WEBVTT

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[MUSIC PLAYING] The
House will be in order.

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The clerk will make
an announcement.

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The voting stations for
representatives Dwyer

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of Woburn and Tosado of
Springfield are locked.

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House will be in order.

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Mr. Jones of North Reading
now asks unanimous consent

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to withdraw his request
for a quorum roll call.

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There's a chair objection.

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Chair has none.

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Mr. Galvin of Canton
authors an order

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in the hands of the clerk.

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The clerk will read the order.

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Order that notwithstanding
any rules to the contrary,

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a court officer shall be
assigned to cast roll call

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votes except quorum roll
calls for the chairman,

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vice chairman, and
assistant vice chairman

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of the Committee
on Ways and Means

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whenever said members are
conducting deliberations

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on amendment categories of the
General Appropriation Bill,

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during consideration of the
General Appropriation Bill.

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Question now is on
adoption of the order.

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All those in favor say aye.

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All those opposed, nay.

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The ayes have it.

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The order is the adopted.

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Under Rule 49,
the court officers

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will vote for representative
Miceli of Wilmington.

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Papers from the Senate.

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The following petitions
come from the Senate

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with the endorsement
and referred by

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said branch as follows--

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the petition of Bruce E. Tarr,
Richard J. Ross, Donald F.

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Humason, Viriato M.
deMacedo, and other members

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of the General Court
for legislation

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to ensure internet
security and privacy.

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To the Committee on Economic
Development and Emerging

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Technologies and a petition
of Bruce E. Tarr and Ryan C.

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Fattman, Richard J. Ross,
Patrick M. O'Connor,

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and other members of the
General Court for legislation

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to fairly fund early voting to
the Committee on Election Laws.

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Question now is on concurrence.

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All those in favor say aye.

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All those opposed, nay.

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The ayes have it.

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The House concurs.

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Vote of committee.

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The Committee on Rules and
the Committees on Rules

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are the two branches
acting concurrently,

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reports recommending that
Joint Rule 12 be suspended

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on a petition of David
M. Nangle and others

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with the approval of the
Mayor and City Council,

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that the City of
Lowell be authorized

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to use a certain parcel of
land in the City of Lowell

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and the town of Tewksbury
for the construction

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of a public high school and
other school-related purposes.

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To the Committee on
Municipalities and Regional

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Government.

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Mr. Mariano of Quincy moves
suspension of the rules.

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All those in favor say aye.

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All those opposed, nay.

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The ayes have it.

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Rules are suspended.

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Question now is on
suspension of Joint Rule 12.

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All those in favor say aye.

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All those opposed, nay.

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The ayes have it.

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Joint Rule 12 is suspended.

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Are there any
objections to receiving

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with the orders of the day?

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Chair has been informed
calendar item 9,

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second reading of the bill.

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An act making appropriations
for the fiscal year

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2018 for the maintenance
of the departments, boards,

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commissions, institutions,
and certain activities

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of the Commonwealth for
interest, sinking fund,

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and serial bond
requirements, and for

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certain permanent improvements.

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Question now is there an order
to go to a third reading?

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All those in--

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Chair recognizes Mr.
Dempsey of Haverhill.

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As the gentleman
approaches the microphone,

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the Chair will respectfully
ask the members

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to please take your seats.

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Court officers clear the aisles.

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Chair recognizes Mr.
Dempsey of Haverhill.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker
and through you

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to the members, good morning.

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Mr. Speaker, today
we begin debate

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on recommendations for the
House fiscal year 2018 budget.

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Before I get into
details, Mr. Speaker,

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I do want to take
a moment to thank

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the gentleman from Winthrop,
our distinguished Speaker,

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for his great work as well as
his staff for their expertise

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and their guidance.

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I want to acknowledge the
great work of the gentleman

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from Worthington,
our vice chair,

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as well as the gentlelady from
Boston, our assistant vice

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chair, for their
efforts, as well

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as the members of the House
Ways and Means Committee,

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the staff, and of course
each and every one of you

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for your suggestions,
ideas, proposals.

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I know that over
the next few days,

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the work that we
do together will

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improve on our
recommendations and make

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this a very good budget to
send forward to the Senate.

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Mr. Speaker, the
committee proposal

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before you today
is a $40.3 billion

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budget that seeks to balance
fiscal responsibility

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with targeted investments
in the programs and services

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that our constituents need.

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Mr. Speaker, it's
important to point out

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that we start with
the fundamentals

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when we put together the budget.

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We begin with a
transfer of $100 million

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to the stabilization account.

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We do that, Mr. Speaker,
to build on the reserves

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that we have to continue to
prepare us for uncertainty.

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That will bring our
stabilization account balance

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to $1.4 billion dollars.

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We lessen our reliance on
the use of one-time monies.

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Mr. Speaker, a very
important point

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to be made that in FY15 we're
utilizing close to $1.2 billion

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in one-time resources.

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Today, in the proposal
that you will consider,

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that figure is less
than $112 million.

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Very significant progress and
additionally, Mr. Speaker,

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we continue to pay down
our long-term obligations

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by committing
almost $200 million

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for our pension liability.

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So when we begin to look
at how to craft a budget,

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it's always important
we believe to start

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with those fundamentals,
recognizing that it's

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so important to the
bond rating agencies

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how we utilize our
resources and our revenues.

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And when you begin to
put the budget together,

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Mr. Speaker, just to
take the members back,

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that the decision
and the process

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began in December
and January, where

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we came together with the
administration and the Senate

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and determined that we would see
an estimated revenue increase

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of a little over $1 billion.

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So we begin with
$1.16 billion dollars,

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and we begin to look at
where that money goes.

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And when you look at our
obligations, Mr. Speaker,

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you'll see that right out of
the gate we commit $322 million

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to MassHealth.

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That's the net figure.

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The gross figure
is $758 million,

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which is almost a 5% increase.

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So we begin with that
as the largest item

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that we increase spending on.

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We move to our
pension obligation,

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as I reference
about $200 million,

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and then we get into local aid.

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And we increase that
package by $164 million.

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So when you start
with a billion and you

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look at just those
three categories,

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that leaves us
with $332 million.

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But I want to just highlight
some of that spending,

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because I think all of us
have maintained a priority

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to keep the partnership
with our cities and towns.

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So the $164 million
investment, Mr. Speaker,

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will allow for
historically high levels

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of local aid to our partners
and municipal government,

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a $40 million increase in
unrestricted government aid,

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as well as a $106 million
increase in chapter 70,

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ensuring a $30 per pupil
commitment to our students

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across the Commonwealth.

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Additionally and
importantly, we begin

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to implement the recommendations
relative to the foundation

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Budget Review Commission.

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When we look at other
areas with respect

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to education, Mr.
Speaker, I want

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to remind folks
that it was early

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last year that the
gentleman from Winthrop

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began to pull together
a number of stakeholders

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relative to the issue
of early education

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here in the Commonwealth.

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For several months, meeting
with providers, educators,

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the business community, a
number of recommendations

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were made, which you will see
in this budget proposal today.

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Specifically, our budget
proposes an increase

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of $15 million reserve,
coupled with other investments

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in early education that will
provide for a significant boost

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to provide a community and
allow them to recruit and retain

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high-quality staff.

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Other notable
investments, Mr. Speaker,

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we continue to make significant
investments with respect

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to housing and homelessness.

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$18 million increase across
various housing programs

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that will continue the downward
trend in shelter caseloads

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and the house's
efforts to eliminate

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the use of hotels and motels
from the entire system.

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Another significant
area, Department

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of Developmental Disabilities.

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We increased those line
items this year, Mr. Speaker,

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by $87 million, a very
significant commitment.

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Recognizing that
it's important for us

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to commit the resources to fund
an additional 925 individuals

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for our Turning 22 program,
it's a very important investment

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that we're very, very proud of.

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Additionally, $6 million
increase in various programs

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assisting with
substance addiction that

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will increase access
to recovery beds

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and support centers
throughout the Commonwealth.

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In the field of
workforce development,

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we make $4.8 million ongoing
investment to the STEM Starter

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Academy to help prepare
our students for science

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and technology careers.

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We create a $2,000
new tax credit

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to employers for the
hiring of our veterans

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here in the Commonwealth,
to further build

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on our reputation of leading the
nation in support and services

00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:10.620 align:middle line:90%
of our returning troops.

00:19:10.620 --> 00:19:13.940 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, the budget
before us continues

00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:16.010 align:middle line:90%
to move Massachusetts forward.

00:19:16.010 --> 00:19:19.070 align:middle line:84%
It builds on our strengths
in fields like education

00:19:19.070 --> 00:19:22.320 align:middle line:84%
and health care to ensure
that our economy continues

00:19:22.320 --> 00:19:26.110 align:middle line:84%
to grow and support the programs
and services that our neediest

00:19:26.110 --> 00:19:27.890 align:middle line:90%
constituents rely on.

00:19:27.890 --> 00:19:29.930 align:middle line:84%
I look forward to
the upcoming debate

00:19:29.930 --> 00:19:33.140 align:middle line:84%
and working with all of you
to incorporate your ideas

00:19:33.140 --> 00:19:34.970 align:middle line:90%
over the next few days.

00:19:34.970 --> 00:19:35.950 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

00:19:35.950 --> 00:19:41.840 align:middle line:90%


00:19:41.840 --> 00:19:46.175 align:middle line:84%
If there be no objection,
reported committee.

00:19:46.175 --> 00:20:08.544 align:middle line:90%


00:20:08.544 --> 00:20:10.460 align:middle line:84%
The committee in conference
in the [INAUDIBLE]

00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:12.710 align:middle line:84%
votes of the two branches
with reference to the Senate

00:20:12.710 --> 00:20:15.740 align:middle line:84%
amendment striking out an
clause and inserting in place

00:20:15.740 --> 00:20:18.240 align:middle line:84%
the text of Senate
document number 2047

00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:21.080 align:middle line:84%
amended of the
House bill providing

00:20:21.080 --> 00:20:23.150 align:middle line:84%
for the financing of
certain improvements

00:20:23.150 --> 00:20:26.550 align:middle line:84%
to municipal roads and bridges,
House Number 2783 amended.

00:20:26.550 --> 00:20:29.676 align:middle line:84%
Reports recommending passage of
the accompanying bill and act

00:20:29.676 --> 00:20:31.800 align:middle line:84%
providing for the financing
of certain improvements

00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:35.750 align:middle line:84%
to municipal roads and
bridges, House Number 3648,

00:20:35.750 --> 00:20:38.140 align:middle line:90%
bond issue $290 million.

00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:41.140 align:middle line:84%
Report is signed by
five of the conferees.

00:20:41.140 --> 00:20:43.370 align:middle line:84%
On the part of the House,
William M. Straus, Brian S.

00:20:43.370 --> 00:20:44.661 align:middle line:90%
Dempsey, and Stephen S. Howitt.

00:20:44.661 --> 00:20:48.150 align:middle line:84%
On the part of the Senate,
Thomas M. McGee and Donald F.

00:20:48.150 --> 00:20:49.080 align:middle line:90%
Humason, Jr.

00:20:49.080 --> 00:20:57.840 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Straus of Mattapoisett
now moves suspension rule 7A.

00:20:57.840 --> 00:20:59.290 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

00:20:59.290 --> 00:21:00.412 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

00:21:00.412 --> 00:21:01.120 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

00:21:01.120 --> 00:21:03.070 align:middle line:90%
Rule 7A is suspended.

00:21:03.070 --> 00:21:07.360 align:middle line:84%
Question now is on acceptance
of the Conference Committee

00:21:07.360 --> 00:21:07.860 align:middle line:90%
report.

00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:32.781 align:middle line:90%


00:21:32.781 --> 00:21:35.030 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on the
acceptance of the conference

00:21:35.030 --> 00:21:35.530 align:middle line:90%
report.

00:21:35.530 --> 00:21:37.530 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Jones of North Reading.

00:21:37.530 --> 00:21:41.166 align:middle line:90%


00:21:41.166 --> 00:21:43.040 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Jones has asked when
the matter is taken.

00:21:43.040 --> 00:21:45.000 align:middle line:84%
It will be taken by call
of the yeas and nays.

00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:46.530 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with
him will rise.

00:21:46.530 --> 00:21:47.720 align:middle line:90%
Monitors return the count.

00:21:47.720 --> 00:21:49.520 align:middle line:90%
First division.

00:21:49.520 --> 00:21:50.020 align:middle line:90%
15.

00:21:50.020 --> 00:21:50.520 align:middle line:90%
15.

00:21:50.520 --> 00:21:53.510 align:middle line:90%
Second division, 23.

00:21:53.510 --> 00:21:56.720 align:middle line:84%
Sufficient number having arisen,
roll call machine is now open.

00:21:56.720 --> 00:21:59.210 align:middle line:90%
Remain open for four minutes.

00:21:59.210 --> 00:22:01.460 align:middle line:84%
Court officers
summon the members,

00:22:01.460 --> 00:22:03.110 align:middle line:84%
indicate roll call
is in progress.

00:22:03.110 --> 00:22:17.580 align:middle line:90%


00:22:17.580 --> 00:22:21.170 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to inform the
members that those members who

00:22:21.170 --> 00:22:27.540 align:middle line:84%
are interested in local aid
and education, the committee

00:22:27.540 --> 00:22:31.106 align:middle line:84%
will be meeting in
room 348 at 11:30.

00:22:31.106 --> 00:27:47.440 align:middle line:90%


00:27:47.440 --> 00:27:49.150 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

00:27:49.150 --> 00:28:15.980 align:middle line:90%


00:28:15.980 --> 00:28:17.080 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

00:28:17.080 --> 00:28:22.734 align:middle line:90%


00:28:22.734 --> 00:28:23.900 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:25.274 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

00:28:25.274 --> 00:28:28.820 align:middle line:84%
On this matter, 154 members
voted in the affirmative, none

00:28:28.820 --> 00:28:29.830 align:middle line:90%
in the negative.

00:28:29.830 --> 00:28:31.665 align:middle line:90%
Conference report is accepted.

00:28:31.665 --> 00:30:30.510 align:middle line:90%


00:30:30.510 --> 00:30:32.659 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Cusack of Braintree
asks for unanimous consent

00:30:32.659 --> 00:30:34.200 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded in
the last roll call.

00:30:34.200 --> 00:30:35.190 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

00:30:35.190 --> 00:30:36.250 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

00:30:36.250 --> 00:30:38.755 align:middle line:84%
Roll call number 24,
Mark Cusack, yes.

00:30:38.755 --> 00:31:57.062 align:middle line:90%


00:31:57.062 --> 00:31:58.770 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
take this opportunity

00:31:58.770 --> 00:32:03.400 align:middle line:84%
to wish Representative Brodeur
a happy 40th birthday today.

00:32:03.400 --> 00:32:07.550 align:middle line:90%


00:32:07.550 --> 00:32:10.560 align:middle line:90%
[APPLAUSE]

00:32:10.560 --> 00:32:14.060 align:middle line:84%
Or maybe a little older,
but I have it down as 40.

00:32:14.060 --> 00:33:12.370 align:middle line:90%


00:33:12.370 --> 00:33:14.900 align:middle line:84%
Miss Matias of Lawrence
asks unanimous consent

00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:16.510 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
the last roll call.

00:33:16.510 --> 00:33:17.540 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

00:33:17.540 --> 00:33:18.490 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

00:33:18.490 --> 00:33:21.550 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number 24,
Juana B. Matias, yes.

00:33:21.550 --> 00:39:41.170 align:middle line:90%


00:39:41.170 --> 00:39:44.210 align:middle line:84%
Miss Cronin of Eastham,
Mr. Speliotis of Danvers

00:39:44.210 --> 00:39:46.950 align:middle line:84%
ask unanimous consent to be
recorded on the last roll call.

00:39:46.950 --> 00:39:47.920 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

00:39:47.920 --> 00:39:50.340 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

00:39:50.340 --> 00:39:53.640 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
24, Claire Cronin, yes.

00:39:53.640 --> 00:39:55.790 align:middle line:90%
Theodore C. Speliotis, yes.

00:39:55.790 --> 00:40:01.350 align:middle line:90%


00:40:01.350 --> 00:40:21.360 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

00:40:21.360 --> 00:40:23.810 align:middle line:84%
House will now return to the
General Appropriation Bill.

00:40:23.810 --> 00:40:35.290 align:middle line:90%


00:40:35.290 --> 00:40:37.210 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
offers an amendment

00:40:37.210 --> 00:40:37.860 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

00:40:37.860 --> 00:40:39.110 align:middle line:90%
Clerk will read the amendment.

00:40:39.110 --> 00:40:43.430 align:middle line:90%


00:40:43.430 --> 00:40:45.220 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Scaccia of Boston.

00:40:45.220 --> 00:40:48.350 align:middle line:90%


00:40:48.350 --> 00:40:50.030 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 465.

00:40:50.030 --> 00:40:52.350 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston moves
to amend the bill by adding

00:40:52.350 --> 00:40:53.470 align:middle line:90%
the following section--

00:40:53.470 --> 00:40:56.620 align:middle line:84%
section 6 of chapter 62 of
the general laws as appearing

00:40:56.620 --> 00:40:59.360 align:middle line:84%
in the 2014 edition
is hereby amended

00:40:59.360 --> 00:41:03.900 align:middle line:84%
by striking out lines 584,
585, the words any cost related

00:41:03.900 --> 00:41:05.520 align:middle line:90%
to the transfer of tax credits.

00:41:05.520 --> 00:41:06.530 align:middle line:90%
Section 2.

00:41:06.530 --> 00:41:08.769 align:middle line:84%
Said section 6 of chapter
62, in so appearing

00:41:08.769 --> 00:41:09.560 align:middle line:90%
is hereby further--

00:41:09.560 --> 00:41:10.760 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

00:41:10.760 --> 00:41:12.020 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

00:41:12.020 --> 00:41:12.811 align:middle line:90%
The Chair has none.

00:41:12.811 --> 00:41:14.770 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes
Mr. Scaccia of Boston.

00:41:14.770 --> 00:41:18.160 align:middle line:90%


00:41:18.160 --> 00:41:19.490 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

00:41:19.490 --> 00:41:22.610 align:middle line:84%
I really don't know
which amendment that is,

00:41:22.610 --> 00:41:26.860 align:middle line:84%
but I'll be getting to
them all very shortly.

00:41:26.860 --> 00:41:30.750 align:middle line:84%
If I may, Mr.
Speaker, I would like

00:41:30.750 --> 00:41:34.800 align:middle line:84%
to make some preliminary
remarks to show

00:41:34.800 --> 00:41:41.520 align:middle line:84%
the striking resemblance of this
upcoming budget, fiscal '18,

00:41:41.520 --> 00:41:47.090 align:middle line:84%
to the present
budget, fiscal '17.

00:41:47.090 --> 00:41:53.140 align:middle line:84%
In fiscal '17,
this year's budget,

00:41:53.140 --> 00:41:56.020 align:middle line:84%
we were able to
increase revenues

00:41:56.020 --> 00:42:09.570 align:middle line:84%
from the baseline
of $1.11 billion.

00:42:09.570 --> 00:42:11.710 align:middle line:84%
And as the Chairman
of Ways and Means

00:42:11.710 --> 00:42:15.840 align:middle line:84%
stated previously, of
the extra money that we

00:42:15.840 --> 00:42:21.760 align:middle line:84%
had to spend that
year, $275 million

00:42:21.760 --> 00:42:27.720 align:middle line:84%
went to pay for
MassHealth, $226 million

00:42:27.720 --> 00:42:33.870 align:middle line:84%
went to pay for long-term
pensions, $125 million

00:42:33.870 --> 00:42:38.990 align:middle line:84%
went to pay for debt service,
and $93 million, Mr. Speaker,

00:42:38.990 --> 00:42:43.120 align:middle line:90%
went to the MBTA and the SBA.

00:42:43.120 --> 00:42:54.800 align:middle line:84%
That took up $719 million of the
so-called extra $1.11 billion.

00:42:54.800 --> 00:42:58.600 align:middle line:84%
And it left for the
rest of state government

00:42:58.600 --> 00:43:06.550 align:middle line:84%
$391 million dollars, and
that included local aid.

00:43:06.550 --> 00:43:11.550 align:middle line:84%
The budget process, Mr.
Speaker, was not even completed

00:43:11.550 --> 00:43:23.350 align:middle line:84%
when budget conferees cut $413
million from the bottom line

00:43:23.350 --> 00:43:34.850 align:middle line:84%
in reduced spending and in
reduced income by $750 million.

00:43:34.850 --> 00:43:43.300 align:middle line:84%
In January of this year, the
governor 9C-ed $96 million,

00:43:43.300 --> 00:43:49.800 align:middle line:84%
$54 million of which were
legislative amendments,

00:43:49.800 --> 00:43:54.650 align:middle line:84%
knocking out every local
legislative request

00:43:54.650 --> 00:43:56.990 align:middle line:90%
for this fiscal year.

00:43:56.990 --> 00:44:02.150 align:middle line:84%
In fact, three of
the past four years,

00:44:02.150 --> 00:44:07.690 align:middle line:84%
we have seen 9C
cuts to our budget.

00:44:07.690 --> 00:44:15.520 align:middle line:84%
Also in last year's budget
conference, $142 million

00:44:15.520 --> 00:44:26.790 align:middle line:84%
in Medicaid payments were
deferred to fiscal 2018.

00:44:26.790 --> 00:44:32.320 align:middle line:84%
For fiscal 2018, the budget
that we're about to undertake,

00:44:32.320 --> 00:44:39.990 align:middle line:84%
the Chair of Ways and Means
projects a $1.6 billion

00:44:39.990 --> 00:44:40.490 align:middle line:90%
increase.

00:44:40.490 --> 00:44:45.690 align:middle line:90%


00:44:45.690 --> 00:44:52.950 align:middle line:84%
Of that, MassHealth
takes up $322 million,

00:44:52.950 --> 00:45:03.890 align:middle line:84%
long-term pensions $198 million,
MBTA and SBA $93 million,

00:45:03.890 --> 00:45:08.320 align:middle line:90%
debt service $125 million plus.

00:45:08.320 --> 00:45:11.500 align:middle line:84%
And I'm on the low
side of those figures.

00:45:11.500 --> 00:45:16.760 align:middle line:84%
In local aid, the addition
this year is $164 million.

00:45:16.760 --> 00:45:25.680 align:middle line:84%
That's $902 million
out of the $1.6 billion

00:45:25.680 --> 00:45:29.880 align:middle line:84%
that we project
for extra revenue.

00:45:29.880 --> 00:45:39.230 align:middle line:84%
That leaves $158 million for
next year for every other line

00:45:39.230 --> 00:45:41.250 align:middle line:90%
item in the budget.

00:45:41.250 --> 00:45:48.410 align:middle line:84%
And if you recall what I said
a few seconds ago, $142 million

00:45:48.410 --> 00:45:52.805 align:middle line:84%
of Medicaid funding is
transferred into fiscal '18.

00:45:52.805 --> 00:45:55.690 align:middle line:90%


00:45:55.690 --> 00:46:02.770 align:middle line:84%
That leaves $16 million
for growth spending.

00:46:02.770 --> 00:46:06.580 align:middle line:90%


00:46:06.580 --> 00:46:11.500 align:middle line:84%
I admire and respect
probably the soon

00:46:11.500 --> 00:46:16.480 align:middle line:84%
to be longest-serving
Chairman of Ways and Means who

00:46:16.480 --> 00:46:22.380 align:middle line:84%
continues, unlike
Washington, DC,

00:46:22.380 --> 00:46:25.380 align:middle line:90%
each year to balance the budget.

00:46:25.380 --> 00:46:28.050 align:middle line:90%


00:46:28.050 --> 00:46:35.460 align:middle line:84%
But even he cannot recreate
the miracle of the loaves

00:46:35.460 --> 00:46:37.260 align:middle line:90%
and fishes.

00:46:37.260 --> 00:46:43.680 align:middle line:84%
Even he cannot feed and serve
the population of this state

00:46:43.680 --> 00:46:45.890 align:middle line:90%
with an extra $18 million.

00:46:45.890 --> 00:46:57.130 align:middle line:84%
And let me add that MassHealth,
pensions, local aid, and debt

00:46:57.130 --> 00:47:06.730 align:middle line:84%
service, the MBTA, and SBA will
continue to grow and outpace

00:47:06.730 --> 00:47:11.270 align:middle line:90%
projected revenue in the future.

00:47:11.270 --> 00:47:13.930 align:middle line:84%
Now, the thing that
worries me, Mr. Speaker,

00:47:13.930 --> 00:47:23.140 align:middle line:84%
is according to the feds,
full employment is 4.5% to 5%.

00:47:23.140 --> 00:47:27.070 align:middle line:90%
And nationwide we're at 4.7.

00:47:27.070 --> 00:47:31.100 align:middle line:84%
So technically, we're
at full employment

00:47:31.100 --> 00:47:33.260 align:middle line:90%
in the United States.

00:47:33.260 --> 00:47:38.130 align:middle line:84%
Massachusetts has an
unemployment rate just

00:47:38.130 --> 00:47:40.430 align:middle line:90%
above 3%.

00:47:40.430 --> 00:47:45.400 align:middle line:84%
City of Boston where I come,
have an unemployment rate

00:47:45.400 --> 00:47:46.810 align:middle line:90%
of 2.3%.

00:47:46.810 --> 00:47:50.810 align:middle line:90%


00:47:50.810 --> 00:47:58.750 align:middle line:84%
I'm sure we can do
better employment-wise,

00:47:58.750 --> 00:48:05.440 align:middle line:84%
but how much more
full employment will

00:48:05.440 --> 00:48:07.206 align:middle line:90%
we get in Massachusetts?

00:48:07.206 --> 00:48:10.140 align:middle line:90%


00:48:10.140 --> 00:48:13.510 align:middle line:84%
Because of the five items
above, Mr. Speaker--

00:48:13.510 --> 00:48:18.920 align:middle line:84%
MassHealth, long-term pensions,
MBTA, SBA, debt service,

00:48:18.920 --> 00:48:20.630 align:middle line:90%
and local aid--

00:48:20.630 --> 00:48:25.740 align:middle line:84%
we continue to have
a spending issue.

00:48:25.740 --> 00:48:32.050 align:middle line:84%
Today, we must tackle and
address the sources of revenue

00:48:32.050 --> 00:48:38.530 align:middle line:84%
to offset the unsustainable
costs of these budget breakers

00:48:38.530 --> 00:48:41.060 align:middle line:90%
within our strictured--

00:48:41.060 --> 00:48:45.830 align:middle line:90%
strictured-- revenue base.

00:48:45.830 --> 00:48:51.720 align:middle line:84%
So humbly I propose three
amendments to the film

00:48:51.720 --> 00:48:56.970 align:middle line:84%
industry, one to pension
income and the last one

00:48:56.970 --> 00:48:59.570 align:middle line:90%
to the personal income tax.

00:48:59.570 --> 00:49:04.700 align:middle line:84%
Again, it's my humble
opinion, Mr. Speaker,

00:49:04.700 --> 00:49:09.610 align:middle line:84%
that we do not have enough
revenue to sustain our growth.

00:49:09.610 --> 00:49:12.920 align:middle line:90%


00:49:12.920 --> 00:49:14.990 align:middle line:84%
The first item,
Mr. Speaker, is one

00:49:14.990 --> 00:49:19.510 align:middle line:84%
that I have come to the
microphone year after year

00:49:19.510 --> 00:49:27.590 align:middle line:84%
and have been very unsuccessful
in changing the film industry.

00:49:27.590 --> 00:49:35.760 align:middle line:84%
We give to film producers a
25% credit for production costs

00:49:35.760 --> 00:49:42.760 align:middle line:84%
and a 25% credit to payroll
cost and an exemption

00:49:42.760 --> 00:49:44.780 align:middle line:90%
from the sales tax.

00:49:44.780 --> 00:49:48.070 align:middle line:84%
The credits can
be used to reduce

00:49:48.070 --> 00:49:52.660 align:middle line:84%
tax payments and anything
that exceeds the tax.

00:49:52.660 --> 00:49:57.740 align:middle line:84%
These companies
received cash refunds

00:49:57.740 --> 00:50:04.470 align:middle line:84%
from the Department of Revenue
equal to 90% of the amount

00:50:04.470 --> 00:50:06.330 align:middle line:90%
of the tax credits remaining.

00:50:06.330 --> 00:50:11.250 align:middle line:90%


00:50:11.250 --> 00:50:18.500 align:middle line:84%
The tax credits, Mr. Speaker,
may also be transferred or sold

00:50:18.500 --> 00:50:23.650 align:middle line:84%
by these production companies
to third parties who

00:50:23.650 --> 00:50:28.260 align:middle line:84%
can use the tax credits to
reduce their Massachusetts

00:50:28.260 --> 00:50:33.030 align:middle line:84%
corporate tax, insurance
tax, financial tax,

00:50:33.030 --> 00:50:37.160 align:middle line:84%
or personal income
tax liabilities.

00:50:37.160 --> 00:50:42.610 align:middle line:84%
In some cases, Mr. Speaker,
sales to third parties

00:50:42.610 --> 00:50:45.220 align:middle line:84%
are direct sales
from the production

00:50:45.220 --> 00:50:49.570 align:middle line:90%
company to such third parties.

00:50:49.570 --> 00:50:52.700 align:middle line:84%
In other cases,
the credits may be

00:50:52.700 --> 00:51:00.300 align:middle line:84%
sold to tax credit brokers who
in turn may resell the credits

00:51:00.300 --> 00:51:06.580 align:middle line:84%
to Massachusetts taxpayers
who use the credits to reduce

00:51:06.580 --> 00:51:10.130 align:middle line:90%
their state payments.

00:51:10.130 --> 00:51:20.940 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, between the years
2006 to 2017, $548 million

00:51:20.940 --> 00:51:23.350 align:middle line:90%
in tax credits--

00:51:23.350 --> 00:51:28.310 align:middle line:90%
$548 million in tax credits--

00:51:28.310 --> 00:51:30.490 align:middle line:90%
have been generated.

00:51:30.490 --> 00:51:38.650 align:middle line:84%
And $523.9 million have been
sold as refundable credits

00:51:38.650 --> 00:51:40.840 align:middle line:90%
to third parties.

00:51:40.840 --> 00:51:44.520 align:middle line:84%
In the latest year
of the report,

00:51:44.520 --> 00:51:50.360 align:middle line:84%
and I suggest some day that
people might read this report

00:51:50.360 --> 00:51:52.900 align:middle line:90%
from the Department of Revenue.

00:51:52.900 --> 00:51:58.860 align:middle line:84%
And it was released on
December 30th of 2016,

00:51:58.860 --> 00:52:03.535 align:middle line:84%
the most up-to-date report
on the film tax industry.

00:52:03.535 --> 00:52:06.920 align:middle line:90%


00:52:06.920 --> 00:52:13.760 align:middle line:84%
Using the dynamic analysis,
the film tax incentive program

00:52:13.760 --> 00:52:18.950 align:middle line:84%
generated $12 million in new
state revenue, which partly

00:52:18.950 --> 00:52:21.690 align:middle line:90%
offset the cost of the credit.

00:52:21.690 --> 00:52:30.190 align:middle line:84%
And that includes the 12 new
attorneys located in Quincy.

00:52:30.190 --> 00:52:32.590 align:middle line:84%
In the last year
of this report--

00:52:32.590 --> 00:52:40.320 align:middle line:84%
2014-- $64.5 million in
tax credits were generated.

00:52:40.320 --> 00:52:47.615 align:middle line:84%
And in 2015, $77.6 million
were sold to third parties.

00:52:47.615 --> 00:52:51.690 align:middle line:90%


00:52:51.690 --> 00:52:59.010 align:middle line:90%
Mr. Speaker, this colossal--

00:52:59.010 --> 00:53:00.810 align:middle line:90%
and I mean colossal--

00:53:00.810 --> 00:53:06.880 align:middle line:84%
giveaway to an industry is
paid for by the taxpayers

00:53:06.880 --> 00:53:09.940 align:middle line:90%
of this commonwealth.

00:53:09.940 --> 00:53:14.360 align:middle line:84%
Nearly 2/3 of the jobs
in new spending credited

00:53:14.360 --> 00:53:17.360 align:middle line:84%
with this incentive
were actually

00:53:17.360 --> 00:53:19.750 align:middle line:90%
used by those out of state.

00:53:19.750 --> 00:53:24.830 align:middle line:84%
Of the 1,351 jobs created
by the film tax credit,

00:53:24.830 --> 00:53:30.560 align:middle line:84%
in one year only 750 went
to Massachusetts residents.

00:53:30.560 --> 00:53:38.950 align:middle line:84%
The average cost for each
local job from 2006 to 2012

00:53:38.950 --> 00:53:42.610 align:middle line:90%
was $100,000.

00:53:42.610 --> 00:53:50.890 align:middle line:84%
One new net job was
created for every $118,000

00:53:50.890 --> 00:53:54.730 align:middle line:90%
in film tax credits issued.

00:53:54.730 --> 00:54:02.000 align:middle line:84%
In 2012 alone, 74% of the wages
created through this credit

00:54:02.000 --> 00:54:05.160 align:middle line:84%
went to workers
from out of state.

00:54:05.160 --> 00:54:11.280 align:middle line:84%
And of these wages,
1/3 of them were

00:54:11.280 --> 00:54:16.385 align:middle line:84%
paid to people who made
more than $1 million.

00:54:16.385 --> 00:54:19.250 align:middle line:90%


00:54:19.250 --> 00:54:24.760 align:middle line:84%
My first amendment, Mr.
Speaker, stops this giveaway.

00:54:24.760 --> 00:54:31.450 align:middle line:84%
The governor and the Senate
are opposed to this giveaway.

00:54:31.450 --> 00:54:37.330 align:middle line:90%
Only the House keeps it alive.

00:54:37.330 --> 00:54:41.670 align:middle line:84%
My second amendment,
Mr. Speaker,

00:54:41.670 --> 00:54:49.240 align:middle line:84%
stops the refundable
credits to third parties

00:54:49.240 --> 00:54:52.960 align:middle line:84%
yet allows production
companies to continue

00:54:52.960 --> 00:54:57.830 align:middle line:84%
to keep their credits and
pay no state income tax.

00:54:57.830 --> 00:55:04.760 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. Speaker, from
2006 through 2014,

00:55:04.760 --> 00:55:08.390 align:middle line:84%
these companies have
never had to pay

00:55:08.390 --> 00:55:13.840 align:middle line:90%
a penny in state income tax.

00:55:13.840 --> 00:55:18.380 align:middle line:84%
During all of this time, they
only had to use $3 million

00:55:18.380 --> 00:55:21.030 align:middle line:90%
to offset their tax.

00:55:21.030 --> 00:55:30.870 align:middle line:84%
That means they gave $548
million to third parties

00:55:30.870 --> 00:55:34.695 align:middle line:84%
to offset their
state income tax.

00:55:34.695 --> 00:55:39.720 align:middle line:90%


00:55:39.720 --> 00:55:42.130 align:middle line:84%
The third amendment,
Mr. Speaker,

00:55:42.130 --> 00:55:43.640 align:middle line:90%
is one of transparency.

00:55:43.640 --> 00:55:46.600 align:middle line:90%


00:55:46.600 --> 00:55:52.940 align:middle line:84%
Make public the names of
those who buy these credits

00:55:52.940 --> 00:55:57.922 align:middle line:84%
and use them to cut their
income tax to the Commonwealth

00:55:57.922 --> 00:55:58.630 align:middle line:90%
of Massachusetts.

00:55:58.630 --> 00:56:01.530 align:middle line:90%


00:56:01.530 --> 00:56:04.550 align:middle line:84%
The first amendment
eliminates the credits,

00:56:04.550 --> 00:56:07.830 align:middle line:84%
the second prevents
production companies

00:56:07.830 --> 00:56:15.240 align:middle line:84%
from selling those leftover
credits to third parties.

00:56:15.240 --> 00:56:20.100 align:middle line:84%
And the third, if we are
to keep this program,

00:56:20.100 --> 00:56:24.130 align:middle line:84%
publicly names the
beneficiaries of those

00:56:24.130 --> 00:56:27.410 align:middle line:90%
who received the credits.

00:56:27.410 --> 00:56:33.970 align:middle line:84%
Remember, over the
course of 2006 to 2014,

00:56:33.970 --> 00:56:40.160 align:middle line:84%
production companies themselves
have had to use only $3 million

00:56:40.160 --> 00:56:47.100 align:middle line:84%
of the $548 million in
credits to satisfy their tax

00:56:47.100 --> 00:56:50.250 align:middle line:90%
obligations to the Commonwealth.

00:56:50.250 --> 00:56:58.080 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, today tax dollars
are too precious to come by.

00:56:58.080 --> 00:57:01.760 align:middle line:84%
Full employment as
measured by the feds

00:57:01.760 --> 00:57:04.480 align:middle line:90%
is here in Massachusetts.

00:57:04.480 --> 00:57:09.600 align:middle line:84%
And it's terribly difficult
to squeeze much more

00:57:09.600 --> 00:57:11.800 align:middle line:90%
from that source.

00:57:11.800 --> 00:57:16.430 align:middle line:90%


00:57:16.430 --> 00:57:17.830 align:middle line:84%
Again, I don't
know which of them

00:57:17.830 --> 00:57:22.990 align:middle line:84%
was what Mr.
Speaker, but I think

00:57:22.990 --> 00:57:25.110 align:middle line:84%
I've gone through
the film tax credit,

00:57:25.110 --> 00:57:28.120 align:middle line:84%
and I would love to
hear from anybody

00:57:28.120 --> 00:57:30.880 align:middle line:90%
who opposes my amendment.

00:57:30.880 --> 00:57:36.140 align:middle line:84%
And I will come right back
to do the state income tax

00:57:36.140 --> 00:57:41.030 align:middle line:84%
or maybe you want me to
finish everything at once.

00:57:41.030 --> 00:57:47.520 align:middle line:84%
The question is, on your
amendment 465, film tax credit,

00:57:47.520 --> 00:57:48.880 align:middle line:90%
all those in favor say aye.

00:57:48.880 --> 00:57:49.840 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

00:57:49.840 --> 00:57:50.860 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

00:57:50.860 --> 00:57:52.420 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:57:52.420 --> 00:57:55.150 align:middle line:90%


00:57:55.150 --> 00:57:57.180 align:middle line:84%
Jeez, at least I had
some debate last year

00:57:57.180 --> 00:58:01.070 align:middle line:90%
on the issue, Mr. Speaker.

00:58:01.070 --> 00:58:04.310 align:middle line:84%
I'm stunned, Mr. Speaker
by the Republican Party

00:58:04.310 --> 00:58:07.460 align:middle line:84%
whose governor tried to
do away with this issue

00:58:07.460 --> 00:58:10.310 align:middle line:84%
for the last couple
of years, but--

00:58:10.310 --> 00:58:18.117 align:middle line:84%
Gentleman there's Mr. Scaccia,
Boston office amendment

00:58:18.117 --> 00:58:19.200 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

00:58:19.200 --> 00:58:20.620 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

00:58:20.620 --> 00:58:28.900 align:middle line:90%


00:58:28.900 --> 00:58:33.939 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 726,
Mr. Scaccia of Boston

00:58:33.939 --> 00:58:36.230 align:middle line:84%
wants to amend the bill by
adding the following section

00:58:36.230 --> 00:58:40.240 align:middle line:84%
of the Department of the State
Secretary may retain as revenue

00:58:40.240 --> 00:58:42.490 align:middle line:84%
50% for the
Massachusetts securities,

00:58:42.490 --> 00:58:47.220 align:middle line:84%
fines, and penalties up to
$500,000 for general expenses

00:58:47.220 --> 00:58:50.270 align:middle line:84%
and beyond the $4 million
anticipated revenue

00:58:50.270 --> 00:58:53.560 align:middle line:84%
for the Commonwealth
for fiscal year 2018.

00:58:53.560 --> 00:58:56.140 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Scaccia of Boston.

00:58:56.140 --> 00:58:57.790 align:middle line:90%
Is this the pension one?

00:58:57.790 --> 00:59:07.480 align:middle line:90%


00:59:07.480 --> 00:59:09.780 align:middle line:84%
This is the securities
and fines penalties.

00:59:09.780 --> 00:59:12.830 align:middle line:90%


00:59:12.830 --> 00:59:13.330 align:middle line:90%
Pension one?

00:59:13.330 --> 00:59:15.666 align:middle line:90%


00:59:15.666 --> 00:59:16.165 align:middle line:90%
Security.

00:59:16.165 --> 01:01:18.210 align:middle line:90%


01:01:18.210 --> 01:01:21.270 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the Chair

01:01:21.270 --> 01:01:34.920 align:middle line:84%
will consider no action
on amendment 726.

01:01:34.920 --> 01:01:36.767 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
offers an amendment

01:01:36.767 --> 01:01:37.850 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:01:37.850 --> 01:01:39.266 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:01:39.266 --> 01:01:42.860 align:middle line:90%


01:01:42.860 --> 01:01:44.990 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 727.

01:01:44.990 --> 01:01:47.315 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
moves to amend the bill

01:01:47.315 --> 01:01:48.690 align:middle line:84%
by adding the
following section--

01:01:48.690 --> 01:01:50.697 align:middle line:84%
section 2, chapter 62,
to general laws appearing

01:01:50.697 --> 01:01:52.530 align:middle line:84%
in the 2014 official
edition, hereby amended

01:01:52.530 --> 01:01:54.862 align:middle line:84%
by striking out line
42 the word income

01:01:54.862 --> 01:01:56.820 align:middle line:84%
and inserting in place
of the following words--

01:01:56.820 --> 01:01:59.310 align:middle line:90%
the first $100,000 of income.

01:01:59.310 --> 01:02:01.630 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Scaccia of Boston.

01:02:01.630 --> 01:02:05.310 align:middle line:90%


01:02:05.310 --> 01:02:09.570 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, this is the second
amendment that I have filed,

01:02:09.570 --> 01:02:12.990 align:middle line:84%
and I call it the
Fairness Doctrine.

01:02:12.990 --> 01:02:22.380 align:middle line:84%
All pension income in
Massachusetts is taxed at 5.1%

01:02:22.380 --> 01:02:30.280 align:middle line:84%
except for those who work for
state, city, town, federal,

01:02:30.280 --> 01:02:33.860 align:middle line:84%
and if there are any
left, county government.

01:02:33.860 --> 01:02:37.930 align:middle line:84%
That in itself is
unfair, Mr. Speaker,

01:02:37.930 --> 01:02:40.970 align:middle line:84%
because if you work
in the private sector,

01:02:40.970 --> 01:02:44.380 align:middle line:90%
you pay from dollar one 5.1%.

01:02:44.380 --> 01:02:47.450 align:middle line:90%


01:02:47.450 --> 01:02:54.070 align:middle line:84%
This year, we will
spend $2.395 billion

01:02:54.070 --> 01:02:57.720 align:middle line:84%
towards the unfunded
pension liability.

01:02:57.720 --> 01:03:00.700 align:middle line:90%


01:03:00.700 --> 01:03:05.560 align:middle line:84%
In the past two
years, $424 million

01:03:05.560 --> 01:03:08.770 align:middle line:90%
has been given to this fund.

01:03:08.770 --> 01:03:15.180 align:middle line:84%
You can imagine if we did $424
million in the last two years

01:03:15.180 --> 01:03:18.635 align:middle line:84%
what the cost is to
cities and towns--

01:03:18.635 --> 01:03:21.360 align:middle line:90%


01:03:21.360 --> 01:03:25.660 align:middle line:84%
forget the feds-- the
county government also.

01:03:25.660 --> 01:03:30.850 align:middle line:84%
My amendment is not the solution
to this growing problem,

01:03:30.850 --> 01:03:33.600 align:middle line:90%
but at least we can start.

01:03:33.600 --> 01:03:41.140 align:middle line:84%
My amendment says that anyone
making more than $100,000

01:03:41.140 --> 01:03:49.530 align:middle line:84%
in their pension would be taxed
at 5.1% that amount that's

01:03:49.530 --> 01:03:52.070 align:middle line:90%
over $100,000.

01:03:52.070 --> 01:03:56.460 align:middle line:84%
So if you make
$125,000 in a year

01:03:56.460 --> 01:04:01.700 align:middle line:84%
and have served in the
Commonwealth for 30 years

01:04:01.700 --> 01:04:06.020 align:middle line:84%
and you are 65 years
of age, and you

01:04:06.020 --> 01:04:12.090 align:middle line:84%
make $125,000 in your
pension, you won't get taxed.

01:04:12.090 --> 01:04:13.940 align:middle line:90%
It's still the donut.

01:04:13.940 --> 01:04:20.980 align:middle line:84%
If you make $150,000
a year and work

01:04:20.980 --> 01:04:24.170 align:middle line:84%
for 30 years in state
government and are

01:04:24.170 --> 01:04:29.940 align:middle line:84%
65 years of age on
retirement, the first $120,000

01:04:29.940 --> 01:04:32.070 align:middle line:90%
is nontaxable.

01:04:32.070 --> 01:04:37.357 align:middle line:84%
The remaining $30,000
would be taxed at 5.1%.

01:04:37.357 --> 01:04:40.630 align:middle line:90%


01:04:40.630 --> 01:04:48.320 align:middle line:84%
You would pay for
$150,000 pension $1,530.

01:04:48.320 --> 01:04:56.680 align:middle line:84%
Not many people years
ago, Mr. Speaker,

01:04:56.680 --> 01:05:03.670 align:middle line:84%
who worked 30 years in state
government and retired at 65

01:05:03.670 --> 01:05:05.820 align:middle line:84%
never got to those
sums of money.

01:05:05.820 --> 01:05:09.270 align:middle line:90%


01:05:09.270 --> 01:05:11.570 align:middle line:90%
But today that is happening.

01:05:11.570 --> 01:05:16.165 align:middle line:84%
Pensions are a time
bomb waiting to explode.

01:05:16.165 --> 01:05:20.450 align:middle line:90%


01:05:20.450 --> 01:05:26.620 align:middle line:84%
We should be looking
at this subject soon.

01:05:26.620 --> 01:05:31.300 align:middle line:84%
And as I said, I consider
it the Fairness Doctrine.

01:05:31.300 --> 01:05:36.300 align:middle line:84%
If you make $150,000
in pension income

01:05:36.300 --> 01:05:46.090 align:middle line:84%
and you only have to pay $1,530,
that is today becoming unfair.

01:05:46.090 --> 01:05:50.060 align:middle line:84%
And more and more
people, Mr. Speaker--

01:05:50.060 --> 01:05:52.390 align:middle line:90%
more and more people--

01:05:52.390 --> 01:05:56.050 align:middle line:84%
are at that figure
in state government.

01:05:56.050 --> 01:06:00.690 align:middle line:84%
We should get back
some small amounts.

01:06:00.690 --> 01:06:11.190 align:middle line:90%


01:06:11.190 --> 01:06:12.940 align:middle line:84%
Questions and outcomes
on the amendment.

01:06:12.940 --> 01:06:14.480 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

01:06:14.480 --> 01:06:15.610 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

01:06:15.610 --> 01:06:16.470 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

01:06:16.470 --> 01:06:17.910 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

01:06:17.910 --> 01:06:22.580 align:middle line:90%


01:06:22.580 --> 01:06:25.887 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
offers amendment

01:06:25.887 --> 01:06:26.970 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:06:26.970 --> 01:06:28.386 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:06:28.386 --> 01:06:38.190 align:middle line:90%


01:06:38.190 --> 01:06:39.980 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 728.

01:06:39.980 --> 01:06:43.710 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston moves
to amend the bill by adding

01:06:43.710 --> 01:06:44.760 align:middle line:90%
the following section--

01:06:44.760 --> 01:06:47.320 align:middle line:84%
section 6 of chapter
62 of the general laws

01:06:47.320 --> 01:06:49.200 align:middle line:84%
as appearing in the
2014 official edition.

01:06:49.200 --> 01:06:52.110 align:middle line:84%
It is hereby amended by
inserting after paragraph 8

01:06:52.110 --> 01:06:55.560 align:middle line:84%
in subsection L the
following two paragraphs--

01:06:55.560 --> 01:07:00.010 align:middle line:84%
9, by electing the credits
under the subsection

01:07:00.010 --> 01:07:03.842 align:middle line:84%
or under subsection 38x
of chapter 63 or by--

01:07:03.842 --> 01:07:05.300 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

01:07:05.300 --> 01:07:06.710 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

01:07:06.710 --> 01:07:07.585 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

01:07:07.585 --> 01:07:17.631 align:middle line:90%


01:07:17.631 --> 01:07:18.880 align:middle line:90%
Question now on the amendment.

01:07:18.880 --> 01:07:20.054 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

01:07:20.054 --> 01:07:20.970 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

01:07:20.970 --> 01:07:21.610 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

01:07:21.610 --> 01:07:22.818 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

01:07:22.818 --> 01:08:08.020 align:middle line:90%


01:08:08.020 --> 01:08:13.940 align:middle line:84%
Chair asks that the amendment
number 728 unanimous consent

01:08:13.940 --> 01:08:16.270 align:middle line:90%
to have no action on it.

01:08:16.270 --> 01:08:17.020 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

01:08:17.020 --> 01:08:18.470 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

01:08:18.470 --> 01:08:21.340 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia asks
unanimous consent

01:08:21.340 --> 01:08:22.640 align:middle line:90%
to withdraw his amendment.

01:08:22.640 --> 01:08:23.321 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

01:08:23.321 --> 01:08:24.029 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

01:08:24.029 --> 01:08:36.390 align:middle line:90%


01:08:36.390 --> 01:08:38.517 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
offers amendment

01:08:38.517 --> 01:08:39.600 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:08:39.600 --> 01:08:41.016 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:08:41.016 --> 01:08:46.740 align:middle line:90%


01:08:46.740 --> 01:08:48.810 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 1,100.

01:08:48.810 --> 01:08:51.359 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scaccia of Boston
moves to amend the bill

01:08:51.359 --> 01:08:52.800 align:middle line:90%
by adding the following--

01:08:52.800 --> 01:08:55.670 align:middle line:84%
section 4 of chapter
62 of the general laws

01:08:55.670 --> 01:08:57.439 align:middle line:84%
as appearing in the
2014 official edition,

01:08:57.439 --> 01:09:00.279 align:middle line:84%
hereby amended by strikeout
subsection B and inserting

01:09:00.279 --> 01:09:02.399 align:middle line:84%
in place the following
subsection B-- part B,

01:09:02.399 --> 01:09:06.390 align:middle line:84%
taxable income shall be taxed at
the rate of 5.5% for tax years

01:09:06.390 --> 01:09:10.029 align:middle line:84%
beginning on or after
January 1, 2017.

01:09:10.029 --> 01:09:14.200 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Scaccia of Boston.

01:09:14.200 --> 01:09:17.374 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, this is a
very simple amendment.

01:09:17.374 --> 01:09:19.899 align:middle line:90%


01:09:19.899 --> 01:09:22.109 align:middle line:84%
And I am sure I am
going to receive

01:09:22.109 --> 01:09:27.200 align:middle line:84%
tremendous support, at least
from my Democratic colleagues

01:09:27.200 --> 01:09:28.319 align:middle line:90%
on this amendment.

01:09:28.319 --> 01:09:34.370 align:middle line:84%
We are going to move
up the personal income

01:09:34.370 --> 01:09:37.913 align:middle line:90%
tax from 5.1% to 5.5%.

01:09:37.913 --> 01:09:42.439 align:middle line:90%


01:09:42.439 --> 01:09:49.040 align:middle line:84%
Hopefully, this will
raise nearly $1 billion.

01:09:49.040 --> 01:09:52.130 align:middle line:84%
Now, my beginning
statements, Mr. Speaker,

01:09:52.130 --> 01:09:58.170 align:middle line:84%
were those that said
we can't continue

01:09:58.170 --> 01:10:01.350 align:middle line:84%
the way we're going
in state government

01:10:01.350 --> 01:10:03.960 align:middle line:90%
unless we get some revenue.

01:10:03.960 --> 01:10:07.990 align:middle line:90%


01:10:07.990 --> 01:10:12.090 align:middle line:84%
There are no dollars
left, Mr. Speaker,

01:10:12.090 --> 01:10:15.690 align:middle line:84%
when we look at
this year's budget.

01:10:15.690 --> 01:10:19.730 align:middle line:84%
And there are fewer than no
dollars left, Mr. Speaker,

01:10:19.730 --> 01:10:24.410 align:middle line:84%
when we look at
next year's budget.

01:10:24.410 --> 01:10:29.320 align:middle line:84%
We couldn't afford a
supplementary budget next year

01:10:29.320 --> 01:10:35.320 align:middle line:84%
giving the figures
that we have before us.

01:10:35.320 --> 01:10:36.990 align:middle line:90%
It's time we bite the bullet.

01:10:36.990 --> 01:10:40.010 align:middle line:90%


01:10:40.010 --> 01:10:44.120 align:middle line:90%
It's time we do the right thing.

01:10:44.120 --> 01:10:47.520 align:middle line:84%
And I would prefer,
Mr. Speaker, that we

01:10:47.520 --> 01:10:49.850 align:middle line:84%
ask the citizens of
this commonwealth,

01:10:49.850 --> 01:10:57.290 align:middle line:84%
through their elected reps, to
consider this amendment instead

01:10:57.290 --> 01:11:04.350 align:middle line:84%
of relying on pot
and on gambling

01:11:04.350 --> 01:11:09.350 align:middle line:84%
in hope to get the millionaires
tax two years down the road.

01:11:09.350 --> 01:11:13.780 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I hope that
amendment is adopted.

01:11:13.780 --> 01:11:15.030 align:middle line:90%
Question now on the amendment.

01:11:15.030 --> 01:11:16.270 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

01:11:16.270 --> 01:11:17.280 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

01:11:17.280 --> 01:11:17.980 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

01:11:17.980 --> 01:11:19.355 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

01:11:19.355 --> 01:11:26.890 align:middle line:90%


01:11:26.890 --> 01:11:30.390 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like them to inform
the members that amendment

01:11:30.390 --> 01:11:36.890 align:middle line:84%
number 684 is going to go
from revenue to recategorize

01:11:36.890 --> 01:11:38.160 align:middle line:90%
to legislative non-budget.

01:11:38.160 --> 01:11:48.292 align:middle line:90%


01:11:48.292 --> 01:11:50.000 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
take this opportunity

01:11:50.000 --> 01:11:53.140 align:middle line:84%
to introduce to the right of
the rostrum Rich [INAUDIBLE]

01:11:53.140 --> 01:11:57.430 align:middle line:84%
Kyle Remnick, Adam
Burke, Ian Sullivan,

01:11:57.430 --> 01:12:00.790 align:middle line:84%
a group from the Salem
business community,

01:12:00.790 --> 01:12:02.290 align:middle line:84%
who are the guests
of Representative

01:12:02.290 --> 01:12:03.870 align:middle line:90%
Tucker and Senator Lovely.

01:12:03.870 --> 01:12:04.600 align:middle line:90%
Welcome to--

01:12:04.600 --> 01:12:52.140 align:middle line:90%


01:12:52.140 --> 01:12:52.640 align:middle line:90%
[APPLAUSE]

01:12:52.640 --> 01:12:55.877 align:middle line:84%
Miss Provost of Somerville
offers an amendment

01:12:55.877 --> 01:12:56.960 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:12:56.960 --> 01:12:58.376 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:12:58.376 --> 01:13:07.060 align:middle line:90%
House will be in a brief recess.

01:13:07.060 --> 01:14:37.414 align:middle line:90%


01:14:37.414 --> 01:14:39.330 align:middle line:84%
Miss Provost of Somerville
offers an amendment

01:14:39.330 --> 01:14:40.413 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:14:40.413 --> 01:14:43.350 align:middle line:90%
Clerk will read the amendment.

01:14:43.350 --> 01:14:45.860 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 42, Miss
Provost of Somerville

01:14:45.860 --> 01:14:48.200 align:middle line:84%
moves to amend a bill by
adding the following section--

01:14:48.200 --> 01:14:50.360 align:middle line:84%
section 4, chapter 62
of the general laws

01:14:50.360 --> 01:14:52.110 align:middle line:84%
hereby amended by
striking out paragraph B

01:14:52.110 --> 01:14:54.068 align:middle line:84%
and inserting in place
the following paragraph.

01:14:54.068 --> 01:14:58.290 align:middle line:84%
Paragraph part B of taxable
income shall be taxed at a rate

01:14:58.290 --> 01:15:06.180 align:middle line:84%
of 5.10% for tax years beginning
on or after January 1, 2017.

01:15:06.180 --> 01:15:09.490 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Provost of Somerville.

01:15:09.490 --> 01:15:13.310 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

01:15:13.310 --> 01:15:19.140 align:middle line:84%
I rise today to speak in support
of amendment 42, an amendment

01:15:19.140 --> 01:15:25.450 align:middle line:84%
which is just as simple and
even more modest in scope

01:15:25.450 --> 01:15:28.520 align:middle line:84%
than the amendment just
offered by the gentleman

01:15:28.520 --> 01:15:29.960 align:middle line:90%
from Readville.

01:15:29.960 --> 01:15:36.100 align:middle line:84%
This is an amendment that
would freeze the falling state

01:15:36.100 --> 01:15:42.020 align:middle line:84%
rate of personal
income tax at 5.1%

01:15:42.020 --> 01:15:44.970 align:middle line:84%
where it is now and has
been since last year.

01:15:44.970 --> 01:15:47.980 align:middle line:90%


01:15:47.980 --> 01:15:51.910 align:middle line:84%
Even though I had already
filed this amendment

01:15:51.910 --> 01:15:55.760 align:middle line:84%
by last week, when I
was reading the business

01:15:55.760 --> 01:15:59.990 align:middle line:84%
section of The Boston
Globe on the 20th of April,

01:15:59.990 --> 01:16:03.710 align:middle line:84%
I was stunned to
see the headline

01:16:03.710 --> 01:16:09.700 align:middle line:84%
"next recession could make the
state budget deficit explode."

01:16:09.700 --> 01:16:13.700 align:middle line:84%
This will be no
surprise to any of us.

01:16:13.700 --> 01:16:21.900 align:middle line:84%
As my colleague mentioned, we
have struggled with 9C cuts.

01:16:21.900 --> 01:16:24.490 align:middle line:84%
If you are like me
and my colleagues,

01:16:24.490 --> 01:16:26.240 align:middle line:84%
and I think you
are, because I've

01:16:26.240 --> 01:16:31.110 align:middle line:84%
heard you speaking
in room 348, you

01:16:31.110 --> 01:16:35.290 align:middle line:84%
like me are hearing every day
from colleagues about cuts

01:16:35.290 --> 01:16:39.410 align:middle line:84%
in appropriations to
programs and services

01:16:39.410 --> 01:16:43.310 align:middle line:84%
that everyone in this
commonwealth relies on--

01:16:43.310 --> 01:16:47.360 align:middle line:84%
public education,
public higher education,

01:16:47.360 --> 01:16:52.850 align:middle line:84%
services to developmentally
disabled persons,

01:16:52.850 --> 01:16:57.680 align:middle line:84%
to the elderly, to all
of the people in need

01:16:57.680 --> 01:17:00.230 align:middle line:90%
in all of our districts.

01:17:00.230 --> 01:17:03.700 align:middle line:84%
And yet we are facing a budget
which the state house news

01:17:03.700 --> 01:17:09.680 align:middle line:84%
service described today as
one in a string of austerity

01:17:09.680 --> 01:17:10.990 align:middle line:90%
budgets.

01:17:10.990 --> 01:17:14.940 align:middle line:84%
Here we are facing
austerity budgets

01:17:14.940 --> 01:17:18.720 align:middle line:84%
in this state that has the
second highest per capita

01:17:18.720 --> 01:17:23.150 align:middle line:84%
wealth in this nation
and yet at the same time

01:17:23.150 --> 01:17:28.520 align:middle line:84%
we are a national leader
in the inequality gap--

01:17:28.520 --> 01:17:30.970 align:middle line:90%
the income inequality gap--

01:17:30.970 --> 01:17:35.330 align:middle line:84%
because as the Globe
pointed out last week,

01:17:35.330 --> 01:17:41.320 align:middle line:84%
we have cut taxes year
after year and, in fact,

01:17:41.320 --> 01:17:45.280 align:middle line:84%
we haven't even taken
action to instigate

01:17:45.280 --> 01:17:49.000 align:middle line:84%
some of those cuts
because of the legislation

01:17:49.000 --> 01:17:55.410 align:middle line:84%
that we created to implement the
ultimate reduction of the state

01:17:55.410 --> 01:17:58.390 align:middle line:90%
income tax rate to 5%.

01:17:58.390 --> 01:18:04.810 align:middle line:84%
Until this January, we had
experienced automatic rate

01:18:04.810 --> 01:18:10.400 align:middle line:84%
reductions year after year
because of meeting the growth

01:18:10.400 --> 01:18:17.940 align:middle line:84%
triggers that were set up to
be a safeguard against cutting

01:18:17.940 --> 01:18:21.400 align:middle line:84%
the state income tax
during hard times.

01:18:21.400 --> 01:18:24.000 align:middle line:84%
But these were set
up at a time when

01:18:24.000 --> 01:18:29.330 align:middle line:84%
no one had anticipated the
great recession of 2007-2008.

01:18:29.330 --> 01:18:32.340 align:middle line:84%
So as we dug our way
out of that recession,

01:18:32.340 --> 01:18:34.750 align:middle line:84%
we were triggering
those benchmarks

01:18:34.750 --> 01:18:36.850 align:middle line:90%
and revenue was going down.

01:18:36.850 --> 01:18:40.910 align:middle line:84%
And as it does with
these reductions,

01:18:40.910 --> 01:18:43.900 align:middle line:84%
which occur on January 1st--
they occur in the middle

01:18:43.900 --> 01:18:45.570 align:middle line:90%
of fiscal years--

01:18:45.570 --> 01:18:50.860 align:middle line:84%
we have got into a pattern
of experiencing 9C cuts

01:18:50.860 --> 01:18:56.530 align:middle line:84%
as well as seeing lower
appropriations in our state

01:18:56.530 --> 01:19:00.940 align:middle line:84%
budgets or level
funding at best, which

01:19:00.940 --> 01:19:03.360 align:middle line:90%
makes a difference to services.

01:19:03.360 --> 01:19:09.450 align:middle line:84%
And I'm sure you, both in
delivering constituent services

01:19:09.450 --> 01:19:12.710 align:middle line:84%
and in hearing from
constituents, experience this.

01:19:12.710 --> 01:19:18.070 align:middle line:84%
Last July, I had a
lady who was blind

01:19:18.070 --> 01:19:22.730 align:middle line:84%
and disabled, 94 years old, die
while she was on the waiting

01:19:22.730 --> 01:19:24.300 align:middle line:90%
list for home care.

01:19:24.300 --> 01:19:28.560 align:middle line:84%
And I'm sure each one of
you has similar stories.

01:19:28.560 --> 01:19:32.790 align:middle line:84%
We've since ended the
waiting list for home care,

01:19:32.790 --> 01:19:35.970 align:middle line:90%
but this didn't help that lady.

01:19:35.970 --> 01:19:43.610 align:middle line:84%
So the projection that the
Boston Globe puts forth

01:19:43.610 --> 01:19:45.700 align:middle line:90%
is a dire one.

01:19:45.700 --> 01:19:48.390 align:middle line:90%


01:19:48.390 --> 01:19:52.530 align:middle line:84%
And the solution which I
put forth is a modest one.

01:19:52.530 --> 01:19:55.740 align:middle line:84%
It is not a new tax
we're talking about.

01:19:55.740 --> 01:20:00.070 align:middle line:84%
It is the same tax rate
that we are paying now

01:20:00.070 --> 01:20:05.110 align:middle line:84%
for personal income tax but
much reduced from prior years.

01:20:05.110 --> 01:20:09.970 align:middle line:84%
In fact, the Globe said
that during the '90s state

01:20:09.970 --> 01:20:14.400 align:middle line:84%
taxes amounted to 6.7 cents
of every dollar earned

01:20:14.400 --> 01:20:15.840 align:middle line:90%
in Massachusetts.

01:20:15.840 --> 01:20:18.860 align:middle line:84%
Today it's more like
7.9, and if that

01:20:18.860 --> 01:20:20.830 align:middle line:84%
doesn't sound like
a big change, it

01:20:20.830 --> 01:20:25.080 align:middle line:84%
adds up to something
like $3.5 billion

01:20:25.080 --> 01:20:28.070 align:middle line:84%
no longer collected
dollars every year,

01:20:28.070 --> 01:20:32.680 align:middle line:84%
more than enough to
resolve the budget woes.

01:20:32.680 --> 01:20:39.990 align:middle line:84%
So 3/4 of a percent decrease in
the rate of our biggest revenue

01:20:39.990 --> 01:20:45.300 align:middle line:90%
source, $3.5 billion.

01:20:45.300 --> 01:20:53.100 align:middle line:84%
I put it before you that unless
we want to cut even further--

01:20:53.100 --> 01:20:54.820 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

01:20:54.820 --> 01:20:56.760 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] of the lady rise?

01:20:56.760 --> 01:21:00.450 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

01:21:00.450 --> 01:21:01.050 align:middle line:90%
I will yield.

01:21:01.050 --> 01:21:02.450 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] going to yield.

01:21:02.450 --> 01:21:05.020 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes
Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

01:21:05.020 --> 01:21:06.050 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

01:21:06.050 --> 01:21:11.820 align:middle line:84%
I know that in my
district I get zero calls

01:21:11.820 --> 01:21:13.770 align:middle line:90%
for lowering the income tax.

01:21:13.770 --> 01:21:17.490 align:middle line:84%
And I get dozens and dozens
and hundreds of calls

01:21:17.490 --> 01:21:22.520 align:middle line:84%
for restoring the 9C cuts or
for funding the programs that

01:21:22.520 --> 01:21:26.980 align:middle line:84%
are so underfunded and to make
sure chapter 70 is fully funded

01:21:26.980 --> 01:21:29.370 align:middle line:90%
and local aid is fully funded.

01:21:29.370 --> 01:21:32.160 align:middle line:84%
So given that we get these
calls over and over again

01:21:32.160 --> 01:21:35.870 align:middle line:84%
from our local officials,
from our constituents, Madam

01:21:35.870 --> 01:21:37.540 align:middle line:84%
Representative,
can you let me know

01:21:37.540 --> 01:21:39.840 align:middle line:84%
what would be the
increase this year?

01:21:39.840 --> 01:21:42.110 align:middle line:84%
What would we be saving
this year in revenue

01:21:42.110 --> 01:21:45.390 align:middle line:84%
by not implementing
the next rollback?

01:21:45.390 --> 01:21:49.390 align:middle line:90%


01:21:49.390 --> 01:21:52.190 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Provost of Somerville.

01:21:52.190 --> 01:21:53.370 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:21:53.370 --> 01:22:01.340 align:middle line:84%
For this January 1st, we did
not experience a rollback,

01:22:01.340 --> 01:22:07.490 align:middle line:84%
but the dollar value in
revenue for the half year

01:22:07.490 --> 01:22:13.620 align:middle line:84%
would be $83 million, for
the whole year $162 million,

01:22:13.620 --> 01:22:16.730 align:middle line:84%
whereas the savings to
a middle-income family

01:22:16.730 --> 01:22:19.170 align:middle line:90%
is about $35 a year.

01:22:19.170 --> 01:22:21.090 align:middle line:90%
I hope that's responsive.

01:22:21.090 --> 01:22:21.750 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:22:21.750 --> 01:22:22.374 align:middle line:90%
You're welcome.

01:22:22.374 --> 01:22:25.880 align:middle line:90%


01:22:25.880 --> 01:22:26.380 align:middle line:90%
Question.

01:22:26.380 --> 01:22:27.879 align:middle line:84%
Now comes adoption
of the amendment.

01:22:27.879 --> 01:22:30.140 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes
Miss Balser of Newton.

01:22:30.140 --> 01:22:45.050 align:middle line:90%


01:22:45.050 --> 01:22:47.590 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

01:22:47.590 --> 01:22:50.980 align:middle line:84%
I rise to speak in
support of this amendment.

01:22:50.980 --> 01:22:55.280 align:middle line:84%
This amendment would freeze
the income tax in place,

01:22:55.280 --> 01:22:59.830 align:middle line:84%
and it would give
us in the state

01:22:59.830 --> 01:23:03.600 align:middle line:84%
more revenue to fund
the essential services

01:23:03.600 --> 01:23:05.860 align:middle line:84%
that it's government's
job to fund

01:23:05.860 --> 01:23:09.220 align:middle line:84%
for the people of
the Commonwealth.

01:23:09.220 --> 01:23:11.430 align:middle line:84%
The logic behind
the whole system

01:23:11.430 --> 01:23:16.140 align:middle line:84%
of triggering to go back to
5.0 as at least some of us

01:23:16.140 --> 01:23:19.180 align:middle line:84%
remember, depending how
long we've been here,

01:23:19.180 --> 01:23:23.789 align:middle line:84%
was that there was a voter
initiative back in 1998--

01:23:23.789 --> 01:23:25.330 align:middle line:84%
I believe it was
the year I was first

01:23:25.330 --> 01:23:26.950 align:middle line:90%
running for the legislature--

01:23:26.950 --> 01:23:31.360 align:middle line:84%
that voted to move the
tax rate back to 5.0.

01:23:31.360 --> 01:23:35.950 align:middle line:84%
And there's been an
idea that we should

01:23:35.950 --> 01:23:38.370 align:middle line:90%
honor the will of the voters.

01:23:38.370 --> 01:23:42.540 align:middle line:84%
And I just want to talk
about that issue directly,

01:23:42.540 --> 01:23:44.530 align:middle line:84%
because of course
we're all here to honor

01:23:44.530 --> 01:23:46.630 align:middle line:84%
the will of the
voters every day.

01:23:46.630 --> 01:23:51.210 align:middle line:84%
That's why we're here, to
represent our constituents.

01:23:51.210 --> 01:23:53.950 align:middle line:84%
One of the things I say
when I bring students

01:23:53.950 --> 01:23:57.260 align:middle line:84%
into this chamber, and I give
them a quick civics lesson,

01:23:57.260 --> 01:24:01.390 align:middle line:84%
I'll often say there are
two ways to pass laws

01:24:01.390 --> 01:24:02.670 align:middle line:90%
in the Commonwealth.

01:24:02.670 --> 01:24:05.920 align:middle line:84%
One is by the
legislature and the other

01:24:05.920 --> 01:24:08.550 align:middle line:84%
is by the voters in
a ballot initiative.

01:24:08.550 --> 01:24:12.270 align:middle line:84%
I then point out that
whether a law is passed

01:24:12.270 --> 01:24:17.260 align:middle line:84%
by the legislature or by
the voters, either way,

01:24:17.260 --> 01:24:21.150 align:middle line:84%
it's like any other law
and it can be amended.

01:24:21.150 --> 01:24:25.000 align:middle line:90%
We have a flexible system.

01:24:25.000 --> 01:24:28.630 align:middle line:84%
Every two years there are
new legislators representing

01:24:28.630 --> 01:24:30.680 align:middle line:84%
their constituents,
and there are

01:24:30.680 --> 01:24:32.880 align:middle line:84%
new elections with
new opportunities

01:24:32.880 --> 01:24:34.990 align:middle line:90%
for ballot questions as well.

01:24:34.990 --> 01:24:39.760 align:middle line:84%
This isn't the only
ballot initiative

01:24:39.760 --> 01:24:41.730 align:middle line:90%
that has been amended.

01:24:41.730 --> 01:24:46.200 align:middle line:84%
At that same era, the voters
passed a campaign finance

01:24:46.200 --> 01:24:49.650 align:middle line:84%
reform bill, which
several years later we

01:24:49.650 --> 01:24:51.000 align:middle line:90%
here in the legislature--

01:24:51.000 --> 01:24:54.040 align:middle line:90%
I was here-- we repealed it.

01:24:54.040 --> 01:24:57.990 align:middle line:84%
More recently, the voters
passed a marijuana bill,

01:24:57.990 --> 01:25:01.580 align:middle line:84%
and we are currently looking
at how to tweak and amend it.

01:25:01.580 --> 01:25:05.290 align:middle line:84%
I point to these other
examples, not out

01:25:05.290 --> 01:25:08.930 align:middle line:84%
of any criticism but
quite the contrary,

01:25:08.930 --> 01:25:13.350 align:middle line:84%
to make the point that we have a
flexible democratic system that

01:25:13.350 --> 01:25:16.570 align:middle line:84%
responds to changes
and new needs.

01:25:16.570 --> 01:25:19.020 align:middle line:90%
In 1998 when--

01:25:19.020 --> 01:25:23.100 align:middle line:84%
I remember the late Paul
Cellucci, of blessed memory,

01:25:23.100 --> 01:25:26.130 align:middle line:84%
going around the
Commonwealth promising

01:25:26.130 --> 01:25:30.030 align:middle line:84%
that if the voters passed for
it there would be no cuts.

01:25:30.030 --> 01:25:32.920 align:middle line:84%
Paul Cellucci wasn't
being dishonest.

01:25:32.920 --> 01:25:36.730 align:middle line:84%
He was talking from
a 1998 perspective.

01:25:36.730 --> 01:25:40.490 align:middle line:84%
We were living through
the biggest economic boom

01:25:40.490 --> 01:25:43.310 align:middle line:84%
in our nation's
history in the '90s.

01:25:43.310 --> 01:25:46.260 align:middle line:84%
And so it was possible
to make the argument

01:25:46.260 --> 01:25:51.130 align:middle line:84%
that even if we cut taxes, we
wouldn't have to cut things.

01:25:51.130 --> 01:25:53.660 align:middle line:84%
Paul Cellucci and
the others who voted

01:25:53.660 --> 01:25:55.800 align:middle line:84%
for that had no
way of knowing what

01:25:55.800 --> 01:26:00.320 align:middle line:84%
was going to happen in 2001
when our nation was attacked

01:26:00.320 --> 01:26:01.950 align:middle line:90%
and our finances--

01:26:01.950 --> 01:26:05.310 align:middle line:84%
our whole system--
collapsed financially.

01:26:05.310 --> 01:26:08.350 align:middle line:84%
And we've been struggling
ever since then

01:26:08.350 --> 01:26:11.020 align:middle line:90%
to recapture the revenue.

01:26:11.020 --> 01:26:16.200 align:middle line:84%
And so when the good lady from
Somerville says, you know,

01:26:16.200 --> 01:26:18.060 align:middle line:90%
we can rethink this.

01:26:18.060 --> 01:26:22.030 align:middle line:84%
We have to go back down
to 5.0 because we're

01:26:22.030 --> 01:26:23.450 align:middle line:90%
in a new situation.

01:26:23.450 --> 01:26:25.710 align:middle line:84%
And our constituents
have sent us

01:26:25.710 --> 01:26:28.870 align:middle line:90%
here to adapt to new situations.

01:26:28.870 --> 01:26:31.390 align:middle line:84%
And I, like the lady
from Pittsfield,

01:26:31.390 --> 01:26:34.310 align:middle line:84%
I don't get calls
from people asking me

01:26:34.310 --> 01:26:36.230 align:middle line:90%
to lower their tax rate to 5.0.

01:26:36.230 --> 01:26:39.310 align:middle line:84%
But I get lots of
calls from people

01:26:39.310 --> 01:26:41.800 align:middle line:84%
wanting more investment
in education,

01:26:41.800 --> 01:26:44.200 align:middle line:84%
more investment
in public safety,

01:26:44.200 --> 01:26:47.020 align:middle line:84%
more investment in
environmental protection,

01:26:47.020 --> 01:26:50.280 align:middle line:84%
more investment in the
arts, more investment

01:26:50.280 --> 01:26:52.470 align:middle line:90%
in civil legal aid.

01:26:52.470 --> 01:26:57.530 align:middle line:84%
And so I stand here today to say
I hear the will of the voters.

01:26:57.530 --> 01:27:00.930 align:middle line:84%
And I know my constituents
have asked me to be flexible

01:27:00.930 --> 01:27:04.160 align:middle line:84%
and to do the best I
can in the present.

01:27:04.160 --> 01:27:07.250 align:middle line:84%
And in the present, we
could use the new revenue

01:27:07.250 --> 01:27:09.500 align:middle line:84%
to support the
essential services

01:27:09.500 --> 01:27:12.510 align:middle line:84%
that the people of
Massachusetts need and deserve.

01:27:12.510 --> 01:27:14.490 align:middle line:84%
I ask you to support
this amendment.

01:27:14.490 --> 01:27:15.400 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:27:15.400 --> 01:27:18.540 align:middle line:90%
Mr. Speaker.

01:27:18.540 --> 01:27:20.730 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Atkins of Concord.

01:27:20.730 --> 01:27:26.250 align:middle line:90%


01:27:26.250 --> 01:27:27.910 align:middle line:84%
As the lady approaches
the microphone,

01:27:27.910 --> 01:27:31.110 align:middle line:84%
the Chair would like to
indicate to the members

01:27:31.110 --> 01:27:34.990 align:middle line:84%
that constitutional offices,
state administration,

01:27:34.990 --> 01:27:40.640 align:middle line:84%
and transportation will
be in room 348 at 1:30.

01:27:40.640 --> 01:27:44.260 align:middle line:84%
In addition to that, the
Chair would inform the members

01:27:44.260 --> 01:27:49.110 align:middle line:84%
that amendment
number 836 will be

01:27:49.110 --> 01:27:52.840 align:middle line:84%
recategorized from
legislative non-budget

01:27:52.840 --> 01:27:54.950 align:middle line:90%
to state administration.

01:27:54.950 --> 01:27:57.580 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Atkins of Concord.

01:27:57.580 --> 01:28:06.840 align:middle line:90%


01:28:06.840 --> 01:28:09.380 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Atkins of Concord.

01:28:09.380 --> 01:28:12.430 align:middle line:84%
Thank you Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

01:28:12.430 --> 01:28:16.240 align:middle line:90%
I agree with my colleagues--

01:28:16.240 --> 01:28:20.260 align:middle line:84%
the lady from Somerville,
also the lady from Pittsfield,

01:28:20.260 --> 01:28:21.940 align:middle line:90%
and the lady from Newton.

01:28:21.940 --> 01:28:25.430 align:middle line:84%
I campaigned during the
time of that referendum

01:28:25.430 --> 01:28:29.330 align:middle line:84%
to bring the income
tax back to 5.0.

01:28:29.330 --> 01:28:33.410 align:middle line:84%
And I reminded people that
if they voted for that,

01:28:33.410 --> 01:28:36.370 align:middle line:84%
they would pay for that
in their property tax,

01:28:36.370 --> 01:28:39.520 align:middle line:84%
because if they take away
funds from the state,

01:28:39.520 --> 01:28:42.000 align:middle line:84%
there isn't going to be
the amount of revenue

01:28:42.000 --> 01:28:45.600 align:middle line:84%
that they would have been
able to get in local aid.

01:28:45.600 --> 01:28:47.730 align:middle line:84%
Sure enough, if you
go back and check

01:28:47.730 --> 01:28:52.160 align:middle line:84%
in all of your communities as
to what happened to the property

01:28:52.160 --> 01:28:55.860 align:middle line:84%
tax from the year
2000 until now,

01:28:55.860 --> 01:29:01.050 align:middle line:84%
it has gone up like
a fighter airplane.

01:29:01.050 --> 01:29:05.210 align:middle line:84%
It is just amazing, and it's
because the state doesn't

01:29:05.210 --> 01:29:06.730 align:middle line:90%
have the revenues.

01:29:06.730 --> 01:29:11.520 align:middle line:84%
In my office, I too have
not received one single call

01:29:11.520 --> 01:29:14.260 align:middle line:84%
to lower the income
tax, but I've

01:29:14.260 --> 01:29:21.320 align:middle line:84%
received call after call after
call to restore the 9C cuts,

01:29:21.320 --> 01:29:25.170 align:middle line:84%
to add to the
homelessness accounts,

01:29:25.170 --> 01:29:32.410 align:middle line:84%
to the legal funds accounts,
to the arts and to tourism.

01:29:32.410 --> 01:29:37.310 align:middle line:84%
Every call I get on this
budget is to add to an account,

01:29:37.310 --> 01:29:40.050 align:middle line:90%
not to take away from it.

01:29:40.050 --> 01:29:42.360 align:middle line:84%
I agree with the
lady from Newton.

01:29:42.360 --> 01:29:46.380 align:middle line:84%
That referendum happened
in the highest economy

01:29:46.380 --> 01:29:48.940 align:middle line:90%
we have seen in our lifetimes.

01:29:48.940 --> 01:29:55.360 align:middle line:84%
We have a foundational
fundamental $1 billion

01:29:55.360 --> 01:29:58.350 align:middle line:84%
deficit that we
have been struggling

01:29:58.350 --> 01:30:01.780 align:middle line:84%
with for the last
decade and a half.

01:30:01.780 --> 01:30:07.730 align:middle line:84%
And it has affected how we
budget and how we go forward.

01:30:07.730 --> 01:30:11.270 align:middle line:84%
We need the revenues
to clean that up

01:30:11.270 --> 01:30:15.800 align:middle line:84%
and also to respond
to the current needs

01:30:15.800 --> 01:30:17.620 align:middle line:90%
of our constituents.

01:30:17.620 --> 01:30:19.520 align:middle line:90%
So I support this amendment.

01:30:19.520 --> 01:30:20.570 align:middle line:90%
Thank you very much.

01:30:20.570 --> 01:30:23.090 align:middle line:90%


01:30:23.090 --> 01:30:25.410 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Connolly of Cambridge.

01:30:25.410 --> 01:30:28.390 align:middle line:90%


01:30:28.390 --> 01:30:30.680 align:middle line:84%
I rise to offer a few
comments in support

01:30:30.680 --> 01:30:32.430 align:middle line:84%
of the amendment
for my colleague

01:30:32.430 --> 01:30:35.120 align:middle line:84%
from Somerville,
amendment number 42,

01:30:35.120 --> 01:30:37.160 align:middle line:90%
and I think we should strongly.

01:30:37.160 --> 01:30:37.970 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

01:30:37.970 --> 01:30:39.500 align:middle line:90%
Chair will be in a brief recess.

01:30:39.500 --> 01:30:42.230 align:middle line:84%
Chair would ask the gentlemen
to come to the rostrum.

01:30:42.230 --> 01:31:52.020 align:middle line:90%


01:31:52.020 --> 01:31:53.880 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
Provost of Somerville.

01:31:53.880 --> 01:32:02.770 align:middle line:90%


01:32:02.770 --> 01:32:04.820 align:middle line:84%
Miss Provost of Somerville
asks unanimous consent

01:32:04.820 --> 01:32:06.119 align:middle line:90%
to withdraw her amendment.

01:32:06.119 --> 01:32:07.410 align:middle line:90%
Does the Chair have objections?

01:32:07.410 --> 01:32:08.118 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

01:32:08.118 --> 01:32:55.580 align:middle line:90%


01:32:55.580 --> 01:32:59.490 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Dwyer, a vote moving to
ask for unanimous consent

01:32:59.490 --> 01:33:03.470 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
roll call number 24.

01:33:03.470 --> 01:33:04.720 align:middle line:90%
Does the Chair have objection?

01:33:04.720 --> 01:33:07.320 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

01:33:07.320 --> 01:33:10.320 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
24, James Dwyer, yes.

01:33:10.320 --> 01:33:19.500 align:middle line:90%


01:33:19.500 --> 01:33:22.394 align:middle line:84%
If there be no objection, the
following [INAUDIBLE] bills

01:33:22.394 --> 01:33:24.310 align:middle line:84%
have been rightly and
totally prepared and now

01:33:24.310 --> 01:33:25.840 align:middle line:90%
before the House final passage.

01:33:25.840 --> 01:33:29.450 align:middle line:84%
House 3450, an act
establishing a sick leave bank

01:33:29.450 --> 01:33:33.030 align:middle line:84%
for Marie Visco, an employee
of the Department of Public

01:33:33.030 --> 01:33:33.530 align:middle line:90%
Health.

01:33:33.530 --> 01:33:36.400 align:middle line:84%
Under the Constitution,
separate vote is required.

01:33:36.400 --> 01:33:37.880 align:middle line:90%
Those voting in favor will rise.

01:33:37.880 --> 01:33:39.338 align:middle line:84%
The monitors will
return the count.

01:33:39.338 --> 01:33:41.080 align:middle line:90%
First division, three.

01:33:41.080 --> 01:33:43.780 align:middle line:90%
Second division.

01:33:43.780 --> 01:33:44.740 align:middle line:90%
Eight.

01:33:44.740 --> 01:33:45.240 align:middle line:90%
Eight.

01:33:45.240 --> 01:33:47.021 align:middle line:90%
Third division.

01:33:47.021 --> 01:33:47.520 align:middle line:90%
Five.

01:33:47.520 --> 01:33:48.020 align:middle line:90%
Five.

01:33:48.020 --> 01:33:50.170 align:middle line:90%


01:33:50.170 --> 01:33:51.950 align:middle line:90%
Fourth division.

01:33:51.950 --> 01:33:52.780 align:middle line:90%
Four.

01:33:52.780 --> 01:33:53.770 align:middle line:90%
Four.

01:33:53.770 --> 01:33:56.350 align:middle line:90%
Sufficient number have arisen.

01:33:56.350 --> 01:33:57.920 align:middle line:90%
Those opposed.

01:33:57.920 --> 01:33:58.810 align:middle line:90%
First division, 0.

01:33:58.810 --> 01:33:59.630 align:middle line:90%
Second division, 0.

01:33:59.630 --> 01:34:01.020 align:middle line:90%
Third division, 0.

01:34:01.020 --> 01:34:02.390 align:middle line:90%
Fourth division, 0.

01:34:02.390 --> 01:34:04.980 align:middle line:84%
20 members having voted
in the affirmative,

01:34:04.980 --> 01:34:07.580 align:middle line:84%
the emergency
preamble is adopted.

01:34:07.580 --> 01:34:15.850 align:middle line:90%


01:34:15.850 --> 01:34:20.440 align:middle line:84%
House 3648, an act
providing for financing

01:34:20.440 --> 01:34:23.680 align:middle line:84%
of certain improvements to the
municipal roads and bridges.

01:34:23.680 --> 01:34:26.180 align:middle line:84%
Under the Constitution, a
separate vote is required.

01:34:26.180 --> 01:34:27.847 align:middle line:84%
Those who are voting
in favor will rise.

01:34:27.847 --> 01:34:29.304 align:middle line:84%
The monitors will
return the count.

01:34:29.304 --> 01:34:30.320 align:middle line:90%
First division, three.

01:34:30.320 --> 01:34:32.700 align:middle line:90%
Second division.

01:34:32.700 --> 01:34:34.700 align:middle line:90%
15.

01:34:34.700 --> 01:34:35.200 align:middle line:90%
15.

01:34:35.200 --> 01:34:36.561 align:middle line:90%
Third division.

01:34:36.561 --> 01:34:37.060 align:middle line:90%
Five.

01:34:37.060 --> 01:34:37.560 align:middle line:90%
Five.

01:34:37.560 --> 01:34:38.650 align:middle line:90%
Fourth division.

01:34:38.650 --> 01:34:40.010 align:middle line:90%
Fourth division.

01:34:40.010 --> 01:34:41.120 align:middle line:90%
Eight.

01:34:41.120 --> 01:34:42.090 align:middle line:90%
Six.

01:34:42.090 --> 01:34:45.330 align:middle line:90%
Those in opposition.

01:34:45.330 --> 01:34:46.220 align:middle line:90%
First division, 0.

01:34:46.220 --> 01:34:47.050 align:middle line:90%
Second division, 0.

01:34:47.050 --> 01:34:47.880 align:middle line:90%
Third division 0.

01:34:47.880 --> 01:34:50.200 align:middle line:84%
Fourth division,
0 on this matter.

01:34:50.200 --> 01:34:52.910 align:middle line:84%
29 members having voted
in the affirmative,

01:34:52.910 --> 01:34:54.810 align:middle line:84%
the emergency
preamble is adopted.

01:34:54.810 --> 01:35:41.100 align:middle line:90%


01:35:41.100 --> 01:35:42.460 align:middle line:90%
House will be in order.

01:35:42.460 --> 01:35:44.927 align:middle line:84%
Miss Atkins of Concord
offers an amendment

01:35:44.927 --> 01:35:46.010 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:35:46.010 --> 01:35:47.426 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:35:47.426 --> 01:36:04.490 align:middle line:90%


01:36:04.490 --> 01:36:06.720 align:middle line:90%
Amendment 104.

01:36:06.720 --> 01:36:09.370 align:middle line:84%
Miss Atkins of Concord moves
to amend the bill by adding

01:36:09.370 --> 01:36:12.170 align:middle line:84%
the following three sections
to the definition of tangible

01:36:12.170 --> 01:36:15.020 align:middle line:84%
personal property in section 1
of chapter 64(h) of the general

01:36:15.020 --> 01:36:15.620 align:middle line:90%
laws--

01:36:15.620 --> 01:36:17.572 align:middle line:84%
If there be objection,
the clerk will dispense

01:36:17.572 --> 01:36:18.530 align:middle line:90%
with reading the paper.

01:36:18.530 --> 01:36:19.405 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

01:36:19.405 --> 01:36:21.490 align:middle line:84%
The chair recognize
Miss Atkins of Concord.

01:36:21.490 --> 01:36:33.170 align:middle line:90%


01:36:33.170 --> 01:36:35.900 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

01:36:35.900 --> 01:36:39.960 align:middle line:84%
This bill is one of my
pet peeves, because even

01:36:39.960 --> 01:36:43.480 align:middle line:84%
in the height of the
Depression, this branch

01:36:43.480 --> 01:36:48.190 align:middle line:84%
was not willing to take
away the tax exemption

01:36:48.190 --> 01:36:51.190 align:middle line:90%
on airplanes at small airports.

01:36:51.190 --> 01:36:55.380 align:middle line:84%
And those include a lot of
private and corporate jets

01:36:55.380 --> 01:37:01.700 align:middle line:84%
and all of their parts for
when they're being fixed.

01:37:01.700 --> 01:37:04.700 align:middle line:84%
And it was because
members are notified

01:37:04.700 --> 01:37:07.950 align:middle line:84%
that they have an airport in
their district, and they will--

01:37:07.950 --> 01:37:13.540 align:middle line:84%
that the mechanics working at
those airports will lose jobs.

01:37:13.540 --> 01:37:17.350 align:middle line:84%
Well, interestingly
enough, that's not true.

01:37:17.350 --> 01:37:20.710 align:middle line:84%
Tom Glynn, who's
head of Massport,

01:37:20.710 --> 01:37:23.810 align:middle line:84%
didn't even know
that there was a tax

01:37:23.810 --> 01:37:29.580 align:middle line:84%
exemption for these
airplanes and gave me

01:37:29.580 --> 01:37:35.300 align:middle line:84%
a list of the number of jobs
we were actually talking about.

01:37:35.300 --> 01:37:39.890 align:middle line:84%
And the numbers don't exceed 300
jobs around the Commonwealth.

01:37:39.890 --> 01:37:43.730 align:middle line:84%
And it's hard for me
to believe that people

01:37:43.730 --> 01:37:48.710 align:middle line:84%
will fly to New Hampshire
to have their million dollar

01:37:48.710 --> 01:37:56.030 align:middle line:84%
jets maintained just because
the state has stopped issuing

01:37:56.030 --> 01:38:01.570 align:middle line:90%
their tax-exempt status.

01:38:01.570 --> 01:38:03.120 align:middle line:90%
Now think of this--

01:38:03.120 --> 01:38:04.780 align:middle line:90%
millionaires.

01:38:04.780 --> 01:38:08.660 align:middle line:84%
These people fly-- some
of them are my friends--

01:38:08.660 --> 01:38:11.140 align:middle line:84%
to New York to go to
a show or to dinner.

01:38:11.140 --> 01:38:15.120 align:middle line:84%
And they can't pay
their sales tax?

01:38:15.120 --> 01:38:18.940 align:middle line:84%
So I think it's an
easy revenue adder.

01:38:18.940 --> 01:38:24.090 align:middle line:84%
I have no idea how they got the
exemption in the first place.

01:38:24.090 --> 01:38:28.450 align:middle line:84%
I have no idea how they
got a sales tax exemption,

01:38:28.450 --> 01:38:31.840 align:middle line:84%
that the head of Massport,
who knows everything

01:38:31.840 --> 01:38:34.990 align:middle line:84%
about all the aircraft
at Logan Airport,

01:38:34.990 --> 01:38:38.240 align:middle line:84%
does not know this
specific fact?

01:38:38.240 --> 01:38:42.530 align:middle line:84%
So I can see no reason why
the Commonwealth should

01:38:42.530 --> 01:38:50.780 align:middle line:84%
exempt this industry at airports
throughout the Commonwealth.

01:38:50.780 --> 01:38:56.100 align:middle line:84%
And it's a good source of
revenue when we need revenue.

01:38:56.100 --> 01:38:57.897 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:38:57.897 --> 01:38:58.980 align:middle line:90%
Question on the amendment.

01:38:58.980 --> 01:39:00.164 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

01:39:00.164 --> 01:39:01.080 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

01:39:01.080 --> 01:39:01.746 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

01:39:01.746 --> 01:39:03.155 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

01:39:03.155 --> 01:40:33.757 align:middle line:90%


01:40:33.757 --> 01:40:35.090 align:middle line:90%
House will be in a brief recess.

01:40:35.090 --> 01:40:54.220 align:middle line:90%


01:40:54.220 --> 01:40:55.250 align:middle line:90%
House will be in order.

01:40:55.250 --> 01:41:00.037 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover
offers an amendment

01:41:00.037 --> 01:41:01.120 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:41:01.120 --> 01:41:02.536 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

01:41:02.536 --> 01:41:06.730 align:middle line:90%


01:41:06.730 --> 01:41:08.820 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 861.

01:41:08.820 --> 01:41:12.030 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover and
other members of the House

01:41:12.030 --> 01:41:15.070 align:middle line:84%
move to amend the bill by
adding the following section

01:41:15.070 --> 01:41:17.690 align:middle line:84%
notwithstanding the
general special law or rule

01:41:17.690 --> 01:41:19.130 align:middle line:90%
or regulations as contrary.

01:41:19.130 --> 01:41:23.550 align:middle line:84%
Valid question 4 of 2000
to reduce part B income tax

01:41:23.550 --> 01:41:27.070 align:middle line:84%
rate to a maximum
tax rate of 5.0%,

01:41:27.070 --> 01:41:31.072 align:middle line:84%
which was adopted
by a 59.4% vote--

01:41:31.072 --> 01:41:32.530 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

01:41:32.530 --> 01:41:34.810 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
continued reading of the paper.

01:41:34.810 --> 01:41:35.540 align:middle line:90%
The has none.

01:41:35.540 --> 01:41:38.150 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes
Mr. Lyons of Andover.

01:41:38.150 --> 01:41:48.000 align:middle line:90%


01:41:48.000 --> 01:41:49.980 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Chairman, I doubt
the presence of a quorum.

01:41:49.980 --> 01:41:59.720 align:middle line:90%


01:41:59.720 --> 01:42:02.320 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons doubts the
presence of a quorum.

01:42:02.320 --> 01:42:05.150 align:middle line:84%
Chair can ascertain a
quorum is not present.

01:42:05.150 --> 01:42:08.750 align:middle line:84%
Court offers that some of the
members in today a roll call

01:42:08.750 --> 01:42:10.240 align:middle line:90%
quorum is now in progress.

01:42:10.240 --> 01:47:11.630 align:middle line:90%


01:47:11.630 --> 01:47:14.572 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

01:47:14.572 --> 01:47:16.280 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
take this opportunity

01:47:16.280 --> 01:47:18.530 align:middle line:84%
to introduce to the
right of the rostrum

01:47:18.530 --> 01:47:22.490 align:middle line:84%
guests of Mr. Rogers of Norwood
and Mr. Carpenter of West

01:47:22.490 --> 01:47:26.560 align:middle line:84%
Roxbury, the St. Catherine
of Sienna School basketball

01:47:26.560 --> 01:47:28.100 align:middle line:90%
team, the Hawks.

01:47:28.100 --> 01:47:32.220 align:middle line:84%
They are the 2017 Archdiocese
of Boston champions,

01:47:32.220 --> 01:47:34.630 align:middle line:84%
being undefeated in
the regular season

01:47:34.630 --> 01:47:37.840 align:middle line:90%
and the archdiocese tournaments.

01:47:37.840 --> 01:47:41.690 align:middle line:84%
They're joined by their
coaches Eileen O'Toole

01:47:41.690 --> 01:47:44.980 align:middle line:84%
and Margaret Lavanchy
and principal Mary Russo.

01:47:44.980 --> 01:47:46.760 align:middle line:84%
Welcome to the House
of Representatives.

01:47:46.760 --> 01:47:47.260 align:middle line:90%
[APPLAUSE]

01:47:47.260 --> 01:50:07.250 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

01:50:07.250 --> 01:50:16.732 align:middle line:90%


01:50:16.732 --> 01:50:17.690 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

01:50:17.690 --> 01:51:24.700 align:middle line:90%


01:51:24.700 --> 01:51:27.500 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
call Mr. Speliotis.

01:51:27.500 --> 01:51:29.765 align:middle line:90%
Theodore C. Speliotis, yes.

01:51:29.765 --> 01:52:21.310 align:middle line:90%


01:52:21.310 --> 01:52:22.770 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

01:52:22.770 --> 01:52:24.420 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

01:52:24.420 --> 01:52:25.980 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

01:52:25.980 --> 01:52:30.310 align:middle line:84%
On this matter, 154 members
have indicated their presence.

01:52:30.310 --> 01:52:32.030 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
take this opportunity

01:52:32.030 --> 01:52:34.150 align:middle line:84%
to introduce to the
right of the rostrum

01:52:34.150 --> 01:52:37.890 align:middle line:84%
guests of Mr. Rogers of
Norwood, Mr. Kafka of Stoughton,

01:52:37.890 --> 01:52:40.710 align:middle line:84%
Mr. McMurtry of Dedham,
and Mr. Dooley of Norfolk

01:52:40.710 --> 01:52:43.400 align:middle line:84%
the Walpole High
School field hockey

01:52:43.400 --> 01:52:46.720 align:middle line:84%
team, who are this year's
Division 1 champions.

01:52:46.720 --> 01:52:50.160 align:middle line:84%
And they're joined by their
coaches, Marianne Murphy

01:52:50.160 --> 01:52:51.410 align:middle line:90%
and Jen Quinn.

01:52:51.410 --> 01:52:54.440 align:middle line:84%
The Chair would also like to
recognize in this special way

01:52:54.440 --> 01:52:58.630 align:middle line:84%
Head Coach Marianne Murphy,
who retires this year after 15

01:52:58.630 --> 01:53:02.440 align:middle line:84%
years of coaching the Walpole
High School field hockey team.

01:53:02.440 --> 01:53:11.297 align:middle line:84%
Welcome to the House
of Representatives.

01:53:11.297 --> 01:53:14.050 align:middle line:90%


01:53:14.050 --> 01:53:23.939 align:middle line:90%
[APPLAUSE]

01:53:23.939 --> 01:53:25.730 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
indicate to the members

01:53:25.730 --> 01:53:31.120 align:middle line:84%
that at 2:45 this afternoon,
Energy and the Environment

01:53:31.120 --> 01:53:41.580 align:middle line:90%
will be heard in room 348.

01:53:41.580 --> 01:53:43.947 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover
offers an amendment

01:53:43.947 --> 01:53:45.030 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

01:53:45.030 --> 01:53:46.279 align:middle line:90%
Clerk will read the amendment.

01:53:46.279 --> 01:53:50.510 align:middle line:90%


01:53:50.510 --> 01:53:53.140 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover and
other members of the House

01:53:53.140 --> 01:53:56.380 align:middle line:84%
have moved that
member number 861,

01:53:56.380 --> 01:53:58.170 align:middle line:84%
that the bill be
amended by adding

01:53:58.170 --> 01:54:00.309 align:middle line:84%
the following outside
section, notwithstanding

01:54:00.309 --> 01:54:02.600 align:middle line:84%
general special law, rule,
regulation to the contrary--

01:54:02.600 --> 01:54:03.900 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objections, the clerk

01:54:03.900 --> 01:54:05.330 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

01:54:05.330 --> 01:54:06.250 align:middle line:90%
The Chair has none.

01:54:06.250 --> 01:54:08.540 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Lyons of Andover.

01:54:08.540 --> 01:54:15.470 align:middle line:90%


01:54:15.470 --> 01:54:18.030 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I would ask
that when this amendment

01:54:18.030 --> 01:54:22.660 align:middle line:84%
vote is taken, it is taken by
a call of the yeas and nays.

01:54:22.660 --> 01:54:24.570 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyon asked when
the matter is taken,

01:54:24.570 --> 01:54:26.680 align:middle line:84%
to be taken by a call
of the yeas and nays.

01:54:26.680 --> 01:54:28.220 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with
them will rise.

01:54:28.220 --> 01:54:29.678 align:middle line:84%
The monitors will
return the count.

01:54:29.678 --> 01:54:30.741 align:middle line:90%
First division.

01:54:30.741 --> 01:54:31.240 align:middle line:90%
0.

01:54:31.240 --> 01:54:31.740 align:middle line:90%
0.

01:54:31.740 --> 01:54:33.960 align:middle line:90%
Second division.

01:54:33.960 --> 01:54:34.920 align:middle line:90%
24.

01:54:34.920 --> 01:54:35.490 align:middle line:90%
24.

01:54:35.490 --> 01:54:37.823 align:middle line:84%
Sufficient number having risen
when the matter is taken,

01:54:37.823 --> 01:54:40.170 align:middle line:84%
to be taken by call
of the yeas and nays.

01:54:40.170 --> 01:54:42.780 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Lyons of Andover.

01:54:42.780 --> 01:54:44.880 align:middle line:90%
Thank you again Mr. Speaker.

01:54:44.880 --> 01:54:48.080 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker,
recently in November,

01:54:48.080 --> 01:54:51.200 align:middle line:84%
the people of
Massachusetts voted

01:54:51.200 --> 01:54:55.430 align:middle line:90%
to implement a marijuana bill.

01:54:55.430 --> 01:55:02.300 align:middle line:84%
And the bill was passed
by 53% of the vote.

01:55:02.300 --> 01:55:07.290 align:middle line:84%
53.7% of the people
codified chapter 334

01:55:07.290 --> 01:55:10.910 align:middle line:90%
of the Acts of 2016.

01:55:10.910 --> 01:55:14.650 align:middle line:84%
We have heard all kinds of talk
about the will of the people

01:55:14.650 --> 01:55:18.470 align:middle line:84%
and what this amendment
does basically--

01:55:18.470 --> 01:55:22.640 align:middle line:84%
I'll read it-- notwithstanding
any general or special law

01:55:22.640 --> 01:55:25.470 align:middle line:84%
or rule or regulation
to the contrary,

01:55:25.470 --> 01:55:33.980 align:middle line:84%
Ballot 4 a 2000, which was to
reduce the income tax to 5%,

01:55:33.980 --> 01:55:41.180 align:middle line:84%
passed by the people
of Massachusetts 59.4%

01:55:41.180 --> 01:55:42.460 align:middle line:90%
of the people.

01:55:42.460 --> 01:55:45.490 align:middle line:84%
So what this bill
does, basically

01:55:45.490 --> 01:55:49.410 align:middle line:84%
says that at the same time
that the marijuana bill is

01:55:49.410 --> 01:55:52.700 align:middle line:84%
implemented, the will
of the people that

01:55:52.700 --> 01:55:56.320 align:middle line:84%
was voted on in 2000
would also be implemented.

01:55:56.320 --> 01:55:58.260 align:middle line:84%
It's a very
straightforward amendment.

01:55:58.260 --> 01:56:01.750 align:middle line:84%
I would ask that
the members join me

01:56:01.750 --> 01:56:03.830 align:middle line:84%
in implementing this
particular amendment.

01:56:03.830 --> 01:56:05.410 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. Speaker.

01:56:05.410 --> 01:56:08.950 align:middle line:90%


01:56:08.950 --> 01:56:10.520 align:middle line:90%
Question now on the amendment.

01:56:10.520 --> 01:56:12.700 align:middle line:90%
Roll call having been requested.

01:56:12.700 --> 01:56:15.410 align:middle line:84%
Roll call machine is now
open and will remain open

01:56:15.410 --> 01:56:17.350 align:middle line:90%
for three minutes.

01:56:17.350 --> 01:56:19.000 align:middle line:84%
Court officer,
summon the members,

01:56:19.000 --> 01:56:20.690 align:middle line:84%
indicate roll call
is in progress.

01:56:20.690 --> 01:59:23.810 align:middle line:90%


01:59:23.810 --> 01:59:26.440 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to inform the
members that amendment number

01:59:26.440 --> 01:59:32.230 align:middle line:84%
197 has been
recategorized from revenue

01:59:32.230 --> 01:59:33.975 align:middle line:90%
to legislative non-budget.

01:59:33.975 --> 02:00:18.852 align:middle line:90%


02:00:18.852 --> 02:00:20.560 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

02:00:20.560 --> 02:00:39.410 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:00:39.410 --> 02:00:41.106 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

02:00:41.106 --> 02:00:42.480 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

02:00:42.480 --> 02:00:45.180 align:middle line:84%
On this matter, 35 members
voting in the affirmative,

02:00:45.180 --> 02:00:47.120 align:middle line:90%
119 in the negative.

02:00:47.120 --> 02:00:48.610 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:00:48.610 --> 02:01:02.080 align:middle line:90%


02:01:02.080 --> 02:01:04.770 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Rogers of Cambridge
asking unanimous consent to be

02:01:04.770 --> 02:01:06.350 align:middle line:90%
recorded on the last roll call.

02:01:06.350 --> 02:01:08.180 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:01:08.180 --> 02:01:10.200 align:middle line:90%
Chair has none.

02:01:10.200 --> 02:01:13.290 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
26, David Rogers, no.

02:01:13.290 --> 02:01:31.900 align:middle line:90%


02:01:31.900 --> 02:01:41.677 align:middle line:84%
Miss O'Connell of Taunton
offers an amendment

02:01:41.677 --> 02:01:42.760 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

02:01:42.760 --> 02:01:44.176 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

02:01:44.176 --> 02:01:51.600 align:middle line:90%


02:01:51.600 --> 02:01:53.470 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 666.

02:01:53.470 --> 02:01:55.120 align:middle line:84%
Representative
O'Connell of Taunton

02:01:55.120 --> 02:01:56.200 align:middle line:84%
and other members
of the House move

02:01:56.200 --> 02:01:57.980 align:middle line:84%
to amend the bill by
adding the following

02:01:57.980 --> 02:02:00.400 align:middle line:84%
section, notwithstanding
a general or special order

02:02:00.400 --> 02:02:05.810 align:middle line:84%
to the contrary for the
consecutive third Saturday

02:02:05.810 --> 02:02:08.190 align:middle line:84%
and third Sunday in
August each year--

02:02:08.190 --> 02:02:09.820 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

02:02:09.820 --> 02:02:11.890 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

02:02:11.890 --> 02:02:13.590 align:middle line:90%
Purpose of the gentleman rise.

02:02:13.590 --> 02:02:18.147 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington
offers a further amendment

02:02:18.147 --> 02:02:19.230 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

02:02:19.230 --> 02:02:40.770 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington
offers a further amendment

02:02:40.770 --> 02:02:42.660 align:middle line:90%
the clerk will read.

02:02:42.660 --> 02:02:46.170 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington moves
that the amendment number

02:02:46.170 --> 02:02:51.910 align:middle line:84%
666 be amended by adding
the following section--

02:02:51.910 --> 02:02:54.940 align:middle line:84%
notwithstanding any general or
special law to the contrary,

02:02:54.940 --> 02:02:57.490 align:middle line:84%
the provisions of
the section shall not

02:02:57.490 --> 02:03:01.092 align:middle line:84%
take effect until such time
as the executive officer,

02:03:01.092 --> 02:03:02.300 align:middle line:90%
administration, and finance--

02:03:02.300 --> 02:03:03.930 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

02:03:03.930 --> 02:03:05.310 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

02:03:05.310 --> 02:03:06.190 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

02:03:06.190 --> 02:03:10.090 align:middle line:90%


02:03:10.090 --> 02:03:11.076 align:middle line:90%
Chair recognizes Miss.

02:03:11.076 --> 02:03:11.950 align:middle line:90%
O'Connell of Taunton.

02:03:11.950 --> 02:03:14.610 align:middle line:90%


02:03:14.610 --> 02:03:16.984 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I was
unable to hear the clerk.

02:03:16.984 --> 02:03:19.400 align:middle line:84%
I'd like a copy of the amendment
so I can read it, please.

02:03:19.400 --> 02:03:25.680 align:middle line:90%


02:03:25.680 --> 02:03:33.280 align:middle line:84%
The clerk's office
will provide you

02:03:33.280 --> 02:03:35.200 align:middle line:84%
with a copy of the
further amendment.

02:03:35.200 --> 02:04:53.820 align:middle line:90%


02:04:53.820 --> 02:04:58.370 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
O'Connell of Taunton.

02:04:58.370 --> 02:05:00.720 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

02:05:00.720 --> 02:05:03.460 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Miss
O'Connell of Taunton.

02:05:03.460 --> 02:05:06.530 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

02:05:06.530 --> 02:05:10.010 align:middle line:84%
So the further
amendment, of course,

02:05:10.010 --> 02:05:14.350 align:middle line:84%
is a study for the
sales tax holiday.

02:05:14.350 --> 02:05:18.550 align:middle line:84%
And what the underlying
amendment aimed to do

02:05:18.550 --> 02:05:22.140 align:middle line:84%
was create an annual
sales tax holiday.

02:05:22.140 --> 02:05:26.020 align:middle line:84%
And coincidentally, this
amendment is number 666.

02:05:26.020 --> 02:05:28.560 align:middle line:84%
So I guess I should have
taken that as a sign of things

02:05:28.560 --> 02:05:31.150 align:middle line:84%
to come down here
on the floor, but--

02:05:31.150 --> 02:05:33.302 align:middle line:90%


02:05:33.302 --> 02:05:35.510 align:middle line:84%
and I was going to talk
about a few different things.

02:05:35.510 --> 02:05:36.885 align:middle line:84%
And I'm sure you
probably thought

02:05:36.885 --> 02:05:38.840 align:middle line:84%
I was going to come
down here and talk

02:05:38.840 --> 02:05:42.100 align:middle line:84%
about the legislative
pay raises that happened

02:05:42.100 --> 02:05:45.080 align:middle line:84%
and the fact that it was
the first order of business

02:05:45.080 --> 02:05:46.180 align:middle line:90%
that we took up.

02:05:46.180 --> 02:05:48.670 align:middle line:84%
And they were
passed very quickly

02:05:48.670 --> 02:05:52.130 align:middle line:84%
with an emergency
preamble, also the fact

02:05:52.130 --> 02:05:56.200 align:middle line:84%
that it's going to cost our
constituents $18 million.

02:05:56.200 --> 02:05:59.150 align:middle line:84%
But I was not going to
talk about those things.

02:05:59.150 --> 02:06:03.180 align:middle line:84%
I wanted to talk about why
the tax payers and businesses

02:06:03.180 --> 02:06:08.970 align:middle line:84%
deserve a break and a very small
break in the scheme of things

02:06:08.970 --> 02:06:11.410 align:middle line:90%
and start with fairness.

02:06:11.410 --> 02:06:14.260 align:middle line:84%
Everybody here talks
about fairness a lot,

02:06:14.260 --> 02:06:18.130 align:middle line:84%
fairness in justice, social
justice, environmental justice,

02:06:18.130 --> 02:06:21.420 align:middle line:84%
pay equity, all very
important things.

02:06:21.420 --> 02:06:26.470 align:middle line:84%
But where's the fairness and
the equity for the taxpayers?

02:06:26.470 --> 02:06:28.840 align:middle line:84%
Each year they
pay more in taxes.

02:06:28.840 --> 02:06:30.500 align:middle line:90%
They pay more in fees.

02:06:30.500 --> 02:06:32.110 align:middle line:90%
They pay more in rates--

02:06:32.110 --> 02:06:37.350 align:middle line:84%
property taxes, health
care rates, utility rates.

02:06:37.350 --> 02:06:39.580 align:middle line:84%
But there's just
two days a year--

02:06:39.580 --> 02:06:44.620 align:middle line:84%
two days-- where they ask to
keep just a little bit more

02:06:44.620 --> 02:06:48.130 align:middle line:90%
of their money in their pocket.

02:06:48.130 --> 02:06:51.230 align:middle line:84%
And this is a time when
parents and families are out

02:06:51.230 --> 02:06:54.390 align:middle line:84%
buying school supplies,
and some parents really

02:06:54.390 --> 02:06:58.780 align:middle line:84%
struggle to buy school supplies,
especially when you have

02:06:58.780 --> 02:07:01.290 align:middle line:90%
three, four, five children.

02:07:01.290 --> 02:07:09.940 align:middle line:84%
Nearly 80% of people polled are
in favor of an annual sales tax

02:07:09.940 --> 02:07:10.540 align:middle line:90%
holiday.

02:07:10.540 --> 02:07:13.160 align:middle line:84%
So I don't think
it's too much to ask.

02:07:13.160 --> 02:07:15.880 align:middle line:84%
And it's not too much
of a burden on us.

02:07:15.880 --> 02:07:18.150 align:middle line:84%
We should relieve the
burden on the taxpayers.

02:07:18.150 --> 02:07:20.960 align:middle line:84%
I hope the further
amendment is defeated

02:07:20.960 --> 02:07:23.270 align:middle line:84%
and the underlying
amendment is adopted.

02:07:23.270 --> 02:07:24.360 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

02:07:24.360 --> 02:07:28.270 align:middle line:90%


02:07:28.270 --> 02:07:30.225 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Lyons of Andover.

02:07:30.225 --> 02:07:54.680 align:middle line:90%


02:07:54.680 --> 02:07:57.340 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Lyons of Andover.

02:07:57.340 --> 02:07:59.980 align:middle line:90%
Mr. Speaker, every time--

02:07:59.980 --> 02:08:04.520 align:middle line:84%
every time we want to give
money back to the taxpayers,

02:08:04.520 --> 02:08:06.130 align:middle line:90%
we study it.

02:08:06.130 --> 02:08:11.510 align:middle line:84%
Every time we want to raise
taxes or raise fees or increase

02:08:11.510 --> 02:08:14.100 align:middle line:90%
regulations, we vote on it.

02:08:14.100 --> 02:08:17.630 align:middle line:84%
This is another
example of us doing

02:08:17.630 --> 02:08:19.810 align:middle line:90%
what we have consistently done.

02:08:19.810 --> 02:08:23.620 align:middle line:84%
We take a piece of
legislation that's

02:08:23.620 --> 02:08:28.170 align:middle line:84%
going to help the
taxpayers, and we study it.

02:08:28.170 --> 02:08:29.650 align:middle line:84%
Do we have a date
that we're going

02:08:29.650 --> 02:08:32.110 align:middle line:84%
to be receiving
that study back by

02:08:32.110 --> 02:08:35.720 align:middle line:84%
or is this just one
more of those studies

02:08:35.720 --> 02:08:39.030 align:middle line:84%
that we put out there to
tell the taxpayers that we're

02:08:39.030 --> 02:08:43.430 align:middle line:84%
actually trying to figure out
why we shouldn't give them

02:08:43.430 --> 02:08:45.670 align:middle line:90%
tax relief in August?

02:08:45.670 --> 02:08:48.610 align:middle line:84%
So I would urge that the
further amendment be defeated

02:08:48.610 --> 02:08:50.520 align:middle line:84%
and that the underlying
amendment be passed.

02:08:50.520 --> 02:08:53.200 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. Speaker.

02:08:53.200 --> 02:08:54.850 align:middle line:84%
Question now on the
further amendment.

02:08:54.850 --> 02:08:56.340 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:08:56.340 --> 02:08:57.580 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

02:08:57.580 --> 02:08:58.300 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:08:58.300 --> 02:09:09.100 align:middle line:84%
The further
amendment is adopted.

02:09:09.100 --> 02:09:18.556 align:middle line:84%
Lady doubts the vote, asks for
a call of the yeas and nays.

02:09:18.556 --> 02:09:19.930 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with
her will rise.

02:09:19.930 --> 02:09:21.388 align:middle line:84%
The monitors will
return the count.

02:09:21.388 --> 02:09:22.430 align:middle line:90%
First division.

02:09:22.430 --> 02:09:24.960 align:middle line:90%
First division, 0.

02:09:24.960 --> 02:09:27.100 align:middle line:90%
Second division, 22.

02:09:27.100 --> 02:09:28.350 align:middle line:90%
Sufficient number have arisen.

02:09:28.350 --> 02:09:31.740 align:middle line:84%
Roll call machine is now open,
remain open for three minutes.

02:09:31.740 --> 02:09:33.350 align:middle line:84%
Court officer,
some of the members

02:09:33.350 --> 02:09:44.810 align:middle line:84%
indicated roll call
is in progress.

02:09:44.810 --> 02:09:51.830 align:middle line:90%


02:09:51.830 --> 02:09:54.070 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Williams of Springfield,
asks unanimous consent

02:09:54.070 --> 02:09:55.820 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
the last roll call.

02:09:55.820 --> 02:09:56.870 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:09:56.870 --> 02:09:58.570 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

02:09:58.570 --> 02:10:03.160 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number 26,
Bud L. Williams, no.

02:10:03.160 --> 02:10:22.010 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lombardo of Billerica
asks unanimous consent

02:10:22.010 --> 02:10:23.640 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
the last roll call.

02:10:23.640 --> 02:10:24.780 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:10:24.780 --> 02:10:25.740 align:middle line:90%
The chair has none.

02:10:25.740 --> 02:10:28.665 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
26, Marc Lombardo, yes.

02:10:28.665 --> 02:12:40.290 align:middle line:90%


02:12:40.290 --> 02:12:41.260 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:12:41.260 --> 02:13:17.950 align:middle line:90%


02:13:17.950 --> 02:13:18.990 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:13:18.990 --> 02:13:31.070 align:middle line:90%


02:13:31.070 --> 02:13:32.390 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

02:13:32.390 --> 02:13:34.020 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

02:13:34.020 --> 02:13:38.030 align:middle line:84%
On this matter 115 members
voted in the affirmative, 38

02:13:38.030 --> 02:13:39.380 align:middle line:90%
in the negative.

02:13:39.380 --> 02:13:41.350 align:middle line:84%
The further
amendment is adopted.

02:13:41.350 --> 02:14:56.850 align:middle line:90%


02:14:56.850 --> 02:15:08.560 align:middle line:84%
Mr. O'Day asks unanimous consent
to be recorded on the last roll

02:15:08.560 --> 02:15:09.060 align:middle line:90%
call.

02:15:09.060 --> 02:15:09.990 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:15:09.990 --> 02:15:11.890 align:middle line:90%
Chair has none.

02:15:11.890 --> 02:15:14.660 align:middle line:84%
On a roll call number
27, James O'Day, yes.

02:15:14.660 --> 02:16:09.390 align:middle line:90%


02:16:09.390 --> 02:16:12.400 align:middle line:84%
Question now is on the adoption
of the amendment offered

02:16:12.400 --> 02:16:16.620 align:middle line:84%
by Miss O'Connell
of Taunton, further

02:16:16.620 --> 02:16:19.050 align:middle line:84%
amended by Mr. Kulik
of Worthington.

02:16:19.050 --> 02:16:21.550 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor say aye,
all those opposed, nay.

02:16:21.550 --> 02:16:23.660 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:16:23.660 --> 02:16:26.650 align:middle line:84%
The amendment and the further
amendment are adopted.

02:16:26.650 --> 02:17:12.770 align:middle line:90%


02:17:12.770 --> 02:17:17.320 align:middle line:84%
Chair will once again indicate
to the members that at 2:45

02:17:17.320 --> 02:17:23.250 align:middle line:84%
in room 348 will be Energy
and Environmental Affairs.

02:17:23.250 --> 02:17:25.904 align:middle line:90%
In room 348 at 2:45.

02:17:25.904 --> 02:17:41.290 align:middle line:90%


02:17:41.290 --> 02:18:07.290 align:middle line:90%
That's room 348.

02:18:07.290 --> 02:18:11.765 align:middle line:84%
The following
[INAUDIBLE] bill, having

02:18:11.765 --> 02:18:13.139 align:middle line:84%
been rightly and
totally prepared

02:18:13.139 --> 02:18:14.950 align:middle line:84%
is now before the House
for final passage.

02:18:14.950 --> 02:18:18.350 align:middle line:84%
House 3450, an act
establishing a sick leave bank

02:18:18.350 --> 02:18:22.500 align:middle line:84%
for Marie Visco, an employee
of the Department of Public

02:18:22.500 --> 02:18:23.000 align:middle line:90%
Health.

02:18:23.000 --> 02:18:25.120 align:middle line:84%
Question now is on passing
the bill to be enacted.

02:18:25.120 --> 02:18:26.620 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:18:26.620 --> 02:18:28.040 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

02:18:28.040 --> 02:18:28.840 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:18:28.840 --> 02:18:30.215 align:middle line:84%
The bill is passed
to be enacted.

02:18:30.215 --> 02:18:48.820 align:middle line:90%


02:18:48.820 --> 02:18:50.930 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Rogers of Norwood
asks unanimous consent

02:18:50.930 --> 02:18:55.180 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on the
roll call number 26.

02:18:55.180 --> 02:18:55.992 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:18:55.992 --> 02:18:56.700 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

02:18:56.700 --> 02:19:01.809 align:middle line:90%


02:19:01.809 --> 02:19:05.010 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
26, John Rogers, no.

02:19:05.010 --> 02:19:42.209 align:middle line:90%


02:19:42.209 --> 02:19:44.229 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Murray of Milford
asks unanimous consent

02:19:44.229 --> 02:19:45.770 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
the last roll call.

02:19:45.770 --> 02:19:46.730 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:19:46.730 --> 02:19:47.719 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

02:19:47.719 --> 02:19:50.900 align:middle line:84%
The roll call number
27, Brian Murray, yes.

02:19:50.900 --> 02:19:59.364 align:middle line:90%


02:19:59.364 --> 02:20:01.030 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Diehl of Whitman
offers an amendment

02:20:01.030 --> 02:20:01.890 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

02:20:01.890 --> 02:20:03.139 align:middle line:90%
Clerk will read the amendment.

02:20:03.139 --> 02:20:10.240 align:middle line:90%


02:20:10.240 --> 02:20:11.480 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 9.

02:20:11.480 --> 02:20:14.939 align:middle line:90%


02:20:14.939 --> 02:20:17.230 align:middle line:84%
Representatives Diehl of
Whitman, O'Connell of Taunton,

02:20:17.230 --> 02:20:20.240 align:middle line:84%
and Lyons of Andover move
to amend the bill by adding

02:20:20.240 --> 02:20:23.170 align:middle line:90%
the following section.

02:20:23.170 --> 02:20:25.620 align:middle line:84%
Notwithstanding any
general or special order

02:20:25.620 --> 02:20:27.520 align:middle line:84%
to the contrary for
the days of March 22

02:20:27.520 --> 02:20:30.050 align:middle line:84%
to 27, inclusive
of each calendar

02:20:30.050 --> 02:20:33.192 align:middle line:84%
year, the tax imposed upon
meals pursuant to chapter--

02:20:33.192 --> 02:20:34.650 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

02:20:34.650 --> 02:20:36.483 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

02:20:36.483 --> 02:20:39.880 align:middle line:90%
For purpose, gentlemen rise.

02:20:39.880 --> 02:20:44.970 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington
offers a further amendment.

02:20:44.970 --> 02:20:47.170 align:middle line:84%
Clerk will read the
further amendment.

02:20:47.170 --> 02:21:06.670 align:middle line:90%


02:21:06.670 --> 02:21:11.170 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington moves
to amend amendment number 809

02:21:11.170 --> 02:21:13.420 align:middle line:84%
by inserting the
following section.

02:21:13.420 --> 02:21:15.970 align:middle line:84%
Notwithstanding general or
special order to the contrary,

02:21:15.970 --> 02:21:18.230 align:middle line:84%
the provisions of
the section shall not

02:21:18.230 --> 02:21:21.470 align:middle line:84%
take effect until such time
as the executive officer

02:21:21.470 --> 02:21:22.810 align:middle line:90%
administration on financing--

02:21:22.810 --> 02:21:24.230 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, to clerk

02:21:24.230 --> 02:21:25.680 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with
reading the paper.

02:21:25.680 --> 02:21:26.640 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

02:21:26.640 --> 02:21:28.223 align:middle line:84%
Question now on the
further amendment.

02:21:28.223 --> 02:21:30.120 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes
Mr. Diehl of Whitman.

02:21:30.120 --> 02:21:44.740 align:middle line:90%


02:21:44.740 --> 02:21:46.990 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

02:21:46.990 --> 02:21:50.410 align:middle line:84%
I rise today to speak in
favor of amendment number 809

02:21:50.410 --> 02:21:52.630 align:middle line:84%
and against the
further amendment.

02:21:52.630 --> 02:21:54.810 align:middle line:84%
Amendment 809, which
I have filed along

02:21:54.810 --> 02:21:57.590 align:middle line:84%
with several of my colleagues,
proposes a meals tax holiday

02:21:57.590 --> 02:21:58.600 align:middle line:90%
here in Massachusetts.

02:21:58.600 --> 02:22:00.860 align:middle line:84%
And the idea behind this
amendment is very simple,

02:22:00.860 --> 02:22:02.740 align:middle line:90%
but it's profoundly important.

02:22:02.740 --> 02:22:07.200 align:middle line:84%
Here in Massachusetts, patrons
of restaurants and other eating

02:22:07.200 --> 02:22:12.000 align:middle line:84%
establishments are required
to pay a 6.25% state meals tax

02:22:12.000 --> 02:22:14.010 align:middle line:90%
whenever they go out to eat.

02:22:14.010 --> 02:22:15.800 align:middle line:84%
With this amendment,
we are proposing

02:22:15.800 --> 02:22:19.260 align:middle line:84%
to suspend that tax for
just one week in March

02:22:19.260 --> 02:22:21.150 align:middle line:84%
to support the
restaurant industry

02:22:21.150 --> 02:22:24.130 align:middle line:84%
and to save taxpayers a little
bit of money in the process.

02:22:24.130 --> 02:22:27.890 align:middle line:84%
The idea of offering up our
businesses and citizens a tax

02:22:27.890 --> 02:22:30.150 align:middle line:84%
holiday is not new,
as you well know.

02:22:30.150 --> 02:22:32.130 align:middle line:84%
In fact, up until
last year, it had

02:22:32.130 --> 02:22:34.350 align:middle line:84%
become somewhat of a
tradition in this chamber

02:22:34.350 --> 02:22:37.440 align:middle line:84%
to propose a temporary
suspension on the sales tax

02:22:37.440 --> 02:22:39.180 align:middle line:84%
to stimulate our
economy and allow

02:22:39.180 --> 02:22:43.964 align:middle line:84%
people to make certain important
choices of purchases tax free.

02:22:43.964 --> 02:22:45.380 align:middle line:84%
What's important
to note, however,

02:22:45.380 --> 02:22:48.020 align:middle line:84%
is that the sales tax
holiday has always

02:22:48.020 --> 02:22:51.480 align:middle line:84%
eliminated a tax on purchases
of goods for a couple days,

02:22:51.480 --> 02:22:54.420 align:middle line:84%
but it's never
touched a reduction

02:22:54.420 --> 02:22:57.300 align:middle line:84%
on the tax on food and beverages
at restaurants, which are taxed

02:22:57.300 --> 02:22:59.170 align:middle line:90%
by our state at the same rate.

02:22:59.170 --> 02:23:01.140 align:middle line:84%
So that leads to an
important question.

02:23:01.140 --> 02:23:01.750 align:middle line:90%
Why not?

02:23:01.750 --> 02:23:03.570 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

02:23:03.570 --> 02:23:04.160 align:middle line:90%
Brief recess.

02:23:04.160 --> 02:23:19.830 align:middle line:90%


02:23:19.830 --> 02:23:22.542 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Diehl of Whitman.

02:23:22.542 --> 02:23:23.500 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

02:23:23.500 --> 02:23:25.620 align:middle line:84%
And so, again, I speak
to the further amendment

02:23:25.620 --> 02:23:28.100 align:middle line:84%
when I say why not
pass this amendment?

02:23:28.100 --> 02:23:30.000 align:middle line:84%
Why don't we give
restaurants the same break

02:23:30.000 --> 02:23:33.230 align:middle line:84%
we give to other businesses when
we have a sales tax holiday?

02:23:33.230 --> 02:23:35.500 align:middle line:84%
Restaurants might look
different from other businesses

02:23:35.500 --> 02:23:37.090 align:middle line:84%
because they serve
a different product

02:23:37.090 --> 02:23:38.540 align:middle line:84%
and cater to
different customers.

02:23:38.540 --> 02:23:40.123 align:middle line:84%
But the truth is,
restaurants are just

02:23:40.123 --> 02:23:41.340 align:middle line:90%
like any other business.

02:23:41.340 --> 02:23:43.260 align:middle line:84%
Many of them are
small businesses

02:23:43.260 --> 02:23:47.470 align:middle line:84%
owned by husband and wives,
employing family members

02:23:47.470 --> 02:23:49.560 align:middle line:90%
or local people from your town.

02:23:49.560 --> 02:23:52.250 align:middle line:84%
They still have a bottom line
to meet, and the sales they make

02:23:52.250 --> 02:23:53.620 align:middle line:90%
are important to our economy.

02:23:53.620 --> 02:23:55.950 align:middle line:84%
And the employees they
hire make up a huge share

02:23:55.950 --> 02:23:57.351 align:middle line:90%
of our state's workforce.

02:23:57.351 --> 02:23:59.600 align:middle line:84%
And if you talk to someone
in the restaurant business,

02:23:59.600 --> 02:24:01.933 align:middle line:84%
they'll tell you how hard it
is to meet the bottom line.

02:24:01.933 --> 02:24:05.650 align:middle line:84%
In fact 75% of restaurants
actually fail in this state.

02:24:05.650 --> 02:24:08.970 align:middle line:84%
Food costs are expensive, and
there's not much of a margin.

02:24:08.970 --> 02:24:12.110 align:middle line:84%
Plus many restaurant
patrons pay by credit card,

02:24:12.110 --> 02:24:14.250 align:middle line:84%
and the convenience fee
for these transactions

02:24:14.250 --> 02:24:16.810 align:middle line:84%
also takes a bite out of
the restaurant's profit.

02:24:16.810 --> 02:24:19.980 align:middle line:84%
When you tack a state
tax of 6 and 1/4

02:24:19.980 --> 02:24:23.950 align:middle line:84%
onto your tab, which the
further amendment would continue

02:24:23.950 --> 02:24:26.630 align:middle line:84%
to allow, not to mention
the additional meals

02:24:26.630 --> 02:24:29.160 align:middle line:84%
tax some communities
charge as a local option,

02:24:29.160 --> 02:24:31.470 align:middle line:84%
it's not difficult to see
why many of our restaurants

02:24:31.470 --> 02:24:33.080 align:middle line:84%
have trouble
staying in business.

02:24:33.080 --> 02:24:36.280 align:middle line:84%
When costs go up, people
go out to eat less.

02:24:36.280 --> 02:24:39.436 align:middle line:84%
And when people eat less,
restaurants go out of business.

02:24:39.436 --> 02:24:40.810 align:middle line:84%
Restaurants are
an important part

02:24:40.810 --> 02:24:42.480 align:middle line:84%
of our fabric of our
community, and we

02:24:42.480 --> 02:24:44.300 align:middle line:84%
should do whatever we
can to support them

02:24:44.300 --> 02:24:45.650 align:middle line:90%
and the food industry.

02:24:45.650 --> 02:24:49.470 align:middle line:84%
I say it's high time we step
up and establish a sales tax

02:24:49.470 --> 02:24:51.020 align:middle line:84%
holiday during
what's traditionally

02:24:51.020 --> 02:24:53.710 align:middle line:84%
the most sluggish week of
the year for restaurants,

02:24:53.710 --> 02:24:55.080 align:middle line:90%
the last week in March.

02:24:55.080 --> 02:24:57.970 align:middle line:84%
Let's give our restaurants and
the taxpayers who patronize

02:24:57.970 --> 02:25:00.420 align:middle line:90%
them a break on their meal.

02:25:00.420 --> 02:25:02.120 align:middle line:84%
Giving restaurants
a one-week reprieve

02:25:02.120 --> 02:25:04.190 align:middle line:84%
from having to pay
meals tax to the state

02:25:04.190 --> 02:25:06.492 align:middle line:84%
would decrease our
revenues only modestly,

02:25:06.492 --> 02:25:07.950 align:middle line:84%
but it would make
a real difference

02:25:07.950 --> 02:25:09.930 align:middle line:84%
to the small business
owners who operate many

02:25:09.930 --> 02:25:11.330 align:middle line:90%
of our eating establishments.

02:25:11.330 --> 02:25:14.700 align:middle line:84%
It could make the difference
between serving food and hiring

02:25:14.700 --> 02:25:18.330 align:middle line:84%
workers on the one hand and
closing the doors on the other.

02:25:18.330 --> 02:25:20.967 align:middle line:84%
And so I again urge against
the further amendment,

02:25:20.967 --> 02:25:23.550 align:middle line:84%
because it also is important to
note that this amendment would

02:25:23.550 --> 02:25:25.402 align:middle line:84%
not negatively impact
cities and towns,

02:25:25.402 --> 02:25:27.860 align:middle line:84%
because it would still allow
them to collect a local option

02:25:27.860 --> 02:25:30.900 align:middle line:84%
meals tax as permitted by law
during the meals tax holiday.

02:25:30.900 --> 02:25:32.240 align:middle line:90%
So let's act.

02:25:32.240 --> 02:25:33.310 align:middle line:90%
Let's take a vote.

02:25:33.310 --> 02:25:35.450 align:middle line:84%
Let's support the food
industry in Massachusetts

02:25:35.450 --> 02:25:36.950 align:middle line:84%
and give them the
same type of break

02:25:36.950 --> 02:25:39.158 align:middle line:84%
we've traditionally given
to so many other businesses

02:25:39.158 --> 02:25:39.980 align:middle line:90%
here in our state.

02:25:39.980 --> 02:25:42.340 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I
urge my colleagues

02:25:42.340 --> 02:25:44.260 align:middle line:84%
to vote against the
further amendment,

02:25:44.260 --> 02:25:46.460 align:middle line:84%
and I ask that a call of
the yeas and nays be made.

02:25:46.460 --> 02:25:49.811 align:middle line:90%


02:25:49.811 --> 02:25:51.560 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Diehl of Whitman
asked when the matter

02:25:51.560 --> 02:25:54.240 align:middle line:84%
is taken it be taken by a
call of the yeas and nays.

02:25:54.240 --> 02:25:55.810 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with
him will rise.

02:25:55.810 --> 02:25:57.268 align:middle line:84%
The monitors will
return the count.

02:25:57.268 --> 02:25:59.309 align:middle line:90%
First division, 0.

02:25:59.309 --> 02:25:59.975 align:middle line:90%
Second division.

02:25:59.975 --> 02:26:02.620 align:middle line:90%


02:26:02.620 --> 02:26:03.740 align:middle line:90%
16.

02:26:03.740 --> 02:26:04.240 align:middle line:90%
16.

02:26:04.240 --> 02:26:05.739 align:middle line:84%
Sufficient number
having arisen when

02:26:05.739 --> 02:26:08.290 align:middle line:84%
the matter is taken to be taken
by call of the yeas and nays.

02:26:08.290 --> 02:26:11.690 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes
Mr. Lyons of Andover

02:26:11.690 --> 02:26:13.185 align:middle line:90%
on the further amendment.

02:26:13.185 --> 02:26:31.820 align:middle line:90%


02:26:31.820 --> 02:26:35.680 align:middle line:84%
Well, Mr. Speaker, we're two
for two on further amendments

02:26:35.680 --> 02:26:36.790 align:middle line:90%
today.

02:26:36.790 --> 02:26:42.800 align:middle line:84%
Every time we want to
raise taxes, wide open.

02:26:42.800 --> 02:26:43.390 align:middle line:90%
Let's vote.

02:26:43.390 --> 02:26:45.630 align:middle line:90%
No studies needed.

02:26:45.630 --> 02:26:49.600 align:middle line:84%
But we want to give money
back to the taxpayers,

02:26:49.600 --> 02:26:52.010 align:middle line:90%
we have to have a study.

02:26:52.010 --> 02:26:58.280 align:middle line:84%
Seven years, Mr. Speaker, I
haven't seen one study yet.

02:26:58.280 --> 02:27:00.300 align:middle line:90%
I just think it's simply unfair.

02:27:00.300 --> 02:27:01.780 align:middle line:90%
What's wrong with taking a vote?

02:27:01.780 --> 02:27:04.850 align:middle line:84%
If you want to vote against
it, vote against it.

02:27:04.850 --> 02:27:07.070 align:middle line:84%
But the fact that
you want to study it

02:27:07.070 --> 02:27:09.500 align:middle line:84%
so you don't have to
vote on it, I just

02:27:09.500 --> 02:27:11.450 align:middle line:84%
think that's unfair
to the taxpayers.

02:27:11.450 --> 02:27:15.730 align:middle line:84%
There's nothing wrong, folks,
with taking a vote yes or no.

02:27:15.730 --> 02:27:17.500 align:middle line:84%
But Mr. Speaker,
as you mentioned,

02:27:17.500 --> 02:27:19.280 align:middle line:84%
this is about the
further amendment,

02:27:19.280 --> 02:27:20.480 align:middle line:90%
and we are two for two.

02:27:20.480 --> 02:27:22.192 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. Speaker.

02:27:22.192 --> 02:27:23.900 align:middle line:84%
Question now is on
the further amendment.

02:27:23.900 --> 02:27:27.160 align:middle line:84%
Roll call having been
ordered, the roll call machine

02:27:27.160 --> 02:27:28.060 align:middle line:90%
is now open.

02:27:28.060 --> 02:27:29.659 align:middle line:90%
Remain open for three minutes.

02:27:29.659 --> 02:27:31.950 align:middle line:84%
Court officer, summon the
members, indicating roll call

02:27:31.950 --> 02:27:54.970 align:middle line:90%
is in progress.

02:27:54.970 --> 02:27:56.920 align:middle line:84%
Chair would like to
inform the members

02:27:56.920 --> 02:28:01.410 align:middle line:90%
that amendment number 115--

02:28:01.410 --> 02:28:02.920 align:middle line:90%
1115.

02:28:02.920 --> 02:28:08.140 align:middle line:84%
--1115 has been recategorized
from educational local affairs

02:28:08.140 --> 02:28:09.740 align:middle line:90%
to legislative non-budget.

02:28:09.740 --> 02:28:21.450 align:middle line:90%


02:28:21.450 --> 02:28:23.730 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Rogers of Cambridge
asking unanimous consent

02:28:23.730 --> 02:28:26.010 align:middle line:90%
to be recorded on roll call 27.

02:28:26.010 --> 02:28:27.360 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:28:27.360 --> 02:28:29.300 align:middle line:90%
The chair has none.

02:28:29.300 --> 02:28:32.535 align:middle line:84%
Roll call number 27,
David Rogers, yes.

02:28:32.535 --> 02:31:06.500 align:middle line:90%


02:31:06.500 --> 02:31:08.820 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Cusack of Braintree
asking unanimous consent

02:31:08.820 --> 02:31:11.770 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
roll calls 26 and 27.

02:31:11.770 --> 02:31:12.570 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

02:31:12.570 --> 02:31:13.278 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

02:31:13.278 --> 02:31:20.670 align:middle line:90%


02:31:20.670 --> 02:31:25.020 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number
26, Mark Cusack, no.

02:31:25.020 --> 02:31:28.750 align:middle line:84%
Roll call number 27,
Mark Cusack, yes.

02:31:28.750 --> 02:31:33.710 align:middle line:90%


02:31:33.710 --> 02:31:35.500 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

02:31:35.500 --> 02:31:50.262 align:middle line:90%


02:31:50.262 --> 02:31:51.970 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

02:31:51.970 --> 02:31:55.360 align:middle line:90%


02:31:55.360 --> 02:31:57.026 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

02:31:57.026 --> 02:31:58.400 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

02:31:58.400 --> 02:32:02.194 align:middle line:84%
In this matter, 117 members
voted in the affirmative, 39

02:32:02.194 --> 02:32:02.860 align:middle line:90%
in the negative.

02:32:02.860 --> 02:32:04.275 align:middle line:84%
The further
amendment is adopted.

02:32:04.275 --> 02:32:09.050 align:middle line:90%


02:32:09.050 --> 02:32:11.510 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the adoption
of the amendment offered

02:32:11.510 --> 02:32:16.950 align:middle line:84%
by Mr. Diehl of Whitman
and further amended

02:32:16.950 --> 02:32:22.010 align:middle line:90%
by Mr. Kulik of Worthington.

02:32:22.010 --> 02:32:24.530 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:32:24.530 --> 02:32:25.880 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

02:32:25.880 --> 02:32:26.810 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:32:26.810 --> 02:32:31.240 align:middle line:84%
Further amendment is
adopted with the amendment.

02:32:31.240 --> 02:32:35.620 align:middle line:90%


02:32:35.620 --> 02:32:39.677 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL]

02:32:39.677 --> 02:32:41.260 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Diehl of Whitman.

02:32:41.260 --> 02:32:45.370 align:middle line:90%
Roll call.

02:32:45.370 --> 02:32:47.760 align:middle line:90%
Wait, wait.

02:32:47.760 --> 02:33:00.290 align:middle line:84%
Does he want a
roll call on that?

02:33:00.290 --> 02:36:28.360 align:middle line:90%


02:36:28.360 --> 02:36:30.110 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Diehl of Whitman
offers an amendment

02:36:30.110 --> 02:36:30.940 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

02:36:30.940 --> 02:36:32.190 align:middle line:90%
Clerk will read the amendment.

02:36:32.190 --> 02:36:40.120 align:middle line:90%


02:36:40.120 --> 02:36:44.447 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 815.

02:36:44.447 --> 02:36:47.030 align:middle line:84%
Representative Diehl of Whitman
and other members of the House

02:36:47.030 --> 02:36:49.670 align:middle line:84%
move to amend the bill by
adding the following section--

02:36:49.670 --> 02:36:52.320 align:middle line:84%
section 2 chapter 64(h) of the
general laws that are appearing

02:36:52.320 --> 02:36:53.920 align:middle line:90%
in the 2008 official edition.

02:36:53.920 --> 02:36:59.980 align:middle line:84%
It is hereby amended by striking
6.25% and replacing it with 5%.

02:36:59.980 --> 02:37:00.930 align:middle line:90%
Section 2--

02:37:00.930 --> 02:37:02.480 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

02:37:02.480 --> 02:37:03.830 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

02:37:03.830 --> 02:37:04.750 align:middle line:90%
The chair has none.

02:37:04.750 --> 02:37:08.360 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Kulik of Worthington,

02:37:08.360 --> 02:37:10.502 align:middle line:90%
who has a further amendment.

02:37:10.502 --> 02:37:11.960 align:middle line:84%
Place it in the
hands of the clerk.

02:37:11.960 --> 02:37:16.950 align:middle line:90%


02:37:16.950 --> 02:37:26.800 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will read
the further amendment.

02:37:26.800 --> 02:37:36.900 align:middle line:90%


02:37:36.900 --> 02:37:40.450 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington
moves that amendment 815

02:37:40.450 --> 02:37:43.880 align:middle line:84%
be amended by adding
the following section.

02:37:43.880 --> 02:37:47.040 align:middle line:84%
Notwithstanding any general
special order to the contrary,

02:37:47.040 --> 02:37:50.040 align:middle line:84%
the provisions of
the two sections

02:37:50.040 --> 02:37:52.690 align:middle line:84%
shall not take effect
until such time as--

02:37:52.690 --> 02:37:54.202 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
further objection,

02:37:54.202 --> 02:37:56.160 align:middle line:84%
the clerk will dispense
with reading the paper.

02:37:56.160 --> 02:37:57.260 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

02:37:57.260 --> 02:37:59.170 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Diehl of Whitman.

02:37:59.170 --> 02:38:11.660 align:middle line:90%


02:38:11.660 --> 02:38:13.910 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

02:38:13.910 --> 02:38:15.909 align:middle line:84%
Unfortunately, I doubt
the presence of a quorum.

02:38:15.909 --> 02:38:22.670 align:middle line:90%


02:38:22.670 --> 02:38:24.940 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Diehl of Whitman doubts
the presence of a quorum.

02:38:24.940 --> 02:38:27.120 align:middle line:84%
The Chair can ascertain
a quorum isn't present.

02:38:27.120 --> 02:38:29.730 align:middle line:84%
Court officer, summon the
members, indicating quorum roll

02:38:29.730 --> 02:38:30.730 align:middle line:90%
call is now in progress.

02:38:30.730 --> 02:43:16.730 align:middle line:90%


02:43:16.730 --> 02:43:36.460 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
who wish to do so?

02:43:36.460 --> 02:43:37.910 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:43:37.910 --> 02:43:49.510 align:middle line:90%


02:43:49.510 --> 02:43:53.240 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:43:53.240 --> 02:44:17.980 align:middle line:90%


02:44:17.980 --> 02:44:18.960 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:44:18.960 --> 02:44:23.040 align:middle line:90%


02:44:23.040 --> 02:44:24.220 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

02:44:24.220 --> 02:44:25.594 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

02:44:25.594 --> 02:44:29.444 align:middle line:84%
On this matter, 151 members
voting in the affirmative, none

02:44:29.444 --> 02:44:30.110 align:middle line:90%
in the negative.

02:44:30.110 --> 02:44:34.880 align:middle line:90%


02:44:34.880 --> 02:44:36.390 align:middle line:90%
Quorum is present.

02:44:36.390 --> 02:44:39.750 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on adoption
of the further amendment.

02:44:39.750 --> 02:44:42.531 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Diehl of Whitman.

02:44:42.531 --> 02:44:44.780 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and
through you to the members.

02:44:44.780 --> 02:44:48.240 align:middle line:84%
I ask that I may speak
against the further amendment

02:44:48.240 --> 02:44:51.130 align:middle line:84%
that the roll call be taken by
a call of the yeas and nays.

02:44:51.130 --> 02:44:53.980 align:middle line:90%


02:44:53.980 --> 02:44:55.880 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Diehl moves
where the vote is

02:44:55.880 --> 02:44:57.570 align:middle line:84%
taken on the further
amendment be taken

02:44:57.570 --> 02:44:59.060 align:middle line:90%
by a call of the yeas and nays.

02:44:59.060 --> 02:45:01.070 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with him
will rise and monitors

02:45:01.070 --> 02:45:01.986 align:middle line:90%
will return the count.

02:45:01.986 --> 02:45:03.790 align:middle line:90%
First division, 0.

02:45:03.790 --> 02:45:04.680 align:middle line:90%
Second division.

02:45:04.680 --> 02:45:05.180 align:middle line:90%
17.

02:45:05.180 --> 02:45:05.740 align:middle line:90%
17.

02:45:05.740 --> 02:45:07.239 align:middle line:84%
Sufficient number
having risen, when

02:45:07.239 --> 02:45:10.340 align:middle line:84%
the matter is taken be taken
by a call of the yeas and nays.

02:45:10.340 --> 02:45:12.930 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizers
Mr. Diehl of Whitman.

02:45:12.930 --> 02:45:15.430 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and again
through you to the members.

02:45:15.430 --> 02:45:17.940 align:middle line:84%
I rise today in support
of amendment 815

02:45:17.940 --> 02:45:20.990 align:middle line:84%
and against the further
amendment to send it to study.

02:45:20.990 --> 02:45:24.670 align:middle line:84%
Amendment 815 would roll
back our state sales tax

02:45:24.670 --> 02:45:28.760 align:middle line:84%
rate from its current
level of 6.25% to 5.0%.

02:45:28.760 --> 02:45:30.980 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. Speaker, as some of
the members of this House

02:45:30.980 --> 02:45:33.910 align:middle line:84%
may remember, I have a history
of standing here and arguing

02:45:33.910 --> 02:45:36.340 align:middle line:84%
in favor of tax cuts and
fiscal responsibility

02:45:36.340 --> 02:45:38.180 align:middle line:84%
for the benefit of
the hardworking men

02:45:38.180 --> 02:45:40.201 align:middle line:90%
and women of Massachusetts.

02:45:40.201 --> 02:45:42.200 align:middle line:84%
And that was particularly
true a couple of years

02:45:42.200 --> 02:45:44.866 align:middle line:84%
ago when I stood here and argued
that the legislature should not

02:45:44.866 --> 02:45:48.260 align:middle line:84%
pass an overwhelming permanent
increase to our state's gas

02:45:48.260 --> 02:45:48.810 align:middle line:90%
tax.

02:45:48.810 --> 02:45:50.620 align:middle line:84%
And with all due respect
to my colleagues,

02:45:50.620 --> 02:45:52.790 align:middle line:84%
this body went too
far and overreached

02:45:52.790 --> 02:45:55.150 align:middle line:84%
into the wallets of everyone
who lives in this state.

02:45:55.150 --> 02:45:57.440 align:middle line:84%
And eventually I led
a successful measure

02:45:57.440 --> 02:46:02.010 align:middle line:84%
at the ballot box to
defeat that tax increase

02:46:02.010 --> 02:46:03.470 align:middle line:90%
and we rolled it back.

02:46:03.470 --> 02:46:05.430 align:middle line:84%
Well, I'm back here at
the microphone again

02:46:05.430 --> 02:46:07.940 align:middle line:84%
today because we find ourselves
in a similar situation

02:46:07.940 --> 02:46:09.410 align:middle line:90%
with a state sales tax.

02:46:09.410 --> 02:46:11.660 align:middle line:84%
And let me explain by offering
a little bit of history

02:46:11.660 --> 02:46:13.510 align:middle line:84%
for those members who
weren't here before.

02:46:13.510 --> 02:46:16.340 align:middle line:84%
Our state first
imposed a tax on sales

02:46:16.340 --> 02:46:20.350 align:middle line:84%
and the use of certain
tangible property back in 1966.

02:46:20.350 --> 02:46:23.700 align:middle line:84%
Back then, the tax rate
was 5% and stayed that way

02:46:23.700 --> 02:46:26.180 align:middle line:90%
for more than half a century.

02:46:26.180 --> 02:46:30.410 align:middle line:84%
But in 2009, the House voted
to increase our state sales

02:46:30.410 --> 02:46:34.662 align:middle line:84%
tax from 5.0% to 6.25%
as an emergency measure.

02:46:34.662 --> 02:46:36.620 align:middle line:84%
The people of Massachusetts
were told back then

02:46:36.620 --> 02:46:38.160 align:middle line:84%
that the increase
was necessary to fund

02:46:38.160 --> 02:46:40.785 align:middle line:84%
all of the important things that
our state government provides.

02:46:40.785 --> 02:46:43.390 align:middle line:84%
But let's be honest,
that vote became nothing

02:46:43.390 --> 02:46:44.730 align:middle line:90%
but a Beacon Hill money grab.

02:46:44.730 --> 02:46:47.280 align:middle line:84%
And that's something
that is as wrong today

02:46:47.280 --> 02:46:48.440 align:middle line:90%
as it was back then.

02:46:48.440 --> 02:46:52.560 align:middle line:84%
And that is why we
don't need to vote

02:46:52.560 --> 02:46:54.760 align:middle line:90%
for this further amendment.

02:46:54.760 --> 02:46:58.230 align:middle line:84%
According to the Department
of Revenue, the sales and use

02:46:58.230 --> 02:47:01.550 align:middle line:84%
taxes, now our state's second
biggest source of tax funding

02:47:01.550 --> 02:47:04.290 align:middle line:84%
behind the income tax,
representing nearly 1/4

02:47:04.290 --> 02:47:07.480 align:middle line:84%
of all the money our state
collects from taxpayers.

02:47:07.480 --> 02:47:10.970 align:middle line:84%
And it's worthwhile to remember
where that money comes from.

02:47:10.970 --> 02:47:13.900 align:middle line:84%
First and foremost, it comes
from every single person

02:47:13.900 --> 02:47:16.300 align:middle line:84%
who buys a taxable
item here in our state.

02:47:16.300 --> 02:47:18.990 align:middle line:84%
Whether you're buying a car
or an appliance for your home

02:47:18.990 --> 02:47:20.800 align:middle line:84%
or school supplies
for your children,

02:47:20.800 --> 02:47:22.600 align:middle line:90%
you're paying a sales tax.

02:47:22.600 --> 02:47:26.730 align:middle line:84%
And since 2009, you haven't
just been paying a sales tax,

02:47:26.730 --> 02:47:28.830 align:middle line:84%
you've been paying
an extra premium

02:47:28.830 --> 02:47:32.310 align:middle line:84%
to feed our state's never-ending
appetite for spending money.

02:47:32.310 --> 02:47:34.510 align:middle line:84%
And that's proven by
the amount of money

02:47:34.510 --> 02:47:36.950 align:middle line:84%
being proposed for spending
in this year's budget.

02:47:36.950 --> 02:47:41.650 align:middle line:84%
Since 2009, the total
number of unadjusted dollars

02:47:41.650 --> 02:47:45.410 align:middle line:84%
our state spends in the budget
has grown by nearly 1/3.

02:47:45.410 --> 02:47:51.240 align:middle line:84%
That's right, 1/3 more
spending in less than a decade.

02:47:51.240 --> 02:47:53.450 align:middle line:84%
So we need to vote against
this further amendment

02:47:53.450 --> 02:47:55.200 align:middle line:84%
because sadly that
growth in spending

02:47:55.200 --> 02:47:57.560 align:middle line:84%
has been balanced
at least in part

02:47:57.560 --> 02:47:59.560 align:middle line:84%
on the backs of
hardworking men and women

02:47:59.560 --> 02:48:02.020 align:middle line:84%
in this state and their
families through the sales tax.

02:48:02.020 --> 02:48:04.290 align:middle line:84%
Remember, the sales tax
doesn't discriminate.

02:48:04.290 --> 02:48:06.280 align:middle line:84%
If you buy a taxable
item in our state,

02:48:06.280 --> 02:48:09.070 align:middle line:84%
you're required to pay the
same tax even if you don't earn

02:48:09.070 --> 02:48:12.520 align:middle line:84%
as much money, even if you
have a lot of other expenses

02:48:12.520 --> 02:48:13.380 align:middle line:90%
for your family.

02:48:13.380 --> 02:48:16.290 align:middle line:84%
As a result, the sales tax
takes a particularly strong bite

02:48:16.290 --> 02:48:18.180 align:middle line:84%
out of the wallets of
lower-income people

02:48:18.180 --> 02:48:20.030 align:middle line:84%
in our state who spend
more of their income

02:48:20.030 --> 02:48:22.180 align:middle line:84%
on things they need
just to get by.

02:48:22.180 --> 02:48:25.620 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I stand before you
today to say the plain truth

02:48:25.620 --> 02:48:28.020 align:middle line:84%
is that our state doesn't
have a revenue problem.

02:48:28.020 --> 02:48:30.360 align:middle line:84%
We have a spending
problem, and that's nowhere

02:48:30.360 --> 02:48:32.610 align:middle line:84%
more evident than in
our state sales tax.

02:48:32.610 --> 02:48:34.490 align:middle line:84%
We must vote against
this further amendment

02:48:34.490 --> 02:48:36.970 align:middle line:84%
because it's time to correct
the error of our ways.

02:48:36.970 --> 02:48:39.110 align:middle line:84%
It's time for us to roll
back the tax increase

02:48:39.110 --> 02:48:41.760 align:middle line:90%
this house passed back in 2009.

02:48:41.760 --> 02:48:45.100 align:middle line:84%
It's time for us to restore
the sales tax back to 5%

02:48:45.100 --> 02:48:47.930 align:middle line:84%
and give the state
tax payers a break.

02:48:47.930 --> 02:48:50.650 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, we voted on this
measure several times before.

02:48:50.650 --> 02:48:52.440 align:middle line:84%
And usually when that
happens, the vote

02:48:52.440 --> 02:48:55.160 align:middle line:84%
has been to send the study to
proposal, as is happening now.

02:48:55.160 --> 02:48:56.680 align:middle line:90%
But we all know what that means.

02:48:56.680 --> 02:48:59.420 align:middle line:84%
A vote to study is really
a vote to commit the idea

02:48:59.420 --> 02:49:01.100 align:middle line:84%
to a legislative
wasteland where it

02:49:01.100 --> 02:49:04.420 align:middle line:84%
will meet a quiet, slow, and
seemingly painless demise.

02:49:04.420 --> 02:49:06.310 align:middle line:84%
But there is real
pain being felt

02:49:06.310 --> 02:49:08.220 align:middle line:84%
by the people in the
communities we represent

02:49:08.220 --> 02:49:09.929 align:middle line:90%
when it comes to the sales tax.

02:49:09.929 --> 02:49:11.720 align:middle line:84%
And I don't need another
legislative study.

02:49:11.720 --> 02:49:14.350 align:middle line:84%
I'm sure you don't need
one to tell us that.

02:49:14.350 --> 02:49:18.060 align:middle line:84%
I talk to friends and neighbors
in my district every day,

02:49:18.060 --> 02:49:20.510 align:middle line:84%
and while they're full of
optimism about our future,

02:49:20.510 --> 02:49:22.720 align:middle line:84%
they remind me that times
are still tough out there.

02:49:22.720 --> 02:49:25.410 align:middle line:84%
Families are still scrimping
and saving to get by.

02:49:25.410 --> 02:49:28.320 align:middle line:84%
It takes more and more
to live here and raise

02:49:28.320 --> 02:49:31.090 align:middle line:84%
a family, especially when
health care costs go up annually

02:49:31.090 --> 02:49:33.000 align:middle line:90%
by at least 25% a year.

02:49:33.000 --> 02:49:34.534 align:middle line:84%
To make matters
worse, last year,

02:49:34.534 --> 02:49:35.950 align:middle line:84%
not only did this
legislature vote

02:49:35.950 --> 02:49:38.720 align:middle line:84%
to keep the sales tax
at 6.25%, they also

02:49:38.720 --> 02:49:41.460 align:middle line:84%
didn't even give Mass
residents a sales tax holiday.

02:49:41.460 --> 02:49:44.610 align:middle line:84%
There was zero relief,
not even one single day

02:49:44.610 --> 02:49:47.640 align:middle line:90%
for taxpayers in Massachusetts.

02:49:47.640 --> 02:49:51.120 align:middle line:84%
Imagine the burdens we could
save Massachusetts residents

02:49:51.120 --> 02:49:54.220 align:middle line:84%
by giving them even a small
break with a lower sales tax

02:49:54.220 --> 02:49:55.440 align:middle line:90%
rate.

02:49:55.440 --> 02:49:59.470 align:middle line:84%
Let's remember, if we roll
back the tax from 6.25% to 5%,

02:49:59.470 --> 02:50:03.900 align:middle line:84%
that's not a tax decrease
of 1.25% for Massachusetts

02:50:03.900 --> 02:50:06.580 align:middle line:84%
taxpayers, it's effectively
cutting the amount of sales tax

02:50:06.580 --> 02:50:08.520 align:middle line:90%
they're required to pay by 20%.

02:50:08.520 --> 02:50:09.950 align:middle line:90%
I'd call that real relief.

02:50:09.950 --> 02:50:12.580 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, let's not
study this any more.

02:50:12.580 --> 02:50:17.070 align:middle line:84%
Let's take a vote and I
thank you, Mr. Speaker.

02:50:17.070 --> 02:50:19.600 align:middle line:84%
I urge my colleagues to vote
against the further amendment.

02:50:19.600 --> 02:50:24.830 align:middle line:90%


02:50:24.830 --> 02:50:27.110 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Lyons of Andover.

02:50:27.110 --> 02:50:51.690 align:middle line:84%
Do you want to
instruct me again?

02:50:51.690 --> 02:50:52.850 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:50:52.850 --> 02:50:55.990 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes
Mr. Lyons of Andover.

02:50:55.990 --> 02:50:58.350 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Speaker, I know what
a sports fan you are,

02:50:58.350 --> 02:51:01.290 align:middle line:84%
and the gentleman from
Uxbridge was reminding me

02:51:01.290 --> 02:51:05.980 align:middle line:84%
of the last time we had a 400
hitter in the major leagues.

02:51:05.980 --> 02:51:08.020 align:middle line:90%
That was in 1941.

02:51:08.020 --> 02:51:08.762 align:middle line:90%
Ted Williams.

02:51:08.762 --> 02:51:10.220 align:middle line:84%
Some of the younger
folks might not

02:51:10.220 --> 02:51:13.090 align:middle line:84%
remember who he is, but I
know you do, Mr. Speaker.

02:51:13.090 --> 02:51:19.050 align:middle line:90%
And he hit 406 in 1941.

02:51:19.050 --> 02:51:22.730 align:middle line:84%
I was there in 1960 when
he hit that last home run.

02:51:22.730 --> 02:51:25.900 align:middle line:84%
I know everybody else says
they-- but I really was there.

02:51:25.900 --> 02:51:28.380 align:middle line:84%
The reason I bring that
up to you, Mr. Speaker,

02:51:28.380 --> 02:51:30.460 align:middle line:84%
is the Democratic
leadership is now

02:51:30.460 --> 02:51:33.940 align:middle line:90%
batting 1,000, three for three.

02:51:33.940 --> 02:51:37.310 align:middle line:90%
Three times-- three times--

02:51:37.310 --> 02:51:40.210 align:middle line:84%
we have tried to roll
back taxes or have

02:51:40.210 --> 02:51:42.500 align:middle line:84%
a discussion about
rolling back taxes,

02:51:42.500 --> 02:51:46.450 align:middle line:84%
but no, you've decided
once again to study it.

02:51:46.450 --> 02:51:49.420 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. Speaker, I'm not
sure that that puts you

02:51:49.420 --> 02:51:51.060 align:middle line:90%
in Ted Williams's category.

02:51:51.060 --> 02:51:52.860 align:middle line:90%
However, you are batting 1,000.

02:51:52.860 --> 02:51:55.220 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. Speaker.

02:51:55.220 --> 02:51:56.840 align:middle line:84%
Question now on the
further amendment.

02:51:56.840 --> 02:51:59.340 align:middle line:84%
Roll call having been on, the
roll call machine is now open.

02:51:59.340 --> 02:52:00.720 align:middle line:90%
Remain open for three minutes.

02:52:00.720 --> 02:52:03.620 align:middle line:84%
Court officer, some of the
members indicating roll call

02:52:03.620 --> 02:52:08.400 align:middle line:90%
is in progress.

02:52:08.400 --> 02:57:49.510 align:middle line:90%


02:57:49.510 --> 02:57:52.070 align:middle line:84%
Have all members voted
that wish to do so?

02:57:52.070 --> 02:57:54.850 align:middle line:90%
Have all members voted?

02:57:54.850 --> 02:57:56.850 align:middle line:90%
Time for voting has expired.

02:57:56.850 --> 02:57:58.280 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
display the tally.

02:57:58.280 --> 02:58:01.370 align:middle line:84%
On this matter, 118 members
vote in the affirmative,

02:58:01.370 --> 02:58:02.960 align:middle line:90%
39 in the negative.

02:58:02.960 --> 02:58:05.060 align:middle line:84%
The further
amendment is adopted.

02:58:05.060 --> 02:58:08.960 align:middle line:90%


02:58:08.960 --> 02:58:10.920 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on
adoption of the amendment

02:58:10.920 --> 02:58:11.820 align:middle line:90%
as further amended.

02:58:11.820 --> 02:58:13.052 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:58:13.052 --> 02:58:14.010 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

02:58:14.010 --> 02:58:14.940 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:58:14.940 --> 02:58:17.900 align:middle line:84%
The amendment and the further
amendment are adopted.

02:58:17.900 --> 02:59:14.572 align:middle line:90%


02:59:14.572 --> 02:59:15.530 align:middle line:90%
House will be in order.

02:59:15.530 --> 02:59:17.627 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lombardo of Billerica
offers an amendment

02:59:17.627 --> 02:59:18.710 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

02:59:18.710 --> 02:59:20.126 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

02:59:20.126 --> 02:59:28.150 align:middle line:90%


02:59:28.150 --> 02:59:31.950 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 901,
representatives Lombardo

02:59:31.950 --> 02:59:33.990 align:middle line:84%
of Billerica and other
members of the House

02:59:33.990 --> 02:59:37.020 align:middle line:84%
move to amend the bill by
adding the following section.

02:59:37.020 --> 02:59:40.310 align:middle line:84%
Section 12, chapter 64(a),
the general laws as appearing

02:59:40.310 --> 02:59:41.630 align:middle line:90%
in the 2014 official edition--

02:59:41.630 --> 02:59:42.930 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

02:59:42.930 --> 02:59:44.420 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

02:59:44.420 --> 02:59:45.350 align:middle line:90%
The Chair has none.

02:59:45.350 --> 02:59:47.770 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes Mr.
Kulik of Worthington.

02:59:47.770 --> 02:59:49.430 align:middle line:90%
For what purpose?

02:59:49.430 --> 02:59:51.742 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik has a
further amendment

02:59:51.742 --> 02:59:53.200 align:middle line:84%
to place in the
hands of the clerk.

02:59:53.200 --> 03:00:29.470 align:middle line:90%


03:00:29.470 --> 03:00:33.310 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Kulik of Worthington moves
that the amendment number

03:00:33.310 --> 03:00:37.010 align:middle line:84%
901 be amended by adding
the following section.

03:00:37.010 --> 03:00:40.160 align:middle line:84%
Notwithstanding a special or
general law to the contrary,

03:00:40.160 --> 03:00:42.260 align:middle line:84%
the provisions of
the section shall not

03:00:42.260 --> 03:00:44.610 align:middle line:84%
take effect until such time
as the executive office.

03:00:44.610 --> 03:00:46.147 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

03:00:46.147 --> 03:00:48.480 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the reading
of the further amendment.

03:00:48.480 --> 03:00:51.120 align:middle line:84%
Question now is on
the further amendment.

03:00:51.120 --> 03:00:53.050 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor, say aye.

03:00:53.050 --> 03:00:54.070 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

03:00:54.070 --> 03:00:55.060 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

03:00:55.060 --> 03:00:56.930 align:middle line:84%
The further
amendment is adopted.

03:00:56.930 --> 03:00:59.985 align:middle line:90%


03:00:59.985 --> 03:01:02.110 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on the
adoption of the amendment

03:01:02.110 --> 03:01:02.920 align:middle line:90%
as further amended.

03:01:02.920 --> 03:01:04.220 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor, say aye.

03:01:04.220 --> 03:01:05.560 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, nay.

03:01:05.560 --> 03:01:06.510 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

03:01:06.510 --> 03:01:10.490 align:middle line:84%
The further amendment
is adopted as a amended.

03:01:10.490 --> 03:01:19.390 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover
offers an amendment

03:01:19.390 --> 03:01:20.500 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

03:01:20.500 --> 03:01:22.200 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

03:01:22.200 --> 03:01:33.280 align:middle line:90%


03:01:33.280 --> 03:01:37.629 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Scibak of South Hadley
asks unanimous consent

03:01:37.629 --> 03:01:39.170 align:middle line:84%
to be recorded on
the last roll call.

03:01:39.170 --> 03:01:39.892 align:middle line:90%
Chair objection?

03:01:39.892 --> 03:01:40.600 align:middle line:90%
Chair hears none.

03:01:40.600 --> 03:01:43.450 align:middle line:90%


03:01:43.450 --> 03:01:47.710 align:middle line:84%
On roll call number 30,
John W. Scibak, yes.

03:01:47.710 --> 03:02:40.190 align:middle line:90%


03:02:40.190 --> 03:02:42.210 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lyons of Andover
offers an amendment

03:02:42.210 --> 03:02:42.920 align:middle line:90%
in the hands of the clerk.

03:02:42.920 --> 03:02:44.336 align:middle line:84%
The clerk will
read the amendment.

03:02:44.336 --> 03:02:49.460 align:middle line:90%


03:02:49.460 --> 03:02:51.080 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 859.

03:02:51.080 --> 03:02:54.490 align:middle line:84%
Representatives Lyons of
Andover, Lombardo of Billerica

03:02:54.490 --> 03:02:58.910 align:middle line:84%
move to amend the bill by
adding the following section.

03:02:58.910 --> 03:03:02.470 align:middle line:84%
Paragraph 5 of subsection
B of part B of section 3

03:03:02.470 --> 03:03:03.852 align:middle line:90%
of chapter 62--

03:03:03.852 --> 03:03:05.310 align:middle line:84%
If there be no
objection, the clerk

03:03:05.310 --> 03:03:06.900 align:middle line:84%
will dispense with the
reading of the paper.

03:03:06.900 --> 03:03:07.870 align:middle line:90%
The Chair hears none.

03:03:07.870 --> 03:03:10.280 align:middle line:90%
House will be in a brief recess.

03:03:10.280 --> 03:03:20.000 align:middle line:90%