WEBVTT

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Senator from Middlesex,
Senator Donoghue

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asked unanimous consent
to make a brief statement.

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Senator Donaghue.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr.
President, I thank you

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and through you to the members.

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I rise to make a brief statement
regarding an amendment that I

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filed that wasn't
passed this time,

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but I think it's
important to talk about,

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and I want to call attention
to the body about it.

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This has to deal with the
recovery from opioid crisis.

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As we know, we've worked hard
over the last two sessions

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to prevent addiction and to
expand access to treatment.

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We have paid less
attention, however,

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to treatment of patients
who are in recovery

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trying to build sober lives.

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I've heard from treatment
providers like the Gavin House,

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that things like job
training and housing

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are the biggest missing
pieces from our dealing

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with the opioid crisis.

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Employment is often
a significant part

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of the recovery process.

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By holding a job,
a recovering addict

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receives a source of income,
a structured schedule,

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and improvement of self-esteem.

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For all these
reasons, employment

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has been found to moderate
and to the occurrence

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and severity of relapse.

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But despite these benefits,
it can be difficult

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for former addicts
to find a job,

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to have the training and
vocational services needed.

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This amendment would provide
a competitive grant program,

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and though we're
under constraints

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in our budget this year, I
understand that the money isn't

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there currently.

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But it's so important that
we support partnerships

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between treatment
providers, like sober homes

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and vocational
service providers.

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Proposals that involve a
social enterprise model

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would receive preference
for these grants.

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I want to mention one
in my own district,

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Megan's House, a residential
treatment provider that

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is currently exploring
the possibility of opening

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a social enterprise of its own,
a nonprofit printing shop that

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would provide jobs to
30 recovering addicts

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and generate revenue to
support the House's programs.

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It's exactly the kind of project
that the proposed grant program

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would help get off the ground.

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The amendment also
creates a second program,

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and it's modeled on the
Secure Jobs Initiative.

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That provides people in recovery
who are at risk of homelessness

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with both housing,
stabilization,

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and job training.

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Secure Jobs has a strong record
of helping vulnerable citizens

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turn their lives around,
offering wrap-around services,

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and this new program would
help recovering addicts turn

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their lives around as well.

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Community action agency--

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Mr. President,
I'm having diffi--

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--are having difficulty hearing
the testimony from the Senator.

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Could we please keep it
down well below a dull roar

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or take it outside.

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Thank you, Senator.

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Senator Donoghue.

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Thank you, Mr. President.

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Community action agencies would
administer the new program.

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The final piece
of this amendment

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would clarify the
recovering addicts

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are eligible for the state's
vocational rehabilitation

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program.

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Currently, anyone
with a disability

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that is a substantial
handicap to employment

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is eligible for the program
if he or she can reasonably

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be expected to benefit from
vocational rehab services.

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Treating people in recovery
as disabled for this purpose

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would be consistent with
the American Disabilities

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Act, which generally treats
past drug use as a covered

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disability.

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According to the US Employment
Opportunity Commission,

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persons addicted to drugs, but
who are no longer using drugs

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illegally, and are receiving
treatment for drug addiction,

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and who have been
rehabilitated successfully

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are protected by the
ADA from discrimination

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on the basis of
past drug addiction.

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So employment, housing
are the foundations

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for a healthy, stable,
productive life.

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Again, I recognize that the
strain on our budget this year,

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but I want to call
this attention.

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I think it's a critical
part of treating

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the opioid crisis
and those who are

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trying to recover under what
I have called the Recover Act.

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So I thank you, Mr. President.

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I thank the members
for indulging

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me to speak on this amendment.

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Thank you so much.

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[AUDIO OUT] annual leadership.

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The next amendment is amendment
number 372, the Senator

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from Middlesex and Worcester.

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Senator Eldridge has filed
an amendment, the title

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of which the clerk will read.

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Amendment number 372 by Mr.
Eldridge, Middlesex County

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Opioid Assessment.

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Senator Eldridge.

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Thank you, Mr. President.

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This amendment number 372,
Middlesex County Opioid

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Assessment would provide $25,000
to the Middlesex District

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Attorney's Office for
a countywide assessment

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of opioid prevention,
intervention, and treatment

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programs.

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Mr. President, Middlesex
County, like all counties

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in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts,

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has been hit hard by
the opioid crisis.

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According to the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health,

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the number of opioid-related
overdose deaths in Middlesex

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County in 2014 was 273.

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In 2015 was 354.

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And last year was 392,
a marked increase.

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Given the complex
nature of this crisis,

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there is need for a
comprehensive and collaborative

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approach that will allow
systems to focus their resources

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and approaches to bring a
multi-prong evidence-based

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fight against this epidemic.

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Middlesex County District
Attorney Marion Ryan

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has been a leader on this,
creating a task force

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several years ago.

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And this amendment will allow
the Middlesex County DA's

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office to further partner
with key stakeholders

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with the goal of providing
a system, system alignment

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framework, and recommendations
for action steps

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in the form of an opioid
prevention and reduction

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plan for Middlesex County.

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I urge my colleagues to support
this important amendment.

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Thank you.

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Question comes on adoption
of Amendment Number 372.

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All those in favor,
signify by saying aye.

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Oppose, no.

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The ayes have it and the
amendment is adopted.

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The next amendment is
amendment number 380,

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filed by the Senator
from Middlesex, Mr.

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Barrett, title of which
the clerk will read.

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Amendment number 380 by
Mr. Barrett, secure jobs.

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Senator Humason.

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Thank you, Mr. President.

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I was hoping that the sponsor
of the amendment-- good,

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it looks like we're going
to get him right now.

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Mr. President, I was hoping
the sponsor of this Amendment

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Number 380 might be able to
tell us a little bit about what

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the amendment does.

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It appears to be a simple swap
of the Secure Jobs Program

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from one agency to the next, but
perhaps he could enlighten us.

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Thank you, Mr. President.

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From Middlesex, Mr. Barrett
on amendment number 380.

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Thank you very
much, Mr. President,

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and I thank my good friend.

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This particular amendment
doesn't involve any money.

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We're moving
administration of a program

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into the Department of
Transitional Assistance

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and away from the Department
of Housing and Community

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Development.

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What's involved here
is the provision

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of job training for
homeless individuals,

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primarily homeless women
or women threatened

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with homelessness.

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The notion is to make their
situations more secure

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by focusing on their
employment predicament,

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and in so doing,
ideally strengthening

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their claim to local housing.

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We found over time, or
rather the advocates,

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because this is a
longstanding program,

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the advocates have
found over time

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that transitional assistance
is more interested in the job

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training aspects of this
particular enterprise

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than a housing agency
would ordinarily be.

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So we're simply moving
it into the agency

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whose interests are congruent
with the program's objectives.

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The amendment number
380, all those in favor

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signify by saying aye.

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Oppose, no.

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The ayes have it, and amendment
number 380 is adopted.

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The next amendment is
amendment number 384,

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filed by the Senator
from Essex, Miss

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Lovely, title of which
the clerk will read.

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Amendment number
384 by Miss Lovely,

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YMCA Youth At Risk Programs.

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Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

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All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

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Oppose, no.

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The no's have it, and
amendment 384 is not adopted.

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389 has been withdrawn.

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Amendment number 389
has been withdrawn.

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The next amendment is
Amendment Number 399,

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filed by the Senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

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Mr. Tarr, a title of
which the clerk will read.

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Amendment number 399 by
Mr. Tarr, Restoration

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of Vets' Operational Funding.

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Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:09:12.380 --> 00:09:14.088 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:09:14.088 --> 00:09:14.622 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:09:14.622 --> 00:09:15.330 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

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The amendment is not adopted.

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Next amendment is
amendment number 412.

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Senator from
Middlesex and Norfolk,

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Miss Creem has filed
an amendment, the title

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of which the clerk will read.

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Amendment number 412 by Miss
Creem, Brookline Alzheimer's

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Caregiver's Respite Program.

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Senate will be in
a brief recess.

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Number 412 is on hold.

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The next amendment is
amendment number 422,

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filed by the Senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

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Mr. Tarr, the title of
which the clerk will read.

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Senator--

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[INAUDIBLE]

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Number 422 by Mr. Tarr, Patient
Protection and Affordable Care

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Act.

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Senator Tarr.

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Senate will be in
a brief recess.

00:09:57.224 --> 00:09:58.390 align:middle line:90%
Senate is in a brief recess.

00:09:58.390 --> 00:10:04.650 align:middle line:90%


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Number 422.

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Thank you, Mr. President,
through to the members.

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Mr. President, [AUDIO OUT]
this budget debate, we

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have talked about
the fact that one

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of the drivers in the
increase in the state

00:10:14.570 --> 00:10:17.240 align:middle line:84%
budget on any given
year, and certainly

00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:19.220 align:middle line:84%
over a period of
years cumulatively,

00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:22.210 align:middle line:84%
is the cost of
MassHealth and Medicaid.

00:10:22.210 --> 00:10:25.220 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President, one of the
things that we oftentimes hear

00:10:25.220 --> 00:10:28.310 align:middle line:84%
is that we are sometimes
restricted in our ability

00:10:28.310 --> 00:10:31.810 align:middle line:84%
to address some of those costs
because there are limitations

00:10:31.810 --> 00:10:34.420 align:middle line:84%
placed on us, because
it's a Federal partnership

00:10:34.420 --> 00:10:38.260 align:middle line:84%
program, from being able to
engage in innovative programs.

00:10:38.260 --> 00:10:40.930 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President, the
one that comes to mind,

00:10:40.930 --> 00:10:44.220 align:middle line:84%
given the shift from
those who had previously

00:10:44.220 --> 00:10:47.740 align:middle line:84%
been insured privately
to the Medicaid roles,

00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:50.750 align:middle line:84%
is the issue of a provision
that was originally

00:10:50.750 --> 00:10:53.170 align:middle line:84%
in one of our health
care bills that

00:10:53.170 --> 00:10:56.160 align:middle line:84%
suggested that if you had
access to private insurance,

00:10:56.160 --> 00:10:58.940 align:middle line:84%
you would not be
eligible for Medicaid

00:10:58.940 --> 00:11:01.180 align:middle line:84%
unless you exhausted
your options to obtain

00:11:01.180 --> 00:11:02.780 align:middle line:90%
that private insurance.

00:11:02.780 --> 00:11:05.640 align:middle line:84%
So this very simple
amendment, which

00:11:05.640 --> 00:11:09.270 align:middle line:84%
is within the line item of
the relevant agency that

00:11:09.270 --> 00:11:11.830 align:middle line:84%
looks at these issues,
suggest that it

00:11:11.830 --> 00:11:15.660 align:middle line:84%
should examine the
Federal Patient

00:11:15.660 --> 00:11:17.180 align:middle line:84%
Protection and
Affordable Care Act

00:11:17.180 --> 00:11:20.490 align:middle line:84%
and make a determination as to
whether there are other waivers

00:11:20.490 --> 00:11:24.460 align:middle line:84%
that we could get that would
allow us greater flexibility

00:11:24.460 --> 00:11:29.070 align:middle line:84%
and enable us to try to bring
within reach other cost control

00:11:29.070 --> 00:11:32.830 align:middle line:84%
mechanisms with regard to our
State's Medicaid programs.

00:11:32.830 --> 00:11:34.000 align:middle line:90%
I've cited one.

00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:35.690 align:middle line:90%
There certainly could be others.

00:11:35.690 --> 00:11:38.620 align:middle line:84%
This is not an extraordinary
measure, Mr. President.

00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:40.680 align:middle line:84%
This is asking folks
that are already

00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:43.540 align:middle line:84%
charged with looking
at this area of State

00:11:43.540 --> 00:11:46.890 align:middle line:84%
and Federal government to
more specifically drill down

00:11:46.890 --> 00:11:48.570 align:middle line:90%
into this issue.

00:11:48.570 --> 00:11:50.660 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President,
I don't know if I

00:11:50.660 --> 00:11:52.130 align:middle line:90%
need to bring back the chart.

00:11:52.130 --> 00:11:55.210 align:middle line:84%
We're actually currently trying
to colorize the charts to make

00:11:55.210 --> 00:11:57.510 align:middle line:84%
your viewing experience
more pleasurable,

00:11:57.510 --> 00:11:59.330 align:middle line:84%
so I don't know if I
need to bring it back

00:11:59.330 --> 00:12:00.920 align:middle line:84%
or can bring it
back at the moment.

00:12:00.920 --> 00:12:03.580 align:middle line:90%
But I surely will in the future.

00:12:03.580 --> 00:12:06.070 align:middle line:84%
But Mr. President,
this is a situation

00:12:06.070 --> 00:12:10.520 align:middle line:84%
where one of the cost
driving areas of the budget

00:12:10.520 --> 00:12:12.890 align:middle line:90%
needs to have more focus.

00:12:12.890 --> 00:12:15.110 align:middle line:84%
And before acting,
which hopefully we

00:12:15.110 --> 00:12:17.790 align:middle line:84%
would be able to act at some
point in the near future,

00:12:17.790 --> 00:12:20.430 align:middle line:84%
this amendment seeks
that we get information,

00:12:20.430 --> 00:12:24.550 align:middle line:84%
we understand the desirability
of taking that action

00:12:24.550 --> 00:12:26.450 align:middle line:90%
and the consequences if we do.

00:12:26.450 --> 00:12:30.740 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President,
I suspect that there

00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:34.250 align:middle line:84%
may be some hesitation with
regard to this amendment,

00:12:34.250 --> 00:12:35.774 align:middle line:90%
and I do not understand it.

00:12:35.774 --> 00:12:38.190 align:middle line:84%
I see, Mr. President, you're
scratching your head as well.

00:12:38.190 --> 00:12:39.530 align:middle line:90%
I don't understand it.

00:12:39.530 --> 00:12:40.960 align:middle line:90%
You don't understand it.

00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:44.540 align:middle line:84%
I am hoping, Mr. President,
that we can move forward

00:12:44.540 --> 00:12:47.890 align:middle line:84%
with this particular
amendment, because it does

00:12:47.890 --> 00:12:51.970 align:middle line:84%
make a lot of practical sense,
and it is perhaps a simple step

00:12:51.970 --> 00:12:56.190 align:middle line:84%
today, but it could lead to some
very impactful steps tomorrow.

00:12:56.190 --> 00:12:58.620 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I hope
the amendment is adopted.

00:12:58.620 --> 00:13:00.490 align:middle line:90%
I was actually fixing my hair.

00:13:00.490 --> 00:13:02.990 align:middle line:84%
And now the question comes on
the adoption of the amendment.

00:13:02.990 --> 00:13:05.800 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
say aye, oppose no.

00:13:05.800 --> 00:13:06.880 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

00:13:06.880 --> 00:13:08.130 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:13:08.130 --> 00:13:14.200 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is number
424 for what [AUDIO OUT]..

00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:18.230 align:middle line:84%
I asked for unanimous consent
to make a brief statement.

00:13:18.230 --> 00:13:20.500 align:middle line:84%
The Senator asks
unanimous consent

00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:21.650 align:middle line:90%
to make a brief statement.

00:13:21.650 --> 00:13:22.720 align:middle line:90%
Are there any objections?

00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:23.320 align:middle line:90%
Hearing none.

00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:24.000 align:middle line:90%
Senator Lovely.

00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:27.060 align:middle line:90%


00:13:27.060 --> 00:13:29.040 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] kids, also
known as the family cap,

00:13:29.040 --> 00:13:32.210 align:middle line:84%
excludes benefits to those
children conceived while,

00:13:32.210 --> 00:13:35.590 align:middle line:84%
or soon after the family
began receiving benefits.

00:13:35.590 --> 00:13:39.200 align:middle line:84%
In Massachusetts,
approximately 9,000 children

00:13:39.200 --> 00:13:41.320 align:middle line:84%
are denied benefits
due to this cap.

00:13:41.320 --> 00:13:45.050 align:middle line:84%
Massachusetts is one of 17
states that have a family cap,

00:13:45.050 --> 00:13:48.836 align:middle line:84%
and seven other states
repealed similar provisions.

00:13:48.836 --> 00:13:50.210 align:middle line:84%
I'm glad to have
this opportunity

00:13:50.210 --> 00:13:53.610 align:middle line:84%
to bring to light the
importance of this matter,

00:13:53.610 --> 00:13:56.600 align:middle line:84%
as lifting the cap [INAUDIBLE]
Massachusetts families,

00:13:56.600 --> 00:13:59.250 align:middle line:84%
including those 9,000
children who are currently

00:13:59.250 --> 00:14:00.670 align:middle line:90%
denied benefits.

00:14:00.670 --> 00:14:03.170 align:middle line:84%
With that said, we understand
the Commonwealth faces

00:14:03.170 --> 00:14:06.030 align:middle line:84%
difficult fiscal constraints
this fiscal year,

00:14:06.030 --> 00:14:08.760 align:middle line:84%
and for this reason I've
withdrawn this amendment.

00:14:08.760 --> 00:14:10.850 align:middle line:84%
I'd like to thank my
colleagues who acknowledged

00:14:10.850 --> 00:14:12.750 align:middle line:84%
the importance of
lifting the cap on kids

00:14:12.750 --> 00:14:15.990 align:middle line:84%
by co-sponsoring this
amendment, and a special

00:14:15.990 --> 00:14:17.720 align:middle line:84%
thank you to the
Senator from Everett

00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:21.240 align:middle line:84%
for his leadership as the chief
sponsor of the Lift The Cap

00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.660 align:middle line:90%
For Kids legislation.

00:14:22.660 --> 00:14:25.010 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:14:25.010 --> 00:14:27.460 align:middle line:90%
What was that amendment number?

00:14:27.460 --> 00:14:28.210 align:middle line:90%
That was--

00:14:28.210 --> 00:14:30.740 align:middle line:84%
Senator DiDomenico, for what
purpose does the gentleman

00:14:30.740 --> 00:14:31.240 align:middle line:90%
rise?

00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:33.790 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

00:14:33.790 --> 00:14:35.860 align:middle line:84%
The gentleman asked
unanimous consent

00:14:35.860 --> 00:14:37.280 align:middle line:90%
to make a brief statement.

00:14:37.280 --> 00:14:39.490 align:middle line:90%
Are there any objections?

00:14:39.490 --> 00:14:40.750 align:middle line:90%
Hearing none.

00:14:40.750 --> 00:14:41.790 align:middle line:90%
Senator DiDomenico.

00:14:41.790 --> 00:14:48.720 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr.
President [INAUDIBLE]..

00:14:48.720 --> 00:14:53.880 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] --we are not
doing a lot of legislation.

00:14:53.880 --> 00:14:55.780 align:middle line:84%
This is my bill
that I filed, and we

00:14:55.780 --> 00:14:58.290 align:middle line:84%
are going through the process
of the committee structure.

00:14:58.290 --> 00:15:00.620 align:middle line:84%
We actually had our hearing
recently on this bill,

00:15:00.620 --> 00:15:03.409 align:middle line:84%
and we are looking
forward to seeing

00:15:03.409 --> 00:15:05.450 align:middle line:84%
it go through the rest of
the legislative process

00:15:05.450 --> 00:15:07.240 align:middle line:90%
for the next few months or so.

00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:08.650 align:middle line:84%
This bill is very,
very important

00:15:08.650 --> 00:15:10.750 align:middle line:84%
for so many kids across
our Commonwealth,

00:15:10.750 --> 00:15:12.870 align:middle line:84%
and so many families
across the Commonwealth.

00:15:12.870 --> 00:15:15.630 align:middle line:84%
So I thank the general lady
for filing this amendment.

00:15:15.630 --> 00:15:17.680 align:middle line:84%
I look forward to her
support going forward.

00:15:17.680 --> 00:15:19.350 align:middle line:90%
Thank you very much.

00:15:19.350 --> 00:15:21.590 align:middle line:84%
Next amendment is
amendment number 424,

00:15:21.590 --> 00:15:24.920 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from
Worcester, Mr. Moore,

00:15:24.920 --> 00:15:26.690 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

00:15:26.690 --> 00:15:29.610 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 424
by Mr. Moore, CANDO.

00:15:29.610 --> 00:15:33.170 align:middle line:90%
Senator Humason.

00:15:33.170 --> 00:15:35.950 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr.
President, [INAUDIBLE]..

00:15:35.950 --> 00:15:38.740 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] --getting up to
talk about this amendment.

00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:39.720 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

00:15:39.720 --> 00:15:43.137 align:middle line:84%
Senator from
Worcester, Mr. Moore.

00:15:43.137 --> 00:15:44.220 align:middle line:90%
Thank you to my colleague.

00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:47.510 align:middle line:84%
This amendment provides
$50,000 for a new line item

00:15:47.510 --> 00:15:51.520 align:middle line:84%
to support what's called CANDO,
which is a Center for Autism

00:15:51.520 --> 00:15:55.250 align:middle line:84%
and Neural Development Disorders
based at the University of Mass

00:15:55.250 --> 00:15:56.430 align:middle line:90%
Medical School.

00:15:56.430 --> 00:15:59.510 align:middle line:84%
Within Central Massachusetts,
in Western Mass.,

00:15:59.510 --> 00:16:01.840 align:middle line:84%
there is a significant
health disparity

00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:04.640 align:middle line:84%
for young people and adults
diagnosed with mental health

00:16:04.640 --> 00:16:08.890 align:middle line:84%
needs and accompanying
complex conditions,

00:16:08.890 --> 00:16:12.180 align:middle line:84%
such as autism and
intellectual disabilities.

00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:14.040 align:middle line:84%
Medical homes have
been developed

00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:16.030 align:middle line:84%
and are effective
means of coordinating

00:16:16.030 --> 00:16:18.070 align:middle line:84%
care and controlling
medical expenses.

00:16:18.070 --> 00:16:20.500 align:middle line:84%
Individuals with both
chronic mental health

00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:22.870 align:middle line:84%
and neuro-developmental
conditions

00:16:22.870 --> 00:16:25.590 align:middle line:84%
present with complex
clinical issues

00:16:25.590 --> 00:16:28.460 align:middle line:84%
that are often beyond the
expertise of clinicians

00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:30.780 align:middle line:84%
who lack specialized
training or experience

00:16:30.780 --> 00:16:32.130 align:middle line:90%
with this population.

00:16:32.130 --> 00:16:35.580 align:middle line:84%
This center will
target these resources

00:16:35.580 --> 00:16:38.540 align:middle line:84%
on the individuals who most
need the specialized care.

00:16:38.540 --> 00:16:44.532 align:middle line:84%
And I would ask when
the vote is taken,

00:16:44.532 --> 00:16:46.240 align:middle line:84%
you take it by calling
the ayes and nays.

00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:48.790 align:middle line:90%


00:16:48.790 --> 00:16:50.310 align:middle line:84%
The Senator asked
that when a vote

00:16:50.310 --> 00:16:52.490 align:middle line:84%
is taken, by taken by the
call the ayes and nays.

00:16:52.490 --> 00:16:55.920 align:middle line:84%
Those joining with him,
please rise and be counted.

00:16:55.920 --> 00:16:56.920 align:middle line:90%
Sufficient number--

00:16:56.920 --> 00:16:58.400 align:middle line:84%
Sufficient number
of members haven

00:16:58.400 --> 00:17:01.140 align:middle line:84%
risen, the ayes and
nays will be ordered.

00:17:01.140 --> 00:17:10.020 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

00:17:10.020 --> 00:17:13.430 align:middle line:84%
--is really state-of-the-art
care for people with autism.

00:17:13.430 --> 00:17:16.490 align:middle line:84%
They're really working
as a holistic group.

00:17:16.490 --> 00:17:19.540 align:middle line:84%
I wish this were happening
throughout the whole state,

00:17:19.540 --> 00:17:22.010 align:middle line:84%
but they really are to
be applauded for what

00:17:22.010 --> 00:17:23.569 align:middle line:90%
they're doing at UMass Medical.

00:17:23.569 --> 00:17:25.930 align:middle line:84%
I've gone out and seen the
work that they're doing,

00:17:25.930 --> 00:17:29.090 align:middle line:84%
and they're really coordinating
care for families and kids

00:17:29.090 --> 00:17:29.790 align:middle line:90%
with autism.

00:17:29.790 --> 00:17:32.360 align:middle line:84%
So this is a really
worthwhile thing.

00:17:32.360 --> 00:17:34.920 align:middle line:84%
I'm glad that you
filed this bill.

00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:41.390 align:middle line:84%
If we could please
subdue the conversations.

00:17:41.390 --> 00:17:44.610 align:middle line:84%
Senators are having trouble
hearing the testimony.

00:17:44.610 --> 00:17:46.620 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Senator L'Italien.

00:17:46.620 --> 00:17:48.400 align:middle line:90%
The clerk will call the role.

00:17:48.400 --> 00:17:52.760 align:middle line:90%


00:17:52.760 --> 00:18:01.150 align:middle line:90%
405.

00:18:01.150 --> 00:18:03.181 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Barrett.

00:18:03.181 --> 00:18:03.680 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:03.680 --> 00:18:06.471 align:middle line:90%


00:18:06.471 --> 00:18:06.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:06.970 --> 00:18:08.320 align:middle line:90%
Joseph A. Boncore.

00:18:08.320 --> 00:18:09.580 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:09.580 --> 00:18:10.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:10.740 --> 00:18:12.620 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady.

00:18:12.620 --> 00:18:15.460 align:middle line:90%


00:18:15.460 --> 00:18:18.460 align:middle line:90%
Senator Brady?

00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:20.410 align:middle line:90%
William N. Brownsberger.

00:18:20.410 --> 00:18:20.910 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:20.910 --> 00:18:21.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:21.970 --> 00:18:24.470 align:middle line:90%
Harriette L. Chandler.

00:18:24.470 --> 00:18:24.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:24.970 --> 00:18:25.470 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:25.470 --> 00:18:27.980 align:middle line:90%


00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:30.310 align:middle line:90%
Sonia Chang-Diaz.

00:18:30.310 --> 00:18:31.340 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:31.340 --> 00:18:31.880 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:34.290 align:middle line:90%
Cynthia Stone Creem.

00:18:34.290 --> 00:18:34.870 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:34.870 --> 00:18:36.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:36.120 --> 00:18:38.621 align:middle line:90%
Julian Cyr.

00:18:38.621 --> 00:18:39.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:39.120 --> 00:18:41.270 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:41.270 --> 00:18:43.780 align:middle line:90%
Viriato M. deMacedo.

00:18:43.780 --> 00:18:44.280 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:44.280 --> 00:18:45.310 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:45.310 --> 00:18:47.871 align:middle line:90%
Sal N. DiDomenico.

00:18:47.871 --> 00:18:48.370 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:48.370 --> 00:18:49.340 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:49.340 --> 00:18:51.660 align:middle line:90%
Eileen M Donaghue.

00:18:51.660 --> 00:18:52.160 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:52.160 --> 00:18:53.080 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:53.080 --> 00:18:54.640 align:middle line:90%
James B. Eldridge.

00:18:54.640 --> 00:18:55.550 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:55.550 --> 00:18:56.480 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:18:56.480 --> 00:18:58.020 align:middle line:90%
Ryan C. Fattman.

00:18:58.020 --> 00:19:02.040 align:middle line:90%


00:19:02.040 --> 00:19:03.230 align:middle line:90%
Jennifer L. Flanagan.

00:19:03.230 --> 00:19:03.920 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:03.920 --> 00:19:04.920 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:04.920 --> 00:19:07.630 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry.

00:19:07.630 --> 00:19:09.081 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:09.081 --> 00:19:09.580 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:09.580 --> 00:19:11.020 align:middle line:90%
Anne M. Gobi.

00:19:11.020 --> 00:19:12.130 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:12.130 --> 00:19:12.790 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:12.790 --> 00:19:15.210 align:middle line:90%
Adam G. Hines.

00:19:15.210 --> 00:19:16.850 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:16.850 --> 00:19:17.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:17.350 --> 00:19:19.200 align:middle line:90%
Donald F. Humason, Jr.

00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:19.770 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:19.770 --> 00:19:20.780 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:20.780 --> 00:19:23.240 align:middle line:90%
Patricia D. Jehlen.

00:19:23.240 --> 00:19:23.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:23.740 --> 00:19:24.430 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:24.430 --> 00:19:27.240 align:middle line:90%
John F. Keenan.

00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:27.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:28.760 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:28.760 --> 00:19:31.251 align:middle line:90%
Eric P. Lesser.

00:19:31.251 --> 00:19:31.750 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:31.750 --> 00:19:32.300 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:32.300 --> 00:19:33.550 align:middle line:90%
Jason M. Lewis.

00:19:33.550 --> 00:19:34.900 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:36.050 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:36.050 --> 00:19:38.570 align:middle line:90%
Barbara A. L'Italien

00:19:38.570 --> 00:19:39.090 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:39.090 --> 00:19:39.820 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:39.820 --> 00:19:42.140 align:middle line:90%
Joan B. Lovely.

00:19:42.140 --> 00:19:43.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:43.350 --> 00:19:43.850 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:43.850 --> 00:19:45.741 align:middle line:90%
Thomas M. McGee.

00:19:45.741 --> 00:19:46.240 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:46.840 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:46.840 --> 00:19:48.800 align:middle line:90%
Mark C. Montigny.

00:19:48.800 --> 00:19:49.560 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:49.560 --> 00:19:50.660 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:51.970 align:middle line:90%
Michael O. Moore.

00:19:51.970 --> 00:19:53.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:53.150 --> 00:19:54.140 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:54.140 --> 00:19:56.260 align:middle line:90%
Patrick M. O'Connor.

00:19:56.260 --> 00:19:56.760 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:56.760 --> 00:19:57.790 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:19:57.790 --> 00:20:00.340 align:middle line:90%
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.

00:20:00.340 --> 00:20:00.840 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:00.840 --> 00:20:01.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:04.850 align:middle line:90%
Marc R. Pacheco.

00:20:04.850 --> 00:20:05.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:05.350 --> 00:20:06.010 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:06.010 --> 00:20:07.900 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Rodrigues.

00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:08.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:08.400 --> 00:20:09.320 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:09.320 --> 00:20:10.820 align:middle line:90%
Richard J. Ross.

00:20:10.820 --> 00:20:13.720 align:middle line:90%


00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:14.610 align:middle line:90%
Michael F. Rush.

00:20:14.610 --> 00:20:15.690 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:15.690 --> 00:20:16.580 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:16.580 --> 00:20:17.870 align:middle line:90%
Karen E. Spilka.

00:20:17.870 --> 00:20:19.320 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:19.320 --> 00:20:20.190 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:20.190 --> 00:20:22.220 align:middle line:90%
Bruce E. Tarr.

00:20:22.220 --> 00:20:22.720 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:22.720 --> 00:20:23.380 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:23.380 --> 00:20:25.721 align:middle line:90%
Walter F. Timilty.

00:20:25.721 --> 00:20:26.220 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:26.220 --> 00:20:26.800 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:26.800 --> 00:20:28.310 align:middle line:90%
James T. Welch.

00:20:28.310 --> 00:20:29.310 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:29.310 --> 00:20:30.700 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:38.530 align:middle line:84%
Have all members
been [AUDIO  OUT]

00:20:38.530 --> 00:20:39.850 align:middle line:90%
Ryan C. Fattman votes yes.

00:20:39.850 --> 00:20:40.350 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

00:20:40.350 --> 00:21:08.130 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I
wish to be recorded.

00:21:08.130 --> 00:21:09.420 align:middle line:90%
Richard J. Ross.

00:21:09.420 --> 00:21:09.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:21:09.970 --> 00:21:11.340 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:21:11.340 --> 00:21:12.329 align:middle line:90%
Senator Brady.

00:21:12.329 --> 00:21:13.370 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:21:13.370 --> 00:21:14.990 align:middle line:90%
I wish to be recorded.

00:21:14.990 --> 00:21:16.281 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady.

00:21:16.281 --> 00:21:16.780 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:21:16.780 --> 00:21:17.550 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

00:21:17.550 --> 00:21:18.841 align:middle line:90%
All members have been recorded.

00:21:18.841 --> 00:21:34.040 align:middle line:90%


00:21:34.040 --> 00:21:37.700 align:middle line:84%
Number 424, 37 of them voted
in the affirmative, none

00:21:37.700 --> 00:21:38.380 align:middle line:90%
in the negative.

00:21:38.380 --> 00:21:40.550 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

00:21:40.550 --> 00:21:41.720 align:middle line:90%
Senator's in a brief recess.

00:21:41.720 --> 00:22:01.900 align:middle line:90%


00:22:01.900 --> 00:22:03.540 align:middle line:90%
--in order.

00:22:03.540 --> 00:22:07.470 align:middle line:84%
The Senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Senator Tarr,

00:22:07.470 --> 00:22:10.042 align:middle line:84%
has filed amendment
number 431, the title

00:22:10.042 --> 00:22:11.250 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:22:11.250 --> 00:22:15.570 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 431 by Mr.
Tarr, GIC provider rates.

00:22:15.570 --> 00:22:17.850 align:middle line:84%
Senator deMacedo has
filed a further amendment

00:22:17.850 --> 00:22:20.350 align:middle line:84%
in the hands of the clerk, the
title of which the clerk will

00:22:20.350 --> 00:22:21.060 align:middle line:90%
read.

00:22:21.060 --> 00:22:24.540 align:middle line:84%
Mr. deMacedo has found a
further amendment 431.1,

00:22:24.540 --> 00:22:29.610 align:middle line:84%
extending the wellness
program tax credit.

00:22:29.610 --> 00:22:33.321 align:middle line:90%
Question comes on adopting the--

00:22:33.321 --> 00:22:33.820 align:middle line:90%
Underline.

00:22:33.820 --> 00:22:35.157 align:middle line:90%
I mean the--

00:22:35.157 --> 00:22:35.990 align:middle line:90%
Further [INAUDIBLE].

00:22:35.990 --> 00:22:39.780 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on adopting
the further amendment.

00:22:39.780 --> 00:22:43.060 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:22:43.060 --> 00:22:44.420 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:46.760 align:middle line:84%
The no's have it and the
amendment is adopted.

00:22:46.760 --> 00:22:50.630 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on-- the
amendment is not adopted.

00:22:50.630 --> 00:22:52.150 align:middle line:90%
The Chair misspoke.

00:22:52.150 --> 00:22:55.100 align:middle line:84%
The underlying amendment
is now before the body.

00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:59.490 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on passing the
underlying amendment number

00:22:59.490 --> 00:23:00.730 align:middle line:90%
431.

00:23:00.730 --> 00:23:02.770 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:23:02.770 --> 00:23:03.620 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:23:03.620 --> 00:23:05.720 align:middle line:84%
The no's have it, and
the underlying amendment

00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:06.970 align:middle line:90%
is not adopted.

00:23:06.970 --> 00:23:09.444 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 438,

00:23:09.444 --> 00:23:11.360 align:middle line:84%
the Senator from Hampden,
New Hampshire, Mr.--

00:23:11.360 --> 00:23:12.880 align:middle line:90%
On hold.

00:23:12.880 --> 00:23:15.950 align:middle line:84%
And amendment number
438 is now on hold.

00:23:15.950 --> 00:23:19.280 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 441,

00:23:19.280 --> 00:23:22.170 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Plymouth
and Bristol, Mr. Brady,

00:23:22.170 --> 00:23:24.022 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, and title

00:23:24.022 --> 00:23:25.230 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:23:25.230 --> 00:23:27.940 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 441 by
Mr. Brady, Plymouth County

00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:30.337 align:middle line:90%
Children's Advocacy Center.

00:23:30.337 --> 00:23:32.170 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:23:32.170 --> 00:23:34.450 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:23:34.450 --> 00:23:35.280 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:23:35.280 --> 00:23:36.010 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

00:23:36.010 --> 00:23:39.150 align:middle line:84%
The redrafted
amendment is adopted.

00:23:39.150 --> 00:23:41.850 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 444,

00:23:41.850 --> 00:23:43.895 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from
Worcester, Mr. Moore,

00:23:43.895 --> 00:23:45.520 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

00:23:45.520 --> 00:23:48.330 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 444
by Mr. Moore, Medicaid,

00:23:48.330 --> 00:23:51.420 align:middle line:90%
managed care organizations.

00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:53.420 align:middle line:84%
Question now comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:55.370 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:23:55.370 --> 00:23:56.240 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:23:56.240 --> 00:23:57.160 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

00:23:57.160 --> 00:23:59.990 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 444 is adopted.

00:23:59.990 --> 00:24:02.540 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 455,

00:24:02.540 --> 00:24:04.200 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator
from Hampden, Mr.

00:24:04.200 --> 00:24:06.720 align:middle line:84%
Welch, title of which
the clerk will read.

00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:10.619 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 455
by Mr. Welch, Nam Vet.

00:24:10.619 --> 00:24:12.160 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption amendment.

00:24:12.160 --> 00:24:13.960 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:17.522 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

00:24:17.522 --> 00:24:18.730 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:24:18.730 --> 00:24:21.230 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 458,

00:24:21.230 --> 00:24:23.290 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

00:24:23.290 --> 00:24:25.440 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Tarr, title of which
the clerk will read.

00:24:25.440 --> 00:24:28.792 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 458 by Mr.
Tarr, Employer Contribution

00:24:28.792 --> 00:24:29.375 align:middle line:90%
Clarification.

00:24:29.375 --> 00:24:32.690 align:middle line:90%


00:24:32.690 --> 00:24:35.100 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Bristol and Plymouth--

00:24:35.100 --> 00:24:37.017 align:middle line:84%
excuse me, Plymouth and
Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor.

00:24:37.017 --> 00:24:37.516 align:middle line:90%
On

00:24:37.516 --> 00:24:38.730 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:24:38.730 --> 00:24:42.810 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] amendment be
temporarily placed on hold.

00:24:42.810 --> 00:24:46.470 align:middle line:84%
Gentleman requests that the
amendment be placed on hold.

00:24:46.470 --> 00:24:48.300 align:middle line:84%
Senate will be in
a brief recess.

00:24:48.300 --> 00:25:00.200 align:middle line:90%


00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:03.610 align:middle line:84%
--order on amendment
number 463, the gentleman

00:25:03.610 --> 00:25:05.786 align:middle line:84%
from Norfolk and
Plymouth, Mr. Keenan,

00:25:05.786 --> 00:25:07.160 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, the title

00:25:07.160 --> 00:25:08.368 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:25:08.368 --> 00:25:10.430 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number
463 by Mr. Keenan,

00:25:10.430 --> 00:25:13.540 align:middle line:84%
Utilization of Public Health
Benefits by Large Employers.

00:25:13.540 --> 00:25:16.610 align:middle line:90%


00:25:16.610 --> 00:25:19.020 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Norfolk and
Plymouth, Mr. Keenan.

00:25:19.020 --> 00:25:20.700 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:24.530 align:middle line:84%
This amendment has been
raised in many other ways

00:25:24.530 --> 00:25:25.780 align:middle line:90%
in this budget.

00:25:25.780 --> 00:25:30.189 align:middle line:84%
We have noticed,
obviously, or take

00:25:30.189 --> 00:25:32.480 align:middle line:84%
notice of when the Governor
entered his budget, that he

00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:35.859 align:middle line:84%
introduced an assessment on
employers relative to health

00:25:35.859 --> 00:25:36.650 align:middle line:90%
insurance coverage.

00:25:36.650 --> 00:25:38.300 align:middle line:84%
And we know that something
came out of the House

00:25:38.300 --> 00:25:40.650 align:middle line:84%
that while not exactly what
the Governor introduced,

00:25:40.650 --> 00:25:43.560 align:middle line:84%
was something that
attempted to address it,

00:25:43.560 --> 00:25:46.240 align:middle line:84%
and we're trying to address it
here in the State Senate budget

00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.750 align:middle line:90%
as well.

00:25:46.750 --> 00:25:49.700 align:middle line:84%
What this amendment
does, it would basically

00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:53.900 align:middle line:84%
serve to identify those
entities, those employers who

00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:57.570 align:middle line:84%
have the greatest number of
employees, who are moved over

00:25:57.570 --> 00:25:59.780 align:middle line:90%
into the MassHealth plans.

00:25:59.780 --> 00:26:02.840 align:middle line:84%
And when we talk about all these
assessments covering health

00:26:02.840 --> 00:26:06.682 align:middle line:84%
care costs, we need precise
data to know exactly what we

00:26:06.682 --> 00:26:07.390 align:middle line:90%
are dealing with.

00:26:07.390 --> 00:26:09.320 align:middle line:84%
One of the criticisms
that we've heard

00:26:09.320 --> 00:26:12.192 align:middle line:84%
about the initial assessment
that was proposed, about what

00:26:12.192 --> 00:26:14.400 align:middle line:84%
was proposed in the House,
what's being proposed here

00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:16.025 align:middle line:84%
in the Senate is
where are the numbers?

00:26:16.025 --> 00:26:17.299 align:middle line:90%
Where are the numbers?

00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.340 align:middle line:90%
What are we dealing with?

00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:19.715 align:middle line:84%
What is the scope
of the problem?

00:26:19.715 --> 00:26:21.860 align:middle line:84%
Well, we can
determine that scope,

00:26:21.860 --> 00:26:23.940 align:middle line:84%
we can determine what
the real numbers are

00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:25.580 align:middle line:90%
with this particular amendment.

00:26:25.580 --> 00:26:28.660 align:middle line:84%
So it's called the
50 plus amendment.

00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:31.660 align:middle line:84%
It would put the obligation
to determine this information,

00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:33.450 align:middle line:84%
to look at this
data within CHIA,

00:26:33.450 --> 00:26:35.310 align:middle line:84%
and they would provide
a report and we

00:26:35.310 --> 00:26:37.800 align:middle line:84%
would be able to use that
report as the foundation

00:26:37.800 --> 00:26:39.680 align:middle line:84%
for the decisions we
make going forward

00:26:39.680 --> 00:26:42.850 align:middle line:84%
are the best way to make sure
that private employees are not

00:26:42.850 --> 00:26:44.700 align:middle line:84%
shifting the cost
of health care,

00:26:44.700 --> 00:26:47.580 align:middle line:84%
not shifting employees from
private insurance coverage

00:26:47.580 --> 00:26:48.817 align:middle line:90%
over to public coverage.

00:26:48.817 --> 00:26:50.900 align:middle line:84%
So I would urge favorable
action on this amendment

00:26:50.900 --> 00:26:51.650 align:middle line:90%
for those reasons.

00:26:51.650 --> 00:26:53.337 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:26:53.337 --> 00:26:54.920 align:middle line:84%
Question on adoption
of the amendment.

00:26:54.920 --> 00:26:57.140 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:58.090 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:26:58.090 --> 00:26:58.840 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

00:26:58.840 --> 00:26:59.881 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

00:26:59.881 --> 00:27:02.050 align:middle line:90%
The next amendment is number--

00:27:02.050 --> 00:27:02.550 align:middle line:90%
Not adopted.

00:27:02.550 --> 00:27:03.860 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:27:03.860 --> 00:27:07.430 align:middle line:84%
Senate will be in
a brief recess.

00:27:07.430 --> 00:27:18.840 align:middle line:90%


00:27:18.840 --> 00:27:21.320 align:middle line:84%
On amendment number 487,
the Senator from Middlesex,

00:27:21.320 --> 00:27:23.252 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lewis, has offered
an amendment, the title

00:27:23.252 --> 00:27:24.460 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:27:24.460 --> 00:27:27.480 align:middle line:90%


00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:32.230 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 487 by Mr.
Lewis, Malden High School Star

00:27:32.230 --> 00:27:32.730 align:middle line:90%
Center.

00:27:32.730 --> 00:27:35.780 align:middle line:90%


00:27:35.780 --> 00:27:37.790 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:27:37.790 --> 00:27:40.000 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:42.380 align:middle line:84%
Senator from
Middlesex, Mr. Lewis.

00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:49.185 align:middle line:90%


00:27:49.185 --> 00:27:50.060 align:middle line:90%
--you, Mr. President.

00:27:50.060 --> 00:27:52.670 align:middle line:90%


00:27:52.670 --> 00:27:56.150 align:middle line:84%
I rise in support of
amendment number 487.

00:27:56.150 --> 00:28:00.300 align:middle line:84%
This has to do with
school-based health centers.

00:28:00.300 --> 00:28:05.100 align:middle line:84%
It is funding to support a
specific school-based health

00:28:05.100 --> 00:28:09.180 align:middle line:84%
center, which would be the
Star Center that we hope

00:28:09.180 --> 00:28:12.750 align:middle line:90%
to open at Malden High School.

00:28:12.750 --> 00:28:16.640 align:middle line:84%
But I do want to use this
as an opportunity just

00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:19.890 align:middle line:84%
to say a few words
about the great value

00:28:19.890 --> 00:28:22.720 align:middle line:84%
and benefits of
school-based health centers,

00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:26.130 align:middle line:84%
for those of my
colleagues who may not

00:28:26.130 --> 00:28:28.220 align:middle line:90%
be as familiar with them.

00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:32.790 align:middle line:84%
There are currently 33
school-based health centers

00:28:32.790 --> 00:28:35.260 align:middle line:84%
that are operated
in our communities,

00:28:35.260 --> 00:28:38.110 align:middle line:84%
mostly in high schools,
sometimes in middle schools.

00:28:38.110 --> 00:28:41.950 align:middle line:84%
They are operated by
16 sponsoring agencies

00:28:41.950 --> 00:28:46.030 align:middle line:84%
that are either hospitals,
or community health centers,

00:28:46.030 --> 00:28:47.690 align:middle line:90%
or local health departments.

00:28:47.690 --> 00:28:52.630 align:middle line:84%
They essentially function as
satellite outpatient clinics,

00:28:52.630 --> 00:28:55.630 align:middle line:84%
staffed by, most often,
nurse practitioners

00:28:55.630 --> 00:28:59.970 align:middle line:84%
or physician assistants who
are authorized to prescribe,

00:28:59.970 --> 00:29:02.020 align:middle line:84%
and they are supervised
by a physician

00:29:02.020 --> 00:29:05.380 align:middle line:84%
and comply with
national standards.

00:29:05.380 --> 00:29:10.287 align:middle line:84%
From a recent report that
looked at the benefits

00:29:10.287 --> 00:29:11.870 align:middle line:84%
of school-based
health centers, I just

00:29:11.870 --> 00:29:13.990 align:middle line:84%
wanted to share with
you a few of them

00:29:13.990 --> 00:29:16.450 align:middle line:84%
because it really
is quite remarkable.

00:29:16.450 --> 00:29:19.120 align:middle line:84%
One of the main things that
school-based health centers

00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:22.270 align:middle line:84%
typically do is they
integrate both physical health

00:29:22.270 --> 00:29:24.220 align:middle line:90%
with behavioral health.

00:29:24.220 --> 00:29:27.880 align:middle line:84%
And many times, they also
provide dental services

00:29:27.880 --> 00:29:28.870 align:middle line:90%
as well.

00:29:28.870 --> 00:29:31.670 align:middle line:84%
And remember, these
are in schools

00:29:31.670 --> 00:29:34.830 align:middle line:84%
and in communities where
there are typically

00:29:34.830 --> 00:29:38.760 align:middle line:84%
many students that
are underprivileged,

00:29:38.760 --> 00:29:42.720 align:middle line:84%
that have a difficult time
accessing health care services.

00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:46.110 align:middle line:84%
Many of them are
immigrant students, again,

00:29:46.110 --> 00:29:48.630 align:middle line:84%
which makes it much
more difficult for them

00:29:48.630 --> 00:29:51.220 align:middle line:84%
and their families to
seek the care they need.

00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:55.240 align:middle line:84%
So having the health
center right in the school,

00:29:55.240 --> 00:30:00.400 align:middle line:84%
open during school hours means
that these critical services

00:30:00.400 --> 00:30:02.570 align:middle line:90%
are much more accessible.

00:30:02.570 --> 00:30:06.410 align:middle line:84%
As a result of that, students
take more advantage of them,

00:30:06.410 --> 00:30:10.400 align:middle line:84%
and here's just a
few of the benefits

00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:12.150 align:middle line:90%
from this recent study.

00:30:12.150 --> 00:30:14.380 align:middle line:84%
Students using a
school-based health center

00:30:14.380 --> 00:30:19.000 align:middle line:84%
demonstrated a 50%
decrease in absenteeism,

00:30:19.000 --> 00:30:23.980 align:middle line:84%
and a 25% decrease in tardiness
after receiving mental health

00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:25.400 align:middle line:90%
and counseling services.

00:30:25.400 --> 00:30:28.620 align:middle line:84%
So that's a very significant
impact on their school

00:30:28.620 --> 00:30:29.870 align:middle line:90%
attendance rates.

00:30:29.870 --> 00:30:32.930 align:middle line:84%
Adolescents with access to
a school-based health center

00:30:32.930 --> 00:30:36.830 align:middle line:84%
are 10 to 20 times
more likely to make

00:30:36.830 --> 00:30:39.830 align:middle line:84%
a mental health or a
substance abuse visit

00:30:39.830 --> 00:30:43.000 align:middle line:84%
than students in a
school without access

00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:45.070 align:middle line:84%
to a school-based
health center, which

00:30:45.070 --> 00:30:47.490 align:middle line:84%
means that they're going
to make that visit,

00:30:47.490 --> 00:30:50.870 align:middle line:84%
they're much more likely
to then get the treatment

00:30:50.870 --> 00:30:54.470 align:middle line:90%
and counseling that they need.

00:30:54.470 --> 00:30:57.080 align:middle line:84%
Students using a school-based
health center for mental health

00:30:57.080 --> 00:30:59.830 align:middle line:84%
purposes increased their
grade point average over time

00:30:59.830 --> 00:31:01.220 align:middle line:90%
compared to non-users.

00:31:01.220 --> 00:31:05.200 align:middle line:84%
So we're also seeing not just
increased improved attendance,

00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:08.880 align:middle line:84%
but as you might expect
along with that, improved

00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:10.620 align:middle line:90%
academic performance as well.

00:31:10.620 --> 00:31:13.200 align:middle line:84%
School-based health
centers are cost savers

00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:15.930 align:middle line:84%
because they help to
avoid unnecessary spending

00:31:15.930 --> 00:31:17.540 align:middle line:90%
on emergency department visits.

00:31:17.540 --> 00:31:20.320 align:middle line:84%
Students are able to get
the care when they need it

00:31:20.320 --> 00:31:24.390 align:middle line:84%
in school, avoiding more serious
and costly emergency department

00:31:24.390 --> 00:31:25.480 align:middle line:90%
visits.

00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:29.430 align:middle line:84%
Furthermore, analysis has also
shown that school-based health

00:31:29.430 --> 00:31:33.910 align:middle line:84%
centers reduce teen birth
rates, reducing the birth rate

00:31:33.910 --> 00:31:37.720 align:middle line:84%
for girls 15 years and
under by 23%, and for girls

00:31:37.720 --> 00:31:40.550 align:middle line:90%
16 to 19 years old by 8%.

00:31:40.550 --> 00:31:44.360 align:middle line:84%
So that is another benefit for
school-based health centers

00:31:44.360 --> 00:31:47.980 align:middle line:84%
who offer reproductive
health services.

00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:53.110 align:middle line:84%
So for all these reasons, I
want to offer my strong support

00:31:53.110 --> 00:31:56.890 align:middle line:84%
for our continued funding for
school-based health centers.

00:31:56.890 --> 00:32:01.070 align:middle line:84%
I do want to urge the Department
of Public Health, which

00:32:01.070 --> 00:32:04.590 align:middle line:84%
oversees the school-based
health center program, to take

00:32:04.590 --> 00:32:07.990 align:middle line:84%
a comprehensive look
at the regulations

00:32:07.990 --> 00:32:09.850 align:middle line:90%
that we have in place today.

00:32:09.850 --> 00:32:12.010 align:middle line:84%
I do think that some
of those regulations

00:32:12.010 --> 00:32:14.510 align:middle line:84%
are in need of being
reviewed and updated.

00:32:14.510 --> 00:32:17.300 align:middle line:84%
For example, the
regulations today typically

00:32:17.300 --> 00:32:19.490 align:middle line:84%
make it difficult for a
school-based health center

00:32:19.490 --> 00:32:22.010 align:middle line:90%
to be open after school hours.

00:32:22.010 --> 00:32:24.270 align:middle line:84%
And in some cases, and
in certain communities,

00:32:24.270 --> 00:32:28.520 align:middle line:84%
it would be very helpful to have
some hours outside of school

00:32:28.520 --> 00:32:31.340 align:middle line:84%
time, and that might be
an update we want to make.

00:32:31.340 --> 00:32:34.340 align:middle line:84%
So I would hope that the
Department of Public Health

00:32:34.340 --> 00:32:36.430 align:middle line:84%
will work with the existing
school-based health

00:32:36.430 --> 00:32:43.030 align:middle line:84%
centers and health providers
and members of the legislature

00:32:43.030 --> 00:32:47.080 align:middle line:84%
to look at some ways to even
further update and strengthen

00:32:47.080 --> 00:32:48.300 align:middle line:90%
those regulations.

00:32:48.300 --> 00:32:50.490 align:middle line:84%
But again, I want
to say thank you

00:32:50.490 --> 00:32:53.570 align:middle line:84%
for the support in this
particular amendment

00:32:53.570 --> 00:32:57.260 align:middle line:84%
for hopefully opening a
new school-based health

00:32:57.260 --> 00:33:00.750 align:middle line:84%
center which will serve the
students at Malden High School,

00:33:00.750 --> 00:33:01.660 align:middle line:90%
in the community.

00:33:01.660 --> 00:33:07.550 align:middle line:84%
It is a very high priority for
the Mayor of City of Malden,

00:33:07.550 --> 00:33:09.660 align:middle line:90%
and the school community.

00:33:09.660 --> 00:33:11.857 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. President.

00:33:11.857 --> 00:33:13.690 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:33:13.690 --> 00:33:16.230 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:33:16.230 --> 00:33:17.530 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:33:17.530 --> 00:33:20.600 align:middle line:84%
The ayes have it and the
amendment is adopted.

00:33:20.600 --> 00:33:23.120 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
an amendment number 490,

00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:25.740 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from
Norfolk and Plymouth,

00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:28.500 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Keenan, the title of
which the clerk will read.

00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:31.810 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 490 by Mr.
Keenan, information technology

00:33:31.810 --> 00:33:34.780 align:middle line:84%
to support the administration
of public assistance, health

00:33:34.780 --> 00:33:37.970 align:middle line:84%
benefits, and other
human service programs.

00:33:37.970 --> 00:33:40.320 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Norfolk and
Plymouth, Mr. Keenan.

00:33:40.320 --> 00:33:42.080 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr President.

00:33:42.080 --> 00:33:45.500 align:middle line:84%
We know that IT is the backbone
to much of what we do here

00:33:45.500 --> 00:33:46.430 align:middle line:90%
in the Commonwealth.

00:33:46.430 --> 00:33:48.845 align:middle line:84%
And we've talked
today and yesterday,

00:33:48.845 --> 00:33:50.220 align:middle line:84%
and we'll talk
tomorrow I'm sure,

00:33:50.220 --> 00:33:53.220 align:middle line:84%
and we'll have a continuing
conversation about the need

00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:55.370 align:middle line:84%
to streamline how
we do government.

00:33:55.370 --> 00:33:57.020 align:middle line:84%
And particularly
when it comes time

00:33:57.020 --> 00:33:59.890 align:middle line:84%
to how we streamline
applications for certain state

00:33:59.890 --> 00:34:01.080 align:middle line:90%
benefits.

00:34:01.080 --> 00:34:03.220 align:middle line:84%
Well, in order to accomplish
those goals, in order

00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:05.880 align:middle line:84%
to be more efficient, we have
to invest in our infrastructure.

00:34:05.880 --> 00:34:08.210 align:middle line:84%
And this particular line
item is substantially

00:34:08.210 --> 00:34:10.100 align:middle line:84%
below what had been
requested in House 1,

00:34:10.100 --> 00:34:12.031 align:middle line:84%
and I know that we've
got different challenges

00:34:12.031 --> 00:34:13.280 align:middle line:90%
and different priorities here.

00:34:13.280 --> 00:34:15.239 align:middle line:84%
But I wanted to
highlight this issue,

00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:20.020 align:middle line:84%
that the investment in this
IT is critically important.

00:34:20.020 --> 00:34:22.879 align:middle line:84%
More than 50% of
the EOHHS routers

00:34:22.879 --> 00:34:25.170 align:middle line:84%
are at the end of their life
status and end of support,

00:34:25.170 --> 00:34:28.480 align:middle line:84%
meaning once they crash, then
they're down, they're out,

00:34:28.480 --> 00:34:30.530 align:middle line:84%
and new routers become
the only option.

00:34:30.530 --> 00:34:32.310 align:middle line:84%
So if we don't have
the funding in place,

00:34:32.310 --> 00:34:35.280 align:middle line:84%
then we're not going to be
able to meet those demands.

00:34:35.280 --> 00:34:37.690 align:middle line:84%
Also, this is the
line item where

00:34:37.690 --> 00:34:41.270 align:middle line:84%
there are approximately 20,000
phones across 154 offices,

00:34:41.270 --> 00:34:43.440 align:middle line:84%
they're supported through
this particular line item.

00:34:43.440 --> 00:34:46.510 align:middle line:84%
And these phones, like
many of our computers,

00:34:46.510 --> 00:34:48.260 align:middle line:90%
are at the end of their life.

00:34:48.260 --> 00:34:51.010 align:middle line:90%
So we need to keep investing.

00:34:51.010 --> 00:34:53.860 align:middle line:84%
And then the third
area are switches.

00:34:53.860 --> 00:34:57.650 align:middle line:84%
Approximately 900 switches
across the enterprise,

00:34:57.650 --> 00:35:00.600 align:middle line:84%
and nearly all of these are
at the end of their life.

00:35:00.600 --> 00:35:02.370 align:middle line:90%
So we've got to invest.

00:35:02.370 --> 00:35:03.870 align:middle line:84%
This is an important
line item and I

00:35:03.870 --> 00:35:06.286 align:middle line:84%
would ask that there to be
favorable action taken on this.

00:35:06.286 --> 00:35:08.317 align:middle line:90%
Mr. President, thank you.

00:35:08.317 --> 00:35:10.150 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:35:10.150 --> 00:35:13.220 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:35:13.220 --> 00:35:14.640 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:35:14.640 --> 00:35:17.390 align:middle line:84%
The no's have it, and the
amendment is not adopted.

00:35:17.390 --> 00:35:20.150 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 502,

00:35:20.150 --> 00:35:22.290 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

00:35:22.290 --> 00:35:24.640 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Tarr, title of which
the clerk will read.

00:35:24.640 --> 00:35:28.920 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 502 by
Mr. Tarr, observation days.

00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:31.730 align:middle line:90%


00:35:31.730 --> 00:35:34.310 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:35:34.310 --> 00:35:37.390 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:35:37.390 --> 00:35:38.552 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:35:38.552 --> 00:35:39.260 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

00:35:39.260 --> 00:35:40.468 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:35:40.468 --> 00:35:43.410 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 504,

00:35:43.410 --> 00:35:46.096 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Miss L'Italien,

00:35:46.096 --> 00:35:47.720 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:51.360 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 504 by Miss
L'Italien, Autism Insurance

00:35:51.360 --> 00:35:52.419 align:middle line:90%
Resource Center.

00:35:52.419 --> 00:35:54.460 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Miss L'Italien.

00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:56.090 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:35:56.090 --> 00:35:59.150 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] --amendment
aimed to put some funding

00:35:59.150 --> 00:36:01.370 align:middle line:84%
into the Autism Insurance
Resource Center,

00:36:01.370 --> 00:36:04.430 align:middle line:84%
which is part of UMass
Medical Shriver Center.

00:36:04.430 --> 00:36:09.970 align:middle line:84%
After we passed the
legislation in 2010

00:36:09.970 --> 00:36:13.140 align:middle line:84%
to provide an autism
insurance mandate

00:36:13.140 --> 00:36:17.280 align:middle line:84%
under the private sector, and
then in 2014 for MassHealth.

00:36:17.280 --> 00:36:20.720 align:middle line:84%
We have lots of families
of kids with autism

00:36:20.720 --> 00:36:24.180 align:middle line:84%
that either don't know how to
access their insurance benefit,

00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:27.720 align:middle line:84%
or are having
difficulty accessing.

00:36:27.720 --> 00:36:30.010 align:middle line:84%
In other words, they're
aware they can access,

00:36:30.010 --> 00:36:32.540 align:middle line:84%
but they're still having
roadblocks thrown up.

00:36:32.540 --> 00:36:36.480 align:middle line:84%
So this group of people-- there
are two people that work here,

00:36:36.480 --> 00:36:40.130 align:middle line:84%
two full-time staff
and field calls

00:36:40.130 --> 00:36:43.780 align:middle line:84%
from people who have folks
in their family with autism

00:36:43.780 --> 00:36:46.890 align:middle line:84%
to try to make sure that they're
able to access their insurance

00:36:46.890 --> 00:36:47.660 align:middle line:90%
benefit.

00:36:47.660 --> 00:36:51.400 align:middle line:84%
I've been told that for the rate
of calls that they're covering,

00:36:51.400 --> 00:36:55.310 align:middle line:84%
it would take four members
at HHS to be able to do this.

00:36:55.310 --> 00:36:58.860 align:middle line:84%
So they're actually doing
it at a much lower cost.

00:36:58.860 --> 00:37:01.630 align:middle line:84%
So I really wanted to speak
on behalf of the great work

00:37:01.630 --> 00:37:04.060 align:middle line:84%
that the Autism Insurance
Resource Center is doing out

00:37:04.060 --> 00:37:07.660 align:middle line:84%
in Worcester on behalf of all of
us throughout the entire state.

00:37:07.660 --> 00:37:10.190 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:37:10.190 --> 00:37:12.000 align:middle line:90%
Adoption of amendment 504.

00:37:12.000 --> 00:37:15.140 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:37:15.140 --> 00:37:15.942 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:37:15.942 --> 00:37:16.650 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

00:37:16.650 --> 00:37:17.858 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:37:17.858 --> 00:37:20.000 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment,
filed by the same Senator

00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:22.090 align:middle line:84%
from Essex and Middlesex,
Miss L'Italien,

00:37:22.090 --> 00:37:24.960 align:middle line:84%
amendment number 505, the title
of which the clerk will read.

00:37:24.960 --> 00:37:27.900 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 505
by Miss L'Italien,

00:37:27.900 --> 00:37:30.200 align:middle line:90%
Alzheimer's public awareness.

00:37:30.200 --> 00:37:30.950 align:middle line:90%
Senator L'Italien.

00:37:30.950 --> 00:37:32.570 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

00:37:32.570 --> 00:37:34.760 align:middle line:90%
[?

00:37:34.760 --> 00:37:36.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes, ?] the amendment be held.

00:37:36.120 --> 00:37:38.980 align:middle line:84%
The amendment is
temporarily laid aside.

00:37:38.980 --> 00:37:41.220 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 507,
filed by the Senator

00:37:41.220 --> 00:37:43.360 align:middle line:84%
from the Cape and the
island, Senator Cyr, title

00:37:43.360 --> 00:37:44.568 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:37:44.568 --> 00:37:47.820 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 507 by Mr. Cyr,
comprehensive family planning

00:37:47.820 --> 00:37:48.725 align:middle line:90%
services.

00:37:48.725 --> 00:37:50.850 align:middle line:84%
Senator from the Cape and
the islands, Senator Cyr.

00:37:50.850 --> 00:37:54.190 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. [AUDIO OUT]
for many residents

00:37:54.190 --> 00:37:56.680 align:middle line:84%
of the Commonwealth,
investment in family planning

00:37:56.680 --> 00:37:58.780 align:middle line:84%
makes the difference
between access

00:37:58.780 --> 00:38:02.450 align:middle line:84%
to cancer screenings and birth
control or going without.

00:38:02.450 --> 00:38:05.590 align:middle line:84%
It is especially important
that the State further

00:38:05.590 --> 00:38:09.910 align:middle line:84%
invest in these programs because
it both saves women's lives

00:38:09.910 --> 00:38:11.400 align:middle line:90%
and taxpayer money.

00:38:11.400 --> 00:38:15.360 align:middle line:84%
Family planning helps
providers offer a wide range

00:38:15.360 --> 00:38:17.180 align:middle line:84%
of affordable
preventative services,

00:38:17.180 --> 00:38:20.380 align:middle line:84%
including critical screenings
for breast and cervical cancer,

00:38:20.380 --> 00:38:22.680 align:middle line:84%
birth control,
and STI screening,

00:38:22.680 --> 00:38:25.220 align:middle line:84%
and treatment for
both men and women.

00:38:25.220 --> 00:38:28.500 align:middle line:84%
This is particularly important
given increasing rates

00:38:28.500 --> 00:38:32.450 align:middle line:84%
of chlamydia that we are seeing
here in the Commonwealth,

00:38:32.450 --> 00:38:34.660 align:middle line:90%
especially among younger adults.

00:38:34.660 --> 00:38:36.810 align:middle line:90%
These programs are vulnerable--

00:38:36.810 --> 00:38:40.410 align:middle line:84%
low income, uninsured, and
under insured residents

00:38:40.410 --> 00:38:42.300 align:middle line:84%
in the Commonwealth,
many of whom

00:38:42.300 --> 00:38:46.780 align:middle line:84%
rely on these providers as
their primary care source.

00:38:46.780 --> 00:38:51.860 align:middle line:84%
In FY16, the DPH program
funded more than 151,000 visits

00:38:51.860 --> 00:38:54.350 align:middle line:90%
to almost 84,000 patients.

00:38:54.350 --> 00:38:57.540 align:middle line:84%
Additionally, these DPH-funded
family planning services

00:38:57.540 --> 00:39:02.230 align:middle line:84%
saved the State an estimated
1.6 million in FY16.

00:39:02.230 --> 00:39:04.770 align:middle line:84%
Without publicly supported
family planning services

00:39:04.770 --> 00:39:07.890 align:middle line:84%
in Massachusetts, the rates
of unintended pregnancy,

00:39:07.890 --> 00:39:11.770 align:middle line:84%
unplanned birth, and
abortion would be 40% higher,

00:39:11.770 --> 00:39:13.360 align:middle line:84%
and the rate of
teen pregnancy would

00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:16.350 align:middle line:90%
be an estimated 57% higher.

00:39:16.350 --> 00:39:20.040 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:39:20.040 --> 00:39:21.920 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:24.450 align:middle line:84%
All those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:39:24.450 --> 00:39:27.310 align:middle line:90%
All those opposed, no.

00:39:27.310 --> 00:39:29.350 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:39:29.350 --> 00:39:31.571 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 508,

00:39:31.571 --> 00:39:33.570 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from
Worcester and Norfolk,

00:39:33.570 --> 00:39:35.920 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Fattman, the title of
which the clerk will read.

00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:39.450 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 508 by Mr.
Fattman, greater Milford area

00:39:39.450 --> 00:39:45.310 align:middle line:84%
substance regional substance
abuse and intervention program.

00:39:45.310 --> 00:39:46.130 align:middle line:90%
Senator Ross.

00:39:46.130 --> 00:39:48.860 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

00:39:48.860 --> 00:39:50.840 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 508 is on hold.

00:39:50.840 --> 00:39:58.420 align:middle line:90%


00:39:58.420 --> 00:40:00.932 align:middle line:84%
--and Middlesex,
Miss L'Italien, title

00:40:00.932 --> 00:40:02.140 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:40:02.140 --> 00:40:04.220 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 509
by Miss L'Italien,

00:40:04.220 --> 00:40:08.230 align:middle line:84%
preserving adult
day health programs.

00:40:08.230 --> 00:40:08.980 align:middle line:90%
Senator L'Italien.

00:40:08.980 --> 00:40:11.590 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

00:40:11.590 --> 00:40:16.130 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
509 is now on hold.

00:40:16.130 --> 00:40:19.230 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 511,

00:40:19.230 --> 00:40:21.390 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from
Worcester and Norfolk,

00:40:21.390 --> 00:40:23.660 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Fattman, title of
which the clerk will read.

00:40:23.660 --> 00:40:26.980 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 511 by Mr.
Fattman, cash assistance

00:40:26.980 --> 00:40:29.840 align:middle line:90%
expenditures.

00:40:29.840 --> 00:40:30.412 align:middle line:90%
Senator.

00:40:30.412 --> 00:40:32.620 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I would ask
that this amendment should

00:40:32.620 --> 00:40:35.010 align:middle line:90%
be temporarily placed on hold.

00:40:35.010 --> 00:40:37.640 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 511
is placed on hold.

00:40:37.640 --> 00:40:41.700 align:middle line:84%
The next [AUDIO OUT] is
amendment number 517,

00:40:41.700 --> 00:40:44.380 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

00:40:44.380 --> 00:40:46.960 align:middle line:84%
Miss L'Italien, the title of
which the clerk will read.

00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:50.500 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 517 by Ms.
L'Italien, money management

00:40:50.500 --> 00:40:53.461 align:middle line:90%
program and fast teams.

00:40:53.461 --> 00:40:54.210 align:middle line:90%
Senator L'Italien.

00:40:54.210 --> 00:40:57.700 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I ask that
this be placed on hold.

00:40:57.700 --> 00:41:00.510 align:middle line:90%
Number 517 is placed on hold.

00:41:00.510 --> 00:41:02.110 align:middle line:90%
The Senate is in a brief recess.

00:41:02.110 --> 00:41:44.410 align:middle line:90%


00:41:44.410 --> 00:41:47.550 align:middle line:84%
--order, and we are on amendment
number 518, the Senator

00:41:47.550 --> 00:41:49.700 align:middle line:84%
from Essex and
Middlesex, Miss L'Italien

00:41:49.700 --> 00:41:53.100 align:middle line:84%
has filed an amendment
that the clerk will read.

00:41:53.100 --> 00:41:55.350 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 518
by Ms. L'Italien,

00:41:55.350 --> 00:41:59.000 align:middle line:90%
medication synchronization.

00:41:59.000 --> 00:42:00.030 align:middle line:90%
Senator L'Italien.

00:42:00.030 --> 00:42:02.610 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President,
through you to the members.

00:42:02.610 --> 00:42:05.800 align:middle line:84%
So this is an amendment that
talks about synchronizing

00:42:05.800 --> 00:42:08.190 align:middle line:90%
people's prescriptions.

00:42:08.190 --> 00:42:11.710 align:middle line:84%
I know from having
taken care of my mom

00:42:11.710 --> 00:42:15.140 align:middle line:84%
that it was very frustrating
to have some prescriptions come

00:42:15.140 --> 00:42:17.500 align:middle line:84%
due multiple times
in the same month.

00:42:17.500 --> 00:42:20.520 align:middle line:84%
Oftentimes I would get
calls in the same week

00:42:20.520 --> 00:42:24.110 align:middle line:84%
that her prescription was
needing to be refilled.

00:42:24.110 --> 00:42:28.100 align:middle line:84%
So this is a really interesting
idea about synchronizing--

00:42:28.100 --> 00:42:30.170 align:middle line:84%
you know, getting
everyone synchronized up

00:42:30.170 --> 00:42:33.180 align:middle line:84%
on one day per month for
their meds to be filled.

00:42:33.180 --> 00:42:36.290 align:middle line:84%
And it would be really great for
people who are chronically ill,

00:42:36.290 --> 00:42:38.270 align:middle line:90%
people who are senior citizens.

00:42:38.270 --> 00:42:40.560 align:middle line:84%
Again, I know, I experienced
this with my mom,

00:42:40.560 --> 00:42:44.320 align:middle line:84%
having to run to the pharmacy
multiple times in a month

00:42:44.320 --> 00:42:47.990 align:middle line:84%
because the meds weren't
synced up in terms of date.

00:42:47.990 --> 00:42:50.300 align:middle line:84%
And so that's what this
simply tries to do.

00:42:50.300 --> 00:42:52.520 align:middle line:84%
I think it's a really
interesting idea.

00:42:52.520 --> 00:42:54.160 align:middle line:84%
It would allow
insurance companies

00:42:54.160 --> 00:42:58.260 align:middle line:84%
to allow partial fills just to
get you on a synchronized date.

00:42:58.260 --> 00:43:01.850 align:middle line:84%
And so that was what the
amendment aimed to do.

00:43:01.850 --> 00:43:04.620 align:middle line:84%
I suspect we're not going
to do this in the budget,

00:43:04.620 --> 00:43:07.520 align:middle line:84%
but I hope it's an issue that
we do take up because I do

00:43:07.520 --> 00:43:08.860 align:middle line:90%
think it makes a lot of sense.

00:43:08.860 --> 00:43:10.679 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:43:10.679 --> 00:43:11.470 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Senator.

00:43:11.470 --> 00:43:13.490 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:43:13.490 --> 00:43:15.450 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

00:43:15.450 --> 00:43:16.820 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:43:16.820 --> 00:43:19.780 align:middle line:84%
The no's have it, and the
amendment is not adopted.

00:43:19.780 --> 00:43:22.840 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 519,

00:43:22.840 --> 00:43:24.800 align:middle line:84%
the title of which the
clerk will read-- oh,

00:43:24.800 --> 00:43:30.850 align:middle line:84%
filed by the Senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Miss L'Italien.

00:43:30.850 --> 00:43:34.450 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 519
by Ms. L'Italien,

00:43:34.450 --> 00:43:38.597 align:middle line:84%
Fail First, Improve Medication
Management amendment.

00:43:38.597 --> 00:43:40.430 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

00:43:40.430 --> 00:43:42.370 align:middle line:84%
And all those in favor
signify by saying aye.

00:43:42.370 --> 00:43:43.072 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

00:43:43.072 --> 00:43:43.780 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

00:43:43.780 --> 00:43:44.988 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

00:43:44.988 --> 00:43:49.889 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
amendment number 534.

00:43:49.889 --> 00:43:51.430 align:middle line:84%
The Senate will be
in a brief recess.

00:43:51.430 --> 00:44:02.760 align:middle line:90%


00:44:02.760 --> 00:44:04.245 align:middle line:90%
--on Amendment Number 521.

00:44:04.245 --> 00:44:06.370 align:middle line:84%
The senator from the Cape
and the Islands, Mr. Cyr,

00:44:06.370 --> 00:44:07.810 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, the title

00:44:07.810 --> 00:44:09.018 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

00:44:09.018 --> 00:44:11.690 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 521 by Mr.
Cyr-- childhood lead poisoning.

00:44:11.690 --> 00:44:15.870 align:middle line:84%
Senator [INAUDIBLE] Cape
and the Islands [INAUDIBLE]..

00:44:15.870 --> 00:44:18.850 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President and,
through you, to the members.

00:44:18.850 --> 00:44:22.550 align:middle line:84%
I think it's no secret for
many members of this body

00:44:22.550 --> 00:44:25.620 align:middle line:84%
that before joining you,
I spent six years working

00:44:25.620 --> 00:44:28.730 align:middle line:84%
at the Department of Public
Health with some pretty

00:44:28.730 --> 00:44:30.640 align:middle line:90%
remarkable public servants.

00:44:30.640 --> 00:44:33.270 align:middle line:84%
And one of the
biggest issues that we

00:44:33.270 --> 00:44:36.510 align:middle line:84%
were looking at for
years has been the impact

00:44:36.510 --> 00:44:41.160 align:middle line:84%
of lead exposure on
children in the commonwealth

00:44:41.160 --> 00:44:42.100 align:middle line:90%
and nationally.

00:44:42.100 --> 00:44:45.900 align:middle line:84%
Massachusetts a generation ago
was a leader on this issue.

00:44:45.900 --> 00:44:47.870 align:middle line:84%
We were one of the
first states to issue

00:44:47.870 --> 00:44:52.270 align:middle line:84%
some of the most strict
penalties, fines,

00:44:52.270 --> 00:44:56.190 align:middle line:84%
building a robust system to
intervene for young people who

00:44:56.190 --> 00:44:57.950 align:middle line:90%
became lead poisoned.

00:44:57.950 --> 00:45:01.990 align:middle line:84%
But that was in the
1980s and early 1990s,

00:45:01.990 --> 00:45:05.350 align:middle line:84%
actually probably when I was
one of those children being

00:45:05.350 --> 00:45:08.520 align:middle line:84%
tested for blood lead levels
under these requirements.

00:45:08.520 --> 00:45:10.710 align:middle line:84%
And in the years
since, Massachusetts

00:45:10.710 --> 00:45:13.530 align:middle line:90%
has simply just not kept up.

00:45:13.530 --> 00:45:17.840 align:middle line:84%
We have fallen behind
CDC-recommended guidelines

00:45:17.840 --> 00:45:20.550 align:middle line:84%
on intervention for
childhood lead poisoning.

00:45:20.550 --> 00:45:23.170 align:middle line:84%
When we look at lead
exposures for children

00:45:23.170 --> 00:45:26.870 align:middle line:84%
here in Massachusetts,
the primary vector,

00:45:26.870 --> 00:45:30.590 align:middle line:84%
the primary exposure pathway
is through leaded paint.

00:45:30.590 --> 00:45:33.980 align:middle line:90%
We have over 80%--

00:45:33.980 --> 00:45:38.840 align:middle line:84%
lead paint existed in our
paint until early 1980s.

00:45:38.840 --> 00:45:43.570 align:middle line:84%
80%, nearly 80%, of our housing
was built before that time.

00:45:43.570 --> 00:45:46.520 align:middle line:84%
So most of the homes that are
children, in fact, that we are

00:45:46.520 --> 00:45:48.810 align:middle line:90%
living in contain lead paint.

00:45:48.810 --> 00:45:53.270 align:middle line:84%
The Department of Public Health
and local health departments

00:45:53.270 --> 00:45:57.650 align:middle line:84%
across the commonwealth have
been persistently chipping away

00:45:57.650 --> 00:45:59.750 align:middle line:90%
at childhood lead exposure.

00:45:59.750 --> 00:46:02.380 align:middle line:84%
But what we've learned
as evidence emerges

00:46:02.380 --> 00:46:05.550 align:middle line:84%
on lead exposure is that
we used to think about

00:46:05.550 --> 00:46:09.960 align:middle line:84%
if you had a certain level
of exposure, that's really

00:46:09.960 --> 00:46:11.250 align:middle line:90%
where we had the intervention.

00:46:11.250 --> 00:46:13.860 align:middle line:84%
And the latest research and
evidence over the last decade

00:46:13.860 --> 00:46:16.410 align:middle line:84%
shows that basically
any exposure to lead

00:46:16.410 --> 00:46:18.380 align:middle line:90%
is very harmful.

00:46:18.380 --> 00:46:20.530 align:middle line:84%
And so this is an
amendment that would

00:46:20.530 --> 00:46:24.839 align:middle line:84%
seek to both modernize,
make tweaks to the statute--

00:46:24.839 --> 00:46:26.380 align:middle line:84%
and full disclosure
this is something

00:46:26.380 --> 00:46:28.820 align:middle line:84%
that I had sunk my
teeth into in DPH

00:46:28.820 --> 00:46:31.220 align:middle line:84%
and was unable to get it
done when I was there.

00:46:31.220 --> 00:46:34.140 align:middle line:84%
But really, this
would also bring--

00:46:34.140 --> 00:46:37.750 align:middle line:84%
so bring Massachusetts into
the 21st century with childhood

00:46:37.750 --> 00:46:39.240 align:middle line:90%
lead poisoning prevention.

00:46:39.240 --> 00:46:42.550 align:middle line:84%
And it would also
find resources for us

00:46:42.550 --> 00:46:44.164 align:middle line:84%
to address this
health and equity.

00:46:44.164 --> 00:46:46.330 align:middle line:84%
Essentially, the childhood
lead poisoning prevention

00:46:46.330 --> 00:46:49.720 align:middle line:84%
is funded through a trust
through very minor assessments

00:46:49.720 --> 00:46:51.110 align:middle line:90%
on certain professions.

00:46:51.110 --> 00:46:54.650 align:middle line:84%
Those have not been raised
since they were filed in 1994.

00:46:54.650 --> 00:46:57.010 align:middle line:84%
I think that's when
I was in first grade.

00:46:57.010 --> 00:46:59.570 align:middle line:84%
So it's really time that we
step up as a commonwealth.

00:46:59.570 --> 00:47:02.860 align:middle line:84%
I don't think we're prepared
in this senate budget

00:47:02.860 --> 00:47:04.980 align:middle line:84%
to address this,
but I really hope

00:47:04.980 --> 00:47:07.970 align:middle line:84%
that we make meaningful strides
on childhood lead poisoning

00:47:07.970 --> 00:47:08.810 align:middle line:90%
prevention.

00:47:08.810 --> 00:47:11.120 align:middle line:84%
I really worry that lead
exposure is something

00:47:11.120 --> 00:47:13.130 align:middle line:84%
that we care about
when we see it

00:47:13.130 --> 00:47:16.450 align:middle line:84%
in the news of Flint,
Michigan but something

00:47:16.450 --> 00:47:17.440 align:middle line:90%
that we often forget.

00:47:17.440 --> 00:47:20.500 align:middle line:84%
And I think we feel is a problem
that we feel we've solved here.

00:47:20.500 --> 00:47:21.500 align:middle line:90%
And it is not.

00:47:21.500 --> 00:47:25.040 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, I do
ask unanimous consent

00:47:25.040 --> 00:47:28.690 align:middle line:84%
for this amendment
to be withdrawn.

00:47:28.690 --> 00:47:32.740 align:middle line:84%
Gentleman asks unanimous consent
to withdraw the amendment.

00:47:32.740 --> 00:47:34.300 align:middle line:90%
Is there an objection?

00:47:34.300 --> 00:47:39.450 align:middle line:84%
Hearing no objections, the
amendment is withdrawn.

00:47:39.450 --> 00:47:45.210 align:middle line:84%
Senator Jehlen, for what purpose
does the gentlelady rise?

00:47:45.210 --> 00:47:46.787 align:middle line:84%
The senator asks
unanimous consent

00:47:46.787 --> 00:47:47.870 align:middle line:90%
to make a brief statement.

00:47:47.870 --> 00:47:48.911 align:middle line:90%
Are there any objections?

00:47:48.911 --> 00:47:50.700 align:middle line:90%
Hearing none, Senator Jehlen.

00:47:50.700 --> 00:47:55.250 align:middle line:84%
I just wanted to rise in support
of the senator's amendment.

00:47:55.250 --> 00:47:58.120 align:middle line:84%
Even though it's not going
to be considered now,

00:47:58.120 --> 00:48:00.700 align:middle line:84%
I want to say how
important it is

00:48:00.700 --> 00:48:04.190 align:middle line:84%
for us to begin, again, to pay
attention to the lead paint.

00:48:04.190 --> 00:48:07.020 align:middle line:84%
I learned about lead
paint when my children

00:48:07.020 --> 00:48:09.330 align:middle line:84%
were among those
who were involved

00:48:09.330 --> 00:48:13.680 align:middle line:84%
in the first test of
childhood lead levels.

00:48:13.680 --> 00:48:17.240 align:middle line:84%
Dr. Needleman took
their baby teeth

00:48:17.240 --> 00:48:19.980 align:middle line:84%
and compared them
with other children

00:48:19.980 --> 00:48:22.820 align:middle line:84%
and found that
the levels of lead

00:48:22.820 --> 00:48:29.120 align:middle line:84%
affected children's behavior
and children's achievement.

00:48:29.120 --> 00:48:32.290 align:middle line:84%
Later on, one of my
children had to be

00:48:32.290 --> 00:48:36.070 align:middle line:90%
treated for lead poisoning.

00:48:36.070 --> 00:48:38.900 align:middle line:84%
And I had had
several experiences--

00:48:38.900 --> 00:48:42.389 align:middle line:90%


00:48:42.389 --> 00:48:42.930 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL KNOCK]

00:48:42.930 --> 00:48:43.652 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

00:48:43.652 --> 00:48:46.110 align:middle line:84%
This gentleman is having a
problem in hearing [INAUDIBLE]..

00:48:46.110 --> 00:48:48.480 align:middle line:84%
Subdue your conversations
in the chamber.

00:48:48.480 --> 00:48:49.280 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Senator.

00:48:49.280 --> 00:48:50.440 align:middle line:90%
Senator Jehlen.

00:48:50.440 --> 00:48:55.010 align:middle line:84%
I'm being inspired by the
gentleman's previous remarks

00:48:55.010 --> 00:48:57.200 align:middle line:84%
about his own life,
and I'm telling you

00:48:57.200 --> 00:49:00.460 align:middle line:84%
that I have lived in
a neighborhood where

00:49:00.460 --> 00:49:02.910 align:middle line:84%
all of the children
were exposed to lead

00:49:02.910 --> 00:49:06.310 align:middle line:84%
not only from
automobiles and paint

00:49:06.310 --> 00:49:08.590 align:middle line:84%
but from a smelter
in our neighborhood.

00:49:08.590 --> 00:49:11.410 align:middle line:84%
So all of the
children were exposed

00:49:11.410 --> 00:49:14.430 align:middle line:90%
to dangerous levels of lead.

00:49:14.430 --> 00:49:17.920 align:middle line:90%
We've made a lot of progress.

00:49:17.920 --> 00:49:21.880 align:middle line:84%
But I think that you still know
that even in school, children

00:49:21.880 --> 00:49:26.200 align:middle line:84%
are exposed to lead
from the water.

00:49:26.200 --> 00:49:28.740 align:middle line:84%
And there is still
a predominance

00:49:28.740 --> 00:49:36.470 align:middle line:84%
of lead paint unremoved
in low income communities.

00:49:36.470 --> 00:49:39.430 align:middle line:84%
So I'm going to tie this
to the achievement gap

00:49:39.430 --> 00:49:43.100 align:middle line:84%
and say that if we want
children to be raised healthy

00:49:43.100 --> 00:49:45.770 align:middle line:84%
and to have the IQ
and the achievement

00:49:45.770 --> 00:49:49.660 align:middle line:84%
that we want them to have,
we need to take lead paint,

00:49:49.660 --> 00:49:53.320 align:middle line:90%
not lead, seriously.

00:49:53.320 --> 00:49:54.700 align:middle line:90%
We need new resources.

00:49:54.700 --> 00:50:00.400 align:middle line:84%
DPH in the last 17 years
has been cut by almost 20%

00:50:00.400 --> 00:50:02.070 align:middle line:90%
in real terms.

00:50:02.070 --> 00:50:07.270 align:middle line:84%
They don't have the resources
they need to identify children

00:50:07.270 --> 00:50:11.700 align:middle line:84%
at risk, properties that
are damaging to children,

00:50:11.700 --> 00:50:17.050 align:middle line:84%
and to give the resources to
help the children, to the help

00:50:17.050 --> 00:50:23.750 align:middle line:84%
the property owners remediate,
and the children to recover.

00:50:23.750 --> 00:50:25.810 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President,
those new resources

00:50:25.810 --> 00:50:28.420 align:middle line:84%
are identified in
this amendment,

00:50:28.420 --> 00:50:31.090 align:middle line:90%
which updates from 1993--

00:50:31.090 --> 00:50:32.650 align:middle line:90%
how many years ago was that?

00:50:32.650 --> 00:50:36.480 align:middle line:90%
Almost 25 years ago.

00:50:36.480 --> 00:50:40.180 align:middle line:84%
Updates the fees and
fines from almost 25 years

00:50:40.180 --> 00:50:46.110 align:middle line:84%
ago in a modest, modest
increase for violators

00:50:46.110 --> 00:50:49.880 align:middle line:84%
and for people involved in
transfer of real estate--

00:50:49.880 --> 00:50:57.060 align:middle line:84%
very, very modest, something
like $10 increase in a license.

00:50:57.060 --> 00:51:01.080 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. Chairman, I
know that this is not

00:51:01.080 --> 00:51:03.830 align:middle line:84%
going to be taken
up today, but I

00:51:03.830 --> 00:51:07.220 align:middle line:84%
want to put down a marker
that we should take it up

00:51:07.220 --> 00:51:09.440 align:middle line:84%
at the nearest
possible opportunity.

00:51:09.440 --> 00:51:10.550 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:51:10.550 --> 00:51:13.470 align:middle line:90%


00:51:13.470 --> 00:51:15.950 align:middle line:84%
For what purpose does
the gentlelady rise?

00:51:15.950 --> 00:51:19.044 align:middle line:90%
So can I ask [INAUDIBLE]?

00:51:19.044 --> 00:51:20.960 align:middle line:84%
Senator Chang-Diaz has
asked unanimous consent

00:51:20.960 --> 00:51:22.240 align:middle line:90%
to make a brief statement.

00:51:22.240 --> 00:51:23.630 align:middle line:90%
Are there any objections?

00:51:23.630 --> 00:51:25.514 align:middle line:84%
Hearing none,
Senator Chang-Diaz.

00:51:25.514 --> 00:51:27.930 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President and,
through you, to the members.

00:51:27.930 --> 00:51:30.610 align:middle line:84%
I also rise to speak
on the same topic.

00:51:30.610 --> 00:51:34.082 align:middle line:84%
I understand then the
reasoning for withdrawing

00:51:34.082 --> 00:51:36.040 align:middle line:84%
of the amendment by the
gentleman from the Cape

00:51:36.040 --> 00:51:36.800 align:middle line:90%
and the Islands.

00:51:36.800 --> 00:51:42.360 align:middle line:84%
But I wanted to throw my
most strongly felt support

00:51:42.360 --> 00:51:46.070 align:middle line:84%
behind the content
of this amendment.

00:51:46.070 --> 00:51:48.900 align:middle line:84%
What the lack of
urgency with which we

00:51:48.900 --> 00:51:52.320 align:middle line:84%
are acting in Massachusetts
on this issue is outrageous.

00:51:52.320 --> 00:51:55.280 align:middle line:90%
It is a moral outrage.

00:51:55.280 --> 00:51:58.270 align:middle line:90%
Just over a year ago--

00:51:58.270 --> 00:51:59.950 align:middle line:90%
two years ago--

00:51:59.950 --> 00:52:03.360 align:middle line:84%
Flint, Michigan was
on everyone's minds,

00:52:03.360 --> 00:52:04.650 align:middle line:90%
everyone's lips.

00:52:04.650 --> 00:52:07.680 align:middle line:84%
It burst onto the
world stage, and we

00:52:07.680 --> 00:52:10.280 align:middle line:84%
watched in horror
and many months

00:52:10.280 --> 00:52:13.350 align:middle line:84%
since then, watched in
horror as bottled water

00:52:13.350 --> 00:52:16.340 align:middle line:84%
had to be shipped into
Flint for everything

00:52:16.340 --> 00:52:20.320 align:middle line:84%
from bathing to drinking
to doing the dishes.

00:52:20.320 --> 00:52:23.000 align:middle line:84%
And we all wondered
self-righteously

00:52:23.000 --> 00:52:26.580 align:middle line:84%
as the fingers were pointed
this way and that in Michigan,

00:52:26.580 --> 00:52:28.840 align:middle line:84%
why didn't they do
anything to prevent that

00:52:28.840 --> 00:52:29.759 align:middle line:90%
at the local level?

00:52:29.759 --> 00:52:31.550 align:middle line:84%
Why didn't they do
anything to prevent that

00:52:31.550 --> 00:52:32.350 align:middle line:90%
at the state level?

00:52:32.350 --> 00:52:36.230 align:middle line:84%
Where was the public sector
to protect those children?

00:52:36.230 --> 00:52:39.120 align:middle line:84%
We are doing the same thing
here in Massachusetts.

00:52:39.120 --> 00:52:43.900 align:middle line:84%
If you look, Reuters did a piece
of investigative journalism

00:52:43.900 --> 00:52:45.760 align:middle line:84%
a little over a
year ago in which

00:52:45.760 --> 00:52:48.480 align:middle line:84%
they looked at public health
data across the country.

00:52:48.480 --> 00:52:52.090 align:middle line:84%
And they found over
3,000 localities

00:52:52.090 --> 00:52:56.950 align:middle line:84%
in which the blood, the lead
levels in children's blood

00:52:56.950 --> 00:53:01.380 align:middle line:84%
was double what it
was in Flint, Michigan

00:53:01.380 --> 00:53:04.750 align:middle line:84%
at the height of the lead
crisis in Flint, Michigan.

00:53:04.750 --> 00:53:07.040 align:middle line:84%
And I'm sorry to
tell on my colleagues

00:53:07.040 --> 00:53:10.110 align:middle line:84%
here that when you look at
the map of Reuters' findings,

00:53:10.110 --> 00:53:13.950 align:middle line:84%
you'll see plenty of communities
in Massachusetts in red

00:53:13.950 --> 00:53:18.200 align:middle line:84%
on that map, where our
lead levels in our children

00:53:18.200 --> 00:53:23.890 align:middle line:84%
are worse than double what
they found in Flint, Michigan.

00:53:23.890 --> 00:53:27.130 align:middle line:84%
What are we going to say when
the news cameras are trained

00:53:27.130 --> 00:53:29.790 align:middle line:84%
on us or when our
children look at us

00:53:29.790 --> 00:53:32.910 align:middle line:84%
and say, what did you
do to prevent this?

00:53:32.910 --> 00:53:36.740 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, if we have
not acted on this issue

00:53:36.740 --> 00:53:39.430 align:middle line:84%
before we take up
the budget next year,

00:53:39.430 --> 00:53:43.510 align:middle line:84%
I will be roll calling
this amendment.

00:53:43.510 --> 00:53:45.080 align:middle line:90%
Mr. President?

00:53:45.080 --> 00:53:47.470 align:middle line:84%
Senator Lewis, for what purpose
does the gentleman arise?

00:53:47.470 --> 00:53:49.360 align:middle line:84%
I, too, would like
unanimous consent to make

00:53:49.360 --> 00:53:50.600 align:middle line:90%
a brief statement, please.

00:53:50.600 --> 00:53:53.250 align:middle line:84%
Senator [INAUDIBLE] unanimous
consent make a brief statement.

00:53:53.250 --> 00:53:54.940 align:middle line:90%
Are there any objections?

00:53:54.940 --> 00:53:56.699 align:middle line:90%
Hearing none, Senator Lewis.

00:53:56.699 --> 00:53:57.740 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:53:57.740 --> 00:54:02.740 align:middle line:84%
I also feel that I need to chime
in along with my colleagues

00:54:02.740 --> 00:54:04.260 align:middle line:90%
on this issue.

00:54:04.260 --> 00:54:06.880 align:middle line:84%
As the chair of the
Public Health Committee,

00:54:06.880 --> 00:54:09.600 align:middle line:84%
I am well aware, and we
all need to be well aware,

00:54:09.600 --> 00:54:12.590 align:middle line:84%
as has been said so eloquently
by the previous speakers

00:54:12.590 --> 00:54:18.560 align:middle line:84%
that the issue of lead
poisoning and the harmful health

00:54:18.560 --> 00:54:20.160 align:middle line:84%
impacts it can have
on our children

00:54:20.160 --> 00:54:23.150 align:middle line:84%
is not limited to
Flint, Michigan.

00:54:23.150 --> 00:54:25.620 align:middle line:84%
In other places outside
of Massachusetts,

00:54:25.620 --> 00:54:31.500 align:middle line:84%
it's very much a concern that we
have here in the commonwealth.

00:54:31.500 --> 00:54:36.570 align:middle line:84%
In 2014, approximately
5,000 children

00:54:36.570 --> 00:54:39.380 align:middle line:84%
in Massachusetts under
the age of four years old

00:54:39.380 --> 00:54:42.290 align:middle line:84%
had a blood lead level which
is above the recommended

00:54:42.290 --> 00:54:43.800 align:middle line:90%
maximum by the CDC--

00:54:43.800 --> 00:54:46.300 align:middle line:90%
5,000 children.

00:54:46.300 --> 00:54:50.590 align:middle line:84%
And one of the problems
that we have is not only

00:54:50.590 --> 00:54:55.030 align:middle line:84%
are these assessments too low
and have not been updated,

00:54:55.030 --> 00:54:57.200 align:middle line:84%
as the senator from
the Cayman Islands

00:54:57.200 --> 00:55:00.270 align:middle line:84%
rightly pointed out
since 1994, but we also

00:55:00.270 --> 00:55:03.420 align:middle line:84%
have a blood lead level
in Massachusetts, which

00:55:03.420 --> 00:55:06.310 align:middle line:90%
has also not been adjusted.

00:55:06.310 --> 00:55:09.630 align:middle line:84%
And it said at 25
micrograms per deciliter,

00:55:09.630 --> 00:55:12.520 align:middle line:90%
whereas the CDC is at five.

00:55:12.520 --> 00:55:16.450 align:middle line:84%
And the current best
research we have does

00:55:16.450 --> 00:55:20.400 align:middle line:84%
demonstrate and suggest that
we really need to update that.

00:55:20.400 --> 00:55:23.800 align:middle line:84%
So this is a critical
public health issue.

00:55:23.800 --> 00:55:26.730 align:middle line:90%
It does demand more attention.

00:55:26.730 --> 00:55:29.890 align:middle line:84%
I think it's a good
thing that a number of us

00:55:29.890 --> 00:55:32.635 align:middle line:84%
have made a point of speaking
about it on the floor

00:55:32.635 --> 00:55:33.510 align:middle line:90%
of this senate today.

00:55:33.510 --> 00:55:38.420 align:middle line:84%
I am disappointed that we
unfortunately cannot take up

00:55:38.420 --> 00:55:41.150 align:middle line:84%
this amendment in
this current budget.

00:55:41.150 --> 00:55:46.450 align:middle line:84%
But again, I would urge us to
take this issue very seriously

00:55:46.450 --> 00:55:48.830 align:middle line:84%
and look at a
number of strategies

00:55:48.830 --> 00:55:50.930 align:middle line:84%
to address the risk
of lead poisoning,

00:55:50.930 --> 00:55:58.430 align:middle line:84%
including increasing the
fees that fund the DPH fund

00:55:58.430 --> 00:56:02.270 align:middle line:84%
as well as the
level that was set

00:56:02.270 --> 00:56:07.960 align:middle line:84%
as a safe maximum level
and also homeowner tax

00:56:07.960 --> 00:56:12.000 align:middle line:84%
credits and other incentives
for homeowners to do deleading.

00:56:12.000 --> 00:56:14.810 align:middle line:84%
So again, want to
just raise the--

00:56:14.810 --> 00:56:18.680 align:middle line:84%
make sure we really do give
this issue the serious attention

00:56:18.680 --> 00:56:19.680 align:middle line:90%
that it deserves.

00:56:19.680 --> 00:56:21.272 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

00:56:21.272 --> 00:56:22.730 align:middle line:84%
For the edification
of the members,

00:56:22.730 --> 00:56:24.960 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 521
has been withdrawn,

00:56:24.960 --> 00:56:28.530 align:middle line:84%
but I greatly appreciate the
activism and the statements.

00:56:28.530 --> 00:56:31.150 align:middle line:84%
And for what it's worth,
this temporary chair

00:56:31.150 --> 00:56:33.140 align:middle line:84%
sitting here with
the gavel currently

00:56:33.140 --> 00:56:36.500 align:middle line:84%
strongly agrees with
the statements made.

00:56:36.500 --> 00:56:37.220 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

00:56:37.220 --> 00:56:39.611 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
Amendment Number 520

00:56:39.611 --> 00:56:41.610 align:middle line:84%
filed by the senator from
Hampden and Hampshire,

00:56:41.610 --> 00:56:44.010 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Lesser, title of
which the clerk will read.

00:56:44.010 --> 00:56:46.690 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number
520 by Mr. Lesser--

00:56:46.690 --> 00:56:50.450 align:middle line:90%
epiphrine bulk purchase program.

00:56:50.450 --> 00:56:53.190 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Hampden and
Hampshire, Mr. Lesser.

00:56:53.190 --> 00:56:55.410 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, through
you to the members,

00:56:55.410 --> 00:56:58.520 align:middle line:84%
I rise today in support
of Amendment 520,

00:56:58.520 --> 00:57:01.360 align:middle line:84%
the epinephrine bulk
purchase program.

00:57:01.360 --> 00:57:04.390 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, two
years ago, this senate

00:57:04.390 --> 00:57:08.310 align:middle line:84%
adopted a similar amendment
to fund the bulk purchase

00:57:08.310 --> 00:57:11.800 align:middle line:84%
of naloxone because
at the time, the maker

00:57:11.800 --> 00:57:14.510 align:middle line:84%
of that lifesaving,
anti-overdose drug

00:57:14.510 --> 00:57:18.140 align:middle line:84%
was price gouging and making
the purchase of Narcan

00:57:18.140 --> 00:57:21.950 align:middle line:84%
nearly unaffordable for first
responders on the front lines

00:57:21.950 --> 00:57:24.560 align:middle line:90%
of the opioid epidemic crisis.

00:57:24.560 --> 00:57:26.750 align:middle line:84%
Unfortunately today,
we find ourselves

00:57:26.750 --> 00:57:28.610 align:middle line:90%
in a similar circumstance.

00:57:28.610 --> 00:57:33.000 align:middle line:84%
The drug maker, Mylan, is doing
the same thing with EpiPens.

00:57:33.000 --> 00:57:37.050 align:middle line:84%
Last August, the steep increase
in the price of the EpiPen,

00:57:37.050 --> 00:57:39.550 align:middle line:84%
a lifesaving injection
device for people

00:57:39.550 --> 00:57:42.360 align:middle line:84%
with severe allergies,
sparked outrage

00:57:42.360 --> 00:57:44.680 align:middle line:84%
among consumers who
worry that parents

00:57:44.680 --> 00:57:48.320 align:middle line:84%
won't be able to afford the
pens for children heading back

00:57:48.320 --> 00:57:49.660 align:middle line:90%
to school.

00:57:49.660 --> 00:57:52.130 align:middle line:84%
With a quick stab to
the thigh, the EpiPen

00:57:52.130 --> 00:57:56.600 align:middle line:84%
dispenses epinephrine, a drug
that reverses swelling, closing

00:57:56.600 --> 00:57:58.440 align:middle line:84%
of the airways,
and other symptoms

00:57:58.440 --> 00:58:01.720 align:middle line:84%
of a severe allergic reaction
to bee stings, peanuts,

00:58:01.720 --> 00:58:03.120 align:middle line:90%
and other allergens.

00:58:03.120 --> 00:58:05.740 align:middle line:84%
Mylan, the
pharmaceutical company,

00:58:05.740 --> 00:58:09.750 align:middle line:84%
acquired this decades-old
product in 2007,

00:58:09.750 --> 00:58:14.850 align:middle line:84%
nearly 10 years ago, when the
pharmacies paid less than $100

00:58:14.850 --> 00:58:17.510 align:middle line:90%
for a two-pen set.

00:58:17.510 --> 00:58:20.000 align:middle line:84%
And since then, they've
been steadily raising

00:58:20.000 --> 00:58:21.400 align:middle line:90%
the wholesale price.

00:58:21.400 --> 00:58:28.680 align:middle line:84%
In 2009, a pharmacy paid
$103.50 for an EpiPen set.

00:58:28.680 --> 00:58:35.570 align:middle line:84%
By July of 2013, the
price was up to $264.50,

00:58:35.570 --> 00:58:41.440 align:middle line:84%
and it rose 75% to
$461 by last May.

00:58:41.440 --> 00:58:47.620 align:middle line:84%
This May, the price
spiked again to $608.61.

00:58:47.620 --> 00:58:50.410 align:middle line:84%
This is an unconscionable
price increase

00:58:50.410 --> 00:58:54.300 align:middle line:84%
of a lifesaving drug that has
been on the market for decades.

00:58:54.300 --> 00:58:57.440 align:middle line:84%
There is no reason for
this price increase.

00:58:57.440 --> 00:58:59.860 align:middle line:90%
And it is hurting our citizens.

00:58:59.860 --> 00:59:03.410 align:middle line:84%
And it is endangering
health in our communities.

00:59:03.410 --> 00:59:06.240 align:middle line:84%
One example, Naomi
Shulman of Northampton

00:59:06.240 --> 00:59:10.040 align:middle line:84%
has a 12-year-old daughter,
who is allergic to cashews.

00:59:10.040 --> 00:59:13.390 align:middle line:84%
She keeps EpiPens at
home and at school.

00:59:13.390 --> 00:59:16.820 align:middle line:84%
Last year, Ms. Shulman's
out-of-pocket copayment

00:59:16.820 --> 00:59:19.710 align:middle line:84%
for an EpiPen
two-pack was $100--

00:59:19.710 --> 00:59:21.230 align:middle line:90%
reasonable.

00:59:21.230 --> 00:59:25.110 align:middle line:84%
But because EpiPens may
expire year after year,

00:59:25.110 --> 00:59:27.950 align:middle line:84%
she has to go back
to buy them again.

00:59:27.950 --> 00:59:30.440 align:middle line:84%
And she has to send them
to her daughter's camp

00:59:30.440 --> 00:59:31.400 align:middle line:90%
and to other places--

00:59:31.400 --> 00:59:33.940 align:middle line:84%
her school, her
afterschool activities.

00:59:33.940 --> 00:59:39.590 align:middle line:84%
And her cost for that same,
two EpiPen set went to $400

00:59:39.590 --> 00:59:43.530 align:middle line:84%
after it was only
$100 a year before.

00:59:43.530 --> 00:59:47.320 align:middle line:84%
The New York Times reported that
for the first time in 10 years,

00:59:47.320 --> 00:59:50.030 align:middle line:84%
Ms. Shulman said, she
briefly considered

00:59:50.030 --> 00:59:54.220 align:middle line:84%
forgoing the purchase but
didn't want to risk it.

00:59:54.220 --> 00:59:56.980 align:middle line:84%
It's wrong, frankly,
for a mother

00:59:56.980 --> 00:59:59.140 align:middle line:84%
to have to even
begin to consider

00:59:59.140 --> 01:00:01.850 align:middle line:84%
putting her child at
risk because she can't

01:00:01.850 --> 01:00:06.430 align:middle line:84%
afford an EpiPen medication
that frankly is not

01:00:06.430 --> 01:00:07.620 align:middle line:90%
a new technology.

01:00:07.620 --> 01:00:10.300 align:middle line:84%
It's been around for a long
time and was a fraction

01:00:10.300 --> 01:00:12.680 align:middle line:90%
of the cost just a year before.

01:00:12.680 --> 01:00:15.540 align:middle line:84%
In addition, western
Massachusetts schools,

01:00:15.540 --> 01:00:17.660 align:middle line:84%
where I come from,
have been reported

01:00:17.660 --> 01:00:21.440 align:middle line:84%
to have among the highest
levels of EpiPen administration

01:00:21.440 --> 01:00:24.582 align:middle line:84%
rates out of all
Massachusetts school regions.

01:00:24.582 --> 01:00:27.040 align:middle line:84%
Part of this is because of the
rural nature of our schools.

01:00:27.040 --> 01:00:28.830 align:middle line:90%
People are outdoors more.

01:00:28.830 --> 01:00:31.910 align:middle line:84%
And we have lower incomes
in other areas of the state.

01:00:31.910 --> 01:00:36.970 align:middle line:84%
We're more reliant on public
purchasing of these drugs.

01:00:36.970 --> 01:00:39.710 align:middle line:84%
Epinephrine, or EpiPens,
can be administered

01:00:39.710 --> 01:00:42.730 align:middle line:84%
to save lives in several
life threatening situations.

01:00:42.730 --> 01:00:45.090 align:middle line:84%
This is not just
about a minor allergy.

01:00:45.090 --> 01:00:46.780 align:middle line:90%
It prevents allergy attacks.

01:00:46.780 --> 01:00:50.360 align:middle line:84%
It prevents allergy attacks and
asthma attacks from bee stings.

01:00:50.360 --> 01:00:53.380 align:middle line:84%
It can prevent someone from
going into a cardiac arrest

01:00:53.380 --> 01:00:56.320 align:middle line:84%
if they have an
allergic reaction.

01:00:56.320 --> 01:00:58.650 align:middle line:84%
I'd also point out the
number of children suffering

01:00:58.650 --> 01:01:01.490 align:middle line:84%
from these allergies in
the commonwealth continues

01:01:01.490 --> 01:01:02.280 align:middle line:90%
to climb.

01:01:02.280 --> 01:01:05.930 align:middle line:84%
More than 10,000
Massachusetts school students

01:01:05.930 --> 01:01:10.570 align:middle line:84%
had prescriptions for EpiPens
in 2011 to 2012 school year.

01:01:10.570 --> 01:01:12.780 align:middle line:90%
And that number is going up.

01:01:12.780 --> 01:01:15.910 align:middle line:84%
That's the last year for
which we have solid data.

01:01:15.910 --> 01:01:19.600 align:middle line:84%
This amendment will create
a self-sustaining financial

01:01:19.600 --> 01:01:22.910 align:middle line:84%
vehicle to ensure the
program can be fully financed

01:01:22.910 --> 01:01:26.030 align:middle line:84%
and that the epinephrine doses
available to those schools

01:01:26.030 --> 01:01:29.970 align:middle line:84%
and first responders are made
available to those who need it.

01:01:29.970 --> 01:01:31.860 align:middle line:90%
It uses the private sector.

01:01:31.860 --> 01:01:35.370 align:middle line:84%
Just like Costco or Walmart,
it uses the purchasing

01:01:35.370 --> 01:01:37.160 align:middle line:84%
to buy-- the
states' market power

01:01:37.160 --> 01:01:38.930 align:middle line:90%
to purchase EpiPens in bulk.

01:01:38.930 --> 01:01:41.520 align:middle line:84%
So we could finally
stand up for our citizens

01:01:41.520 --> 01:01:44.310 align:middle line:84%
against greedy pharmaceutical
companies that, quite frankly,

01:01:44.310 --> 01:01:46.910 align:middle line:84%
are skyrocketing the
costs of this drug

01:01:46.910 --> 01:01:50.280 align:middle line:84%
with no legitimate
intellectual property or patent

01:01:50.280 --> 01:01:51.960 align:middle line:90%
or market reason.

01:01:51.960 --> 01:01:56.100 align:middle line:84%
Again the price was $100
just a few years ago.

01:01:56.100 --> 01:01:59.050 align:middle line:84%
The fund would come
from three main sources.

01:01:59.050 --> 01:02:01.280 align:middle line:84%
We don't appropriate
funds in this bill.

01:02:01.280 --> 01:02:04.020 align:middle line:84%
We set up a vehicle
for cities and towns

01:02:04.020 --> 01:02:07.060 align:middle line:84%
to begin to donate and
to pool their purchasing

01:02:07.060 --> 01:02:09.204 align:middle line:90%
power to bring the price down.

01:02:09.204 --> 01:02:10.870 align:middle line:84%
Here is where the
funds would come from.

01:02:10.870 --> 01:02:14.820 align:middle line:84%
First payments, voluntary
payments, from cities and towns

01:02:14.820 --> 01:02:18.630 align:middle line:84%
to purchase the EpiPen doses
like we do with Narcan.

01:02:18.630 --> 01:02:22.400 align:middle line:84%
Revenue allocated, if we
choose, in the annual budget.

01:02:22.400 --> 01:02:23.950 align:middle line:84%
We don't do it in
this amendment,

01:02:23.950 --> 01:02:26.210 align:middle line:90%
but we can at a future time.

01:02:26.210 --> 01:02:28.220 align:middle line:84%
It would also be
possible to collect

01:02:28.220 --> 01:02:31.900 align:middle line:84%
public and private sources,
such as gifts or donations

01:02:31.900 --> 01:02:35.580 align:middle line:84%
or bless their heart,
maybe Mylan themself,

01:02:35.580 --> 01:02:37.570 align:middle line:84%
and the pharmaceutical
company themself,

01:02:37.570 --> 01:02:40.910 align:middle line:84%
could volunteer to put
some doses or some money

01:02:40.910 --> 01:02:42.610 align:middle line:90%
into this fund.

01:02:42.610 --> 01:02:44.660 align:middle line:84%
The program, again,
builds on the success

01:02:44.660 --> 01:02:47.620 align:middle line:84%
of what we learned in the
Narcan bulk purchase program.

01:02:47.620 --> 01:02:49.530 align:middle line:84%
And I would recognize
the language

01:02:49.530 --> 01:02:51.010 align:middle line:90%
we put in the senate ways.

01:02:51.010 --> 01:02:52.920 align:middle line:84%
It means draft budget
proposal that we're all

01:02:52.920 --> 01:02:56.260 align:middle line:84%
debating right now to
enhance bulk purchasing

01:02:56.260 --> 01:03:00.300 align:middle line:84%
of pharmaceutical drugs
of public health concern.

01:03:00.300 --> 01:03:02.090 align:middle line:84%
The Narcan program,
which has now

01:03:02.090 --> 01:03:05.280 align:middle line:84%
been in effect for two years
using this bulk purchase

01:03:05.280 --> 01:03:11.230 align:middle line:84%
formula, has saved 1,500 lives
just in the first half of 2016.

01:03:11.230 --> 01:03:16.400 align:middle line:84%
This is information coming from
our Massachusetts public health

01:03:16.400 --> 01:03:17.570 align:middle line:90%
commissioner.

01:03:17.570 --> 01:03:23.340 align:middle line:84%
Narcan is a life-saving drug
that can reverse opiate doses.

01:03:23.340 --> 01:03:26.090 align:middle line:84%
The distribution mechanism
for Narcan and for EpiPen

01:03:26.090 --> 01:03:27.220 align:middle line:90%
is actually very similar.

01:03:27.220 --> 01:03:30.460 align:middle line:84%
It's a lot of institutional
purchasers and applications--

01:03:30.460 --> 01:03:33.410 align:middle line:84%
ambulances, fire departments,
school counselors,

01:03:33.410 --> 01:03:34.860 align:middle line:90%
school nurses.

01:03:34.860 --> 01:03:37.880 align:middle line:84%
So there's actually a lot we've
learned from the administration

01:03:37.880 --> 01:03:41.820 align:middle line:84%
of the Narcan program that can
be applied to EpiPens to reduce

01:03:41.820 --> 01:03:43.170 align:middle line:90%
the price of EpiPens.

01:03:43.170 --> 01:03:45.940 align:middle line:84%
Bulk purchasing allows
the state government

01:03:45.940 --> 01:03:49.620 align:middle line:84%
to negotiate drug prices
directly with the manufacturer.

01:03:49.620 --> 01:03:52.470 align:middle line:84%
Again, using our
purchasing power

01:03:52.470 --> 01:03:55.140 align:middle line:84%
as a private sector
market participant

01:03:55.140 --> 01:03:58.910 align:middle line:84%
to get the best price for our
tax payers and for our citizens

01:03:58.910 --> 01:04:00.350 align:middle line:90%
that we deserve.

01:04:00.350 --> 01:04:02.860 align:middle line:84%
What has happened with
EpiPens in this country,

01:04:02.860 --> 01:04:05.660 align:middle line:84%
quite frankly, Mr.
President, is unconscionable.

01:04:05.660 --> 01:04:08.060 align:middle line:84%
These are unprecedented
price increases

01:04:08.060 --> 01:04:11.870 align:middle line:84%
with no legitimate
explanation or justification.

01:04:11.870 --> 01:04:14.970 align:middle line:84%
We have an obligation, if the
federal government will not

01:04:14.970 --> 01:04:18.100 align:middle line:84%
act, to control the price of
these pharmaceutical drugs,

01:04:18.100 --> 01:04:20.210 align:middle line:84%
which are essential
to our children's

01:04:20.210 --> 01:04:21.770 align:middle line:90%
health, our commonwealth.

01:04:21.770 --> 01:04:24.450 align:middle line:84%
And this chamber and this
body has an obligation

01:04:24.450 --> 01:04:28.150 align:middle line:84%
to stand up to this
and use the power we

01:04:28.150 --> 01:04:31.450 align:middle line:84%
have to protect our citizens and
make sure that our families can

01:04:31.450 --> 01:04:33.180 align:middle line:90%
afford EpiPens.

01:04:33.180 --> 01:04:34.890 align:middle line:84%
These are EpiPens,
something that's

01:04:34.890 --> 01:04:36.350 align:middle line:90%
been around for a long time.

01:04:36.350 --> 01:04:39.860 align:middle line:84%
Essential to prevent a child
from going into cardiac arrest.

01:04:39.860 --> 01:04:41.550 align:middle line:84%
We should be
ashamed of ourselves

01:04:41.550 --> 01:04:44.200 align:middle line:84%
that we would allow these
types of price increases

01:04:44.200 --> 01:04:47.690 align:middle line:84%
to happen without us acting,
without us doing something.

01:04:47.690 --> 01:04:50.080 align:middle line:84%
So I appreciate the
support of this chamber.

01:04:50.080 --> 01:04:53.760 align:middle line:84%
I appreciate the support of our
leadership on this amendment.

01:04:53.760 --> 01:04:57.490 align:middle line:90%
And I urge a favorable decision.

01:04:57.490 --> 01:04:59.540 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

01:04:59.540 --> 01:05:04.510 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Bristol
and Plymouth, Mr.--

01:05:04.510 --> 01:05:06.100 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:05:06.100 --> 01:05:10.070 align:middle line:84%
--proud to cosponsor of the
amendment with Senator Lesser.

01:05:10.070 --> 01:05:11.950 align:middle line:84%
I'll leave out a
lot of the details

01:05:11.950 --> 01:05:14.680 align:middle line:84%
because I think he's
done it fine justice

01:05:14.680 --> 01:05:20.760 align:middle line:84%
and just speak generally to
the pretty pervasive practice

01:05:20.760 --> 01:05:24.581 align:middle line:84%
of price gouging by the
pharmaceutical industry.

01:05:24.581 --> 01:05:27.080 align:middle line:84%
The only folks in the room that
will roll their eyes at that

01:05:27.080 --> 01:05:29.450 align:middle line:84%
are folks that lobby for
the pharmaceutical industry

01:05:29.450 --> 01:05:34.110 align:middle line:84%
because 85% of those polled say,
they're sick and tired of it

01:05:34.110 --> 01:05:36.270 align:middle line:84%
and expect their
politicians to do something.

01:05:36.270 --> 01:05:38.970 align:middle line:84%
Let me tell you why I sound a
little frustrated because I've

01:05:38.970 --> 01:05:42.140 align:middle line:84%
worked with some of you for
so many years now that I've

01:05:42.140 --> 01:05:44.690 align:middle line:84%
had friends of mine, some that
agree and some that disagree,

01:05:44.690 --> 01:05:46.400 align:middle line:90%
say, why do you even bother?

01:05:46.400 --> 01:05:51.250 align:middle line:84%
That's pretty sad when we spend
much of our time listening

01:05:51.250 --> 01:05:53.861 align:middle line:84%
to constituents who feel
insecure about their health

01:05:53.861 --> 01:05:54.360 align:middle line:90%
care.

01:05:54.360 --> 01:05:55.568 align:middle line:90%
You know all the reasons why.

01:05:55.568 --> 01:05:57.760 align:middle line:84%
I don't need to spend
as much time talking

01:05:57.760 --> 01:06:02.200 align:middle line:84%
about this as I perhaps am
accused of from time to time.

01:06:02.200 --> 01:06:06.790 align:middle line:84%
But you can spend all day long
pointing fingers and saying,

01:06:06.790 --> 01:06:08.450 align:middle line:90%
what's Trump going to do to us?

01:06:08.450 --> 01:06:11.290 align:middle line:84%
What are we going to do
in Massachusetts to offset

01:06:11.290 --> 01:06:13.060 align:middle line:90%
this and that the other thing?

01:06:13.060 --> 01:06:15.400 align:middle line:84%
Well, let me tell you
as someone perhaps

01:06:15.400 --> 01:06:17.627 align:middle line:84%
more than anyone
in this building.

01:06:17.627 --> 01:06:19.210 align:middle line:84%
And again, maybe
that's a sign that we

01:06:19.210 --> 01:06:21.270 align:middle line:84%
ought to have
self-imposed term limits.

01:06:21.270 --> 01:06:23.100 align:middle line:90%
But I've been around a while.

01:06:23.100 --> 01:06:27.570 align:middle line:84%
And I had the great privilege
but also the great frustration

01:06:27.570 --> 01:06:29.490 align:middle line:90%
of first chairing health care.

01:06:29.490 --> 01:06:32.820 align:middle line:84%
So I spent several
years crafting policy

01:06:32.820 --> 01:06:35.990 align:middle line:84%
with people who cared about
access to health care.

01:06:35.990 --> 01:06:38.630 align:middle line:84%
And at the time, one of the
things that I was primarily

01:06:38.630 --> 01:06:41.540 align:middle line:84%
responsible for was the
creation of a program called

01:06:41.540 --> 01:06:42.790 align:middle line:90%
the Senior Pharmacy Program.

01:06:42.790 --> 01:06:45.880 align:middle line:84%
It then evolved into a
bigger insurance program

01:06:45.880 --> 01:06:47.130 align:middle line:90%
called Prescription Advantage.

01:06:47.130 --> 01:06:48.255 align:middle line:90%
I thought it was wonderful.

01:06:48.255 --> 01:06:49.280 align:middle line:90%
I'm a health care guy.

01:06:49.280 --> 01:06:50.550 align:middle line:90%
I'm a policy person.

01:06:50.550 --> 01:06:54.570 align:middle line:84%
My job is to serve seniors and
the disabled and folks that

01:06:54.570 --> 01:06:56.605 align:middle line:90%
couldn't afford expensive drugs.

01:06:56.605 --> 01:06:57.980 align:middle line:84%
And by the way,
this is at a time

01:06:57.980 --> 01:07:00.970 align:middle line:84%
when the drugs were a lot less
expensive than they are today,

01:07:00.970 --> 01:07:04.320 align:middle line:84%
even if you could
compare apples to apples

01:07:04.320 --> 01:07:06.970 align:middle line:84%
and correct for
the consumer price

01:07:06.970 --> 01:07:09.600 align:middle line:84%
index and all the other
wonderful calculations that go

01:07:09.600 --> 01:07:13.540 align:middle line:90%
on in the economy of markets.

01:07:13.540 --> 01:07:15.070 align:middle line:90%
So funny thing happened.

01:07:15.070 --> 01:07:18.140 align:middle line:84%
After chairing
health care, I went

01:07:18.140 --> 01:07:19.840 align:middle line:84%
to chair Ways and
Means, which means

01:07:19.840 --> 01:07:21.550 align:middle line:90%
you find out just how much--

01:07:21.550 --> 01:07:24.020 align:middle line:84%
how expensive the
damage that you

01:07:24.020 --> 01:07:28.350 align:middle line:84%
can do by crafting policy
that increases access when

01:07:28.350 --> 01:07:30.272 align:middle line:84%
it comes to the
side of the ledger

01:07:30.272 --> 01:07:31.480 align:middle line:90%
where you have to pay for it.

01:07:31.480 --> 01:07:34.220 align:middle line:84%
So I now empathize
with those behind me

01:07:34.220 --> 01:07:37.520 align:middle line:84%
and to my right that have
to actually calculate

01:07:37.520 --> 01:07:42.300 align:middle line:84%
the necessary but expensive
policy that we crafted, engaged

01:07:42.300 --> 01:07:43.950 align:middle line:90%
in, and hopefully pass here.

01:07:43.950 --> 01:07:46.427 align:middle line:84%
Nothing has confounded me
more, except I figured it out.

01:07:46.427 --> 01:07:47.510 align:middle line:90%
It's actually very simple.

01:07:47.510 --> 01:07:48.884 align:middle line:84%
And I'll give you
that conclusion

01:07:48.884 --> 01:07:51.360 align:middle line:84%
at the end of what I hope will
only be another few minutes.

01:07:51.360 --> 01:07:54.560 align:middle line:84%
Nothing has been found to
be more how everybody says,

01:07:54.560 --> 01:07:56.170 align:middle line:84%
they're unhappy
with health care.

01:07:56.170 --> 01:07:58.370 align:middle line:84%
And they're paying too much and
they're not getting enough it.

01:07:58.370 --> 01:08:00.810 align:middle line:84%
And if you really want to get
sophisticated and compare it

01:08:00.810 --> 01:08:03.100 align:middle line:84%
all over the world,
stop spending

01:08:03.100 --> 01:08:05.440 align:middle line:84%
all of your time bragging
about how great health

01:08:05.440 --> 01:08:06.700 align:middle line:90%
care in this country is.

01:08:06.700 --> 01:08:07.400 align:middle line:90%
Absolutely.

01:08:07.400 --> 01:08:10.060 align:middle line:84%
If you need a heart
transplant tonight,

01:08:10.060 --> 01:08:11.850 align:middle line:90%
do it here in Massachusetts.

01:08:11.850 --> 01:08:15.240 align:middle line:84%
But if you compare statistics
of mortality and morbidity,

01:08:15.240 --> 01:08:17.979 align:middle line:84%
and you compare outcomes, and
you look at really maintenance

01:08:17.979 --> 01:08:20.740 align:middle line:84%
health and the health and
welfare of a population,

01:08:20.740 --> 01:08:24.840 align:middle line:84%
don't spend a whole lot of time
suggesting that we've somehow

01:08:24.840 --> 01:08:27.189 align:middle line:84%
made American health care
great again because it's

01:08:27.189 --> 01:08:29.029 align:middle line:84%
pretty sad when
you look at what we

01:08:29.029 --> 01:08:31.939 align:middle line:90%
spend relative to what we get.

01:08:31.939 --> 01:08:34.010 align:middle line:90%
So how does that relate to this?

01:08:34.010 --> 01:08:38.920 align:middle line:84%
Way back, many years ago, I sat
in a final conference committee

01:08:38.920 --> 01:08:39.790 align:middle line:90%
at Ways and Means.

01:08:39.790 --> 01:08:41.290 align:middle line:84%
And I had a little
simple amendment.

01:08:41.290 --> 01:08:43.950 align:middle line:84%
It was referred to
as Amendment 271.

01:08:43.950 --> 01:08:45.779 align:middle line:90%
Pretty harmless.

01:08:45.779 --> 01:08:49.720 align:middle line:84%
It was basically the first
page of economics 101,

01:08:49.720 --> 01:08:50.729 align:middle line:90%
not even in college.

01:08:50.729 --> 01:08:52.840 align:middle line:84%
This is something people
learn in high school.

01:08:52.840 --> 01:08:56.689 align:middle line:84%
If you buy something in bulk,
you usually get a better deal.

01:08:56.689 --> 01:09:00.359 align:middle line:84%
So if the state police are going
out to buy 100 police cars,

01:09:00.359 --> 01:09:02.359 align:middle line:84%
they don't go to 100
different dealers

01:09:02.359 --> 01:09:03.731 align:middle line:90%
and say, let me overpay you.

01:09:03.731 --> 01:09:05.189 align:middle line:84%
They say, we've
got a deal for you.

01:09:05.189 --> 01:09:07.230 align:middle line:84%
We want to buy 100 of your
cars, but you're going

01:09:07.230 --> 01:09:08.590 align:middle line:90%
to give us a wholesale price.

01:09:08.590 --> 01:09:10.580 align:middle line:84%
Well, we found a way
to do that in America

01:09:10.580 --> 01:09:13.080 align:middle line:84%
at one point when we had
some honest politicians, who

01:09:13.080 --> 01:09:18.510 align:middle line:84%
crafted a Veterans Affairs
plan to buy drugs in bulk.

01:09:18.510 --> 01:09:20.260 align:middle line:90%
Then a funny thing happened.

01:09:20.260 --> 01:09:23.910 align:middle line:84%
Politics got more and more
corrupted by special interests

01:09:23.910 --> 01:09:24.939 align:middle line:90%
over the decades.

01:09:24.939 --> 01:09:27.960 align:middle line:84%
And even when we passed
Prescription D, one

01:09:27.960 --> 01:09:29.630 align:middle line:84%
of the biggest
entitlements ever that

01:09:29.630 --> 01:09:31.450 align:middle line:84%
should have been a
great celebration.

01:09:31.450 --> 01:09:35.620 align:middle line:84%
But it was a giveaway to
the pharmaceutical industry.

01:09:35.620 --> 01:09:40.109 align:middle line:84%
Go into a fifth grade class, and
teach them Junior Achievement.

01:09:40.109 --> 01:09:46.840 align:middle line:84%
Try to describe to
the fifth graders

01:09:46.840 --> 01:09:49.689 align:middle line:84%
how a law gets
written to say, you're

01:09:49.689 --> 01:09:52.680 align:middle line:84%
going to buy billions
and billions and billions

01:09:52.680 --> 01:09:56.760 align:middle line:84%
of dollars in drugs, but you
can't negotiate as a buyer.

01:09:56.760 --> 01:09:58.300 align:middle line:84%
By the way, only
government would

01:09:58.300 --> 01:10:00.540 align:middle line:84%
fall for that kind of deal
because nobody spending

01:10:00.540 --> 01:10:04.690 align:middle line:84%
a nickel, a nickel
would fall for that.

01:10:04.690 --> 01:10:07.650 align:middle line:84%
But if you spend billions
of dollars and it's somebody

01:10:07.650 --> 01:10:11.160 align:middle line:84%
else's money-- all of us who pay
taxes and those we represent--

01:10:11.160 --> 01:10:12.600 align:middle line:90%
funny thing happens.

01:10:12.600 --> 01:10:14.760 align:middle line:84%
Written into the
law by the lobbyist

01:10:14.760 --> 01:10:17.466 align:middle line:84%
for the pharmaceutical
manufacturer of America.

01:10:17.466 --> 01:10:18.840 align:middle line:84%
By the way, he
was a congressman,

01:10:18.840 --> 01:10:21.540 align:middle line:84%
and then the little door turned
a little, and he stepped out.

01:10:21.540 --> 01:10:24.490 align:middle line:84%
And he made a couple of million
bucks almost the next day

01:10:24.490 --> 01:10:26.820 align:middle line:84%
after he served in Congress
and helped write the plan.

01:10:26.820 --> 01:10:30.760 align:middle line:84%
I won't bother naming his
name because he's moved on.

01:10:30.760 --> 01:10:33.890 align:middle line:84%
But I do like to
publicly expose things.

01:10:33.890 --> 01:10:35.810 align:middle line:84%
So let's take Mylan
for an example.

01:10:35.810 --> 01:10:38.410 align:middle line:90%
Guess who the CEO of Mylan is?

01:10:38.410 --> 01:10:41.600 align:middle line:84%
The woman who runs it happens
to have a daddy, and his name's

01:10:41.600 --> 01:10:43.120 align:middle line:90%
Senator Joe Manchin.

01:10:43.120 --> 01:10:44.600 align:middle line:90%
What a coincidence.

01:10:44.600 --> 01:10:47.400 align:middle line:84%
What a coincidence how we
can't get good drug policy

01:10:47.400 --> 01:10:50.500 align:middle line:84%
in Washington because
the whole place is wired.

01:10:50.500 --> 01:10:54.430 align:middle line:84%
And by the way, most of the
lobbying and political money

01:10:54.430 --> 01:10:58.140 align:middle line:84%
that has gone to corrupting the
pharmaceutical industry price--

01:10:58.140 --> 01:11:03.610 align:middle line:84%
or ended up causing price
gouging, most of it honestly,

01:11:03.610 --> 01:11:06.300 align:middle line:84%
if you look at all of
the government analysis--

01:11:06.300 --> 01:11:09.000 align:middle line:84%
excuse me, all of the
nongovernmental analysis

01:11:09.000 --> 01:11:12.380 align:middle line:84%
by nonprofits who care
about campaign finance,

01:11:12.380 --> 01:11:14.820 align:middle line:84%
a majority has actually
gone to the Republican

01:11:14.820 --> 01:11:15.790 align:middle line:90%
Party in Congress.

01:11:15.790 --> 01:11:19.320 align:middle line:84%
But before you think I'm making
a partisan statement, a very

01:11:19.320 --> 01:11:21.350 align:middle line:84%
significant, almost
equal amount,

01:11:21.350 --> 01:11:23.730 align:middle line:84%
has gone to the
Democratic Party leaders.

01:11:23.730 --> 01:11:27.170 align:middle line:84%
So there is one reason
why we are overpaying

01:11:27.170 --> 01:11:30.470 align:middle line:84%
for drugs and one reason why we
are overpaying for health care

01:11:30.470 --> 01:11:31.190 align:middle line:90%
generally.

01:11:31.190 --> 01:11:34.940 align:middle line:84%
And you can wait for the
Congress to solve health care.

01:11:34.940 --> 01:11:37.680 align:middle line:84%
Now everybody's relying
on the US Senate.

01:11:37.680 --> 01:11:40.590 align:middle line:84%
Until and unless we take
on cost-- and the reason

01:11:40.590 --> 01:11:42.800 align:middle line:84%
I'm saying this is
because I participated

01:11:42.800 --> 01:11:46.230 align:middle line:84%
in almost every commission
and committee, chaired

01:11:46.230 --> 01:11:50.300 align:middle line:84%
the committees, participated
in hundreds of hours of debate,

01:11:50.300 --> 01:11:54.660 align:middle line:84%
and almost every time,
cost control was left out.

01:11:54.660 --> 01:11:57.170 align:middle line:84%
I remember one former Senate
president had their staff come

01:11:57.170 --> 01:11:59.280 align:middle line:84%
to me and say, oh,
we're going to do x, y,

01:11:59.280 --> 01:12:02.160 align:middle line:84%
and z on this, but we're
not taking on cost control.

01:12:02.160 --> 01:12:04.300 align:middle line:84%
Oh, but we're going to
appoint a commission,

01:12:04.300 --> 01:12:05.970 align:middle line:84%
and they're going to come up
with some wonderful things.

01:12:05.970 --> 01:12:06.980 align:middle line:84%
And then we appoint
a commission.

01:12:06.980 --> 01:12:08.320 align:middle line:90%
They come up with not too much.

01:12:08.320 --> 01:12:10.695 align:middle line:84%
Then they come up with plenty,
and we don't adhere to it.

01:12:10.695 --> 01:12:12.950 align:middle line:84%
And guess what the one
thing we didn't take on was?

01:12:12.950 --> 01:12:16.200 align:middle line:84%
The biggest cost driver--
double digit increase

01:12:16.200 --> 01:12:17.270 align:middle line:90%
pharmaceutical prices.

01:12:17.270 --> 01:12:18.940 align:middle line:90%
You know we don't take it on.

01:12:18.940 --> 01:12:21.230 align:middle line:90%
It's a sacred cow.

01:12:21.230 --> 01:12:24.190 align:middle line:84%
They employ thousands of
people in Massachusetts.

01:12:24.190 --> 01:12:27.260 align:middle line:84%
I have friends in this
building that say to me, why

01:12:27.260 --> 01:12:28.560 align:middle line:90%
do you feel this way?

01:12:28.560 --> 01:12:29.500 align:middle line:90%
Wait a minute.

01:12:29.500 --> 01:12:30.310 align:middle line:90%
Stop.

01:12:30.310 --> 01:12:32.820 align:middle line:90%
My brother's a cell biologist.

01:12:32.820 --> 01:12:36.570 align:middle line:84%
I think that one of the
most unbelievable industries

01:12:36.570 --> 01:12:39.390 align:middle line:84%
in Massachusetts, not because
it employs so many people--

01:12:39.390 --> 01:12:40.140 align:middle line:90%
that's great--

01:12:40.140 --> 01:12:41.360 align:middle line:90%
because it saves lives.

01:12:41.360 --> 01:12:42.130 align:middle line:90%
I buy all that.

01:12:42.130 --> 01:12:44.010 align:middle line:84%
The biotech industry
is a lifesaver.

01:12:44.010 --> 01:12:47.300 align:middle line:84%
That doesn't mean that we have
a right to take taxpayer dollars

01:12:47.300 --> 01:12:48.414 align:middle line:90%
and overpay for drugs.

01:12:48.414 --> 01:12:50.080 align:middle line:84%
And it doesn't mean
that we have a right

01:12:50.080 --> 01:12:52.663 align:middle line:84%
to pick the flavor of the month
and say, here's a $100 million

01:12:52.663 --> 01:12:53.689 align:middle line:90%
a year for you.

01:12:53.689 --> 01:12:55.480 align:middle line:84%
That doesn't mean I
don't respect the work.

01:12:55.480 --> 01:12:58.063 align:middle line:84%
That doesn't mean I don't think
that we should be doing things

01:12:58.063 --> 01:13:00.990 align:middle line:84%
to help the industry thrive,
not because it's an industry.

01:13:00.990 --> 01:13:03.630 align:middle line:84%
It employs people, but
because it does save lives.

01:13:03.630 --> 01:13:06.860 align:middle line:84%
I'm going to close with
this, Madam President,

01:13:06.860 --> 01:13:09.400 align:middle line:84%
and just say, it is
unbelievable to me

01:13:09.400 --> 01:13:12.390 align:middle line:84%
that in every other product
we buy as individuals

01:13:12.390 --> 01:13:15.300 align:middle line:84%
and even as a government,
we actually say,

01:13:15.300 --> 01:13:18.784 align:middle line:84%
if you buy more of something,
you can get a better deal.

01:13:18.784 --> 01:13:20.200 align:middle line:84%
And that little
section I told you

01:13:20.200 --> 01:13:22.340 align:middle line:84%
about, Section 271,
wouldn't you know,

01:13:22.340 --> 01:13:25.100 align:middle line:84%
at the end of a conference
committee, the budget

01:13:25.100 --> 01:13:27.490 align:middle line:84%
almost fell apart
because a speaker

01:13:27.490 --> 01:13:31.530 align:middle line:84%
at the house at the time killed
Section 271 and then went on

01:13:31.530 --> 01:13:33.390 align:middle line:84%
and worked for the
biotech industry.

01:13:33.390 --> 01:13:36.230 align:middle line:84%
That's OK if that's what
all of us think is OK.

01:13:36.230 --> 01:13:37.410 align:middle line:90%
I don't think it's OK.

01:13:37.410 --> 01:13:39.500 align:middle line:84%
I think that we are
overpaying for drugs.

01:13:39.500 --> 01:13:41.050 align:middle line:90%
This is just one example.

01:13:41.050 --> 01:13:45.280 align:middle line:84%
But we are overpaying because
it's a very, very difficult

01:13:45.280 --> 01:13:47.860 align:middle line:84%
thing to take on because
the first thing they say

01:13:47.860 --> 01:13:49.050 align:middle line:90%
is we're doing God's work.

01:13:49.050 --> 01:13:49.841 align:middle line:90%
We're saving lives.

01:13:49.841 --> 01:13:50.520 align:middle line:90%
I agree.

01:13:50.520 --> 01:13:52.020 align:middle line:84%
But you're going
to kill investment.

01:13:52.020 --> 01:13:52.740 align:middle line:90%
No, we're not.

01:13:52.740 --> 01:13:53.810 align:middle line:90%
No, we're not.

01:13:53.810 --> 01:13:56.500 align:middle line:84%
That price gouging by
EpiPen-- and by the way,

01:13:56.500 --> 01:13:58.620 align:middle line:84%
please don't be fooled
by those that say,

01:13:58.620 --> 01:14:01.460 align:middle line:84%
that's an aberration because
last year when I filed a bill

01:14:01.460 --> 01:14:04.560 align:middle line:84%
and had a hearing at health
care finance that was stifled

01:14:04.560 --> 01:14:07.530 align:middle line:84%
on the House side, we
were just saying, listen,

01:14:07.530 --> 01:14:09.780 align:middle line:84%
we just want to make sure
that certain drugs that

01:14:09.780 --> 01:14:11.930 align:middle line:84%
are lifesaving, the
Department of Public Health

01:14:11.930 --> 01:14:15.380 align:middle line:84%
has some rights to keep
prices within reason.

01:14:15.380 --> 01:14:18.760 align:middle line:84%
And we just want transparency
to know how much of it's

01:14:18.760 --> 01:14:21.270 align:middle line:84%
really spent on
research versus all

01:14:21.270 --> 01:14:22.850 align:middle line:90%
the glitzy, funny sales things.

01:14:22.850 --> 01:14:24.730 align:middle line:84%
You can always tell when
they're in the doctor's office.

01:14:24.730 --> 01:14:25.771 align:middle line:90%
You know what's going on.

01:14:25.771 --> 01:14:27.530 align:middle line:90%
So let me end Mr. President--

01:14:27.530 --> 01:14:30.690 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, by saying
I'm pleased that the gentleman

01:14:30.690 --> 01:14:31.190 align:middle line:90%
filed it.

01:14:31.190 --> 01:14:35.300 align:middle line:84%
The reason I decided to expand
the conversation beyond just

01:14:35.300 --> 01:14:38.590 align:middle line:84%
this bulk purchasing
is I firmly believe

01:14:38.590 --> 01:14:41.170 align:middle line:84%
there is a-- we should
stop telling people

01:14:41.170 --> 01:14:45.620 align:middle line:84%
we're going to take on cost if
the first place we do not look

01:14:45.620 --> 01:14:48.110 align:middle line:84%
is how we are
overpaying for drugs

01:14:48.110 --> 01:14:51.690 align:middle line:84%
and how bulk purchasing at a
federal level and a state level

01:14:51.690 --> 01:14:54.950 align:middle line:84%
is either nonexistent
in the case of Medicare

01:14:54.950 --> 01:14:58.290 align:middle line:84%
a prescription part D.
It's just unbelievable.

01:14:58.290 --> 01:15:00.690 align:middle line:84%
It literally is
like a politician

01:15:00.690 --> 01:15:04.050 align:middle line:84%
trying to help his friend
saying, please overpay

01:15:04.050 --> 01:15:07.060 align:middle line:84%
so those lobbyists and those
contributors can make money.

01:15:07.060 --> 01:15:07.920 align:middle line:90%
It's that simple.

01:15:07.920 --> 01:15:08.620 align:middle line:90%
Think about it.

01:15:08.620 --> 01:15:10.460 align:middle line:84%
You're buying billions
and billions and billions

01:15:10.460 --> 01:15:12.043 align:middle line:84%
of dollars in drugs,
and the law says,

01:15:12.043 --> 01:15:13.720 align:middle line:84%
you can't negotiate
a best price.

01:15:13.720 --> 01:15:16.400 align:middle line:84%
And the Veterans
Administration can.

01:15:16.400 --> 01:15:18.309 align:middle line:84%
But we can't, not here
on the state level,

01:15:18.309 --> 01:15:19.350 align:middle line:90%
not on the federal level.

01:15:19.350 --> 01:15:22.730 align:middle line:84%
So I hope that when we
take on this broader issue

01:15:22.730 --> 01:15:25.180 align:middle line:90%
that we look at all cost.

01:15:25.180 --> 01:15:27.520 align:middle line:84%
That doesn't mean we
shouldn't pay lots

01:15:27.520 --> 01:15:29.500 align:middle line:90%
for drugs that save lives.

01:15:29.500 --> 01:15:32.120 align:middle line:84%
Based on the investment
and based on the costs

01:15:32.120 --> 01:15:34.220 align:middle line:84%
and based on the market,
but also remember--

01:15:34.220 --> 01:15:38.150 align:middle line:84%
and I promise this is my
last line, Madame President--

01:15:38.150 --> 01:15:41.470 align:middle line:84%
remember that when
you put your capital

01:15:41.470 --> 01:15:45.890 align:middle line:84%
into a regulated business that
happens to save or take lives

01:15:45.890 --> 01:15:49.596 align:middle line:84%
if mistakes are made, you don't
have the right to price gouge.

01:15:49.596 --> 01:15:51.220 align:middle line:84%
You have a right to
make a fair profit.

01:15:51.220 --> 01:15:52.040 align:middle line:90%
You have a right.

01:15:52.040 --> 01:15:53.380 align:middle line:90%
But it's regulated.

01:15:53.380 --> 01:15:56.870 align:middle line:84%
And if you don't like it, for
those that do all the time,

01:15:56.870 --> 01:15:59.120 align:middle line:84%
every time they come
before the hearing,

01:15:59.120 --> 01:16:00.830 align:middle line:84%
I feel bad for whomever
is delivering it.

01:16:00.830 --> 01:16:02.038 align:middle line:90%
You know some of the players.

01:16:02.038 --> 01:16:04.000 align:middle line:84%
It's like they have cue
cards, and they like,

01:16:04.000 --> 01:16:06.335 align:middle line:84%
and if you do this, it
will kill investment.

01:16:06.335 --> 01:16:07.960 align:middle line:84%
And you will take
little babies' lives.

01:16:07.960 --> 01:16:08.626 align:middle line:90%
Give me a break.

01:16:08.626 --> 01:16:09.520 align:middle line:90%
Give me a break.

01:16:09.520 --> 01:16:11.130 align:middle line:90%
It's sad, and it's pathetic.

01:16:11.130 --> 01:16:14.970 align:middle line:84%
Let's just make sure when
you regulate a business,

01:16:14.970 --> 01:16:18.470 align:middle line:84%
when you regulate
a business and when

01:16:18.470 --> 01:16:20.264 align:middle line:84%
you're in a
capitalist system, you

01:16:20.264 --> 01:16:21.430 align:middle line:90%
should get what you pay for.

01:16:21.430 --> 01:16:22.554 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:16:22.554 --> 01:16:23.350 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:16:23.350 --> 01:16:28.540 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Hampden and
Hampshire, Mr. Lesser.

01:16:28.540 --> 01:16:31.480 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] Thank you
very much to my friend

01:16:31.480 --> 01:16:33.580 align:middle line:90%
from New Bedford for his words.

01:16:33.580 --> 01:16:37.410 align:middle line:84%
I would like to close this
debate with an open letter

01:16:37.410 --> 01:16:39.790 align:middle line:84%
to the Mylan CEO,
Heather Bresch.

01:16:39.790 --> 01:16:42.770 align:middle line:84%
This was authored by a
constituent of mine, Dr. Mark

01:16:42.770 --> 01:16:46.550 align:middle line:84%
Kenton, who's an emergency
room physician at Mercy Medical

01:16:46.550 --> 01:16:49.130 align:middle line:90%
Center in Springfield.

01:16:49.130 --> 01:16:50.820 align:middle line:84%
If my colleagues
would be so patient,

01:16:50.820 --> 01:16:53.690 align:middle line:84%
I think it merits reading
the entire letter.

01:16:53.690 --> 01:16:56.690 align:middle line:84%
We'll do it pretty quickly,
but given the severity

01:16:56.690 --> 01:16:59.070 align:middle line:84%
of this issue, I think
this letter merits

01:16:59.070 --> 01:17:01.490 align:middle line:90%
a reading for the chamber.

01:17:01.490 --> 01:17:05.150 align:middle line:84%
It was an open letter to the
Mylan CEO, Heather Bresch.

01:17:05.150 --> 01:17:08.700 align:middle line:84%
It says, "In light of recent
news regarding EpiPens,

01:17:08.700 --> 01:17:10.660 align:middle line:84%
I would like to give
you an opportunity

01:17:10.660 --> 01:17:19.570 align:middle line:84%
to justify your pay increase
from $2,453,456 in 2007

01:17:19.570 --> 01:17:26.600 align:middle line:90%
to $18,931,068 in 2015.

01:17:26.600 --> 01:17:31.030 align:middle line:84%
In that time, the
wholesale cost of an EpiPen

01:17:31.030 --> 01:17:39.840 align:middle line:90%
has gone from $56.64 to $31.82.

01:17:39.840 --> 01:17:43.010 align:middle line:84%
By the way, the cost
of a one millimeter [?

01:17:43.010 --> 01:17:48.990 align:middle line:90%
amp ?] of epinephrine is $4.49.

01:17:48.990 --> 01:17:51.700 align:middle line:84%
So I give you the
opportunity to justify

01:17:51.700 --> 01:17:54.070 align:middle line:84%
the increase in the
cost of an EpiPen

01:17:54.070 --> 01:17:56.840 align:middle line:84%
as well as the increase
in your salary.

01:17:56.840 --> 01:18:00.030 align:middle line:84%
I know you must
have an explanation.

01:18:00.030 --> 01:18:02.750 align:middle line:84%
As a practicing emergency
medicine physician,

01:18:02.750 --> 01:18:06.800 align:middle line:84%
I have cared for nearly
50,000 patients in my career.

01:18:06.800 --> 01:18:10.970 align:middle line:84%
As a team, my nursing staff
techs, medical assistants,

01:18:10.970 --> 01:18:15.670 align:middle line:84%
physicians assistants are
all trained to save lives.

01:18:15.670 --> 01:18:19.490 align:middle line:84%
We frequently care for acute
anaphylactic and allergic

01:18:19.490 --> 01:18:20.960 align:middle line:90%
reactions.

01:18:20.960 --> 01:18:24.350 align:middle line:84%
So while I know you must have
an explanation of my question,

01:18:24.350 --> 01:18:28.980 align:middle line:84%
here are some things I
know you do not know.

01:18:28.980 --> 01:18:31.940 align:middle line:84%
You do not know the
look on a patient's face

01:18:31.940 --> 01:18:35.270 align:middle line:84%
when they are struggling to
breathe after a bee sting.

01:18:35.270 --> 01:18:39.320 align:middle line:84%
You do not know the fear a
patient has when their lips

01:18:39.320 --> 01:18:42.740 align:middle line:84%
and tongues are so
swollen there is barely

01:18:42.740 --> 01:18:45.440 align:middle line:90%
an airway to care for.

01:18:45.440 --> 01:18:47.070 align:middle line:84%
You have never heard
the sound of a [?

01:18:47.070 --> 01:18:52.280 align:middle line:84%
stridor ?] when air can barely
make its way to the lungs.

01:18:52.280 --> 01:18:54.880 align:middle line:84%
You have never seen
the look of a parent

01:18:54.880 --> 01:18:57.720 align:middle line:84%
when their child
is unresponsive.

01:18:57.720 --> 01:19:00.070 align:middle line:84%
You have never had
to debate whether you

01:19:00.070 --> 01:19:02.390 align:middle line:84%
need to give
epinephrine to a patient

01:19:02.390 --> 01:19:05.860 align:middle line:84%
in an anaphylactic
shock who has underlying

01:19:05.860 --> 01:19:07.840 align:middle line:84%
cardiac disease
with the knowledge

01:19:07.840 --> 01:19:09.840 align:middle line:84%
that the drug may
save their life

01:19:09.840 --> 01:19:12.520 align:middle line:90%
but could cause a heart attack.

01:19:12.520 --> 01:19:14.540 align:middle line:84%
You have never
attempted to intubate

01:19:14.540 --> 01:19:18.910 align:middle line:84%
a patient in respiratory
failure after a bee sting.

01:19:18.910 --> 01:19:23.970 align:middle line:84%
You have never watched your own
child, while on vacation, eat

01:19:23.970 --> 01:19:27.390 align:middle line:84%
a peanut butter sandwich, which
they have done so many times

01:19:27.390 --> 01:19:30.510 align:middle line:84%
before, but break out
into a severe rash

01:19:30.510 --> 01:19:32.980 align:middle line:84%
and receive a prescription
for an EpiPen,

01:19:32.980 --> 01:19:35.890 align:middle line:84%
only to be told that
the pharmacy doesn't

01:19:35.890 --> 01:19:37.700 align:middle line:90%
accept your insurance.

01:19:37.700 --> 01:19:41.090 align:middle line:84%
And you have to pay
$500 out-of-pocket

01:19:41.090 --> 01:19:44.830 align:middle line:84%
for a potential
life-saving medicine.

01:19:44.830 --> 01:19:47.580 align:middle line:84%
You have never performed
CPR on a child.

01:19:47.580 --> 01:19:52.340 align:middle line:84%
You have never told a parent
that their child is dead.

01:19:52.340 --> 01:19:55.440 align:middle line:84%
These are things
that you do not know.

01:19:55.440 --> 01:19:57.740 align:middle line:90%
However, I do.

01:19:57.740 --> 01:19:59.050 align:middle line:90%
I have done them."

01:19:59.050 --> 01:20:01.850 align:middle line:90%
This is Dr. Kenton, not myself.

01:20:01.850 --> 01:20:02.750 align:middle line:90%
"We do.

01:20:02.750 --> 01:20:05.320 align:middle line:90%
My team has done them.

01:20:05.320 --> 01:20:08.920 align:middle line:84%
So please, Ms. Bresch,
justify your increase

01:20:08.920 --> 01:20:16.390 align:middle line:84%
of 461% for a medication
that costs $4.49 to the point

01:20:16.390 --> 01:20:19.510 align:middle line:84%
that patients and families
who may not have insurance

01:20:19.510 --> 01:20:23.380 align:middle line:84%
have to make a decision that
could lead to their child's

01:20:23.380 --> 01:20:24.110 align:middle line:90%
death.

01:20:24.110 --> 01:20:29.900 align:middle line:84%
Justify your pay
increase of 671%.

01:20:29.900 --> 01:20:31.760 align:middle line:90%
Justify your greed.

01:20:31.760 --> 01:20:35.930 align:middle line:84%
This is sincerely, Mark A
Kenton, DO of Mercy Medical

01:20:35.930 --> 01:20:37.060 align:middle line:90%
Center in Springfield."

01:20:37.060 --> 01:20:39.890 align:middle line:84%
Madame President, in
honor of Dr. Kenton,

01:20:39.890 --> 01:20:42.330 align:middle line:84%
in honor of the men and
women every single day who

01:20:42.330 --> 01:20:46.260 align:middle line:84%
work to protect our children,
in honor of the 10,000 school

01:20:46.260 --> 01:20:49.920 align:middle line:84%
children who use
EpiPens every single day

01:20:49.920 --> 01:20:53.310 align:middle line:84%
and rely on them in our
schools in the commonwealth,

01:20:53.310 --> 01:20:55.080 align:middle line:84%
I ask that when this
vote is recorded,

01:20:55.080 --> 01:21:00.380 align:middle line:84%
it is done so with a tallying
of the yeas and the nays.

01:21:00.380 --> 01:21:04.510 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Hampden and Hampshire

01:21:04.510 --> 01:21:06.500 align:middle line:84%
has asked that when
a vote is taken,

01:21:06.500 --> 01:21:09.240 align:middle line:84%
it be taken by a call
of the yeas and nays.

01:21:09.240 --> 01:21:12.110 align:middle line:84%
The members joining with him,
please rise and be counted.

01:21:12.110 --> 01:21:14.640 align:middle line:84%
A sufficient number,
Madame President.

01:21:14.640 --> 01:21:16.500 align:middle line:90%
A sufficient number have risen.

01:21:16.500 --> 01:21:18.750 align:middle line:84%
The yeas and nays
will be ordered.

01:21:18.750 --> 01:21:20.690 align:middle line:84%
And the clerk will
call the roll.

01:21:20.690 --> 01:21:27.690 align:middle line:90%


01:21:27.690 --> 01:21:28.340 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:21:28.340 --> 01:21:29.610 align:middle line:90%
Just a moment.

01:21:29.610 --> 01:21:31.070 align:middle line:90%
The senator--

01:21:31.070 --> 01:21:33.370 align:middle line:90%
We can't-- roll call's been--

01:21:33.370 --> 01:21:33.940 align:middle line:90%
I'm sorry.

01:21:33.940 --> 01:21:44.050 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:21:44.050 --> 01:21:45.200 align:middle line:90%
Joseph A. Boncore.

01:21:45.200 --> 01:21:46.360 align:middle line:90%
Yea.

01:21:46.360 --> 01:21:47.330 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:21:47.330 --> 01:21:48.920 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady.

01:21:48.920 --> 01:21:52.530 align:middle line:90%


01:21:52.530 --> 01:21:55.420 align:middle line:90%
William N. Brownsberger.

01:21:55.420 --> 01:21:55.920 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:21:55.920 --> 01:21:56.730 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:21:56.730 --> 01:21:58.350 align:middle line:90%
Harriete L. Chandler.

01:21:58.350 --> 01:22:02.090 align:middle line:90%


01:22:02.090 --> 01:22:03.961 align:middle line:90%
Sonia Chang-Diaz.

01:22:03.961 --> 01:22:04.460 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:04.460 --> 01:22:05.050 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:05.050 --> 01:22:07.040 align:middle line:90%
Cynthia Stone Creem.

01:22:07.040 --> 01:22:07.550 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:07.550 --> 01:22:08.049 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:08.049 --> 01:22:10.770 align:middle line:90%


01:22:10.770 --> 01:22:11.350 align:middle line:90%
Julian Cur.

01:22:11.350 --> 01:22:12.340 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:12.340 --> 01:22:15.210 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:15.210 --> 01:22:16.690 align:middle line:90%
Viriato M. deMacedo.

01:22:16.690 --> 01:22:17.190 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:17.190 --> 01:22:18.180 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:18.180 --> 01:22:19.780 align:middle line:90%
Sal N. DiDomenico.

01:22:19.780 --> 01:22:22.740 align:middle line:90%


01:22:22.740 --> 01:22:23.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:23.350 --> 01:22:23.850 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:23.850 --> 01:22:29.020 align:middle line:90%


01:22:29.020 --> 01:22:30.840 align:middle line:90%
Eileen M. Donoghue.

01:22:30.840 --> 01:22:31.910 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:31.910 --> 01:22:32.570 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:32.570 --> 01:22:34.820 align:middle line:90%
James B. Eldridge.

01:22:34.820 --> 01:22:35.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:35.350 --> 01:22:36.280 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:36.280 --> 01:22:38.220 align:middle line:90%
Ryan C. Fattman.

01:22:38.220 --> 01:22:39.550 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:39.550 --> 01:22:42.030 align:middle line:90%
Jennifer L. Flanagan.

01:22:42.030 --> 01:22:42.540 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:42.540 --> 01:22:43.200 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:43.200 --> 01:22:45.040 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry.

01:22:45.040 --> 01:22:48.720 align:middle line:90%


01:22:48.720 --> 01:22:49.540 align:middle line:90%
Anne M. Gobi.

01:22:49.540 --> 01:22:50.040 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:50.040 --> 01:22:51.010 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:51.010 --> 01:22:52.900 align:middle line:90%
Adam G. Hinds.

01:22:52.900 --> 01:22:53.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:53.400 --> 01:22:54.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:54.440 --> 01:22:56.700 align:middle line:90%
Donald F. Humason, Jr.

01:22:56.700 --> 01:22:57.260 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:57.260 --> 01:22:58.290 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:22:58.290 --> 01:23:00.090 align:middle line:90%
Patricia D. Jehlen.

01:23:00.090 --> 01:23:04.230 align:middle line:90%


01:23:04.230 --> 01:23:05.330 align:middle line:90%
Brian A. Joyce.

01:23:05.330 --> 01:23:06.660 align:middle line:90%
Oh, jeebus.

01:23:06.660 --> 01:23:08.240 align:middle line:90%
John F. Keenan.

01:23:08.240 --> 01:23:10.600 align:middle line:90%


01:23:10.600 --> 01:23:11.100 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:11.100 --> 01:23:15.170 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:23:15.170 --> 01:23:16.900 align:middle line:90%
Eric P. [AUDIO OUT]

01:23:16.900 --> 01:23:17.400 align:middle line:90%
[LAUGHTER]

01:23:17.400 --> 01:23:21.890 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:23:21.890 --> 01:23:22.610 align:middle line:90%
Jason M. Lewis.

01:23:22.610 --> 01:23:23.810 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:23.810 --> 01:23:25.020 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:25.020 --> 01:23:28.310 align:middle line:90%
Barbara A. L'Italien.

01:23:28.310 --> 01:23:28.810 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:28.810 --> 01:23:29.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:29.440 --> 01:23:31.430 align:middle line:90%
Joan B. Lovely.

01:23:31.430 --> 01:23:31.930 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:31.930 --> 01:23:32.960 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:32.960 --> 01:23:35.380 align:middle line:90%
Thomas M. McGee.

01:23:35.380 --> 01:23:35.880 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:35.880 --> 01:23:39.860 align:middle line:90%


01:23:39.860 --> 01:23:40.360 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:40.360 --> 01:23:41.900 align:middle line:90%
Mark C. Montigny.

01:23:41.900 --> 01:23:42.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:42.440 --> 01:23:43.680 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:43.680 --> 01:23:45.020 align:middle line:90%
Hello.

01:23:45.020 --> 01:23:46.230 align:middle line:90%
Michael O. Moore.

01:23:46.230 --> 01:23:48.330 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:48.330 --> 01:23:49.250 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:49.250 --> 01:23:51.441 align:middle line:90%
Patrick M. O'Connor.

01:23:51.441 --> 01:23:51.940 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:51.940 --> 01:23:56.171 align:middle line:90%
Yes Kathleen O'Connor Ives.

01:23:56.171 --> 01:23:56.670 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:56.670 --> 01:23:57.270 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:23:57.270 --> 01:23:59.270 align:middle line:90%
Mark R. Pacheco.

01:23:59.270 --> 01:24:00.090 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:00.090 --> 01:24:01.030 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:01.030 --> 01:24:02.880 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Rodrigues.

01:24:02.880 --> 01:24:04.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:04.120 --> 01:24:05.210 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:05.210 --> 01:24:07.910 align:middle line:90%
Stanley C. Rosenberg.

01:24:07.910 --> 01:24:08.410 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:08.410 --> 01:24:09.070 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:09.070 --> 01:24:10.860 align:middle line:90%
Richard J. Ross.

01:24:10.860 --> 01:24:11.370 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:11.370 --> 01:24:12.490 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:12.490 --> 01:24:14.760 align:middle line:90%
Michael F. Rush.

01:24:14.760 --> 01:24:15.260 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:15.260 --> 01:24:16.130 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:16.130 --> 01:24:18.640 align:middle line:90%
Karen E. Spilka.

01:24:18.640 --> 01:24:19.140 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:19.140 --> 01:24:19.810 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:19.810 --> 01:24:21.520 align:middle line:90%
Bruce E. Tarr.

01:24:21.520 --> 01:24:22.030 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:22.030 --> 01:24:23.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:23.150 --> 01:24:25.030 align:middle line:90%
Walter F. Timilty.

01:24:25.030 --> 01:24:25.530 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:25.530 --> 01:24:26.410 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:26.410 --> 01:24:28.740 align:middle line:90%
James T. Welch.

01:24:28.740 --> 01:24:29.240 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:29.240 --> 01:24:29.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:24:29.740 --> 01:24:32.020 align:middle line:90%


01:24:32.020 --> 01:24:33.290 align:middle line:90%
That a Freudian slip?

01:24:33.290 --> 01:24:45.010 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:24:45.010 --> 01:24:47.030 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Barrett votes yes.

01:24:47.030 --> 01:24:49.580 align:middle line:84%
Senator from second Middlesex
Senator Senator Jehlen.

01:24:49.580 --> 01:24:53.380 align:middle line:90%


01:24:53.380 --> 01:24:55.630 align:middle line:90%
Patricia D. Jehlen votes yes.

01:24:55.630 --> 01:25:00.160 align:middle line:84%
And Senator from Worseter,
Senator [INAUDIBLE]..

01:25:00.160 --> 01:25:01.500 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:25:01.500 --> 01:25:02.180 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:25:02.180 --> 01:25:05.310 align:middle line:84%
And the senator from Plymouth
and Bristol, Mr. Brady.

01:25:05.310 --> 01:25:08.410 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

01:25:08.410 --> 01:25:10.020 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady votes yes.

01:25:10.020 --> 01:25:14.240 align:middle line:90%


01:25:14.240 --> 01:25:15.901 align:middle line:90%
So the--

01:25:15.901 --> 01:25:16.400 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:25:16.400 --> 01:25:20.490 align:middle line:84%
Madame President, I
wish to be recorded.

01:25:20.490 --> 01:25:22.390 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry.

01:25:22.390 --> 01:25:23.940 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:25:23.940 --> 01:25:24.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:25:24.440 --> 01:25:26.690 align:middle line:90%
That everybody, [?

01:25:26.690 --> 01:25:36.681 align:middle line:90%
Mike. ?]

01:25:36.681 --> 01:25:37.180 align:middle line:90%
That's it.

01:25:37.180 --> 01:25:38.340 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:25:38.340 --> 01:25:39.750 align:middle line:90%
38 in the affirmative.

01:25:39.750 --> 01:25:40.810 align:middle line:90%
None in the negative.

01:25:40.810 --> 01:25:43.490 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

01:25:43.490 --> 01:25:44.730 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:25:44.730 --> 01:25:48.830 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Suffolk and Middlesex,

01:25:48.830 --> 01:25:50.370 align:middle line:84%
for what reason
are you [? stand?

01:25:50.370 --> 01:25:53.700 align:middle line:90%


01:25:53.700 --> 01:25:54.200 align:middle line:90%
?]

01:25:54.200 --> 01:25:55.020 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:25:55.020 --> 01:25:58.060 align:middle line:84%
--the eloquent remarks
and moving letter

01:25:58.060 --> 01:26:00.200 align:middle line:84%
offered by the
senator from Hampden

01:26:00.200 --> 01:26:02.110 align:middle line:90%
be printed in the record.

01:26:02.110 --> 01:26:04.970 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] gentleman
asks unanimous consent

01:26:04.970 --> 01:26:10.530 align:middle line:84%
to ask that the statement of the
senator be put into the record.

01:26:10.530 --> 01:26:12.240 align:middle line:90%
Is there any objection?

01:26:12.240 --> 01:26:14.520 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:26:14.520 --> 01:26:15.140 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL KNOCK]

01:26:15.140 --> 01:26:18.100 align:middle line:90%
OK, the ne--

01:26:18.100 --> 01:26:19.570 align:middle line:90%
524.

01:26:19.570 --> 01:26:22.050 align:middle line:90%
Amendment Number 524.

01:26:22.050 --> 01:26:26.060 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Plymouth
and Bristol, Senator Pacheco,

01:26:26.060 --> 01:26:27.810 align:middle line:90%
has offered--

01:26:27.810 --> 01:26:30.200 align:middle line:84%
has [INAUDIBLE]
amendment, the title

01:26:30.200 --> 01:26:31.700 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

01:26:31.700 --> 01:26:33.754 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number
524 by Mr. Pacheco,

01:26:33.754 --> 01:26:34.920 align:middle line:90%
Department of Mental Health.

01:26:34.920 --> 01:26:37.640 align:middle line:90%


01:26:37.640 --> 01:26:40.380 align:middle line:90%
Senator, yes.

01:26:40.380 --> 01:26:42.920 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption [INAUDIBLE]..

01:26:42.920 --> 01:26:44.470 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor, say, aye.

01:26:44.470 --> 01:26:46.050 align:middle line:90%
Oppose, no.

01:26:46.050 --> 01:26:50.140 align:middle line:84%
The ayes have it, and
the amendment is adopted.

01:26:50.140 --> 01:26:53.760 align:middle line:90%
Amendment Number 527 is on hold.

01:26:53.760 --> 01:26:56.690 align:middle line:90%
Amendment Number 529 is on hold.

01:26:56.690 --> 01:26:59.350 align:middle line:84%
And number-- where's
30 [INAUDIBLE]??

01:26:59.350 --> 01:27:02.780 align:middle line:90%
Amendment Number 533 is on hold.

01:27:02.780 --> 01:27:07.340 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is
a Amendment Number 534.

01:27:07.340 --> 01:27:11.240 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,

01:27:11.240 --> 01:27:13.100 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, the title

01:27:13.100 --> 01:27:14.530 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

01:27:14.530 --> 01:27:17.610 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number 534
by Mr. Tarr, CIG--

01:27:17.610 --> 01:27:22.630 align:middle line:84%
GIC, Provider rate cap and
balance billing protections.

01:27:22.630 --> 01:27:25.210 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.

01:27:25.210 --> 01:27:26.650 align:middle line:84%
Well, well, well,
Madam President.

01:27:26.650 --> 01:27:28.990 align:middle line:84%
It's been a while since
we've had an opportunity

01:27:28.990 --> 01:27:32.760 align:middle line:84%
to look at some documents
from the minority print shop

01:27:32.760 --> 01:27:35.380 align:middle line:84%
and from the minority
innovation chamber.

01:27:35.380 --> 01:27:39.070 align:middle line:84%
But Madam President, if I can
start, I'd like to take a look

01:27:39.070 --> 01:27:43.480 align:middle line:84%
and remind us all to take a look
at the balance of imbalance.

01:27:43.480 --> 01:27:48.730 align:middle line:84%
And Madame President, you
recall from this chart

01:27:48.730 --> 01:27:50.660 align:middle line:84%
that there are a
number of things

01:27:50.660 --> 01:27:53.020 align:middle line:84%
that are contributing to
the internal imbalance

01:27:53.020 --> 01:27:54.200 align:middle line:90%
of the current budget.

01:27:54.200 --> 01:27:57.360 align:middle line:84%
One of them, Madame
President, is right here.

01:27:57.360 --> 01:28:00.100 align:middle line:90%
Madame President--

01:28:00.100 --> 01:28:01.340 align:middle line:90%
[GAVEL KNOCKING]

01:28:01.340 --> 01:28:03.090 align:middle line:84%
Please give this
gentleman your attention.

01:28:03.090 --> 01:28:04.890 align:middle line:84%
You may not have seen
his chart, and this

01:28:04.890 --> 01:28:06.844 align:middle line:90%
is another opportunity.

01:28:06.844 --> 01:28:08.010 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madame President.

01:28:08.010 --> 01:28:11.314 align:middle line:84%
I'd love the opportunity
to unveil some new charts.

01:28:11.314 --> 01:28:13.230 align:middle line:84%
And that's why I want
to make sure that people

01:28:13.230 --> 01:28:14.360 align:middle line:90%
are paying attention.

01:28:14.360 --> 01:28:16.630 align:middle line:84%
I know the gentleman
from Lynn may

01:28:16.630 --> 01:28:18.890 align:middle line:84%
want to take a brief
recess to come over.

01:28:18.890 --> 01:28:20.850 align:middle line:84%
He's straining to
be able to see this.

01:28:20.850 --> 01:28:22.900 align:middle line:84%
I'm happy to bring
it closer to him.

01:28:22.900 --> 01:28:25.030 align:middle line:84%
I know that he can
see the red ink.

01:28:25.030 --> 01:28:28.820 align:middle line:84%
He's familiar with that but I'm
talking about, Madam President,

01:28:28.820 --> 01:28:31.260 align:middle line:84%
the green side of the
chart at the moment.

01:28:31.260 --> 01:28:33.890 align:middle line:84%
So one of the things
that's contributing

01:28:33.890 --> 01:28:36.760 align:middle line:84%
to the internal imbalance
that we're trying to deal with

01:28:36.760 --> 01:28:38.360 align:middle line:90%
is right here.

01:28:38.360 --> 01:28:42.350 align:middle line:84%
And it's the subject of the
present amendment, titled GIC

01:28:42.350 --> 01:28:43.620 align:middle line:90%
provider caps.

01:28:43.620 --> 01:28:46.710 align:middle line:84%
And for those of you that
do not have the opportunity

01:28:46.710 --> 01:28:49.250 align:middle line:84%
to see this as
clearly as you might,

01:28:49.250 --> 01:28:53.940 align:middle line:84%
the value of this amendment
savings for the budget

01:28:53.940 --> 01:28:58.530 align:middle line:90%
is $39 million.

01:28:58.530 --> 01:29:01.270 align:middle line:84%
So when we talk about some
of the missed opportunities

01:29:01.270 --> 01:29:04.350 align:middle line:84%
that we have not yet
captured, Madam President--

01:29:04.350 --> 01:29:07.350 align:middle line:84%
and it is wonderful to
see you upon the rostrum.

01:29:07.350 --> 01:29:09.250 align:middle line:90%
And I'd be happy to bring this--

01:29:09.250 --> 01:29:12.700 align:middle line:84%
I will bring this to the
rostrum if you need to see it.

01:29:12.700 --> 01:29:19.080 align:middle line:84%
But Madam President, $39
million is a serious opportunity

01:29:19.080 --> 01:29:21.660 align:middle line:84%
for savings at a
time when we all

01:29:21.660 --> 01:29:25.180 align:middle line:84%
understand the budgetary
constraints that we face

01:29:25.180 --> 01:29:29.280 align:middle line:84%
and the current imbalance
that's reflected by this chart.

01:29:29.280 --> 01:29:32.560 align:middle line:84%
Now Madame President,
let's take a look

01:29:32.560 --> 01:29:36.240 align:middle line:84%
at what's been happening
with the cost of our Medicaid

01:29:36.240 --> 01:29:40.830 align:middle line:84%
programs to put that $39
million into context.

01:29:40.830 --> 01:29:43.520 align:middle line:84%
Believe it or not,
Madam President,

01:29:43.520 --> 01:29:47.490 align:middle line:84%
if you look at the highlighted
line at the top of this chart,

01:29:47.490 --> 01:29:48.680 align:middle line:90%
it's actually blue.

01:29:48.680 --> 01:29:51.690 align:middle line:84%
But you may not be able to
see the color from a distance.

01:29:51.690 --> 01:29:53.250 align:middle line:84%
I know the gentlelady
from Worcester

01:29:53.250 --> 01:29:55.581 align:middle line:84%
is coming over-- just
will show that to you.

01:29:55.581 --> 01:29:56.080 align:middle line:90%
Good one.

01:29:56.080 --> 01:29:56.550 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:29:56.550 --> 01:29:56.970 align:middle line:90%
I agree.

01:29:56.970 --> 01:29:57.690 align:middle line:90%
It's a good one.

01:29:57.690 --> 01:30:01.750 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President, the
top line on this chart

01:30:01.750 --> 01:30:05.750 align:middle line:84%
represents increase
in Medicaid spending.

01:30:05.750 --> 01:30:09.770 align:middle line:84%
The increase and the rate of
increase, Madame President,

01:30:09.770 --> 01:30:11.630 align:middle line:90%
is alarming.

01:30:11.630 --> 01:30:15.110 align:middle line:84%
Now if you look at the line
right below the top line,

01:30:15.110 --> 01:30:17.270 align:middle line:84%
you'll see that
that's enrollment.

01:30:17.270 --> 01:30:20.810 align:middle line:84%
And you'll notice that there's
a kink in the enrollment chart.

01:30:20.810 --> 01:30:23.690 align:middle line:84%
And that's because when there
were problems with the health

01:30:23.690 --> 01:30:27.520 align:middle line:84%
connector, folks were pushed
into the Medicaid program

01:30:27.520 --> 01:30:30.410 align:middle line:84%
as a last resort so that they
would not lose their health

01:30:30.410 --> 01:30:33.170 align:middle line:90%
insurance coverage entirely.

01:30:33.170 --> 01:30:35.600 align:middle line:84%
Now since that happened
and since the connector has

01:30:35.600 --> 01:30:39.330 align:middle line:84%
been remediated by the
present administration,

01:30:39.330 --> 01:30:42.980 align:middle line:84%
there was actually a
redetermination of eligibility

01:30:42.980 --> 01:30:44.720 align:middle line:90%
for a number of those folks.

01:30:44.720 --> 01:30:48.180 align:middle line:84%
I know the gentlelady from Salem
is taking a picture of this.

01:30:48.180 --> 01:30:51.560 align:middle line:84%
I'd be happy to bring
this over, and perhaps we

01:30:51.560 --> 01:30:54.270 align:middle line:84%
can even photocopy it for
you later because it's

01:30:54.270 --> 01:30:55.810 align:middle line:90%
an important chart.

01:30:55.810 --> 01:30:59.840 align:middle line:84%
So the reason that you see that
change in the rapid increase

01:30:59.840 --> 01:31:03.330 align:middle line:84%
in enrollment is largely
the redetermination

01:31:03.330 --> 01:31:06.130 align:middle line:84%
and determination
of ineligibility

01:31:06.130 --> 01:31:10.620 align:middle line:84%
of folks that were put
into MassHealth in order

01:31:10.620 --> 01:31:12.860 align:middle line:84%
to compensate for
the displacement

01:31:12.860 --> 01:31:14.340 align:middle line:90%
from the connector.

01:31:14.340 --> 01:31:15.870 align:middle line:90%
So that has been remedied.

01:31:15.870 --> 01:31:18.480 align:middle line:84%
But you will also
notice since that time

01:31:18.480 --> 01:31:23.100 align:middle line:84%
when that started to occur
in 2015, the rate of spending

01:31:23.100 --> 01:31:25.490 align:middle line:90%
has continued to go up.

01:31:25.490 --> 01:31:28.540 align:middle line:84%
Now you've heard just
a short time ago--

01:31:28.540 --> 01:31:29.890 align:middle line:90%
or actually it was yesterday--

01:31:29.890 --> 01:31:32.040 align:middle line:90%
how soon time goes by.

01:31:32.040 --> 01:31:34.890 align:middle line:84%
But you remember
yesterday, the chairman

01:31:34.890 --> 01:31:36.780 align:middle line:84%
of the Committee
on Ways and Means

01:31:36.780 --> 01:31:42.420 align:middle line:84%
accurately pointed out that
this account is roughly 40%

01:31:42.420 --> 01:31:44.840 align:middle line:90%
of the state budget.

01:31:44.840 --> 01:31:48.140 align:middle line:84%
So if you have something
that's 40% of the state budget,

01:31:48.140 --> 01:31:52.880 align:middle line:84%
it's got this rate of increase,
and we have the opportunity

01:31:52.880 --> 01:32:00.030 align:middle line:84%
to save $40 million, we need
to consider it seriously.

01:32:00.030 --> 01:32:03.410 align:middle line:84%
So here's what this amendment
does, Madam President.

01:32:03.410 --> 01:32:08.550 align:middle line:84%
It suggests that we will
set a cap on the amount

01:32:08.550 --> 01:32:12.780 align:middle line:84%
that providers are paid
for treating and addressing

01:32:12.780 --> 01:32:14.980 align:middle line:90%
those who are in the GIC.

01:32:14.980 --> 01:32:21.000 align:middle line:84%
And that cap is 160%
of what Medicare would

01:32:21.000 --> 01:32:23.540 align:middle line:90%
pay for that same patient.

01:32:23.540 --> 01:32:27.600 align:middle line:84%
Now just to be clear, we know
that historically Medicaid

01:32:27.600 --> 01:32:31.390 align:middle line:84%
has oftentimes not covered the
cost even of the service that's

01:32:31.390 --> 01:32:32.720 align:middle line:90%
being provided.

01:32:32.720 --> 01:32:35.770 align:middle line:84%
But that has historically
been offset in [? payer ?] [?

01:32:35.770 --> 01:32:40.430 align:middle line:84%
mix ?] by Medicare, which
historically paid for more than

01:32:40.430 --> 01:32:42.200 align:middle line:90%
the dollar cost.

01:32:42.200 --> 01:32:44.410 align:middle line:90%
But lately that's gone down.

01:32:44.410 --> 01:32:46.710 align:middle line:84%
But it's still a
reasonable benchmark

01:32:46.710 --> 01:32:48.560 align:middle line:90%
of what actual cost is.

01:32:48.560 --> 01:32:54.670 align:middle line:84%
And so now we're talking
about 160% of that.

01:32:54.670 --> 01:32:59.620 align:middle line:84%
And the consequence of
imposing that reasonable cap

01:32:59.620 --> 01:33:04.230 align:middle line:90%
is saving about $40 million.

01:33:04.230 --> 01:33:08.760 align:middle line:84%
Now here's what's
interesting, Madam President,

01:33:08.760 --> 01:33:11.760 align:middle line:84%
is that many folks might say--
and we thought about this

01:33:11.760 --> 01:33:12.420 align:middle line:90%
as well--

01:33:12.420 --> 01:33:14.770 align:middle line:84%
that if we impose
this kind of a cap

01:33:14.770 --> 01:33:17.580 align:middle line:84%
will the insurers
or the providers

01:33:17.580 --> 01:33:21.320 align:middle line:84%
rather then try to charge the
patient for the difference.

01:33:21.320 --> 01:33:24.270 align:middle line:84%
That's a practice known
as balance billing.

01:33:24.270 --> 01:33:29.110 align:middle line:84%
And we prohibit that in other
areas of state health care law.

01:33:29.110 --> 01:33:31.090 align:middle line:84%
And we would do that
in this amendment

01:33:31.090 --> 01:33:34.510 align:middle line:84%
so that a provider
could not say that we're

01:33:34.510 --> 01:33:37.660 align:middle line:84%
going to take what
we get for Medicaid

01:33:37.660 --> 01:33:39.910 align:middle line:84%
and charge the patient
the difference.

01:33:39.910 --> 01:33:43.350 align:middle line:84%
That is prohibited
in this amendment.

01:33:43.350 --> 01:33:47.440 align:middle line:84%
And to put this even further
in context, Madam President,

01:33:47.440 --> 01:33:50.830 align:middle line:84%
let's look at just one more
chart, relative to health care

01:33:50.830 --> 01:33:51.410 align:middle line:90%
spending.

01:33:51.410 --> 01:33:54.730 align:middle line:84%
You all may recall that we
passed, a number of years

01:33:54.730 --> 01:33:58.140 align:middle line:84%
ago, a so-called Health
Care Cost Containment Law.

01:33:58.140 --> 01:34:00.360 align:middle line:84%
You remember that,
Madam President.

01:34:00.360 --> 01:34:03.650 align:middle line:84%
I remember you were an
astute student of that.

01:34:03.650 --> 01:34:08.450 align:middle line:84%
And we're trying to get
that chart ready right here.

01:34:08.450 --> 01:34:11.280 align:middle line:84%
And what that chart
demonstrates is

01:34:11.280 --> 01:34:13.680 align:middle line:84%
that if we set a
reasonable benchmark

01:34:13.680 --> 01:34:18.240 align:middle line:84%
for the cost of health care,
which we did in the law

01:34:18.240 --> 01:34:22.940 align:middle line:84%
that we passed, but you
have no teeth in the law

01:34:22.940 --> 01:34:27.400 align:middle line:84%
to actually act if providers
exceed the benchmark,

01:34:27.400 --> 01:34:32.610 align:middle line:84%
then you have achieved less than
the full potential of that law.

01:34:32.610 --> 01:34:36.360 align:middle line:84%
Some of us at the time
predicted that would happen.

01:34:36.360 --> 01:34:38.650 align:middle line:90%
Now it is.

01:34:38.650 --> 01:34:45.880 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President, this
is a significant situation

01:34:45.880 --> 01:34:48.480 align:middle line:90%
that needs to be addressed.

01:34:48.480 --> 01:34:53.090 align:middle line:84%
And in fact, if we look at
the benchmark of 3.6% that

01:34:53.090 --> 01:34:56.220 align:middle line:84%
was established for
health care, you

01:34:56.220 --> 01:35:01.110 align:middle line:84%
can see that we
continue to exceed it.

01:35:01.110 --> 01:35:04.600 align:middle line:84%
So let me just go
back and recap.

01:35:04.600 --> 01:35:07.270 align:middle line:84%
We have a health care
law that sets benchmarks.

01:35:07.270 --> 01:35:09.190 align:middle line:90%
We have exceeded them.

01:35:09.190 --> 01:35:12.990 align:middle line:84%
If we don't try to
control them, we

01:35:12.990 --> 01:35:16.690 align:middle line:84%
are going to continue to have
serious problems balancing

01:35:16.690 --> 01:35:19.820 align:middle line:84%
the budget which can
result in either having

01:35:19.820 --> 01:35:23.400 align:middle line:84%
to do supplemental budgets if
money is available to do them

01:35:23.400 --> 01:35:26.890 align:middle line:84%
for other important
things, or we're

01:35:26.890 --> 01:35:29.980 align:middle line:84%
going to have to
reduce other spending

01:35:29.980 --> 01:35:34.240 align:middle line:84%
priorities by the amount
that we have not saved.

01:35:34.240 --> 01:35:37.000 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President
this amendment,

01:35:37.000 --> 01:35:41.210 align:middle line:84%
while it only deals with one
particular element of health

01:35:41.210 --> 01:35:46.330 align:middle line:84%
care providers and the issue
relating to those that serve

01:35:46.330 --> 01:35:52.270 align:middle line:84%
and are serving clients of the
GIC, or insureds of the GIC,

01:35:52.270 --> 01:35:55.860 align:middle line:84%
this represents a
significant step

01:35:55.860 --> 01:36:02.990 align:middle line:84%
in an account that affects
40% of the state budget.

01:36:02.990 --> 01:36:05.230 align:middle line:84%
Now there are going
to be those that

01:36:05.230 --> 01:36:08.775 align:middle line:84%
say these providers,
in many cases,

01:36:08.775 --> 01:36:10.900 align:middle line:84%
are hospitals that are
spread throughout the state.

01:36:10.900 --> 01:36:14.590 align:middle line:84%
And it's important that we
maintain networks of hospitals.

01:36:14.590 --> 01:36:17.350 align:middle line:90%
And that is true.

01:36:17.350 --> 01:36:19.760 align:middle line:84%
But Madam President,
if we do not

01:36:19.760 --> 01:36:23.390 align:middle line:84%
begin to take action
to control costs

01:36:23.390 --> 01:36:28.530 align:middle line:84%
in a reasonable, measured
way then Madam President,

01:36:28.530 --> 01:36:31.190 align:middle line:84%
there will not be the
resources available to be

01:36:31.190 --> 01:36:34.230 align:middle line:84%
able to compensate those
providers on a whole host

01:36:34.230 --> 01:36:39.170 align:middle line:84%
of things because we will be
continuing to exceed and run

01:36:39.170 --> 01:36:42.169 align:middle line:84%
away from the cost
containment benchmarks

01:36:42.169 --> 01:36:43.210 align:middle line:90%
that we have established.

01:36:43.210 --> 01:36:45.760 align:middle line:90%


01:36:45.760 --> 01:36:48.310 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President,
the current amendment--

01:36:48.310 --> 01:36:50.400 align:middle line:84%
just to go back, I
know that there's

01:36:50.400 --> 01:36:52.770 align:middle line:84%
been a lot of fascination
with our charts

01:36:52.770 --> 01:36:54.540 align:middle line:90%
but just to refocus--

01:36:54.540 --> 01:36:59.220 align:middle line:84%
the current amendment
says that GIC providers

01:36:59.220 --> 01:37:03.090 align:middle line:90%
will be paid 160%--

01:37:03.090 --> 01:37:09.470 align:middle line:84%
160% of Medicare pay
rates and that they'll

01:37:09.470 --> 01:37:15.320 align:middle line:84%
be prohibited from charging
GIC members the difference

01:37:15.320 --> 01:37:18.510 align:middle line:84%
between those provider rates
and what they would otherwise

01:37:18.510 --> 01:37:19.970 align:middle line:90%
charge.

01:37:19.970 --> 01:37:25.450 align:middle line:84%
Madam President,
I'm not sure how

01:37:25.450 --> 01:37:29.100 align:middle line:84%
we could justify not
doing something that

01:37:29.100 --> 01:37:33.100 align:middle line:84%
seems so straightforward
and is so necessary,

01:37:33.100 --> 01:37:35.150 align:middle line:84%
not only for the
internal balance

01:37:35.150 --> 01:37:40.310 align:middle line:84%
of this budget but to begin
to address the account that

01:37:40.310 --> 01:37:44.250 align:middle line:84%
is 40% of the state budget
and in any given year

01:37:44.250 --> 01:37:48.190 align:middle line:84%
can go up by hundreds
of millions of dollars.

01:37:48.190 --> 01:37:51.830 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President, I can
review the charts again.

01:37:51.830 --> 01:37:54.650 align:middle line:84%
I have several more if you
would like to see them.

01:37:54.650 --> 01:37:56.400 align:middle line:84%
We invite people
to come to Minority

01:37:56.400 --> 01:37:58.400 align:middle line:84%
Crescent at your
leisure, and we'd

01:37:58.400 --> 01:38:00.410 align:middle line:90%
be happy to share them with you.

01:38:00.410 --> 01:38:04.650 align:middle line:84%
I know that earlier we actually
had a request from the press

01:38:04.650 --> 01:38:08.400 align:middle line:84%
for a chart that was not
yet ready to be shared.

01:38:08.400 --> 01:38:09.680 align:middle line:90%
We're making that ready.

01:38:09.680 --> 01:38:11.390 align:middle line:84%
And we'll announce
the unveiling of it

01:38:11.390 --> 01:38:13.510 align:middle line:84%
so that the media can
share with it as well.

01:38:13.510 --> 01:38:16.480 align:middle line:84%
Because you know there's been a
tremendous amount of interest.

01:38:16.480 --> 01:38:20.390 align:middle line:84%
But Madam President, I hope
the amendment is adopted.

01:38:20.390 --> 01:38:22.980 align:middle line:84%
And I hope we'll
take this action

01:38:22.980 --> 01:38:29.310 align:middle line:84%
to be able to address an
issue that impacts literally

01:38:29.310 --> 01:38:32.330 align:middle line:84%
every single other
item in the budget

01:38:32.330 --> 01:38:35.210 align:middle line:84%
if we spend dollars in
this area that could

01:38:35.210 --> 01:38:38.000 align:middle line:90%
be redirected to other places.

01:38:38.000 --> 01:38:41.250 align:middle line:84%
Thank the gentlemen, for
sharing his information with us.

01:38:41.250 --> 01:38:43.540 align:middle line:84%
The question comes in
adoption of the amendment.

01:38:43.540 --> 01:38:44.860 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

01:38:44.860 --> 01:38:45.410 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:38:45.410 --> 01:38:46.910 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

01:38:46.910 --> 01:38:54.820 align:middle line:84%
The next item is
item number 537.

01:38:54.820 --> 01:38:58.390 align:middle line:84%
The same-- isn't that the
same thing we just did?

01:38:58.390 --> 01:38:58.890 align:middle line:90%
No.

01:38:58.890 --> 01:39:00.230 align:middle line:90%
Different amendment.

01:39:00.230 --> 01:39:01.430 align:middle line:90%
OK.

01:39:01.430 --> 01:39:05.070 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] has more
information from us.

01:39:05.070 --> 01:39:08.040 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,

01:39:08.040 --> 01:39:09.710 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, the title

01:39:09.710 --> 01:39:10.970 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

01:39:10.970 --> 01:39:14.910 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 537 by
Mr. Tarr, GIC funding.

01:39:14.910 --> 01:39:20.440 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:39:20.440 --> 01:39:22.340 align:middle line:90%
Yes, the gentleman from--

01:39:22.340 --> 01:39:24.470 align:middle line:84%
the senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Mr.--

01:39:24.470 --> 01:39:28.710 align:middle line:90%


01:39:28.710 --> 01:39:29.620 align:middle line:90%
[INTERPOSING VOICES]

01:39:29.620 --> 01:39:37.480 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:39:37.480 --> 01:39:38.190 align:middle line:90%
Isn't it?

01:39:38.190 --> 01:39:39.680 align:middle line:90%
OK.

01:39:39.680 --> 01:39:43.240 align:middle line:84%
So apparently there
was no interest or not

01:39:43.240 --> 01:39:48.620 align:middle line:84%
insufficient interest in
saving 39 million dollars.

01:39:48.620 --> 01:39:51.340 align:middle line:84%
And I mentioned that there's
a consequence to that.

01:39:51.340 --> 01:39:53.400 align:middle line:84%
And this amendment
reflects that.

01:39:53.400 --> 01:39:56.740 align:middle line:84%
This is the amount
in this amendment

01:39:56.740 --> 01:40:00.570 align:middle line:84%
that Medicaid is underfunded
currently in the budget.

01:40:00.570 --> 01:40:04.290 align:middle line:84%
And that number,
Madam President, is--

01:40:04.290 --> 01:40:08.950 align:middle line:84%
currently we have about
$1.7 billion dollars.

01:40:08.950 --> 01:40:12.830 align:middle line:90%
And it should be $1.724 billion.

01:40:12.830 --> 01:40:16.970 align:middle line:84%
These are the numbers that
we're talking about right here.

01:40:16.970 --> 01:40:21.110 align:middle line:84%
And if this is not included
in the budget by the time

01:40:21.110 --> 01:40:24.110 align:middle line:84%
it gets signed by
the governor, that

01:40:24.110 --> 01:40:29.040 align:middle line:84%
means that we will be short
by that amount of money.

01:40:29.040 --> 01:40:32.200 align:middle line:84%
And as we've talked
about in the past, if we

01:40:32.200 --> 01:40:33.870 align:middle line:84%
don't have these
sums of money, they

01:40:33.870 --> 01:40:35.850 align:middle line:90%
have to come from somewhere.

01:40:35.850 --> 01:40:37.560 align:middle line:90%
That could mean a [?

01:40:37.560 --> 01:40:41.550 align:middle line:84%
9C ?] cut if it's done
on an emergency basis.

01:40:41.550 --> 01:40:44.910 align:middle line:84%
It could mean that we have
to do a supplemental budget

01:40:44.910 --> 01:40:47.540 align:middle line:84%
if supplemental
budgets are available,

01:40:47.540 --> 01:40:49.660 align:middle line:90%
given the current revenue trend.

01:40:49.660 --> 01:40:52.570 align:middle line:84%
Or it could mean that we
have to readjust the budget

01:40:52.570 --> 01:40:55.440 align:middle line:84%
and take all of the
wonderful shiny things

01:40:55.440 --> 01:40:58.550 align:middle line:84%
that we've added to this
budget like the expansions

01:40:58.550 --> 01:41:02.840 align:middle line:84%
of new programs and
sacrifice them because we

01:41:02.840 --> 01:41:04.930 align:middle line:90%
need to fund Medicaid.

01:41:04.930 --> 01:41:08.660 align:middle line:84%
It is an obligation
in many cases

01:41:08.660 --> 01:41:12.400 align:middle line:84%
to some of the most vulnerable
people in the Commonwealth

01:41:12.400 --> 01:41:15.680 align:middle line:84%
that we must provide
health care for.

01:41:15.680 --> 01:41:19.120 align:middle line:84%
And it's also a
moral obligation.

01:41:19.120 --> 01:41:22.320 align:middle line:84%
So we can continue to
look at those charts

01:41:22.320 --> 01:41:25.690 align:middle line:84%
and say, yeah, we should
do something about it.

01:41:25.690 --> 01:41:31.730 align:middle line:84%
But as long as we don't,
this is the consequence.

01:41:31.730 --> 01:41:36.650 align:middle line:84%
This is the
consequence right now.

01:41:36.650 --> 01:41:41.636 align:middle line:84%
The consequence on a going
forward basis is $40 million.

01:41:41.636 --> 01:41:46.300 align:middle line:90%


01:41:46.300 --> 01:41:50.150 align:middle line:84%
I hope that we will not continue
to be complacent about this.

01:41:50.150 --> 01:41:53.060 align:middle line:84%
I hope that we will
stop making statements

01:41:53.060 --> 01:41:56.220 align:middle line:84%
to each other about how we
really should deal with this,

01:41:56.220 --> 01:41:58.900 align:middle line:90%
and put it off to another day.

01:41:58.900 --> 01:42:04.930 align:middle line:84%
Because this problem grows,
and compounds, and gets worse.

01:42:04.930 --> 01:42:09.430 align:middle line:84%
And when it does, it
affects everything--

01:42:09.430 --> 01:42:11.270 align:middle line:90%
everything-- in the budget.

01:42:11.270 --> 01:42:14.950 align:middle line:90%


01:42:14.950 --> 01:42:18.260 align:middle line:84%
I'm not using these charts
to be overly dramatic.

01:42:18.260 --> 01:42:22.760 align:middle line:84%
I'm not indulging your
time to make a point

01:42:22.760 --> 01:42:25.310 align:middle line:90%
for the sake of making a point.

01:42:25.310 --> 01:42:28.550 align:middle line:84%
I'm saying it because we
all have an obligation

01:42:28.550 --> 01:42:30.560 align:middle line:90%
to address this issue.

01:42:30.560 --> 01:42:33.510 align:middle line:90%
This is one way to do it.

01:42:33.510 --> 01:42:37.570 align:middle line:84%
We're happy to entertain others
here in Minority Crescent.

01:42:37.570 --> 01:42:39.130 align:middle line:90%
Haven't seen any yet.

01:42:39.130 --> 01:42:42.870 align:middle line:90%


01:42:42.870 --> 01:42:47.880 align:middle line:84%
I would hope that we'll
continue to focus on this.

01:42:47.880 --> 01:42:50.140 align:middle line:84%
I suspect this amendment
that is currently

01:42:50.140 --> 01:42:53.770 align:middle line:90%
before us probably won't pass.

01:42:53.770 --> 01:42:56.910 align:middle line:84%
And the reason it won't
pass is because we'll

01:42:56.910 --> 01:42:59.310 align:middle line:84%
be told that there
are insufficient funds

01:42:59.310 --> 01:43:02.260 align:middle line:84%
to add this amount of
money in the budget.

01:43:02.260 --> 01:43:06.930 align:middle line:84%
And I would remind
everybody, this is Medicaid.

01:43:06.930 --> 01:43:11.920 align:middle line:84%
This is for some of the poorest
people in Massachusetts.

01:43:11.920 --> 01:43:14.400 align:middle line:84%
And if we don't
change this account,

01:43:14.400 --> 01:43:16.570 align:middle line:84%
there will not be
enough money in it

01:43:16.570 --> 01:43:17.920 align:middle line:90%
to pay for their health care.

01:43:17.920 --> 01:43:21.620 align:middle line:90%


01:43:21.620 --> 01:43:23.880 align:middle line:90%
We could do things differently.

01:43:23.880 --> 01:43:28.260 align:middle line:84%
And some day we're
going to have to.

01:43:28.260 --> 01:43:30.330 align:middle line:90%
I hoped that day was now.

01:43:30.330 --> 01:43:32.840 align:middle line:90%
Maybe it's not.

01:43:32.840 --> 01:43:36.020 align:middle line:84%
But for the sake of
everyone in this chamber

01:43:36.020 --> 01:43:38.470 align:middle line:84%
and people throughout
this commonwealth,

01:43:38.470 --> 01:43:40.730 align:middle line:90%
I hope that day is soon.

01:43:40.730 --> 01:43:43.540 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, I hope
the amendment is adopted.

01:43:43.540 --> 01:43:45.600 align:middle line:84%
A petition comes in
adoption of the amendment.

01:43:45.600 --> 01:43:46.800 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:43:46.800 --> 01:43:47.720 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:43:47.720 --> 01:43:48.980 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

01:43:48.980 --> 01:43:52.860 align:middle line:84%
The next item is
item number 544.

01:43:52.860 --> 01:43:55.640 align:middle line:84%
And the senator from
Suffolk, senator Forry.

01:43:55.640 --> 01:44:03.430 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] -- amendment, the
title of which the clerk will

01:44:03.430 --> 01:44:04.510 align:middle line:90%
call.

01:44:04.510 --> 01:44:08.160 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 544 by Ms.
Forry, Louis D Brown Peace

01:44:08.160 --> 01:44:11.660 align:middle line:84%
institute and Women
Survivors of Homicide.

01:44:11.660 --> 01:44:13.080 align:middle line:90%
Should I do a recess?

01:44:13.080 --> 01:44:15.470 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT] She

01:44:15.470 --> 01:44:16.620 align:middle line:90%
Keep going, keep going.

01:44:16.620 --> 01:44:18.900 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on the
adoption of the amendment.

01:44:18.900 --> 01:44:20.560 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:44:20.560 --> 01:44:21.250 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:44:21.250 --> 01:44:22.330 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

01:44:22.330 --> 01:44:25.740 align:middle line:90%
The next item, item number 546.

01:44:25.740 --> 01:44:28.160 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Berkshire,
Hampshire, Franklin,

01:44:28.160 --> 01:44:32.280 align:middle line:84%
and Hamden, Mr. Hinds, has filed
an amendment the title of which

01:44:32.280 --> 01:44:33.280 align:middle line:90%
the clerk will read.

01:44:33.280 --> 01:44:36.770 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 546 by Mr.
Hinds, Veterans, Homelessness,

01:44:36.770 --> 01:44:39.779 align:middle line:90%
Service Centers.

01:44:39.779 --> 01:44:40.570 align:middle line:90%
Does he want to go?

01:44:40.570 --> 01:44:41.080 align:middle line:90%
Keep going.

01:44:41.080 --> 01:44:41.580 align:middle line:90%
OK.

01:44:41.580 --> 01:44:43.820 align:middle line:84%
The question comes in
adoption of the amendment.

01:44:43.820 --> 01:44:45.030 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:44:45.030 --> 01:44:46.050 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:44:46.050 --> 01:44:47.450 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

01:44:47.450 --> 01:44:48.930 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

01:44:48.930 --> 01:44:51.880 align:middle line:84%
The next item is
item number 547.

01:44:51.880 --> 01:44:54.150 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Worcester, Senator Moore,

01:44:54.150 --> 01:44:57.660 align:middle line:84%
has filed an amendment the title
of which the clerk will read.

01:44:57.660 --> 01:45:02.370 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 547
by Mr. Moore, YWCAs.

01:45:02.370 --> 01:45:02.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes?

01:45:02.970 --> 01:45:06.190 align:middle line:90%
Senator Tarr?

01:45:06.190 --> 01:45:08.530 align:middle line:90%
Madam President [INAUDIBLE]?

01:45:08.530 --> 01:45:17.900 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:45:17.900 --> 01:45:20.310 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] is in
a brief recess.

01:45:20.310 --> 01:45:22.610 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Worcester, Senator Moore,

01:45:22.610 --> 01:45:26.050 align:middle line:84%
has filed an item,
item number 547.

01:45:26.050 --> 01:45:28.400 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

01:45:28.400 --> 01:45:31.980 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 547
by Mr. Moore, YWCAs.

01:45:31.980 --> 01:45:35.384 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

01:45:35.384 --> 01:45:36.550 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:45:36.550 --> 01:45:37.200 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:45:37.200 --> 01:45:37.980 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

01:45:37.980 --> 01:45:39.740 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

01:45:39.740 --> 01:45:43.100 align:middle line:90%
Number 548 is on hold.

01:45:43.100 --> 01:45:47.010 align:middle line:84%
Number 549, the senator from
Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin,

01:45:47.010 --> 01:45:50.520 align:middle line:84%
and Hamdon, Senator Hinds has
filed an amendment the title

01:45:50.520 --> 01:45:51.780 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

01:45:51.780 --> 01:45:54.990 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 549 by Mr.
Hinds, Veterans Outreach

01:45:54.990 --> 01:45:57.350 align:middle line:90%
Centers.

01:45:57.350 --> 01:46:00.129 align:middle line:90%
Yes, Senator Tarr.

01:46:00.129 --> 01:46:02.420 align:middle line:84%
Madame President, [INAUDIBLE]
members, Madam President,

01:46:02.420 --> 01:46:05.110 align:middle line:84%
this amendment involves
veterans outreach centers,

01:46:05.110 --> 01:46:07.860 align:middle line:84%
a subject very important
to a number of us.

01:46:07.860 --> 01:46:11.670 align:middle line:84%
It has apparently been
through the redraftitron,

01:46:11.670 --> 01:46:14.520 align:middle line:84%
so I'm hoping that we can
understand exactly what it says

01:46:14.520 --> 01:46:16.850 align:middle line:84%
and what it does in
its redrafted form

01:46:16.850 --> 01:46:18.150 align:middle line:90%
from its sponsor.

01:46:18.150 --> 01:46:20.170 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:46:20.170 --> 01:46:22.060 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Berkshire,
Hampshire, Franklin,

01:46:22.060 --> 01:46:23.450 align:middle line:90%
and Hamdon, senator Hinds.

01:46:23.450 --> 01:46:26.890 align:middle line:84%
Madam President,
[AUDIO OUT] members,

01:46:26.890 --> 01:46:30.850 align:middle line:84%
I do appreciate the opportunity
to speak further on this.

01:46:30.850 --> 01:46:32.790 align:middle line:84%
This is an important
amendment, as you

01:46:32.790 --> 01:46:35.460 align:middle line:84%
point out, and particularly
given the ceremonies

01:46:35.460 --> 01:46:39.090 align:middle line:84%
that we've participated in
today related to our veterans.

01:46:39.090 --> 01:46:41.090 align:middle line:84%
And this is for
Soldier On, providing

01:46:41.090 --> 01:46:43.250 align:middle line:84%
traditional housing
and supportive services

01:46:43.250 --> 01:46:45.810 align:middle line:90%
to veterans since 1994.

01:46:45.810 --> 01:46:49.590 align:middle line:84%
And they do so in a different
number of facilities

01:46:49.590 --> 01:46:51.320 align:middle line:84%
throughout Western
Massachusetts.

01:46:51.320 --> 01:46:56.230 align:middle line:84%
And they provide extensive
treatment for our veterans

01:46:56.230 --> 01:46:59.700 align:middle line:84%
and provide important
housing opportunities.

01:46:59.700 --> 01:47:02.740 align:middle line:84%
What the redrafting
considers is making sure

01:47:02.740 --> 01:47:05.390 align:middle line:84%
that we have direct
and very clear

01:47:05.390 --> 01:47:09.520 align:middle line:84%
reporting from the recipient,
and also institute a five year

01:47:09.520 --> 01:47:10.190 align:middle line:90%
plan.

01:47:10.190 --> 01:47:13.950 align:middle line:84%
And so that these investments
are tracked very carefully.

01:47:13.950 --> 01:47:17.337 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:47:17.337 --> 01:47:18.920 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] adoption
of the amendment.

01:47:18.920 --> 01:47:20.086 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:47:20.086 --> 01:47:20.670 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:47:20.670 --> 01:47:21.650 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

01:47:21.650 --> 01:47:24.090 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

01:47:24.090 --> 01:47:26.790 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 550--

01:47:26.790 --> 01:47:28.170 align:middle line:90%
is on hold.

01:47:28.170 --> 01:47:30.410 align:middle line:90%
550's on hold?

01:47:30.410 --> 01:47:31.840 align:middle line:90%
Yeah.

01:47:31.840 --> 01:47:32.500 align:middle line:90%
This says no.

01:47:32.500 --> 01:47:34.020 align:middle line:90%
Just say it's on hold.

01:47:34.020 --> 01:47:35.570 align:middle line:90%
Reject-- adopt it.

01:47:35.570 --> 01:47:36.440 align:middle line:90%
Adopt it.

01:47:36.440 --> 01:47:39.820 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 551 is on hold.

01:47:39.820 --> 01:47:41.840 align:middle line:90%
553 is on hold.

01:47:41.840 --> 01:47:46.960 align:middle line:90%
Amendment 559 is on hold.

01:47:46.960 --> 01:47:52.210 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] The
amendment number 560,

01:47:52.210 --> 01:47:55.277 align:middle line:84%
the senator from Bristol
and Plymouth Mr. Montigny

01:47:55.277 --> 01:47:57.860 align:middle line:84%
has filed an amendment the title
of which the clerk will call.

01:47:57.860 --> 01:48:01.690 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 560 by
Mr. Montigny, Combating VIP

01:48:01.690 --> 01:48:05.070 align:middle line:84%
Syndrome to Protect Health
Care Integrity and Quality.

01:48:05.070 --> 01:48:07.606 align:middle line:84%
Yes, the senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.

01:48:07.606 --> 01:48:08.730 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:48:08.730 --> 01:48:11.810 align:middle line:84%
I note that the sponsor of this
amendment is one of the VIPs

01:48:11.810 --> 01:48:13.060 align:middle line:90%
here in the Senate chamber.

01:48:13.060 --> 01:48:14.655 align:middle line:84%
But I'm hoping that
he will provide us

01:48:14.655 --> 01:48:16.780 align:middle line:84%
with some further information
about this amendment.

01:48:16.780 --> 01:48:19.480 align:middle line:90%


01:48:19.480 --> 01:48:20.210 align:middle line:90%
I could sit down.

01:48:20.210 --> 01:48:22.820 align:middle line:90%
This will be a long one now.

01:48:22.820 --> 01:48:25.340 align:middle line:90%
Senator from-- [AUDIO OUT]

01:48:25.340 --> 01:48:28.310 align:middle line:84%
-- from Bristol and
Plymouth, Mr. Montigny.

01:48:28.310 --> 01:48:30.800 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, I would
be happy to-- and I do

01:48:30.800 --> 01:48:33.440 align:middle line:84%
intend to be brief,
contrary to popular belief.

01:48:33.440 --> 01:48:36.060 align:middle line:84%
Because the Senate
passed this last year.

01:48:36.060 --> 01:48:38.440 align:middle line:84%
And I'm very thankful to
the Chair Ways and Means

01:48:38.440 --> 01:48:41.624 align:middle line:84%
and the staff for working with
us to do it again this year.

01:48:41.624 --> 01:48:43.540 align:middle line:84%
It's always disappointing
when we do something

01:48:43.540 --> 01:48:44.780 align:middle line:90%
that we think is right.

01:48:44.780 --> 01:48:46.327 align:middle line:84%
And it doesn't
survive conference.

01:48:46.327 --> 01:48:47.160 align:middle line:90%
But I've been there.

01:48:47.160 --> 01:48:51.990 align:middle line:84%
It's tough particularly on some
of this more intense policy

01:48:51.990 --> 01:48:54.830 align:middle line:84%
when the Senate gets into
a conference committee.

01:48:54.830 --> 01:48:59.330 align:middle line:84%
I'm hopeful that the
second strike will work.

01:48:59.330 --> 01:49:00.700 align:middle line:90%
Because I think if--

01:49:00.700 --> 01:49:04.370 align:middle line:84%
and again in a budget it's
tough because both branches

01:49:04.370 --> 01:49:06.800 align:middle line:90%
have thousands of priorities.

01:49:06.800 --> 01:49:08.390 align:middle line:84%
I mean we have 1,000
amendments alone,

01:49:08.390 --> 01:49:11.650 align:middle line:84%
never mind the number of line
items and outside sections.

01:49:11.650 --> 01:49:15.530 align:middle line:84%
But I'll tell you why I think
this is very, very important.

01:49:15.530 --> 01:49:17.300 align:middle line:90%
It's called VIP Syndrome.

01:49:17.300 --> 01:49:19.050 align:middle line:84%
You may have read about
it over the years.

01:49:19.050 --> 01:49:21.640 align:middle line:84%
Because some of the
cases are so outrageous

01:49:21.640 --> 01:49:23.700 align:middle line:90%
that it almost writes itself.

01:49:23.700 --> 01:49:29.480 align:middle line:84%
And perhaps that's why somebody
long ago and much brighter

01:49:29.480 --> 01:49:30.980 align:middle line:90%
than I named it VIP Syndrome.

01:49:30.980 --> 01:49:32.410 align:middle line:90%
But it makes perfect sense.

01:49:32.410 --> 01:49:34.310 align:middle line:90%
Here's what it says.

01:49:34.310 --> 01:49:36.060 align:middle line:84%
The sanctity of
human life is equal.

01:49:36.060 --> 01:49:39.420 align:middle line:84%
When you go to a hospital
and you need treatment,

01:49:39.420 --> 01:49:41.136 align:middle line:84%
every single person
in this country

01:49:41.136 --> 01:49:42.260 align:middle line:90%
should be treated the same.

01:49:42.260 --> 01:49:44.780 align:middle line:84%
I'll tell you why I think
this is particularly gross.

01:49:44.780 --> 01:49:47.260 align:middle line:84%
We have some of the best
hospitals in this country,

01:49:47.260 --> 01:49:49.340 align:middle line:84%
but let me tell you
are not without sin.

01:49:49.340 --> 01:49:52.030 align:middle line:84%
Some of them have
decided that it

01:49:52.030 --> 01:49:55.390 align:middle line:84%
makes more sense to make lots
of money off select patients.

01:49:55.390 --> 01:49:59.310 align:middle line:84%
It's almost like a starstruck
concierge medicine.

01:49:59.310 --> 01:50:03.540 align:middle line:84%
It's almost like saying every
day our mission is to serve

01:50:03.540 --> 01:50:07.770 align:middle line:84%
everyone and then-- wink, wink--
if you happen to be a prince

01:50:07.770 --> 01:50:09.410 align:middle line:84%
from somewhere off
in the Middle East--

01:50:09.410 --> 01:50:10.830 align:middle line:90%
I won't name the country--

01:50:10.830 --> 01:50:13.100 align:middle line:84%
they happen to be
in the news almost

01:50:13.100 --> 01:50:15.200 align:middle line:84%
as we speak in
the last few days.

01:50:15.200 --> 01:50:17.780 align:middle line:84%
But if you happen
to print money then

01:50:17.780 --> 01:50:20.690 align:middle line:84%
you can fly over here in a
very big private corporate jet.

01:50:20.690 --> 01:50:22.600 align:middle line:84%
You can even have nurses
and doctors actually

01:50:22.600 --> 01:50:24.558 align:middle line:84%
that will contract from
some of these hospitals

01:50:24.558 --> 01:50:25.650 align:middle line:90%
fly over with you.

01:50:25.650 --> 01:50:27.260 align:middle line:90%
And then you get to stay--

01:50:27.260 --> 01:50:32.530 align:middle line:84%
as this royal prince did--
stay in a two penthouse

01:50:32.530 --> 01:50:35.035 align:middle line:84%
suite that might be the
size of, I don't know.

01:50:35.035 --> 01:50:37.410 align:middle line:84%
It's probably the size of the
top floor of the Prudential

01:50:37.410 --> 01:50:38.990 align:middle line:90%
Center for all I know.

01:50:38.990 --> 01:50:40.440 align:middle line:84%
That isn't even
what concerns me,

01:50:40.440 --> 01:50:42.250 align:middle line:84%
although that in and
of itself is something

01:50:42.250 --> 01:50:44.437 align:middle line:84%
that perhaps in a
regulated nonprofit

01:50:44.437 --> 01:50:46.770 align:middle line:84%
we ought to be passing judgment
on, but we're not today.

01:50:46.770 --> 01:50:49.620 align:middle line:84%
We're simply saying that if
the Department of Public Health

01:50:49.620 --> 01:50:53.520 align:middle line:84%
has policies that protect the
lives of patients and health

01:50:53.520 --> 01:50:59.600 align:middle line:84%
care providers, that those
policies will not be knowingly

01:50:59.600 --> 01:51:02.730 align:middle line:84%
violated just to
play to somebody who

01:51:02.730 --> 01:51:05.320 align:middle line:84%
might be able to donate
extra money to the foundation

01:51:05.320 --> 01:51:06.170 align:middle line:90%
or buy a wing.

01:51:06.170 --> 01:51:07.878 align:middle line:84%
And that's what we're
talking about here.

01:51:07.878 --> 01:51:10.070 align:middle line:84%
And the reason I
said it's gross is

01:51:10.070 --> 01:51:14.900 align:middle line:84%
because the irony is that no one
in this room, as far as I know,

01:51:14.900 --> 01:51:17.560 align:middle line:84%
very few people we
will ever represent

01:51:17.560 --> 01:51:23.270 align:middle line:84%
and almost no one who runs or
lobbies for these hospitals

01:51:23.270 --> 01:51:25.450 align:middle line:84%
can afford to spend
the kind of money

01:51:25.450 --> 01:51:29.730 align:middle line:84%
that some of the folks that are
in this VIP Syndrome can spend.

01:51:29.730 --> 01:51:34.060 align:middle line:84%
So it's amazing that
there are actually

01:51:34.060 --> 01:51:36.240 align:middle line:84%
hospitals in this country
and in this state--

01:51:36.240 --> 01:51:37.932 align:middle line:84%
the most egregious
example recently

01:51:37.932 --> 01:51:38.890 align:middle line:90%
was Brigham and Womens.

01:51:38.890 --> 01:51:39.723 align:middle line:90%
It was in the paper.

01:51:39.723 --> 01:51:43.100 align:middle line:84%
I wouldn't out such a
wonderful charity if it hadn't

01:51:43.100 --> 01:51:45.010 align:middle line:90%
been such a very public case.

01:51:45.010 --> 01:51:46.520 align:middle line:84%
And what happened
was the Saudi--

01:51:46.520 --> 01:51:49.190 align:middle line:84%
excuse me, the
royal family member

01:51:49.190 --> 01:51:52.770 align:middle line:84%
came in from one of
the countries afar,

01:51:52.770 --> 01:51:55.300 align:middle line:90%
and was put off--

01:51:55.300 --> 01:51:57.070 align:middle line:84%
think of that, those
are the words--

01:51:57.070 --> 01:52:01.080 align:middle line:84%
put off by the
protective gear that some

01:52:01.080 --> 01:52:03.840 align:middle line:84%
of the best doctors and nurses
in the country were wearing.

01:52:03.840 --> 01:52:06.190 align:middle line:84%
The reason why this
story became known

01:52:06.190 --> 01:52:09.830 align:middle line:84%
to us and to the media, and the
reason why this Senate reacted

01:52:09.830 --> 01:52:13.030 align:middle line:84%
last year and the support has
been so strong again this year

01:52:13.030 --> 01:52:14.750 align:middle line:84%
isn't because we
want to take shots.

01:52:14.750 --> 01:52:18.110 align:middle line:84%
Because we know that if
tomorrow something happened,

01:52:18.110 --> 01:52:20.710 align:middle line:84%
we would want to be treated
equally in these hospitals

01:52:20.710 --> 01:52:21.210 align:middle line:90%
frankly.

01:52:21.210 --> 01:52:23.120 align:middle line:90%
They are the best in the world.

01:52:23.120 --> 01:52:27.440 align:middle line:84%
But amazing that you could
knowingly violate policies.

01:52:27.440 --> 01:52:29.524 align:middle line:84%
Now remember, even if
you're not deeply troubled--

01:52:29.524 --> 01:52:32.148 align:middle line:84%
and I know you are because I've
talked to some of you about it.

01:52:32.148 --> 01:52:33.650 align:middle line:84%
Even if you're not
deeply troubled

01:52:33.650 --> 01:52:37.400 align:middle line:84%
with the effect on patients,
it was doctors and nurses,

01:52:37.400 --> 01:52:40.490 align:middle line:84%
some of the best in the world,
who said I'm supposed to.

01:52:40.490 --> 01:52:44.430 align:middle line:84%
And in this case, it was a
person with a drug resistant

01:52:44.430 --> 01:52:45.470 align:middle line:90%
disease.

01:52:45.470 --> 01:52:47.970 align:middle line:84%
If there's any reason
why a doctor or a nurse

01:52:47.970 --> 01:52:50.770 align:middle line:84%
or a caregiver ought to be
wearing protective gear,

01:52:50.770 --> 01:52:51.660 align:middle line:90%
it's that.

01:52:51.660 --> 01:52:56.400 align:middle line:84%
And this arrogant,
exceedingly wealthy person

01:52:56.400 --> 01:52:58.870 align:middle line:84%
basically said, it puts
me off that they're

01:52:58.870 --> 01:52:59.790 align:middle line:90%
treating me with this.

01:52:59.790 --> 01:53:01.570 align:middle line:84%
I don't know, Maybe
they thought the gowns

01:53:01.570 --> 01:53:02.640 align:middle line:90%
were Halloween costumes.

01:53:02.640 --> 01:53:03.310 align:middle line:90%
I don't get it.

01:53:03.310 --> 01:53:06.310 align:middle line:84%
Because it's so otherworldly
when you read it,

01:53:06.310 --> 01:53:08.450 align:middle line:84%
you think like, how
does this really happen.

01:53:08.450 --> 01:53:09.440 align:middle line:90%
Does it really happen?

01:53:09.440 --> 01:53:11.940 align:middle line:84%
But it was confirmed by some
of the best doctors and nurses

01:53:11.940 --> 01:53:14.356 align:middle line:84%
in the world that were grieved
by it that it was going on.

01:53:14.356 --> 01:53:16.510 align:middle line:84%
Another example--
very, very public--

01:53:16.510 --> 01:53:22.240 align:middle line:84%
was literally giving a patient
who happens to just print money

01:53:22.240 --> 01:53:24.660 align:middle line:84%
a different colored
blanket so everybody

01:53:24.660 --> 01:53:26.070 align:middle line:90%
could know this is the VIP.

01:53:26.070 --> 01:53:27.820 align:middle line:84%
So sort of like instead
of the red carpet,

01:53:27.820 --> 01:53:29.160 align:middle line:90%
it's the red blanket.

01:53:29.160 --> 01:53:31.670 align:middle line:84%
I know some of you probably
think this can't really

01:53:31.670 --> 01:53:34.180 align:middle line:90%
go on here in Boston.

01:53:34.180 --> 01:53:35.320 align:middle line:90%
It did go on.

01:53:35.320 --> 01:53:37.640 align:middle line:84%
And it was widely
reported and investigated.

01:53:37.640 --> 01:53:40.050 align:middle line:84%
And the only thing that the
DPH didn't have the ability

01:53:40.050 --> 01:53:43.490 align:middle line:84%
to do at the time
was to properly find

01:53:43.490 --> 01:53:50.590 align:middle line:90%
the grieving authority.

01:53:50.590 --> 01:53:52.630 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President,
I'm pleased that this

01:53:52.630 --> 01:53:54.030 align:middle line:90%
is a yes again this year.

01:53:54.030 --> 01:53:56.910 align:middle line:84%
And I hope that everybody
will support the bill.

01:53:56.910 --> 01:54:00.140 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:54:00.140 --> 01:54:00.640 align:middle line:90%
Amendment--

01:54:00.640 --> 01:54:07.560 align:middle line:90%


01:54:07.560 --> 01:54:11.670 align:middle line:84%
-- So Mr. President, I'm pleased
that this is a yes again this

01:54:11.670 --> 01:54:12.180 align:middle line:90%
year.

01:54:12.180 --> 01:54:15.050 align:middle line:84%
And I hope that everybody
will support the bill.

01:54:15.050 --> 01:54:18.290 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:54:18.290 --> 01:54:18.830 align:middle line:90%
Amendment.

01:54:18.830 --> 01:54:20.010 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:54:20.010 --> 01:54:20.830 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:54:20.830 --> 01:54:21.760 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

01:54:21.760 --> 01:54:23.980 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

01:54:23.980 --> 01:54:29.260 align:middle line:84%
That same gentleman has
a bill 562, it's on hold.

01:54:29.260 --> 01:54:34.170 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 563, the
senator from Suffolk, Senator

01:54:34.170 --> 01:54:36.810 align:middle line:84%
Forry, has filed an
amendment the title of which

01:54:36.810 --> 01:54:37.750 align:middle line:90%
the clerk will read.

01:54:37.750 --> 01:54:40.400 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 563 by
Ms. Forry, [INAUDIBLE]

01:54:40.400 --> 01:54:44.890 align:middle line:84%
Integrative Care
Partnership Program.

01:54:44.890 --> 01:54:47.140 align:middle line:90%
Senator Tarr?

01:54:47.140 --> 01:54:49.860 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex and Middlesex.

01:54:49.860 --> 01:54:52.410 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Madam President,
[INAUDIBLE] members.

01:54:52.410 --> 01:54:54.180 align:middle line:84%
Madam President,
it's been a while

01:54:54.180 --> 01:54:57.350 align:middle line:84%
since we have heard from
this particular senator

01:54:57.350 --> 01:55:00.660 align:middle line:84%
and how the chamber
benefits from--

01:55:00.660 --> 01:55:33.250 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

01:55:33.250 --> 01:55:34.520 align:middle line:90%
--is called to order.

01:55:34.520 --> 01:55:38.160 align:middle line:84%
Item number--
amendment number 568.

01:55:38.160 --> 01:55:41.150 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Essex
and Middlesex Mr. Tarr

01:55:41.150 --> 01:55:44.670 align:middle line:84%
has filed an amendment the title
of which the clerk will read.

01:55:44.670 --> 01:55:48.200 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 568 by Mr.
Tarr, Conservation Land Tax

01:55:48.200 --> 01:55:49.610 align:middle line:90%
Credit.

01:55:49.610 --> 01:55:52.380 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.

01:55:52.380 --> 01:55:55.310 align:middle line:84%
Why, thank you, Madam President,
and [? through the ?] members,

01:55:55.310 --> 01:55:58.300 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, this amendment
is something that seeks

01:55:58.300 --> 01:56:01.670 align:middle line:84%
to strengthen even further
one of the most important land

01:56:01.670 --> 01:56:04.840 align:middle line:84%
conservation tools that we
have had, I would suggest,

01:56:04.840 --> 01:56:06.340 align:middle line:84%
in the history of
the Commonwealth.

01:56:06.340 --> 01:56:09.070 align:middle line:84%
And that is the Land
Conservation Tax Credit

01:56:09.070 --> 01:56:12.120 align:middle line:84%
which is given to those
who donate property

01:56:12.120 --> 01:56:15.510 align:middle line:84%
that is then reserved for
open space and preservation

01:56:15.510 --> 01:56:16.490 align:middle line:90%
programs.

01:56:16.490 --> 01:56:20.990 align:middle line:84%
And Madam President, this is
an expansion of that program,

01:56:20.990 --> 01:56:25.360 align:middle line:84%
both in the total amount that's
available for the credit,

01:56:25.360 --> 01:56:28.170 align:middle line:84%
and in other amendments we like
to look at the actual amount

01:56:28.170 --> 01:56:30.470 align:middle line:90%
per project that is available.

01:56:30.470 --> 01:56:32.410 align:middle line:84%
Because we know land
costs are increasing.

01:56:32.410 --> 01:56:35.124 align:middle line:84%
We're trying to modernize
the land tax credit.

01:56:35.124 --> 01:56:37.790 align:middle line:84%
This is something I know there's
a tremendous amount of interest

01:56:37.790 --> 01:56:39.180 align:middle line:90%
in in the chamber.

01:56:39.180 --> 01:56:41.610 align:middle line:84%
And I hope that the
amendment is adopted.

01:56:41.610 --> 01:56:42.360 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:56:42.360 --> 01:56:43.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

01:56:43.150 --> 01:56:48.150 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Essex,
Senator O'Connor Ives.

01:56:48.150 --> 01:56:49.600 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Madam
President and [?

01:56:49.600 --> 01:56:50.850 align:middle line:90%
through ?] you to the members.

01:56:50.850 --> 01:56:53.060 align:middle line:84%
I thank the senator
from Gloucester

01:56:53.060 --> 01:56:55.280 align:middle line:84%
for filing this
laudable amendment.

01:56:55.280 --> 01:56:58.330 align:middle line:84%
I actually focused the entire
topic of my Commonwealth

01:56:58.330 --> 01:57:01.990 align:middle line:84%
conversation on the issue of
conservation land tax credits

01:57:01.990 --> 01:57:06.600 align:middle line:84%
because I am loathe to
support most tax credits.

01:57:06.600 --> 01:57:08.740 align:middle line:84%
We can't lump them all
in the same category,

01:57:08.740 --> 01:57:12.990 align:middle line:84%
because this is one of the most
uniquely and clearly created

01:57:12.990 --> 01:57:16.180 align:middle line:84%
tax credits that is in
the public interest.

01:57:16.180 --> 01:57:18.350 align:middle line:84%
So we can't lump
them all together.

01:57:18.350 --> 01:57:20.040 align:middle line:84%
We all know that
open space is so

01:57:20.040 --> 01:57:23.670 align:middle line:84%
valuable in the Commonwealth
for recreational opportunities,

01:57:23.670 --> 01:57:25.540 align:middle line:90%
habitat protection.

01:57:25.540 --> 01:57:27.802 align:middle line:84%
And we know that land
is very valuable.

01:57:27.802 --> 01:57:29.510 align:middle line:84%
The Commonwealth can't
be in the business

01:57:29.510 --> 01:57:32.910 align:middle line:84%
of spending a lot of money
to conserve valuable land.

01:57:32.910 --> 01:57:35.840 align:middle line:84%
This is a product
that's in demand

01:57:35.840 --> 01:57:37.550 align:middle line:84%
for the residents
of Massachusetts.

01:57:37.550 --> 01:57:40.580 align:middle line:84%
Unfortunately, there's
a long waiting list

01:57:40.580 --> 01:57:42.160 align:middle line:84%
where farmers and
other landowners

01:57:42.160 --> 01:57:45.390 align:middle line:84%
want to do the right thing
and put protective easements

01:57:45.390 --> 01:57:46.440 align:middle line:90%
on their properties.

01:57:46.440 --> 01:57:49.190 align:middle line:84%
In return, they
get a tax credit.

01:57:49.190 --> 01:57:52.260 align:middle line:84%
It's a successful program
but there's an arbitrary cap

01:57:52.260 --> 01:57:53.760 align:middle line:90%
that needs to be updated.

01:57:53.760 --> 01:57:56.610 align:middle line:84%
And with this amendment,
it would be updated so

01:57:56.610 --> 01:57:59.220 align:middle line:84%
that the current
cap of $2 million,

01:57:59.220 --> 01:58:01.760 align:middle line:84%
which goes away in an instant
because of the demand,

01:58:01.760 --> 01:58:05.260 align:middle line:84%
it would be incrementally
increased to $5 million

01:58:05.260 --> 01:58:08.330 align:middle line:84%
to at least attempt
to conserve more land

01:58:08.330 --> 01:58:11.680 align:middle line:84%
and respond to folks that are
feeling development pressures

01:58:11.680 --> 01:58:15.390 align:middle line:84%
when they actually want to
put conservation restriction

01:58:15.390 --> 01:58:16.440 align:middle line:90%
on their land.

01:58:16.440 --> 01:58:19.820 align:middle line:84%
So this is a successful
program that deserves updating.

01:58:19.820 --> 01:58:21.660 align:middle line:84%
And I do hope that
the amendment passes.

01:58:21.660 --> 01:58:22.550 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

01:58:22.550 --> 01:58:23.100 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

01:58:23.100 --> 01:58:25.540 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

01:58:25.540 --> 01:58:26.800 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

01:58:26.800 --> 01:58:27.430 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

01:58:27.430 --> 01:58:28.390 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

01:58:28.390 --> 01:58:30.610 align:middle line:84%
And the amendment
is not adopted.

01:58:30.610 --> 01:58:34.090 align:middle line:84%
Item number 570,
amendment number 570,

01:58:34.090 --> 01:58:36.240 align:middle line:84%
the senator from
Cape and the Islands

01:58:36.240 --> 01:58:38.010 align:middle line:84%
has filed an
amendment, the title

01:58:38.010 --> 01:58:39.830 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

01:58:39.830 --> 01:58:43.320 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 570 by
Mr. Cyr, Establishing

01:58:43.320 --> 01:58:46.230 align:middle line:84%
Competitive Internet Access
Through Barnstable, Dukes,

01:58:46.230 --> 01:58:47.950 align:middle line:90%
and Nantucket counties.

01:58:47.950 --> 01:58:50.184 align:middle line:84%
Yes, the senator from the
Cape and Islands, Mr. Cyr.

01:58:50.184 --> 01:58:52.600 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Madam President and
through you to the members.

01:58:52.600 --> 01:58:57.610 align:middle line:84%
I rise and speak in
support of amendment 570.

01:58:57.610 --> 01:59:00.310 align:middle line:84%
This is an amendment that
shall be near and dear

01:59:00.310 --> 01:59:04.280 align:middle line:84%
to many of the interests of the
so-called Hinterland caucus,

01:59:04.280 --> 01:59:08.720 align:middle line:84%
those of us who don't
live within the sort

01:59:08.720 --> 01:59:10.830 align:middle line:84%
of glorious greater
Boston proximity

01:59:10.830 --> 01:59:13.430 align:middle line:84%
and are still working
to get ourselves

01:59:13.430 --> 01:59:14.940 align:middle line:90%
into the 21st century.

01:59:14.940 --> 01:59:18.790 align:middle line:84%
And this is about Open Cape,
which provides a [? mid ?] [?

01:59:18.790 --> 01:59:22.450 align:middle line:84%
mile ?] backbone of top notch
fiber optic network with

01:59:22.450 --> 01:59:26.010 align:middle line:84%
tremendous capacity
across Cape Cod.

01:59:26.010 --> 01:59:28.490 align:middle line:84%
And this network, to
put it in perspective,

01:59:28.490 --> 01:59:32.440 align:middle line:84%
this network has the capacity
to funnel the entire world's

01:59:32.440 --> 01:59:35.230 align:middle line:84%
internet traffic through
it multiple times over,

01:59:35.230 --> 01:59:37.850 align:middle line:84%
if you can imagine
having that go

01:59:37.850 --> 01:59:40.740 align:middle line:84%
up and down our beautiful
Cape Cod peninsula.

01:59:40.740 --> 01:59:42.720 align:middle line:84%
So this proposal
with its seed money

01:59:42.720 --> 01:59:45.400 align:middle line:84%
would help link customers
to Open Cape's fiber

01:59:45.400 --> 01:59:49.170 align:middle line:84%
optic network, consequently
expanding the nonprofit's user

01:59:49.170 --> 01:59:52.830 align:middle line:84%
base and fee base, and finally
providing a viable alternative

01:59:52.830 --> 01:59:54.660 align:middle line:90%
to Comcast on Cape Cod.

01:59:54.660 --> 01:59:57.190 align:middle line:84%
On Cape Cod, we've only
got one choice when it

01:59:57.190 --> 01:59:59.000 align:middle line:90%
comes to high speed internet.

01:59:59.000 --> 02:00:03.270 align:middle line:84%
Altogether, the Commonwealth
has invested $5 million

02:00:03.270 --> 02:00:04.860 align:middle line:90%
in Open Cape.

02:00:04.860 --> 02:00:09.100 align:middle line:84%
And including federal
and county investments

02:00:09.100 --> 02:00:10.980 align:middle line:84%
with private partners,
over $40 million

02:00:10.980 --> 02:00:13.520 align:middle line:84%
has been sent to build
out this network.

02:00:13.520 --> 02:00:16.940 align:middle line:84%
And so given the quality of Open
Cape's existing infrastructure,

02:00:16.940 --> 02:00:20.140 align:middle line:84%
its potential, and the
investments that have already

02:00:20.140 --> 02:00:23.730 align:middle line:84%
been made there is no
reason why we should still

02:00:23.730 --> 02:00:26.910 align:middle line:84%
have to kowtow to
the de facto monopoly

02:00:26.910 --> 02:00:28.280 align:middle line:90%
that we have in Comcast.

02:00:28.280 --> 02:00:31.310 align:middle line:84%
So Madam President, I
do appreciate the time

02:00:31.310 --> 02:00:32.100 align:middle line:90%
to speak on this.

02:00:32.100 --> 02:00:36.180 align:middle line:84%
And I ask for unanimous consent
to withdraw this amendment.

02:00:36.180 --> 02:00:38.670 align:middle line:84%
To unanimous consent
to withdraw the item.

02:00:38.670 --> 02:00:39.970 align:middle line:90%
Any opposition?

02:00:39.970 --> 02:00:41.180 align:middle line:90%
The item is withdrawn.

02:00:41.180 --> 02:00:42.560 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:00:42.560 --> 02:00:46.350 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 585.

02:00:46.350 --> 02:00:51.210 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Worcester,
Hamdon, Hampshire,

02:00:51.210 --> 02:00:55.260 align:middle line:84%
and Middlesex, Ms. Gobi, has
filed an amendment the title

02:00:55.260 --> 02:00:56.570 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:00:56.570 --> 02:01:00.270 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 585 by Ms.
Gobi, Rural Design Center.

02:01:00.270 --> 02:01:04.960 align:middle line:90%


02:01:04.960 --> 02:01:07.165 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:01:07.165 --> 02:01:07.790 align:middle line:90%
--brief recess.

02:01:07.790 --> 02:01:15.380 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:01:15.380 --> 02:01:19.500 align:middle line:84%
--senators in order,
number 585 is on hold.

02:01:19.500 --> 02:01:22.580 align:middle line:90%
592 is on hold.

02:01:22.580 --> 02:01:26.730 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 595 the senator
from Worcester and Middlesex,

02:01:26.730 --> 02:01:30.160 align:middle line:84%
Ms. Flanagan, has filed an
amendment the title of which

02:01:30.160 --> 02:01:31.490 align:middle line:90%
the clerk will read.

02:01:31.490 --> 02:01:35.550 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 595 by Ms.
Flanagan, Johnny Appleseed

02:01:35.550 --> 02:01:38.300 align:middle line:90%
Trail Association.

02:01:38.300 --> 02:01:42.587 align:middle line:84%
Yes, the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:01:42.587 --> 02:01:44.920 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Madam President,
and through you the members.

02:01:44.920 --> 02:01:47.320 align:middle line:84%
It's been a while
since we've reflected

02:01:47.320 --> 02:01:50.200 align:middle line:84%
on the great legacy of Johnny
Appleseed in this chamber.

02:01:50.200 --> 02:01:53.150 align:middle line:84%
And there is no one
better to refresh

02:01:53.150 --> 02:01:56.220 align:middle line:84%
our memory of that legacy
than the gentle lady who

02:01:56.220 --> 02:01:57.640 align:middle line:90%
sponsored this amendment.

02:01:57.640 --> 02:02:00.736 align:middle line:84%
So I'm hoping that we can hear
from her about it right now.

02:02:00.736 --> 02:02:01.860 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

02:02:01.860 --> 02:02:04.020 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Worcester and
Middlesex, Ms. Flanagan.

02:02:04.020 --> 02:02:06.478 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Madam President,
and through you to the members.

02:02:06.478 --> 02:02:08.080 align:middle line:84%
This amendment
requests an increase

02:02:08.080 --> 02:02:11.150 align:middle line:84%
of $85,000 that would aid
the tourism throughout North

02:02:11.150 --> 02:02:13.090 align:middle line:84%
Central Massachusetts
for those of us

02:02:13.090 --> 02:02:14.960 align:middle line:84%
that call it Johnny
Appleseed country.

02:02:14.960 --> 02:02:16.900 align:middle line:84%
The Johnny Appleseed
Trail Association

02:02:16.900 --> 02:02:19.840 align:middle line:84%
is a visitor information program
created by the North Central

02:02:19.840 --> 02:02:22.820 align:middle line:84%
Mass Chamber of Commerce who has
strong roots in the community

02:02:22.820 --> 02:02:24.730 align:middle line:90%
activities and specialties.

02:02:24.730 --> 02:02:27.700 align:middle line:84%
Twice a year, the Johnny
Appleseed Trail Association

02:02:27.700 --> 02:02:31.280 align:middle line:84%
Organization publishes the
Johnny Appleseed Trail Guide

02:02:31.280 --> 02:02:34.010 align:middle line:84%
which includes information
about hospitality locations

02:02:34.010 --> 02:02:35.860 align:middle line:84%
and activities
oriented businesses

02:02:35.860 --> 02:02:38.310 align:middle line:90%
throughout North Central Mass.

02:02:38.310 --> 02:02:41.580 align:middle line:84%
I'm sorry we cannot hear the
senator and talking about

02:02:41.580 --> 02:02:42.540 align:middle line:90%
Johnny Appleseed.

02:02:42.540 --> 02:02:47.060 align:middle line:84%
So if everybody would please
take their comments outside.

02:02:47.060 --> 02:02:48.420 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:02:48.420 --> 02:02:50.840 align:middle line:90%
Continue [AUDIO OUT]

02:02:50.840 --> 02:02:52.200 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

02:02:52.200 --> 02:02:54.440 align:middle line:84%
I've never been told I
couldn't be heard before.

02:02:54.440 --> 02:02:56.430 align:middle line:84%
It's essentially the
handbook for things

02:02:56.430 --> 02:02:58.700 align:middle line:84%
to do while visiting North
Central Massachusetts.

02:02:58.700 --> 02:03:00.780 align:middle line:84%
There's also a
comprehensive website.

02:03:00.780 --> 02:03:03.570 align:middle line:84%
This is imperative to
tourism in North Central Mass

02:03:03.570 --> 02:03:05.760 align:middle line:84%
and is a great supporter
of our businesses up there.

02:03:05.760 --> 02:03:08.910 align:middle line:84%
So I ask that this
amendment be adopted.

02:03:08.910 --> 02:03:09.700 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:03:09.700 --> 02:03:12.310 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:03:12.310 --> 02:03:13.560 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:03:13.560 --> 02:03:14.490 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:03:14.490 --> 02:03:17.770 align:middle line:84%
The ayes have it and the
amendment is adopted.

02:03:17.770 --> 02:03:19.840 align:middle line:90%
596 is on hold.

02:03:19.840 --> 02:03:22.920 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT] --601.

02:03:22.920 --> 02:03:26.160 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Ms. L'Italien,

02:03:26.160 --> 02:03:30.010 align:middle line:84%
has filed an amendment the title
of which the clerk will call.

02:03:30.010 --> 02:03:32.090 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
601 by Ms L'Italien,

02:03:32.090 --> 02:03:34.800 align:middle line:90%
Lawrence Partnership.

02:03:34.800 --> 02:03:38.520 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Essex and
Middlesex, Ms. L'Italien.

02:03:38.520 --> 02:03:40.950 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

02:03:40.950 --> 02:03:45.800 align:middle line:84%
This amendment was filed to try
to secure some money, $50,000,

02:03:45.800 --> 02:03:48.050 align:middle line:84%
for the Lawrence
Partnership, a group that's

02:03:48.050 --> 02:03:48.970 align:middle line:90%
been in existence--

02:03:48.970 --> 02:03:52.010 align:middle line:84%
it was actually founded by
my predecessor in the Senate

02:03:52.010 --> 02:03:54.830 align:middle line:84%
Senator Feingold
working in conjunction

02:03:54.830 --> 02:03:59.520 align:middle line:84%
with higher ed, the business
community, and a whole host

02:03:59.520 --> 02:04:02.710 align:middle line:84%
of people that provide
the backbone of services

02:04:02.710 --> 02:04:04.560 align:middle line:90%
in the city of Lawrence.

02:04:04.560 --> 02:04:08.250 align:middle line:84%
What they're doing is they're
providing economic development

02:04:08.250 --> 02:04:08.790 align:middle line:90%
work.

02:04:08.790 --> 02:04:12.280 align:middle line:84%
They're providing streetscape
improvement loans.

02:04:12.280 --> 02:04:15.120 align:middle line:84%
They're really trying to
model what Lowell did.

02:04:15.120 --> 02:04:16.630 align:middle line:90%
Lowell's did a wonderful job.

02:04:16.630 --> 02:04:19.890 align:middle line:90%
Lawrence is trying to catch up.

02:04:19.890 --> 02:04:24.780 align:middle line:84%
And so this is an earmark to try
to help Lawrence with $50,000.

02:04:24.780 --> 02:04:25.950 align:middle line:90%
This was [?

02:04:25.950 --> 02:04:27.370 align:middle line:90%
9C'd ?] last year.

02:04:27.370 --> 02:04:30.800 align:middle line:84%
I'm hopeful that this
will survive this year so

02:04:30.800 --> 02:04:33.400 align:middle line:84%
that Lawrence can continue to
do the good work that they're

02:04:33.400 --> 02:04:36.030 align:middle line:84%
doing working together
to promote the city.

02:04:36.030 --> 02:04:37.200 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Madam President.

02:04:37.200 --> 02:04:40.110 align:middle line:90%


02:04:40.110 --> 02:04:42.800 align:middle line:84%
I have to call-- wait,
I have to say, oh,

02:04:42.800 --> 02:04:44.640 align:middle line:90%
do you want to speak on this?

02:04:44.640 --> 02:04:48.350 align:middle line:84%
Let me call it
[AUDIO OUT] --comes

02:04:48.350 --> 02:04:49.590 align:middle line:90%
on adoption of the amendment.

02:04:49.590 --> 02:04:51.030 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:04:51.030 --> 02:04:51.930 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:04:51.930 --> 02:04:52.970 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:04:52.970 --> 02:04:54.840 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

02:04:54.840 --> 02:04:58.951 align:middle line:84%
Yes, the senator from Essex
and Middlesex Senator Tarr,

02:04:58.951 --> 02:04:59.450 align:middle line:90%
a new chart?

02:04:59.450 --> 02:05:04.810 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, it has been
a fruitful and very energetic

02:05:04.810 --> 02:05:05.590 align:middle line:90%
afternoon.

02:05:05.590 --> 02:05:15.160 align:middle line:84%
And so that we may possibly
have the [AUDIO OUT]

02:05:15.160 --> 02:05:18.990 align:middle line:84%
I move the Senate be
in a brief recess.

02:05:18.990 --> 02:05:20.490 align:middle line:90%
Senate's in a brief recess.

02:05:20.490 --> 02:05:28.120 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:05:28.120 --> 02:05:34.450 align:middle line:84%
-- Senator from Worcester has
moved that the Senate rule 38A

02:05:34.450 --> 02:05:37.500 align:middle line:84%
be suspended so that the
Senate may meet beyond the hour

02:05:37.500 --> 02:05:40.770 align:middle line:84%
of 8:00 PM, and that the motion
be made without the requirement

02:05:40.770 --> 02:05:41.700 align:middle line:90%
of a roll call.

02:05:41.700 --> 02:05:43.090 align:middle line:90%
Is there an objection?

02:05:43.090 --> 02:05:44.720 align:middle line:90%
The chair hears none.

02:05:44.720 --> 02:05:48.470 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
suspension of Senate rule 38A.

02:05:48.470 --> 02:05:49.900 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor, aye.

02:05:49.900 --> 02:05:50.590 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:05:50.590 --> 02:05:51.500 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:05:51.500 --> 02:05:53.600 align:middle line:84%
And the Senate can
proceed to its business

02:05:53.600 --> 02:05:56.540 align:middle line:90%
beyond the hours of 8:00 PM.

02:05:56.540 --> 02:05:57.570 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:05:57.570 --> 02:06:02.190 align:middle line:84%
Now the senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:06:02.190 --> 02:06:04.240 align:middle line:84%
Madam President, I am
so relieved that we've

02:06:04.240 --> 02:06:06.310 align:middle line:84%
adopted that order
just in case we have

02:06:06.310 --> 02:06:08.290 align:middle line:90%
to go past 8:00 PM tonight.

02:06:08.290 --> 02:06:11.510 align:middle line:84%
But in the interim,
Madam President,

02:06:11.510 --> 02:06:16.760 align:middle line:84%
I move pursuant to Rule 13B that
there be a Republican caucus

02:06:16.760 --> 02:06:18.950 align:middle line:90%
until the hour of 7:00 PM.

02:06:18.950 --> 02:06:21.540 align:middle line:84%
And for the edification
of the members,

02:06:21.540 --> 02:06:24.330 align:middle line:84%
there will be charts available
for viewing in the minority

02:06:24.330 --> 02:06:27.670 align:middle line:84%
leader's office if people
would like to peruse them

02:06:27.670 --> 02:06:30.900 align:middle line:90%
over the next hour.

02:06:30.900 --> 02:06:33.690 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:06:33.690 --> 02:06:37.810 align:middle line:84%
[AUDIO OUT] -- moves for
a viewing of his charts.

02:06:37.810 --> 02:06:44.480 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:06:44.480 --> 02:06:47.070 align:middle line:84%
We can proceed with the
business of the Senate.

02:06:47.070 --> 02:06:51.601 align:middle line:84%
And the First Amendment pending
is amendment number 601,

02:06:51.601 --> 02:06:53.600 align:middle line:84%
offered by the senator
from Essex and Middlesex,

02:06:53.600 --> 02:06:54.250 align:middle line:90%
Ms. L'Italien.

02:06:54.250 --> 02:06:55.710 align:middle line:84%
Yeah, we are already
did that [INAUDIBLE]..

02:06:55.710 --> 02:06:57.220 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will

02:06:57.220 --> 02:07:03.320 align:middle line:84%
read, except the chair
has been informed 601

02:07:03.320 --> 02:07:05.390 align:middle line:90%
was disposed of earlier.

02:07:05.390 --> 02:07:08.370 align:middle line:84%
602, offered by the
same senator, the title

02:07:08.370 --> 02:07:10.020 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:07:10.020 --> 02:07:16.210 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 602 by Ms.
L'Italien [SPEAKING LATIN]

02:07:16.210 --> 02:07:18.650 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:07:18.650 --> 02:07:20.300 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. President.

02:07:20.300 --> 02:07:22.240 align:middle line:84%
And I'm looking
forward hopefully

02:07:22.240 --> 02:07:23.850 align:middle line:84%
to an explanation
from the gentle lady

02:07:23.850 --> 02:07:28.819 align:middle line:84%
from the upper Merrimack Valley
about this bilingual amendment.

02:07:28.819 --> 02:07:29.860 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:07:29.860 --> 02:07:35.170 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President
and through you the members.

02:07:35.170 --> 02:07:38.660 align:middle line:84%
So this is an
earmark for $25,000.

02:07:38.660 --> 02:07:40.730 align:middle line:84%
It's for a group called
[SPEAKING LATIN],,

02:07:40.730 --> 02:07:42.750 align:middle line:90%
which means E for all.

02:07:42.750 --> 02:07:45.040 align:middle line:84%
And it's
Entrepreneurship for All.

02:07:45.040 --> 02:07:47.660 align:middle line:84%
And it's the first
entrepreneurship program

02:07:47.660 --> 02:07:50.940 align:middle line:84%
in the country aimed at
Spanish speaking folks.

02:07:50.940 --> 02:07:53.380 align:middle line:84%
And there are close to
80% Spanish speaking

02:07:53.380 --> 02:07:54.810 align:middle line:90%
folks in Lawrence now.

02:07:54.810 --> 02:07:58.740 align:middle line:84%
And so the idea was to
spin off the very popular

02:07:58.740 --> 02:08:02.820 align:middle line:84%
Lowell-based Entrepreneurship
for All program.

02:08:02.820 --> 02:08:08.720 align:middle line:84%
And what they do is they've
created 145 full and part time

02:08:08.720 --> 02:08:10.590 align:middle line:90%
jobs over the last three years.

02:08:10.590 --> 02:08:15.720 align:middle line:84%
They generated $3.5 million
in annual revenue in 2015.

02:08:15.720 --> 02:08:19.830 align:middle line:84%
People pitch their product
as an entrepreneur.

02:08:19.830 --> 02:08:22.250 align:middle line:84%
And if they win, they
are backed and they

02:08:22.250 --> 02:08:23.800 align:middle line:90%
are helped through the process.

02:08:23.800 --> 02:08:25.970 align:middle line:84%
And I know of one
woman who is running

02:08:25.970 --> 02:08:29.230 align:middle line:84%
a very successful travel agency
that started through E for All.

02:08:29.230 --> 02:08:31.970 align:middle line:84%
So it's a really
exciting thing to see

02:08:31.970 --> 02:08:35.520 align:middle line:84%
Latinos understand that they
can be small businessmen.

02:08:35.520 --> 02:08:37.820 align:middle line:84%
They can control
their own destiny.

02:08:37.820 --> 02:08:42.110 align:middle line:84%
And it provides the
guidance for this.

02:08:42.110 --> 02:08:45.060 align:middle line:84%
So this is something very
near and dear to my heart.

02:08:45.060 --> 02:08:47.090 align:middle line:84%
We did include this in
the budget last year.

02:08:47.090 --> 02:08:47.590 align:middle line:90%
It was [?

02:08:47.590 --> 02:08:51.210 align:middle line:84%
9C'd. ?] So I'm grateful for
the opportunity to try to place

02:08:51.210 --> 02:08:52.440 align:middle line:90%
this into the budget again.

02:08:52.440 --> 02:08:53.005 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:08:53.005 --> 02:08:54.880 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] on the
adoption of the amendment.

02:08:54.880 --> 02:08:56.090 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:08:56.090 --> 02:08:57.210 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:08:57.210 --> 02:08:57.979 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:08:57.979 --> 02:08:59.020 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:08:59.020 --> 02:09:03.002 align:middle line:84%
The same senator offers
amendment number 603, the title

02:09:03.002 --> 02:09:04.210 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:09:04.210 --> 02:09:07.370 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 603 by Ms.
L'Italien, Beyond Soccer.

02:09:07.370 --> 02:09:08.000 align:middle line:90%
Ms. L'Italien.

02:09:08.000 --> 02:09:10.540 align:middle line:90%
Thank you [AUDIO OUT].

02:09:10.540 --> 02:09:13.180 align:middle line:84%
Beyond Soccer,
this is an earmark

02:09:13.180 --> 02:09:17.990 align:middle line:84%
to fund Beyond
Soccer for $15,000.

02:09:17.990 --> 02:09:20.390 align:middle line:84%
What Beyond Soccer
does is it uses

02:09:20.390 --> 02:09:23.060 align:middle line:84%
soccer as the
vehicle in Lawrence

02:09:23.060 --> 02:09:27.550 align:middle line:84%
to provide kids with structure,
training, after school

02:09:27.550 --> 02:09:31.430 align:middle line:84%
programming, assistance with
applications for high school

02:09:31.430 --> 02:09:32.840 align:middle line:90%
or for college.

02:09:32.840 --> 02:09:36.950 align:middle line:84%
They run a program that
started just based in Lawrence.

02:09:36.950 --> 02:09:39.210 align:middle line:84%
And they now participate
in travel leagues

02:09:39.210 --> 02:09:42.620 align:middle line:84%
throughout Northeast
Massachusetts.

02:09:42.620 --> 02:09:45.120 align:middle line:84%
They also do summer
camps, summer leagues,

02:09:45.120 --> 02:09:48.090 align:middle line:84%
and they really provide
very needed support

02:09:48.090 --> 02:09:51.150 align:middle line:84%
for kids and structure
and something recreational

02:09:51.150 --> 02:09:53.520 align:middle line:90%
to do in the city of Lawrence.

02:09:53.520 --> 02:09:55.610 align:middle line:84%
The average length of
player participation

02:09:55.610 --> 02:09:57.700 align:middle line:84%
in this organization
is four years.

02:09:57.700 --> 02:10:00.620 align:middle line:84%
Many of their now
college bound alumni

02:10:00.620 --> 02:10:04.310 align:middle line:84%
have been involved since
it was founded in 2011.

02:10:04.310 --> 02:10:05.990 align:middle line:84%
And many of them
are actually playing

02:10:05.990 --> 02:10:07.420 align:middle line:90%
high school and college soccer.

02:10:07.420 --> 02:10:11.150 align:middle line:84%
So it's a wonderful program,
not just for the athletics,

02:10:11.150 --> 02:10:14.180 align:middle line:84%
but again for the structure
and for the opportunity

02:10:14.180 --> 02:10:16.700 align:middle line:90%
to help kids in a holistic way.

02:10:16.700 --> 02:10:18.480 align:middle line:84%
So I thank you for
the opportunity

02:10:18.480 --> 02:10:20.294 align:middle line:90%
to talk about Beyond Soccer.

02:10:20.294 --> 02:10:22.460 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on the
adoption of the amendment.

02:10:22.460 --> 02:10:23.830 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:10:23.830 --> 02:10:24.990 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:10:24.990 --> 02:10:25.920 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:10:25.920 --> 02:10:27.180 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:10:27.180 --> 02:10:29.116 align:middle line:84%
Number 606 offered
by the senator

02:10:29.116 --> 02:10:30.490 align:middle line:84%
from Essex, Ms.
Lovely, the title

02:10:30.490 --> 02:10:31.781 align:middle line:90%
with which the clerk will read.

02:10:31.781 --> 02:10:34.750 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 606 by Ms.
Lovely, Regional Tourism

02:10:34.750 --> 02:10:35.930 align:middle line:90%
Council Grants.

02:10:35.930 --> 02:10:37.360 align:middle line:84%
The question comes
on the adoption

02:10:37.360 --> 02:10:38.350 align:middle line:90%
of the redrafted amendment.

02:10:38.350 --> 02:10:39.820 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:10:39.820 --> 02:10:40.640 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:10:40.640 --> 02:10:42.120 align:middle line:84%
I think we all have
an appreciation

02:10:42.120 --> 02:10:44.900 align:middle line:84%
of how important tourism
is as an industry

02:10:44.900 --> 02:10:45.760 align:middle line:90%
in the Commonwealth.

02:10:45.760 --> 02:10:47.530 align:middle line:84%
And I know that
we all understand

02:10:47.530 --> 02:10:48.990 align:middle line:84%
the importance of
properly funding

02:10:48.990 --> 02:10:50.310 align:middle line:90%
these particular grants.

02:10:50.310 --> 02:10:53.010 align:middle line:84%
And clearly the
gentle lady from Salem

02:10:53.010 --> 02:10:56.510 align:middle line:84%
understands that and is
causing us, hopefully, here

02:10:56.510 --> 02:10:58.020 align:middle line:90%
to take some positive action.

02:10:58.020 --> 02:11:01.100 align:middle line:84%
So I'm hoping that we can
get an explanation from her

02:11:01.100 --> 02:11:04.170 align:middle line:84%
on exactly what this
particular amendment does

02:11:04.170 --> 02:11:07.170 align:middle line:84%
to support tourism councils
in the Commonwealth.

02:11:07.170 --> 02:11:09.910 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Ms. Lovely.

02:11:09.910 --> 02:11:11.967 align:middle line:84%
President, could I ask
for a brief recess.

02:11:11.967 --> 02:11:13.550 align:middle line:84%
Senate will be in a
very brief recess.

02:11:13.550 --> 02:11:23.380 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:11:23.380 --> 02:11:26.580 align:middle line:84%
Chair recognizes the senator
from Essex, Ms. Lovely.

02:11:26.580 --> 02:11:28.100 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:11:28.100 --> 02:11:31.560 align:middle line:84%
This amendment requires the
Regional Tourism Council

02:11:31.560 --> 02:11:34.150 align:middle line:84%
funding distributed by
the Tourism Trust Fund

02:11:34.150 --> 02:11:37.180 align:middle line:84%
to be dispersed by
September 1 of each year.

02:11:37.180 --> 02:11:38.860 align:middle line:84%
I urge support of
this amendment.

02:11:38.860 --> 02:11:42.050 align:middle line:84%
It ensures that Regional Tourism
Councils receive their funding

02:11:42.050 --> 02:11:46.350 align:middle line:84%
in a predictable manner so
they can plan and invest

02:11:46.350 --> 02:11:48.060 align:middle line:84%
so as to maximize
their investment

02:11:48.060 --> 02:11:52.150 align:middle line:84%
in the Commonwealth's
tourism industries.

02:11:52.150 --> 02:11:57.485 align:middle line:84%
For these reasons I ask for
a call of the yays and nays.

02:11:57.485 --> 02:11:59.610 align:middle line:84%
The lady asks for a vote
on the matter to be taken,

02:11:59.610 --> 02:12:01.359 align:middle line:84%
to be take by a call
of the yays and nays.

02:12:01.359 --> 02:12:02.740 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] rise and be counted.

02:12:02.740 --> 02:12:05.090 align:middle line:84%
A sufficient number having
risen when the vote is taken,

02:12:05.090 --> 02:12:09.380 align:middle line:84%
it will be taken by a call
of the ayes and nays, which

02:12:09.380 --> 02:12:10.970 align:middle line:90%
appears to be right now.

02:12:10.970 --> 02:12:12.510 align:middle line:90%
The clerk will call the roll.

02:12:12.510 --> 02:12:32.650 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:12:32.650 --> 02:12:34.480 align:middle line:90%
Stanley C Rosenburg.

02:12:34.480 --> 02:12:35.010 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:35.010 --> 02:12:36.280 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:36.280 --> 02:12:38.089 align:middle line:90%
Michael J Barrett.

02:12:38.089 --> 02:12:38.630 align:middle line:90%
I don't know.

02:12:38.630 --> 02:12:42.910 align:middle line:90%


02:12:42.910 --> 02:12:44.070 align:middle line:90%
Joseph A Boncore.

02:12:44.070 --> 02:12:44.890 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:44.890 --> 02:12:45.830 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:45.830 --> 02:12:47.510 align:middle line:90%
Michael D Brady.

02:12:47.510 --> 02:12:48.010 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:48.010 --> 02:12:49.570 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:49.570 --> 02:12:51.581 align:middle line:90%
William N Brownsberger .

02:12:51.581 --> 02:12:52.080 align:middle line:90%
Yeah.

02:12:52.080 --> 02:12:54.500 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:54.500 --> 02:12:55.760 align:middle line:90%
Harriet L Chandler.

02:12:55.760 --> 02:12:57.230 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:57.230 --> 02:12:59.160 align:middle line:90%
Sonia Chang-Diaz.

02:12:59.160 --> 02:12:59.840 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:12:59.840 --> 02:13:01.110 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:01.110 --> 02:13:03.410 align:middle line:90%
Cynthia Stone Creem.

02:13:03.410 --> 02:13:04.750 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:04.750 --> 02:13:06.090 align:middle line:90%
Julian Cyr.

02:13:06.090 --> 02:13:06.920 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:06.920 --> 02:13:07.900 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:07.900 --> 02:13:10.720 align:middle line:90%
Viriato M. deMacedo.

02:13:10.720 --> 02:13:11.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:11.740 --> 02:13:12.240 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:12.240 --> 02:13:13.350 align:middle line:90%
Sal N. Dimenico.

02:13:13.350 --> 02:13:17.330 align:middle line:90%


02:13:17.330 --> 02:13:18.901 align:middle line:90%
Eileen M Donahue.

02:13:18.901 --> 02:13:19.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:19.400 --> 02:13:19.900 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:19.900 --> 02:13:21.611 align:middle line:90%
James B. Eldridge.

02:13:21.611 --> 02:13:22.110 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:22.110 --> 02:13:24.890 align:middle line:90%
Yes Ryan C. Fattman.

02:13:24.890 --> 02:13:26.160 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:26.160 --> 02:13:28.531 align:middle line:90%
Jennifer L Flanagan.

02:13:28.531 --> 02:13:29.030 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:29.030 --> 02:13:29.530 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:29.530 --> 02:13:31.170 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry.

02:13:31.170 --> 02:13:34.200 align:middle line:90%


02:13:34.200 --> 02:13:37.480 align:middle line:90%
Anne M Gobi.

02:13:37.480 --> 02:13:38.880 align:middle line:90%
Adam G Hinds.

02:13:38.880 --> 02:13:39.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:39.400 --> 02:13:40.360 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:40.360 --> 02:13:42.370 align:middle line:90%
Donald F. Humason Jr.

02:13:42.370 --> 02:13:42.930 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:42.930 --> 02:13:44.070 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:44.070 --> 02:13:45.860 align:middle line:90%
Patricia D. Jehlen.

02:13:45.860 --> 02:13:46.700 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:46.700 --> 02:13:47.820 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:47.820 --> 02:13:49.830 align:middle line:90%
John F. Keenan.

02:13:49.830 --> 02:13:51.590 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:51.590 --> 02:13:53.981 align:middle line:90%
Eric P. Lesser.

02:13:53.981 --> 02:13:54.480 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:54.480 --> 02:13:55.000 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:55.000 --> 02:13:58.070 align:middle line:90%
Jason M. Lewis.

02:13:58.070 --> 02:13:58.570 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:58.570 --> 02:13:59.070 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:13:59.070 --> 02:14:01.010 align:middle line:90%
Barbara A. L'Italien.

02:14:01.010 --> 02:14:01.510 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:01.510 --> 02:14:02.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:02.440 --> 02:14:03.830 align:middle line:90%
Joan B. Lovely.

02:14:03.830 --> 02:14:04.590 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:04.590 --> 02:14:05.440 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:05.440 --> 02:14:07.050 align:middle line:90%
Thomas N. McGee.

02:14:07.050 --> 02:14:07.550 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:07.550 --> 02:14:09.960 align:middle line:90%
Yes, Mark C. Montigny.

02:14:09.960 --> 02:14:10.860 align:middle line:90%
Yeah.

02:14:10.860 --> 02:14:11.770 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:11.770 --> 02:14:13.000 align:middle line:90%
Michael O. Moore.

02:14:13.000 --> 02:14:14.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:14.120 --> 02:14:15.050 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:15.050 --> 02:14:17.030 align:middle line:90%
Patrick M. O'Connor.

02:14:17.030 --> 02:14:17.650 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:17.650 --> 02:14:18.930 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:18.930 --> 02:14:21.140 align:middle line:90%
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.

02:14:21.140 --> 02:14:21.890 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:21.890 --> 02:14:22.800 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:22.800 --> 02:14:24.710 align:middle line:90%
Marc R. Pacheco.

02:14:24.710 --> 02:14:25.390 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:25.390 --> 02:14:26.420 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:26.420 --> 02:14:28.670 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Rodrigues.

02:14:28.670 --> 02:14:29.170 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:29.170 --> 02:14:29.890 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:29.890 --> 02:14:31.490 align:middle line:90%
Richard J. Ross.

02:14:31.490 --> 02:14:32.500 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:32.500 --> 02:14:33.460 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:33.460 --> 02:14:35.290 align:middle line:90%
Michael F. Rush.

02:14:35.290 --> 02:14:35.790 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:35.790 --> 02:14:36.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:36.740 --> 02:14:38.951 align:middle line:90%
Karen E. Spilka.

02:14:38.951 --> 02:14:39.450 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:39.450 --> 02:14:39.950 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:39.950 --> 02:14:41.380 align:middle line:90%
Bruce E. Tarr.

02:14:41.380 --> 02:14:41.960 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:41.960 --> 02:14:42.940 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:42.940 --> 02:14:44.470 align:middle line:90%
Walter F. Timilty.

02:14:44.470 --> 02:14:45.190 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:45.190 --> 02:14:46.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:46.150 --> 02:14:48.290 align:middle line:90%
James T. Welch.

02:14:48.290 --> 02:14:48.820 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:48.820 --> 02:14:49.050 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:14:49.050 --> 02:14:50.508 align:middle line:84%
Have all the members
been recorded?

02:14:50.508 --> 02:14:53.910 align:middle line:90%


02:14:53.910 --> 02:14:54.470 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:14:54.470 --> 02:14:56.896 align:middle line:90%
Michael J Barrett votes yes.

02:14:56.896 --> 02:14:59.020 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Middlesex and
Sussex, Mr. Di Dimenico.

02:14:59.020 --> 02:15:03.220 align:middle line:90%


02:15:03.220 --> 02:15:05.430 align:middle line:90%
Sal N Di Dimenico votes yes.

02:15:05.430 --> 02:15:08.520 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Suffolk, Ms. Forry.

02:15:08.520 --> 02:15:11.190 align:middle line:84%
Mr President, I
wish to be recorded.

02:15:11.190 --> 02:15:12.350 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry.

02:15:12.350 --> 02:15:12.900 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:15:12.900 --> 02:15:13.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:15:13.400 --> 02:15:16.350 align:middle line:90%


02:15:16.350 --> 02:15:17.220 align:middle line:90%
Just Gobi.

02:15:17.220 --> 02:15:18.090 align:middle line:90%
Just Gobi.

02:15:18.090 --> 02:15:35.120 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:15:35.120 --> 02:15:47.400 align:middle line:84%
Worcestor, Hamdon, Hampshire,
and Middlesex, Ms. Gobi.

02:15:47.400 --> 02:15:48.750 align:middle line:90%
606.

02:15:48.750 --> 02:15:51.100 align:middle line:84%
Mr President, have
I been recorded?

02:15:51.100 --> 02:15:52.091 align:middle line:90%
You have not.

02:15:52.091 --> 02:15:54.340 align:middle line:84%
I would like to be recorded
in the affirmative please.

02:15:54.340 --> 02:15:55.450 align:middle line:90%
Anne M Gobi votes yes.

02:15:55.450 --> 02:16:09.961 align:middle line:90%
[AUDIO OUT]

02:16:09.961 --> 02:16:12.210 align:middle line:84%
-- on this matter, 38 having
voted in the affirmative,

02:16:12.210 --> 02:16:15.560 align:middle line:84%
none in the negative,
the amendment is adopted.

02:16:15.560 --> 02:16:18.990 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment is offered
by the senator from Essex, Ms.

02:16:18.990 --> 02:16:19.490 align:middle line:90%
Lovely.

02:16:19.490 --> 02:16:21.400 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:16:21.400 --> 02:16:24.990 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 607 by Ms.
Lovely, Essex National Heritage

02:16:24.990 --> 02:16:25.660 align:middle line:90%
Area.

02:16:25.660 --> 02:16:27.560 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:16:27.560 --> 02:16:29.150 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:16:29.150 --> 02:16:30.280 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:16:30.280 --> 02:16:31.210 align:middle line:90%
The no's have it.

02:16:31.210 --> 02:16:32.670 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:16:32.670 --> 02:16:34.690 align:middle line:84%
Number 608 is offered
by the senator

02:16:34.690 --> 02:16:36.379 align:middle line:90%
from the Berkshires, Mr. Hinds.

02:16:36.379 --> 02:16:38.049 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:16:38.049 --> 02:16:41.830 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 608 by
Mr. Hinds, Western Mass

02:16:41.830 --> 02:16:44.150 align:middle line:90%
Entrepreneurship Programming.

02:16:44.150 --> 02:16:46.920 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on adoption
of the redrafted amendment.

02:16:46.920 --> 02:16:48.969 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:16:48.969 --> 02:16:50.090 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:16:50.090 --> 02:16:50.930 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:16:50.930 --> 02:16:52.520 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:16:52.520 --> 02:16:55.975 align:middle line:84%
Number 609 is offered by the
senator from Essex, Ms. Lovely.

02:16:55.975 --> 02:16:57.600 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:16:57.600 --> 02:17:01.510 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 609 by
Ms. Lovely, Artists Row.

02:17:01.510 --> 02:17:04.170 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:17:04.170 --> 02:17:05.580 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:17:05.580 --> 02:17:07.110 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:17:07.110 --> 02:17:08.910 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:17:08.910 --> 02:17:11.030 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

02:17:11.030 --> 02:17:13.316 align:middle line:84%
Number 610 is offered
by the same Senate.

02:17:13.316 --> 02:17:14.940 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:17:14.940 --> 02:17:18.860 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 610 by Ms.
Lovely, Peabody Salem Trolley

02:17:18.860 --> 02:17:19.389 align:middle line:90%
Study.

02:17:19.389 --> 02:17:21.760 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:17:21.760 --> 02:17:23.160 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:17:23.160 --> 02:17:24.250 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:17:24.250 --> 02:17:25.139 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:17:25.139 --> 02:17:26.299 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:17:26.299 --> 02:17:28.430 align:middle line:84%
611 is offered by
the same senator.

02:17:28.430 --> 02:17:30.920 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:17:30.920 --> 02:17:33.750 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 611 by
Ms. Lovely, Peabody Fire

02:17:33.750 --> 02:17:35.060 align:middle line:90%
and Police Memorial.

02:17:35.060 --> 02:17:37.059 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:17:37.059 --> 02:17:38.389 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

02:17:38.389 --> 02:17:39.510 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:17:39.510 --> 02:17:40.319 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:17:40.319 --> 02:17:41.360 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:17:41.360 --> 02:17:43.400 align:middle line:90%
Number 612 by the same senator.

02:17:43.400 --> 02:17:45.309 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:17:45.309 --> 02:17:48.420 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 612 by Ms.
Lovely, Peabody's Centennial

02:17:48.420 --> 02:17:49.730 align:middle line:90%
Celebration.

02:17:49.730 --> 02:17:52.650 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:17:52.650 --> 02:17:55.360 align:middle line:90%
The senator from Essex Mr. Tarr.

02:17:55.360 --> 02:17:57.690 align:middle line:84%
Madam President,
[INAUDIBLE]---- President,

02:17:57.690 --> 02:18:00.709 align:middle line:84%
I am hoping that we can hear
a little bit about the Peabody

02:18:00.709 --> 02:18:03.870 align:middle line:84%
Centennial Celebration,
particularly because many of us

02:18:03.870 --> 02:18:04.930 align:middle line:90%
may like to attend.

02:18:04.930 --> 02:18:06.306 align:middle line:90%
It is a wonderful community.

02:18:06.306 --> 02:18:08.139 align:middle line:84%
And I'm hoping we can
hear a little bit more

02:18:08.139 --> 02:18:11.510 align:middle line:84%
about our opportunity to
participate in celebrating

02:18:11.510 --> 02:18:12.870 align:middle line:90%
its very existence.

02:18:12.870 --> 02:18:14.129 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:18:14.129 --> 02:18:15.059 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:18:15.059 --> 02:18:19.270 align:middle line:84%
Appreciate the
suffix being amended

02:18:19.270 --> 02:18:21.490 align:middle line:90%
as you moved through that.

02:18:21.490 --> 02:18:29.629 align:middle line:84%
The Chair recognizes the
senator from Essex Ms. Lovely.

02:18:29.629 --> 02:18:31.110 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:18:31.110 --> 02:18:34.930 align:middle line:84%
This amendment provides
$25,000 to the city of Peabody

02:18:34.930 --> 02:18:36.740 align:middle line:90%
for its Centennial Celebration.

02:18:36.740 --> 02:18:39.930 align:middle line:84%
Over 100 years ago
in 1916, residents

02:18:39.930 --> 02:18:42.270 align:middle line:84%
of what was originally
South Danvers

02:18:42.270 --> 02:18:45.190 align:middle line:84%
voted in favor of becoming
the city of Peabody.

02:18:45.190 --> 02:18:48.059 align:middle line:84%
The city is named for
George Peabody, widely known

02:18:48.059 --> 02:18:51.120 align:middle line:84%
as the father of
modern philanthropy.

02:18:51.120 --> 02:18:55.209 align:middle line:84%
To commemorate its history, the
Peabody Centennial Committee

02:18:55.209 --> 02:18:59.139 align:middle line:84%
planned five major events to
mark this historic occasion--

02:18:59.139 --> 02:19:02.959 align:middle line:84%
a family festival at Brooksby
Farm, a Stars and Stripes

02:19:02.959 --> 02:19:07.120 align:middle line:84%
concert held in July, a
Grand Centennial Parade

02:19:07.120 --> 02:19:13.440 align:middle line:84%
held last October, a Centennial
party held this past January,

02:19:13.440 --> 02:19:18.160 align:middle line:84%
and a Centennial Grand Ball
recently celebrated last month.

02:19:18.160 --> 02:19:20.037 align:middle line:84%
These events not
only helped celebrate

02:19:20.037 --> 02:19:21.620 align:middle line:84%
the history of the
city, but they also

02:19:21.620 --> 02:19:23.245 align:middle line:84%
generated commerce
in the city for many

02:19:23.245 --> 02:19:24.660 align:middle line:90%
of its local businesses.

02:19:24.660 --> 02:19:27.820 align:middle line:84%
I do have to tell the
gentleman from Gloucester

02:19:27.820 --> 02:19:31.139 align:middle line:84%
that all five events
have already taken place.

02:19:31.139 --> 02:19:33.129 align:middle line:84%
So my apologies that
you're not going to be

02:19:33.129 --> 02:19:34.309 align:middle line:90%
able to attend any of them.

02:19:34.309 --> 02:19:37.767 align:middle line:90%


02:19:37.767 --> 02:19:39.100 align:middle line:90%
I hope the amendment is adopted.

02:19:39.100 --> 02:19:40.820 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:19:40.820 --> 02:19:42.820 align:middle line:84%
The question comes in
adoption of the amendment.

02:19:42.820 --> 02:19:44.209 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:19:44.209 --> 02:19:45.420 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:19:45.420 --> 02:19:48.219 align:middle line:84%
The ayes have it, and
the amendment is adopted.

02:19:48.219 --> 02:19:50.310 align:middle line:84%
The next is 613,
offered by the Senator

02:19:50.310 --> 02:19:51.840 align:middle line:90%
from the Berkshires, Mr. Hines.

02:19:51.840 --> 02:19:54.500 align:middle line:84%
A redrafted amendment, the title
to which the clerk will read.

02:19:54.500 --> 02:19:58.780 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 613 by Mr.
Hines, Berkshire Blueprint 2.0.

02:19:58.780 --> 02:20:00.900 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:20:00.900 --> 02:20:02.360 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:20:02.360 --> 02:20:03.440 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:20:03.440 --> 02:20:04.349 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:20:04.349 --> 02:20:05.390 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:20:05.390 --> 02:20:07.840 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Ms. Lovely

02:20:07.840 --> 02:20:10.800 align:middle line:84%
offers number 614, the title
of which the clerk will read.

02:20:10.800 --> 02:20:15.440 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 614 by
Ms. Lovely, GAR Hall.

02:20:15.440 --> 02:20:18.070 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:20:18.070 --> 02:20:19.960 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say--

02:20:19.960 --> 02:20:24.849 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Tar, please rise
and ask a question.

02:20:24.849 --> 02:20:25.890 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:20:25.890 --> 02:20:27.473 align:middle line:84%
Through you to the
members, I'm hoping

02:20:27.473 --> 02:20:31.010 align:middle line:84%
that GAR Hall may still be open
so that we can come and visit

02:20:31.010 --> 02:20:31.510 align:middle line:90%
it.

02:20:31.510 --> 02:20:34.430 align:middle line:84%
And I'm hoping that the
gentle lady from Salem

02:20:34.430 --> 02:20:35.850 align:middle line:90%
can explain that for us.

02:20:35.850 --> 02:20:37.080 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:20:37.080 --> 02:20:39.890 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Ms. Lovely.

02:20:39.890 --> 02:20:41.620 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:20:41.620 --> 02:20:45.130 align:middle line:84%
The John H. Chipman,
Jr. Post Number 89,

02:20:45.130 --> 02:20:48.490 align:middle line:84%
as it is formally called by
the Grand Army of the Republic,

02:20:48.490 --> 02:20:50.650 align:middle line:84%
is one of the oldest
buildings in Beverly.

02:20:50.650 --> 02:20:54.070 align:middle line:84%
Built in 1868, the Grand
Army of the Republic Hall's

02:20:54.070 --> 02:20:56.200 align:middle line:84%
historic reputation and
role in the community

02:20:56.200 --> 02:20:58.310 align:middle line:90%
was originally a Baptist church.

02:20:58.310 --> 02:20:59.810 align:middle line:84%
Over the past
century and a half,

02:20:59.810 --> 02:21:01.940 align:middle line:84%
the Hall has taken
on several roles.

02:21:01.940 --> 02:21:04.780 align:middle line:84%
The GAR Hall currently
serves as a meeting place

02:21:04.780 --> 02:21:07.290 align:middle line:84%
for several local clubs and
organizations, including

02:21:07.290 --> 02:21:09.770 align:middle line:84%
the Beverly Recreation
Department, Senior Citizens'

02:21:09.770 --> 02:21:11.410 align:middle line:90%
Club, and youth dance classes.

02:21:11.410 --> 02:21:12.500 align:middle line:90%
[SIDE CONVERSATIONS]

02:21:12.500 --> 02:21:15.440 align:middle line:84%
The local veteran service office
is also located in the building

02:21:15.440 --> 02:21:18.490 align:middle line:84%
at 8 Dane Street, providing
assistance and resources

02:21:18.490 --> 02:21:19.770 align:middle line:90%
to Beverly veterans.

02:21:19.770 --> 02:21:22.717 align:middle line:84%
In 2010, the GAR
Hall received $50,000

02:21:22.717 --> 02:21:24.800 align:middle line:84%
in state funding for repairs
to the building roof.

02:21:24.800 --> 02:21:28.860 align:middle line:84%
However, further rehabilitation
is needed, particularly

02:21:28.860 --> 02:21:32.270 align:middle line:90%
to the building's interior.

02:21:32.270 --> 02:21:35.020 align:middle line:84%
The Hall is of immense
importance to the Beverly

02:21:35.020 --> 02:21:37.790 align:middle line:84%
community, and my support
for the amendment cannot be

02:21:37.790 --> 02:21:38.610 align:middle line:90%
overstated.

02:21:38.610 --> 02:21:39.670 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:21:39.670 --> 02:21:41.110 align:middle line:90%
Hope the amendment is adopted.

02:21:41.110 --> 02:21:42.943 align:middle line:84%
Question comes in
adoption of the amendment.

02:21:42.943 --> 02:21:44.110 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:21:44.110 --> 02:21:45.270 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:21:45.270 --> 02:21:46.130 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:21:46.130 --> 02:21:47.480 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:21:47.480 --> 02:21:50.062 align:middle line:84%
Number 615 is offered by
the same senator, the title

02:21:50.062 --> 02:21:51.270 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:21:51.270 --> 02:21:54.690 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 615 by Ms.
Lovely, Beverly infrastructure

02:21:54.690 --> 02:21:55.830 align:middle line:90%
grants.

02:21:55.830 --> 02:21:57.980 align:middle line:90%
The senator from Essex, Mr. Tar.

02:21:57.980 --> 02:21:59.450 align:middle line:90%
Well, well, well, Mr. President.

02:21:59.450 --> 02:22:02.190 align:middle line:84%
The gentle lady from
Salem is clearly on a roll

02:22:02.190 --> 02:22:03.110 align:middle line:90%
here this evening.

02:22:03.110 --> 02:22:06.970 align:middle line:84%
And so that we can further
understand the magic of what's

02:22:06.970 --> 02:22:08.370 align:middle line:84%
going on here,
I'm hoping that we

02:22:08.370 --> 02:22:12.040 align:middle line:84%
can get an explanation
of amendment number 615,

02:22:12.040 --> 02:22:16.010 align:middle line:84%
which relates to the
fine city of Beverly.

02:22:16.010 --> 02:22:19.980 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Ms. Lovely.

02:22:19.980 --> 02:22:21.740 align:middle line:84%
This amendment addresses
the intersection

02:22:21.740 --> 02:22:24.970 align:middle line:84%
of Enid Street at Dodge Street
and Laurel Street in Beverly.

02:22:24.970 --> 02:22:29.860 align:middle line:84%
The intersection has witnessed
45 crashes over the past four

02:22:29.860 --> 02:22:32.960 align:middle line:84%
years, making it a high crash
intersection by Mass DOT

02:22:32.960 --> 02:22:33.920 align:middle line:90%
standards.

02:22:33.920 --> 02:22:37.600 align:middle line:84%
In January of 2017, Mass DOT
released a road safety audit

02:22:37.600 --> 02:22:40.420 align:middle line:84%
for Enid Street, which is Route
1A at Dodge street and Laurel

02:22:40.420 --> 02:22:43.490 align:middle line:84%
Street, and a key objective
of the safety audit

02:22:43.490 --> 02:22:46.030 align:middle line:84%
was to identify both the short
term and long term safety

02:22:46.030 --> 02:22:48.490 align:middle line:84%
improvements that can be made
at the subject intersection

02:22:48.490 --> 02:22:51.090 align:middle line:84%
and incorporate
potential improvements.

02:22:51.090 --> 02:22:54.850 align:middle line:84%
The funding would help implement
recommendations from the audit,

02:22:54.850 --> 02:22:56.720 align:middle line:84%
and I hope the
amendment is adopted.

02:22:56.720 --> 02:22:58.070 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:22:58.070 --> 02:23:00.070 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the
adoption of the amendment.

02:23:00.070 --> 02:23:01.550 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:23:01.550 --> 02:23:02.650 align:middle line:90%
Opposed no.

02:23:02.650 --> 02:23:04.850 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:23:04.850 --> 02:23:07.410 align:middle line:84%
And the next is 616,
offered by the senator

02:23:07.410 --> 02:23:08.970 align:middle line:90%
from the Berkshires, Mr. Hines.

02:23:08.970 --> 02:23:10.630 align:middle line:84%
The title of which
the clerk will read.

02:23:10.630 --> 02:23:14.100 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 616 by
Mr. Hines, regional tourism

02:23:14.100 --> 02:23:15.640 align:middle line:90%
councils.

02:23:15.640 --> 02:23:17.490 align:middle line:84%
The question comes
on the amendment.

02:23:17.490 --> 02:23:20.550 align:middle line:84%
The senator from the
Berkshires, Mr. Hines.

02:23:20.550 --> 02:23:23.004 align:middle line:84%
President, thank you, and
through you, to the members.

02:23:23.004 --> 02:23:24.420 align:middle line:84%
I wanted to take
a moment to speak

02:23:24.420 --> 02:23:28.510 align:middle line:84%
about the value of investing in
our regional tourism councils

02:23:28.510 --> 02:23:29.940 align:middle line:90%
and tourism in general.

02:23:29.940 --> 02:23:33.500 align:middle line:84%
It is the case right now, if
we were to ask any one of you

02:23:33.500 --> 02:23:36.890 align:middle line:84%
here, if we were to
invest $4.2 million

02:23:36.890 --> 02:23:42.530 align:middle line:84%
for the return of $1.3 billion
in tax revenue and $20 billion

02:23:42.530 --> 02:23:45.310 align:middle line:84%
in direct spending,
would you take it?

02:23:45.310 --> 02:23:48.340 align:middle line:84%
And the answer would
typically be yes.

02:23:48.340 --> 02:23:51.157 align:middle line:84%
And yet we often find that
currently the administration

02:23:51.157 --> 02:23:52.990 align:middle line:84%
is withholding considerable
amounts of money

02:23:52.990 --> 02:23:54.920 align:middle line:84%
from our regional
tourism councils.

02:23:54.920 --> 02:23:57.990 align:middle line:84%
And it's creating a situation
where a lot of our councils

02:23:57.990 --> 02:24:01.290 align:middle line:84%
are losing market
share and losing

02:24:01.290 --> 02:24:02.720 align:middle line:84%
in competition at
the moment when

02:24:02.720 --> 02:24:04.120 align:middle line:90%
we should be spending more.

02:24:04.120 --> 02:24:06.090 align:middle line:84%
And so I just wanted
to go on the record

02:24:06.090 --> 02:24:09.320 align:middle line:84%
in emphasizing the value
of our tourism councils

02:24:09.320 --> 02:24:11.300 align:middle line:84%
and the investment that
needs to take place.

02:24:11.300 --> 02:24:13.290 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:24:13.290 --> 02:24:20.540 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Plymouth and
Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.

02:24:20.540 --> 02:24:21.610 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:24:21.610 --> 02:24:23.820 align:middle line:84%
And I just want to
thank the gentleman

02:24:23.820 --> 02:24:25.150 align:middle line:90%
from Western Massachusetts--

02:24:25.150 --> 02:24:29.302 align:middle line:84%
Pittsfield, correct--
for his advocacy on this.

02:24:29.302 --> 02:24:30.510 align:middle line:90%
I appreciate all the efforts.

02:24:30.510 --> 02:24:32.810 align:middle line:84%
This is a very
important amendment.

02:24:32.810 --> 02:24:35.062 align:middle line:84%
I appreciate the work
that you've done.

02:24:35.062 --> 02:24:37.270 align:middle line:84%
Our regional tourism councils
around the Commonwealth

02:24:37.270 --> 02:24:41.060 align:middle line:84%
do an amazing job of
getting the message out

02:24:41.060 --> 02:24:43.110 align:middle line:90%
from a unique perspective.

02:24:43.110 --> 02:24:47.970 align:middle line:84%
They understand that this
is a very diverse state

02:24:47.970 --> 02:24:51.630 align:middle line:84%
and what is interesting in Cape
Cod is very different than what

02:24:51.630 --> 02:24:53.430 align:middle line:84%
is interesting in
Western Massachusetts

02:24:53.430 --> 02:24:57.420 align:middle line:84%
or in the Johnny Appleseed
area or many other parts

02:24:57.420 --> 02:24:58.100 align:middle line:90%
of this state.

02:24:58.100 --> 02:25:00.930 align:middle line:84%
And these regional tourism
councils are able to focus,

02:25:00.930 --> 02:25:04.300 align:middle line:84%
and they are able to leverage
this money with matching

02:25:04.300 --> 02:25:06.606 align:middle line:84%
dollars, private sector
dollars, so we are getting

02:25:06.606 --> 02:25:07.730 align:middle line:90%
a bigger bang for the buck.

02:25:07.730 --> 02:25:09.300 align:middle line:84%
So I want to support
this amendment.

02:25:09.300 --> 02:25:12.200 align:middle line:84%
I thank the gentleman
for bringing it up.

02:25:12.200 --> 02:25:15.170 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] Island's Mr. Cyr.

02:25:15.170 --> 02:25:17.150 align:middle line:84%
President, and through
you to the members,

02:25:17.150 --> 02:25:18.840 align:middle line:84%
I rise in support
of this amendment,

02:25:18.840 --> 02:25:21.950 align:middle line:84%
and thank my colleague from
the Hinterlands caucus.

02:25:21.950 --> 02:25:24.330 align:middle line:84%
It will be no
surprise to folks I

02:25:24.330 --> 02:25:27.850 align:middle line:84%
spoke about the
importance of our tourism

02:25:27.850 --> 02:25:30.420 align:middle line:84%
economy and small
businesses earlier today.

02:25:30.420 --> 02:25:33.850 align:middle line:84%
I just want to reiterate what
my colleague from Pittsfield

02:25:33.850 --> 02:25:36.690 align:middle line:84%
and colleague from Plymouth
mentioned about how, really,

02:25:36.690 --> 02:25:39.850 align:middle line:84%
this is the third largest
sector in our economy

02:25:39.850 --> 02:25:40.830 align:middle line:90%
here in Massachusetts.

02:25:40.830 --> 02:25:47.550 align:middle line:84%
And in a $40 billion budget,
in a robust commonwealth,

02:25:47.550 --> 02:25:49.120 align:middle line:84%
I think we really
need to make sure

02:25:49.120 --> 02:25:52.320 align:middle line:84%
that we're continuing to promote
tourism and be competitive.

02:25:52.320 --> 02:25:54.080 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:25:54.080 --> 02:25:56.080 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the
adoption of the amendment.

02:25:56.080 --> 02:25:57.490 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:25:57.490 --> 02:25:58.700 align:middle line:90%
Opposed no.

02:25:58.700 --> 02:25:59.610 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:25:59.610 --> 02:26:01.160 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:26:01.160 --> 02:26:02.980 align:middle line:84%
Number 617 is offered
by the senator

02:26:02.980 --> 02:26:06.020 align:middle line:84%
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title
of which the clerk will read.

02:26:06.020 --> 02:26:09.320 align:middle line:84%
Amendment 617 by Mr. Tarr,
independent contractor

02:26:09.320 --> 02:26:10.900 align:middle line:90%
in the creative economy.

02:26:10.900 --> 02:26:13.310 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:26:13.310 --> 02:26:16.260 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, I
request unanimous consent

02:26:16.260 --> 02:26:20.280 align:middle line:84%
to withdraw the
pending amendment.

02:26:20.280 --> 02:26:21.500 align:middle line:90%
Is there objection?

02:26:21.500 --> 02:26:22.660 align:middle line:90%
The chair hears none.

02:26:22.660 --> 02:26:23.920 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is withdrawn.

02:26:23.920 --> 02:26:26.952 align:middle line:84%
Number 618 offered by the
same senator, the title

02:26:26.952 --> 02:26:28.160 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:26:28.160 --> 02:26:32.080 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 618 by Mr.
Tarr, a creative economy master

02:26:32.080 --> 02:26:33.090 align:middle line:90%
plan.

02:26:33.090 --> 02:26:35.189 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:26:35.189 --> 02:26:36.230 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:26:36.230 --> 02:26:38.120 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, as you
and I and many others

02:26:38.120 --> 02:26:41.980 align:middle line:84%
have discussed in the past,
one of the emerging sectors

02:26:41.980 --> 02:26:43.410 align:middle line:84%
of our economy and
one of the ones

02:26:43.410 --> 02:26:46.370 align:middle line:84%
that holds the most promise
even as it delivers currently

02:26:46.370 --> 02:26:49.940 align:middle line:84%
benefits for employment
and economic sustainability

02:26:49.940 --> 02:26:51.530 align:middle line:90%
is the creative economy.

02:26:51.530 --> 02:26:54.110 align:middle line:84%
And so, Mr. President,
to properly focus

02:26:54.110 --> 02:26:56.510 align:middle line:84%
the attention and the
resources of state government

02:26:56.510 --> 02:26:59.880 align:middle line:84%
on facilitating the growth
in the creative economy,

02:26:59.880 --> 02:27:02.170 align:middle line:84%
this amendment would
require a master plan

02:27:02.170 --> 02:27:04.200 align:middle line:90%
to be created and maintained.

02:27:04.200 --> 02:27:06.280 align:middle line:84%
And one that would
focus specifically

02:27:06.280 --> 02:27:08.210 align:middle line:84%
on the many cultural
districts that we've

02:27:08.210 --> 02:27:10.040 align:middle line:84%
created throughout
the Commonwealth

02:27:10.040 --> 02:27:12.820 align:middle line:84%
as nodes of growth, but
also, Mr. President,

02:27:12.820 --> 02:27:14.830 align:middle line:84%
to look at other areas
of the Commonwealth

02:27:14.830 --> 02:27:17.140 align:middle line:84%
where there is
tremendous opportunity

02:27:17.140 --> 02:27:20.730 align:middle line:84%
to be able to have
increased participation

02:27:20.730 --> 02:27:21.820 align:middle line:90%
in the creative economy.

02:27:21.820 --> 02:27:23.830 align:middle line:84%
And particularly, Mr.
President, perhaps

02:27:23.830 --> 02:27:26.080 align:middle line:84%
in some areas where
there might not

02:27:26.080 --> 02:27:28.830 align:middle line:84%
be the other kinds of
industrial infrastructure

02:27:28.830 --> 02:27:30.820 align:middle line:90%
to facilitate economic growth.

02:27:30.820 --> 02:27:33.860 align:middle line:84%
And this particular
sector offers great hope,

02:27:33.860 --> 02:27:36.910 align:middle line:84%
because it does not require
some of those same types

02:27:36.910 --> 02:27:37.790 align:middle line:90%
of infrastructure.

02:27:37.790 --> 02:27:40.870 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, I
know that we are all

02:27:40.870 --> 02:27:43.080 align:middle line:84%
supportive of this
particular idea

02:27:43.080 --> 02:27:45.317 align:middle line:84%
and this particular
amendment, and Mr. President,

02:27:45.317 --> 02:27:46.650 align:middle line:90%
I hope the amendment is adopted.

02:27:46.650 --> 02:27:49.550 align:middle line:90%


02:27:49.550 --> 02:27:51.450 align:middle line:84%
Question [INAUDIBLE]
the amendment.

02:27:51.450 --> 02:27:53.050 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:27:53.050 --> 02:27:54.120 align:middle line:90%
Opposed no.

02:27:54.120 --> 02:27:58.780 align:middle line:84%
The nos have it today, but
not necessarily in the future.

02:27:58.780 --> 02:28:02.150 align:middle line:90%


02:28:02.150 --> 02:28:04.412 align:middle line:84%
Number 619 offered by the
same senator, the title

02:28:04.412 --> 02:28:05.620 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:28:05.620 --> 02:28:07.580 align:middle line:84%
Amendment Number
619 by Mr. Tarr,

02:28:07.580 --> 02:28:11.587 align:middle line:84%
promoting savings for
first time home buyers.

02:28:11.587 --> 02:28:13.420 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the
amendment, the senator

02:28:13.420 --> 02:28:14.730 align:middle line:90%
from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:28:14.730 --> 02:28:16.030 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:28:16.030 --> 02:28:18.640 align:middle line:84%
This is an amendment
that reflects legislation

02:28:18.640 --> 02:28:22.000 align:middle line:84%
that we've also been filing
over the last couple of years,

02:28:22.000 --> 02:28:24.670 align:middle line:84%
recognizing the fact
that one of the greatest

02:28:24.670 --> 02:28:28.760 align:middle line:84%
hurdles to homeownership is
trying, for first time buyers,

02:28:28.760 --> 02:28:31.690 align:middle line:84%
to have the resources to be
able to make a down payment,

02:28:31.690 --> 02:28:35.390 align:middle line:84%
to be able to pay for purchase
money insurance, otherwise

02:28:35.390 --> 02:28:36.630 align:middle line:90%
known as PMI.

02:28:36.630 --> 02:28:40.360 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President,
to be able to allow

02:28:40.360 --> 02:28:43.200 align:middle line:84%
folks to gather the
resources for that

02:28:43.200 --> 02:28:45.810 align:middle line:84%
and to have a tax benefit
in order to do that,

02:28:45.810 --> 02:28:51.170 align:middle line:84%
this particular amendment
creates a tax deferred program

02:28:51.170 --> 02:28:56.720 align:middle line:84%
allowing, Mr. President,
the accumulation

02:28:56.720 --> 02:29:00.810 align:middle line:84%
of savings of up to
$2,500 for that purpose.

02:29:00.810 --> 02:29:03.250 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, we
all know how important

02:29:03.250 --> 02:29:06.010 align:middle line:84%
it is for folks to be able
to purchase their first home.

02:29:06.010 --> 02:29:09.780 align:middle line:84%
We all know how hard they work
to be able to accomplish that.

02:29:09.780 --> 02:29:13.610 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President, this
particular amendment

02:29:13.610 --> 02:29:16.270 align:middle line:84%
allows an account to
be created and for that

02:29:16.270 --> 02:29:19.850 align:middle line:84%
account to be tax exempt for
the purposes of developing

02:29:19.850 --> 02:29:20.710 align:middle line:90%
those resources.

02:29:20.710 --> 02:29:22.777 align:middle line:90%
I hope the amendment is adopted.

02:29:22.777 --> 02:29:24.610 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:29:24.610 --> 02:29:26.070 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:29:26.070 --> 02:29:27.350 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:29:27.350 --> 02:29:28.310 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:29:28.310 --> 02:29:29.920 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:29:29.920 --> 02:29:32.790 align:middle line:84%
We're on number 620, offered
by the senator from Suffolk

02:29:32.790 --> 02:29:34.950 align:middle line:84%
and Middlesex, Mr.
Boncore, the title

02:29:34.950 --> 02:29:36.630 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:29:36.630 --> 02:29:39.840 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 620 by Mr.
Boncore, housing authority

02:29:39.840 --> 02:29:40.840 align:middle line:90%
subsidy.

02:29:40.840 --> 02:29:43.020 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the
amendment, the senator

02:29:43.020 --> 02:29:44.170 align:middle line:90%
from Suffolk, Mr. Boncore.

02:29:44.170 --> 02:29:46.121 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

02:29:46.121 --> 02:29:47.620 align:middle line:84%
The gentleman asks
unanimous consent

02:29:47.620 --> 02:29:48.410 align:middle line:90%
to withdraw the amendment.

02:29:48.410 --> 02:29:49.460 align:middle line:90%
Is there an objection?

02:29:49.460 --> 02:29:50.610 align:middle line:90%
The chair hears none.

02:29:50.610 --> 02:29:52.380 align:middle line:90%
It is so ordered.

02:29:52.380 --> 02:29:54.864 align:middle line:84%
Amendment 621 is offered
by the senator from Essex

02:29:54.864 --> 02:29:56.280 align:middle line:84%
and Middlesex, Mr.
Tarr, the title

02:29:56.280 --> 02:29:57.960 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:29:57.960 --> 02:30:00.150 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
621 by Mr. Tarr,

02:30:00.150 --> 02:30:03.300 align:middle line:84%
encouraging cultural
council funding.

02:30:03.300 --> 02:30:05.440 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:30:05.440 --> 02:30:07.060 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:30:07.060 --> 02:30:08.130 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:30:08.130 --> 02:30:08.872 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:30:08.872 --> 02:30:10.080 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:30:10.080 --> 02:30:13.860 align:middle line:84%
622 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett,

02:30:13.860 --> 02:30:16.410 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

02:30:16.410 --> 02:30:20.440 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 622 by Mr.
Barrett, Waltham CDC housing

02:30:20.440 --> 02:30:21.360 align:middle line:90%
clinic.

02:30:21.360 --> 02:30:23.220 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:30:23.220 --> 02:30:24.800 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:30:24.800 --> 02:30:25.820 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:30:25.820 --> 02:30:26.650 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:30:26.650 --> 02:30:28.100 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:30:28.100 --> 02:30:30.620 align:middle line:84%
Number 623 is offered by
the senator from Middlesex

02:30:30.620 --> 02:30:32.610 align:middle line:84%
and Worcester, Mr.
Eldridge, the title

02:30:32.610 --> 02:30:33.860 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:30:33.860 --> 02:30:37.180 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 623 by Mr.
Eldridge, Metro West Food

02:30:37.180 --> 02:30:38.560 align:middle line:90%
and Music Festival.

02:30:38.560 --> 02:30:40.490 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:30:40.490 --> 02:30:42.450 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:30:42.450 --> 02:30:43.430 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:30:43.430 --> 02:30:47.180 align:middle line:84%
The ayes have it, and
the amendment is adopted.

02:30:47.180 --> 02:30:49.960 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 624 is held.

02:30:49.960 --> 02:30:52.067 align:middle line:84%
Number 625 is offered
by the senator

02:30:52.067 --> 02:30:53.650 align:middle line:84%
from Middlesex, Mr.
Barrett, the title

02:30:53.650 --> 02:30:54.960 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:30:54.960 --> 02:30:59.010 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 625 by Mr.
Barrett, Waltham Community Day

02:30:59.010 --> 02:30:59.680 align:middle line:90%
Center.

02:30:59.680 --> 02:31:01.680 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on the
amendment, the senator

02:31:01.680 --> 02:31:02.720 align:middle line:90%
from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:31:02.720 --> 02:31:03.840 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:31:03.840 --> 02:31:06.520 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] gentleman
from Lexington

02:31:06.520 --> 02:31:10.440 align:middle line:84%
for bringing our attention to
the fine community of Waltham

02:31:10.440 --> 02:31:13.850 align:middle line:84%
in the next two amendments,
Mr. President, number 625

02:31:13.850 --> 02:31:15.540 align:middle line:90%
and number 626.

02:31:15.540 --> 02:31:18.270 align:middle line:84%
In the first instance with
reference to the community

02:31:18.270 --> 02:31:21.200 align:middle line:84%
day center, in the next
instance with regard

02:31:21.200 --> 02:31:22.790 align:middle line:90%
to the tourism council.

02:31:22.790 --> 02:31:25.710 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President,
we are, I think,

02:31:25.710 --> 02:31:28.720 align:middle line:84%
all glad to learn a little
bit more about Waltham.

02:31:28.720 --> 02:31:30.600 align:middle line:84%
And I'm hoping that
the gentleman might

02:31:30.600 --> 02:31:32.760 align:middle line:84%
be able to, for the
purposes of economy,

02:31:32.760 --> 02:31:35.800 align:middle line:84%
give us an explanation of
the next two amendments.

02:31:35.800 --> 02:31:38.600 align:middle line:84%
The first one relative
to the community day

02:31:38.600 --> 02:31:41.780 align:middle line:84%
center and the following
relative to the tourism

02:31:41.780 --> 02:31:42.350 align:middle line:90%
council.

02:31:42.350 --> 02:31:44.680 align:middle line:84%
He is always articulate,
Mr. President.

02:31:44.680 --> 02:31:48.390 align:middle line:84%
And we look forward to his
articulation on Waltham.

02:31:48.390 --> 02:31:51.440 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Middlesex, Mr. Barrett.

02:31:51.440 --> 02:31:53.260 align:middle line:84%
Thank you President
the minority leader

02:31:53.260 --> 02:31:56.350 align:middle line:84%
has an admirable focus
on efficiency here.

02:31:56.350 --> 02:31:57.800 align:middle line:90%
I appreciate it.

02:31:57.800 --> 02:31:59.480 align:middle line:84%
The first of the
three amendments

02:31:59.480 --> 02:32:02.450 align:middle line:84%
that would appropriate an
additional sum of money

02:32:02.450 --> 02:32:05.050 align:middle line:84%
to permit one
clinician to be hired

02:32:05.050 --> 02:32:09.170 align:middle line:84%
by a day program for
homeless citizens of Waltham.

02:32:09.170 --> 02:32:11.850 align:middle line:84%
That's what the
community day center is.

02:32:11.850 --> 02:32:15.120 align:middle line:84%
Most of the fundraising they've
done completely on their own

02:32:15.120 --> 02:32:18.500 align:middle line:84%
from neighbors and
interested citizens.

02:32:18.500 --> 02:32:21.970 align:middle line:84%
But in this particular
case, we would

02:32:21.970 --> 02:32:24.760 align:middle line:84%
appropriate a
modest sum of money

02:32:24.760 --> 02:32:27.760 align:middle line:90%
for one part-time clinician.

02:32:27.760 --> 02:32:30.780 align:middle line:84%
Perhaps I'll move on to
the other two amendments.

02:32:30.780 --> 02:32:35.390 align:middle line:84%
The tourism council, I want to
commend everyone's attention

02:32:35.390 --> 02:32:39.560 align:middle line:84%
here to a wonderful
Waltham event

02:32:39.560 --> 02:32:42.250 align:middle line:84%
that my wife and I attended
two weeks ago that this

02:32:42.250 --> 02:32:43.060 align:middle line:90%
would support.

02:32:43.060 --> 02:32:46.990 align:middle line:84%
It's the Steampunk
Festival, Victoriana,

02:32:46.990 --> 02:32:51.370 align:middle line:84%
an extraordinary display
in terms of costuming

02:32:51.370 --> 02:32:54.150 align:middle line:90%
and wares and culture and music.

02:32:54.150 --> 02:32:57.100 align:middle line:84%
The Waltham
Steampunk Festival is

02:32:57.100 --> 02:32:59.240 align:middle line:90%
the only one in Massachusetts.

02:32:59.240 --> 02:33:02.640 align:middle line:84%
It really does draw
people to our downtown,

02:33:02.640 --> 02:33:06.110 align:middle line:84%
helps the local businesses,
fuels the local restaurants.

02:33:06.110 --> 02:33:08.610 align:middle line:84%
And here we would
appropriate, as we

02:33:08.610 --> 02:33:11.920 align:middle line:84%
have in several
past years, $75,000

02:33:11.920 --> 02:33:16.440 align:middle line:84%
to help the Waltham Tourism
Council run the Steampunk

02:33:16.440 --> 02:33:17.159 align:middle line:90%
Festival.

02:33:17.159 --> 02:33:19.450 align:middle line:84%
I'll go on to the next
amendment if that's appropriate.

02:33:19.450 --> 02:33:22.340 align:middle line:90%


02:33:22.340 --> 02:33:28.790 align:middle line:84%
So here, we have another town in
my district, the second largest

02:33:28.790 --> 02:33:30.890 align:middle line:84%
community, the
town of Chelmsford.

02:33:30.890 --> 02:33:33.440 align:middle line:90%


02:33:33.440 --> 02:33:37.190 align:middle line:84%
Chelmsford has a downtown
in desperate need

02:33:37.190 --> 02:33:40.830 align:middle line:84%
of redesigning, especially with
regard to pedestrian footpaths,

02:33:40.830 --> 02:33:42.310 align:middle line:90%
bike paths.

02:33:42.310 --> 02:33:45.080 align:middle line:84%
The Bruce Freeman
rail trail needs

02:33:45.080 --> 02:33:48.390 align:middle line:84%
to be rerouted a little
bit into the middle of town

02:33:48.390 --> 02:33:50.450 align:middle line:84%
so as to make access
to the rail trail

02:33:50.450 --> 02:33:52.840 align:middle line:84%
accessible to those
who are otherwise

02:33:52.840 --> 02:33:54.610 align:middle line:90%
on foot in the town center.

02:33:54.610 --> 02:33:58.780 align:middle line:84%
This amount of money,
$200,000, would

02:33:58.780 --> 02:34:04.330 align:middle line:84%
enable the redesign of signage
throughout the downtown area

02:34:04.330 --> 02:34:05.440 align:middle line:90%
for Chelmsford.

02:34:05.440 --> 02:34:09.920 align:middle line:84%
This is the first leg
in a multi-part redesign

02:34:09.920 --> 02:34:12.800 align:middle line:84%
to make the area more
environmentally friendly

02:34:12.800 --> 02:34:16.580 align:middle line:84%
and to create shopping
opportunities for pedestrians

02:34:16.580 --> 02:34:18.240 align:middle line:90%
that don't currently exist.

02:34:18.240 --> 02:34:23.810 align:middle line:84%
I thank the good gentlemen for
asking for these explanations.

02:34:23.810 --> 02:34:26.650 align:middle line:84%
Number 625, all those
in favor say aye.

02:34:26.650 --> 02:34:27.930 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:34:27.930 --> 02:34:28.900 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:34:28.900 --> 02:34:30.660 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:34:30.660 --> 02:34:32.160 align:middle line:84%
Same senator offers
amendment number

02:34:32.160 --> 02:34:34.720 align:middle line:84%
626, the title of which
the clerk will read.

02:34:34.720 --> 02:34:38.530 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 626 by Mr.
Barrett, Waltham Tourism

02:34:38.530 --> 02:34:39.097 align:middle line:90%
Council.

02:34:39.097 --> 02:34:40.930 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:34:40.930 --> 02:34:42.220 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:34:42.220 --> 02:34:43.440 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:34:43.440 --> 02:34:44.159 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:34:44.159 --> 02:34:45.200 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:34:45.200 --> 02:34:47.700 align:middle line:84%
Number 627, offered
by the same senator.

02:34:47.700 --> 02:34:51.550 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] 627,
offered by Mr. Barrett,

02:34:51.550 --> 02:34:54.127 align:middle line:84%
Chelmsford signage
and way finding.

02:34:54.127 --> 02:34:55.960 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:34:55.960 --> 02:34:57.200 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:34:57.200 --> 02:34:58.310 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:34:58.310 --> 02:34:59.120 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:34:59.120 --> 02:35:00.480 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:35:00.480 --> 02:35:02.790 align:middle line:84%
Number 628 is offered by
the senator from Middlesex

02:35:02.790 --> 02:35:04.110 align:middle line:84%
and Worcester, Mr.
Eldridge, the title

02:35:04.110 --> 02:35:05.318 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:35:05.318 --> 02:35:08.010 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 628 by
Mr. Eldridge, new lease

02:35:08.010 --> 02:35:09.247 align:middle line:90%
for homeless families.

02:35:09.247 --> 02:35:11.080 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:35:11.080 --> 02:35:12.490 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:35:12.490 --> 02:35:13.610 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:35:13.610 --> 02:35:14.530 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:35:14.530 --> 02:35:16.120 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:35:16.120 --> 02:35:18.380 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 629 is
offered by the senator

02:35:18.380 --> 02:35:26.350 align:middle line:84%
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title
of which the clerk will read.

02:35:26.350 --> 02:35:28.320 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
629 by Mr. Tarr,

02:35:28.320 --> 02:35:32.440 align:middle line:84%
providing a safe harbor for
contractors of services.

02:35:32.440 --> 02:35:33.440 align:middle line:90%
Mr. President?

02:35:33.440 --> 02:35:34.819 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:35:34.819 --> 02:35:35.860 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:35:35.860 --> 02:35:38.050 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I move that the
Senate be in a brief recess.

02:35:38.050 --> 02:35:39.633 align:middle line:84%
Senate will be in a
very brief recess.

02:35:39.633 --> 02:36:01.560 align:middle line:90%


02:36:01.560 --> 02:36:05.270 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:36:05.270 --> 02:36:07.560 align:middle line:84%
Members, Mr. President,
one of the things

02:36:07.560 --> 02:36:10.060 align:middle line:84%
that we have not
talked about a lot

02:36:10.060 --> 02:36:14.620 align:middle line:84%
yet in the debate over the last
day or so, and certainly today,

02:36:14.620 --> 02:36:17.950 align:middle line:84%
is the issue of trying to
give the ability of those

02:36:17.950 --> 02:36:20.100 align:middle line:84%
who would like to get
a start in business

02:36:20.100 --> 02:36:22.010 align:middle line:84%
to be able to be
independent contractors

02:36:22.010 --> 02:36:24.450 align:middle line:84%
so that they can actually
work for themselves

02:36:24.450 --> 02:36:27.810 align:middle line:84%
and realize part of the
American dream in doing that.

02:36:27.810 --> 02:36:30.500 align:middle line:84%
That's one side of the
equation, Mr. President.

02:36:30.500 --> 02:36:32.120 align:middle line:84%
The other side of
the equation is

02:36:32.120 --> 02:36:35.390 align:middle line:84%
trying to respond to a number
of emerging businesses,

02:36:35.390 --> 02:36:37.220 align:middle line:84%
business sectors in
the Commonwealth,

02:36:37.220 --> 02:36:40.380 align:middle line:84%
like the life sciences,
like the high tech sector,

02:36:40.380 --> 02:36:43.570 align:middle line:84%
which could use independent
contractors to be able

02:36:43.570 --> 02:36:46.690 align:middle line:84%
in their own right to be
able to expand and grow

02:36:46.690 --> 02:36:49.290 align:middle line:84%
without having to
hire employees,

02:36:49.290 --> 02:36:52.200 align:middle line:84%
particularly at the early stages
of their development, when

02:36:52.200 --> 02:36:54.760 align:middle line:84%
it may not be possible
or feasible for them

02:36:54.760 --> 02:36:56.140 align:middle line:90%
to have employees.

02:36:56.140 --> 02:36:59.110 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, just to
revisit history a little

02:36:59.110 --> 02:36:59.900 align:middle line:90%
bit here.

02:36:59.900 --> 02:37:03.420 align:middle line:84%
In 1990, we adopted
a three prong test

02:37:03.420 --> 02:37:06.640 align:middle line:84%
to distinguish independent
contractors from more

02:37:06.640 --> 02:37:08.470 align:middle line:90%
traditional employees.

02:37:08.470 --> 02:37:14.580 align:middle line:84%
In 2004, there was a sweeping
public construction reform bill

02:37:14.580 --> 02:37:18.550 align:middle line:84%
that significantly narrowed
the definition of who

02:37:18.550 --> 02:37:21.680 align:middle line:84%
would be considered an
independent contractor.

02:37:21.680 --> 02:37:24.480 align:middle line:84%
So here's the key
issue, Mr. President.

02:37:24.480 --> 02:37:27.700 align:middle line:84%
Prior to that change,
you would be considered

02:37:27.700 --> 02:37:30.520 align:middle line:84%
to be an independent
contractor if you

02:37:30.520 --> 02:37:33.130 align:middle line:84%
are free from control and
direction in connection

02:37:33.130 --> 02:37:34.960 align:middle line:84%
with the performance
of a service,

02:37:34.960 --> 02:37:38.900 align:middle line:84%
and the service is performed
outside of the usual course

02:37:38.900 --> 02:37:44.300 align:middle line:84%
of business for the employer,
or the individual is customarily

02:37:44.300 --> 02:37:48.260 align:middle line:84%
engaged in an independently
established trade, occupation,

02:37:48.260 --> 02:37:51.310 align:middle line:84%
profession, or business
of the same nature

02:37:51.310 --> 02:37:55.220 align:middle line:84%
as that involved in
the service performed.

02:37:55.220 --> 02:37:57.830 align:middle line:84%
The 2004 amendment,
Mr. President,

02:37:57.830 --> 02:38:00.400 align:middle line:84%
and I know you remember
this, requires individuals

02:38:00.400 --> 02:38:03.720 align:middle line:84%
to meet all three
of those criteria

02:38:03.720 --> 02:38:06.020 align:middle line:84%
to be considered an
independent contractor.

02:38:06.020 --> 02:38:09.070 align:middle line:84%
And the result of that change
is that many people who

02:38:09.070 --> 02:38:11.640 align:middle line:84%
have historically been
considered and treated

02:38:11.640 --> 02:38:13.950 align:middle line:84%
as independent
contractors are now

02:38:13.950 --> 02:38:18.650 align:middle line:84%
considered regular employees
by the Department of Revenue.

02:38:18.650 --> 02:38:21.860 align:middle line:84%
That change, Mr.
President, and the way

02:38:21.860 --> 02:38:25.150 align:middle line:84%
it deals with those individuals
has had a negative impact

02:38:25.150 --> 02:38:28.350 align:middle line:84%
on many small businesses,
because those individuals are

02:38:28.350 --> 02:38:31.300 align:middle line:84%
now subject to certain
employer requirements that

02:38:31.300 --> 02:38:33.860 align:middle line:84%
are cumbersome and
may be stifling

02:38:33.860 --> 02:38:35.920 align:middle line:84%
to the growth or
the even ability

02:38:35.920 --> 02:38:40.370 align:middle line:84%
to have that kind of business
and that kind of employment.

02:38:40.370 --> 02:38:43.350 align:middle line:84%
Now Mr. President, this
is not a foreign subject

02:38:43.350 --> 02:38:44.470 align:middle line:90%
in this chamber.

02:38:44.470 --> 02:38:46.580 align:middle line:84%
We have discussed
it time and again,

02:38:46.580 --> 02:38:50.390 align:middle line:84%
and usually someone will
rise and say, yes, we

02:38:50.390 --> 02:38:51.290 align:middle line:90%
need to get to that.

02:38:51.290 --> 02:38:54.330 align:middle line:84%
And yes, I'm sure this is the
year we're going to get to it.

02:38:54.330 --> 02:38:58.100 align:middle line:84%
And year after year after
year, it doesn't happen.

02:38:58.100 --> 02:39:03.470 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President, the idea of
reforming this particular area

02:39:03.470 --> 02:39:05.730 align:middle line:84%
of the law has had
support and has

02:39:05.730 --> 02:39:08.330 align:middle line:84%
had some very distinct
champions in this chamber,

02:39:08.330 --> 02:39:10.410 align:middle line:84%
including the gentleman
from Fall River who

02:39:10.410 --> 02:39:13.050 align:middle line:84%
has worked arduously
over the years

02:39:13.050 --> 02:39:17.570 align:middle line:84%
to try to find a way to bring
our law back into alignment

02:39:17.570 --> 02:39:20.930 align:middle line:84%
with commercial reality
and allow folks to be

02:39:20.930 --> 02:39:24.080 align:middle line:84%
able to move forward and
create these employment

02:39:24.080 --> 02:39:28.040 align:middle line:84%
opportunities for themselves
and to help businesses who need

02:39:28.040 --> 02:39:31.580 align:middle line:84%
people with these types of
skills have access to them

02:39:31.580 --> 02:39:34.550 align:middle line:84%
so that they can grow in
the Commonwealth as well.

02:39:34.550 --> 02:39:39.080 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, this is a
reform that can directly impact

02:39:39.080 --> 02:39:40.390 align:middle line:90%
the growth in our economy.

02:39:40.390 --> 02:39:42.100 align:middle line:84%
And you might remember,
Mr. President,

02:39:42.100 --> 02:39:45.430 align:middle line:84%
that we talked earlier in
this debate about the budget

02:39:45.430 --> 02:39:49.480 align:middle line:84%
about one of the issues is--
while we have unemployment that

02:39:49.480 --> 02:39:53.600 align:middle line:84%
is very, very low, we do not
have the kind of wage growth

02:39:53.600 --> 02:39:56.620 align:middle line:84%
that you would normally
have in an economic recovery

02:39:56.620 --> 02:39:57.700 align:middle line:90%
of this nature.

02:39:57.700 --> 02:40:00.600 align:middle line:84%
And part of the reason
for that, Mr. President,

02:40:00.600 --> 02:40:02.570 align:middle line:84%
is that we don't
allow folks who could

02:40:02.570 --> 02:40:05.830 align:middle line:84%
be independent contractors
to flourish and to be

02:40:05.830 --> 02:40:09.470 align:middle line:84%
able to increase the amount
of income that they can earn.

02:40:09.470 --> 02:40:12.060 align:middle line:84%
And in our own
self-interest, Mr. President,

02:40:12.060 --> 02:40:14.520 align:middle line:84%
that they can then
pay taxes on and then

02:40:14.520 --> 02:40:18.920 align:middle line:84%
we can use for the priorities
like the ones in this budget.

02:40:18.920 --> 02:40:22.180 align:middle line:84%
So Mr. President, I hope
the amendment is adopted.

02:40:22.180 --> 02:40:23.890 align:middle line:90%
The senator from--

02:40:23.890 --> 02:40:26.920 align:middle line:90%


02:40:26.920 --> 02:40:28.190 align:middle line:90%
From Middlesex.

02:40:28.190 --> 02:40:32.080 align:middle line:90%
--Middlesex, Mr. Lewis.

02:40:32.080 --> 02:40:35.160 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President, and
through you to the members.

02:40:35.160 --> 02:40:41.350 align:middle line:84%
I appreciate the issue that
the minority leader has

02:40:41.350 --> 02:40:43.390 align:middle line:90%
raised before us this evening.

02:40:43.390 --> 02:40:45.030 align:middle line:90%
It is a very important issue.

02:40:45.030 --> 02:40:49.450 align:middle line:84%
It is one that we have had some
discussion in this body before.

02:40:49.450 --> 02:40:51.370 align:middle line:84%
And there are a
number of senators

02:40:51.370 --> 02:40:58.220 align:middle line:84%
who have put forward various
proposals related to the issue.

02:40:58.220 --> 02:41:03.270 align:middle line:84%
I'm proud to be serving as
the new chair of the Labor

02:41:03.270 --> 02:41:05.080 align:middle line:84%
and Workforce
Development Committee.

02:41:05.080 --> 02:41:08.690 align:middle line:84%
And as such, this
is an issue that

02:41:08.690 --> 02:41:12.080 align:middle line:84%
comes before the Labor
Committee and is one

02:41:12.080 --> 02:41:15.610 align:middle line:84%
that we are very
committed to understanding

02:41:15.610 --> 02:41:17.900 align:middle line:84%
all aspects of the
issue, working hard

02:41:17.900 --> 02:41:20.596 align:middle line:84%
to get our arms around
it, talking to all

02:41:20.596 --> 02:41:21.720 align:middle line:90%
the different stakeholders.

02:41:21.720 --> 02:41:26.110 align:middle line:84%
I know there are
members of the body who,

02:41:26.110 --> 02:41:28.670 align:middle line:84%
including the minority leader,
who have spent a lot of time

02:41:28.670 --> 02:41:29.900 align:middle line:90%
on this issue in the past.

02:41:29.900 --> 02:41:32.020 align:middle line:84%
And we look forward
to working with you.

02:41:32.020 --> 02:41:33.940 align:middle line:84%
It is a complicated
issue, and I think

02:41:33.940 --> 02:41:37.120 align:middle line:84%
there are several
different facets to it.

02:41:37.120 --> 02:41:41.050 align:middle line:84%
There is the issue that is being
raised in this amendment, which

02:41:41.050 --> 02:41:44.370 align:middle line:84%
is those individuals who
do want to be classified

02:41:44.370 --> 02:41:48.160 align:middle line:84%
as an independent contractor
but may not be able to do so.

02:41:48.160 --> 02:41:49.980 align:middle line:84%
There's the opposite
issue which is

02:41:49.980 --> 02:41:53.327 align:middle line:84%
people who are
being misclassified

02:41:53.327 --> 02:41:55.410 align:middle line:84%
as independent contractors
when they really should

02:41:55.410 --> 02:41:57.250 align:middle line:90%
be classified as employees.

02:41:57.250 --> 02:42:00.730 align:middle line:84%
And there are some
enforcement issues with that,

02:42:00.730 --> 02:42:03.530 align:middle line:84%
and we are in discussions
with the attorney

02:42:03.530 --> 02:42:04.980 align:middle line:90%
general about that.

02:42:04.980 --> 02:42:08.270 align:middle line:84%
And then I would suggest
there's a third category, which

02:42:08.270 --> 02:42:12.750 align:middle line:84%
is a lot of new employers in
the innovation or gig economy

02:42:12.750 --> 02:42:16.900 align:middle line:84%
and how those
workers are treated,

02:42:16.900 --> 02:42:19.970 align:middle line:84%
whether they are all independent
contractors or employees.

02:42:19.970 --> 02:42:22.240 align:middle line:84%
And that that is a
complicated area as well.

02:42:22.240 --> 02:42:24.530 align:middle line:84%
So there's a lot of
different aspects to this,

02:42:24.530 --> 02:42:26.530 align:middle line:84%
and I want to
assure the minority

02:42:26.530 --> 02:42:28.310 align:middle line:84%
leader and our
other colleagues who

02:42:28.310 --> 02:42:30.740 align:middle line:84%
have an interest in this
issue and have worked

02:42:30.740 --> 02:42:34.040 align:middle line:84%
on it, that the Labor
and Workforce Development

02:42:34.040 --> 02:42:38.460 align:middle line:84%
Committee plans to look very
closely at all aspects of this,

02:42:38.460 --> 02:42:40.970 align:middle line:84%
including the specific issue
raised in this amendment

02:42:40.970 --> 02:42:44.810 align:middle line:84%
by the minority leader, and
intends to bring together

02:42:44.810 --> 02:42:47.100 align:middle line:84%
all of the interested
stakeholders

02:42:47.100 --> 02:42:49.420 align:middle line:84%
to look for a way
to move forward,

02:42:49.420 --> 02:42:51.831 align:middle line:84%
and hopefully, an
acceptable compromise.

02:42:51.831 --> 02:42:52.330 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:42:52.330 --> 02:42:54.840 align:middle line:90%
Mr. President.

02:42:54.840 --> 02:42:57.140 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:42:57.140 --> 02:42:58.750 align:middle line:84%
I appreciate the
gentleman's comments.

02:42:58.750 --> 02:43:00.166 align:middle line:84%
I did want to point
out that I was

02:43:00.166 --> 02:43:03.400 align:middle line:84%
remiss in not mentioning what
this amendment actually does.

02:43:03.400 --> 02:43:07.090 align:middle line:84%
And what it does, Mr. President,
is allow the second prong

02:43:07.090 --> 02:43:09.400 align:middle line:84%
of the three part test
that I articulated

02:43:09.400 --> 02:43:13.220 align:middle line:84%
to be satisfied in four
different ways, all of which

02:43:13.220 --> 02:43:14.380 align:middle line:90%
are very practical.

02:43:14.380 --> 02:43:16.730 align:middle line:84%
And I will not read
them, Mr. President,

02:43:16.730 --> 02:43:19.100 align:middle line:84%
except to say that
this is a modification

02:43:19.100 --> 02:43:20.900 align:middle line:84%
of the independent
contractor law.

02:43:20.900 --> 02:43:22.190 align:middle line:90%
It does not eliminate it.

02:43:22.190 --> 02:43:23.580 align:middle line:90%
It does not repeal it.

02:43:23.580 --> 02:43:26.130 align:middle line:84%
It merely seeks to
bring it into conformity

02:43:26.130 --> 02:43:29.010 align:middle line:84%
with actual commercial
practice and reality.

02:43:29.010 --> 02:43:30.870 align:middle line:84%
I appreciate the
gentleman's comments.

02:43:30.870 --> 02:43:34.670 align:middle line:84%
I hope he can appreciate just
a tinge of skepticism I have,

02:43:34.670 --> 02:43:37.770 align:middle line:84%
having had similar
declarations in the chamber

02:43:37.770 --> 02:43:39.140 align:middle line:90%
on many, many occasions.

02:43:39.140 --> 02:43:40.700 align:middle line:84%
But I know that
he is new to this,

02:43:40.700 --> 02:43:43.360 align:middle line:84%
and I believe he does
deserve an opportunity

02:43:43.360 --> 02:43:46.200 align:middle line:84%
to address it in the fashion
that he has explained,

02:43:46.200 --> 02:43:49.190 align:middle line:84%
which would be a very productive
way to address this issue.

02:43:49.190 --> 02:43:51.100 align:middle line:84%
I look forward to
working with him.

02:43:51.100 --> 02:43:54.430 align:middle line:84%
But I do hope that
next year when

02:43:54.430 --> 02:43:58.410 align:middle line:84%
we return to this chamber for
this wonderfully scintillating

02:43:58.410 --> 02:44:01.880 align:middle line:84%
budget exercise that we
will not need to revisit

02:44:01.880 --> 02:44:03.240 align:middle line:90%
this particular issue.

02:44:03.240 --> 02:44:06.130 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:44:06.130 --> 02:44:08.470 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on the
adoption of the amendment.

02:44:08.470 --> 02:44:09.730 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:44:09.730 --> 02:44:10.890 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:44:10.890 --> 02:44:11.672 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:44:11.672 --> 02:44:12.880 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:44:12.880 --> 02:44:15.180 align:middle line:90%
Number 630 has been withdrawn.

02:44:15.180 --> 02:44:18.060 align:middle line:84%
634 is offered by the senator
from Norfolk and Plymouth,

02:44:18.060 --> 02:44:20.360 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Keenan, the title of
which the clerk will read.

02:44:20.360 --> 02:44:23.670 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 634 by Mr.
Keenan, Germantown Neighborhood

02:44:23.670 --> 02:44:24.237 align:middle line:90%
Center.

02:44:24.237 --> 02:44:26.070 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:44:26.070 --> 02:44:27.380 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:44:27.380 --> 02:44:28.350 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:44:28.350 --> 02:44:29.130 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:44:29.130 --> 02:44:30.470 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:44:30.470 --> 02:44:33.192 align:middle line:84%
Number 635 is offered by
the same senator, the title

02:44:33.192 --> 02:44:34.400 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:44:34.400 --> 02:44:36.510 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
635 by Mr. Keenan,

02:44:36.510 --> 02:44:39.297 align:middle line:90%
Quincy Asian Resources, Inc.

02:44:39.297 --> 02:44:41.130 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:44:41.130 --> 02:44:42.410 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:44:42.410 --> 02:44:43.350 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:44:43.350 --> 02:44:44.090 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:44:44.090 --> 02:44:45.320 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:44:45.320 --> 02:44:49.142 align:middle line:84%
Number 636 is offered by
the senator from Norfolk

02:44:49.142 --> 02:44:50.600 align:middle line:84%
and Plymouth, Mr.
Keenan, the title

02:44:50.600 --> 02:44:51.850 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:44:51.850 --> 02:44:54.100 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
636 by Mr. Keenan,

02:44:54.100 --> 02:44:57.250 align:middle line:84%
preservation of the resting
place of US presidents.

02:44:57.250 --> 02:45:00.415 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Norfolk
and Plymouth, Mr.--

02:45:00.415 --> 02:45:02.790 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President, and
through you to the members.

02:45:02.790 --> 02:45:08.790 align:middle line:84%
This amendment, excuse
me, is for a piece

02:45:08.790 --> 02:45:09.790 align:middle line:90%
of our American history.

02:45:09.790 --> 02:45:11.980 align:middle line:84%
And I know that the good
senator from West Roxbury

02:45:11.980 --> 02:45:12.910 align:middle line:90%
will appreciate this.

02:45:12.910 --> 02:45:14.330 align:middle line:84%
And many of the senators
who were in the Commonwealth

02:45:14.330 --> 02:45:16.550 align:middle line:84%
conversation tour
had the opportunity

02:45:16.550 --> 02:45:18.270 align:middle line:84%
to go to the United
First Parish Church

02:45:18.270 --> 02:45:20.470 align:middle line:84%
in Quincy, which is the
church of presidents.

02:45:20.470 --> 02:45:23.560 align:middle line:84%
And you probably observed
the architecture.

02:45:23.560 --> 02:45:26.100 align:middle line:84%
That was Alexander Paris,
who designed Quincy Market.

02:45:26.100 --> 02:45:27.940 align:middle line:84%
You probably observed
the great cornice work

02:45:27.940 --> 02:45:29.380 align:middle line:90%
that was done in the ceiling.

02:45:29.380 --> 02:45:31.050 align:middle line:90%
That's a spectacular building.

02:45:31.050 --> 02:45:32.886 align:middle line:84%
But what you may
not have known is

02:45:32.886 --> 02:45:35.010 align:middle line:84%
that there is no sprinkler
system in that building.

02:45:35.010 --> 02:45:37.230 align:middle line:84%
This important piece
of American history,

02:45:37.230 --> 02:45:39.460 align:middle line:84%
where two presidents and
their wives are buried,

02:45:39.460 --> 02:45:42.656 align:middle line:84%
which is the cornerstone
of the national park

02:45:42.656 --> 02:45:43.780 align:middle line:90%
site in the city of Quincy.

02:45:43.780 --> 02:45:47.400 align:middle line:90%


02:45:47.400 --> 02:45:49.470 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Suffolk, Ms. Forry.

02:45:49.470 --> 02:45:51.490 align:middle line:84%
For what purpose
does the lady rise?

02:45:51.490 --> 02:45:55.140 align:middle line:84%
I'm having difficulty hearing
the gentleman at the podium.

02:45:55.140 --> 02:45:55.766 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:45:55.766 --> 02:45:56.265 align:middle line:90%
The--

02:45:56.265 --> 02:45:59.460 align:middle line:90%


02:45:59.460 --> 02:46:02.630 align:middle line:90%
[INTERPOSING VOICES]

02:46:02.630 --> 02:46:05.849 align:middle line:84%
So in any event,
this money would

02:46:05.849 --> 02:46:07.640 align:middle line:84%
allow them to update
the electrical system.

02:46:07.640 --> 02:46:10.332 align:middle line:84%
The city of Quincy has
spent hundreds of thousands

02:46:10.332 --> 02:46:12.540 align:middle line:84%
of dollars in bringing the
utilities to that building

02:46:12.540 --> 02:46:15.260 align:middle line:84%
as they renovate the park
outside, which many of you saw.

02:46:15.260 --> 02:46:18.350 align:middle line:84%
The church itself has
invested hundreds of thousands

02:46:18.350 --> 02:46:19.870 align:middle line:90%
of dollars in the structure.

02:46:19.870 --> 02:46:22.254 align:middle line:84%
They sold silver in order
to do all that work.

02:46:22.254 --> 02:46:23.920 align:middle line:84%
And this is just a
small amount of money

02:46:23.920 --> 02:46:26.380 align:middle line:84%
that would allow them to
upgrade the electrical to then

02:46:26.380 --> 02:46:28.430 align:middle line:84%
tie into a sprinkler
system for the building.

02:46:28.430 --> 02:46:31.590 align:middle line:84%
So we're preserving an important
piece of our American heritage.

02:46:31.590 --> 02:46:33.340 align:middle line:84%
And I would urge passage
of the amendment.

02:46:33.340 --> 02:46:34.400 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:46:34.400 --> 02:46:35.820 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:46:35.820 --> 02:46:37.120 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:46:37.120 --> 02:46:38.270 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:46:38.270 --> 02:46:39.180 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:46:39.180 --> 02:46:40.380 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:46:40.380 --> 02:46:43.060 align:middle line:84%
The same senator offers
number 637, the title

02:46:43.060 --> 02:46:44.280 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:46:44.280 --> 02:46:47.210 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 637 by
Mr. Keenan, Holbrook town

02:46:47.210 --> 02:46:48.060 align:middle line:90%
facilities.

02:46:48.060 --> 02:46:51.270 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the adoption
of the amendment, the senator

02:46:51.270 --> 02:46:53.780 align:middle line:90%
from Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:46:53.780 --> 02:46:57.670 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, I want to thank
the sponsor of the next two

02:46:57.670 --> 02:47:00.580 align:middle line:84%
amendments, also, for the
one that was just approved.

02:47:00.580 --> 02:47:02.170 align:middle line:84%
One of the most
fascinating things

02:47:02.170 --> 02:47:05.240 align:middle line:84%
that happened this year as we
went on our statewide listening

02:47:05.240 --> 02:47:07.620 align:middle line:84%
tour was to visit the
site that was the subject

02:47:07.620 --> 02:47:09.100 align:middle line:90%
of the last amendment.

02:47:09.100 --> 02:47:12.802 align:middle line:84%
It's a moving place, and
it was inspiring to be

02:47:12.802 --> 02:47:13.510 align:middle line:90%
able to visit it.

02:47:13.510 --> 02:47:17.170 align:middle line:84%
And I appreciate his
bringing us to that location.

02:47:17.170 --> 02:47:19.980 align:middle line:84%
But he also has other
interests, Mr. President.

02:47:19.980 --> 02:47:24.580 align:middle line:84%
And they include Holbrook
and Squantum Point Park.

02:47:24.580 --> 02:47:26.510 align:middle line:84%
And so, Mr.
President, I'm hoping

02:47:26.510 --> 02:47:29.590 align:middle line:84%
we can hear about both of
those, again for economy,

02:47:29.590 --> 02:47:30.860 align:middle line:90%
before we take them up.

02:47:30.860 --> 02:47:32.060 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:47:32.060 --> 02:47:34.770 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Norfolk
and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan.

02:47:34.770 --> 02:47:36.000 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:47:36.000 --> 02:47:38.000 align:middle line:84%
On the Holbrook town
facilities amendment,

02:47:38.000 --> 02:47:39.490 align:middle line:84%
this isn't an
awful lot of money.

02:47:39.490 --> 02:47:41.000 align:middle line:84%
And Holbrook has leveraged
money that they've

02:47:41.000 --> 02:47:43.110 align:middle line:84%
received in the past to
update their town hall.

02:47:43.110 --> 02:47:44.660 align:middle line:90%
It's an historic town hall.

02:47:44.660 --> 02:47:46.740 align:middle line:84%
It's got some great
potential in it.

02:47:46.740 --> 02:47:49.240 align:middle line:84%
They've been able to use,
with very little money,

02:47:49.240 --> 02:47:52.560 align:middle line:84%
use town labor and really
do a remarkable job

02:47:52.560 --> 02:47:54.310 align:middle line:90%
in upgrading their town hall.

02:47:54.310 --> 02:47:56.710 align:middle line:84%
And this would help them
continue with those efforts.

02:47:56.710 --> 02:47:59.810 align:middle line:84%
As far as Squantum
Point Park, this

02:47:59.810 --> 02:48:02.920 align:middle line:84%
is a really important
piece of the transportation

02:48:02.920 --> 02:48:04.410 align:middle line:84%
infrastructure on
the South Shore.

02:48:04.410 --> 02:48:08.104 align:middle line:84%
We, as many of you may know,
are undergoing some improvements

02:48:08.104 --> 02:48:09.520 align:middle line:84%
on the red line
and reconstruction

02:48:09.520 --> 02:48:10.530 align:middle line:90%
of some of the stations.

02:48:10.530 --> 02:48:11.220 align:middle line:90%
And in particular, the [?

02:48:11.220 --> 02:48:13.430 align:middle line:84%
Walleson ?] train station
is going to be closed

02:48:13.430 --> 02:48:15.350 align:middle line:90%
for, perhaps, up to 20 months.

02:48:15.350 --> 02:48:17.530 align:middle line:84%
And Squantum Point
Park has a pier.

02:48:17.530 --> 02:48:21.327 align:middle line:84%
And has, in the past, run
a ferry, for instance,

02:48:21.327 --> 02:48:23.410 align:middle line:84%
from Quincy to Deer Island
during the construction

02:48:23.410 --> 02:48:25.420 align:middle line:84%
of the treatment
plant out there.

02:48:25.420 --> 02:48:27.807 align:middle line:84%
So this money is part of
our continuing efforts

02:48:27.807 --> 02:48:30.140 align:middle line:84%
to bring permanent ferry
service to Squantum Point Park.

02:48:30.140 --> 02:48:31.310 align:middle line:90%
We have had ferry service.

02:48:31.310 --> 02:48:32.560 align:middle line:90%
We had it last summer.

02:48:32.560 --> 02:48:33.920 align:middle line:90%
We shall have it this summer.

02:48:33.920 --> 02:48:35.190 align:middle line:84%
We're looking to
have it in the fall.

02:48:35.190 --> 02:48:36.190 align:middle line:84%
And this will allow
us to make sure

02:48:36.190 --> 02:48:37.852 align:middle line:84%
that the pier is
in working order

02:48:37.852 --> 02:48:40.310 align:middle line:84%
so that we can continue our
efforts to expand that service.

02:48:40.310 --> 02:48:41.440 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:48:41.440 --> 02:48:44.270 align:middle line:84%
I've urged favorable
[INAUDIBLE]..

02:48:44.270 --> 02:48:46.770 align:middle line:84%
We are now on
Amendment number 637.

02:48:46.770 --> 02:48:49.170 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:48:49.170 --> 02:48:50.470 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:48:50.470 --> 02:48:51.630 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:48:51.630 --> 02:48:52.520 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:48:52.520 --> 02:48:53.370 align:middle line:90%
It's adopted.

02:48:53.370 --> 02:48:55.922 align:middle line:84%
638, offered by the
same senator, the title

02:48:55.922 --> 02:48:57.130 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:48:57.130 --> 02:49:01.060 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 638 by Mr.
Keenan, Squantum Point Park

02:49:01.060 --> 02:49:01.727 align:middle line:90%
and Pier.

02:49:01.727 --> 02:49:03.560 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:49:03.560 --> 02:49:04.770 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:49:04.770 --> 02:49:05.840 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:49:05.840 --> 02:49:06.700 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:49:06.700 --> 02:49:07.741 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:49:07.741 --> 02:49:10.200 align:middle line:90%
Number 638-- that was 638.

02:49:10.200 --> 02:49:14.030 align:middle line:84%
639 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Ms. Donoghue,

02:49:14.030 --> 02:49:16.100 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

02:49:16.100 --> 02:49:19.550 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 639 by Ms.
Donoghue, Massachusetts Office

02:49:19.550 --> 02:49:22.010 align:middle line:84%
of International
Trade and Investment.

02:49:22.010 --> 02:49:25.100 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:49:25.100 --> 02:49:28.280 align:middle line:84%
Well, well, well, Mr. President,
this particular amendment

02:49:28.280 --> 02:49:30.960 align:middle line:84%
comes to us from one of the
most prolific writers of budget

02:49:30.960 --> 02:49:33.780 align:middle line:84%
amendments, practically in
the history of the Senate.

02:49:33.780 --> 02:49:36.810 align:middle line:84%
And we've heard very
little thus far from her

02:49:36.810 --> 02:49:38.730 align:middle line:90%
in this debate, Mr. President.

02:49:38.730 --> 02:49:42.060 align:middle line:84%
But this is an amendment that
deals with international trade,

02:49:42.060 --> 02:49:44.950 align:middle line:84%
and that's something that's of
great interest to a lot of us.

02:49:44.950 --> 02:49:47.080 align:middle line:84%
And I know that she
has been a champion

02:49:47.080 --> 02:49:50.620 align:middle line:84%
of this form of trade and many
others in the Commonwealth.

02:49:50.620 --> 02:49:53.720 align:middle line:84%
So I'm hoping that we can hear
about her latest initiative

02:49:53.720 --> 02:49:55.570 align:middle line:90%
to bolster international trade.

02:49:55.570 --> 02:49:56.980 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:49:56.980 --> 02:49:58.800 align:middle line:90%
Senator from Middlesex?

02:49:58.800 --> 02:50:00.250 align:middle line:90%
Yes, a brief recess.

02:50:00.250 --> 02:50:05.660 align:middle line:90%
[BANGS GAVEL]

02:50:05.660 --> 02:50:10.520 align:middle line:84%
--objection, we will temporarily
hold Amendment number 639.

02:50:10.520 --> 02:50:12.810 align:middle line:84%
We're now on
Amendment number 640,

02:50:12.810 --> 02:50:14.660 align:middle line:84%
offered by the
senator from Suffolk,

02:50:14.660 --> 02:50:17.590 align:middle line:84%
Ms. Forry, the title of
which the clerk will read.

02:50:17.590 --> 02:50:20.450 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 640 by Ms.
Forry, New England Center

02:50:20.450 --> 02:50:22.677 align:middle line:90%
for Arts and Technology.

02:50:22.677 --> 02:50:24.510 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:50:24.510 --> 02:50:25.850 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:50:25.850 --> 02:50:27.230 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:50:27.230 --> 02:50:28.220 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:50:28.220 --> 02:50:29.700 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:50:29.700 --> 02:50:31.740 align:middle line:90%
Next is offered by--

02:50:31.740 --> 02:50:34.310 align:middle line:84%
number 641 is offered by
the senator from Middlesex

02:50:34.310 --> 02:50:36.082 align:middle line:84%
and Worcester, Mr.
Eldridge, the title

02:50:36.082 --> 02:50:37.290 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:50:37.290 --> 02:50:40.390 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 641 by Mr.
Eldridge, Abrasive Housing

02:50:40.390 --> 02:50:41.520 align:middle line:90%
Voucher program.

02:50:41.520 --> 02:50:44.020 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on the adoption
of the amendment, the senator

02:50:44.020 --> 02:50:45.520 align:middle line:90%
from Middlesex, Mr. Eldridge.

02:50:45.520 --> 02:50:47.790 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:50:47.790 --> 02:50:50.660 align:middle line:84%
This amendment number
641 would increase

02:50:50.660 --> 02:50:54.350 align:middle line:84%
funding for the alternative
housing voucher program, AHVP,

02:50:54.350 --> 02:50:56.580 align:middle line:90%
by $2 million.

02:50:56.580 --> 02:50:59.180 align:middle line:84%
The Senate over the
past couple of years

02:50:59.180 --> 02:51:02.930 align:middle line:84%
has taken the lead on increasing
the funding for the Alternative

02:51:02.930 --> 02:51:04.380 align:middle line:90%
Housing Voucher Program.

02:51:04.380 --> 02:51:07.170 align:middle line:84%
want to thank the
Chairwoman of Ways and Means

02:51:07.170 --> 02:51:10.190 align:middle line:84%
for proposing an increase
in the Senate Ways and Means

02:51:10.190 --> 02:51:14.050 align:middle line:84%
budget of $5.5
million, which would

02:51:14.050 --> 02:51:17.370 align:middle line:84%
be an increase over
the $4.6 million

02:51:17.370 --> 02:51:19.650 align:middle line:84%
that the program
received last year.

02:51:19.650 --> 02:51:21.880 align:middle line:84%
Just the funding
that's in the budget

02:51:21.880 --> 02:51:25.890 align:middle line:84%
will allow approximately 100
more disabled individuals

02:51:25.890 --> 02:51:29.620 align:middle line:84%
to secure affordable housing
throughout Massachusetts.

02:51:29.620 --> 02:51:32.870 align:middle line:90%
So I want to thank her for that.

02:51:32.870 --> 02:51:34.440 align:middle line:84%
I think we also
have to recognize,

02:51:34.440 --> 02:51:36.920 align:middle line:84%
Mr. President, though,
that we continue

02:51:36.920 --> 02:51:38.790 align:middle line:90%
to have a housing crisis.

02:51:38.790 --> 02:51:41.950 align:middle line:84%
It is becoming more and
more difficult, particularly

02:51:41.950 --> 02:51:45.220 align:middle line:84%
for disabled individuals,
to find affordable housing.

02:51:45.220 --> 02:51:47.400 align:middle line:84%
And this is a
program that has made

02:51:47.400 --> 02:51:49.920 align:middle line:84%
a dramatic difference for
the disability community

02:51:49.920 --> 02:51:51.970 align:middle line:90%
throughout Massachusetts.

02:51:51.970 --> 02:51:55.570 align:middle line:84%
If we were to pass this
increase of $2 million,

02:51:55.570 --> 02:51:59.220 align:middle line:84%
we would be able to provide
housing for approximately 150

02:51:59.220 --> 02:52:03.250 align:middle line:84%
more people, and
that would allow them

02:52:03.250 --> 02:52:08.620 align:middle line:84%
not only more dignity, but more
likely access to finding a job,

02:52:08.620 --> 02:52:11.730 align:middle line:84%
getting services, and having
a better quality of life.

02:52:11.730 --> 02:52:14.930 align:middle line:84%
This has been a priority
of the disability community

02:52:14.930 --> 02:52:16.370 align:middle line:90%
for the past several years.

02:52:16.370 --> 02:52:18.920 align:middle line:84%
Again, I'm very proud that
the Senate has taken the lead

02:52:18.920 --> 02:52:21.160 align:middle line:84%
on increasing over this
past couple of years,

02:52:21.160 --> 02:52:24.560 align:middle line:84%
and I'm hoping we can see
our way to a $2 million

02:52:24.560 --> 02:52:27.620 align:middle line:84%
increase above the Senate
Ways and Means proposal.

02:52:27.620 --> 02:52:30.980 align:middle line:84%
So I urge my colleagues to
support this Amendment number

02:52:30.980 --> 02:52:32.030 align:middle line:90%
641.

02:52:32.030 --> 02:52:33.877 align:middle line:84%
Thank you very
much, Mr. President.

02:52:33.877 --> 02:52:35.710 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:52:35.710 --> 02:52:37.170 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:52:37.170 --> 02:52:38.400 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:52:38.400 --> 02:52:39.172 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:52:39.172 --> 02:52:40.380 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:52:40.380 --> 02:52:44.480 align:middle line:84%
642 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Ms. Donoghue,

02:52:44.480 --> 02:52:46.300 align:middle line:84%
the title of which
the clerk will read.

02:52:46.300 --> 02:52:49.330 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 642 by
Ms. Donoghue, military base

02:52:49.330 --> 02:52:50.477 align:middle line:90%
promotion.

02:52:50.477 --> 02:52:52.310 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:52:52.310 --> 02:52:53.700 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:52:53.700 --> 02:52:55.010 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:52:55.010 --> 02:52:56.010 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

02:52:56.010 --> 02:52:57.370 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

02:52:57.370 --> 02:52:59.310 align:middle line:90%
Number 643 is on hold.

02:52:59.310 --> 02:53:01.910 align:middle line:84%
Number 644, offered by
the senator from Middlesex

02:53:01.910 --> 02:53:04.010 align:middle line:84%
and Worcester, Mr.
Eldridge, the title

02:53:04.010 --> 02:53:06.220 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

02:53:06.220 --> 02:53:09.860 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 644 by Mr.
Eldridge, Levi Weatherby Farm

02:53:09.860 --> 02:53:11.330 align:middle line:90%
Restoration.

02:53:11.330 --> 02:53:13.420 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:53:13.420 --> 02:53:15.100 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:53:15.100 --> 02:53:16.380 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:53:16.380 --> 02:53:19.790 align:middle line:84%
I'm hoping we can hear about
the Levi Weatherby Farm.

02:53:19.790 --> 02:53:21.690 align:middle line:84%
This sounds like a very
interesting project.

02:53:21.690 --> 02:53:23.330 align:middle line:84%
And I guess I've
now learned I have

02:53:23.330 --> 02:53:25.110 align:middle line:84%
to ask, when will
this be opened,

02:53:25.110 --> 02:53:26.130 align:middle line:90%
so that we can visit it.

02:53:26.130 --> 02:53:28.400 align:middle line:84%
And I hope the answer
isn't that it closed.

02:53:28.400 --> 02:53:30.510 align:middle line:84%
And so, Mr. President,
I look forward

02:53:30.510 --> 02:53:33.509 align:middle line:90%
to the gentleman's explanation.

02:53:33.509 --> 02:53:35.800 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] From Middlesex
and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge.

02:53:35.800 --> 02:53:38.490 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] for his interest.

02:53:38.490 --> 02:53:41.080 align:middle line:84%
He's always welcome to come
to the town of Boxborough.

02:53:41.080 --> 02:53:42.720 align:middle line:90%
The house is open.

02:53:42.720 --> 02:53:45.940 align:middle line:84%
However, it has a leaky
roof, so it might not

02:53:45.940 --> 02:53:48.290 align:middle line:90%
be best to come at this time.

02:53:48.290 --> 02:53:53.250 align:middle line:84%
The earmark would provide
$50,000 for the Levi Weatherby

02:53:53.250 --> 02:53:56.630 align:middle line:84%
Farm located in Boxborough,
one of the more rural

02:53:56.630 --> 02:54:00.460 align:middle line:84%
and historical towns in
the district I represent,

02:54:00.460 --> 02:54:04.580 align:middle line:84%
which has longstanding
agricultural roots.

02:54:04.580 --> 02:54:07.690 align:middle line:84%
The farm house was
actually built in 1784,

02:54:07.690 --> 02:54:11.500 align:middle line:84%
and for over 200 years, it was
actively engaged in farming.

02:54:11.500 --> 02:54:14.050 align:middle line:84%
It's one of the few
18th century farm houses

02:54:14.050 --> 02:54:18.010 align:middle line:84%
that remain in New England with
the surrounding land intact.

02:54:18.010 --> 02:54:20.600 align:middle line:84%
The farmhouse is now,
of course, uninhabited.

02:54:20.600 --> 02:54:24.250 align:middle line:84%
But it needs improvements
including major water--

02:54:24.250 --> 02:54:27.010 align:middle line:84%
it has problems including
major water and wind

02:54:27.010 --> 02:54:29.380 align:middle line:84%
damage, rotting
beams, partial chimney

02:54:29.380 --> 02:54:30.650 align:middle line:90%
and foundation collapse.

02:54:30.650 --> 02:54:32.820 align:middle line:84%
Again, reiterating
my concern of the two

02:54:32.820 --> 02:54:35.390 align:middle line:84%
of us visiting the
farmhouse at this time.

02:54:35.390 --> 02:54:37.180 align:middle line:84%
And therefore, I
urge my colleagues

02:54:37.180 --> 02:54:39.857 align:middle line:84%
to support this earmark
to repair the farmhouse

02:54:39.857 --> 02:54:41.440 align:middle line:84%
so it can be available
for the public.

02:54:41.440 --> 02:54:42.067 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

02:54:42.067 --> 02:54:43.900 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

02:54:43.900 --> 02:54:45.220 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

02:54:45.220 --> 02:54:46.310 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

02:54:46.310 --> 02:54:47.170 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

02:54:47.170 --> 02:54:48.360 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

02:54:48.360 --> 02:54:50.617 align:middle line:84%
Number 646, a
redraft of amendment

02:54:50.617 --> 02:54:52.700 align:middle line:84%
offered by the senator
from Suffolk and Middlesex,

02:54:52.700 --> 02:54:55.410 align:middle line:84%
Mr. Boncore, the title of
which the clerk will read.

02:54:55.410 --> 02:54:59.780 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 646 by Mr.
Boncore, public housing reform.

02:54:59.780 --> 02:55:02.710 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Suffolk
and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore.

02:55:02.710 --> 02:55:03.990 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:55:03.990 --> 02:55:07.190 align:middle line:84%
I rise in support
of Amendment 646,

02:55:07.190 --> 02:55:11.190 align:middle line:84%
which would add $300,000 to
the state's housing reform line

02:55:11.190 --> 02:55:14.020 align:middle line:84%
item for the purposes
of an IT platform

02:55:14.020 --> 02:55:16.050 align:middle line:84%
to develop a centralized
waiting list.

02:55:16.050 --> 02:55:20.520 align:middle line:84%
This is in reaction to
the 2014 housing reform,

02:55:20.520 --> 02:55:22.350 align:middle line:84%
which holds a
special place for me,

02:55:22.350 --> 02:55:24.380 align:middle line:84%
because it was the first
matter that brought me

02:55:24.380 --> 02:55:27.330 align:middle line:84%
to the state house as chair
of my local housing authority.

02:55:27.330 --> 02:55:30.690 align:middle line:84%
The first time I got to meet
my now colleague, the gentleman

02:55:30.690 --> 02:55:34.620 align:middle line:84%
from Acton, who spearheaded the
housing reform in the Senate.

02:55:34.620 --> 02:55:36.160 align:middle line:84%
What the reform
set out to do was

02:55:36.160 --> 02:55:37.720 align:middle line:90%
modernize housing authorities.

02:55:37.720 --> 02:55:41.740 align:middle line:84%
Part of that modernization was
to put an online application

02:55:41.740 --> 02:55:45.620 align:middle line:84%
and to develop and implement
a centralized waiting list

02:55:45.620 --> 02:55:49.700 align:middle line:84%
to help with the burdens
that all of our local housing

02:55:49.700 --> 02:55:51.310 align:middle line:84%
authorities in each
of our districts

02:55:51.310 --> 02:55:53.290 align:middle line:84%
has with a very
long waiting list.

02:55:53.290 --> 02:55:54.880 align:middle line:84%
Center of the
online waiting list

02:55:54.880 --> 02:55:57.760 align:middle line:84%
would allow certain other,
smaller, local housing

02:55:57.760 --> 02:56:01.520 align:middle line:84%
authorities to see where
there was availability

02:56:01.520 --> 02:56:03.760 align:middle line:90%
in other communities.

02:56:03.760 --> 02:56:06.540 align:middle line:84%
The DHUD had one year to
implement that process.

02:56:06.540 --> 02:56:09.900 align:middle line:84%
Here we are three years
later from the promulgation

02:56:09.900 --> 02:56:12.810 align:middle line:84%
of that law, and
DHUD has not been

02:56:12.810 --> 02:56:17.340 align:middle line:84%
able to fund this platform for
a centralized waiting list.

02:56:17.340 --> 02:56:22.830 align:middle line:84%
This $300,000 earmark within
the housing reform line item

02:56:22.830 --> 02:56:26.020 align:middle line:84%
would go specifically to the
development of IT platform

02:56:26.020 --> 02:56:27.780 align:middle line:90%
for a centralized waiting list.

02:56:27.780 --> 02:56:29.231 align:middle line:90%
It's well long overdue.

02:56:29.231 --> 02:56:30.730 align:middle line:84%
And I hope the
amendment is adopted.

02:56:30.730 --> 02:56:32.080 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

02:56:32.080 --> 02:56:34.410 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

02:56:34.410 --> 02:56:36.779 align:middle line:84%
I want to thank the
gentleman who just

02:56:36.779 --> 02:56:38.070 align:middle line:90%
took a seat for this amendment.

02:56:38.070 --> 02:56:40.760 align:middle line:84%
It's important that we
continue with these reforms.

02:56:40.760 --> 02:56:43.150 align:middle line:84%
And developing a
centralized list

02:56:43.150 --> 02:56:45.110 align:middle line:84%
and a centralized
application process

02:56:45.110 --> 02:56:46.910 align:middle line:84%
is a very important
part of that.

02:56:46.910 --> 02:56:49.700 align:middle line:84%
And so Mr. President, I
appreciate this amendment.

02:56:49.700 --> 02:56:50.912 align:middle line:90%
I hope that it's adopted.

02:56:50.912 --> 02:56:52.370 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President,
I move that when

02:56:52.370 --> 02:56:53.470 align:middle line:84%
we take a vote on
this matter, it

02:56:53.470 --> 02:56:55.053 align:middle line:84%
be taken by calling
the yeas and nays.

02:56:55.053 --> 02:57:02.419 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] taken,
it will be taken

02:57:02.419 --> 02:57:03.710 align:middle line:90%
by a call of the ayes and nays.

02:57:03.710 --> 02:57:26.330 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

02:57:26.330 --> 02:57:30.790 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

02:57:30.790 --> 02:57:32.870 align:middle line:90%
Barrett?

02:57:32.870 --> 02:57:33.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:33.740 --> 02:57:35.930 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:35.930 --> 02:57:37.440 align:middle line:90%
Joseph A. Boncure?

02:57:37.440 --> 02:57:37.940 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:37.940 --> 02:57:39.170 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:39.170 --> 02:57:41.000 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady?

02:57:41.000 --> 02:57:44.910 align:middle line:90%


02:57:44.910 --> 02:57:46.310 align:middle line:90%
William M. Brownsberger?

02:57:46.310 --> 02:57:46.810 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:46.810 --> 02:57:47.700 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:47.700 --> 02:57:49.440 align:middle line:90%
Harriette L. Chandler?

02:57:49.440 --> 02:57:50.670 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:50.670 --> 02:57:52.820 align:middle line:90%
Sonia Chang-Diaz?

02:57:52.820 --> 02:57:54.390 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:54.390 --> 02:57:56.410 align:middle line:90%
Cynthia Stone Creem?

02:57:56.410 --> 02:57:56.940 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:56.940 --> 02:57:58.770 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:57:58.770 --> 02:57:59.790 align:middle line:90%
Julian Cyr?

02:57:59.790 --> 02:58:00.290 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:00.290 --> 02:58:01.370 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:01.370 --> 02:58:04.500 align:middle line:90%
Viriato M. deMacedo?

02:58:04.500 --> 02:58:05.700 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:05.700 --> 02:58:06.200 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:06.200 --> 02:58:07.851 align:middle line:90%
Sal N. DiDomenico?

02:58:07.851 --> 02:58:08.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:08.350 --> 02:58:09.330 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:09.330 --> 02:58:11.420 align:middle line:90%
Eileen M. Donoghue?

02:58:11.420 --> 02:58:12.720 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:12.720 --> 02:58:14.310 align:middle line:90%
James B. Eldridge?

02:58:14.310 --> 02:58:15.140 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:15.140 --> 02:58:16.120 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:16.120 --> 02:58:17.990 align:middle line:90%
Ryan C. Fattman?

02:58:17.990 --> 02:58:19.380 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:19.380 --> 02:58:21.910 align:middle line:90%
Jennifer L. Flanagan?

02:58:21.910 --> 02:58:22.410 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:22.410 --> 02:58:22.950 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:22.950 --> 02:58:25.740 align:middle line:90%
Linda Dorcena Forry?

02:58:25.740 --> 02:58:27.090 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:27.090 --> 02:58:27.590 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:27.590 --> 02:58:28.380 align:middle line:90%
Anne M. Gobi?

02:58:28.380 --> 02:58:28.910 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:28.910 --> 02:58:31.590 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:31.590 --> 02:58:33.341 align:middle line:90%
Adam G. Hinds?

02:58:33.341 --> 02:58:33.840 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:33.840 --> 02:58:34.400 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:34.400 --> 02:58:37.210 align:middle line:90%
Donald F. Humason, Junior?

02:58:37.210 --> 02:58:37.710 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:37.710 --> 02:58:38.210 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:38.210 --> 02:58:40.510 align:middle line:90%
Patricia D. Jehlen?

02:58:40.510 --> 02:58:41.010 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:41.010 --> 02:58:44.080 align:middle line:90%
Yes John F. Keenan?

02:58:44.080 --> 02:58:45.200 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:45.200 --> 02:58:45.700 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:45.700 --> 02:58:47.230 align:middle line:90%
Eric P. Lesser?

02:58:47.230 --> 02:58:47.730 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:47.730 --> 02:58:48.620 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:48.620 --> 02:58:50.180 align:middle line:90%
Jason M. Lewis?

02:58:50.180 --> 02:58:51.230 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:51.230 --> 02:58:52.260 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:58:52.260 --> 02:59:00.240 align:middle line:84%
Barbara A. L'Italien
Joan B. Lovely?

02:59:00.240 --> 02:59:00.740 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:00.740 --> 02:59:01.330 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:01.330 --> 02:59:03.520 align:middle line:90%
Thomas M. McGee?

02:59:03.520 --> 02:59:04.020 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:04.020 --> 02:59:04.580 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:04.580 --> 02:59:06.821 align:middle line:90%
Mark C. Montigny?

02:59:06.821 --> 02:59:07.320 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:07.320 --> 02:59:08.350 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:08.350 --> 02:59:09.150 align:middle line:90%
Michael O. Moore?

02:59:09.150 --> 02:59:10.380 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:10.380 --> 02:59:11.570 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:11.570 --> 02:59:14.140 align:middle line:90%
Patrick M. O'Connor?

02:59:14.140 --> 02:59:14.640 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:14.640 --> 02:59:15.300 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:15.300 --> 02:59:18.090 align:middle line:90%
Kathleen O'Connor Ives?

02:59:18.090 --> 02:59:19.520 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:19.520 --> 02:59:20.020 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:20.020 --> 02:59:22.130 align:middle line:90%
Marc R. Pacheco?

02:59:22.130 --> 02:59:22.720 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:22.720 --> 02:59:23.570 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:23.570 --> 02:59:25.820 align:middle line:90%
Michael J. Rodrigues?

02:59:25.820 --> 02:59:26.530 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:26.530 --> 02:59:27.510 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:27.510 --> 02:59:29.811 align:middle line:90%
Richard J. Ross?

02:59:29.811 --> 02:59:30.310 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:30.310 --> 02:59:30.970 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:30.970 --> 02:59:32.650 align:middle line:90%
Michael F. Rush?

02:59:32.650 --> 02:59:33.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:33.150 --> 02:59:34.020 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:34.020 --> 02:59:36.211 align:middle line:90%
Karen E. Spilka?

02:59:36.211 --> 02:59:36.710 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:36.710 --> 02:59:37.210 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:37.210 --> 02:59:38.690 align:middle line:90%
Bruce E. Tarr?

02:59:38.690 --> 02:59:39.250 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:39.250 --> 02:59:40.150 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:40.150 --> 02:59:42.560 align:middle line:90%
Walter F. Timilty?

02:59:42.560 --> 02:59:43.480 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:43.480 --> 02:59:43.980 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:43.980 --> 02:59:46.310 align:middle line:90%
James T. Welch?

02:59:46.310 --> 02:59:46.810 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:46.810 --> 02:59:47.660 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

02:59:47.660 --> 02:59:48.541 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

02:59:48.541 --> 02:59:49.040 align:middle line:90%
Yep.

02:59:49.040 --> 03:00:04.340 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] President, I'd like
to share a point [INAUDIBLE]..

03:00:04.340 --> 03:00:06.130 align:middle line:90%
Michael D. Brady votes yes.

03:00:06.130 --> 03:01:01.570 align:middle line:84%
Essex and Middlesex,
Ms. L'Italien?

03:01:01.570 --> 03:01:03.070 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

03:01:03.070 --> 03:01:04.450 align:middle line:90%
She said yes.

03:01:04.450 --> 03:01:06.530 align:middle line:90%
She has to [INAUDIBLE].

03:01:06.530 --> 03:01:29.655 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

03:01:29.655 --> 03:01:30.530 align:middle line:90%
Barbara A. L'Italien?

03:01:30.530 --> 03:01:33.601 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE]

03:01:33.601 --> 03:01:34.100 align:middle line:90%
Yes.

03:01:34.100 --> 03:01:43.300 align:middle line:90%


03:01:43.300 --> 03:01:45.810 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

03:01:45.810 --> 03:01:49.407 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 647 is offered
by the senator from Middlesex

03:01:49.407 --> 03:01:50.990 align:middle line:84%
and Worcester, Mr.
Eldridge, the title

03:01:50.990 --> 03:01:52.220 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

03:01:52.220 --> 03:01:54.580 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number
648 by Mr. Eldridge,

03:01:54.580 --> 03:01:57.677 align:middle line:90%
Westboro 300th anniversary.

03:01:57.677 --> 03:01:59.510 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

03:01:59.510 --> 03:02:01.140 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

03:02:01.140 --> 03:02:02.650 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

03:02:02.650 --> 03:02:03.670 align:middle line:90%
The nos have it.

03:02:03.670 --> 03:02:05.020 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is not adopted.

03:02:05.020 --> 03:02:07.010 align:middle line:84%
Number 648 is offered
by the senator

03:02:07.010 --> 03:02:09.580 align:middle line:84%
from Suffolk, Mr.
Rush, the title

03:02:09.580 --> 03:02:11.200 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

03:02:11.200 --> 03:02:14.650 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 648 by Mr.
Rush, Riverside Theater Works

03:02:14.650 --> 03:02:15.150 align:middle line:90%
[?

03:02:15.150 --> 03:02:16.110 align:middle line:90%
Mack. ?]

03:02:16.110 --> 03:02:21.169 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Plymouth
and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.

03:02:21.169 --> 03:02:22.210 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

03:02:22.210 --> 03:02:24.800 align:middle line:84%
I was hoping that the
gentleman from West Roxbury

03:02:24.800 --> 03:02:26.420 align:middle line:84%
might be able to
take this opportunity

03:02:26.420 --> 03:02:29.900 align:middle line:84%
to share with us a little bit
about the Riverside Theater

03:02:29.900 --> 03:02:31.050 align:middle line:90%
Works.

03:02:31.050 --> 03:02:33.230 align:middle line:84%
Apparently we had
the Mother Brook

03:02:33.230 --> 03:02:35.190 align:middle line:84%
and then we had the
Norwood Regional.

03:02:35.190 --> 03:02:38.760 align:middle line:84%
You might be able to share with
us a little bit about Riverside

03:02:38.760 --> 03:02:41.750 align:middle line:90%
Theater Works.

03:02:41.750 --> 03:02:43.710 align:middle line:84%
Senator from Norfolk
and Suffolk, Mr. Rush.

03:02:43.710 --> 03:02:46.085 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr. President, and
through you to the members.

03:02:46.085 --> 03:02:49.520 align:middle line:84%
And I appreciate my good friend,
the gentleman from Plymouth

03:02:49.520 --> 03:02:52.810 align:middle line:84%
with a lot of inquiries
about the Norfolk and Suffolk

03:02:52.810 --> 03:02:53.310 align:middle line:90%
district.

03:02:53.310 --> 03:02:56.590 align:middle line:84%
We'll bring him back out
for a tour at any time.

03:02:56.590 --> 03:02:59.150 align:middle line:84%
This is a great,
great program here.

03:02:59.150 --> 03:03:02.720 align:middle line:84%
And this actually is located
in Boston's neighborhood

03:03:02.720 --> 03:03:03.640 align:middle line:90%
of Hyde Park.

03:03:03.640 --> 03:03:06.700 align:middle line:84%
And is directly on the
border of my district

03:03:06.700 --> 03:03:09.700 align:middle line:84%
and the gentlewoman from
Dorchester's district.

03:03:09.700 --> 03:03:13.870 align:middle line:90%
So we share this facility here.

03:03:13.870 --> 03:03:17.860 align:middle line:84%
And Riverside Theater Works is a
very rare, inner city community

03:03:17.860 --> 03:03:19.860 align:middle line:90%
theater located in Hyde Park.

03:03:19.860 --> 03:03:24.710 align:middle line:84%
It's a 14,000 square foot
facility, features 156 feet

03:03:24.710 --> 03:03:30.370 align:middle line:84%
opera venue, a dance studio
rehearsal space, a scene shop,

03:03:30.370 --> 03:03:33.990 align:middle line:84%
a lounge, and several
meeting and rehearsal rooms,

03:03:33.990 --> 03:03:37.480 align:middle line:84%
mostly based towards the
youth of the community

03:03:37.480 --> 03:03:41.530 align:middle line:84%
for the idea of bringing
the arts locally.

03:03:41.530 --> 03:03:44.570 align:middle line:84%
So the venue host
shows recitals.

03:03:44.570 --> 03:03:47.090 align:middle line:84%
There are fundraisers,
community gatherings,

03:03:47.090 --> 03:03:50.380 align:middle line:84%
and it's a key
attraction and really

03:03:50.380 --> 03:03:52.610 align:middle line:84%
a connector for the
entire neighborhood.

03:03:52.610 --> 03:03:55.120 align:middle line:84%
The vision of
Riverside, initially,

03:03:55.120 --> 03:03:58.970 align:middle line:84%
was that this neighborhood, this
section of the city of Boston

03:03:58.970 --> 03:04:02.880 align:middle line:84%
was not getting enough
exposure to the arts.

03:04:02.880 --> 03:04:06.800 align:middle line:84%
So a group of volunteers
decided to form this nonprofit

03:04:06.800 --> 03:04:10.920 align:middle line:84%
in this phenomenally historic
building, which is currently

03:04:10.920 --> 03:04:14.940 align:middle line:84%
in a private-public
partnership with Boston College

03:04:14.940 --> 03:04:17.690 align:middle line:90%
to renovate the theater.

03:04:17.690 --> 03:04:20.740 align:middle line:84%
This amendment provides
assistance to the theater

03:04:20.740 --> 03:04:24.630 align:middle line:84%
so they can continue to help
build a very diverse community

03:04:24.630 --> 03:04:27.810 align:middle line:84%
to experience the arts
in the height of Hyde

03:04:27.810 --> 03:04:29.720 align:middle line:90%
Park in the city of Boston.

03:04:29.720 --> 03:04:33.000 align:middle line:84%
And Mr. President, I hope
that the amendment is adopted.

03:04:33.000 --> 03:04:33.500 align:middle line:90%
Thank you.

03:04:33.500 --> 03:04:36.500 align:middle line:90%


03:04:36.500 --> 03:04:38.300 align:middle line:84%
[INAUDIBLE] adoption
of the amendment.

03:04:38.300 --> 03:04:39.650 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say aye.

03:04:39.650 --> 03:04:40.940 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

03:04:40.940 --> 03:04:42.260 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

03:04:42.260 --> 03:04:43.790 align:middle line:90%
And the amendment is adopted.

03:04:43.790 --> 03:04:45.910 align:middle line:84%
We have a new draft,
yes, and [INAUDIBLE]..

03:04:45.910 --> 03:04:49.870 align:middle line:84%
The next amendment, number
651, offered by the senator

03:04:49.870 --> 03:04:52.510 align:middle line:84%
from Suffolk, Ms.
Chang-Diaz, the title

03:04:52.510 --> 03:04:54.020 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

03:04:54.020 --> 03:04:58.750 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 651 by
Ms. Chang-Diaz, home base.

03:04:58.750 --> 03:05:06.940 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Plymouth
and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.

03:05:06.940 --> 03:05:08.220 align:middle line:90%
Thank you, Mr. President.

03:05:08.220 --> 03:05:13.510 align:middle line:84%
I was hoping that Senator
Diaz might be able to--

03:05:13.510 --> 03:05:16.010 align:middle line:84%
Chang-Diaz-- might be able
to share with us a little bit

03:05:16.010 --> 03:05:18.330 align:middle line:84%
of what this amendment
does, as we've

03:05:18.330 --> 03:05:20.670 align:middle line:84%
co-sponsored another
amendment on the same topic.

03:05:20.670 --> 03:05:21.670 align:middle line:90%
You violated the rules.

03:05:21.670 --> 03:05:22.170 align:middle line:90%
I did.

03:05:22.170 --> 03:05:22.669 align:middle line:90%
I'm sorry.

03:05:22.669 --> 03:05:25.535 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Suffolk, Ms.
Chang-Diaz, Mr. President,

03:05:25.535 --> 03:05:26.910 align:middle line:84%
and through you,
to the gentleman

03:05:26.910 --> 03:05:28.805 align:middle line:84%
from Plymouth and
Barnstable, as well as

03:05:28.805 --> 03:05:29.930 align:middle line:90%
the rest of the membership.

03:05:29.930 --> 03:05:33.510 align:middle line:84%
And I have so enjoyed
finding myself

03:05:33.510 --> 03:05:38.670 align:middle line:84%
in the position of teammate with
him on the issue of home base.

03:05:38.670 --> 03:05:41.380 align:middle line:84%
This amendment in
particular would

03:05:41.380 --> 03:05:45.150 align:middle line:84%
remove the aggregate, the
$300,000 aggregate cap,

03:05:45.150 --> 03:05:48.160 align:middle line:84%
on the amount of resources
that the home base program

03:05:48.160 --> 03:05:51.680 align:middle line:84%
may use to serve families
that are in domestic violence

03:05:51.680 --> 03:05:55.650 align:middle line:84%
or substance abuse shelters
or are currently residing

03:05:55.650 --> 03:05:57.977 align:middle line:90%
in sober living programs.

03:05:57.977 --> 03:06:00.310 align:middle line:84%
Home base, as the gentleman
from Plymouth and Barnstable

03:06:00.310 --> 03:06:03.400 align:middle line:84%
knows, but for the benefit
of others who might not know,

03:06:03.400 --> 03:06:05.490 align:middle line:84%
Home Base is a program
that offers families

03:06:05.490 --> 03:06:08.850 align:middle line:84%
an alternative to shelter
by providing stabilization

03:06:08.850 --> 03:06:10.850 align:middle line:84%
services and
financial assistance

03:06:10.850 --> 03:06:14.180 align:middle line:84%
in order to obtain
and retain housing

03:06:14.180 --> 03:06:16.350 align:middle line:84%
so that folks are
stably housed, instead

03:06:16.350 --> 03:06:21.720 align:middle line:84%
of yo-yoing back and forth
between shelter, housing,

03:06:21.720 --> 03:06:25.050 align:middle line:84%
shelter, housing, or
circumstances worse

03:06:25.050 --> 03:06:26.390 align:middle line:90%
than shelter.

03:06:26.390 --> 03:06:30.210 align:middle line:84%
It helps families to pay
rent, utility bills, security

03:06:30.210 --> 03:06:31.910 align:middle line:84%
deposits, and
other expenses that

03:06:31.910 --> 03:06:35.910 align:middle line:84%
allow a family to stay stable
in a current home with some case

03:06:35.910 --> 03:06:36.860 align:middle line:90%
management services.

03:06:36.860 --> 03:06:39.360 align:middle line:84%
And it uses our state
resources more efficiently

03:06:39.360 --> 03:06:42.190 align:middle line:84%
by reducing the overall
cost of assistance

03:06:42.190 --> 03:06:44.760 align:middle line:90%
to address homelessness.

03:06:44.760 --> 03:06:47.100 align:middle line:84%
In last year's
budget, Mr. President,

03:06:47.100 --> 03:06:51.390 align:middle line:84%
we did a pilot that
was capped at $300,000,

03:06:51.390 --> 03:06:55.100 align:middle line:84%
to try out serving domestic
violence and substance abuse

03:06:55.100 --> 03:06:59.690 align:middle line:84%
clients who are otherwise
served through programs at EOHHS

03:06:59.690 --> 03:07:03.900 align:middle line:84%
through this program for the
purposes of their housing

03:07:03.900 --> 03:07:05.010 align:middle line:90%
stability needs.

03:07:05.010 --> 03:07:07.760 align:middle line:84%
Because after all, of
course, homeless families

03:07:07.760 --> 03:07:09.990 align:middle line:84%
are homeless, regardless
of whether they're

03:07:09.990 --> 03:07:14.460 align:middle line:84%
being served through HHS
programs or DHCD's emergency

03:07:14.460 --> 03:07:16.150 align:middle line:90%
assistance programs.

03:07:16.150 --> 03:07:17.960 align:middle line:84%
So the language
in this amendment

03:07:17.960 --> 03:07:21.490 align:middle line:84%
simply removes that
cap and thus would

03:07:21.490 --> 03:07:24.030 align:middle line:84%
reduce the long wait
list for these programs,

03:07:24.030 --> 03:07:27.040 align:middle line:84%
ease the cost burdens on our
emergency shelter system,

03:07:27.040 --> 03:07:29.310 align:middle line:84%
and also provide the
program administrators

03:07:29.310 --> 03:07:31.750 align:middle line:84%
a home base with some
flexibility and agility

03:07:31.750 --> 03:07:35.235 align:middle line:84%
to best serve the population
that they're seeing show up.

03:07:35.235 --> 03:07:36.610 align:middle line:84%
I hope that the
amendment passes.

03:07:36.610 --> 03:07:39.180 align:middle line:84%
Question on the adoption
of the amendment.

03:07:39.180 --> 03:07:40.550 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

03:07:40.550 --> 03:07:41.670 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

03:07:41.670 --> 03:07:42.640 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

03:07:42.640 --> 03:07:43.850 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

03:07:43.850 --> 03:07:47.400 align:middle line:90%
Number 652 and 653 are on hold.

03:07:47.400 --> 03:07:49.760 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 654 is
authored by the senator

03:07:49.760 --> 03:07:51.970 align:middle line:84%
from Worcester, Miss
Chandler, the title

03:07:51.970 --> 03:07:53.200 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

03:07:53.200 --> 03:07:56.810 align:middle line:84%
Amendment number 654 by Miss
Chandler Framingham Downtown

03:07:56.810 --> 03:07:57.607 align:middle line:90%
Renaissance.

03:07:57.607 --> 03:07:59.440 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

03:07:59.440 --> 03:08:02.680 align:middle line:84%
The senator from Plymouth
and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.

03:08:02.680 --> 03:08:05.320 align:middle line:84%
Thank you, Mr.
President I was hoping

03:08:05.320 --> 03:08:08.620 align:middle line:84%
I might take this opportunity
to ask the gentle lady

03:08:08.620 --> 03:08:13.590 align:middle line:84%
from Worcester what's this
Framingham Downtown Renaissance

03:08:13.590 --> 03:08:15.690 align:middle line:84%
amendment does for
the edification

03:08:15.690 --> 03:08:16.800 align:middle line:90%
of my other colleagues.

03:08:16.800 --> 03:08:27.780 align:middle line:90%


03:08:27.780 --> 03:08:32.890 align:middle line:84%
The chair recognizes
the senator [AUDIO OUT]

03:08:32.890 --> 03:08:36.620 align:middle line:84%
The $5,000 for the Framingham
downtown Renaissance.

03:08:36.620 --> 03:08:40.540 align:middle line:84%
Framingham is the next
big town, big city--

03:08:40.540 --> 03:08:41.730 align:middle line:90%
it's a city now--

03:08:41.730 --> 03:08:42.790 align:middle line:90%
to Worcester.

03:08:42.790 --> 03:08:46.360 align:middle line:84%
And this funding would support
the revitalization efforts

03:08:46.360 --> 03:08:48.350 align:middle line:90%
of the downtown Framingham area.

03:08:48.350 --> 03:08:52.000 align:middle line:84%
Downtown development
provides an economic boost

03:08:52.000 --> 03:08:55.090 align:middle line:84%
to our communities, which
are more than just the town

03:08:55.090 --> 03:08:57.480 align:middle line:84%
itself, but all the
towns in between.

03:08:57.480 --> 03:09:00.600 align:middle line:84%
To get to Boston, one
goes through Framingham.

03:09:00.600 --> 03:09:04.860 align:middle line:84%
We are hoping to draw more and
more attention to Worcester

03:09:04.860 --> 03:09:07.410 align:middle line:84%
and to Framingham
from the Boston area.

03:09:07.410 --> 03:09:10.440 align:middle line:84%
Smart investors like this
offer our municipalities

03:09:10.440 --> 03:09:12.670 align:middle line:84%
the opportunity to
grow and to succeed.

03:09:12.670 --> 03:09:17.047 align:middle line:84%
So for these reasons, I ask
that you vote yes for this.

03:09:17.047 --> 03:09:18.880 align:middle line:84%
Question comes on
adoption of the amendment.

03:09:18.880 --> 03:09:20.400 align:middle line:90%
All those in favor say, aye.

03:09:20.400 --> 03:09:21.280 align:middle line:90%
Opposed, no.

03:09:21.280 --> 03:09:22.100 align:middle line:90%
The ayes have it.

03:09:22.100 --> 03:09:23.260 align:middle line:90%
The amendment is adopted.

03:09:23.260 --> 03:09:25.492 align:middle line:84%
The next is offered by the
same senator, the title

03:09:25.492 --> 03:09:26.700 align:middle line:90%
of which the clerk will read.

03:09:26.700 --> 03:09:27.830 align:middle line:90%
Number 655.

03:09:27.830 --> 03:09:29.170 align:middle line:90%
Amendment number 655.

03:09:29.170 --> 03:09:32.260 align:middle line:84%
And Miss Chandler-- Long
Term Care Insurance Deadline

03:09:32.260 --> 03:09:33.550 align:middle line:90%
Adjustment.

03:09:33.550 --> 03:09:35.630 align:middle line:84%
The question comes on
adoption of that amendment.

03:09:35.630 --> 03:09:38.260 align:middle line:90%


03:09:38.260 --> 03:09:40.470 align:middle line:84%
The senator from
Essex, Mr. Tarr.

03:09:40.470 --> 03:09:42.400 align:middle line:90%
[INAUDIBLE] brief recess.

03:09:42.400 --> 03:09:43.950 align:middle line:90%
Recess.

03:09:43.950 --> 03:09:49.378 align:middle line:90%