WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:00.500 align:middle line:90% 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:01.860 align:middle line:90% The Senate will be in order. 00:00:01.860 --> 00:00:06.390 align:middle line:84% And the question before the body is amendment number 655. 00:00:06.390 --> 00:00:12.570 align:middle line:84% And the question comes on the amendment. 00:00:12.570 --> 00:00:14.460 align:middle line:84% And the chair recognizes the senator 00:00:14.460 --> 00:00:17.660 align:middle line:84% from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:00:17.660 --> 00:00:19.080 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:00:19.080 --> 00:00:22.380 align:middle line:84% We appreciate the opportunity to say a few words. 00:00:22.380 --> 00:00:24.310 align:middle line:84% I was hoping that the gentle lady 00:00:24.310 --> 00:00:27.664 align:middle line:84% in her beautiful purple outfit from Worcester 00:00:27.664 --> 00:00:30.330 align:middle line:84% might be able to share with us a little bit about this long term 00:00:30.330 --> 00:00:32.910 align:middle line:84% care insurance deadline adjustment amendment 00:00:32.910 --> 00:00:35.361 align:middle line:90% and what it does for-- 00:00:35.361 --> 00:00:36.610 align:middle line:90% From Worcester, Miss Chandler. 00:00:36.610 --> 00:00:39.790 align:middle line:90% 00:00:39.790 --> 00:00:42.230 align:middle line:84% I thank you for asking the question because to me, 00:00:42.230 --> 00:00:43.950 align:middle line:84% this is a very important amendment. 00:00:43.950 --> 00:00:46.890 align:middle line:84% This amendment provides a much needed fix 00:00:46.890 --> 00:00:51.230 align:middle line:84% to the wording of the MassHealth Asset Recovery Exemption, 00:00:51.230 --> 00:00:55.130 align:middle line:84% assuring that it will remain a robust incentive for residents 00:00:55.130 --> 00:00:58.440 align:middle line:84% to buy private long term care insurance, 00:00:58.440 --> 00:01:00.960 align:middle line:90% which I am a big champion of. 00:01:00.960 --> 00:01:03.750 align:middle line:84% This was also filed as Bill Senate 00:01:03.750 --> 00:01:08.500 align:middle line:84% 607, which has been heard by the health care finance committee. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:11.910 align:middle line:84% But I am convinced it has to be fixed as soon as possible. 00:01:11.910 --> 00:01:15.190 align:middle line:84% And I hope that you'll agree when you hear why. 00:01:15.190 --> 00:01:17.100 align:middle line:90% This is a very simple change. 00:01:17.100 --> 00:01:20.450 align:middle line:84% It adds just four words to an existing statute, 00:01:20.450 --> 00:01:22.430 align:middle line:90% but with an important purpose. 00:01:22.430 --> 00:01:26.630 align:middle line:84% The statute it modifies allows homeowners 00:01:26.630 --> 00:01:30.610 align:middle line:84% to keep their primary residence even if they spend money 00:01:30.610 --> 00:01:33.520 align:middle line:84% on their own care until they would otherwise 00:01:33.520 --> 00:01:37.280 align:middle line:90% be eligible for MassHealth. 00:01:37.280 --> 00:01:41.160 align:middle line:84% This benefit is an incentive, and a big incentive, 00:01:41.160 --> 00:01:44.400 align:middle line:84% for them to buy and retain an adequate level of long term 00:01:44.400 --> 00:01:46.130 align:middle line:90% care insurance. 00:01:46.130 --> 00:01:48.840 align:middle line:84% The formula under the current statute 00:01:48.840 --> 00:01:51.570 align:middle line:84% looks to the level of long term care insurance 00:01:51.570 --> 00:01:56.260 align:middle line:84% at the time of purchase, which is a change we as a legislature 00:01:56.260 --> 00:01:57.980 align:middle line:90% made several years ago. 00:01:57.980 --> 00:02:01.270 align:middle line:84% Previously, if you remember, the formula 00:02:01.270 --> 00:02:03.380 align:middle line:84% looked to the level of insurance at the time 00:02:03.380 --> 00:02:06.430 align:middle line:84% the patient entered a long term care facility, which 00:02:06.430 --> 00:02:10.699 align:middle line:84% meant that if you use long term care insurance for at home 00:02:10.699 --> 00:02:14.590 align:middle line:84% care, you might not have enough by the time you actually 00:02:14.590 --> 00:02:19.490 align:middle line:84% needed it to enter a long term care facility. 00:02:19.490 --> 00:02:23.270 align:middle line:84% So some of our constituents had relied 00:02:23.270 --> 00:02:26.060 align:middle line:84% on their policies appreciating by the time they 00:02:26.060 --> 00:02:30.350 align:middle line:84% entered a facility and were harmed when the law changed 00:02:30.350 --> 00:02:33.510 align:middle line:84% because they no longer could protect their homes. 00:02:33.510 --> 00:02:36.380 align:middle line:84% To rectify this issue, this amendment 00:02:36.380 --> 00:02:39.430 align:middle line:84% changes the formula so that the formula will now 00:02:39.430 --> 00:02:41.380 align:middle line:84% look to whether insurance was either 00:02:41.380 --> 00:02:45.450 align:middle line:84% purchased at an appropriate level when it was purchased 00:02:45.450 --> 00:02:49.370 align:middle line:84% or has appreciated to the appropriate level. 00:02:49.370 --> 00:02:54.330 align:middle line:84% So it's either what you paid for it at the time 00:02:54.330 --> 00:03:00.140 align:middle line:84% or appreciate it to the level that it then clicks in. 00:03:00.140 --> 00:03:02.820 align:middle line:84% This will ensure that all long term care 00:03:02.820 --> 00:03:06.220 align:middle line:84% policy holders who had planned for this exemption 00:03:06.220 --> 00:03:08.430 align:middle line:84% are able to take advantage of it. 00:03:08.430 --> 00:03:09.930 align:middle line:84% I believe this is the right thing 00:03:09.930 --> 00:03:12.500 align:middle line:84% to do for our seniors and the right way 00:03:12.500 --> 00:03:15.210 align:middle line:84% to keep our long term care costs down. 00:03:15.210 --> 00:03:18.940 align:middle line:84% We have been encouraged to do this by seniors, by long term 00:03:18.940 --> 00:03:22.190 align:middle line:90% care elder attorneys. 00:03:22.190 --> 00:03:24.600 align:middle line:84% And it seems that it is the right thing to do. 00:03:24.600 --> 00:03:27.140 align:middle line:84% And for these reasons, I encourage the Senate 00:03:27.140 --> 00:03:33.510 align:middle line:90% to adopt Amendment 655. 00:03:33.510 --> 00:03:36.480 align:middle line:84% On adoption of the amendment, all those in favor say, aye. 00:03:36.480 --> 00:03:37.630 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:03:37.630 --> 00:03:38.540 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:03:38.540 --> 00:03:39.740 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:03:39.740 --> 00:03:42.470 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 656 has been withdrawn. 00:03:42.470 --> 00:03:47.130 align:middle line:84% 657 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:03:47.130 --> 00:03:49.630 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title 00:03:49.630 --> 00:03:50.930 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:03:50.930 --> 00:03:53.120 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 657 by Mr. Ross-- 00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:55.980 align:middle line:90% Franklin Downtown Partnership. 00:03:55.980 --> 00:03:58.440 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:03:58.440 --> 00:04:00.900 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:04:00.900 --> 00:04:01.990 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:04:01.990 --> 00:04:02.889 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:04:02.889 --> 00:04:03.930 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:04:03.930 --> 00:04:06.810 align:middle line:84% Number 658 is offered by the senator for Plymouth 00:04:06.810 --> 00:04:08.520 align:middle line:84% and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo, the title 00:04:08.520 --> 00:04:09.728 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:04:09.728 --> 00:04:11.740 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 658 by Mr. deMacedo-- 00:04:11.740 --> 00:04:12.240 align:middle line:90% [? 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:14.707 align:middle line:84% Borne ?] Financial Development Corporation. 00:04:14.707 --> 00:04:16.540 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:04:16.540 --> 00:04:17.890 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:04:17.890 --> 00:04:19.110 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:04:19.110 --> 00:04:20.012 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:04:20.012 --> 00:04:21.220 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:04:21.220 --> 00:04:23.800 align:middle line:84% 659 is offered by the senator for Plymouth and Norfolk, 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:26.390 align:middle line:84% Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:04:26.390 --> 00:04:28.670 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 659 by Mr. O'Connor-- 00:04:28.670 --> 00:04:30.237 align:middle line:90% Homelessness Status. 00:04:30.237 --> 00:04:32.070 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:04:32.070 --> 00:04:33.400 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:04:33.400 --> 00:04:34.500 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:35.272 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:04:35.272 --> 00:04:36.480 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:04:36.480 --> 00:04:38.329 align:middle line:84% Number 660 offered by the Senator 00:04:38.329 --> 00:04:40.370 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Creem, the title 00:04:40.370 --> 00:04:41.860 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:44.100 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 660 by Miss Creem-- 00:04:44.100 --> 00:04:45.177 align:middle line:90% From The Top. 00:04:45.177 --> 00:04:47.010 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:04:47.010 --> 00:04:48.870 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:04:48.870 --> 00:04:49.610 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:04:49.610 --> 00:04:50.480 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:04:50.480 --> 00:04:52.020 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:04:52.020 --> 00:04:54.470 align:middle line:84% Amendment 661 offered by the same senator, the title 00:04:54.470 --> 00:04:55.690 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:04:55.690 --> 00:04:57.660 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 661 by Miss Creem-- 00:04:57.660 --> 00:05:00.460 align:middle line:84% Independent Film Society of Boston. 00:05:00.460 --> 00:05:02.460 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:05:02.460 --> 00:05:03.800 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:05:03.800 --> 00:05:04.770 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:05:04.770 --> 00:05:05.700 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:05:05.700 --> 00:05:06.850 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:05:06.850 --> 00:05:09.304 align:middle line:84% 664 is offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth, 00:05:09.304 --> 00:05:11.720 align:middle line:84% Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will remember. 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:14.020 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 664 by Mr. Rodrigues-- 00:05:14.020 --> 00:05:17.177 align:middle line:84% Swansea's 350th Anniversary Celebration. 00:05:17.177 --> 00:05:18.760 align:middle line:84% The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, 00:05:18.760 --> 00:05:22.467 align:middle line:84% Mr. Rodrigues [AUDIO OUT] asks for unanimous consent 00:05:22.467 --> 00:05:23.550 align:middle line:90% to withdraw the amendment. 00:05:23.550 --> 00:05:24.466 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:05:24.466 --> 00:05:26.730 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:05:26.730 --> 00:05:28.170 align:middle line:90% It is so ordered. 00:05:28.170 --> 00:05:30.880 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 665 offered by the senator from Middlesex 00:05:30.880 --> 00:05:32.700 align:middle line:84% and Norfolk, Miss Creem, the title 00:05:32.700 --> 00:05:34.000 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:36.240 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 665 by Miss Creem-- 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:38.140 align:middle line:90% Newton As Home. 00:05:38.140 --> 00:05:43.660 align:middle line:84% The senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman. 00:05:43.660 --> 00:05:45.420 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, through you to the members, 00:05:45.420 --> 00:05:48.120 align:middle line:84% minority [INAUDIBLE] is very interested in hearing 00:05:48.120 --> 00:05:50.160 align:middle line:84% a little bit about Newton At Home, 00:05:50.160 --> 00:05:54.930 align:middle line:84% if the gentle lady would be so kind as to explain to us. 00:05:54.930 --> 00:05:57.600 align:middle line:84% Senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Creem. 00:05:57.600 --> 00:05:59.720 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and through you. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:04.210 align:middle line:84% Newton At Home is a program that helps residents of Newton age 00:06:04.210 --> 00:06:05.120 align:middle line:90% in place. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:08.310 align:middle line:84% It was founded almost a decade ago by residents 00:06:08.310 --> 00:06:12.450 align:middle line:84% who realized that often it is a social network similar to that 00:06:12.450 --> 00:06:16.190 align:middle line:84% found in a small village or town that can assist seniors 00:06:16.190 --> 00:06:19.630 align:middle line:84% to stay in their homes with some volunteer assistance. 00:06:19.630 --> 00:06:23.000 align:middle line:84% It provides many practical and social services 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:26.490 align:middle line:84% including transportation to medical appointments, 00:06:26.490 --> 00:06:30.150 align:middle line:84% help with home repairs, and technology assistance. 00:06:30.150 --> 00:06:35.350 align:middle line:84% 95% of the services provided are by volunteers, often, 00:06:35.350 --> 00:06:38.220 align:middle line:84% other more active seniors in the same community, 00:06:38.220 --> 00:06:39.350 align:middle line:90% in my community. 00:06:39.350 --> 00:06:41.940 align:middle line:84% The program also benefits family members 00:06:41.940 --> 00:06:44.070 align:middle line:84% by reducing the stress of knowing 00:06:44.070 --> 00:06:46.770 align:middle line:84% a loved one has the needs that are difficult to meet 00:06:46.770 --> 00:06:48.220 align:middle line:90% at a distance. 00:06:48.220 --> 00:06:52.400 align:middle line:84% It organizes field trips, outings, cultural outings. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:06:57.540 align:middle line:84% And this also gives scholarship to those in need who cannot 00:06:57.540 --> 00:07:01.910 align:middle line:84% afford to pay for any of the services provided by Newton At 00:07:01.910 --> 00:07:02.430 align:middle line:90% Home. 00:07:02.430 --> 00:07:06.540 align:middle line:84% This modest request of $15,000 will be quite meaningful 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:10.350 align:middle line:84% enhancing the quality of life for those seniors and many 00:07:10.350 --> 00:07:13.830 align:middle line:84% of whom cannot afford to enjoy what others can. 00:07:13.830 --> 00:07:16.600 align:middle line:90% So I hope this amendment passes. 00:07:16.600 --> 00:07:18.907 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:07:18.907 --> 00:07:20.740 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:07:20.740 --> 00:07:22.080 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:07:22.080 --> 00:07:23.260 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:07:23.260 --> 00:07:24.370 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:07:24.370 --> 00:07:25.700 align:middle line:90% And the amendment is adopted. 00:07:25.700 --> 00:07:29.070 align:middle line:84% Number 667 is offered by the senator from Plymouth 00:07:29.070 --> 00:07:30.580 align:middle line:84% and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo, title 00:07:30.580 --> 00:07:32.420 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:35.000 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 667 by Mr. deMacedo-- 00:07:35.000 --> 00:07:36.110 align:middle line:90% Home Base. 00:07:36.110 --> 00:07:38.210 align:middle line:90% Mr. DeMacedo. 00:07:38.210 --> 00:07:41.290 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. president, and appreciate that. 00:07:41.290 --> 00:07:45.120 align:middle line:84% I am rising to support this home base amendment. 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:50.340 align:middle line:84% This simply changes the word 24 to 12. 00:07:50.340 --> 00:07:52.910 align:middle line:84% This particular program in the past 00:07:52.910 --> 00:07:56.300 align:middle line:84% was a much more robust program in regards 00:07:56.300 --> 00:08:00.420 align:middle line:84% to assisting people with rental subsidies for a 24 month 00:08:00.420 --> 00:08:01.050 align:middle line:90% period. 00:08:01.050 --> 00:08:03.010 align:middle line:84% However, over a period of time, that 00:08:03.010 --> 00:08:06.890 align:middle line:84% became so cumbersome and expensive that they 00:08:06.890 --> 00:08:10.940 align:middle line:84% modified it to assist people for a 12 months period. 00:08:10.940 --> 00:08:14.510 align:middle line:84% However, if they did not comply, they 00:08:14.510 --> 00:08:17.940 align:middle line:84% would be out of the program for 24 months. 00:08:17.940 --> 00:08:22.160 align:middle line:84% However, since this program is now a shorter period of time, 00:08:22.160 --> 00:08:25.490 align:middle line:84% this brings it back to the original intent to 12 months. 00:08:25.490 --> 00:08:27.190 align:middle line:90% So it was 24. 00:08:27.190 --> 00:08:29.470 align:middle line:84% Otherwise, these individuals would not be able 00:08:29.470 --> 00:08:31.072 align:middle line:90% re-enter for another 24 months. 00:08:31.072 --> 00:08:32.530 align:middle line:84% So I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:08:32.530 --> 00:08:34.549 align:middle line:84% Question on adoption of the amendment. 00:08:34.549 --> 00:08:35.950 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:08:35.950 --> 00:08:36.900 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:08:36.900 --> 00:08:37.980 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:08:37.980 --> 00:08:39.280 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:08:39.280 --> 00:08:41.650 align:middle line:84% The next amendment by the same gentleman, 00:08:41.650 --> 00:08:45.070 align:middle line:84% number 668, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:08:45.070 --> 00:08:47.910 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 668 by Mr. deMacedo [AUDIO OUT] 00:08:47.910 --> 00:08:49.597 align:middle line:90% Services Grants. 00:08:49.597 --> 00:08:51.430 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:08:51.430 --> 00:08:52.840 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:08:52.840 --> 00:08:53.770 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:08:53.770 --> 00:08:54.540 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:08:54.540 --> 00:08:55.770 align:middle line:90% Amendment is not adopted. 00:08:55.770 --> 00:08:58.350 align:middle line:84% The same senator offers number 669, the title 00:08:58.350 --> 00:08:59.890 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:08:59.890 --> 00:09:02.820 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 669 by Mr. deMacedo-- 00:09:02.820 --> 00:09:04.220 align:middle line:90% Micro-lending. 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:06.430 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:09:06.430 --> 00:09:12.690 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:09:12.690 --> 00:09:14.660 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:09:14.660 --> 00:09:15.700 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:09:15.700 --> 00:09:16.560 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:09:16.560 --> 00:09:18.040 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:09:18.040 --> 00:09:21.314 align:middle line:84% Number 670 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:09:21.314 --> 00:09:22.730 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title 00:09:22.730 --> 00:09:23.938 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:09:23.938 --> 00:09:26.000 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 670 by Mr. Ross-- 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:28.387 align:middle line:90% Franklin Historical Commission. 00:09:28.387 --> 00:09:30.220 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:09:30.220 --> 00:09:31.440 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:09:31.440 --> 00:09:32.380 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:09:32.380 --> 00:09:33.052 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:09:33.052 --> 00:09:34.260 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:09:34.260 --> 00:09:37.470 align:middle line:84% Number 671 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:09:37.470 --> 00:09:38.970 align:middle line:84% and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title 00:09:38.970 --> 00:09:40.390 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:09:40.390 --> 00:09:42.830 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 671 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:09:42.830 --> 00:09:44.850 align:middle line:90% Avon Economic Development. 00:09:44.850 --> 00:09:47.960 align:middle line:84% Question comes on the adoption of the redrafted amendment. 00:09:47.960 --> 00:09:50.920 align:middle line:90% 00:09:50.920 --> 00:09:52.120 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:09:52.120 --> 00:09:53.060 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:09:53.060 --> 00:09:55.140 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 00:09:55.140 --> 00:09:57.770 align:middle line:84% 672 offered by the same senator, the title 00:09:57.770 --> 00:09:59.320 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:09:59.320 --> 00:10:01.540 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 672 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:10:01.540 --> 00:10:03.627 align:middle line:90% Avon Intersection Improvement. 00:10:03.627 --> 00:10:05.460 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:06.750 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:10:06.750 --> 00:10:07.840 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:10:07.840 --> 00:10:08.760 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:10:08.760 --> 00:10:10.190 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:10:10.190 --> 00:10:14.140 align:middle line:84% The Amendment number 673 has been withdrawn. 00:10:14.140 --> 00:10:18.280 align:middle line:84% 674 is offered by the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, 00:10:18.280 --> 00:10:21.780 align:middle line:84% Mr. Lesser, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:10:21.780 --> 00:10:23.930 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 674 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:10:23.930 --> 00:10:25.997 align:middle line:90% Spirit of Springfield. 00:10:25.997 --> 00:10:27.830 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:10:27.830 --> 00:10:31.050 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:10:31.050 --> 00:10:32.250 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:10:32.250 --> 00:10:34.250 align:middle line:84% And I was hoping that the gentleman from Hampden 00:10:34.250 --> 00:10:37.280 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire might explain to us 00:10:37.280 --> 00:10:42.990 align:middle line:84% what the Spirit of Springfield, since he hails from that area. 00:10:42.990 --> 00:10:46.000 align:middle line:84% Senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:48.230 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, through you to the members, 00:10:48.230 --> 00:10:53.230 align:middle line:84% I rise in support of Amendment 674, the Spirit of Springfield. 00:10:53.230 --> 00:10:57.190 align:middle line:84% The Spirit of Springfield is a Springfield-based organization 00:10:57.190 --> 00:11:01.280 align:middle line:84% that's responsible for several community-wide celebrations 00:11:01.280 --> 00:11:02.750 align:middle line:90% throughout the year. 00:11:02.750 --> 00:11:06.300 align:middle line:84% From Bright Nights at Forest Park, consistently ranked 00:11:06.300 --> 00:11:09.370 align:middle line:84% among the nation's top winter light events 00:11:09.370 --> 00:11:11.920 align:middle line:84% to the world's largest pancake breakfast 00:11:11.920 --> 00:11:15.960 align:middle line:84% to the parade of big balloons to the Star-Spangled Springfield 00:11:15.960 --> 00:11:19.440 align:middle line:84% 4th of July celebration, the Spirit of Springfield 00:11:19.440 --> 00:11:22.200 align:middle line:84% gives our Springfield and greater Springfield community 00:11:22.200 --> 00:11:24.130 align:middle line:90% a sense of community. 00:11:24.130 --> 00:11:27.280 align:middle line:84% And frankly, in a time of increasing cynicism 00:11:27.280 --> 00:11:30.310 align:middle line:84% where it's easy to believe that good fences make 00:11:30.310 --> 00:11:33.140 align:middle line:84% good neighbors, the Spirit of Springfield's role 00:11:33.140 --> 00:11:36.880 align:middle line:84% in bringing people together in our community is immeasurable. 00:11:36.880 --> 00:11:40.600 align:middle line:84% This amendment specifically will provide this organization 00:11:40.600 --> 00:11:45.260 align:middle line:84% with $100,000 to continue to deliver high quality 00:11:45.260 --> 00:11:50.230 align:middle line:84% family-oriented programming with a strong economic impact. 00:11:50.230 --> 00:11:53.630 align:middle line:84% Bright Nights, for instance, is our annual holiday light 00:11:53.630 --> 00:11:56.510 align:middle line:84% display, has been held at Forest Park in Springfield 00:11:56.510 --> 00:11:58.130 align:middle line:90% for 22 years. 00:11:58.130 --> 00:12:03.380 align:middle line:84% This past winter, nearly 40,000 cars and 230 buses 00:12:03.380 --> 00:12:07.370 align:middle line:84% passed through the display, creating $15 million 00:12:07.370 --> 00:12:09.350 align:middle line:90% in overall economic impact. 00:12:09.350 --> 00:12:11.590 align:middle line:84% Throughout the year, the Spirit of Springfield 00:12:11.590 --> 00:12:15.960 align:middle line:84% attracts a total of 400,000 people to all of its events. 00:12:15.960 --> 00:12:19.260 align:middle line:84% I would include there are a lot of events ranging from veterans 00:12:19.260 --> 00:12:22.150 align:middle line:84% appreciation events to community-wide celebrations 00:12:22.150 --> 00:12:24.910 align:middle line:84% like the pancake breakfast, which are specifically 00:12:24.910 --> 00:12:28.940 align:middle line:84% aimed towards young people, in particular, young elementary 00:12:28.940 --> 00:12:31.830 align:middle line:84% school age children and their families. 00:12:31.830 --> 00:12:34.270 align:middle line:84% These projects are a massive undertaking. 00:12:34.270 --> 00:12:37.630 align:middle line:84% And this state funding will help them continue their work 00:12:37.630 --> 00:12:40.100 align:middle line:84% and improve and expand their offerings 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:42.430 align:middle line:84% and provide our entire community with a greater 00:12:42.430 --> 00:12:43.730 align:middle line:90% sense of community. 00:12:43.730 --> 00:12:46.930 align:middle line:84% I'm pleased to give the Spirit of Springfield my full support. 00:12:46.930 --> 00:12:48.900 align:middle line:90% And I ask that you vote yes. 00:12:48.900 --> 00:12:49.437 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:12:49.437 --> 00:12:51.270 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:12:51.270 --> 00:12:52.590 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:12:52.590 --> 00:12:53.500 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:54.270 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:12:54.270 --> 00:12:55.311 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:12:55.311 --> 00:12:58.434 align:middle line:84% Number 675 is offered by the senator from Essex 00:12:58.434 --> 00:12:59.850 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title 00:12:59.850 --> 00:13:01.058 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:13:01.058 --> 00:13:03.180 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 675 by Mr. Tarr-- 00:13:03.180 --> 00:13:04.947 align:middle line:90% Economic Forecasts. 00:13:04.947 --> 00:13:06.280 align:middle line:90% Question comes on the amendment. 00:13:06.280 --> 00:13:08.530 align:middle line:84% The senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr. 00:13:08.530 --> 00:13:10.320 align:middle line:84% One of the most vexing things that we 00:13:10.320 --> 00:13:14.380 align:middle line:84% faced as we started to consider this budget in the weeks 00:13:14.380 --> 00:13:16.930 align:middle line:84% preceding the initiation of this debate 00:13:16.930 --> 00:13:21.290 align:middle line:84% was the situation where we have a robust economic recovery, 00:13:21.290 --> 00:13:23.550 align:middle line:84% but underperforming tax collections. 00:13:23.550 --> 00:13:26.070 align:middle line:84% And so, Mr. President, we know that there 00:13:26.070 --> 00:13:29.700 align:middle line:84% is a widely-celebrated annual exercise each year 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:31.870 align:middle line:84% when an economic forecast is produced. 00:13:31.870 --> 00:13:36.530 align:middle line:84% And the result of that forecast is a joint revenue estimate 00:13:36.530 --> 00:13:39.110 align:middle line:90% upon which we base the budget. 00:13:39.110 --> 00:13:41.110 align:middle line:84% And Mr. President, it seems that it 00:13:41.110 --> 00:13:43.370 align:middle line:84% would be appropriate to have the folks that 00:13:43.370 --> 00:13:45.670 align:middle line:84% are responsible for the office of forecasting 00:13:45.670 --> 00:13:48.510 align:middle line:84% such things, which exists in the budget, 00:13:48.510 --> 00:13:51.020 align:middle line:84% to not do that on an annual basis, 00:13:51.020 --> 00:13:53.150 align:middle line:84% but to do it on a quarterly basis 00:13:53.150 --> 00:13:56.390 align:middle line:84% so that we can understand what's happening in a timely way 00:13:56.390 --> 00:13:58.930 align:middle line:84% and understand if we need to make adjustments 00:13:58.930 --> 00:14:03.280 align:middle line:84% rather than being locked in to an assumption about economics 00:14:03.280 --> 00:14:05.994 align:middle line:84% and about revenue that simply is inaccurate. 00:14:05.994 --> 00:14:07.410 align:middle line:84% And Mr. President, I would daresay 00:14:07.410 --> 00:14:10.240 align:middle line:84% say that the absence of that practice 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:12.620 align:middle line:84% is going to have consequences for the budget 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:14.740 align:middle line:90% that we are debating right now. 00:14:14.740 --> 00:14:16.680 align:middle line:84% And so Mr. President, since we already 00:14:16.680 --> 00:14:19.410 align:middle line:84% have folks that are charged with this responsibility, 00:14:19.410 --> 00:14:21.350 align:middle line:84% it makes sense to have them do it 00:14:21.350 --> 00:14:23.920 align:middle line:84% in a timely way on a quarterly basis 00:14:23.920 --> 00:14:27.190 align:middle line:84% so that we can stay on track and have a sustainable budget. 00:14:27.190 --> 00:14:30.177 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:14:30.177 --> 00:14:32.010 align:middle line:84% Question comes an adoption of the amendment. 00:14:32.010 --> 00:14:33.290 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:14:33.290 --> 00:14:34.460 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:35.202 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:14:35.202 --> 00:14:36.410 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:14:36.410 --> 00:14:39.400 align:middle line:84% This is number 677 offered by the senator from Hampden 00:14:39.400 --> 00:14:40.900 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 00:14:40.900 --> 00:14:42.108 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:14:42.108 --> 00:14:44.040 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 677 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:14:44.040 --> 00:14:46.177 align:middle line:90% New England Public Radio. 00:14:46.177 --> 00:14:48.010 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:14:48.010 --> 00:14:49.380 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:14:49.380 --> 00:14:50.510 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:14:50.510 --> 00:14:51.620 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:14:51.620 --> 00:14:52.900 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:14:52.900 --> 00:14:55.780 align:middle line:84% 678 is offered by the senator from Plymouth and Bristol, 00:14:55.780 --> 00:14:57.920 align:middle line:84% Mr. Brady, a redrafted amendment, the title 00:14:57.920 --> 00:14:59.260 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:14:59.260 --> 00:15:01.520 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 678 by Mr. Brady-- [? 00:15:01.520 --> 00:15:05.837 align:middle line:84% Crosby ?] Central Administration Building. 00:15:05.837 --> 00:15:07.170 align:middle line:90% Question comes on the amendment. 00:15:07.170 --> 00:15:09.930 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex, 00:15:09.930 --> 00:15:10.750 align:middle line:90% Mr. Ross. 00:15:10.750 --> 00:15:12.260 align:middle line:84% If the good gentleman from Brockton 00:15:12.260 --> 00:15:13.460 align:middle line:84% could give us a little information 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:15.080 align:middle line:84% on this particular amendment please. 00:15:15.080 --> 00:15:18.622 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady. 00:15:18.622 --> 00:15:20.830 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, through you to the members. 00:15:20.830 --> 00:15:24.070 align:middle line:84% And I thank our good friend for asking me 00:15:24.070 --> 00:15:26.650 align:middle line:84% some questions on the building that we are 00:15:26.650 --> 00:15:28.200 align:middle line:90% trying to do some repairs to. 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:31.010 align:middle line:84% This was once an old post office building. 00:15:31.010 --> 00:15:33.790 align:middle line:84% And it was a beautiful historic building. 00:15:33.790 --> 00:15:37.360 align:middle line:84% In the early 1970s, we were able to get some funding 00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:39.900 align:middle line:84% through the federal government to build a new post 00:15:39.900 --> 00:15:42.600 align:middle line:84% office, which is-- the new post office is named 00:15:42.600 --> 00:15:46.120 align:middle line:84% after our only undefeated heavyweight champion 00:15:46.120 --> 00:15:49.820 align:middle line:84% in the history of heavyweight boxer, Rocky Marciano. 00:15:49.820 --> 00:15:53.100 align:middle line:84% So in the due diligence of the school department, 00:15:53.100 --> 00:15:55.730 align:middle line:84% they were able to utilize this former post office 00:15:55.730 --> 00:15:59.270 align:middle line:84% building as a main building for the school department. 00:15:59.270 --> 00:16:01.930 align:middle line:84% And it's been utilized for the past 30 years, which has saved 00:16:01.930 --> 00:16:04.060 align:middle line:90% the taxpayers many dollars. 00:16:04.060 --> 00:16:07.250 align:middle line:84% But being an old building, it's in need of some minor repairs. 00:16:07.250 --> 00:16:09.920 align:middle line:84% So this is a small portion of the budget 00:16:09.920 --> 00:16:12.840 align:middle line:84% to do some much needed repairs to the building. 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:14.030 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:16:14.030 --> 00:16:14.530 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:16:14.530 --> 00:16:19.560 align:middle line:84% [AUDIO OUT] comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:16:19.560 --> 00:16:20.990 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:16:20.990 --> 00:16:22.240 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:23.230 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:16:23.230 --> 00:16:24.360 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:16:24.360 --> 00:16:27.100 align:middle line:84% Number 680 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:28.822 align:middle line:84% and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title 00:16:28.822 --> 00:16:30.030 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:16:30.030 --> 00:16:31.900 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 680 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:16:31.900 --> 00:16:33.880 align:middle line:90% Randolph Amvets Post Repair. 00:16:33.880 --> 00:16:36.100 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:16:36.100 --> 00:16:37.550 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:16:37.550 --> 00:16:38.384 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:16:38.384 --> 00:16:39.050 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:16:39.050 --> 00:16:40.380 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:16:40.380 --> 00:16:42.560 align:middle line:84% 681, a redrafted amendment offered 00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:45.320 align:middle line:84% by the same senator, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:16:45.320 --> 00:16:47.700 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 681 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:16:47.700 --> 00:16:50.500 align:middle line:84% Randolph Financial Opportunity Center. 00:16:50.500 --> 00:16:53.620 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:56.840 align:middle line:84% Thank you [AUDIO OUT] I appreciate-- 00:16:56.840 --> 00:17:01.760 align:middle line:84% I appreciate the opportunity to stand here and get a little bit 00:17:01.760 --> 00:17:03.210 align:middle line:84% more information and enlightenment 00:17:03.210 --> 00:17:05.869 align:middle line:84% from the gentleman from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth 00:17:05.869 --> 00:17:08.730 align:middle line:84% in regards to what the Randolph Financial Opportunity 00:17:08.730 --> 00:17:11.970 align:middle line:84% Center does and how it's going to benefit the Commonwealth 00:17:11.970 --> 00:17:12.880 align:middle line:90% of Massachusetts. 00:17:12.880 --> 00:17:13.915 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:17:13.915 --> 00:17:17.220 align:middle line:90% 00:17:17.220 --> 00:17:19.660 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.339 align:middle line:90% Mr. Timilty. 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:21.839 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:25.933 align:middle line:84% [AUDIO OUT] --friend and classmate 00:17:25.933 --> 00:17:27.349 align:middle line:84% and maybe soon to be former friend 00:17:27.349 --> 00:17:28.432 align:middle line:90% from the town of Plymouth. 00:17:28.432 --> 00:17:31.120 align:middle line:90% 00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:33.170 align:middle line:84% The Randolph Financial Opportunity Center 00:17:33.170 --> 00:17:37.446 align:middle line:84% will cause-- this will allocate $25,000 for the residents 00:17:37.446 --> 00:17:39.070 align:middle line:84% of the town who are desperately in need 00:17:39.070 --> 00:17:41.760 align:middle line:84% of coordinated local services and resources 00:17:41.760 --> 00:17:45.410 align:middle line:84% to help augment and build financial assets. 00:17:45.410 --> 00:17:47.520 align:middle line:84% The new Randolph Financial Opportunity Center 00:17:47.520 --> 00:17:50.620 align:middle line:84% will be based on a model of integrated services established 00:17:50.620 --> 00:17:51.970 align:middle line:90% in the early 2000s. 00:17:51.970 --> 00:17:55.620 align:middle line:84% By co-locating these services together, establishing 00:17:55.620 --> 00:17:58.030 align:middle line:84% client case managers, relationships, 00:17:58.030 --> 00:18:01.020 align:middle line:84% and tracking progress of decisions via database, 00:18:01.020 --> 00:18:03.120 align:middle line:84% these [INAUDIBLE] have been effective increasing 00:18:03.120 --> 00:18:05.710 align:middle line:84% financial stability for families and increasing 00:18:05.710 --> 00:18:07.176 align:middle line:90% long term economic prospects. 00:18:07.176 --> 00:18:08.550 align:middle line:84% But with that, I thank you, and I 00:18:08.550 --> 00:18:11.621 align:middle line:90% hope the amendment is adopted. 00:18:11.621 --> 00:18:13.870 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the redrafted amendment. 00:18:13.870 --> 00:18:15.160 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:16.300 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:18:16.300 --> 00:18:17.280 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:18:17.280 --> 00:18:18.850 align:middle line:90% And the amendment is adopted. 00:18:18.850 --> 00:18:21.246 align:middle line:84% Number 682 offered by the senator from Plymouth 00:18:21.246 --> 00:18:22.620 align:middle line:84% and Bristol, Mr. Brady, the title 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:23.830 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:18:23.830 --> 00:18:26.020 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 682 by Mr. Brady-- 00:18:26.020 --> 00:18:29.600 align:middle line:84% Senator Thomas P. Kennedy Main Branch Library. 00:18:29.600 --> 00:18:33.259 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable [AUDIO OUT].. 00:18:33.259 --> 00:18:34.300 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:18:34.300 --> 00:18:36.350 align:middle line:84% I was hoping to ask the gentleman from Plymouth 00:18:36.350 --> 00:18:39.020 align:middle line:84% and Bristol if he might be able to share with us 00:18:39.020 --> 00:18:42.160 align:middle line:84% what this Senator Thomas P. Kennedy Main Library 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:43.260 align:middle line:90% amendment does. 00:18:43.260 --> 00:18:46.685 align:middle line:84% [AUDIO OUT] from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Brady. 00:18:46.685 --> 00:18:49.060 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members, 00:18:49.060 --> 00:18:51.360 align:middle line:84% and to our good friend from the town of Plymouth. 00:18:51.360 --> 00:18:54.630 align:middle line:84% This was a historic building in our downtown 00:18:54.630 --> 00:18:58.680 align:middle line:84% that was built with a Carnegie grant at the turn of the 1900s. 00:18:58.680 --> 00:19:01.539 align:middle line:84% Mr. Carnegie wanted to be a philanthropist 00:19:01.539 --> 00:19:03.830 align:middle line:84% and give a lot of funding back to a lot of communities. 00:19:03.830 --> 00:19:07.210 align:middle line:84% So this was built with funding from the Carnegie grant. 00:19:07.210 --> 00:19:09.390 align:middle line:84% But it was never handicap accessible. 00:19:09.390 --> 00:19:12.010 align:middle line:84% So several years later, with some 00:19:12.010 --> 00:19:13.930 align:middle line:84% of the members who served with the body, 00:19:13.930 --> 00:19:16.970 align:middle line:84% they were able to make the building handicap accessible. 00:19:16.970 --> 00:19:19.290 align:middle line:84% And Tom Kennedy was very supportive of libraries. 00:19:19.290 --> 00:19:21.460 align:middle line:84% So our good friend Representative Cassidy 00:19:21.460 --> 00:19:23.960 align:middle line:84% came up with an idea as Representative Cassidy 00:19:23.960 --> 00:19:26.460 align:middle line:84% was [INAUDIBLE] to Tommy Kennedy for many, many years 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:28.130 align:middle line:90% and-- bless you. 00:19:28.130 --> 00:19:30.680 align:middle line:84% And our Senator Tom Kennedy was a good friend and advocate 00:19:30.680 --> 00:19:31.840 align:middle line:90% on behalf of libraries. 00:19:31.840 --> 00:19:35.700 align:middle line:84% So he came up with an idea to name our downtown library 00:19:35.700 --> 00:19:37.170 align:middle line:90% after Senator Tom Kennedy. 00:19:37.170 --> 00:19:40.220 align:middle line:84% And this was to name the library after Tom Kennedy. 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:41.610 align:middle line:90% So I hope the amendment passes. 00:19:41.610 --> 00:19:44.040 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:19:44.040 --> 00:19:45.300 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:19:45.300 --> 00:19:46.480 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:19:46.480 --> 00:19:47.252 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:19:47.252 --> 00:19:48.460 align:middle line:90% And the amendment is adopted. 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:51.001 align:middle line:84% Number 683 offered by the senator from Hampden 00:19:51.001 --> 00:19:52.500 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:53.780 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:19:53.780 --> 00:19:56.110 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 683 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:19:56.110 --> 00:19:58.570 align:middle line:84% Wilbraham Nature and Cultural Council. 00:19:58.570 --> 00:20:00.570 align:middle line:84% Question comes on the adoption of the amendment. 00:20:00.570 --> 00:20:01.820 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:20:01.820 --> 00:20:02.910 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:20:02.910 --> 00:20:03.762 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:20:03.762 --> 00:20:04.970 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:20:04.970 --> 00:20:07.860 align:middle line:84% Number 684 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:20:07.860 --> 00:20:09.630 align:middle line:84% and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title 00:20:09.630 --> 00:20:10.890 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:20:10.890 --> 00:20:13.320 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 684 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:20:13.320 --> 00:20:16.430 align:middle line:84% Sharon Commuter Rail Station Parking Lot Study. 00:20:16.430 --> 00:20:19.200 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:20.350 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:20:20.350 --> 00:20:23.370 align:middle line:84% And again, I was hoping that the gentleman from Norfolk, 00:20:23.370 --> 00:20:26.600 align:middle line:84% Bristol, and Plymouth might be Amendment 00:20:26.600 --> 00:20:30.116 align:middle line:84% 684 does for the edification of the membership. 00:20:30.116 --> 00:20:32.490 align:middle line:84% Senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty. 00:20:32.490 --> 00:20:36.740 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:20:36.740 --> 00:20:38.340 align:middle line:90% --from the town of Plymouth. 00:20:38.340 --> 00:20:42.450 align:middle line:84% This amendment will advocate $50,000 for a feasibility study 00:20:42.450 --> 00:20:44.200 align:middle line:84% for the expansion of the commuter rail lot 00:20:44.200 --> 00:20:47.700 align:middle line:84% in Sharon, which of course is a regional transportation asset. 00:20:47.700 --> 00:20:50.180 align:middle line:84% The lot currently is at capacity. 00:20:50.180 --> 00:20:52.470 align:middle line:84% And this will enable the region in a small sense 00:20:52.470 --> 00:20:56.260 align:middle line:84% to move forward economically and develop local businesses 00:20:56.260 --> 00:20:58.280 align:middle line:84% and enable the citizens of the region 00:20:58.280 --> 00:21:01.462 align:middle line:84% to make the passage to and from work, creating 00:21:01.462 --> 00:21:02.670 align:middle line:90% further economic opportunity. 00:21:02.670 --> 00:21:04.130 align:middle line:84% With that, I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:21:04.130 --> 00:21:04.630 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:21:04.630 --> 00:21:06.463 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:21:06.463 --> 00:21:07.720 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:21:07.720 --> 00:21:08.780 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:21:08.780 --> 00:21:09.760 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:21:09.760 --> 00:21:10.910 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:21:10.910 --> 00:21:12.651 align:middle line:84% Amendment 685 offered by the senator 00:21:12.651 --> 00:21:14.150 align:middle line:84% from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title 00:21:14.150 --> 00:21:15.790 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:21:15.790 --> 00:21:18.430 align:middle line:90% Number 685, right? 00:21:18.430 --> 00:21:19.320 align:middle line:90% Five. 00:21:19.320 --> 00:21:22.940 align:middle line:84% --by Mr. Moore-- South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corp. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:26.220 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:27.380 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:21:27.380 --> 00:21:29.700 align:middle line:84% Again, I thank you for this opportunity 00:21:29.700 --> 00:21:31.680 align:middle line:84% to ask my good friend from Worcester county 00:21:31.680 --> 00:21:34.200 align:middle line:84% if he might be able to share with the membership what 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:37.050 align:middle line:90% his Amendment 685 does. 00:21:37.050 --> 00:21:39.280 align:middle line:84% Senator from Worcester, Mr. Moore. 00:21:39.280 --> 00:21:41.362 align:middle line:84% President, this amendment provides $40,000 00:21:41.362 --> 00:21:43.320 align:middle line:84% to the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement 00:21:43.320 --> 00:21:44.590 align:middle line:90% Corporation. 00:21:44.590 --> 00:21:48.410 align:middle line:84% The center has been in operation for 36 years 00:21:48.410 --> 00:21:50.720 align:middle line:84% and provides needed service to the community, 00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:53.960 align:middle line:84% such as parent building skills, leadership development, job 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:56.810 align:middle line:84% creation, planning and youth programs, many of which 00:21:56.810 --> 00:21:59.820 align:middle line:84% have received state-wide recognition since 2002. 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:04.070 align:middle line:84% They've expanded their efforts to include the construction 00:22:04.070 --> 00:22:06.574 align:middle line:84% of affordable housing and increase 00:22:06.574 --> 00:22:07.990 align:middle line:84% their economic development program 00:22:07.990 --> 00:22:10.462 align:middle line:84% to address physical and human development 00:22:10.462 --> 00:22:11.420 align:middle line:90% needs in the community. 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:14.700 align:middle line:90% 00:22:14.700 --> 00:22:15.360 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:22:15.360 --> 00:22:17.600 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] --say, aye. 00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:18.740 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:22:18.740 --> 00:22:19.479 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:22:19.479 --> 00:22:20.520 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:22:20.520 --> 00:22:22.290 align:middle line:90% 686 is withdrawn. 00:22:22.290 --> 00:22:25.640 align:middle line:84% Amendment 687 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:27.550 align:middle line:84% and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title 00:22:27.550 --> 00:22:29.080 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:22:29.080 --> 00:22:30.910 align:middle line:90% Number 687 by Mr. Timilty-- 00:22:30.910 --> 00:22:33.700 align:middle line:84% Restoration of the State Theater in Stoughton. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.670 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:22:35.670 --> 00:22:37.750 align:middle line:84% And the chair recognizes the senator 00:22:37.750 --> 00:22:41.400 align:middle line:84% from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:22:41.400 --> 00:22:42.800 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:22:42.800 --> 00:22:45.680 align:middle line:84% And I was hoping that the gentleman from Norfolk, 00:22:45.680 --> 00:22:48.040 align:middle line:84% Bristol, and Plymouth, because he 00:22:48.040 --> 00:22:51.890 align:middle line:84% has been so successful for the past few amendments 00:22:51.890 --> 00:22:54.710 align:middle line:84% might be able to share with us the secret of his success, 00:22:54.710 --> 00:22:58.530 align:middle line:84% and also share with us about the restoration of the State 00:22:58.530 --> 00:23:00.820 align:middle line:90% Theater in Stoughton. 00:23:00.820 --> 00:23:03.080 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:06.952 align:middle line:84% --Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty. 00:23:06.952 --> 00:23:08.910 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Mr. President, and through 00:23:08.910 --> 00:23:09.701 align:middle line:90% you to the members. 00:23:09.701 --> 00:23:12.810 align:middle line:84% And I would be more than happy to bring my friends 00:23:12.810 --> 00:23:14.830 align:middle line:84% from the minority crescent to this theater 00:23:14.830 --> 00:23:17.220 align:middle line:84% and bring a little culture into their lives. 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:20.210 align:middle line:84% This amendment will advocate $50,000 00:23:20.210 --> 00:23:22.590 align:middle line:84% for the restoration of the State Theater in Stoughton. 00:23:22.590 --> 00:23:24.280 align:middle line:84% Specifically, this will contribute 00:23:24.280 --> 00:23:26.730 align:middle line:84% to the revitalization of Stoughton Center, which 00:23:26.730 --> 00:23:29.610 align:middle line:84% is a town center on the rise of which we are all very proud of. 00:23:29.610 --> 00:23:33.030 align:middle line:84% Moreover, this project will enable that future generations 00:23:33.030 --> 00:23:35.160 align:middle line:84% will be able to enhance their cultural experience 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.590 align:middle line:90% in the region. 00:23:35.590 --> 00:23:37.381 align:middle line:84% With that, I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:23:37.381 --> 00:23:39.657 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 00:23:39.657 --> 00:23:41.490 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:23:41.490 --> 00:23:42.700 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:23:42.700 --> 00:23:43.582 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:23:43.582 --> 00:23:44.290 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:23:44.290 --> 00:23:45.530 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:23:45.530 --> 00:23:48.370 align:middle line:84% Number 688 offered by the same senator, the title 00:23:48.370 --> 00:23:50.240 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:23:50.240 --> 00:23:51.950 align:middle line:90% Number 688 by Timilty-- 00:23:51.950 --> 00:23:54.237 align:middle line:84% Blue Hills Observatory Science Center. 00:23:54.237 --> 00:23:56.070 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:23:56.070 --> 00:23:57.510 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:23:57.510 --> 00:23:58.810 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:23:58.810 --> 00:24:00.080 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:24:00.080 --> 00:24:01.830 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:24:01.830 --> 00:24:04.790 align:middle line:84% Number 689 offered by the senator from Hampden 00:24:04.790 --> 00:24:06.422 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 00:24:06.422 --> 00:24:07.630 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:24:07.630 --> 00:24:09.660 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 689 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:24:09.660 --> 00:24:11.570 align:middle line:90% Springfield Dr. Seuss Museum. 00:24:11.570 --> 00:24:14.426 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo. 00:24:14.426 --> 00:24:16.050 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you 00:24:16.050 --> 00:24:17.712 align:middle line:84% again for this opportunity that I 00:24:17.712 --> 00:24:19.670 align:middle line:84% might be able to ask the gentleman from Hampden 00:24:19.670 --> 00:24:23.820 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, who as well has been up quite a few times today 00:24:23.820 --> 00:24:26.540 align:middle line:84% and has clearly shown his success 00:24:26.540 --> 00:24:28.582 align:middle line:84% in this legislative process, and I 00:24:28.582 --> 00:24:30.290 align:middle line:84% was hoping that he might be able to share 00:24:30.290 --> 00:24:33.665 align:middle line:84% with us about the Springfield Dr. Seuss Museum. 00:24:33.665 --> 00:24:39.790 align:middle line:90% 00:24:39.790 --> 00:24:42.000 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:44.930 align:middle line:84% --would love to recognize the gentleman from Hampden 00:24:44.930 --> 00:24:48.090 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire who is so enthusiastically ready to talk 00:24:48.090 --> 00:24:50.360 align:middle line:90% about the Dr. Seuss Museum. 00:24:50.360 --> 00:24:53.150 align:middle line:84% And so the gentlemen may now proceed. 00:24:53.150 --> 00:24:54.960 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] --Mr. President. 00:24:54.960 --> 00:24:55.950 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:24:55.950 --> 00:24:58.260 align:middle line:90% Thank you so much. 00:24:58.260 --> 00:25:01.450 align:middle line:84% Thank you Mr. President, through you to the members. 00:25:01.450 --> 00:25:04.300 align:middle line:84% I rise in support of Amendment 689, 00:25:04.300 --> 00:25:06.110 align:middle line:84% the Springfield Dr. Seuss Museum, 00:25:06.110 --> 00:25:08.680 align:middle line:90% which is opening in two weeks. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:11.320 align:middle line:84% The Springfield museums and Dr. Seuss 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:15.190 align:middle line:84% are two iconic pieces of Springfield's identity. 00:25:15.190 --> 00:25:17.920 align:middle line:84% In particular, the country's first museum 00:25:17.920 --> 00:25:22.150 align:middle line:84% devoted to Dr. Seuss is going to be opening next month 00:25:22.150 --> 00:25:25.280 align:middle line:84% in early June in Springfield, which also happens 00:25:25.280 --> 00:25:27.920 align:middle line:90% to be Dr. Seuss's birthplace. 00:25:27.920 --> 00:25:31.000 align:middle line:84% Last year, this Senate appropriated state funding 00:25:31.000 --> 00:25:33.960 align:middle line:84% for an interactive, bilingual exhibit. 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:36.450 align:middle line:84% This exhibit is going to be interactive 00:25:36.450 --> 00:25:40.220 align:middle line:84% and focusing on activities that promote literacy, teamwork, 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:41.620 align:middle line:90% and creative thinking. 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:45.410 align:middle line:84% The museum will also explore Dr. Seuss's deep connection 00:25:45.410 --> 00:25:46.550 align:middle line:90% to Springfield. 00:25:46.550 --> 00:25:49.580 align:middle line:84% In fact, Seuss's first book, To Think I Saw It 00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:53.130 align:middle line:84% on Mulberry Street is based on the actual Mulberry 00:25:53.130 --> 00:25:55.430 align:middle line:84% Street in Springfield, Massachusetts 00:25:55.430 --> 00:25:58.440 align:middle line:84% just around the corner from where the museum will be. 00:25:58.440 --> 00:26:01.710 align:middle line:84% It's that detail that will actually be in the new museum 00:26:01.710 --> 00:26:05.120 align:middle line:84% and be highlighted on the museum floor. 00:26:05.120 --> 00:26:08.080 align:middle line:84% This is, frankly, the only museum like it in the world. 00:26:08.080 --> 00:26:11.490 align:middle line:84% And the deep ties that Dr. Seuss and Springfield share 00:26:11.490 --> 00:26:14.820 align:middle line:84% are important from an economic standpoint, but also 00:26:14.820 --> 00:26:16.390 align:middle line:90% a cultural standpoint. 00:26:16.390 --> 00:26:18.540 align:middle line:84% We also know that this museum is expected 00:26:18.540 --> 00:26:21.200 align:middle line:84% to be a major tourist attraction for the city 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:23.990 align:middle line:84% and a source of pride for all of our residents. 00:26:23.990 --> 00:26:27.050 align:middle line:84% And I point out it's very important that this museum be 00:26:27.050 --> 00:26:29.690 align:middle line:84% inclusive of our entire community, which 00:26:29.690 --> 00:26:34.200 align:middle line:84% is why this specific funding will go to bilingual exhibits 00:26:34.200 --> 00:26:36.460 align:middle line:84% so that all members of the Springfield community, 00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:38.410 align:middle line:84% and frankly tourists and visitors from all 00:26:38.410 --> 00:26:41.620 align:middle line:84% over the world, will be able to experience this museum 00:26:41.620 --> 00:26:43.130 align:middle line:90% in multiple languages. 00:26:43.130 --> 00:26:45.210 align:middle line:84% I hope this amendment is adopted. 00:26:45.210 --> 00:26:48.346 align:middle line:84% And I could quote some Dr. Seuss books. 00:26:48.346 --> 00:26:49.470 align:middle line:90% But we'll leave it at that. 00:26:49.470 --> 00:26:50.570 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:26:50.570 --> 00:26:52.800 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment-- yeah, 00:26:52.800 --> 00:26:53.820 align:middle line:90% don't press your luck. 00:26:53.820 --> 00:26:56.210 align:middle line:84% The question comes on the adoption of the amendment. 00:26:56.210 --> 00:26:57.610 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:26:57.610 --> 00:26:58.700 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:26:58.700 --> 00:27:00.730 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 00:27:00.730 --> 00:27:02.601 align:middle line:84% Number 690 offered by the senator 00:27:02.601 --> 00:27:04.100 align:middle line:84% from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title 00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:05.360 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:27:05.360 --> 00:27:07.320 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 690 by Mr. Moore-- 00:27:07.320 --> 00:27:09.297 align:middle line:90% Worcester Latino Elders Program. 00:27:09.297 --> 00:27:11.130 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:27:11.130 --> 00:27:12.340 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:13.380 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:27:13.380 --> 00:27:14.072 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:27:14.072 --> 00:27:15.280 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:27:15.280 --> 00:27:18.152 align:middle line:84% 691 is offered by the senator from Worcester and Middlesex, 00:27:18.152 --> 00:27:20.360 align:middle line:84% Ms. Flanagan, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:27:20.360 --> 00:27:22.820 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 691 by Ms. Flanagan-- 00:27:22.820 --> 00:27:24.870 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:27:24.870 --> 00:27:27.600 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:27:27.600 --> 00:27:29.160 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:30.160 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:27:30.160 --> 00:27:30.900 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:27:30.900 --> 00:27:32.420 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:36.490 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 692 offered by the senator from Hampden 00:27:36.490 --> 00:27:38.322 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 00:27:38.322 --> 00:27:39.530 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:27:39.530 --> 00:27:41.720 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 692 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:44.307 align:middle line:84% Local Consortiums To End Family Homelessness. 00:27:44.307 --> 00:27:46.140 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:27:46.140 --> 00:27:47.400 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:27:47.400 --> 00:27:48.500 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:27:48.500 --> 00:27:49.450 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:27:49.450 --> 00:27:50.800 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:27:50.800 --> 00:27:52.757 align:middle line:84% Number 693 authored by the same senator, 00:27:52.757 --> 00:27:55.340 align:middle line:84% a redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:27:55.340 --> 00:27:57.700 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 693 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:27:57.700 --> 00:28:01.377 align:middle line:84% Valley Venture Mentors Collegiate Accelerator Program. 00:28:01.377 --> 00:28:03.210 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:28:03.210 --> 00:28:05.530 align:middle line:84% The senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr. 00:28:05.530 --> 00:28:08.810 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:28:08.810 --> 00:28:11.120 align:middle line:84% --western Massachusetts has operated 00:28:11.120 --> 00:28:13.960 align:middle line:84% the redraft-a-tron a little bit here this evening. 00:28:13.960 --> 00:28:17.720 align:middle line:84% And we're very eager to hear what it produced, particularly 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:20.850 align:middle line:84% given the combination of understanding Dr. Seuss very 00:28:20.850 --> 00:28:23.320 align:middle line:84% well and having access to the redraft-a-tron. 00:28:23.320 --> 00:28:26.660 align:middle line:84% You can imagine a question about what might 00:28:26.660 --> 00:28:28.560 align:middle line:90% be in this redrafted amendment. 00:28:28.560 --> 00:28:30.610 align:middle line:84% I hope you can provide us with some insight. 00:28:30.610 --> 00:28:32.280 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:28:32.280 --> 00:28:36.220 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:38.860 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members. 00:28:38.860 --> 00:28:41.100 align:middle line:90% One fish, two fish, red fish-- 00:28:41.100 --> 00:28:43.800 align:middle line:90% 00:28:43.800 --> 00:28:47.240 align:middle line:84% I rise today in support of Amendment 693-- 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:50.940 align:middle line:84% the Valley Venture Mentors Collegiate Accelerator Program. 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:54.250 align:middle line:84% Valley Venture Mentors is a Springfield-based accelerator 00:28:54.250 --> 00:28:57.370 align:middle line:84% program modeled after Mass Challenge, which 00:28:57.370 --> 00:29:00.000 align:middle line:84% of course, we're familiar with in the Boston area. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:02.020 align:middle line:84% Valley Venture Mentors is working 00:29:02.020 --> 00:29:05.000 align:middle line:84% to grow an entrepreneurial renaissance in the pioneer 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.790 align:middle line:90% valley. 00:29:05.790 --> 00:29:09.710 align:middle line:84% This amendment will fund the collegiate accelerator program, 00:29:09.710 --> 00:29:12.370 align:middle line:84% which is a new program launching next month 00:29:12.370 --> 00:29:15.950 align:middle line:84% at the Springfield campus for Valley Venture Mentors. 00:29:15.950 --> 00:29:19.040 align:middle line:84% This program will take place in Springfield's new innovation 00:29:19.040 --> 00:29:23.140 align:middle line:84% district, which this body has spent a lot of time and energy 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:24.380 align:middle line:90% helping to create. 00:29:24.380 --> 00:29:26.870 align:middle line:84% It's a project funded by Mass Development's 00:29:26.870 --> 00:29:29.130 align:middle line:84% transformative development initiative. 00:29:29.130 --> 00:29:32.740 align:middle line:84% Through this specific program, VVM, as it's called, 00:29:32.740 --> 00:29:34.860 align:middle line:84% will provide eight weeks of hands 00:29:34.860 --> 00:29:37.510 align:middle line:84% on intensive mentoring, education, 00:29:37.510 --> 00:29:40.890 align:middle line:84% and support for college-age entrepreneurs in the pioneer 00:29:40.890 --> 00:29:41.980 align:middle line:90% valley. 00:29:41.980 --> 00:29:43.930 align:middle line:84% A critical element of this programming 00:29:43.930 --> 00:29:47.050 align:middle line:84% is that each student who successfully completes 00:29:47.050 --> 00:29:49.450 align:middle line:84% the program will earn a modest stipend, 00:29:49.450 --> 00:29:52.540 align:middle line:84% allowing those students to spend the summer working 00:29:52.540 --> 00:29:56.050 align:middle line:84% on their startup, rather than working a traditional summer 00:29:56.050 --> 00:29:56.780 align:middle line:90% job. 00:29:56.780 --> 00:29:59.640 align:middle line:84% This program is very important for our area 00:29:59.640 --> 00:30:02.340 align:middle line:90% for several reasons. 00:30:02.340 --> 00:30:04.650 align:middle line:84% First, participants in the accelerator 00:30:04.650 --> 00:30:07.130 align:middle line:84% will grow strong roots in the pioneer valley. 00:30:07.130 --> 00:30:09.660 align:middle line:84% And we're hopeful that they will stay in the valley 00:30:09.660 --> 00:30:11.560 align:middle line:84% or return to the Springfield area 00:30:11.560 --> 00:30:14.860 align:middle line:84% after their college graduation to launch their business 00:30:14.860 --> 00:30:16.350 align:middle line:90% in western Massachusetts. 00:30:16.350 --> 00:30:19.010 align:middle line:84% We have significant talent retention challenges 00:30:19.010 --> 00:30:20.430 align:middle line:84% in the western part of the state. 00:30:20.430 --> 00:30:22.260 align:middle line:84% This program is very specifically 00:30:22.260 --> 00:30:25.010 align:middle line:84% tailored to get young entrepreneurs interested 00:30:25.010 --> 00:30:27.570 align:middle line:84% and engaged in western Massachusetts, 00:30:27.570 --> 00:30:31.650 align:middle line:84% in downtown Springfield, and to start and grow their businesses 00:30:31.650 --> 00:30:33.760 align:middle line:90% in downtown Springfield. 00:30:33.760 --> 00:30:36.220 align:middle line:84% Second, we know this model is successful 00:30:36.220 --> 00:30:39.510 align:middle line:84% because students who have participated in other VVM 00:30:39.510 --> 00:30:44.050 align:middle line:84% programs have generated $1.2 million in revenue 00:30:44.050 --> 00:30:47.020 align:middle line:84% already, the companies that have started from this accelerator 00:30:47.020 --> 00:30:47.850 align:middle line:90% model. 00:30:47.850 --> 00:30:51.970 align:middle line:84% And these investments have already created 23 full time 00:30:51.970 --> 00:30:56.340 align:middle line:84% positions with several companies maintaining their headquarters 00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:57.560 align:middle line:90% in the pioneer valley. 00:30:57.560 --> 00:31:01.240 align:middle line:84% Again, these are incubations that started through the VVM 00:31:01.240 --> 00:31:02.330 align:middle line:90% program. 00:31:02.330 --> 00:31:04.220 align:middle line:84% Finally, Valley Venture Mentors is 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:07.700 align:middle line:84% hoping to build on the success of this summer's programming 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:12.150 align:middle line:84% by utilizing this state support, which I'm asking this body 00:31:12.150 --> 00:31:16.810 align:middle line:84% to support, will provide 75 additional students 00:31:16.810 --> 00:31:19.680 align:middle line:90% with stipends for the summer. 00:31:19.680 --> 00:31:21.980 align:middle line:84% Another large focus of this nonprofit 00:31:21.980 --> 00:31:24.910 align:middle line:84% is to increase the diversity in a sector, 00:31:24.910 --> 00:31:26.860 align:middle line:84% frankly, that disproportionately is 00:31:26.860 --> 00:31:30.870 align:middle line:84% occupied by white men, the startup technology space. 00:31:30.870 --> 00:31:33.690 align:middle line:84% The 36 startups in Valley Ventures 00:31:33.690 --> 00:31:37.640 align:middle line:84% current regular accelerator cohort, 65% 00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.970 align:middle line:90% are women-led companies. 00:31:38.970 --> 00:31:41.670 align:middle line:84% And 50 are led by people of color. 00:31:41.670 --> 00:31:47.300 align:middle line:84% This is way ahead of pure incubator programs 00:31:47.300 --> 00:31:51.120 align:middle line:84% both in Massachusetts and in the rest of the country. 00:31:51.120 --> 00:31:52.890 align:middle line:84% This is the type of ecosystem we're 00:31:52.890 --> 00:31:54.860 align:middle line:84% trying to develop that already exists 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:57.350 align:middle line:84% in the eastern part of this state in Kendall Square 00:31:57.350 --> 00:31:58.490 align:middle line:90% through Mass Challenge. 00:31:58.490 --> 00:32:00.100 align:middle line:84% We're trying to pull that innovation 00:32:00.100 --> 00:32:04.200 align:middle line:84% west through the Valley Venture Mentors accelerator program. 00:32:04.200 --> 00:32:06.650 align:middle line:84% Valley Venture Mentors, again, is 00:32:06.650 --> 00:32:09.100 align:middle line:84% designed to position Springfield as a center 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:12.530 align:middle line:84% for entrepreneurship, for ideas, for investment. 00:32:12.530 --> 00:32:14.760 align:middle line:84% And I would point out it's perfectly situated 00:32:14.760 --> 00:32:17.940 align:middle line:84% to do that in between the insurance capital of Hartford 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:21.390 align:middle line:84% and the academic center just to its north in North Hampton 00:32:21.390 --> 00:32:22.730 align:middle line:90% and Amherst. 00:32:22.730 --> 00:32:25.630 align:middle line:84% This amendment will take an underutilized resource, which 00:32:25.630 --> 00:32:27.730 align:middle line:84% is our college students, and give them 00:32:27.730 --> 00:32:30.570 align:middle line:84% a chance to build a business in Springfield. 00:32:30.570 --> 00:32:34.240 align:middle line:84% I'll quote one of the leaders of the Valley Venture Mentors 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:35.860 align:middle line:90% program who said to me this. 00:32:35.860 --> 00:32:40.110 align:middle line:84% He said, we used to hear from our entrepreneurs, 00:32:40.110 --> 00:32:41.190 align:middle line:90% why Springfield? 00:32:41.190 --> 00:32:42.760 align:middle line:90% Why would I go to Springfield? 00:32:42.760 --> 00:32:44.700 align:middle line:84% Now we hear from our entrepreneurs, 00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:46.180 align:middle line:90% why not Springfield? 00:32:46.180 --> 00:32:48.280 align:middle line:84% Why wouldn't I go to Springfield? 00:32:48.280 --> 00:32:51.470 align:middle line:84% And I frankly couldn't agree with that sentiment more. 00:32:51.470 --> 00:32:54.470 align:middle line:84% This is a very important program, narrowly tailored 00:32:54.470 --> 00:32:58.060 align:middle line:84% to a key economic development goal of this chamber, 00:32:58.060 --> 00:32:59.670 align:middle line:84% and frankly all of state government, 00:32:59.670 --> 00:33:02.070 align:middle line:84% which is to promote our entrepreneur and innovation 00:33:02.070 --> 00:33:02.570 align:middle line:90% economy. 00:33:02.570 --> 00:33:04.740 align:middle line:84% And I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:06.371 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:33:06.371 --> 00:33:08.620 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the redrafted amendment. 00:33:08.620 --> 00:33:09.970 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:33:09.970 --> 00:33:11.140 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:33:11.140 --> 00:33:11.949 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:33:11.949 --> 00:33:12.990 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:33:12.990 --> 00:33:15.160 align:middle line:90% Number 694 is on hold. 00:33:15.160 --> 00:33:17.290 align:middle line:84% Number 695 offered by the senator 00:33:17.290 --> 00:33:19.710 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title 00:33:19.710 --> 00:33:21.350 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:33:21.350 --> 00:33:25.237 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 695 by Mr. Welch-- it's West Springfield. 00:33:25.237 --> 00:33:27.070 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:33:27.070 --> 00:33:28.720 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:33:28.720 --> 00:33:29.880 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:33:29.880 --> 00:33:30.820 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:33:30.820 --> 00:33:32.300 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:33:32.300 --> 00:33:34.410 align:middle line:84% Number 696 offered by the senator 00:33:34.410 --> 00:33:35.936 align:middle line:84% from Hampden Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, 00:33:35.936 --> 00:33:37.560 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 00:33:37.560 --> 00:33:39.920 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 696 by Mr. Lesser-- 00:33:39.920 --> 00:33:42.497 align:middle line:84% Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. 00:33:42.497 --> 00:33:44.330 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:33:44.330 --> 00:33:45.700 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:33:45.700 --> 00:33:46.740 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:33:46.740 --> 00:33:47.650 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:33:47.650 --> 00:33:48.930 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:33:48.930 --> 00:33:50.650 align:middle line:90% 697 is on hold. 00:33:50.650 --> 00:33:54.392 align:middle line:84% 698 offered by the senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title 00:33:54.392 --> 00:33:55.600 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:33:55.600 --> 00:33:58.080 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 698 by Mr. Welch-- 00:33:58.080 --> 00:34:00.077 align:middle line:84% New England Farm Workers Council. 00:34:00.077 --> 00:34:01.910 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:34:01.910 --> 00:34:03.180 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:34:03.180 --> 00:34:04.240 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:34:04.240 --> 00:34:04.932 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:34:04.932 --> 00:34:06.140 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:34:06.140 --> 00:34:09.199 align:middle line:84% Number 699 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, 00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.971 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title 00:34:10.971 --> 00:34:12.179 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:14.199 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 699 by Mr. Ross-- 00:34:14.199 --> 00:34:16.826 align:middle line:84% Preventing Fraud in Massachusetts Public Housing. 00:34:16.826 --> 00:34:18.659 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:34:18.659 --> 00:34:19.889 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:34:19.889 --> 00:34:21.020 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:34:21.020 --> 00:34:22.030 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:34:22.030 --> 00:34:23.820 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:34:23.820 --> 00:34:26.610 align:middle line:84% Number 700 offered by the senator 00:34:26.610 --> 00:34:28.440 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title 00:34:28.440 --> 00:34:29.659 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:34:29.659 --> 00:34:31.429 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 700 by Mr. Welch-- 00:34:31.429 --> 00:34:33.277 align:middle line:90% Revitalize CDC. 00:34:33.277 --> 00:34:35.110 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:34:35.110 --> 00:34:36.480 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:37.800 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:34:37.800 --> 00:34:39.011 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:34:39.011 --> 00:34:40.219 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:34:40.219 --> 00:34:41.889 align:middle line:84% Number 701 is offered by the senator 00:34:41.889 --> 00:34:44.969 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the redrafted amendment, the title 00:34:44.969 --> 00:34:46.719 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:34:46.719 --> 00:34:48.530 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 701 by Mr. Welch-- 00:34:48.530 --> 00:34:51.739 align:middle line:84% Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services. 00:34:51.739 --> 00:34:53.429 align:middle line:90% Senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr. 00:34:53.429 --> 00:34:55.690 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:34:55.690 --> 00:34:58.990 align:middle line:84% --the last hour, we've been on a tour of western Massachusetts. 00:34:58.990 --> 00:35:00.870 align:middle line:84% And we seem to have landed in Springfield. 00:35:00.870 --> 00:35:04.140 align:middle line:84% And certainly, we want to hear from the gentleman who 00:35:04.140 --> 00:35:06.930 align:middle line:84% represents at least west Springfield 00:35:06.930 --> 00:35:09.290 align:middle line:84% about the Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services 00:35:09.290 --> 00:35:09.860 align:middle line:90% program. 00:35:09.860 --> 00:35:11.390 align:middle line:84% I look forward to his explanation. 00:35:11.390 --> 00:35:13.160 align:middle line:90% I thank you, Mr. President. 00:35:13.160 --> 00:35:14.540 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] Hampden, Mr. Welch. 00:35:14.540 --> 00:35:15.820 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:35:15.820 --> 00:35:21.790 align:middle line:84% [AUDIO OUT] --give information about Springfield Neighborhood 00:35:21.790 --> 00:35:22.830 align:middle line:90% Housing Services. 00:35:22.830 --> 00:35:26.570 align:middle line:84% And this amendment would provide $75,000 in funding 00:35:26.570 --> 00:35:29.010 align:middle line:84% for the Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services. 00:35:29.010 --> 00:35:32.190 align:middle line:84% This is an organization that provides many services related 00:35:32.190 --> 00:35:34.370 align:middle line:84% to housing in the city of Springfield, 00:35:34.370 --> 00:35:36.770 align:middle line:84% including homeownership, development, 00:35:36.770 --> 00:35:39.720 align:middle line:90% and blighted property recycling. 00:35:39.720 --> 00:35:42.150 align:middle line:84% Notably, Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services 00:35:42.150 --> 00:35:45.100 align:middle line:84% provide support through the full cycle of the home buying 00:35:45.100 --> 00:35:49.810 align:middle line:84% process from credit counseling, financial guidance, 00:35:49.810 --> 00:35:52.060 align:middle line:84% and post-purchase services that include 00:35:52.060 --> 00:35:53.740 align:middle line:90% foreclosure intervention. 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:56.390 align:middle line:84% Given the importance of encouraging and supporting 00:35:56.390 --> 00:35:58.860 align:middle line:84% stable homeownership as we continue 00:35:58.860 --> 00:36:04.960 align:middle line:84% to recover from this past recession and a housing crisis, 00:36:04.960 --> 00:36:07.040 align:middle line:84% I ask that you all support this amendment. 00:36:07.040 --> 00:36:08.417 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:36:08.417 --> 00:36:10.250 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:36:10.250 --> 00:36:11.560 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:36:11.560 --> 00:36:12.640 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:36:12.640 --> 00:36:13.500 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:36:13.500 --> 00:36:14.708 align:middle line:90% And the amendment is adopted. 00:36:14.708 --> 00:36:17.392 align:middle line:84% Number 702 offered by the same senator, the title 00:36:17.392 --> 00:36:18.600 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:36:18.600 --> 00:36:20.410 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 702 by Mr. Welch-- 00:36:20.410 --> 00:36:22.907 align:middle line:84% Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation. 00:36:22.907 --> 00:36:24.740 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:36:24.740 --> 00:36:25.960 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:27.130 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:36:27.130 --> 00:36:27.952 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:36:27.952 --> 00:36:29.160 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:36:29.160 --> 00:36:30.770 align:middle line:90% Just read a couple more pages. 00:36:30.770 --> 00:36:33.340 align:middle line:84% Number 705 is offered by the senator 00:36:33.340 --> 00:36:36.692 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, a redrafted amendment, the title 00:36:36.692 --> 00:36:37.900 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:36:37.900 --> 00:36:39.780 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 705 by Mr. Welch-- 00:36:39.780 --> 00:36:42.820 align:middle line:84% Western Massachusetts Sports Commission. 00:36:42.820 --> 00:36:44.760 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:36:44.760 --> 00:36:51.720 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:36:51.720 --> 00:36:52.780 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:36:52.780 --> 00:36:53.630 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:36:53.630 --> 00:36:55.380 align:middle line:84% And the redrafted amendment is adopted. 00:36:55.380 --> 00:36:58.655 align:middle line:84% Number 704 offered by the same senator, a redrafted amendment, 00:36:58.655 --> 00:37:00.280 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 00:37:00.280 --> 00:37:01.940 align:middle line:84% Going back to 704, Mr. President. 00:37:01.940 --> 00:37:03.510 align:middle line:90% We're on 704. 00:37:03.510 --> 00:37:05.310 align:middle line:90% We did 703? 00:37:05.310 --> 00:37:07.200 align:middle line:90% No, 705. 00:37:07.200 --> 00:37:07.860 align:middle line:90% OK. 00:37:07.860 --> 00:37:33.210 align:middle line:84% So the Senate will be in a brief recess. 00:37:33.210 --> 00:37:36.020 align:middle line:84% If there's no objection, we'll consider no action 00:37:36.020 --> 00:37:39.420 align:middle line:84% as having been taken on Amendment number 705. 00:37:39.420 --> 00:37:41.860 align:middle line:84% And it will be held for just a couple of minutes. 00:37:41.860 --> 00:37:45.110 align:middle line:84% And we will now go to amendment number 703, 00:37:45.110 --> 00:37:47.390 align:middle line:84% a redrafted amendment offered by the senator 00:37:47.390 --> 00:37:49.860 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:51.140 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:37:51.140 --> 00:37:52.910 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 703 by Mr. Welch-- 00:37:52.910 --> 00:37:54.850 align:middle line:90% Stone Soul Community Festival. 00:37:54.850 --> 00:37:57.689 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:37:57.689 --> 00:37:58.730 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:37:58.730 --> 00:38:00.771 align:middle line:84% I'd love to hear from my friend from western Mass 00:38:00.771 --> 00:38:03.190 align:middle line:84% about the Stone Soul Community Festival. 00:38:03.190 --> 00:38:05.866 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch. 00:38:05.866 --> 00:38:07.490 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you 00:38:07.490 --> 00:38:09.531 align:middle line:84% to the gentleman from Westfield for his question. 00:38:09.531 --> 00:38:12.550 align:middle line:84% And I certainly would encourage all of my colleagues 00:38:12.550 --> 00:38:15.380 align:middle line:84% to come to the Stone Soul Community Festival 00:38:15.380 --> 00:38:18.530 align:middle line:84% in Springfield this year or any year. 00:38:18.530 --> 00:38:22.140 align:middle line:84% Actually, this amendment would allocate $25,000 00:38:22.140 --> 00:38:24.860 align:middle line:84% to the Stone Soul Incorporated in Springfield 00:38:24.860 --> 00:38:27.990 align:middle line:84% to fund their annual Stone Soul Community Festival. 00:38:27.990 --> 00:38:30.450 align:middle line:84% Stone Soul is a nonprofit organization 00:38:30.450 --> 00:38:32.890 align:middle line:84% that was founded to promote a community gathering 00:38:32.890 --> 00:38:34.910 align:middle line:90% in the Mason Square community. 00:38:34.910 --> 00:38:37.920 align:middle line:84% Over the years, this organization and the gathering 00:38:37.920 --> 00:38:40.960 align:middle line:84% has grown into a three-day festival for the entire greater 00:38:40.960 --> 00:38:44.010 align:middle line:84% Springfield community known as the Stone Soul Community 00:38:44.010 --> 00:38:44.890 align:middle line:90% Festival. 00:38:44.890 --> 00:38:46.890 align:middle line:84% Not only does the festival celebrate 00:38:46.890 --> 00:38:50.200 align:middle line:84% the history and community and spirit of Springfield, 00:38:50.200 --> 00:38:54.170 align:middle line:84% but it also hosts job fairs, social service agencies, 00:38:54.170 --> 00:38:58.510 align:middle line:84% health care providers, and other community service groups. 00:38:58.510 --> 00:39:00.610 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President for your consideration. 00:39:00.610 --> 00:39:02.542 align:middle line:84% And I ask the fellow members to join me 00:39:02.542 --> 00:39:03.750 align:middle line:90% in supporting this amendment. 00:39:03.750 --> 00:39:04.460 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:39:04.460 --> 00:39:08.620 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of 703, a redrafted amendment. 00:39:08.620 --> 00:39:10.040 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:39:10.040 --> 00:39:11.220 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:39:11.220 --> 00:39:12.090 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:39:12.090 --> 00:39:13.230 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:39:13.230 --> 00:39:15.874 align:middle line:84% Number 704, another redrafted amendment 00:39:15.874 --> 00:39:17.540 align:middle line:84% offered by the same gentleman, the title 00:39:17.540 --> 00:39:18.810 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:39:18.810 --> 00:39:20.820 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 704 by Mr. Welch-- 00:39:20.820 --> 00:39:22.790 align:middle line:90% Talk, Read, Succeed. 00:39:22.790 --> 00:39:24.930 align:middle line:84% Senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:39:24.930 --> 00:39:26.620 align:middle line:84% The gentleman did such a phenomenal job 00:39:26.620 --> 00:39:29.070 align:middle line:84% that I'm going to ask if he will stand up and tell us 00:39:29.070 --> 00:39:30.690 align:middle line:90% about 704-- 00:39:30.690 --> 00:39:32.590 align:middle line:90% Talk, Read, and Succeed. 00:39:32.590 --> 00:39:33.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:39:33.150 --> 00:39:34.810 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch. 00:39:34.810 --> 00:39:35.852 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:39:35.852 --> 00:39:37.851 align:middle line:84% Again, thank you to the gentleman from Westfield 00:39:37.851 --> 00:39:39.650 align:middle line:84% for asking this question so I can highlight 00:39:39.650 --> 00:39:40.770 align:middle line:90% this wonderful program-- 00:39:40.770 --> 00:39:42.610 align:middle line:90% Talk, Read, Succeed. 00:39:42.610 --> 00:39:44.670 align:middle line:84% This amendment would provide $100,000-- 00:39:44.670 --> 00:39:47.740 align:middle line:84% actually $105,000-- in funding for the Talk, Read, 00:39:47.740 --> 00:39:51.130 align:middle line:84% Succeed program in Springfield, an innovative program run 00:39:51.130 --> 00:39:53.630 align:middle line:84% by the Springfield Housing Authority involving 00:39:53.630 --> 00:39:57.120 align:middle line:84% collaboration between city housing developments and city 00:39:57.120 --> 00:39:58.450 align:middle line:90% elementary schools. 00:39:58.450 --> 00:40:02.070 align:middle line:84% Talk, Read, Succeed is designed to boost early literacy 00:40:02.070 --> 00:40:04.470 align:middle line:84% in children residing in public housing, 00:40:04.470 --> 00:40:08.190 align:middle line:84% focusing on students from kindergarten to grade three. 00:40:08.190 --> 00:40:11.110 align:middle line:84% It does so by engaging not only the child, 00:40:11.110 --> 00:40:13.320 align:middle line:84% but the entire family in the process, 00:40:13.320 --> 00:40:17.730 align:middle line:84% emphasizing the important role parents play in encouraging 00:40:17.730 --> 00:40:19.750 align:middle line:90% literacy for their children. 00:40:19.750 --> 00:40:22.850 align:middle line:84% Talk, Read, Succeed also provides family support, 00:40:22.850 --> 00:40:25.680 align:middle line:84% recognizing that a stable home environment is 00:40:25.680 --> 00:40:28.480 align:middle line:84% integral to a child's achievement in the classroom. 00:40:28.480 --> 00:40:31.880 align:middle line:84% Talk, Read, Succeed has seen outstanding results, 00:40:31.880 --> 00:40:33.570 align:middle line:84% and its model has gained attention 00:40:33.570 --> 00:40:35.640 align:middle line:84% throughout the region and the commonwealth. 00:40:35.640 --> 00:40:37.360 align:middle line:90% Again, thank you, Mr. President. 00:40:37.360 --> 00:40:39.572 align:middle line:84% And I ask my fellow members here to join me 00:40:39.572 --> 00:40:40.780 align:middle line:90% in supporting this amendment. 00:40:40.780 --> 00:40:41.279 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:40:41.279 --> 00:40:43.800 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the redrafted amendment. 00:40:43.800 --> 00:40:45.160 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:40:45.160 --> 00:40:46.290 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:40:46.290 --> 00:40:47.210 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:40:47.210 --> 00:40:48.340 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:40:48.340 --> 00:40:50.880 align:middle line:84% And now we're at number 705 offered by the senator 00:40:50.880 --> 00:40:53.380 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title of which the clerk will 00:40:53.380 --> 00:40:53.880 align:middle line:90% read. 00:40:53.880 --> 00:40:55.730 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 705 by Mr. Welch-- 00:40:55.730 --> 00:40:57.947 align:middle line:84% Western Massachusetts Sports Commission. 00:40:57.947 --> 00:40:59.780 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:40:59.780 --> 00:41:01.150 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:41:01.150 --> 00:41:02.400 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:41:02.400 --> 00:41:03.292 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:41:03.292 --> 00:41:04.500 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:41:04.500 --> 00:41:06.710 align:middle line:84% Number 706 is offered by the senator from Essex 00:41:06.710 --> 00:41:08.602 align:middle line:84% and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title 00:41:08.602 --> 00:41:09.810 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:41:09.810 --> 00:41:11.770 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 706 by Mr. Tarr-- 00:41:11.770 --> 00:41:12.957 align:middle line:90% Energy Conservation. 00:41:12.957 --> 00:41:14.790 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:41:14.790 --> 00:41:16.030 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:41:16.030 --> 00:41:17.080 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:41:17.080 --> 00:41:17.920 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:41:17.920 --> 00:41:19.180 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:41:19.180 --> 00:41:21.220 align:middle line:84% Number 707 offered by the senator 00:41:21.220 --> 00:41:23.550 align:middle line:84% from the Berkshires, Mr. Hinds, the title 00:41:23.550 --> 00:41:24.960 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:41:24.960 --> 00:41:27.050 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 707 by Mr. Hinds-- 00:41:27.050 --> 00:41:29.667 align:middle line:84% Working Cities Transportation Pilot Program. 00:41:29.667 --> 00:41:31.500 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:41:31.500 --> 00:41:32.720 align:middle line:90% All those in favor say, aye. 00:41:32.720 --> 00:41:33.890 align:middle line:90% Opposed, no. 00:41:33.890 --> 00:41:34.860 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:41:34.860 --> 00:41:36.150 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:41:36.150 --> 00:41:38.430 align:middle line:84% Number 708 offered by the senator 00:41:38.430 --> 00:41:41.180 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title 00:41:41.180 --> 00:41:42.590 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:41:42.590 --> 00:41:44.660 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 708 by Mr. Lewis-- 00:41:44.660 --> 00:41:48.000 align:middle line:90% Zoo New England. 00:41:48.000 --> 00:41:53.010 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:41:53.010 --> 00:41:57.530 align:middle line:84% [AUDIO OUT] --the senator from Zoo New England. 00:41:57.530 --> 00:42:00.280 align:middle line:84% I love to hear you speak about this amendment. 00:42:00.280 --> 00:42:02.600 align:middle line:84% But I will tell you that even as a western Mass guy, 00:42:02.600 --> 00:42:04.060 align:middle line:90% I have been to the zoo. 00:42:04.060 --> 00:42:04.719 align:middle line:90% And I loved it. 00:42:04.719 --> 00:42:06.760 align:middle line:84% So I can't wait to hear more about the amendment. 00:42:06.760 --> 00:42:07.801 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:42:07.801 --> 00:42:12.530 align:middle line:90% 00:42:12.530 --> 00:42:13.660 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] Mr. Lewis. 00:42:13.660 --> 00:42:15.580 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] Senate stand at a brief recess? 00:42:15.580 --> 00:42:17.510 align:middle line:84% Yes, the Senate may stand in a brief recess. 00:42:17.510 --> 00:44:30.680 align:middle line:90% 00:44:30.680 --> 00:44:31.320 align:middle line:90% --be in order. 00:44:31.320 --> 00:44:34.030 align:middle line:84% And the chair recognizes the senator 00:44:34.030 --> 00:44:35.400 align:middle line:90% from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:44:35.400 --> 00:44:45.460 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:44:45.460 --> 00:44:46.980 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Mr. President. 00:44:46.980 --> 00:44:50.220 align:middle line:84% And thank you to the gentleman for the question. 00:44:50.220 --> 00:44:53.640 align:middle line:84% I rise in support of this amendment, which 00:44:53.640 --> 00:44:59.200 align:middle line:84% will increase the funding by $1 million for Zoo New England. 00:44:59.200 --> 00:45:03.150 align:middle line:84% Zoo New England operates both the Franklin Park 00:45:03.150 --> 00:45:06.090 align:middle line:84% Zoo in the city of Boston and the Stone Zoo 00:45:06.090 --> 00:45:07.710 align:middle line:90% in the town of Stoneham. 00:45:07.710 --> 00:45:13.030 align:middle line:84% They are a wonderful, recreational, cultural, 00:45:13.030 --> 00:45:15.780 align:middle line:84% scientific, and economic development 00:45:15.780 --> 00:45:19.450 align:middle line:84% asset in the entire region and, in fact, 00:45:19.450 --> 00:45:24.500 align:middle line:84% draw visitors from the entire New England 00:45:24.500 --> 00:45:27.550 align:middle line:84% region, not to mention even foreign tourists as well. 00:45:27.550 --> 00:45:31.020 align:middle line:84% They're a significant employer in the area. 00:45:31.020 --> 00:45:35.910 align:middle line:84% They also have wonderful programming for students. 00:45:35.910 --> 00:45:39.490 align:middle line:84% Students from across the Commonwealth 00:45:39.490 --> 00:45:42.510 align:middle line:84% can attend Zoo New England and the many programs 00:45:42.510 --> 00:45:45.080 align:middle line:90% they offer free of charge. 00:45:45.080 --> 00:45:49.780 align:middle line:84% They have a fantastic summer employment program 00:45:49.780 --> 00:45:51.460 align:middle line:90% for at-risk teens. 00:45:51.460 --> 00:45:55.890 align:middle line:84% They also do a lot of research and conservation work 00:45:55.890 --> 00:45:58.160 align:middle line:84% all around the world, which is actually 00:45:58.160 --> 00:46:02.980 align:middle line:84% a big part of the mission for zoos and aquariums these days. 00:46:02.980 --> 00:46:05.690 align:middle line:84% As most of you know, zoos and aquariums 00:46:05.690 --> 00:46:09.450 align:middle line:84% today are very different from what they were in years past. 00:46:09.450 --> 00:46:13.630 align:middle line:84% They are all about teaching children, appreciating 00:46:13.630 --> 00:46:18.300 align:middle line:84% biodiversity, and also supporting the conservation 00:46:18.300 --> 00:46:20.430 align:middle line:90% of species around the world. 00:46:20.430 --> 00:46:24.010 align:middle line:84% Zoo New England has been working very hard 00:46:24.010 --> 00:46:30.110 align:middle line:84% over the last number of years to improve their self-sufficiency, 00:46:30.110 --> 00:46:32.820 align:middle line:84% to generate more of their own revenues 00:46:32.820 --> 00:46:36.400 align:middle line:84% through memberships, through ticket sales, 00:46:36.400 --> 00:46:39.360 align:middle line:84% through special programming, and increasingly 00:46:39.360 --> 00:46:40.680 align:middle line:90% through fundraising. 00:46:40.680 --> 00:46:44.290 align:middle line:84% And they've been doing a great job of moving more and more 00:46:44.290 --> 00:46:45.530 align:middle line:90% in that direction. 00:46:45.530 --> 00:46:48.200 align:middle line:84% But this is a public/private partnership. 00:46:48.200 --> 00:46:52.480 align:middle line:84% That is how virtually every major accredited zoo 00:46:52.480 --> 00:46:54.250 align:middle line:84% and aquarium in the country operates. 00:46:54.250 --> 00:46:56.300 align:middle line:84% They are public/private partnerships, 00:46:56.300 --> 00:46:59.590 align:middle line:84% and so it continues to be essential that we 00:46:59.590 --> 00:47:02.010 align:middle line:90% provide strong public support. 00:47:02.010 --> 00:47:05.980 align:middle line:84% Remember that the land that these zoos are built on 00:47:05.980 --> 00:47:07.090 align:middle line:90% is state land. 00:47:07.090 --> 00:47:08.550 align:middle line:90% It's DCR property. 00:47:08.550 --> 00:47:12.780 align:middle line:84% So Zoo New England is different from any other zoo 00:47:12.780 --> 00:47:14.600 align:middle line:84% in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 00:47:14.600 --> 00:47:17.660 align:middle line:84% There is a strong state responsibility 00:47:17.660 --> 00:47:21.530 align:middle line:84% for the operation and success of Zoo New England, 00:47:21.530 --> 00:47:24.980 align:middle line:84% both the Franklin Park Zoo and the Stone Zoo. 00:47:24.980 --> 00:47:27.610 align:middle line:84% Their attendance continues to increase. 00:47:27.610 --> 00:47:30.070 align:middle line:84% The number of memberships continues to increase. 00:47:30.070 --> 00:47:33.170 align:middle line:84% If you have visited one or both of the zoos 00:47:33.170 --> 00:47:35.260 align:middle line:84% recently, as I know some of my colleagues have, 00:47:35.260 --> 00:47:38.990 align:middle line:84% you've seen some of the terrific new capital investments that 00:47:38.990 --> 00:47:43.300 align:middle line:84% have been made, including a really wonderful new children's 00:47:43.300 --> 00:47:47.880 align:middle line:84% zoo at Franklin Park, which those of you who have children 00:47:47.880 --> 00:47:51.090 align:middle line:84% or grandchildren or nieces or nephews who haven't visited 00:47:51.090 --> 00:47:52.800 align:middle line:90% yet, I urge you to do so. 00:47:52.800 --> 00:47:55.670 align:middle line:84% You will both have a wonderful time there, 00:47:55.670 --> 00:47:57.160 align:middle line:90% both adults and children. 00:47:57.160 --> 00:48:01.840 align:middle line:84% And then at the Stone Zoo, there's also some-- a lot 00:48:01.840 --> 00:48:03.410 align:middle line:90% of building going on. 00:48:03.410 --> 00:48:07.270 align:middle line:84% There's a new education center being built, 00:48:07.270 --> 00:48:11.220 align:middle line:84% a new entrance, and some other investments as well. 00:48:11.220 --> 00:48:13.820 align:middle line:84% A lot of that money is from private sources 00:48:13.820 --> 00:48:17.700 align:middle line:84% where they've leveraged public dollars to increase, 00:48:17.700 --> 00:48:20.160 align:middle line:84% again, their private investments. 00:48:20.160 --> 00:48:23.510 align:middle line:84% So, Mr. President, I think this is an excellent investment 00:48:23.510 --> 00:48:26.220 align:middle line:84% of our resources, and I thank the body 00:48:26.220 --> 00:48:28.610 align:middle line:84% for their longstanding support for Zoo New England, 00:48:28.610 --> 00:48:30.110 align:middle line:84% and I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:48:30.110 --> 00:48:30.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:48:30.780 --> 00:48:32.880 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:48:32.880 --> 00:48:35.290 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:48:35.290 --> 00:48:36.460 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:48:36.460 --> 00:48:38.430 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:48:38.430 --> 00:48:41.550 align:middle line:84% The next amendment, Number 709 offered by the senator 00:48:41.550 --> 00:48:43.892 align:middle line:84% from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title 00:48:43.892 --> 00:48:45.100 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:48:45.100 --> 00:48:48.300 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 709 by Mr. Welch, Irish Culture Center 00:48:48.300 --> 00:48:51.000 align:middle line:90% of Western New England, Inc. 00:48:51.000 --> 00:48:54.049 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:48:54.049 --> 00:48:55.090 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:48:55.090 --> 00:48:57.660 align:middle line:84% I had the opportunity to go by the Irish Cultural Center, 00:48:57.660 --> 00:48:59.020 align:middle line:90% but never inside. 00:48:59.020 --> 00:49:02.190 align:middle line:84% So I'm hoping the gentleman might invite me to attend. 00:49:02.190 --> 00:49:03.150 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:49:03.150 --> 00:49:06.710 align:middle line:84% The chair recognizes the senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch. 00:49:06.710 --> 00:49:07.880 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:49:07.880 --> 00:49:10.820 align:middle line:84% And for the-- yes, you're absolutely 00:49:10.820 --> 00:49:13.360 align:middle line:84% welcome to join us at the Irish Cultural Center 00:49:13.360 --> 00:49:14.900 align:middle line:90% anytime you wish. 00:49:14.900 --> 00:49:19.280 align:middle line:84% The Irish Cultural Center is a wonderful organization 00:49:19.280 --> 00:49:22.140 align:middle line:84% that recently moved to West Springfield 00:49:22.140 --> 00:49:26.830 align:middle line:84% from its former home in Chicopee at Elms College, 00:49:26.830 --> 00:49:29.000 align:middle line:84% and what this funding will do-- this 00:49:29.000 --> 00:49:36.420 align:middle line:84% is $75,000 to fund the Irish Cultural Center of Western New 00:49:36.420 --> 00:49:39.210 align:middle line:84% England, which recently entered into a lease 00:49:39.210 --> 00:49:40.690 align:middle line:84% with the town of West Springfield 00:49:40.690 --> 00:49:44.380 align:middle line:84% for a vacant property to expand its cultural education 00:49:44.380 --> 00:49:45.790 align:middle line:90% on social offerings. 00:49:45.790 --> 00:49:47.490 align:middle line:84% So this organization has actually 00:49:47.490 --> 00:49:51.570 align:middle line:84% taken a vacant property right in almost the center of West 00:49:51.570 --> 00:49:56.820 align:middle line:84% Springfield and turned it into a great place 00:49:56.820 --> 00:49:59.620 align:middle line:84% to go and visit and explore your Irish culture, 00:49:59.620 --> 00:50:03.480 align:middle line:84% and people, of course, of all nationalities and backgrounds 00:50:03.480 --> 00:50:05.630 align:middle line:90% are invited anytime. 00:50:05.630 --> 00:50:08.350 align:middle line:84% But the renovations at this new space are well underway, 00:50:08.350 --> 00:50:11.450 align:middle line:84% and this funding will help to support the ICC's efforts. 00:50:11.450 --> 00:50:15.050 align:middle line:84% The ICC has many exciting plans for the near future 00:50:15.050 --> 00:50:16.970 align:middle line:84% and will eventually be a regional hub 00:50:16.970 --> 00:50:19.930 align:middle line:84% for the preservation and celebration of Irish culture. 00:50:19.930 --> 00:50:21.960 align:middle line:84% And Mr. President, I thank you and I 00:50:21.960 --> 00:50:24.979 align:middle line:84% thank the fellow members in the chamber for this consideration 00:50:24.979 --> 00:50:25.770 align:middle line:90% for this amendment. 00:50:25.770 --> 00:50:27.630 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:50:27.630 --> 00:50:30.460 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:50:30.460 --> 00:50:32.810 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:50:32.810 --> 00:50:33.610 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:50:33.610 --> 00:50:34.730 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:50:34.730 --> 00:50:36.680 align:middle line:84% Number 710 is offered by the senator 00:50:36.680 --> 00:50:38.130 align:middle line:84% from Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth, 00:50:38.130 --> 00:50:41.190 align:middle line:84% a redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:50:41.190 --> 00:50:44.760 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 710 by Mr. Timilty over Ames High School 00:50:44.760 --> 00:50:45.940 align:middle line:90% turf field. 00:50:45.940 --> 00:50:48.950 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:50:48.950 --> 00:50:51.934 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:50:51.934 --> 00:50:54.100 align:middle line:84% Senator, my friend from the House of Representatives 00:50:54.100 --> 00:50:57.657 align:middle line:84% and now a friend I get to share this ark of the chamber 00:50:57.657 --> 00:50:59.240 align:middle line:84% with, if he could tell us a little bit 00:50:59.240 --> 00:51:01.920 align:middle line:84% about this amendment, it'd be very, very gratefully 00:51:01.920 --> 00:51:02.420 align:middle line:90% appreciated. 00:51:02.420 --> 00:51:03.750 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:51:03.750 --> 00:51:05.532 align:middle line:90% Democratic state committee-- 00:51:05.532 --> 00:51:06.990 align:middle line:84% --who's on the amendment, the chair 00:51:06.990 --> 00:51:09.760 align:middle line:84% recognizes the senator from Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth, 00:51:09.760 --> 00:51:12.390 align:middle line:90% Mr. Timilty. 00:51:12.390 --> 00:51:14.640 align:middle line:84% --through you to the membership and to my great friend 00:51:14.640 --> 00:51:16.848 align:middle line:84% from Westfield, thank you very much for the question. 00:51:16.848 --> 00:51:19.310 align:middle line:84% Quite simply, this amendment will provide 00:51:19.310 --> 00:51:22.000 align:middle line:84% for a state-of-the-art turf field for the men and women 00:51:22.000 --> 00:51:24.840 align:middle line:84% of the Oliver Ames High School athletic program, 00:51:24.840 --> 00:51:27.830 align:middle line:84% which is incredibly successful and of which we are very proud. 00:51:27.830 --> 00:51:29.210 align:middle line:84% So with that, I hope the amendment is adopted, 00:51:29.210 --> 00:51:29.876 align:middle line:90% and I thank you. 00:51:29.876 --> 00:51:32.837 align:middle line:90% 00:51:32.837 --> 00:51:34.420 align:middle line:84% --adoption of the redrafted amendment. 00:51:34.420 --> 00:51:36.800 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:51:36.800 --> 00:51:37.660 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:51:37.660 --> 00:51:38.720 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:51:38.720 --> 00:51:41.030 align:middle line:84% Number 711 offered by the senator 00:51:41.030 --> 00:51:42.952 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title 00:51:42.952 --> 00:51:44.160 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:51:44.160 --> 00:51:47.847 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 711 by Mr. Lewis, Learn to Earn. 00:51:47.847 --> 00:51:49.680 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:51:49.680 --> 00:51:51.840 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:51:51.840 --> 00:51:52.940 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:51:52.940 --> 00:51:54.320 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:51:54.320 --> 00:51:55.910 align:middle line:90% Number 712 is on hold. 00:51:55.910 --> 00:51:58.992 align:middle line:84% Number 713 offered by the same senator, the title 00:51:58.992 --> 00:52:00.200 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:52:00.200 --> 00:52:02.600 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 713 by Mr. Lewis, 00:52:02.600 --> 00:52:05.580 align:middle line:84% executive office of labor and workforce development. 00:52:05.580 --> 00:52:07.440 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:52:07.440 --> 00:52:10.070 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:52:10.070 --> 00:52:11.020 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:52:11.020 --> 00:52:12.430 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:52:12.430 --> 00:52:16.030 align:middle line:84% Number 714 offered by the same senator, the title 00:52:16.030 --> 00:52:17.320 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:52:17.320 --> 00:52:19.680 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 714 by Mr. Lewis, 00:52:19.680 --> 00:52:21.910 align:middle line:90% Department of Labor Standards. 00:52:21.910 --> 00:52:25.150 align:middle line:84% Question comes on-- amendment, all those in favor, say aye, 00:52:25.150 --> 00:52:26.350 align:middle line:90% opposed no. 00:52:26.350 --> 00:52:27.570 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:52:27.570 --> 00:52:28.430 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 00:52:28.430 --> 00:52:29.510 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:52:29.510 --> 00:52:31.710 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:52:31.710 --> 00:52:34.980 align:middle line:84% Number 715 offered by the senator 00:52:34.980 --> 00:52:36.980 align:middle line:84% from Plymouth & Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor, 00:52:36.980 --> 00:52:38.970 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 00:52:38.970 --> 00:52:43.190 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 715 by Mr. O'Connor, Hull tourism. 00:52:43.190 --> 00:52:45.710 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth & Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor. 00:52:45.710 --> 00:52:48.260 align:middle line:90% 00:52:48.260 --> 00:52:53.160 align:middle line:84% This amendment would provide $20,000 in money 00:52:53.160 --> 00:52:58.070 align:middle line:84% for a marketing promotion of tourism in the town of Hull. 00:52:58.070 --> 00:53:00.140 align:middle line:84% Hull, which is home to the Nantasket Beach, 00:53:00.140 --> 00:53:03.500 align:middle line:84% has a vibrant economy during the summer months. 00:53:03.500 --> 00:53:07.100 align:middle line:84% But unfortunately, some of the restaurants and other business 00:53:07.100 --> 00:53:11.700 align:middle line:84% and industry there is not able to strive through the winter 00:53:11.700 --> 00:53:12.740 align:middle line:90% and spring months. 00:53:12.740 --> 00:53:15.560 align:middle line:84% So what we're hoping to do is to create a marketing campaign 00:53:15.560 --> 00:53:18.907 align:middle line:84% to get people to see the wonderful beauty of Hull 00:53:18.907 --> 00:53:20.740 align:middle line:84% during the winter months and into the spring 00:53:20.740 --> 00:53:22.115 align:middle line:84% and hopefully attract more people 00:53:22.115 --> 00:53:24.180 align:middle line:84% to go there in order to continue to increase 00:53:24.180 --> 00:53:25.830 align:middle line:90% the commerce and local economy. 00:53:25.830 --> 00:53:28.870 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:53:28.870 --> 00:53:30.800 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:53:30.800 --> 00:53:33.460 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:53:33.460 --> 00:53:34.340 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 00:53:34.340 --> 00:53:35.520 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 00:53:35.520 --> 00:53:38.370 align:middle line:84% Number 716 is offered by the senator 00:53:38.370 --> 00:53:40.562 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex Mr. Lewis, the title 00:53:40.562 --> 00:53:41.770 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:53:41.770 --> 00:53:44.630 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 716 by Mr. Lewis, office 00:53:44.630 --> 00:53:46.817 align:middle line:90% of Massachusetts Main Streets. 00:53:46.817 --> 00:53:48.650 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:53:48.650 --> 00:53:51.090 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:53:51.090 --> 00:53:51.932 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:53:51.932 --> 00:53:53.140 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:53:53.140 --> 00:53:57.770 align:middle line:84% The same-- 17, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:53:57.770 --> 00:54:02.057 align:middle line:84% 717 by Mr. Lewis, housing safety grants. 00:54:02.057 --> 00:54:03.890 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:54:03.890 --> 00:54:06.470 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:54:06.470 --> 00:54:07.370 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:54:07.370 --> 00:54:08.760 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:54:08.760 --> 00:54:11.710 align:middle line:84% Number 718 offered by the senator from Hampden 00:54:11.710 --> 00:54:13.780 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 00:54:13.780 --> 00:54:15.330 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:54:15.330 --> 00:54:20.070 align:middle line:84% Amendment-- by Mr. Lesser, Greentown Learn Advanced 00:54:20.070 --> 00:54:22.050 align:middle line:90% Manufacturing Initiative. 00:54:22.050 --> 00:54:23.890 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:54:23.890 --> 00:54:26.630 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:54:26.630 --> 00:54:27.422 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:54:27.422 --> 00:54:28.630 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:54:28.630 --> 00:54:31.450 align:middle line:84% 719 is offered by the senator from Essex, Mr. 00:54:31.450 --> 00:54:33.440 align:middle line:84% McGee, the title of which the clerk will read. 00:54:33.440 --> 00:54:36.750 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 719 by Mr. McGee, Urban Agenda Grant 00:54:36.750 --> 00:54:37.340 align:middle line:90% Program. 00:54:37.340 --> 00:54:39.173 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:54:39.173 --> 00:54:41.340 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:54:41.340 --> 00:54:42.112 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 00:54:42.112 --> 00:54:43.320 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 00:54:43.320 --> 00:54:44.850 align:middle line:90% 720 is on hold. 00:54:44.850 --> 00:54:48.230 align:middle line:84% A redrafted amendment, Number 721, offered by the senator 00:54:48.230 --> 00:54:50.360 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title 00:54:50.360 --> 00:54:51.670 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:54:51.670 --> 00:54:56.060 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 721 by Mr. Lewis, Melrose Cemetery. 00:54:56.060 --> 00:54:58.480 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 00:54:58.480 --> 00:54:59.980 align:middle line:90% This is a redrafted amendment. 00:54:59.980 --> 00:55:01.521 align:middle line:84% I was hoping that the gentleman might 00:55:01.521 --> 00:55:03.590 align:middle line:84% be able to speak about Number 721, 00:55:03.590 --> 00:55:05.940 align:middle line:84% and then I've been able to peer into my crystal ball 00:55:05.940 --> 00:55:07.940 align:middle line:84% and think he'll have great success with a number 00:55:07.940 --> 00:55:08.560 align:middle line:90% of amendments tonight. 00:55:08.560 --> 00:55:10.040 align:middle line:84% Perhaps he could get up and tell us 00:55:10.040 --> 00:55:12.050 align:middle line:84% about those when the time comes, as well. 00:55:12.050 --> 00:55:12.710 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:55:12.710 --> 00:55:15.745 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:55:15.745 --> 00:55:18.579 align:middle line:90% 00:55:18.579 --> 00:55:19.620 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:55:19.620 --> 00:55:22.740 align:middle line:84% And I again thank the gentleman for his question. 00:55:22.740 --> 00:55:28.160 align:middle line:84% This is Amendment 721, which will provide 00:55:28.160 --> 00:55:32.630 align:middle line:84% some badly needed funding, $75,000 for repairs 00:55:32.630 --> 00:55:38.230 align:middle line:84% to an old historic cemetery in the city of Melrose, 00:55:38.230 --> 00:55:40.020 align:middle line:90% which I'm proud to represent. 00:55:40.020 --> 00:55:43.700 align:middle line:84% Wyoming Cemetery was officially dedicated 00:55:43.700 --> 00:55:47.150 align:middle line:84% in 1857, and since then has served 00:55:47.150 --> 00:55:49.720 align:middle line:84% as the municipal cemetery for residents 00:55:49.720 --> 00:55:50.720 align:middle line:90% of the city of Melrose. 00:55:50.720 --> 00:55:55.520 align:middle line:84% The cemetery comprises 26,000 burial sites 00:55:55.520 --> 00:56:00.600 align:middle line:84% and has long been an important site for veterans observances 00:56:00.600 --> 00:56:02.130 align:middle line:90% in Melrose. 00:56:02.130 --> 00:56:05.520 align:middle line:84% In 1863, the Melrose Board of Selectmen 00:56:05.520 --> 00:56:08.900 align:middle line:84% voted to waive the poll tax for all Melrose residents serving 00:56:08.900 --> 00:56:11.160 align:middle line:84% in the Civil War and to set aside 00:56:11.160 --> 00:56:13.210 align:middle line:84% a portion of the cemetery for them. 00:56:13.210 --> 00:56:17.200 align:middle line:84% Veterans of wars all the way from the Revolutionary War 00:56:17.200 --> 00:56:19.650 align:middle line:84% through to the present time are buried 00:56:19.650 --> 00:56:22.150 align:middle line:84% in Wyoming Cemetery, which is also 00:56:22.150 --> 00:56:27.070 align:middle line:84% the site of Melrose's annual Memorial Day ceremonies, 00:56:27.070 --> 00:56:31.950 align:middle line:84% including a solemn Memorial Day civic exercise. 00:56:31.950 --> 00:56:35.750 align:middle line:84% The rustic stone wall surrounding Wyoming Cemetery 00:56:35.750 --> 00:56:39.296 align:middle line:84% was built in 1937 and is an essential part 00:56:39.296 --> 00:56:40.545 align:middle line:90% of the design of the cemetery. 00:56:40.545 --> 00:56:43.160 align:middle line:90% 00:56:43.160 --> 00:56:46.030 align:middle line:84% Unfortunately, through decades of tough 00:56:46.030 --> 00:56:49.410 align:middle line:84% New England weather, which we're all very familiar with, 00:56:49.410 --> 00:56:51.460 align:middle line:90% the rock-- 00:56:51.460 --> 00:57:07.700 align:middle line:84% The chair recognizes the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:57:07.700 --> 00:57:10.400 align:middle line:90% I can hear you again. 00:57:10.400 --> 00:57:12.920 align:middle line:84% The gentleman from Weymouth just rising 00:57:12.920 --> 00:57:16.620 align:middle line:84% was sufficient to bring down the level of noise in the chamber. 00:57:16.620 --> 00:57:17.930 align:middle line:90% So thank you. 00:57:17.930 --> 00:57:20.830 align:middle line:90% And I'm about to wrap up. 00:57:20.830 --> 00:57:27.380 align:middle line:84% This part of the cemetery, the old wall is in disrepair. 00:57:27.380 --> 00:57:31.010 align:middle line:84% This funding would go toward repairing that and returning 00:57:31.010 --> 00:57:36.340 align:middle line:84% this historic cemetery to the state 00:57:36.340 --> 00:57:37.730 align:middle line:90% that it deserves to be in. 00:57:37.730 --> 00:57:40.680 align:middle line:84% I hope the membership will support this amendment. 00:57:40.680 --> 00:57:41.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:57:41.790 --> 00:57:44.230 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 00:57:44.230 --> 00:57:46.900 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:57:46.900 --> 00:57:49.300 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 00:57:49.300 --> 00:57:51.700 align:middle line:84% Number 724 offered by the same senator, the title 00:57:51.700 --> 00:57:53.020 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 00:57:53.020 --> 00:57:56.430 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 724 by Mr. Lewis, 00:57:56.430 --> 00:57:59.820 align:middle line:90% Wakefield economic development. 00:57:59.820 --> 00:58:06.910 align:middle line:84% The chair recognizes the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:58:06.910 --> 00:58:11.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you again, Mr. President. 00:58:11.110 --> 00:58:17.180 align:middle line:84% And I now rise in support of Amendment Number 724, which 00:58:17.180 --> 00:58:21.940 align:middle line:84% provides funding in the amount of $100,000 00:58:21.940 --> 00:58:25.440 align:middle line:84% to support the local Main Streets 00:58:25.440 --> 00:58:29.340 align:middle line:84% organization, a local nonprofit that was recently formed 00:58:29.340 --> 00:58:31.570 align:middle line:90% in the town of Wakefield. 00:58:31.570 --> 00:58:36.010 align:middle line:84% As many of you know, there is a national Main Streets 00:58:36.010 --> 00:58:38.580 align:middle line:84% organization, and there are a number 00:58:38.580 --> 00:58:42.510 align:middle line:84% of local affiliates in several of our cities and towns. 00:58:42.510 --> 00:58:46.110 align:middle line:84% And they do terrific work, often in partnership 00:58:46.110 --> 00:58:50.470 align:middle line:84% with our municipal governments, with our chambers of commerce, 00:58:50.470 --> 00:58:54.930 align:middle line:84% our local small businesses, and residents and community groups 00:58:54.930 --> 00:59:00.340 align:middle line:84% in pursuing strategies to revitalize our downtowns, 00:59:00.340 --> 00:59:05.480 align:middle line:84% bring new businesses into the downtowns, 00:59:05.480 --> 00:59:08.380 align:middle line:90% pursue efforts to beautify. 00:59:08.380 --> 00:59:10.560 align:middle line:84% And that's exactly what the Wakefield Main 00:59:10.560 --> 00:59:12.180 align:middle line:90% Streets is seeking to do. 00:59:12.180 --> 00:59:16.150 align:middle line:84% So this funding will be an enormous boost to their efforts 00:59:16.150 --> 00:59:20.860 align:middle line:84% in terms of improving downtown signage, 00:59:20.860 --> 00:59:24.650 align:middle line:84% downtown beautification efforts, and other local economic 00:59:24.650 --> 00:59:29.000 align:middle line:84% development to the benefit of the town of Wakefield, 00:59:29.000 --> 00:59:32.450 align:middle line:84% its residents, and in fact, I would argue the entire region. 00:59:32.450 --> 00:59:33.980 align:middle line:90% I hope the amendment is adopted. 00:59:33.980 --> 00:59:35.160 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 00:59:35.160 --> 00:59:38.890 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of Amendment Number 724. 00:59:38.890 --> 00:59:41.990 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 00:59:41.990 --> 00:59:45.320 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and 724 is approved. 00:59:45.320 --> 00:59:53.270 align:middle line:84% The chair needs to go back and state that 722 was withdrawn, 00:59:53.270 --> 00:59:55.920 align:middle line:90% and we missed 723. 00:59:55.920 --> 00:59:57.820 align:middle line:84% So the next amendment we're taking up 00:59:57.820 --> 01:00:00.660 align:middle line:84% is Amendment Number 723 offered by the senator 01:00:00.660 --> 01:00:03.980 align:middle line:84% from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title of which the clerk will 01:00:03.980 --> 01:00:04.820 align:middle line:90% read. 01:00:04.820 --> 01:00:09.360 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 723 by Mr. Lewis, Housing Families, Inc. 01:00:09.360 --> 01:00:15.450 align:middle line:84% Chair recognizes the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 01:00:15.450 --> 01:00:17.900 align:middle line:84% Appreciate this further opportunity 01:00:17.900 --> 01:00:20.010 align:middle line:84% to speak in support of another amendment, 01:00:20.010 --> 01:00:26.260 align:middle line:84% 723, which would allocate funding of $100,000 01:00:26.260 --> 01:00:33.450 align:middle line:84% to support an after-school program for homeless children. 01:00:33.450 --> 01:00:38.080 align:middle line:84% This is through an organization called Housing Families, which 01:00:38.080 --> 01:00:40.140 align:middle line:84% is located in the city of Malden, 01:00:40.140 --> 01:00:44.000 align:middle line:84% but serves families from the entire region. 01:00:44.000 --> 01:00:47.180 align:middle line:84% Housing Families provides emergency shelter, 01:00:47.180 --> 01:00:49.760 align:middle line:84% eviction prevention, stabilization, 01:00:49.760 --> 01:00:52.790 align:middle line:84% permanent housing, and child services, 01:00:52.790 --> 01:00:57.040 align:middle line:84% including their so-called Great Program. 01:00:57.040 --> 01:01:00.540 align:middle line:84% Housing Families is one of the only shelters providing 01:01:00.540 --> 01:01:04.010 align:middle line:84% in-house academic, social, emotional, 01:01:04.010 --> 01:01:10.510 align:middle line:84% and behavioral services for some of the most challenged children 01:01:10.510 --> 01:01:13.900 align:middle line:84% who are trying to thrive while struggling with issues 01:01:13.900 --> 01:01:20.100 align:middle line:84% like homelessness, poverty, parents in some cases suffering 01:01:20.100 --> 01:01:25.260 align:middle line:84% from addiction and other such challenges. 01:01:25.260 --> 01:01:28.910 align:middle line:84% This program has a proven track record. 01:01:28.910 --> 01:01:34.920 align:middle line:84% In 2015, 95% of the children served saw improvements 01:01:34.920 --> 01:01:38.380 align:middle line:84% in their emotional and academic performance 01:01:38.380 --> 01:01:44.120 align:middle line:90% and other improvements as well. 01:01:44.120 --> 01:01:47.770 align:middle line:84% Their Great Program is set to double its services 01:01:47.770 --> 01:01:53.930 align:middle line:84% as the program moves from 48 shelters to 100 01:01:53.930 --> 01:01:57.256 align:middle line:90% based on the usage of local-- 01:01:57.256 --> 01:01:59.970 align:middle line:90% 01:01:59.970 --> 01:02:02.700 align:middle line:84% reduction in use of local motels in the area. 01:02:02.700 --> 01:02:05.490 align:middle line:84% This program will support several hundred children 01:02:05.490 --> 01:02:09.440 align:middle line:84% in this really important after-school program. 01:02:09.440 --> 01:02:12.060 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I hope this amendment is adopted. 01:02:12.060 --> 01:02:13.917 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:02:13.917 --> 01:02:15.750 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:02:15.750 --> 01:02:18.140 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:02:18.140 --> 01:02:20.170 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:02:20.170 --> 01:02:22.640 align:middle line:84% We are now on Amendment Number 725, 01:02:22.640 --> 01:02:25.390 align:middle line:84% offered yet again by the senator from Middlesex, 01:02:25.390 --> 01:02:28.740 align:middle line:90% Mr. Lewis, the title of which-- 01:02:28.740 --> 01:02:33.397 align:middle line:84% Number 725 by Mr. Lewis, Stoneham Wayfinding Signage. 01:02:33.397 --> 01:02:35.230 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:02:35.230 --> 01:02:37.015 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 01:02:37.015 --> 01:02:39.780 align:middle line:90% 01:02:39.780 --> 01:02:41.660 align:middle line:84% Members will be happy to know I think 01:02:41.660 --> 01:02:44.260 align:middle line:84% this is the last amendment I have in this sequence, 01:02:44.260 --> 01:02:48.020 align:middle line:84% so then I will be able to sit down. 01:02:48.020 --> 01:02:52.020 align:middle line:84% This amendment, similar to the amendment that I previously 01:02:52.020 --> 01:02:54.020 align:middle line:84% spoke about, which was to benefit 01:02:54.020 --> 01:02:56.600 align:middle line:84% the downtown revitalization efforts in Wakefield, 01:02:56.600 --> 01:02:59.400 align:middle line:84% this amendment, Number 725, would 01:02:59.400 --> 01:03:03.430 align:middle line:84% provide funding in the amount of $25,000 01:03:03.430 --> 01:03:07.280 align:middle line:84% to support similar revitalization efforts 01:03:07.280 --> 01:03:13.380 align:middle line:84% in downtown Stoneham, and specifically wayfinding signage 01:03:13.380 --> 01:03:15.880 align:middle line:84% that the community has determined 01:03:15.880 --> 01:03:19.280 align:middle line:84% after doing an extensive master planning process would 01:03:19.280 --> 01:03:23.410 align:middle line:84% be important to improve their local economic development 01:03:23.410 --> 01:03:24.120 align:middle line:90% efforts. 01:03:24.120 --> 01:03:28.100 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I hope this amendment will similarly 01:03:28.100 --> 01:03:28.780 align:middle line:90% be adopted. 01:03:28.780 --> 01:03:30.790 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:03:30.790 --> 01:03:32.090 align:middle line:90% --adoption of the amendment. 01:03:32.090 --> 01:03:35.180 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:03:35.180 --> 01:03:37.550 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:03:37.550 --> 01:03:39.320 align:middle line:84% The next is offered by the senator 01:03:39.320 --> 01:03:41.140 align:middle line:84% from Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex, 01:03:41.140 --> 01:03:44.820 align:middle line:90% Mr. Ross, Number 727. 01:03:44.820 --> 01:03:46.330 align:middle line:90% All those in favor, say aye-- 01:03:46.330 --> 01:03:47.390 align:middle line:90% The title of which-- 01:03:47.390 --> 01:03:48.220 align:middle line:90% Ah, excuse me. 01:03:48.220 --> 01:03:50.030 align:middle line:84% The title of which the clerk will read. 01:03:50.030 --> 01:03:53.970 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 727 by Mr. Ross Franklin, affordable housing 01:03:53.970 --> 01:03:55.647 align:middle line:90% Little Free Library. 01:03:55.647 --> 01:03:57.480 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:03:57.480 --> 01:03:59.970 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:03:59.970 --> 01:04:00.820 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 01:04:00.820 --> 01:04:02.220 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 01:04:02.220 --> 01:04:05.510 align:middle line:84% The next amendment, 728 is offered by senator 01:04:05.510 --> 01:04:07.910 align:middle line:84% from Essex Ms. O'Connor Ives, the title 01:04:07.910 --> 01:04:09.120 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:04:09.120 --> 01:04:12.380 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 728 by Ms. O'Connor Ives, celebration 01:04:12.380 --> 01:04:15.847 align:middle line:90% of Amesbury 350th anniversary. 01:04:15.847 --> 01:04:17.680 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption to the amendment. 01:04:17.680 --> 01:04:20.560 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:04:20.560 --> 01:04:22.280 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:04:22.280 --> 01:04:25.130 align:middle line:84% --explain what her amendment does and also 01:04:25.130 --> 01:04:26.920 align:middle line:84% let her know that my own community 01:04:26.920 --> 01:04:30.720 align:middle line:84% Westfield is celebrating its 350th this year as well. 01:04:30.720 --> 01:04:32.610 align:middle line:90% So happy birthday to Amesbury. 01:04:32.610 --> 01:04:34.470 align:middle line:90% I can't wait to hear more. 01:04:34.470 --> 01:04:35.470 align:middle line:90% Ms. O'Connor Ives. 01:04:35.470 --> 01:04:37.990 align:middle line:90% 01:04:37.990 --> 01:04:41.970 align:middle line:84% --members, perhaps we can coordinate our festivities. 01:04:41.970 --> 01:04:44.320 align:middle line:84% This would be to support the efforts 01:04:44.320 --> 01:04:47.770 align:middle line:84% of the city of Amesbury's 350th anniversary, 01:04:47.770 --> 01:04:50.840 align:middle line:84% and that municipality is making a concerted effort 01:04:50.840 --> 01:04:53.190 align:middle line:84% to grow its tourism base by highlighting 01:04:53.190 --> 01:04:55.700 align:middle line:84% its unique cultural heritage, making 01:04:55.700 --> 01:04:59.050 align:middle line:84% it the birth of carriages in the state of Massachusetts. 01:04:59.050 --> 01:05:01.739 align:middle line:84% It's known as the carriage town of Massachusetts 01:05:01.739 --> 01:05:03.530 align:middle line:84% and the carriage town of the United States. 01:05:03.530 --> 01:05:05.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:05:05.140 --> 01:05:08.014 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:05:08.014 --> 01:05:09.680 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:05:09.680 --> 01:05:12.110 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:05:12.110 --> 01:05:14.530 align:middle line:84% We're now on 729, offered by the senator 01:05:14.530 --> 01:05:17.010 align:middle line:84% from Plymouth & Bristol, Mr. Pacheco, 01:05:17.010 --> 01:05:19.160 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 01:05:19.160 --> 01:05:20.360 align:middle line:90% Amendment Number 7-- 01:05:20.360 --> 01:05:22.960 align:middle line:84% Pacheco, Raynham Housing Authority. 01:05:22.960 --> 01:05:27.050 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:05:27.050 --> 01:05:31.080 align:middle line:84% --tell us about Amendment 729, Raynham Housing authority. 01:05:31.080 --> 01:05:31.599 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:05:31.599 --> 01:05:33.640 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth & Bristol, Mr. Pacheco. 01:05:33.640 --> 01:05:36.250 align:middle line:90% 01:05:36.250 --> 01:05:39.970 align:middle line:84% Thank my good friend, distinguished gentleman 01:05:39.970 --> 01:05:48.470 align:middle line:84% from way out there in the woods, a wonderful, wonderful part 01:05:48.470 --> 01:05:52.030 align:middle line:84% of the state, for asking the question, 01:05:52.030 --> 01:05:55.210 align:middle line:84% the Raynham Housing Authority is the housing authority 01:05:55.210 --> 01:05:58.770 align:middle line:84% in which the physical plant is very much in need 01:05:58.770 --> 01:06:01.910 align:middle line:84% of some improvements, some public safety improvements, 01:06:01.910 --> 01:06:06.710 align:middle line:84% and this authorization will allow 01:06:06.710 --> 01:06:08.310 align:middle line:84% them to move forward and take care 01:06:08.310 --> 01:06:14.300 align:middle line:84% of some very crucial public safety items that need repair. 01:06:14.300 --> 01:06:17.007 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:06:17.007 --> 01:06:18.840 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:06:18.840 --> 01:06:21.970 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:06:21.970 --> 01:06:24.380 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:06:24.380 --> 01:06:26.220 align:middle line:84% Number 730 is offered by the senator 01:06:26.220 --> 01:06:28.460 align:middle line:84% from Essex, Ms. O'Connor Ives, the title 01:06:28.460 --> 01:06:30.380 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:06:30.380 --> 01:06:31.260 align:middle line:90% Amendment Number 7-- 01:06:31.260 --> 01:06:35.210 align:middle line:90% 01:06:35.210 --> 01:06:37.320 align:middle line:84% --Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:06:37.320 --> 01:06:38.999 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:06:38.999 --> 01:06:41.290 align:middle line:84% --rises and I appreciate hearing about these amendments 01:06:41.290 --> 01:06:41.789 align:middle line:90% from her. 01:06:41.789 --> 01:06:42.900 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:06:42.900 --> 01:06:44.195 align:middle line:90% The senator from-- 01:06:44.195 --> 01:06:48.950 align:middle line:90% 01:06:48.950 --> 01:06:52.020 align:middle line:84% --college is an educational partnership between Northern 01:06:52.020 --> 01:06:54.890 align:middle line:84% Essex Community College and three local high schools 01:06:54.890 --> 01:06:55.920 align:middle line:90% in my district-- 01:06:55.920 --> 01:06:57.820 align:middle line:84% Amesbury, Haverhill, and Methuen. 01:06:57.820 --> 01:07:01.140 align:middle line:84% It's designed to raise college readiness skills and college 01:07:01.140 --> 01:07:03.790 align:middle line:84% completion rates while in high school. 01:07:03.790 --> 01:07:06.890 align:middle line:84% This funding will allow Northern Essex Community College 01:07:06.890 --> 01:07:09.380 align:middle line:84% to continue and expand their early college 01:07:09.380 --> 01:07:13.700 align:middle line:84% program to these public schools and to grow the programs. 01:07:13.700 --> 01:07:16.110 align:middle line:84% Importantly, the early college program 01:07:16.110 --> 01:07:18.570 align:middle line:84% also reduces future college costs 01:07:18.570 --> 01:07:20.470 align:middle line:90% for students and their parents. 01:07:20.470 --> 01:07:23.320 align:middle line:84% A student who takes full advantage of this program 01:07:23.320 --> 01:07:25.450 align:middle line:84% could potentially graduate high school 01:07:25.450 --> 01:07:27.780 align:middle line:90% with up to 48 college credits. 01:07:27.780 --> 01:07:31.390 align:middle line:84% That translates to a year and a half of college coursework, 01:07:31.390 --> 01:07:36.160 align:middle line:84% or about $45,000 at UMass in savings 01:07:36.160 --> 01:07:39.310 align:middle line:84% and even more when you consider the cost of private colleges 01:07:39.310 --> 01:07:40.440 align:middle line:90% and universities. 01:07:40.440 --> 01:07:42.120 align:middle line:84% I thank you for the consideration 01:07:42.120 --> 01:07:44.647 align:middle line:84% of this amendment, and I hope it's adopted. 01:07:44.647 --> 01:07:46.480 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:07:46.480 --> 01:07:48.970 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:07:48.970 --> 01:07:50.980 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:07:50.980 --> 01:07:53.560 align:middle line:84% 731 offered by the same senator, the title 01:07:53.560 --> 01:07:54.890 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:07:54.890 --> 01:07:59.240 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 731 by Ms. O'Connor Ives, Crow Lane. 01:07:59.240 --> 01:08:01.130 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:08:01.130 --> 01:08:03.592 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:08:03.592 --> 01:08:05.550 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:08:05.550 --> 01:08:09.610 align:middle line:90% 01:08:09.610 --> 01:08:12.780 align:middle line:84% OK, Number 732 offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol 01:08:12.780 --> 01:08:14.810 align:middle line:84% & Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title 01:08:14.810 --> 01:08:16.029 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:08:16.029 --> 01:08:19.300 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 732 by Mr. Timilty, trial improvements 01:08:19.300 --> 01:08:22.603 align:middle line:84% for safer pedestrian crossing in the Blue Hills Reservation. 01:08:22.603 --> 01:08:24.769 align:middle line:84% The senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman. 01:08:24.769 --> 01:08:27.670 align:middle line:90% 01:08:27.670 --> 01:08:31.649 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:08:31.649 --> 01:08:35.080 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] as well gave such a compelling speech 01:08:35.080 --> 01:08:37.740 align:middle line:84% for his maiden that we've missed hearing from him, 01:08:37.740 --> 01:08:41.790 align:middle line:84% so we'd like to hear about this trail that he has offered 01:08:41.790 --> 01:08:43.580 align:middle line:84% and what it means for his district. 01:08:43.580 --> 01:08:47.170 align:middle line:90% 01:08:47.170 --> 01:08:48.229 align:middle line:90% Timilty. 01:08:48.229 --> 01:08:50.580 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President and through you to the members 01:08:50.580 --> 01:08:53.540 align:middle line:84% and to my friend from Sutton, I believe. 01:08:53.540 --> 01:08:54.242 align:middle line:90% Close. 01:08:54.242 --> 01:08:54.950 align:middle line:90% Worcester County. 01:08:54.950 --> 01:08:57.020 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, appreciate it. 01:08:57.020 --> 01:08:59.500 align:middle line:84% Amendment 732, trail improvements 01:08:59.500 --> 01:09:01.649 align:middle line:84% for safe pedestrian crossing in the Blue Hills. 01:09:01.649 --> 01:09:04.140 align:middle line:84% As many of us are aware, the Blue Hills Reservation 01:09:04.140 --> 01:09:07.359 align:middle line:84% is an ecological treasure given its proximity 01:09:07.359 --> 01:09:10.430 align:middle line:84% to a major metropolitan area in the city of Boston. 01:09:10.430 --> 01:09:14.920 align:middle line:84% With this, the Skyline Trail is a great way 01:09:14.920 --> 01:09:17.700 align:middle line:84% for people, tourists, residents of the commonwealth to enjoy 01:09:17.700 --> 01:09:19.279 align:middle line:90% the wonders of the Blue Hills. 01:09:19.279 --> 01:09:23.800 align:middle line:84% This simply would create a study to figure out 01:09:23.800 --> 01:09:27.630 align:middle line:84% a safer way for the pedestrians on the Skyline Trail 01:09:27.630 --> 01:09:28.800 align:middle line:90% to traverse the Blue Hills. 01:09:28.800 --> 01:09:30.830 align:middle line:84% And with that, I simply hope for its adoption. 01:09:30.830 --> 01:09:32.486 align:middle line:90% Thank you very much. 01:09:32.486 --> 01:09:34.319 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:09:34.319 --> 01:09:36.779 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:09:36.779 --> 01:09:39.050 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:09:39.050 --> 01:09:41.160 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, 01:09:41.160 --> 01:09:45.880 align:middle line:84% Mr. Lesser offers 733, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:09:45.880 --> 01:09:49.850 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 733 by Mr. Lesser, Entrepreneur 01:09:49.850 --> 01:09:51.827 align:middle line:90% in Residence Pilot Program. 01:09:51.827 --> 01:09:53.660 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:09:53.660 --> 01:09:56.260 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:09:56.260 --> 01:09:57.210 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 01:09:57.210 --> 01:09:58.610 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 01:09:58.610 --> 01:10:00.980 align:middle line:84% Number 734, offered by the senator 01:10:00.980 --> 01:10:04.340 align:middle line:84% from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman. 01:10:04.340 --> 01:10:08.270 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 734 by Mr. Fattman, emergency relocation 01:10:08.270 --> 01:10:10.210 align:middle line:90% of Millville Town Hall. 01:10:10.210 --> 01:10:13.975 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:10:13.975 --> 01:10:16.350 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I understand that there are some emergency 01:10:16.350 --> 01:10:19.590 align:middle line:84% relocations necessary for the Millville Town Hall, 01:10:19.590 --> 01:10:22.070 align:middle line:84% and I hope the gentleman to my far right 01:10:22.070 --> 01:10:25.069 align:middle line:84% can certainly tell us what this amendment would do to assist. 01:10:25.069 --> 01:10:26.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:10:26.110 --> 01:10:28.490 align:middle line:90% Just how far right? 01:10:28.490 --> 01:10:33.370 align:middle line:84% The chair recognizes the senator from Worcester and Norfolk, 01:10:33.370 --> 01:10:34.275 align:middle line:90% Mr. Fattman. 01:10:34.275 --> 01:10:35.900 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you 01:10:35.900 --> 01:10:39.250 align:middle line:84% to my good friend from Westfield for asking the question. 01:10:39.250 --> 01:10:42.410 align:middle line:84% The Millville Town Hall has stood proud 01:10:42.410 --> 01:10:44.490 align:middle line:90% since the Civil War. 01:10:44.490 --> 01:10:49.370 align:middle line:84% And in August the Army Corps of Engineers 01:10:49.370 --> 01:10:54.280 align:middle line:84% actually came in and determined it was not safe to be used, 01:10:54.280 --> 01:10:56.980 align:middle line:84% and so the town hall was shut down 01:10:56.980 --> 01:10:59.980 align:middle line:84% and they moved it down the street to the American Legion 01:10:59.980 --> 01:11:00.890 align:middle line:90% Post. 01:11:00.890 --> 01:11:05.730 align:middle line:84% We're looking for some money to be able to evaluate next steps, 01:11:05.730 --> 01:11:09.400 align:middle line:84% and so I hope that this $25,000 is adopted. 01:11:09.400 --> 01:11:12.330 align:middle line:84% I would also mention, because I have two other amendments that 01:11:12.330 --> 01:11:15.070 align:middle line:84% are coming up that the gentleman may be curious about, 01:11:15.070 --> 01:11:21.140 align:middle line:84% in fiscal year 2015 there was a program for Hispanic seniors 01:11:21.140 --> 01:11:26.670 align:middle line:84% in the town of Southbridge, which was allotted $100,000. 01:11:26.670 --> 01:11:31.180 align:middle line:84% At December that year about $50,000 for that program 01:11:31.180 --> 01:11:31.680 align:middle line:90% was cut. 01:11:31.680 --> 01:11:33.770 align:middle line:84% So we're looking to restore that program. 01:11:33.770 --> 01:11:36.660 align:middle line:84% And the town of Mendon is turning 01:11:36.660 --> 01:11:44.700 align:middle line:84% 350 years old in September, and it is known as Mother Mendon. 01:11:44.700 --> 01:11:47.120 align:middle line:84% It birthed eight other towns, all of which 01:11:47.120 --> 01:11:49.510 align:middle line:84% are in my district, and we're looking forward 01:11:49.510 --> 01:11:53.320 align:middle line:84% to the festivities come September. 01:11:53.320 --> 01:11:56.590 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of Amendment Number 735. 01:11:56.590 --> 01:11:59.070 align:middle line:90% Excuse me, 734. 01:11:59.070 --> 01:12:02.062 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:12:02.062 --> 01:12:04.020 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:12:04.020 --> 01:12:05.770 align:middle line:84% The next is offered by the same gentleman, 01:12:05.770 --> 01:12:08.910 align:middle line:84% Number 735, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:12:08.910 --> 01:12:11.410 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 735 by Mr. Fattman, 01:12:11.410 --> 01:12:14.067 align:middle line:90% Southbridge Hispanic seniors. 01:12:14.067 --> 01:12:15.900 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:12:15.900 --> 01:12:18.280 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:12:18.280 --> 01:12:19.180 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:12:19.180 --> 01:12:20.400 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 01:12:20.400 --> 01:12:23.580 align:middle line:84% Number 736, offered by the same senator, the title 01:12:23.580 --> 01:12:25.170 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:12:25.170 --> 01:12:27.990 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 736 by Mr. Fattman, 01:12:27.990 --> 01:12:30.807 align:middle line:90% Mendon 350th anniversary parade. 01:12:30.807 --> 01:12:32.640 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:12:32.640 --> 01:12:35.250 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:12:35.250 --> 01:12:37.450 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:12:37.450 --> 01:12:40.610 align:middle line:84% Number 737 is offered by the senator 01:12:40.610 --> 01:12:43.370 align:middle line:84% from Plymouth & Bristol, Mr. Pacheco, the title 01:12:43.370 --> 01:12:44.750 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:12:44.750 --> 01:12:48.940 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 737 by Mr. Pacheco, Microlending. 01:12:48.940 --> 01:12:51.240 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:12:51.240 --> 01:12:54.180 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:12:54.180 --> 01:12:55.090 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:12:55.090 --> 01:12:56.430 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 01:12:56.430 --> 01:12:59.580 align:middle line:84% Number 738 is offered by the senator from Humason-- 01:12:59.580 --> 01:13:03.870 align:middle line:90% 01:13:03.870 --> 01:13:08.250 align:middle line:84% [LAUGHTER] the title of which the clerk will read. 01:13:08.250 --> 01:13:13.320 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 738 by Mr. Humason, Eureka. 01:13:13.320 --> 01:13:15.540 align:middle line:84% The chair would request the gentleman 01:13:15.540 --> 01:13:16.700 align:middle line:90% to speak on the matter. 01:13:16.700 --> 01:13:18.250 align:middle line:90% I am the envoy from Humason. 01:13:18.250 --> 01:13:19.750 align:middle line:90% I am happy to speak. 01:13:19.750 --> 01:13:21.140 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:13:21.140 --> 01:13:23.890 align:middle line:84% I rise to speak in support of Amendment Number 01:13:23.890 --> 01:13:27.147 align:middle line:84% 738, the Eureka program, which will serve 01:13:27.147 --> 01:13:28.730 align:middle line:84% three communities in the Commonwealth, 01:13:28.730 --> 01:13:31.260 align:middle line:84% Holyoke in my own district, Lynn, 01:13:31.260 --> 01:13:34.640 align:middle line:84% and Worcester, all the three chapters of Girls, 01:13:34.640 --> 01:13:35.430 align:middle line:90% Incorporated. 01:13:35.430 --> 01:13:38.560 align:middle line:84% Eureka provides a five-year program, 01:13:38.560 --> 01:13:41.860 align:middle line:84% which helps middle school aged and high school aged girls 01:13:41.860 --> 01:13:45.570 align:middle line:84% with STEM program, science, technology, engineering, 01:13:45.570 --> 01:13:48.690 align:middle line:84% and math, and includes a four-week summer program 01:13:48.690 --> 01:13:51.850 align:middle line:84% at UMass Amherst where they take part 01:13:51.850 --> 01:13:54.930 align:middle line:84% in college-level courses in that STEM program. 01:13:54.930 --> 01:13:58.320 align:middle line:84% And the amount is $60,000 appropriation 01:13:58.320 --> 01:14:01.149 align:middle line:84% so that we can split it evenly between the three cities. 01:14:01.149 --> 01:14:02.940 align:middle line:84% I hope the amendment passes, Mr. President. 01:14:02.940 --> 01:14:04.759 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:14:04.759 --> 01:14:06.300 align:middle line:84% --comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:14:06.300 --> 01:14:09.160 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:14:09.160 --> 01:14:10.052 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 01:14:10.052 --> 01:14:11.260 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 01:14:11.260 --> 01:14:14.390 align:middle line:84% Number 739 is offered by the same senator, the title 01:14:14.390 --> 01:14:15.880 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:14:15.880 --> 01:14:20.650 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 739 by Mr. Humason, Night at the Museum 3. 01:14:20.650 --> 01:14:22.630 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:14:22.630 --> 01:14:25.520 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:14:25.520 --> 01:14:26.470 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 01:14:26.470 --> 01:14:27.840 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 01:14:27.840 --> 01:14:30.950 align:middle line:84% Number 740 offered by the senator from Hampden 01:14:30.950 --> 01:14:32.800 align:middle line:84% and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 01:14:32.800 --> 01:14:34.430 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:14:34.430 --> 01:14:37.970 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 740 by Mr. Lesser, Leadership Pioneer 01:14:37.970 --> 01:14:39.270 align:middle line:90% Valley. 01:14:39.270 --> 01:14:42.649 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:14:42.649 --> 01:14:43.690 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:14:43.690 --> 01:14:45.356 align:middle line:84% I'm always appreciative of my colleagues 01:14:45.356 --> 01:14:47.310 align:middle line:84% in Western Massachusetts and their advocacy 01:14:47.310 --> 01:14:48.820 align:middle line:84% for the programs in their districts, 01:14:48.820 --> 01:14:51.110 align:middle line:84% and I'd be happy to hear from the gentleman speaking 01:14:51.110 --> 01:14:55.200 align:middle line:84% about Senate Amendment Number 740. 01:14:55.200 --> 01:14:58.930 align:middle line:84% Senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 01:14:58.930 --> 01:15:01.520 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Mr. President, through you to the members. 01:15:01.520 --> 01:15:06.440 align:middle line:84% I rise in support of Amendment 740, Leadership Pioneer Valley. 01:15:06.440 --> 01:15:11.010 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, as you know as a resident of the Pioneer Valley, 01:15:11.010 --> 01:15:13.930 align:middle line:84% we are a diverse and eclectic region, 01:15:13.930 --> 01:15:18.040 align:middle line:84% and Leadership Pioneer Valley works to identify, develop, 01:15:18.040 --> 01:15:21.780 align:middle line:84% and connect diverse leaders to strengthen that region 01:15:21.780 --> 01:15:25.000 align:middle line:84% and invest in the next generation of innovators, 01:15:25.000 --> 01:15:27.020 align:middle line:90% community leaders, and-- 01:15:27.020 --> 01:15:33.400 align:middle line:90% 01:15:33.400 --> 01:15:35.940 align:middle line:84% Senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 01:15:35.940 --> 01:15:39.220 align:middle line:84% --community leaders and civic entrepreneurs. 01:15:39.220 --> 01:15:42.430 align:middle line:84% The core of this program Leadership Pioneer Valley 01:15:42.430 --> 01:15:45.940 align:middle line:84% is a 10-month leadership development program 01:15:45.940 --> 01:15:51.180 align:middle line:84% that helps to identify and retain top talent in the three 01:15:51.180 --> 01:15:54.040 align:middle line:84% counties of the Pioneer Valley, Hampden, Hampshire, 01:15:54.040 --> 01:15:56.560 align:middle line:84% and Franklin Counties, and to prepare 01:15:56.560 --> 01:15:59.290 align:middle line:84% those young people for leadership roles 01:15:59.290 --> 01:16:02.110 align:middle line:84% in their careers and in their communities. 01:16:02.110 --> 01:16:04.430 align:middle line:84% In June Leadership Pioneer Valley 01:16:04.430 --> 01:16:06.850 align:middle line:84% will have more than 200 graduates 01:16:06.850 --> 01:16:10.850 align:middle line:84% that are receiving promotions, joining boards of directors, 01:16:10.850 --> 01:16:14.510 align:middle line:84% and getting locally involved in charitable work. 01:16:14.510 --> 01:16:17.280 align:middle line:84% The strength of the program is bringing together people 01:16:17.280 --> 01:16:20.780 align:middle line:84% from all different backgrounds, from all three counties, 01:16:20.780 --> 01:16:23.390 align:middle line:84% from the nonprofit sector, from the corporate world, 01:16:23.390 --> 01:16:26.690 align:middle line:84% from the public sector, women and men of all races 01:16:26.690 --> 01:16:29.410 align:middle line:90% and communities in the region. 01:16:29.410 --> 01:16:31.760 align:middle line:84% Last year, Leadership Pioneer Valley 01:16:31.760 --> 01:16:35.670 align:middle line:84% was able to provide more substantial tuition assistance, 01:16:35.670 --> 01:16:39.210 align:middle line:84% both to ensure a diverse class and to double 01:16:39.210 --> 01:16:42.640 align:middle line:84% the number of public sector and nonprofit leaders 01:16:42.640 --> 01:16:44.010 align:middle line:90% participating. 01:16:44.010 --> 01:16:46.810 align:middle line:84% Our cities and towns in our region 01:16:46.810 --> 01:16:49.080 align:middle line:84% do not have the resources to invest 01:16:49.080 --> 01:16:51.270 align:middle line:84% in professional development for their staff. 01:16:51.270 --> 01:16:53.240 align:middle line:84% This is something that has been recognized 01:16:53.240 --> 01:16:55.040 align:middle line:90% by this body in the past. 01:16:55.040 --> 01:16:59.110 align:middle line:84% That's translated into a brain drain for our local communities 01:16:59.110 --> 01:17:02.270 align:middle line:84% and too often the fleeing of talent 01:17:02.270 --> 01:17:04.600 align:middle line:90% from Western Massachusetts. 01:17:04.600 --> 01:17:06.680 align:middle line:84% Leadership Pioneer Valley is committed 01:17:06.680 --> 01:17:10.880 align:middle line:84% to retaining these young people, keeping their talents local 01:17:10.880 --> 01:17:14.960 align:middle line:84% and nurturing their development in Western Massachusetts. 01:17:14.960 --> 01:17:18.900 align:middle line:84% This amendment will help them to continue to offer scholarships 01:17:18.900 --> 01:17:21.980 align:middle line:84% to these participants and in particular to develop 01:17:21.980 --> 01:17:26.000 align:middle line:84% leadership in the nonprofit and in the public sector world. 01:17:26.000 --> 01:17:27.430 align:middle line:90% I hope this amendment passes. 01:17:27.430 --> 01:17:30.310 align:middle line:90% 01:17:30.310 --> 01:17:31.950 align:middle line:84% --comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:17:31.950 --> 01:17:34.800 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:17:34.800 --> 01:17:41.690 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and 740 is adopted. 01:17:41.690 --> 01:17:43.810 align:middle line:90% We're now on 741. 01:17:43.810 --> 01:17:44.830 align:middle line:90% It's been withdrawn. 01:17:44.830 --> 01:17:48.610 align:middle line:84% 742 offered by the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, 01:17:48.610 --> 01:17:50.790 align:middle line:84% Mr. Humason, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:17:50.790 --> 01:17:53.510 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 742 by Mr. Humason, 01:17:53.510 --> 01:17:56.810 align:middle line:90% Westfield's sesquicentennial. 01:17:56.810 --> 01:18:00.109 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:18:00.109 --> 01:18:01.900 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I hate to correct the clerk, 01:18:01.900 --> 01:18:04.570 align:middle line:84% but I believe the word is sesquarcentennial. 01:18:04.570 --> 01:18:06.010 align:middle line:90% We looked it up. 01:18:06.010 --> 01:18:09.380 align:middle line:84% It means 350th, sesquarcentennial, Mr. Clerk. 01:18:09.380 --> 01:18:10.340 align:middle line:90% We'll write that down. 01:18:10.340 --> 01:18:13.270 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, this amendment is one 01:18:13.270 --> 01:18:16.700 align:middle line:84% that I had sponsored in last year's Senate budget. 01:18:16.700 --> 01:18:18.912 align:middle line:84% The colleagues were very kind and-- 01:18:18.912 --> 01:18:20.870 align:middle line:84% as was Ways and Means in allowing the amendment 01:18:20.870 --> 01:18:21.610 align:middle line:90% to go through. 01:18:21.610 --> 01:18:25.380 align:middle line:84% We provided an appropriation to the city of Westfield 01:18:25.380 --> 01:18:26.770 align:middle line:90% as it begins the plans-- 01:18:26.770 --> 01:18:32.340 align:middle line:84% or as it continues the plans for our 350th anniversary in 2019. 01:18:32.340 --> 01:18:35.680 align:middle line:84% Obviously the event will be a large and year-long event 01:18:35.680 --> 01:18:36.869 align:middle line:90% in the city of Westfield. 01:18:36.869 --> 01:18:38.910 align:middle line:84% We invite people from all across the Commonwealth 01:18:38.910 --> 01:18:40.480 align:middle line:84% and the region to come to Westfield, 01:18:40.480 --> 01:18:43.000 align:middle line:84% and we hope it will be a large economic generator. 01:18:43.000 --> 01:18:44.780 align:middle line:84% I'm hopeful that this amendment will pass 01:18:44.780 --> 01:18:47.139 align:middle line:84% and it will become part of this year's budget. 01:18:47.139 --> 01:18:48.180 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:18:48.180 --> 01:18:52.229 align:middle line:90% 01:18:52.229 --> 01:18:53.770 align:middle line:84% --comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:18:53.770 --> 01:18:56.900 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:18:56.900 --> 01:18:58.140 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:18:58.140 --> 01:18:59.320 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 01:18:59.320 --> 01:19:02.470 align:middle line:84% The same senator offers Number 744, the title 01:19:02.470 --> 01:19:05.180 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:19:05.180 --> 01:19:10.980 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 744 by Mr. Humason, Galloping Thunder. 01:19:10.980 --> 01:19:15.930 align:middle line:84% The chair recognizes the senator from Hampden and Hampshire. 01:19:15.930 --> 01:19:18.460 align:middle line:90% We can't wait to hear this one. 01:19:18.460 --> 01:19:20.010 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, in our office we like 01:19:20.010 --> 01:19:22.550 align:middle line:84% to keep the titles interesting because we recognize 01:19:22.550 --> 01:19:25.260 align:middle line:84% that the clerk and his staff have so much to do that we like 01:19:25.260 --> 01:19:27.820 align:middle line:84% to put a smile on their face when they get a chance to read 01:19:27.820 --> 01:19:29.040 align:middle line:90% the titles of our amendments. 01:19:29.040 --> 01:19:31.750 align:middle line:84% The Galloping Thunder amendment is another amendment 01:19:31.750 --> 01:19:34.000 align:middle line:84% that was approved last year, in last year's budget. 01:19:34.000 --> 01:19:36.270 align:middle line:84% Unfortunately, it ended up being 9C cut. 01:19:36.270 --> 01:19:37.920 align:middle line:84% We hope that's not the case this year. 01:19:37.920 --> 01:19:40.880 align:middle line:90% The Thunderbolt Council is the-- 01:19:40.880 --> 01:19:44.060 align:middle line:84% technically the friends of Westfield-Barnes and 104th 01:19:44.060 --> 01:19:45.190 align:middle line:90% Fighter Wing. 01:19:45.190 --> 01:19:48.400 align:middle line:84% We have an air show coming up at the end of August-- 01:19:48.400 --> 01:19:51.260 align:middle line:84% or actually in the middle of August in the city of Westfield 01:19:51.260 --> 01:19:53.970 align:middle line:84% where we will have hundreds of thousands 01:19:53.970 --> 01:19:57.580 align:middle line:84% of people come to our airport over a two-day weekend 01:19:57.580 --> 01:20:00.900 align:middle line:84% and watch the Thunderbirds and all the warbirds 01:20:00.900 --> 01:20:05.030 align:middle line:84% and other aircraft put on a phenomenal show. 01:20:05.030 --> 01:20:07.830 align:middle line:84% This is guaranteed to raise a great deal of money 01:20:07.830 --> 01:20:09.820 align:middle line:84% for the region and to bring a lot of people 01:20:09.820 --> 01:20:12.530 align:middle line:84% into the Pioneer Valley, into Westfield, and up 01:20:12.530 --> 01:20:13.350 align:middle line:90% to the airport. 01:20:13.350 --> 01:20:15.130 align:middle line:84% And hopefully this appropriation will 01:20:15.130 --> 01:20:19.710 align:middle line:84% pass to help the Thunderbolt Council in their preparations 01:20:19.710 --> 01:20:20.490 align:middle line:90% for this air show. 01:20:20.490 --> 01:20:21.860 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:20:21.860 --> 01:20:25.054 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:20:25.054 --> 01:20:26.720 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:20:26.720 --> 01:20:28.890 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:20:28.890 --> 01:20:31.600 align:middle line:84% Number 745 is offered by the senator 01:20:31.600 --> 01:20:33.030 align:middle line:84% from Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth, 01:20:33.030 --> 01:20:35.630 align:middle line:84% Mr. Timilty, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:20:35.630 --> 01:20:39.400 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 745 by Mr. Timilty, Milton Public Safety 01:20:39.400 --> 01:20:40.920 align:middle line:90% Improvements. 01:20:40.920 --> 01:20:44.489 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:20:44.489 --> 01:20:45.530 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:20:45.530 --> 01:20:46.950 align:middle line:84% If I could ask my friend from Milton 01:20:46.950 --> 01:20:48.900 align:middle line:84% to explain this amendment and also remind him 01:20:48.900 --> 01:20:50.480 align:middle line:84% that my mother-in-law is from Milton, 01:20:50.480 --> 01:20:51.938 align:middle line:84% so we're very interested in keeping 01:20:51.938 --> 01:20:53.090 align:middle line:90% it a very safe community. 01:20:53.090 --> 01:20:54.540 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:20:54.540 --> 01:20:57.705 align:middle line:84% Senator from Norfolk, Bristol & Plymouth, Mr. Timilty. 01:20:57.705 --> 01:21:01.232 align:middle line:90% 01:21:01.232 --> 01:21:02.690 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Mr. President, 01:21:02.690 --> 01:21:04.140 align:middle line:90% through you to the members. 01:21:04.140 --> 01:21:06.010 align:middle line:84% Tragically in recent months we've 01:21:06.010 --> 01:21:09.070 align:middle line:84% experienced on two specific roads in Milton-- 01:21:09.070 --> 01:21:11.000 align:middle line:84% Truman Highway and Randolph Avenue-- 01:21:11.000 --> 01:21:14.620 align:middle line:84% a number of traffic accidents that sadly 01:21:14.620 --> 01:21:16.480 align:middle line:90% have resulted in fatalities. 01:21:16.480 --> 01:21:19.294 align:middle line:84% As a direct result of these tragedies, 01:21:19.294 --> 01:21:21.460 align:middle line:84% the Department of Public Works in the town of Milton 01:21:21.460 --> 01:21:26.110 align:middle line:84% has recommended several infrastructure improvements 01:21:26.110 --> 01:21:29.150 align:middle line:84% in terms of public safety, including solar powered radar 01:21:29.150 --> 01:21:33.960 align:middle line:84% signs, flashing signal lights, and reflective lane markings. 01:21:33.960 --> 01:21:35.670 align:middle line:84% Investing in these recommendations 01:21:35.670 --> 01:21:38.100 align:middle line:84% will protect all users of our roads. 01:21:38.100 --> 01:21:40.440 align:middle line:84% We are confident, and the goal, of course, 01:21:40.440 --> 01:21:42.712 align:middle line:84% is to prevent additional tragedies. 01:21:42.712 --> 01:21:44.170 align:middle line:84% So with that, I hope this amendment 01:21:44.170 --> 01:21:45.260 align:middle line:90% is adopted, and thank you. 01:21:45.260 --> 01:21:48.800 align:middle line:90% --on adoption of the amendment. 01:21:48.800 --> 01:21:51.260 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:21:51.260 --> 01:21:54.380 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:21:54.380 --> 01:21:58.470 align:middle line:84% Now Amendment Number 746 is offered by the senator 01:21:58.470 --> 01:22:01.070 align:middle line:84% from Norfolk, Bristol & Middlesex, Mr. Ross, 01:22:01.070 --> 01:22:04.980 align:middle line:90% and there is a pending further. 01:22:04.980 --> 01:22:07.920 align:middle line:90% The clerk will read the title. 01:22:07.920 --> 01:22:10.710 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 746 by Mr. Ross, 01:22:10.710 --> 01:22:14.260 align:middle line:84% Whalen Housing water main emergency tie-in, 01:22:14.260 --> 01:22:19.630 align:middle line:84% 746.1 by Mr. Tarr, economic development study. 01:22:19.630 --> 01:22:22.320 align:middle line:84% Question comes on the further amendment. 01:22:22.320 --> 01:22:26.000 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:22:26.000 --> 01:22:29.070 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the further is adopted. 01:22:29.070 --> 01:22:31.930 align:middle line:84% We now return to the underlying Amendment Number 01:22:31.930 --> 01:22:34.620 align:middle line:90% 746, as amended. 01:22:34.620 --> 01:22:36.490 align:middle line:90% Question comes on adoption. 01:22:36.490 --> 01:22:39.440 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:22:39.440 --> 01:22:42.220 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment as amended 01:22:42.220 --> 01:22:43.560 align:middle line:90% is adopted. 01:22:43.560 --> 01:22:46.250 align:middle line:84% We're now on Amendment Number 748, 01:22:46.250 --> 01:22:48.380 align:middle line:84% offered by the senator from Bristol & Plymouth, 01:22:48.380 --> 01:22:51.410 align:middle line:84% Mr. Montigny, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:22:51.410 --> 01:22:54.330 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 748 by Mr. Montigny, New Bedford 01:22:54.330 --> 01:22:56.190 align:middle line:90% Historical Society. 01:22:56.190 --> 01:22:59.520 align:middle line:90% The question come-- amendment. 01:22:59.520 --> 01:23:04.510 align:middle line:84% All those-- ah, the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, 01:23:04.510 --> 01:23:05.480 align:middle line:90% Mr. Humason. 01:23:05.480 --> 01:23:07.600 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I fear if I didn't rise to ask, 01:23:07.600 --> 01:23:09.550 align:middle line:84% I would deprive the chamber and the members 01:23:09.550 --> 01:23:11.549 align:middle line:84% from getting a chance to hear from the gentleman 01:23:11.549 --> 01:23:12.621 align:middle line:90% about this amendment. 01:23:12.621 --> 01:23:15.120 align:middle line:84% So if you could certainly tell us more about the New Bedford 01:23:15.120 --> 01:23:15.960 align:middle line:90% Historical Society. 01:23:15.960 --> 01:23:19.300 align:middle line:84% The senator from Bristol & Plymouth, Mr. Montigny. 01:23:19.300 --> 01:23:22.030 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, if the gentleman wants to give me the air time, 01:23:22.030 --> 01:23:23.640 align:middle line:90% I will speak. 01:23:23.640 --> 01:23:26.860 align:middle line:84% Any witness noticed I was hiding behind the chair. 01:23:26.860 --> 01:23:28.190 align:middle line:90% I was not jumping forward. 01:23:28.190 --> 01:23:32.180 align:middle line:84% I feel I've had enough air time on this fine evening, 01:23:32.180 --> 01:23:36.070 align:middle line:84% but I will say this, Amendment Number 748-- 01:23:36.070 --> 01:23:38.880 align:middle line:84% I'm proud to talk about it because I think 01:23:38.880 --> 01:23:40.950 align:middle line:84% it's a reflection of what we've been trying to do 01:23:40.950 --> 01:23:45.590 align:middle line:84% and we're finally succeeding in my beautiful hometown 01:23:45.590 --> 01:23:46.870 align:middle line:90% of New Bedford. 01:23:46.870 --> 01:23:50.070 align:middle line:84% If you look at the title of the New Bedford Historical Society, 01:23:50.070 --> 01:23:52.410 align:middle line:84% although it's more expansive than that 01:23:52.410 --> 01:23:55.090 align:middle line:84% because I've combined several programs 01:23:55.090 --> 01:23:57.100 align:middle line:84% for this simple reason, one of the things-- 01:23:57.100 --> 01:24:00.467 align:middle line:84% one of the reasons why the city has begun to thrive again-- 01:24:00.467 --> 01:24:03.050 align:middle line:84% it's had its ups and downs like most gateway cities throughout 01:24:03.050 --> 01:24:05.770 align:middle line:90% history, at one time-- 01:24:05.770 --> 01:24:07.810 align:middle line:90% many may not realize-- 01:24:07.810 --> 01:24:10.040 align:middle line:84% it was the wealthiest city per capita 01:24:10.040 --> 01:24:13.450 align:middle line:84% now in the world during whaling and textiles. 01:24:13.450 --> 01:24:15.910 align:middle line:84% And why is that relevant to today? 01:24:15.910 --> 01:24:19.960 align:middle line:84% Many of the historical structures, particularly 01:24:19.960 --> 01:24:23.860 align:middle line:84% the arts and beautiful architecture 01:24:23.860 --> 01:24:28.950 align:middle line:84% were left by very, very wealthy patrons that could afford 01:24:28.950 --> 01:24:31.010 align:middle line:90% to commission the structures. 01:24:31.010 --> 01:24:36.800 align:middle line:84% So what we're trying to do now as art and culture at times 01:24:36.800 --> 01:24:40.170 align:middle line:84% is responsible in a sense for almost 01:24:40.170 --> 01:24:42.380 align:middle line:84% a cultural gentrification, we're trying to say, 01:24:42.380 --> 01:24:47.160 align:middle line:84% well, it's wonderful to have this artsy, cultural downtown, 01:24:47.160 --> 01:24:51.510 align:middle line:84% but let's make sure that disadvantaged young people have 01:24:51.510 --> 01:24:52.330 align:middle line:90% access to it. 01:24:52.330 --> 01:24:55.380 align:middle line:84% So everything here is written, whether it's access to the New 01:24:55.380 --> 01:24:58.280 align:middle line:84% Bedford Historical Society that celebrates the time that 01:24:58.280 --> 01:25:00.160 align:middle line:84% Frederick Douglass spent in New Bedford, 01:25:00.160 --> 01:25:04.590 align:middle line:84% the Zeiterion theater which is a 1,200-seat beautiful theater 01:25:04.590 --> 01:25:08.980 align:middle line:84% that brings in amazing acts, or the arts, 01:25:08.980 --> 01:25:11.340 align:middle line:84% history and architectural program downtown. 01:25:11.340 --> 01:25:14.629 align:middle line:84% All of it we feel should be accessible by those 01:25:14.629 --> 01:25:16.420 align:middle line:84% who can least afford it, and this amendment 01:25:16.420 --> 01:25:19.374 align:middle line:84% will ensure the continuation of that arts 01:25:19.374 --> 01:25:21.540 align:middle line:84% and cultural Renaissance in downtime, Mr. President. 01:25:21.540 --> 01:25:22.998 align:middle line:84% So I hope the amendment is adopted. 01:25:22.998 --> 01:25:26.689 align:middle line:90% 01:25:26.689 --> 01:25:27.980 align:middle line:90% --on adoption of the amendment. 01:25:27.980 --> 01:25:30.570 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:25:30.570 --> 01:25:31.420 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:25:31.420 --> 01:25:32.750 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 01:25:32.750 --> 01:25:35.050 align:middle line:84% Number 749 offered by the senator 01:25:35.050 --> 01:25:38.350 align:middle line:84% from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, a redrafted amendment, 01:25:38.350 --> 01:25:40.680 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 01:25:40.680 --> 01:25:43.900 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 749 by Mr. Lesser, Springfield Tech 01:25:43.900 --> 01:25:45.380 align:middle line:90% Foundry. 01:25:45.380 --> 01:25:46.630 align:middle line:90% Question comes on-- 01:25:46.630 --> 01:25:49.889 align:middle line:84% Senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Humason. 01:25:49.889 --> 01:25:50.930 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Mr. President. 01:25:50.930 --> 01:25:53.230 align:middle line:84% I appreciate your patience as the hour grows late. 01:25:53.230 --> 01:25:55.630 align:middle line:84% I look forward to asking for the gentleman from Western 01:25:55.630 --> 01:25:57.920 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts to speak about this amendment to benefit 01:25:57.920 --> 01:25:59.300 align:middle line:90% the Springfield Tech Foundry. 01:25:59.300 --> 01:26:01.000 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:26:01.000 --> 01:26:05.090 align:middle line:84% Oh, so we-- --comes on the amendment. 01:26:05.090 --> 01:26:07.425 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Leeds-- 01:26:07.425 --> 01:26:14.011 align:middle line:90% 01:26:14.011 --> 01:26:14.510 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHTER] 01:26:14.510 --> 01:26:16.810 align:middle line:90% Will you repeat that? 01:26:16.810 --> 01:26:19.530 align:middle line:90% I missed it. 01:26:19.530 --> 01:26:33.250 align:middle line:84% I can't even hear what's going on. 01:26:33.250 --> 01:26:36.200 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, I can assure you he heard that. 01:26:36.200 --> 01:26:38.680 align:middle line:84% We're not going to hear the end of it. 01:26:38.680 --> 01:26:42.290 align:middle line:84% Mr. President, through you and to the members, 01:26:42.290 --> 01:26:44.530 align:middle line:84% I rise today in support of Amendment Number 01:26:44.530 --> 01:26:47.200 align:middle line:90% 794, Tech Foundry. 01:26:47.200 --> 01:26:50.750 align:middle line:84% One of the most challenging issues facing our commonwealth 01:26:50.750 --> 01:26:54.010 align:middle line:84% and something we grapple with quite a lot in this chamber 01:26:54.010 --> 01:26:56.170 align:middle line:84% and in state government more broadly 01:26:56.170 --> 01:26:58.860 align:middle line:84% is the challenge of our modern economy, which 01:26:58.860 --> 01:27:02.030 align:middle line:84% is that we have thousands of vacant positions 01:27:02.030 --> 01:27:04.550 align:middle line:84% in manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, 01:27:04.550 --> 01:27:08.050 align:middle line:84% and in particular in IT and in tech support, 01:27:08.050 --> 01:27:10.620 align:middle line:84% and thousands of people looking for work 01:27:10.620 --> 01:27:14.020 align:middle line:84% and a mismatch between getting those people looking 01:27:14.020 --> 01:27:16.660 align:middle line:84% for work connected to the employers who 01:27:16.660 --> 01:27:18.810 align:middle line:90% need those jobs filled. 01:27:18.810 --> 01:27:20.820 align:middle line:84% We've tried so many different strategies, 01:27:20.820 --> 01:27:23.490 align:middle line:84% so many different programs to get this right, 01:27:23.490 --> 01:27:26.490 align:middle line:84% to improve this fundamental mismatch, this skills 01:27:26.490 --> 01:27:28.310 align:middle line:90% gap in our economy. 01:27:28.310 --> 01:27:31.640 align:middle line:84% And we actually have a great, successful example 01:27:31.640 --> 01:27:35.400 align:middle line:84% to point to in Western Massachusetts in Tech Foundry, 01:27:35.400 --> 01:27:37.220 align:middle line:84% which is why I filed this amendment 01:27:37.220 --> 01:27:39.210 align:middle line:84% and why I hope my colleagues will join me 01:27:39.210 --> 01:27:41.830 align:middle line:90% in supporting this effort. 01:27:41.830 --> 01:27:45.640 align:middle line:84% Tech Foundry is an IT tech training program 01:27:45.640 --> 01:27:48.690 align:middle line:84% that works closely with employer partners 01:27:48.690 --> 01:27:51.560 align:middle line:84% to understand the specific IT skills 01:27:51.560 --> 01:27:56.350 align:middle line:84% that local employers require for entry-level employment. 01:27:56.350 --> 01:28:00.350 align:middle line:84% Tech Foundry doesn't teach generic IT skills, 01:28:00.350 --> 01:28:04.620 align:middle line:84% rather they teach the specific skills that the employer needs, 01:28:04.620 --> 01:28:08.870 align:middle line:84% both technology skills and soft skills that will most 01:28:08.870 --> 01:28:13.720 align:middle line:84% expeditiously result in a filled job by one of their students. 01:28:13.720 --> 01:28:16.980 align:middle line:84% It actually is a very innovative merit badge system 01:28:16.980 --> 01:28:19.140 align:middle line:84% where an employer can quite literally 01:28:19.140 --> 01:28:22.180 align:middle line:84% go to Tech Foundry, this training program, 01:28:22.180 --> 01:28:26.210 align:middle line:84% and order up the specific badges or certifications that they 01:28:26.210 --> 01:28:27.140 align:middle line:90% require. 01:28:27.140 --> 01:28:31.150 align:middle line:84% Tech Foundry then goes and directly trains the participant 01:28:31.150 --> 01:28:34.130 align:middle line:84% in each of those certifications so the employer 01:28:34.130 --> 01:28:35.820 align:middle line:84% knows exactly what they're getting 01:28:35.820 --> 01:28:39.810 align:middle line:84% from the potential employee, and very importantly, the student 01:28:39.810 --> 01:28:42.504 align:middle line:84% is motivated because they know there's a job on the other end, 01:28:42.504 --> 01:28:43.920 align:middle line:84% and they know exactly what they're 01:28:43.920 --> 01:28:47.220 align:middle line:84% being taught in the training program is required 01:28:47.220 --> 01:28:49.640 align:middle line:90% by their future employers. 01:28:49.640 --> 01:28:53.820 align:middle line:84% The students learn these skills in a 10-week boot camp style 01:28:53.820 --> 01:28:57.640 align:middle line:84% classroom setting, and then they apply those skills 01:28:57.640 --> 01:29:01.420 align:middle line:84% in a four-week internship with an area employer. 01:29:01.420 --> 01:29:03.920 align:middle line:84% The internship provides students with 01:29:03.920 --> 01:29:08.140 align:middle line:84% a resume-building experience, while also allowing an employer 01:29:08.140 --> 01:29:11.660 align:middle line:84% to gauge whether that particular student might be 01:29:11.660 --> 01:29:15.200 align:middle line:90% a good fit for that workplace. 01:29:15.200 --> 01:29:18.180 align:middle line:84% It's certainly the first step towards securing a sustainable 01:29:18.180 --> 01:29:21.860 align:middle line:84% career in IT, and it becomes a life-changing opportunity 01:29:21.860 --> 01:29:24.290 align:middle line:84% for the vast majority of Tech Foundry students. 01:29:24.290 --> 01:29:27.530 align:middle line:84% I've personally met with many of these Tech Foundry students, 01:29:27.530 --> 01:29:30.320 align:middle line:84% and I can attest to the life-changing nature 01:29:30.320 --> 01:29:31.410 align:middle line:90% of the work. 01:29:31.410 --> 01:29:36.050 align:middle line:84% In 2016, Tech Foundry trained its 100th student. 01:29:36.050 --> 01:29:40.500 align:middle line:84% In 2017, Tech Foundry is achieving its goal 01:29:40.500 --> 01:29:45.690 align:middle line:84% to scale up pretty dramatically to train 100 students per year 01:29:45.690 --> 01:29:49.440 align:middle line:84% in the greater Springfield area and to continue to diversify 01:29:49.440 --> 01:29:52.350 align:middle line:84% their student population, both through gender 01:29:52.350 --> 01:29:56.460 align:middle line:84% and racial diversity, and I might add economic diversity 01:29:56.460 --> 01:29:57.710 align:middle line:90% as well. 01:29:57.710 --> 01:30:00.530 align:middle line:84% With the increase in students and the inherent challenges 01:30:00.530 --> 01:30:02.920 align:middle line:84% of teaching to larger class sizes, 01:30:02.920 --> 01:30:05.630 align:middle line:84% Tech Foundry is spending the next year continuing 01:30:05.630 --> 01:30:09.460 align:middle line:84% to train at the same high level that they currently have 01:30:09.460 --> 01:30:12.190 align:middle line:84% but while adding more capacity and improving 01:30:12.190 --> 01:30:14.510 align:middle line:90% the quality of their program. 01:30:14.510 --> 01:30:17.460 align:middle line:84% This project to expand the number 01:30:17.460 --> 01:30:21.050 align:middle line:84% of employer partners, which is another goal as they grow, 01:30:21.050 --> 01:30:24.790 align:middle line:84% the total number of participants will increase the-- 01:30:24.790 --> 01:30:28.380 align:middle line:90% 01:30:28.380 --> 01:30:31.630 align:middle line:84% This is the last amendment and the last four pages 01:30:31.630 --> 01:30:32.950 align:middle line:90% of the speech on the amendment. 01:30:32.950 --> 01:30:54.850 align:middle line:90% 01:30:54.850 --> 01:30:58.220 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHTER] [APPLAUSE] 01:30:58.220 --> 01:30:59.930 align:middle line:84% This amendment is going to enable 01:30:59.930 --> 01:31:02.650 align:middle line:84% Tech Foundry to make a larger impact 01:31:02.650 --> 01:31:06.380 align:middle line:84% and continue to build a strong information-based workforce 01:31:06.380 --> 01:31:08.540 align:middle line:84% in Springfield and the broader region. 01:31:08.540 --> 01:31:10.850 align:middle line:84% And I'd finally conclude by saying 01:31:10.850 --> 01:31:15.830 align:middle line:84% this grant is in part designed to expand the centers to more 01:31:15.830 --> 01:31:17.800 align:middle line:84% locations, to not just Springfield 01:31:17.800 --> 01:31:19.780 align:middle line:84% but to eastern Massachusetts as well. 01:31:19.780 --> 01:31:20.280 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:31:20.280 --> 01:31:23.160 align:middle line:84% The amendment, all those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:31:23.160 --> 01:31:24.150 align:middle line:90% The ayes have it. 01:31:24.150 --> 01:31:25.520 align:middle line:90% The amendment is adopted. 01:31:25.520 --> 01:31:28.590 align:middle line:84% I would ask all of the members to approach the rostrum, 01:31:28.590 --> 01:31:29.090 align:middle line:90% please. 01:31:29.090 --> 01:31:41.720 align:middle line:90% 01:31:41.720 --> 01:31:43.580 align:middle line:84% --and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title 01:31:43.580 --> 01:31:45.210 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:31:45.210 --> 01:31:51.307 align:middle line:84% Amendment Number 750, the Urban League. 01:31:51.307 --> 01:31:53.140 align:middle line:84% Question comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:31:53.140 --> 01:31:55.070 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:31:55.070 --> 01:31:55.790 align:middle line:90% The nos have it. 01:31:55.790 --> 01:31:57.320 align:middle line:90% The amendment is not adopted. 01:31:57.320 --> 01:32:01.490 align:middle line:84% I hate to leave a page unfinished. 01:32:01.490 --> 01:32:03.060 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:32:03.060 --> 01:32:04.290 align:middle line:90% We finished that page. 01:32:04.290 --> 01:32:17.440 align:middle line:90% 01:32:17.440 --> 01:32:18.600 align:middle line:90% Senate will be in order. 01:32:18.600 --> 01:32:21.560 align:middle line:84% The senator from Worcester, Ms. Chandler 01:32:21.560 --> 01:32:25.850 align:middle line:84% moves that the Senate stand in recess until tomorrow at 10 AM. 01:32:25.850 --> 01:32:28.680 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed no. 01:32:28.680 --> 01:32:30.850 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the Senate stands 01:32:30.850 --> 01:32:36.470 align:middle line:84% in recess in memory of Ross Alameddine of Saugus 01:32:36.470 --> 01:32:40.860 align:middle line:84% and the Manchester victims until tomorrow at 11 AM-- 01:32:40.860 --> 01:32:41.730 align:middle line:90% 10 AM. 01:32:41.730 --> 01:32:42.270 align:middle line:90% 10 AM. 01:32:42.270 --> 01:32:44.030 align:middle line:90% 10 AM. 01:32:44.030 --> 01:32:49.064 align:middle line:90%