introduce you through you to the members. I'm very fortunate today to introduce students from across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are members of the SkillsUSA Massachusetts Team. The SkillsUSA Massachusetts is a state association of SkillsUSA, which is the national organization that serves over 300,000 high school and college students and professional members who enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations.

Massachusetts proudly serves the largest membership of SkillsUSA in the nation with more than 34,000 of our young students, teachers, and administrators in these programs in 51 high schools and colleges. SkillsUSA prepares Americas high performance workers by providing quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. SkillsUSA builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes, and communication skills. SkillsUSA Massachusetts programs include local and state competitions, in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills.

During the annual State Leadership and Skills Conference, more than 2,500 students compete in 101 occupational and leadership skill areas. Here with us today to my left, to your right, sitting in the balcony area, we have a group of student leaders and educators representing 12 towns and cities in our commonwealth, and including two constituents of mine. These students were elected by their fellow members to represent the 34,000 SkillsUSA members that we have in our great state.

With us today is Karimah Land of Randolph, Olivia McFarland of Sandwich, Dakota Chixarro of New Bedford, Madison Bozaryth of New Bedford, Kenny Dela-Cruz of Lowell, Brittany Borowski of Leominster, Adam Cavanaugh of Milford, is Celia Wallace of Raynham, Kevin Luna-Torres of Ashland, and staff members Dr. Nancy Houle of Leominster, Jared Berman of Weymouth, and Karen Ward of Marshfield. Ladies and gentlemen, it's SkillsUSA.

[APPLAUSE]

Thank you, SkillsUSA, for joining us.

[GAVEL]

Thank you, Skills USA, for joining us today, and I hope that you will stay and watch some of the proceedings. This is a long day and an important day for us. Where are we?

39.

39.

We are on number 39 sponsored by the senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 39 by Mr. Rosenberg, Amherst Senior Services.

Where am I? The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means Amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the Ways and Means amendment is adopted.

[INAUDIBLE].

What?

Rosenberg amendment.

Excuse me-- mistaken. Let me read that over. The ayes have it, and the Rosenberg amendment is adopted. Brief recess.

[GAVEL]

The Senate will be in session. We are now number 40, offered by the senator from Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester, Mr. Rosenberg. The clerk will read the title.

Amendment number 40 by Mr. Rosenberg, Sweetser Park.

The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means amendment. No? Is that the Ways and Means or is that--

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

[GAVEL]

It's very difficult to hear in here. Please subdue your conversations. We're now on number 41, offered by the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush. The clerk will read the amendment.

Amendment number 41 by Mr. Rush, Boston Emergency Operations Center.

The question comes on adoption of the amendment. All those in favor, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The question is adopted. We will go on to question number 42, Amendment number 42, offered by the senator from Norfolk, Plymouth, and Bristol and Plymouth, and Bristol, and Norfolk, offered by Senators Timilty and Feeney.

And this is on hold.

And this is on hold. Go to number 43, offered by the senators from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth and Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty and Keenan, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 43 by Senators Timilty and Keenan, Braintree Fire Department.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. OK, so we're now on 45?

44.

44. We're now on number 44, offered by the senators from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timility and the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 44 by Senators Timilty and Brady, East Bridgewater Water Storage.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. We're on number 45, offered by the senators, again, from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, and the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 45 by Senators Timilty and Brady, Eastern Public Safety Equipment.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. We are now on number 46, offered by the senators from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, and the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 46 by Senators Timilty and Brady, East Bridgewater Public Safety Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. We're on to 47, offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 47 by Mr. Timilty, Local Town Services.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. On to 48, offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 48 by Mr. Timilty, Town of Canton Facilities Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.

49 is on hold.

Number 49, offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, is on hold. Number 50, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Barstow, Mr. deMacedo, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 50 by Mr. deMacedo, Fire Station in the Town of Falmouth.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. We are now on 51, which I believe is withdrawn. Am I correct? Number 52, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 52 by Mr. deMacedo, Sandwich Public Safety Complex.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 53 has been withdrawn. Number 54, offered by the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 54 by Mr. Boncore, Revere DPW Building.

All those in favor of the amendment say, aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 55, offered by the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 55 by Ms. Creem, Newton Senior Center.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 56, offered by the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 56 by Mr. Barrett, Lexington Police Department Radio Console.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 57? Number 57, offered by the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 57 by Mr. Barrett, Local Accessibility Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 58, offered by the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 58 by Mr. Barrett, Local Public Safety.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 59, offered by the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 59 by Mr. Barrett, Chelmsford Public Safety.

All [INAUDIBLE] of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Number 60, offered by the senator from the Cape and the Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 60 by Mr. Cyr, Dukes County Jail.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 61, offered by that same senator from the Cape and Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 61 by Mr. Cyr, Armory Building Renovation.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 62, offered by the same senator from the Cape and the Islands, Mr. Seer, the title of which the clerk will [INAUDIBLE].

Amendment number 62 by Mr. Cyr, Cape Cod Rail Trail Bike Trail.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 63, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 63 by Mr. deMacedo, Public Safety Facility in the Town of Bourne.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Number 64, by the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Pacheco, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 64 by Mr. Pacheco, Bristol County Superior Courthouse.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 65, offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.

Excuse me. Amendment number 65 by Mr. Rodrigues, Swansea Infrastructure Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 66, offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 66 by Mr. Rodrigues, Lakeville State Hospital Reuse.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 67, offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 67 by Mr. Rodrigues, Fall River Parking Garages.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.

[GAVEL]

Brief recess.

[INAUDIBLE]. Number 68, offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 68 by Mr. Rodrigues, Fall River State Pier Facility Capital Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 69, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 69 by Mr. Brady, Expansion for Brockton Council on Aging.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Number 70, offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 70 by Mr. Rodrigues, Somerset Wastewater Treatment Systems Capital Improvements.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. What do you want to do?

[INAUDIBLE] 71.

OK. Number 71, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 71 by Mr. Brady, Improvements to Halifax Council on Aging.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.

[INAUDIBLE].

Number 72 is withdrawn. We will go to number 73, offered by the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 73 by Mr. Brady, Massasoit Community College Science and Liberal Arts Building Renovation Project.

All those in favor of the amendment, and say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 74 has been withdrawn.

As has 75.

And 75 has been withdrawn. We are now on 76, offered by the senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 76 by Mr. DiDomenico, Lafayette Square Fire House Renovations.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. Number 77, offered by that same senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 77 by Mr. DiDomenico, Parlin Library Roof Replacement.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. We will now go to 78, offered by the senator from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 78 by Mr. Moore, Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Another amendment by that same senator from Worcester, Mr. Moore, number 79, the title of which the clerk will read.

Amendment number 79 by Mr. Moore, Greater Worcester Public Safety.

All those in favor of the amendment, say aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is adopted. Number 80, offered by the senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico, the title of which the clerk will read.