Dear Neighbors,
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.
RECENTLY SIGNED INTO LAW
Many of you have written to me in support of two bills that are now law:
The Work and Family Mobility Act – We had to override the governor's veto of this bill which I have long supported. It allows people without legal status to obtain drivers licenses by presenting two valid identity documents as well as proof of residency. It will make roads safer, as more drivers will be tested, insured and identifiable. Unfortunately, opponents are gathering signatures for a ballot measure to repeal the law.
The VOTES Act – This law includes permanent expansions of early voting and vote-by-mail. It includes provisions for greater access by people with disabilities, service members and others overseas, and people who are incarcerated. Unfortunately, the Republicans, having lost in the state courts, plan to appeal to the Supreme Court to overthrow vote-by-mail.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEES STILL MEETING
Conference committees are working to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of many bills. Some are new; some have been working for months.
Energy and Climate - Many constituents have asked us to support the most comprehensive and effective provisions in each climate bill. You can learn about the Senate version here.
Cannabis Industry Reforms - This legislation was based on my bill to clarify that municipalities can't demand that marijuana retail stores pay more in fees than is provided in current law. The bill provides capital to minority-owned marijuana businesses to ensure that those disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition can participate. Learn more here.
Mental Health - The bill would improve mental health services and recognize that mental health is as important as physical health. Among other things it provides resources to reduce emergency room "boarding." Learn more here.
Budget - Once again, we didn't have a final budget when the new fiscal year began, and the state is running on a 1/12 budget this month. More here.
General Government Bond Bill - I worked with colleagues along the Mystic River to include funding for major upgrades to the Amelia Earhart Dam and other flood and climate change mitigation. We are working together to assemble as much as $30M in resources as a match for President Biden's infrastructure plan money.
Sports Betting - One major difference in the House and Senate bills is that the House allows for betting on college sports. Read more here.
Pandemic policy extensions - These bills (3 pages for the Senate version; 20 pages for the House) would extend policies like virtual participation in government meetings. Particularly important is the extension of the ability for assisted living nurses to provide basic health services to residents. On July 15, without an extension, many residents of assisted living will no longer be able to get services like insulin shots from the residence's staff. Nurses have been providing those services for two years with no reported problems. Without an extension, they will have to pay outside nurses, get relatives to come in every day, or move to nursing homes. I am working to pass my bill to make those services permanent. More on that here.
Holyoke Soldiers Home Reform - more here
NEXT!
Tomorrow, the Senate will take up a bill to preserve reproductive rights, expanding access to emergency contraception and protecting providers, with provisions like those the Senate included in the budget. I am introducing an amendment to provide a process to clarify current law that abortions after 24 weeks are allowed in cases where "the fetus is incompatible with sustained life outside the uterus." One of my constituents shared her story about having to travel to Colorado after a devastating diagnosis. A similar story appeared in the Globe.
This week, the Senate will also take up a Transportation Bond Bill. I'm offering an amendment to require the state to fulfill its promise to do an environmental review, the next step in extending the Green Line Extension to Route 16, as Secretary Pollock promised. Another amendment will provide funding for Draw Seven Park to prevent flooding, link transit to multimodal paths, and promote recreation, ecological restoration and waterfront access. Several senators are supporting my amendment for fare free bus pilots in the MBTA and RTAs. more on that here.
The House will take up a comprehensive, gigantic bill for economic development, including $3.8 billion in funding from bonds, the budget surplus and ARPA. It will include not only spending priorities, but many incredibly important policy issues. Next week in the Senate I will be working on improvements in taxes and housing. And since so many important bills have not yet been approved, members like me will try to amend omnibus bills like this to include our priorities.
PASSED IN THE SENATE
Many bills have passed the Senate this session and are awaiting House action. Other House bills are awaiting action in the Senate. Recently, the Senate passed bills for
Juvenile Justice Reform and Civil Forfeiture Reform - learn more here.
Protecting children in foster care, and establishing a Foster Parent Bill of Rights - learn more here.
Early Childhood Education and Childcare - learn more here.
Repeal of Archaic Laws, like those against spitting, adultery, and "crimes against nature" - more here.
Animal Welfare - including puppies and kittens, research animals, and poaching - more here.
I am also hoping the House acts on my bills, already passed by the Senate, to
Provide menstrual products in public schools, prisons, and shelters - learn more here.
Repeal Somerville's gang ordinance, which has never been used - home rule unanimously approved by city council - more here.
MORE PRIORITIES
We continue to work for so many priorities that have been reported favorably by a committee, but not yet voted in either house. They include affordable housing preservation bills, many bills to benefit older people, and allowing campaign funds to be used for child care during campaigns.
Buckle up! And stay tuned,