Dear Neighbors,
Usually my newsletters are just about one topic, but last week was so eventful I thought I'd share some photos and stories.
MCAS Graduation Requirement Raised
In August, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to raise the minimum score that this year’s freshman class, and classes following, will have to attain on the MCAS test in order to graduate. And against Commissioner Riley’s recommendation, they voted to increase the passing score further for classes starting in 2030. They also voted, against Commissioner Riley’s recommendation, to increase the passing score further for classes starting in 2030.
Trouble with a capital T: August 2022
All at once 3: the budget
First, an update: I'm happy to say that the. governor signed the Act Expanding Protections for Reproductive and Gender-affirming Care, that I wrote about in an earlier newsletter.
As you probably know, the legislature finally adjourned formal sessions at about 10 am Monday, after an all-night session. In the last few days, we passed many important bills. The governor can still decide to sign, veto, or send them back with amendments. It's too late to override a veto, or to deal with an amendment unless there is unanimous support.
All at once 2: Climate and more
On July 12, I wrote about the eight conference committees meeting to resolve differences on legislation between the House and Senate. Since then, we have given final approval to four conference committee bills - and passed new bills that need resolution by conference committees. This week, I wrote about the bills we approved on Tuesday. Here is information about the bills we've approved on Climate and COVID Extensions.
Everything at once 1: Tuesday
Two weeks ago, I wrote to you about all the work remaining in the last weeks of session. We're making progress.
Yesterday, we passed the bill, after a conference committee of the House and Senate resolved differences in the versions from each house. We also passed a bill authorizing bonds for general government, as well as my bill on pooled special needs trusts for older people (described below) and other bills. As usual, I'll assume you read the news, and I'll focus on my own efforts on each bill.
Lots more work and more reports later this week!
Three Weeks
Full formal sessions in the legislature end July 31; after that, any bill we try to pass will require unanimous consent. While a lot of legislation and spending has been done this session, so much remains to do in the next 3 weeks. We expect to work through the final weekend till past midnight on Sunday.
Senate Budget
Drivers' Licenses
Many advocates and legislators have tried for almost 20 years to allow people without legal status to receive drivers' licenses. This would allow an estimated 200,000 people in Massachusetts to drive to work, and drive their children - many of them US citizens - to their school or doctor without fearing detention or deportation.
RIP Roe?
We are now reminded that freedom isn't free, that rights aren't permanent, and that elections have consequences.
Many people today can't remember the time when abortion at any stage was illegal. They never searched an underground network looking for a "doctor" who would provide an unknown substance that might or might not cause a miscarriage, or one who would provide a procedure that might or might not be safe. Abortion has never been an easy choice. Neither were some alternatives.
We can be proud that Massachusetts passed the ROE Act, anticipating the Court's decision, and protecting those rights. There are many ways to support people in other states who have lost reproductive rights -- and voting rights. We should do that.
Transportation 2: Free Buses?
Last week, the Senate passed another climate bill, An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward. WBUR had a good summary of its many provisions. Combating climate change is an issue that so many people in our communities have written, called, and met with us about, and the bill takes important steps.
Transportation 1: GLX Arrives in Union Square
Last Monday, as you have certainly read and heard, the first new station on the Green Line Extension was opened in Union Square. I was asked to speak at one of the three ribbon-cuttings as a representative of the state legislators. This newsletter starts with a version of those remarks, and then has some more notes on the GLX and the day's events, including a rally for affordable housing.