The forum is now present, so the Senate
may proceed with its business.
The chair would ask all members, staff, and guests,
to rise and join the senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr.
Humason, in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America
and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Senate will be in a brief recess.
Senate will come to order.
Members are asked to kindly take their seats.
And the chair recognizes the majority leader, the senator
from Worcester, Ms. Chandler.
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
We have a very interesting presentation for you.
The five senators from Worcester County
are going to present for the 120 ninth birthday of "Casey
at the Bat" and to celebrate the opening of the baseball season.
Worcester is reading "Casey at the Bat"
129 times in the next week, starting on Sunday,
and we are one of the 129 readings.
And if you haven't read it already, heard it, or done it,
I think you'll find it fun.
It's one of the classic poems in American literature.
And it has special meaning in Worcester
because the poet, a man by the name of Ernest L. Thayer,
lived in Worcester, lived at 67 Chatham Street,
which is in my district.
He had been in California at the time
that he wrote this where he was in the employ of William
Randolph Hearst, but he returned to Worcester
to help the family run their mill in Cherry Valley.
And I believe Cherry Valley is in Senator Moore's district.
So this is Worcester, and we will do it alphabetically.
And I will start it here, and I will begin.
Chair respectfully reminds the members
that we need to be seated so this performance may be fully
appreciated by all who are present
and all who are seeking to hear a bit of art
as we start the day.
Senator from Worcester, Ms. Chandler.
"Casey at the Bat" by Ernest L. Thayer.
The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day.
The score stood four to two with but one ending more to play.
And then when Cooney died at first,
and Barrows did the same, a sickly silence
fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair.
The rest clung to that hope which springs
eternal in the human breast.
They thought if only Casey could get but a whack at that,
we'd even put up money now with Casey at the bat.
But Flynn-- also Jimmy Blake, in the former was a lulu
and a latter was a cake.
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy
sat, for there seemed but little chance of Casey's
getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
and Blake, the much despised, tore the cover off the ball.
And when the dust had lifted, the men saw what had occurred,
there was Jimmy safe at second and Flint a-hugging third.
Then from 5,000 throats and more there rosy a lusty yell,
it rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell.
It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat.
Hey, Mike, what's a dell?
Mighty Casey was advancing to the bat.
--manner as he stepped into his place.
There was pride in Casey's bearing
and a smile on Casey's face.
And when responding to the cheers,
he lightly doffed his hat.
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
10,000 eyes-- as he rubbed his hands with dirt,
5,000 tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt.
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball
into his hip, defiance gleamed in Casey's eye,
a sneer curled Casey's lip.
Through the air, and Casey stood a-watching
in the haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman, the ball unheeded sped.
That ain't my style, said Casey.
Strike one, the umpire said.
From the benches-- roar, like the beating of the storm waves
on a stern and distant shore.
Kill him, kill the umpire, shouted someone on the stand.
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey
raised his hand.
Charity in great Casey's visage shown.
He's still the rising tumult. He blade the game go on.
He signaled to the pitcher and once more das sphere flew,
but Casey still ignored it, and the umpire said strike two.
Fraud, cried the maddened thousands.
An echo answered, fraud.
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was odd.
They saw his face grow stern and cold,
they saw his muscles strain, and they
knew that Casey wouldn't let that go by again.
The sneer is gone on Casey's lip.
His teeth are clenched in hate.
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate.
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go.
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this--
shining bright, the band is playing somewhere,
and somewhere hearts are light.
And somewhere men are laughing and somewhere child shout,
but there is no joy in Mudville.
Mighty Casey has struck out.
[APPLAUSE]
Chair first would like to congratulate the Worcester
county players for their performance this morning.
And I'm sure with just a little bit of practice more,
we can take you on the road.
The chair recognizes the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk,
Miss Spilka.
For what purpose does the lady rise?
I would like permission to make a point of personal privilege.
Permission to make a point of personal privilege.
You are recognized.
I congratulate the Worcester delegation,
but I do need to at point out-- it's
my understanding that Casey heralds
from Holliston, Massachusetts.
They claim him as well, which happens to be in my district.
So I just want to note that there's
a little competition here.
Thank you.
Recognizes the senator from the Berkshires.
Send the chair--
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
The majority leader asked me to bring
to the attention of the Senate that actually Massachusetts
holds another piece of history for baseball,
and that is that in 1791, the first known reference
to baseball in town records took place in Pittsfield,
Massachusetts, where they said that it was illegal to play
baseball within 80 yards of the town hall, which is not
quite the distance of the Green Monster,
but it's a pretty good shot.
Thank you, sir.
Contradiction and the conflict that
has arisen by the presentation of this poem, the chair
intends to appoint a special committee of the Senate
to thoroughly research the origins of this amazing poem
and amazing ball player.
The chair wishes to--
is Senator Rush here?
Senator Rush are, you here?
Rush from Norfolk and Suffolk will
make a special introduction.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
It is my distinct honor and privilege
to welcome here to the Massachusetts State Senate,
Massachusetts State House, guests of Representative
McMurtry and myself, the outstanding students
of Westwood's own Sheehan School right here.
Welcome to the State House.
[APPLAUSE]
We will do some budget items today
honoring our outstanding educational system here
in the Commonwealth.
And of course, as the history is flowing around the chamber,
I am reminded that my predecessor in the Senate,
at the Senate district representative
Westwood when it was part of the town of Dedham
was Horace Mann, the founder of public education.
So I'd like to acknowledge--
we're going to some great things for education today.
And none of this is possible without
our outstanding teachers.
So I know we have Mrs. McGuire, Mrs. Cormier,
and Mrs. Holbrook with us.
If you could raise your hands, so we could thank you for all
you do.
[APPLAUSE]
I present to you the Sheehan School.
Thank you so much.
[APPLAUSE]
Rush have presented resolutions, which the clerk will read.
By senators Timothy Keenan and Rush,
resolutions congratulating the Neponset River Watershed
Association Incorporated on its 50th anniversary.
Question comes on adoption of the resolution.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted.
A number of amendments have been withdrawn.
A number of amendments have been withdrawn,
which the chair would like to call at this time.
We'll give the children a minute to get out of the chamber,
so that you'll be able to hear the list.
Have been withdrawn-- numbers 438, 461, 482, 624, 789, 829,
836, 837, 852, 853, 882, 895, 916 redraft, 938, 975, 983,
1025, 1029, and 1003.
All of those matters have been withdrawn.
We'll now proceed to a group of matters
that can be considered as one on a single vote,
and if there's no objection, these several--
Brief recess, Mr. President?
Senate will be in a brief recess.
Senate will be in order.
So if there's no objection, several amendments
will be considered as one.
Does the chair hear objection?
Chair hears none.
The question will come on the adoption of the amendments.
And under the rules, there is a requirement
of a call of the yeas and nays.
The clerk will call the roll.
Rosenberg.
Yes.
Michael J. Barrett.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Yes
Michael D. Brady.
Here.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
Yes.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
Yes.
Jennifer L. Flanagan.
Yes.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. Jehlen.
Senator Jehlen?
Yes.
John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Barbara A L'Italien.
Yes.
Joan B. Lovely.
Yes.
Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Michael L. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
Yes.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I decided to be put in the affirmative.
Cynthia Stone Creem votes yes.
On this matter 38 having voted in the affirmative, none
in the negative, the amendment is adopted.
The amendments plural are adopted.
OK, we're now going to return to the order,
beginning with the amendment number 225.
225, offered by the senator from Essex,
Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 225 by Mr. Tarr, Credit Card Audit.
Question comes-- do we have to withdraw the roll call?
On adoption of the redrafted amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The ayes have it, and it is adopted.
Number 231, offered by the senator from Suffolk,
Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 231 by Mr. Rush, Relative
to Civil Service Streamlining.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 232 by Mr. Rush, Veterans Civil Service
Ombudsman.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
What does B mean again?
Bundled.
Skip it.
Amendment number 238, offered by the senator
from Essex Mr. McGee, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 238 by Mr. McGee, Updating State Employee
and Retiree Death Benefits.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye.
The senator from Essex, Mr. McGee.
Brief recess, please?
The Senate will be in a very brief recess.
Mr. President, I'd like to withdraw this amendment,
and ask unanimous consent to make a statement.
Unanimous consent to make a statement
and withdraw the amendment.
Is there an objection to withdrawing the amendment?
The chair hears none, so ordered.
And now, the gentleman asks unanimous consent
to make a statement.
Is there an objection?
Chair hears none.
The senator from Essex, Mr. McGee.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This is an issue that I think many of my colleagues
are familiar with, but I want to again speak to it,
because I think it is an important issue that we may not
be able to do today, but I think is very important for us
to address, and hopefully, in the near future,
move this issue forward.
This is the State Employee and Retiree Basic Life Death
Benefit, and right now, it's $5,000.
That was established in 1985, 32 years ago.
Since that time, funeral costs have increased by 300%.
According to the National Funeral Directors Association,
the average funeral home costs alone
have increased from $2,837 to $8,343.
This amendment would affect 149,000
active and retired state employees.
The legislature recently recognized
how important this is and how this inflation
has happened since 1985.
And we've recognized that fact by increasing the death benefit
for unemployed private sector individuals
from $4,000 to $10,051 under the recent Unemployment Insurance
Reform Act of 2014.
So we understand this issue clearly,
how it impacts families.
The only option state retirees have
to provide a realistic level of death benefits
is to buy $5,000 of additional life, which
is unaffordable for those over the age of 74.
They can't afford it, and obviously, they are struggling
or their families will struggle if they pass away
with a $5,000 benefit.
For more than 21,000 state retirees, age 75 or older--
that's 21,000--
the cost to buy additional $5,000 in life insurance
would essentially wipe out any of the annual cost
of living benefit.
The average pension for retirees over the age of 75
is approximately $25,000.
At age 85, a nonsmoker retiree must pay over $1,000 a year
for the additional $5,000 coverage.
There were 7,626 retirees over such age
whose benefit is $21,000.
This data came from the state valuation of January 1, 2016.
Again, obviously we're struggling
with the budget, the finances of the state,
but this is something I think we really need to address.
We're not doing it today.
I would hope all of you would be supportive
as we look in the near future to making this a reality.
And in fairness, taking care of the state retirees
who are depending on this to really
allow themselves to be buried with dignity.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Senator from Middlesex, Miss Donoghue,
a redrafted amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 241 by Miss Donoghue,
Encouraging Savings through Split Tax Refunds.
The senator from Middlesex, Miss Donoghue.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
I rise in favor of this amendment, which
would instruct the Department of Revenue
to allow tax payers to split their tax
refunds into multiple accounts.
Tax refunds are the biggest lump sum of money
that people receive all year many times.
And oftentimes, the refund season
is a great time for people to set money aside
for retirement or 529 plans.
We did the 529 plan last session,
and taxpayers are more likely to do that,
however, if they can direct their refund, part of it,
into that account, for example, the 529.
They can put some money in the checking account
to cover their immediate expenses
and put some into that special account.
The ability to split a refund would also
make it easy for families who are trying to save.
Oftentimes, families who are hardest hit,
that's an opportunity to make that decision
and put it aside for the future and get a tax
benefit at the same time.
I hope the amendment passes.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.
A couple of transportation amendments that could--
Senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman,
offers an amendment, number 280, that the clerk will read.
Amendment number 280, by Mr. Fattman, Sick Time Reform.
Senate will stand in a brief--
It's a old--
--sto and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, offers an amendment,
number 295, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 295 by Mr. Timilty, DCAM Additional
Funding.
He doesn't want to debate it.
Just call a go.
Signified by saying aye, all those opposed.
The ayes have it.
The nos won.
I mean, the nos have it.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
offers an amendment, number 296, the title of which
the clerk will read.
Amendment number 296 by Mr. Tarr, Spouses as Caregivers.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.
The nos have it.
OK, better check that off.
So you know the plans for this one--
So this one is on hold.
Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, offers an amendment, number 300,
the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 300 by Mr. Tarr, Nursing Home Licensure.
Senate will stand a brief recess.
The Senate will come to order.
Amendment number 300 will be set aside.
Amendment number 305, the senator
from Worcester and Middlesex, Miss Flanagan
has got an amendment on hold.
310 is on hold.
All of these are on hold.
That's in a bundle.
OK.
39.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex,
Miss L'Italien offers an amendment, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 339 by Miss L'Italien, Lawrence Family
Health Services.
Senator for Essex Middlesex is recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
This amendment is for the letter Lawrence Family Health
Services.
Since 2013, Greater Lawrence Family Health Service
has been the only federally qualified teaching health
center to participate in a nationally accredited,
nationally recognized four year residency program.
And that's crucial because we want
residents, doctors, to come into cities
and serve underserved populations.
The funding that we are looking at today
would fund the fourth year of their training
to augment some cuts that have happened at the federal level.
This program has-- because it's a four year
program, the training and experience
the residents get is extremely high quality.
The residents--
Mr. President.
What purpose does the senator to rise?
[INAUDIBLE]
From Essex and Middlesex, you have the floor.
Thank you.
So again, as I was saying, the Greater Lawrence Family Health
Center has a residency program.
Many of the residents stay once they're
through their residency, work as docs at our family health
center.
They live in the community, they learn the language,
which is Spanish, which is the group
that we are seeking to serve.
And I've gone and toured a number of the family health
centers in Lawrence, and they provide a critical first step
to keep people getting good health care, as opposed
to landing at Lawrence General Hospital in the emergency room.
So it's money well spent.
People are getting the care that they need.
It's driving down the cost.
And so this money will go a long way
towards keeping the residency program intact.
And thank you.
I hope we support this.
Thank you.
Question now comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.
The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.
Amendment 356, the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex,
Mr. Boncore, has a redrafted amendment, and the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 356 by Mr. Boncore, Bulk Purchase
of Medication Task Force.
Question--
Senator from-- recognizes the senator
from Suffolk and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President, through you to the members.
I rise in support of amendment 356, which
would establish a task force to study
the impact of non-Medicaid bulk purchasing for our state
agencies.
We talked yesterday about the benefits of bulk purchasing.
Essentially a group or a consortium
of multiple state agencies within a state
can bring together a number of purchases
and have greater purchasing power
that they can leverage to keep the cost
of medications low for these non-Medicaid state agencies.
Bulk purchasing is a cost containment initiative.
There is one short side to some bulk purchasing.
And that issue would be that oftentimes,
because of bulk purchasing agreements,
patient choice of medicine and preferred therapies
may not be available to them because the agreements may not
work with all providers or manufacturers
of the medication.
So this task force, not only having the non-Medicaid state
agencies on it and a seat at the table,
we'll also bring onto to the table
the Boston Chamber or Congress and the CEO of MassBio.
And that will give some good industry and understanding
to the manufacturing process, the research and development
process around how drug companies come up
with their pricing.
I think it's important that these two groups have
a seat at this table.
And I asked for support of this amendment.
Thank you.
Question comes on adoption--
Thank you very much.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.
The ayes have it.
378.
You got 375 next.
It's on hold.
78.
The senator from Suffolk, Miss Forry,
offers a redrafted amendment, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 378 by Miss Forry, HIV/AIDS Prevention.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor sig--
Senator from Suffolk.
The senator from Suffolk.
Thank you, and through you to the members.
I rise in support of this important amendment
to prevent HIV/AIDS infections.
This fund allocated in this amendment
are critical to the public health prevention program.
You know, we have done so much progress here
in our great Commonwealth, tremendous success
in preventing new HIV infections and improving health outcomes
for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Our investments in HIV/AIDS prevention and care
has saved lives and money.
It is estimated that for every dollar spent,
the state saves for dollars in near-term health care costs.
And since 2000, new HIV diagnosis in Massachusetts
have declined by 47%, saving Massachusetts more than $1.7
billion over that time period.
Even though the rate of infection
overall has decreased by 47%, we know
there is more work that needs to be done in communities
of color, because even though it's decreased,
there is an uptick in terms of HIV infection diagnosis taking
place.
So I just want to thank the members here today.
And thank you, chairman and the chair of Ways and Means.
And I hope this amendment is adopted.
On adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The ayes have it.
The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted.
Next amendment is amendment number 412--
392.
Excuse me, 392, brought by the senator
from Suffolk, Miss Forry, which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 392 by Miss Forry, Suicide Prevention.
The Senator from Suffolk.
Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members.
Amendment 392 impacts all of us every day,
impacts folks in our communities every day,
impacts us here at the State House,
where earlier this month we lost a State House family member.
So I want to thank you for this amendment that
provides $400,000 for Samaritans Inc. They provide
critical suicide prevention programs
throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Fiscal Year 17, Samaritans is on track
to answer over 73,000 calls.
Their call demand in Fiscal 17 is running 5% higher
than Fiscal Year 16, and will exceed about 100,000 calls
by the end of this fiscal year.
So this tells us that in our Commonwealth,
we have people who are hurting, people who are suffering,
people who feel that they have no other place to turn,
but the only way they feel the way out.
So this organization has been able to touch lives,
has been able to change people's outcome
of taking their own life and saying that they're
going to have people online 24/7 to give people
the counseling and the support they need to not do that.
Incredible, incredible program.
The Samaritans texting services launched in October 2015.
It's their fastest growing service.
Text conversations are on track to exceed 4,200,
closing in on 6,000 since its launch.
The volume is expected to grow by 50%.
Grief support programs for those who lost a loved one to suicide
are also offered by Samaritans Inc,
and the service has grown by close
to 30% in the last two years.
Community education and suicide prevention workshops
have more than doubled in the last two years
because that's what we want to do,
is how do we prevent people from taking their own lives?
How do we prevent our young people.
Who are being bullied in our great Commonwealth
from going home and taking their own lives?
This is what Samaritans does every.
Day and we know this because on the brochures
of the Commonwealth and on resources
that are listed around the Commonwealth,
Samaritans Inc number is present, telling people
if you're feeling down, if you're feeling out,
if you're not feeling loved or support,
you can call us, right?
You can call the number and someone
will be there to listen to you.
And so I'm grateful today, because this month we
lost an incredible person in this building--
Teddy Fusco, who worked in this building
for a long, long time, and yet he was in a dark place.
And he didn't find the support or knew where to turn.
And that's why we're here today doing this work.
And funding the Samaritans Inc is giving someone
else another opportunity to call that lifeline,
to save themselves, or more importantly, to save
their families from tremendous grief.
So I thank you all for supporting this amendment.
Senator from Norfolk and Plymouth.
For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
To speak in favor of the amendment, Mr. President.
Senator is recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank the gentlelady from Dorchester for her moving
remarks and for all the work that she's
done on this particular amendment, and also
the chair of the Ways and Means Committee
for recognizing the great need for this funding.
This funding represents about 18% of Samaritan's budget,
and yet they leverage it to a great degree
through their extensive and incredible volunteer network,
people who day in and day out go to a place, man the phones,
and are there for people who are in really their darkest hours.
I take particular interest in this amendment
for a whole bunch of reasons, some personal
and some certainly professional, related
to what we deal with here.
But in my district, every school department
has seen the need to send emails home to parents advising them
that there's something going on out there that they fear
may increase the number of people
who are considering suicide.
There's a Netflix show out there called 13 Reasons.
I don't know if anybody's heard of it or if anybody's seen it,
but it is something that's all the rage with teenagers
these days.
So I've taken some time to sit down and watch
several episodes of this show.
They're all along the 13 Reasons as to why a young high school
student committed suicide.
And I will tell you, not having the perspective of a student,
but having the perspective of an adult, it is gripping TV.
You turn it on, and it grabs you.
And that's from an adult perspective,
so I cannot imagine how it is grabbing young people today,
but clearly, it is.
And clearly, it is grabbing him to such an extent
that school systems throughout the Commonwealth
have felt the need to contact parents and say,
be aware of this, use it in a positive way
to talk to your teenagers about what's going on
out there and about suicide.
So in that context, with everything that's going on,
this money is vitally important.
It funds the programs that the gentlelady talked about.
And most importantly, we as a Commonwealth,
use the Samaritans.
We put their name and their numbers
on billboards throughout the Commonwealth.
We post it on the MBTA so that people know where to call.
Wouldn't it be a shame if they picked up the phone and nobody
was on the other end?
So this funding makes sure that somebody
is on the other end when somebody needs them most,
and also that people are there to help people
with grief for those that weren't able to reach out,
in a timely manner.
So I want to thank the gentlelady and Madam Chair
of Ways and Means for recognizing
that this is important funding, and that it's something
that we should support.
So I urge that all my colleagues support this amendment.
Thank you.
Senator from Essex and Middlesex.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex is recognized.
Thank you, and through you to the members.
So I'd like to give you a different perspective.
I was a Samaritans volunteer for three years.
I did this during college.
There had been a Lawrence Samaritans set up
at that point in time.
It was set up by a middle school teacher,
and she made a Lawrence affiliate
because her son, who was in my high school class,
had committed suicide.
And so I was local at the time in college
and was able to devote three years as a Samaritans
volunteer.
The volunteers are well-trained, they are not paid.
And what I did in addition to manning the phones,
was I went around and did outreach
to high schools and colleges to get to kids
to break down the stigma and to allow
people to say if you thought about suicide, that's OK.
Let's have a conversation about it,
and let's see what we can do to help.
The biggest takeaway that I had from my three years,
I would say, was that most people truly
don't want to take their life.
They just lack hope.
They lack of a forward step.
They don't know where to turn.
They don't know what to do.
And sometimes in their darkest hour,
just being present on that phone and listening, because you're
taught as a Samaritan volunteer to listen,
is the most powerful thing you can offer that person.
And as the cousin of someone who took his life,
it's a very, very personal thing for me
to support the Samaritans.
They are still present in Lawrence.
They are now working under the auspices of Family Services
of the Merrimack Valley.
But it's critically important that we have people
on the other end of the phone.
And those three years that I volunteered
I would not trade for anything because I
know that I made a difference for someone who I don't know,
but in their hour of need, they were able to get through it
and move on to a better day.
So I wholeheartedly support what the two previous speakers
have said, and I'm really glad that we're doing this.
Thank you.
The question now comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.
The ayes have it.
Amendment 461, the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 461 by Mr. Lewis, Peer Recovery Centers.
Question--
That was withdrawn.
I'm sorry, that's been withdrawn.
What purpose does the gentlemen rise?
It's withdrawn.
Oh, I'm sorry.
It's drawn?
Shut down.
461 has been withdrawn.
466, right?
466 is on hold.
482 has been withdrawn.
492 is the next one.
Next amendment will be amendment 492.
The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth,
Mr. Timilty, offers an amendment, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 492 by Mr. Timilty, Pappas Rehabilitation
Hospital for Children Bed Minimum.
He's asking to be recognized.
He's going to speak to it.
Mr. Timilty, you're recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital
is a 110-year-old pediatric chronic care hospital
for children ages eight to 22.
Specifically, patients must have a physical disability
which requires medical management
and a cognitive level that allows them to participate
in therapy, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy,
and speech therapy.
Moreover, in addition to being a medical facility,
Pappas is also a school overseen by the Massachusetts
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
It provides not only academic education, but a wide variety
of recreational opportunities, such as swimming, horseback
riding, adaptive sports, and many key opportunities
for socialization.
In short, vital services and activities
that I have just delineated are provided by Pappas,
and these services are crucial to the development of hundreds
of children across the Commonwealth facing
the gravest of physical and cognitive challenges.
And with that, I thank you and I hope
for the amendment is adopted.
The question now comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed.
The nos have it.
Same senator offers an amendment, number 493,
the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 493 by Mr. Timilty, Pappas Rehabilitation
hospital Summer Program.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye,
all those opposed no.
The nos have it, and the amendment is not adopted.
Senator L'Italien offers amendment number
494, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 494 by Miss L'Italien, Adult Autism
Services.
Chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This amendment has to do with the Adult Autism Services line
item.
We have people who are on the autism spectrum,
similar to my son, who are above 70 IQ.
We fought very hard as a result of the three and 1/2
years of the autism commission that I chaired to bring forth
a change in that policy, so that the DDS would not
be able to decide that these folks weren't
eligible for any services as adults.
And that commission, which was also
served on by Senator Ross and Senator Flanagan,
did great work.
We did an omnibus bill in 2014, and we changed the rules
so that folks who are struggling,
who are above 70 IQ, but have great difficulty getting
through the day, would be able to be
considered for DDS services.
Many of those folks have gone through the process.
They had been rejected before, or they're now coming of age,
they're above age 22.
They are required to have a neuropsych evaluation
and go through a thorough investigation to qualify.
That costs money, that can cost thousands of dollars.
They're being asked to do this each year to reapply,
and yet many of those folks are on a wait list.
And so it's very frustrating for many of those families who've
waited for years to qualify to go through the process
and then be told that you're on a wait list
because there's not enough funding.
And so there are approximately 40 adults
that fit this category statewide every single month that
are being told that they need to get into a wait list.
And so I really want to bring this
to the attention of the membership,
partly because we are fully funding this line
item with a trust fund, the Community Trust Fund, which
is going to go away next year.
So the funding that we have this year is going to go away,
and the funding this year is insufficient to clear the wait
list.
And we just talked about suicide a couple of minutes ago.
I'm aware of a young man who took his own life
within the last month that was on the spectrum, frustrated
and awaiting services.
So I know this is not going to be successful today,
but I feel compelled to talk about this
and to put this in the forefront of people's minds,
that we have people who really struggle day
to day that are on that spectrum,
that it was a real fight and an honor
that the Senate did the work and the legislature
to open the door for them, but it doesn't
help if you're sitting on a wait list
and you're not receiving the services you need.
So again, I understand that this will not be successful today,
but I would like everyone to think about this, so
that going forward, we can find a way to adequately fund
this line item.
Thank you.
Thank you very much, senator.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye,
all those opposed no.
The nos have it.
Amendment 497, the senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 497 by Mr. Lewis, Health Care Facility
Safety.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye,
all those opposed no.
The nos have it, and the amendment is not adopted.
Both of these are in the bundle, right?
Mhm.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex,
Miss L'Italien, office an amendment,
the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 501 by Miss L'Italien, Autism Waver One.
The chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
Amendment 501 sought additional funding
within the autism waiver, and that
is the waiver that's been in existence for about a decade
now.
It serves kids with autism between the ages
of zero and eight.
They have to be MassHealth eligible.
We have a wait list on that program.
It provides wraparound funding so that our youngest kids
get the best opportunity to get the services they
need to be put on the best possible track and outcome.
What I'd asked for was $1.25 million
to be able to serve an additional 100
young children at risk of institutionalization
who require intensive in-home services.
That would have brought us up to about 360 children being
served at one time.
This is actually a waiverable item,
so we're actually receiving 50% federal match funds on this.
So that was the funding.
I'm going to speak right now about 502 as well,
if that's OK, because they're sort of paired.
The 503 amendment on the waiver would have actually reinserted
reporting language, so that we would understand the number
of children being served.
Without that language, we really don't know who is being served.
And that's traditionally been within this line item.
As we know from research, children
that we can get to early and give them intensive services,
such as early intervention, and as this waiver,
provide the best possible outcomes for these children.
And the cost benefit analysis has
shown that if children with autism
receive intensive services at a young age,
that provision of intensive services
can result in estimated cost savings ranging
from $187,000 to $203,000 per child ages three to 22
and a total lifetime savings range of $1 to $2 million.
So I've just covered 503 as well in the process,
because they're linked, OK?
Thank you so much.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor signify by saying aye,
all those opposed say no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
503 is on hold.
Amendment 505, the senator from Essex and Middlesex Miss
L'Italien offers redrafted amendment, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 505 by Miss L'Italien, Alzheimer's Public
Awareness.
Yes.
For what purpose would the gentleman rise?
Well, first of all, Mr. President, to
say how nice it is to see that you have ascended the rostrum.
And in addition to your many accolades of Archduke
and other things, you now have presiding officer
to add to your very impressive resume.
But in the second instance, Mr. President,
I'd like to ask the sponsor of this amendment
to provide us with an explanation,
because this is a very important subject
and I know that she has been working on this for some time.
And this amendment touches on one element of it.
So I'm hoping that we can get an explanation.
Chair thanks the minority leader for his interest,
and will recognize the senator from Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President, through you, to the members.
Amendment 505 has to do with Alzheimer's public awareness
education.
It would fund, at $50,000, the statewide Alzheimer's
public awareness and education program that we actually--
we began last session in the Senate.
As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control,
this includes teaching people about the early warning
signs of Alzheimer's disease, access to patient services,
the importance of early diagnosis,
and the importance of family caregiver
education and support.
There are more than 120,000 people in Massachusetts
that have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and that number
continues to grow.
This is the most costly disease with the most
impact on the caregiver family.
Alzheimer's prevalence will increase
by 25% in Massachusetts over the next decade.
I know that if you are age 85, you have a 50% chance of having
Alzheimer's.
And in fact, my mom, at age 85 was
when I first saw the signs of Alzheimer's for her.
Most people don't know or understand the early warning
signs, and nearly all families don't
know of the services and supports that are available.
And initiatives such as this is desperately
needed to help people identify early warning
signs for the disease and make families
aware of support services.
And as I mentioned, my family dealt with this for seven years
with my mom.
I was fortunate because I had worked in the field
and knew where to turn for supports and services
for my mom.
But I'm the exception.
I am not the rule.
There are so many people who do not know where to turn,
who desperately need our assistance.
So this $50,000, again, an initiative
in the Senate last session, will go a long way
towards helping families in Massachusetts.
Thank you.
Mr. President?
Yes?
For what purpose this gentle lady rise?
Thank you, Mr. President.
Through you, to the members.
I'd like to say a few remarks.
Thank you.
OK.
Senator from Boston.
I want to thank the senator from Andover
for filing this amendment that has to do with Alzheimer's
public awareness.
So critical.
As she mentioned, with the passing of her mom,
but there's so many people in the Commonwealth that have been
impacted by Alzheimer's.
I stand as a child with a parent that has Alzheimer's.
My dad was diagnosed about nine years ago.
He is living at home.
My parents are 79.
My mom is taking care of my dad.
My grandmother turned 104, and she also
lives in my parents' household, my mom's mom.
So this is a very difficult--
we know that it's a very difficult illness
and diagnosis.
And I'm just grateful to the woman from-- the senator
from Andover, you know, for putting this amendment forward,
because it is about public education,
and how is it that we can allow our loved ones to age at home
and to stay at home with their families as long as they can?
So I just wanted to rise in support of this amendment.
Mr. President?
The chair recognizes the gentleman
from the Cape and the Islands.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I too rise in support of the gentle lady
from Andover's amendment.
I represent a district in the Cape and Islands district just
on Cape Cod alone.
We estimate there are 10,000 people who
live with Alzheimer's or dementia
in a population of 200,000.
And this is something that I saw very clearly.
I spent a lot of time knocking doors in my region, which
is quite an older region.
And several times, actually, knocked on a door,
spoke to someone who came to the door,
and ended up speaking to a caregiver who was really
struggling.
Many times a spouse trying to cobble together an existence
with a longtime spouse who is struggling with Alzheimer's.
This is also very personal to me.
My grandmother-- I'm the grandson of someone
who lived with Alzheimer's for 12-plus years.
I'm from a big French-Canadian family,
and my dad's family actually took care of-- there's
nine of them, and they actually took my grandmother out
of a nursing home to care for her at home.
But not everyone has nine siblings,
and not everyone's families are as functional to do that.
So I think it's really critical that we
make sure that people have supports and services,
and families have support and services.
My family certainly could have used that.
So I applaud the gentle lady from Andover
for putting this amendment, and I hope it's adopted.
Thank you, Mr. President.
[INAUDIBLE] Senate will be in a brief recess.
--order.
Again, we're on amendment 505.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
All those opposed.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Brief recess, no action taken on the amendment.
--taken on the amendment.
We'll have a brief recess.
Clerk has informed me-- the Senate will come to order.
The clerk has informed me that you
can request that no action be taken on the amendment that
was just adopted, and that will allow you then
to ask for a roll call.
[INAUDIBLE]
Ask for no action first.
--President, through the members.
Mr. President, I move the Senate consider no action having been
taken on the pending amendment.
Is there an objection?
Chair hears none.
Now, Senator, the chair will recognize the senator
from Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I would like to ask that a roll call be taken on this matter.
All those joining with her, please rise.
All those joining with the senator, please rise.
Sufficient number having arisen, the yeas and nays
will be ordered.
Sufficient number having risen, the yeas and nays
will be ordered.
The clerk will call the roll.
[INAUDIBLE]
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore?
Corey?
Yes.
Michael D. Brady?
William N. Brownsberger?
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler?
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz?
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem?
Yes.
Julian Cyr?
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo?
Yes.
Sal N. DiDomenico?
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue?
Yes.
James B. Eldridge?
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman?
Yes.
Jennifer L. Flanagan?
Yes.
Linda Dorcena Forry?
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi?
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds?
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.?
Yes.
Patricia D. Jehlen?
Yes.
John F. Keenan?
Eric P. Lesser?
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis?
Yes.
Barbara A. L'Italien?
Yes.
Joan B. Lovely?
Yes.
Thomas M. McGee?
Yes.
Mark C. Montigny?
Yes.
Michael O. Moore?
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor?
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives?
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco?
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues?
Yes.
Richard J. Ross?
Yes.
Michael F. Rush?
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka?
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr?
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty?
Yes.
And James T. Welch?
Yes.
[INAUDIBLE]
John F. Keenan?
Yes.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I wish to be recorded in the affirmative.
Michael D. Brady votes yes.
37 in the affirmative, none in the negative.
The amendment is adopted.
OK, so now we go on to 511, right?
Amendment number 511.
The senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattman,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 511 by Mr. Fattman.
Cash assistance expenditures.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
All those opposed, no.
The nos have it.
And the amendment is not adopted.
Amendment number 553.
The senator from Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 553 by Mr. Boncore.
SNF impact study.
Chair recognizes the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise in support of amendment 553.
This amendment requires that the Department of Public Health
conduct a feasibility study to study supervised injection
facilities in the Commonwealth, with a particular focus
on public safety and public health.
The study would have DPH work with law enforcement
as well as medical professionals in completing this study.
In spite of the Commonwealth's best efforts,
and even this chamber's efforts last year
in the opioid abuse and use legislation
that was passed, the opioid crisis continues to persist.
Statewide, there were an estimated 2,069 deaths related
to opiates last year alone.
The introduction of fentanyl has caused overdoses
to raise 20% to 30% each year over the past four years.
The Commonwealth has to do more.
We have to look at other opportunities to do more.
Supervised injection facilities are a harm reduction strategy.
They will take a comprehensive approach
to fighting the opioid epidemic by utilizing
a range of other harm reduction strategies,
including medication-assisted treatment.
And we've led on other harm reduction strategies
in this body, including medication-assisted treatment
and needle exchange programs.
The need still is there to do more.
And I think it is this body's obligation and moral duty
to take that to the next level and consider
studying these SIFs.
These SIF sites have worked in other places around the world.
They first opened in Sydney, Australia.
They're now open in Vancouver, Canada,
and now have 90 sites around the globe.
When we ask to do more, we ask, what are they doing?
Well, in Vancouver, a study suggests
that SIFs, supervised injection facilities,
have reduced overdose mortality by 35%.
It's a harm reduction approach that we just
can't avoid looking at.
It provides medical supervision within the facility, designed
to reduce overdoses and other harms associated
with illegal opioid use.
These facilities have proven to decrease
the infection and transmission of blood-borne diseases.
These facilities have shown to increase mental health
consulting and other medical consultation right on the site.
And these sites, ultimately, in other places,
have led people into rehabilitation
and led people towards abstinence.
It is well-rounded health care.
This chamber has recognized this issue as a health care issue,
and we should continue to study this issue,
because this is sound public policy.
Your Honor-- yeah, Your Honor.
Old habits, right?
Mr. President, based on what I just said,
I'd ask this amendment be adopted.
Thank you.
The chair recognizes the senator from Cape and the Islands.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I stand in support of this amendment offered
by my colleague, the senator from Winthrop.
Barnstable County, one of the three counties
that I represent, had the third-highest rate
of opiate overdose deaths in the state in 2016.
If you look at the public health data on this, which
the Department of Public Health has been doing
a tremendous job in gathering, we
have made progress on this epidemic, but not enough.
If you look at the epidemiology here,
we've essentially seen a plateau.
We are losing a generation.
We are losing our generation.
And when we have the opportunity to explore
new avenues of intervention and recovery,
we must rise to the occasion to actually look
at that in an intelligent way.
I know from my time working in the Department of Public Health
that a feasibility study of the nature filed
by the gentleman from Winthrop will help us fully understand
the public safety and health impacts of such interventions.
And I would also just remind people
that when it comes to public health, often, interventions
and activities that we think of as common sense
and effective measures today, when they initially
were proposed, were considered sort of quite controversial.
There was a lot of concern about them historically.
I look at the HIV/AIDS epidemic, where
I got my start in public health, working as an HIV/AIDS test
counselor and sexual health advocate.
Massachusetts has been a leader in preventing HIV and treating
people with HIV, thanks to using novel approaches and approaches
that people, frankly, a generation or two ago,
were uncomfortable with.
And so I think from a public health perspective,
this epidemic is so severe, and in public health,
when you have epidemics that are raging at this level,
you really need to look at all opportunities
to throw the kitchen sink at the problem.
And so this just asks the Department of Public Health
to study the issue.
The Massachusetts Medical Society,
if you've not seen the report that they put out,
it's one of the most comprehensive analyses
of a public health intervention that I've
seen in my short, short time doing this work.
So I thank the gentleman from Winthrop
for offering the amendment, and I hope it's adopted.
Thank you, Mr. President.
--the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
[INAUDIBLE]
Chair is mistaken.
Mr. President.
Yes, gentleman is recognized.
--is adopted.
What did he say?
Sorry?
He hopes the amendment is adopted.
Oh, OK.
OK.
Again, the question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Amendment 564.
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 564 by Mr. Tarr.
TADF benefit.
Question comes-- but before the question comes forth,
the chair recognizes the minority leader, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I so hate to be anti-climactic.
But Mr. President, I move that this amendment be held.
OK.
This amendment will be set aside.
Mr. President, the senator--
The chair recognizes the senator from Worcester and Norfolk.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I move that no action be taken on amendment 511.
What was it?
He moves that no action be taken on amendment number 511.
Gentleman moves that no action be taken on amendment 511.
Is there an objection?
Chair hears none.
And there'll be no action.
There will be no action taken on amendment number 511.
And it'll be temporarily laid aside.
It'll be temporarily laid aside.
Amendment number 596.
The senator from Middlesex, Ms. Donoghue,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 596 by Ms. Donoghue.
Community benefit districts.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Amendment 624 has been withdrawn.
Amendment 696.
The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 696 by Mr. Lesser.
Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival.
Question comes-- we're going to wait for him or no?
No.
Excuse me.
Mr. Lesser's not here.
Do you want to wait for him or no?
--adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
And the amendment is not adopted.
Senate-- the amendment number 712, offered by the senator
from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.
We will be in a brief recess.
--recognizes the minority leader.
Senate will be in a brief recess.
--order.
The chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you, to the members.
Mr. President-- Mr. President--
that you were about to call for debate on amendment number
720--
712, I'm sorry.
And in anticipation of that action,
I would like to ask the gentleman from Plymouth
about "America's hometown," as is included
in the title of this particular amendment,
and what we are doing with regard thereto.
--recognize the distinguished gentleman from Plymouth.
Let me just make sure all the members know
that we are on amendment 712, offered
by the gentleman from Plymouth and Barnstable,
Mr. deMacedo, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 712 by Mr. deMacedo.
The 400th anniversary of America's hometown.
The chair recognizes the distinguished senator
from Plymouth, Massachusetts, America's hometown.
Thank you, Mr. President, from Taunton.
And it's a pleasure to be here before you
to talk about this amendment.
I just recently got acclimated on using the redraftatron.
I had to use it three times.
And I finally got it going here.
This actually is an amendment that we filed last year,
but as many of you know, it was tough fiscal times.
And through the challenges, it's still challenging fiscal times.
However, the monies have gotten cut.
The problem that we have here, though, is 2020 is approaching.
And it's a celebration and a commemoration
of the founding of this nation, because in the town
of Plymouth, where the Pilgrims landed,
what happened there almost 400 years ago transformed
not just the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
or the United States of America, but the entire world.
Our form of government, our form of freedom,
that happened in this great nation, happened there.
And so people come from all over the world
to see what happened at that point.
And we have worked closely with our counterparts in England
to talk about, and how we should commemorate this landing,
and what this meant to this great nation.
And so these resources here will enable us
as a Commonwealth to be able to put forth a celebration
that I believe the entire world will be watching,
and will come.
And this will be--
and I know that some people may make some comment about,
why are we doing this three or four years out?
I believe that you're going to have people
from all over the world coming to America, and specifically
to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to see what happened at that time.
And not only is it important for us
to celebrate and commemorate, but it
will be a huge economic benefit for us,
because when these people come here,
they're going to need places to stay.
They're going to need places to eat.
They're going to visit our cultural centers.
And because of that, it is going to be such a huge success,
and I think it's going to put not only America's hometown,
but the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the map.
So it is my hope that this amendment is adopted.
I hope all of you join me, and all of you
are invited to this wonderful celebration
three years from now.
So with that, I hope the amendment is adopted.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And you are not that far away in Taunton to Plymouth.
Route 44.
We'd love to see you there.
I thank the gentleman for his comments.
The question now comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
All those opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
And we look forward to the formal invitation
that will be coming forth.
Next amendment, number 720.
The senator from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 720 by Mr. Lewis.
Emergency assistance reporting requirement.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
Chair is mistaken.
The chair recognizes the distinguished minority leader.
Why, thank you, Mr. President.
You are doing an outstanding job on the rostrum.
And I'm pleased to be partners with you
in the operations of the Senate today.
Mr. President, I'm hoping that we
can have an explanation of this amendment, which I believe
has been subject to the action of the redraftatron,
so that we can understand exactly what it contains.
Senate will stand in a brief recess.
--is in order.
The chair recognizes the distinguished senator
from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, on amendment number 720.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I apologize for the delay.
Appreciate your patience.
And I thank the minority leader for his question
about amendment number 720, which has been redrafted.
And this amendment relates to some data reporting
requirements for the emergency assistance shelter program,
and is similar to language that the Senate has previously
adopted.
But specifically, the amendment would require the collection
and reporting of some additional data
by the Department of Housing and Community Development related
to the emergency shelter program.
Specifically, it would include, in their regular reporting
that they already do, the number of applications
that were denied, and the reasons for those denials,
and the number of applications of families who timed off
of HomeBASE because the household is
no longer income-eligible.
And then additional data would be
added to the quarterly report that is currently
produced by DHCD, which would include the ages of the heads
of household, the race and ethnicity of heads
of households, the number of children served broken down
by age, the average income and breakdown of income type,
and a breakdown of educational attainment
of the heads of households.
So basically, Mr. President, this
would provide additional helpful information
for the legislature, for policymakers,
and for those working in the homelessness prevention
community to make better decisions and more fine-tuned
policy as we continue to seek to end homelessness
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I hope the amendment's adopted.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Question now comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Next amendment is amendment number 750.
The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser,
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 750 by Mr. Lesser.
The Urban League.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
All those opposed--
Already been rejected, Mr. President.
It's been rejected.
OK.
The chair is in error.
This amendment has been rejected.
Amendment number 762.
Gentlemen from the Cape and the Islands
offers an amendment, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 762 by Mr. Cyr, tourism visitor information
centers.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor--
the chair recognizes the distinguished senator
from Plymouth.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I just want to just take this opportunity--
the gentleman from the Cape and Islands isn't here,
but I know that he wanted to at least take this opportunity
to address this issue.
I'm going to share a little bit until he gets to his desk.
But in regards to visitor's centers,
this is something that is very important to what we believe
is the third-largest industry in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, and that is tourism.
As I just shared earlier, when we talked about Plymouth 400,
people come here.
They spend money.
They go to our hotels and restaurants.
And that is a good thing for our economy.
And these visitor's centers are a welcome center
for the people that come here.
They need to know where to go, what they should be doing.
In essence, it opens up the Commonwealth to say,
we welcome you here, and these are the things
that you can do when you come to the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
We have them scattered around.
And I know, for those of us who go around to other states,
you see these amazing welcome centers,
and they are-- they've invested a lot in that,
because they're rolling out the welcome mat to people.
That's what these visitor's centers are.
And so I didn't mean to take this,
but it was going to get read in the negative.
And I know that the gentleman from the Cape and Islands
would like to speak to this issue.
So thank you, Mr. President, for that opportunity
to say a few words.
Thank you, Senator.
The chair recognizes the senator from Cape and the Islands.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And I thank my colleague from Plymouth for jumping in.
We work closely on issues all across our region
for the Cape and the Islands.
Visitor information centers, these are really critical.
I've increasingly spent a lot of time
on the road in this position.
I have spent a--
going past nearly weekly signs of our shuttered visitor
centers that are closed.
They're often not open.
They're actually not open in the off-season.
Many of them have four hours in the summer.
There's actually one visitor center
when you're approaching the Bourne Bridge that's
permanently closed.
And it actually-- there's a big Closed sign on the blue highway
sign welcoming people to Cape Cod.
And so what sort of message are we sending the people who
are visiting here?
What kind of message are we sending our small businesses
and entrepreneurs who are working really hard this time
of year to gear up?
Of course, Memorial Day is approaching,
weekend is approaching, which is the sort of unofficial start
of our busy season.
And so, you know, I understand that we're not
going to be able to get this in this budget.
But I think it's really important
that visitor centers are something
that we look to have some sort of long-term solution.
It's also important with many of you making treks either
down to the senator from Plymouth's and my districts,
or the senator from the Berkshires,
that folks have a place to stop and rest
and use restroom facilities if necessary.
And so those are critically important.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Thank you very much.
The chair recognizes the senator from the first Essex district,
Ms. O'Connor.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you, to the members.
I was the former chair of tourism, arts,
and cultural development during my first term
in the State Senate.
And I feel poorly--
I feel badly for the new chair, because this
is a tough time for tourism in the Commonwealth.
And quite frankly, I'm perplexed, because we all
know and have been very supportive of investing
in our tourism sector, that for every dollar
we put into tourism marketing and the tourism industry,
we get back $7 in return.
It's perplexing because revenues are down.
How can we increase revenues creatively?
By investing in tourism.
And with our visitor centers unsupported for another season,
we know that if we drive to Connecticut, or Vermont,
or New Hampshire, or Maine, their visitor centers
are open for business.
And it's a reflection on us as a Commonwealth
if we don't have those doors open.
People need to use restrooms.
People need to ask for directions.
People want to feel welcome to the state.
Not only does it send a bad message,
but it's a missed opportunity to improve our tourism sector,
where 90% of our tourism revenue comes from domestic tourism.
Having our visitor centers supported consistently
and reliably, season after season,
is a key to changing this trend in tourism.
I hope the amendment is adopted.
OK, the question--
Senator Hinds, Berkshires.
--recognizes the senator from Berkshires.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you, to the members.
I just want to add my voice.
As the current chair of tourism, arts, and cultural development,
it allows me to see firsthand the impact
that tourism does have on our economy here
in the Commonwealth.
And as potential visitors have a limited amount
of resources to spend, and they have choices to make,
and that's why it's so important for us
to roll out the welcoming mat and capitalize
on the amount of money that is spent here
by our tourists and our guests.
And so I want to add another voice
to underscore the importance of investing in tourism
and regional visitor's centers.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you very much.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
All those opposed, no.
The nos have it.
And the amendment is not adopted.
Brief recess, Mr. President.
Senate will stand in a brief recess.
Senate will be in order.
The senator from Worcester and Norfolk,
Mr. Fattman, for what purpose does the gentleman rise?
Thank you, Mr. President.
I move that no action be taken on amendment 762.
So we consider no action as having been
taken on amendment number 762.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
So against funding visitor's centers.
Amendment number 754, offered by the senator from Essex
and Middlesex, Ms. L'Italien, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 754 by Ms. L'Italien.
Andover historic mill district.
Chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex,
Ms. L'Italien.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you, to the members.
This amendment would earmark $100,000 for the Andover
historic mill district.
This was an initiative passed at town meeting in 2015.
We attempted to fund this last year, but it was [INAUDIBLE]..
The concept was to take some land
that we were using for our DPW site,
to move that DPW site off of critical land that
was adjacent to our MBTA rail station,
and to rezone an area that included some historic mills so
that we could revitalize that area,
make it an area where both millennials and folks that
are retirees might want to move into
as a mixed-use development.
This $100,000 would be used towards design.
It would be used towards improving transportation
options, including enhanced pedestrian access,
for employment that we anticipate
within this development, expanding open space
and recreation opportunities, because we've
got a river that runs through there,
and collaborating and expanding Andover's cultural corridor
and examining opportunities for targeted redevelopment.
So I appreciate the opportunity to speak on the Andover
historic mill district.
I hope this amendment will be adopted.
Question now on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
And the amendment is adopted.
Senate will be in a brief recess.
Senate will be in order.
If there is no objection, a number
of matters which were discussed earlier with the Ways and Means
Committee will now be read through.
The first is amendment number 235, offered by the senator
from Suffolk, Mr. Rush, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 235 by Mr. Rush.
Suffolk registry of deeds.
No.
Number 289, offered by the senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Oh, I forgot to ask for the vote.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 289, offered by the senator from Essex,
Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 289 by Mr. Tarr.
Discretionary spending trends.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 295, offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 295 by Mr. Timilty.
DCAMM additional funding.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 298 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 298 by Mr. Tarr.
Health purchasing cooperatives.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 329, offered by the senator from Middlesex,
Ms. Donoghue, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 329 by Ms. Donoghue.
Emergency medical services system trust fund.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan,
offers amendment number 366, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 366 by Mr. Keenan.
Gold Star annuity.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 423 is offered by the senator from Middlesex
and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 423 by Ms. Creem.
Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 458 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 458 by Mr. Tarr.
Employer contribution clarification.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 462 is offered by the senator from Norfolk
and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 462 by Mr. Keenan.
Access to [INAUDIBLE] for BSAS providers.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 472 is offered by the senator
from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 472 by Mr. Welch.
Health care industry plan review retain revenue.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 479 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 479 by Mr. Lewis.
Prostate cancer research and awareness.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The same senator offers number 483, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 483 by Mr. Lewis.
Operation House Call.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 495 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 495 by Mr. Timilty.
Public health hospitals funding.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 548, offered by the senator from Suffolk,
Ms. Forry, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 548 by Ms. Forry.
Gavin Foundation and South Boston collaborative.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment is offered by the senator from Worcester,
Hampden, Hampshire, and Middlesex,
Ms. Gobi, amendment number 585, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 585 by Ms. Gobi.
Rural design center.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 639, offered by the senator from Middlesex,
Ms. Donoghue, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 639 by Ms. Donoghue.
Massachusetts Office of International Trade
and Investment.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 679 is offered by the senator
from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 679 by Mr. Welch.
Tenancy preservation.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 679-- excuse me.
The next one is number 751, offered
by the senator from Hampden and Hampshire,
Mr. Lesser, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 751 by Mr. Lesser.
Transformative development fund.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 753 is offered by the senator from Hampden
and Hampshire, Mr. Humason, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 753 by Mr. Humason.
Bay State Games.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 755 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 755 by Mr. Timilty.
Eastern fire safety.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 756 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 756 by Mr. Ross.
Preservation of historic documents in Sherborn.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 757, offered by the senator from Suffolk,
Ms. Forry, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 757 by Ms. Forry.
St. Mary's Center for Women and Children.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 759 is offered by the senator
from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 759 by Mr. Welch.
Handicap accessibility improvement.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 761 is offered by the senator from Worcester
and Middlesex, Mr. Fattman, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 761 by Mr. Fattman.
Home-based program.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, amendment number 763, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 763 by Mr. Ross.
Whalen town center.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 764 is offered by the senator from Worcester
and Middlesex, Mr. Fattman, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 764 by Mr. Fattman.
RAFT program.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Amendment number 766, offered by the senator from Middlesex--
Worcester and Middlesex, Mr. Fattman,
the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 766 by Mr. Fattman.
MassTech operating funds.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 767, offered by the senator from Essex,
Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 767 by Mr. Tarr.
EA expansion.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 768, offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 768 by Mr. Tarr.
Restoring Buy Local efforts.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 774 is offered by the senator from Worcester,
Hampden, and Hampshire, and Middlesex, Ms. Gobi, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 774 by Ms. Gobi.
Crossbows.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 776, offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 776 by Ms. Gobi.
MDAR administration.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 777 is offered by the senator from the Cape
and the Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk will
read.
Amendment number 777 [AUDIO OUT]
-- amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 783 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Ms. Donoghue, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 783 by Ms. Donoghue.
Mattress disposal study commission.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment is 787, offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 787 by Mr. Tarr.
Exemptions from taxation of structures and buildings.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 790 is offered by the senator from Middlesex
and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 790 by Mr. Eldridge.
Department of Environmental Protection Administration.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is 793, offered by the senator from Plymouth
and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor, the title of which
the clerk will read.
Amendment number 793 by Mr. O'Connor.
Brant Rock revitalization and flood protection.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
--offered by the senator from Suffolk and Middlesex,
Mr. Brownsberger, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 795 by Mr. Brownsberger.
DCR watershed management.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is amendment number 800,
offered by the senator from Plymouth and Norfolk,
Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 800 by Mr. O'Connor.
Herring Run and Whitman's Pond.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, 801, is offered by the senator from Suffolk
and Middlesex, Mr. Brownsberger, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 801 by Mr. Brownsberger.
Parkway Street lighting.
When I get close to 897, tell me.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
That was 803?
801.
The next amendment is number 803,
offered by the senator from Norfolk and Plymouth,
Mr. O'Connor, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 803 by Mr. O'Connor.
Tick-borne illness prevention program.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is 805, offered by the same senator,
the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 805 by Mr. O'Connor.
Dam and seawall repair or removal program.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 807 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 807 by Mr. O'Connor.
Coastal resiliency grant program.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 814 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 814 by Mr. O'Connor.
Beach preservation resources.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 815 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 815 by Mr. Tarr.
DCR stewardship.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 817 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 817 by Mr. Ross.
Pond Street recreation building in Norfolk.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, number 819, is offered by the senator from Suffolk
and Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 819 by Ms. Creem.
Aquatic invasive species control.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is number 820.
It is offered by the senator from Bristol and Plymouth,
Mr. Rodrigues, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 820 by Mr. Rodrigues.
Westport town landing.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment will not be adopted.
Number 822, offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 822 by Mr. Rodrigues,
[AUDIO OUT] --water use permits.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 823, offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 823 by Mr. Rodrigues.
Cranberry wetland mitigation banking program.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, amendment number 825, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 825 by Mr. Ross.
Madison Street water main.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered, number 826, by the senator from Norfolk,
Bristol, and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 826 by Mr. Timilty.
Canton reservoir dam repairs.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 827 is offered by the senator
from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 827 by Mr. Moore.
[INAUDIBLE] Pond.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment, number 835, is
offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth,
Mr. Timilty, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 835 by Mr. Timilty.
Tri-Town water treatment plant.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
838 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 838 by Mr. Timilty.
West Bridgewater rail-trail expansion.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 840 is offered by the senator from Bristol
and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 840 by Mr. Rodrigues.
Homeless animal care and adoption fund.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 851 is offered by the senator
from Middlesex, Mr. Lewis, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 851 by Mr. Lewis.
Hazardous waste site cleanup.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 854, offered by the senator from Essex,
Ms. O'Connor Ives.
The clerk will read the title.
Amendment number 854 by Ms. O'Connor Ives.
Conservation land tax credit.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
865, offered by the senator from Hampden and Hampshire,
Mr. Humason, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 865 by Mr. Humason.
Dam safety.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, number 869, is offered by the senator from Norfolk,
Bristol, and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 869 by Mr. Ross.
Franklin, Midway, and Bellingham floodplain.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 875 is offered by the senator from the Cape
and the Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk will
read.
Amendment number 875 by Mr. Cyr.
Coastal water quality monitoring.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the senator from Bristol
and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, amendment number 876, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 876 by Mr. Rodrigues.
Water quality advancement.
Question comes an adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, and opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 877 is authored by the senator from [INAUDIBLE]----
Keep going.
Sorry.
Bristol and--
Plymouth.
Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 877 by Mr. Timilty
protecting residential areas from pollution.
Question comes in adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
879 is offered by the senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 879 by Mr. Tarr.
Norton Dam safety.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 880 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 880 by Mr. Tarr.
Child pornography and child enticement asset.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The same senator offers number 881, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 881 by Mr. Tarr.
Wiretapping for drug trafficking offenses.
Questions comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 889 offered by the senator--
887.
889 offered by the senator from Suffolk
in Middlesex, Mr. Brownsburger, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 889 by Mr. Brownsburger.
Transferability among items within the trial court.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor, say aye opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 891 is offered by the senator from Hampton
and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 891 by Mr. Lesser.
Western Mass CASA programs.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is number 899 offered by the senator from Middlesex
and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment 899 by Ms. Creem.
Youth and transitional youth support services.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the senator
from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush.
Number 903, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 903 by Mr. Rush.
Autotech training and job placement.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 904 offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 904 by Mr. Rush.
Boston Fire Training Academy.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment, number 906, is
offered by the senator from Middlesex and Norfolk,
Ms. Creem, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 906 by Ms. Creem.
DOC re-entry services, education programming.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 918 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 918 by Mr. Tarr.
Sex offender registration fees.
Questions comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 919 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 919 By Mr. Tarr.
Providing oversight of crime labs.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 920 offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 920 by Mr. Tarr.
Justice reinvestment reserve.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 921 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment 921 by Mr. Tarr.
Access to level one sex offender--
offender information.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 923 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 923 by Mr. Tarr.
Expanding DCF background check.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
924 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 924 by Mr. Tarr.
DCF out of state.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment, number 929, is
offered by the senator from Norfolk and Plymouth,
Mr. Keenan, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 929 by Mr. Keenan.
Public safety improvements in the town of Braintree.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment is offered by the senator
from Western Middlesex, Ms. Flanagan.
Amendment number 931, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 931 by Ms. Flanagan.
DOC main operating.
Questions comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next is offered by the senator
from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush.
Amendment number 924, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 934 by Mr. Rush.
National Guard tuition and fees.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 939 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 939 by Mr. Ross.
Elevator inspections.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 942 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 942 by Mr. Tarr.
Regulating sex offender registration.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 943 is offered by the senator from Suffolk
and Middlesex, Mr. Brownsberger, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 943 by Mr. Brownsberger.
Parole board.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment is offered by the senator
from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor.
Number 945, the title of which the clerk will read.
The amendment number 945 by Mr. O'Connor.
Animal control officer vehicle for Cohasset.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 955 offered by the senator
from Worcester, Mr. Moore, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 955 by Mr. Moore.
Student crime lab.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The method is not adopted.
The next, number 957, is offered by the senator
from Hampden, Mr. Welch, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 957 by Mr. Welch.
Dispute resolution.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 960 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 960 by Mr. Welch.
Black Men of Greater Springfield Inc.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 961 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 961 by Mr. Ross.
Extrication tool for the Plainville Fire Department.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 966 is offered by the senator from Hampden
and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 966 by Mr. Lesser.
Hampshire County Sheriff.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, number 968, is offered by the senator from Norfolk,
Bristol, and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 968 by Mr. Ross.
Bristol County Sheriff's Office.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 969 is offered by the senator from Norfolk
and Suffex, Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk will will.
Amendment number 969 by Mr. Rush.
Parole board operations.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 970 is offered by the senator from Hampden
and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 970 by Mr. Lesser.
Hampden County Sheriff.
Question comes under the option of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next amendment, number 981, is
offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 981 by Mr. Ross.
Municipal truck wash facility and rental.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, number 982, is offered by the senator from Bristol
and Plymouth, Mr. Montigny, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 982 by Mr. Montigny.
Dartmouth mobile command.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 984 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Plymouth, Mr. Timilty, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 984 by Mr. Timilty.
Sheiff's inmate management system.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 988 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 988 by Mr. Ross.
Modernizing Millis Fire Department's SCBA.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 990 is offered by the senator from the Cape
and the Islands, Mr. Cyr, the title of which the clerk will
read.
Amendment number 990 by Mr. Cyr.
Dukes County Sheriff.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 991 is offered by the senator from Worcester
and Middlesex, Ms. Flanagan, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 991 by Ms. Flanagan.
DOC fees retain revenue.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The next, number 992, is offered by the senator from Berkshire,
Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 992 by Mr. Hinds.
Berkshire County Juvenile Resource Center.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 993 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 993 by Mr. Ross.
Sheldonville fire station.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
We are now on 994 offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 994 by Mr. Ross.
Jaws of Life for Plainville Fire Department.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 998 is offered by the senator from Middlesex
and Norfolk, Ms. Creem, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 998 by Ms. Creem.
Alcohol and substance abuse center.
The question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 1,001 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1,001 by Ms. Creem.
Wayfairing signage in Wellesley Square.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment it is not adopted.
Amendment number 102--
1002 is offered by the same senator, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1,002 by Ms. Creem.
Wellesley Square commuter rail station.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
1013 is offered by the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk,
Mr. Rush, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1013 by Mr. Rush.
Mass DOT salaries for certain pensions.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 1016 is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1016 by Mr. Ross.
Footpath improvements.
Question comes under adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
Number 1018 is offered by the senator
from Essex, Mr. McGee, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1018 by Mr. McGee.
Certain capital expenditure authorizations.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
1026 is offered by the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk--
I am in error.
It is offered by the senator from Norfolk, Bristol,
and Middlesex, Mr. Ross, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment 1026 by Mr. Ross.
Commission to study alternatives to salt.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
The same senator offers amendment number
1027, the title of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1027 by Mr. Ross.
Route 9 culvert.
Question comes on adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
1030 is offered by the senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr, the title
of which the clerk will read.
Amendment number 1030 by Mr. Tarr.
Closing paratransit service gaps.
Question comes on the adoption of the amendment.
All those in favor say aye, opposed no.
The nos have it.
The amendment is not adopted.
OK.
Michael.
The chair recognizes the senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
For what purpose does the gentleman rise?
Well, thank you, Mr. President and to the members.
First of all, I congratulate you on the whirlwind
of legislative activity that has transpired with your tenure
at the rostrum.
But in addition, Mr. President, amidst that whirlwind
of activity, I noticed that there are two particular items
that we may want to reconsider.
And so, Mr. President, I move the Senate
consider having taken no action on amendments number 698
and 790.
So we consider no action as having
been taken on 698 and 790.
Is there an objection?
The chair hears none.
We will consider no action as having
been taken on those two items.
The Senate will stand in recess until 1:45 p.m.