37 having voted in the affirmative,
none in the negative.
The matter stands not notwithstanding the objections
of His Excellency, the Governor, to the contrary.
Paper from the House.
Item 0710-0220 contain in section two
relative to the health care cost containment investigation comes
from the House with the endorsement
that the item has been passed not withstanding
the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor, 118 to 34.
The question before the Senate has
shelved this item passed notwithstanding the objections
of His Excellency, the Governor, to the contrary.
The senator from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you.
The senator from Middlesex?
Middlesex and Norfolk.
Thank you, Madam President.
This veto would decrease the office of the state auditor's
health care cost containment investigation by $107,000.
The health care cost containment investigation was originally
intended to end in fiscal year '17.
However, the auditor strongly believes
that an extended investigation would be
beneficial to the Commonwealth.
This veto would cut about a third
of the total amount that was appropriated,
so it's a sizable percentage of the appropriation.
The account funds, and investigation,
and review of health care payment reform.
This agency's main goal is to improve
efficiency and accountability in government spending--
something that I think we would all agree
are worthwhile investments to have,
and perhaps especially now during difficult times.
Between uncertainty regarding our future health care
system at the federal level, and the state's own efforts
to make meaningful reform, it's important to leave
no stone unturned in our efforts for health care cost
containment efficiency and accountability.
For these reasons I ask that you vote to overturn the veto.
Call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Senator Creem?
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F Humason Jr.
No.
Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Barbara A. L'Italien.
Yes.
Joan B. Lovely.
Senator Lovely?
Yes.
Thomas M. McGee.
Yes.
Mark C. Montigny.
Yes.
Michael O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
On this matter, 30 members have voted in the affirmative.
Six members have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 3000-6025 contained in section two,
relative to commonwealth preschool partnership
initiative, comes from the House with the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
not withstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 133 to 19.
Question before the Senate is shall this item passed,
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The senator from Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President, through to the members--
Madam President, it's interesting to note
that in the Senate engrossed version of the budget
of the General Appropriations Act,
this item was appropriated for over $15 million, by my count.
And in the conference committee report
it was reduced to $200,000--
quite a variance, Madame President.
And by the way, it is delightful to see you on the rostrum
and how wonderfully you are presiding.
But Madam President, I'm hoping we
can get an explanation of this particular program
because it appears that this particular item,
or this particular veto, would eliminate the program, which
the house did not fund.
And Mr. President, which the Senate funded at $15 million.
So I'm trying to understand if the program takes $15 million
to operate in the view of the Senate,
and the House chose not to fund it
at all, what the impact of $200,000 will be, number one.
And number two, what the impact of eliminating that $200,000
would be.
And whether or not, Madam President,
this is a new program that sought to be
funded with this $200,000.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The second Middlesex and Suffolk--
excuse me, in Norfolk.
Thank you.
This veto would eliminate the Commonwealth Preschool
Partnership Initiative funded at $200,000 in the conference
budget.
Whereas current recipients of the federal preschool expansion
grants served children as young as four,
this initiative provides planning--
and this is for planning grants--
to communities looking to expand preschool opportunities
to students from two years and nine months to three years
and 11 months old.
So this helps with planning.
In the past, we had provided funding for actual seats.
That's being taken care of.
Importantly, this grant program gives preference
to communities that can secure a one
to one match of state funds.
We all know how important early childhood education
is to a child's development and future success.
This account will help to secure the success
for even more students throughout the Commonwealth.
For this reason, I ask that you vote to overturn the veto.
Thank you.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. DeMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cyndy Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F Humason Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
And James T. Welch.
Yes.
On this matter, 31 members having
voted in the affirmative, five members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objection
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the matter.
Paper from the House.
Item 3000-6073 contained in section two
relative to early childhood mental health consultation
services comes from the house with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction
of His Excellency, the Governor, 131 to 21.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President.
You're doing a wonderful job at the rostrum.
And, Madame President, I rise to ask
about this particular item, which,
again, seems very curious.
And I'm hoping to benefit from the expertise
of the gentlelady who leads the Committee on Ways and Means.
It appears that this item was not funded in fiscal year
'17, that the house sought to appropriate two
and half million dollars, but the Senate
contained in its version of the budget, zero.
And so, Mr. President, through the Governor's reduction,
it would appear, if it was sustained, to leave us
with an amount of $1.25 million, which, Madame President,
is $1.25 million than the Senate thought
was appropriate to fund it at.
So I'm curious as to if we are being asked to override,
why we are being asked to fund this item which
the Senate, in its version of the budget,
chose not to fund at all--
given the fact that even with the override in place
this would leave the program at $1.25 million.
I'm also curious, Madame President,
if we can get some edification about whether or not
this is a new program.
Second Middlesex and Norfolk.
Thank you.
This veto would reduce funding for the early childhood
mental health clinicians account by $1.25 million,
as the gentleman from Gloucester acknowledged.
It would cut the funding in half.
These mental health clinicians provide comprehensive services
to students in early education all the way up to age 14
both in and out of the classroom.
This item has been funded in the past through prior budgets.
And in fact, it's not that uncommon
that the house sometimes funds something-- we
have a certain pot of revenue.
Sometimes the house will fund certain items.
Sometimes the Senate funds other items,
and then it's hashed out in conference committee, what
gets funded.
That is the process.
This grant-based program provides teacher training,
classroom assessments, and parent consultations.
And it works in particular to serve
students affected by poverty, stress,
and other environmental factors.
I think we would all agree that supporting mental health
services to our children in the Commonwealth
is crucial to creating successful, educational,
and even out of school environments.
Therefore, I ask that you vote to overturn this veto.
Thank you.
clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Mark R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
Mayor Ross?
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
On this matter, 31 members having
voted in the affirmative, five members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 4513-1027 contained in section two,
relative Samaritans Inc Suicide Prevention
services comes from the House with the endorsement.
The House has passed this section
notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency,
the Governor, 129 to 23.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary, the senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madam President.
And through the members, I just would point out
that, with regard to the last veto,
I know that sometimes the branches fund things
at different amounts, but with regard
to the last particular item, we had not
sought to fund it at all.
So I think that's significantly different than funding
at different amounts to reflect different priorities.
But, Madame President, I'm hoping
we can get an explanation of this particular veto.
I believe it affects the Reach Out and Read Program.
And my interpretation of this is that it
would eliminate the program.
I'm hoping that we can get an explanation of that.
The senator from second Middlesex and Norfolk.
Just to clarify to the minority leader,
this is an override for the Samaritans Suicide Prevention,
which I will address.
This veto would reduce the Samaritans Inc Suicide
Prevention account by $200,000.
This is very notable, and we are taking this up today
in light of it being suicide prevention month.
Suicide, unfortunately has probably
touched, in some way or another, through family, friends,
neighbors, probably every single one of us here.
I know I can say one of my closer friend's
sons committed suicide a few years back.
And we thought was doing all that's possible.
You want to try to do all that's possible.
Because, as we know, suicide is just so final.
The account funds an organization
that provides services along the entire spectrum of services
from intervention, prevention, education, and post
intervention, the whole continuum.
It's offered including a 24 hour, seven days a week
hotline with texting options, community education,
outreach workshops, grief support services, and peer
to peer support groups.
Depression and suicide are issues
that could affect, really, any one of us
almost at any time at any age.
We have to support the organizations that
are providing compassionate wrap around services to help
alleviate suicidal feelings, to help members of our communities
get through those hard times and come out on the other side
hopefully.
Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto
and vote yes.
Thank you.
The senator from first Essex and Middlesex.
Thank you, Madame President.
I appreciate the gentlelady who just spoke and who remarks.
I think she makes a very compelling argument with regard
to this item.
I'm just hoping that she could provide some clarification
of what the veto itself did in terms
of reduction of spending and the impact that it would have.
From second Middlesex and Norfolk.
So the line item started with $400,000.
The Governor cut $200,000, so he cut it in half,
severely curtailing its ability to perform.
Thank you, Madam President.
I think the gentlelady has made compelling arguments
on behalf of this override.
I think we all understand just how important it
is to have timely and effective interventions with regard
to suicide, and so, Madam President,
I actually hope that the amendment, or the veto,
is overwritten.
Thank you.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
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.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 O. 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.
E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
On this matter of 34 in the affirmative,
two in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 3000-7070 contained in section two,
Reach Out and Read, comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval
of the Governor, 139 to 13.
Senator from minority leader, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President.
It's nice to see you up on the rostrum.
It is very impressive to see the deep bench that's
being reflected here today with our various presiding officers.
Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation
of this particular item, which I had earlier
confused for the item that was pending before the Senate.
Mr. President, I'm hoping that we can understand
the impact of this particular veto,
and if we are being asked to override it,
what the rationale for that is.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The senate chair of Ways & Means is now recognized.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto would totally eliminate funding
for the Reach Out and Read Program,
which we funded at $1 million in the conference committee
budget.
Reach and Read is a program that provides books
to doctors offices to assess childhood development
and to promote early literacy in the home.
We know that literacy is one of the foundational pillars
of a child's entire educational career.
And the process of learning to read really begins at home.
It should begin at home.
Using these funds, Reach out and Read's begins a life
long educational journey for thousands of youth
throughout the Commonwealth, and that
improves their educational outcomes for years and years
to come.
Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto.
Thank you.
Seeing no other questions.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barrett.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriet L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cyndy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. 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.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
31 members having voted in the affirmative, five
in the negative, the item passes,
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor,
two thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative.
Paper for the House.
Item 7009-6400, program for English language learners
in gateway cities comes from the House for the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 122 to 30.
Question comes before the Senate.
Shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor to the contrary.
The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
All members have reported.
The chair recognizes the senator from Berkshire, Hampshire,
and Franklin, and Hampden, Senator Hinds.
Adam G. Hinds.
Votes Yes.
Chair recognizes the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk.
Mr. President, I wish [INAUDIBLE]
Michael F. Rush votes yes.
Have all members now been recorded?
Yeah.
31 members having voted in the affirmative, five
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 7035-0002 contained in section two,
relative to adult basic education
comes from the House with the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
notwithstanding the reduction in objections of His Excellency,
the Governor, 122 to 32.
Mr. President.
The chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President.
You're doing an outstanding job at the rostrum.
Mr. President, I'm hoping we can have
an explanation for this item.
It appears to me to be an earmark
within the adult basic education line
item for the city of Lawrence, but I
don't know if that's a correct interpretation, so I'm
hoping we can get an explanation and the rationale
of [? wing ?] being asked to override this particular item.
Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means
for that explanation.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto would eliminate $800,000 in general funding
to adult basic education and $50,000
for the Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund.
Adult basic education programs, as we know,
they're designed to help adult populations gain
the skills they need, the language
skills, and other skills that they
need to find career paths for themselves,
and to help be more productive and self-sufficient members
of our society.
Adult basic education is a terrific source
for economic development.
It helps our workers, some of whom may have been out of work
for years and often many are low income.
The Lawrence Family Development and Education Fund,
for example, assists adults with citizenship education,
citizenship application assistance, ESL,
and computer training for low income adults.
We must do all that we can to assure that everyone that
wants a job has the opportunity to get one, and also find work
that they find vocationally fulfilling.
For these reasons, I ask that you
vote to overturn the Governor's veto.
Question comes before the Senate,
shall this item passed notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor to the contrary, the Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
30 members, having voted in the affirmative, six
in the negative, the item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 7061-9401 containing section two
relative to assessment to consortium,
comes from the endorsement that the House
has passed this item not withstanding disapproval
of the Governor 119 to 33.
Question comes before the Senate,
shall this item pass notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor to the contrary.
The Clerk will call the roll.
The chair is in error.
That's OK.
Sorry.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Senator Rush?
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
396.
The Chair recognizes the senator from Norfolk and Suffix,
Senator Rush.
Mr. President, [INAUDIBLE] vote in the affirmative.
Michael F. Rush votes yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Now they have.
30 members having voted in the affirmative,
six in the negative.
The item is passed notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Papers from the House.
Item 7066-1221 contained in section two
Community College Workforce Grant Advisory Committee
comes from the House with the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
notwithstanding the disapproval of the Governor, 122 to 30.
Senator Tarr.
The Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I will try forthwith to be as visible and as vocal
as I possibly can.
That would be appreciated.
Mr. President, I was hoping that we
can get an explanation of this particular veto,
and if we are being asked to override it,
the rationale for that request.
Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means for the purpose
of an explanation.
Thank you.
This veto, this particular veto, would
reduce spending for the Community College work force
grants by $750,000, basically eliminating the program
in its entirety.
These grants which support career training initiatives
at the community college level are a very important source
of funding for workforce development
in the Commonwealth.
After academic courses and career programs
that build vocational skills and other skills,
students are connected to local and regional employers
through these grants.
They obtain very critical necessary skills
to make them better prepared and more
able to enter the workforce.
A strong workforce pipeline with uneducated and skilled
workforce builds resilient communities, exactly what
this Senate is looking for.
So therefore I ask that you vote to overturn this veto.
Thank you.
Chair recognizes Senator Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President, through the members.
I appreciate the gentlelady's explanation
of this very worthy program.
And Mr. President, I'm inclined to be
supportive of her request.
I would just point out that this is an item that the Senate felt
should not have been funded in its version of the budget,
because my information indicates it
was funded at 0 in the Senate engrossed version
of the budget.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 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. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
34 members having voted in the affirmative, two members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 7066-9600 containing section two,
inclusive concurrent enrollment comes
from the House with the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor,
131 to 21.
Mr. President?
Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President and through to the members.
Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation
on this particular item, which the Governor has vetoed
and which I believe we are being requested to override.
Again, Mr. President, particularly
in light of the fact that in the Senate budget,
this item appears to have been funded at zero.
So I believe the veto in question
here reduced the program by some amount,
and I'm hoping we can get an explanation of that,
and what the impact would be if we do not override the veto.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair recognizes the chair of Ways & Means.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto would reduce funding for the concurrent enrollment
program by $238,000, resulting in a final appropriation
of $1.1 million.
I do just want to remind the minority leader
that this is the normal--
what has happened in the past often, as I said earlier,
the House funds certain things.
The Senate sometimes funds other things.
We all just have one pot of revenue to fund so many
of our critical programs and services,
that it's at the conference committee level
that we merge the budgets, so that we
try to have a best approach to the programs
and services that we can afford and
within our fiscal constraints.
So, concurrent enrollment is a grant program
that helps students with disabilities
participate in college courses.
Funds support partnerships between school districts
and institutions of public higher education
to allow enrollment in both credit and noncredit
courses, that include students without disabilities.
The results of this program have been very impressive.
And not only is this program immensely
valuable for the independence, and academic,
and social growth of participants,
but it benefits the students-- all of the students that
are in the program or in the classroom who
are able to learn in a much more diverse setting, so everybody
learns and benefits from this.
So, I ask that you vote to override his veto.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
Yes.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Senator Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
32 members having voted in the affirmative, four members
having voted in the negative, the item
has passed notwithstanding the objections of the Governor two
thirds of the members having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 7077-0023 Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine
has come from the House for the endorsement
that the House has passed this item
notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency, the Governor,
122 to 30.
Question comes before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
Mr. President, point of parliamentary inquiry?
The gentleman shall state his point of parliamentary inquiry.
Mr. President, could the Clerk identify which item currently
pends before the Senate?
Item number 7077-0023, Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Mr. President, I'm hoping we can get an explanation
of this particular item from the distinguished
Chair of the Committee on Ways & Means.
Chair recognizes distinguished Chair of Ways & Means.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto would reduce funding for the Tufts Veterinarian
Program by $1 million, resulting in a final appropriation
of $4 million.
The only veterinarian program of its kind
in all of New England, the Tufts Veterinarian School
is an important driver of economic activity, of health,
and even security of the Commonwealth.
With these funds, Tufts is able to offer tuition subsidies
and seats to Massachusetts residents.
Furthermore, and very importantly,
funding in this account supports bioterrorism research
and prevention by which the school works with Massachusetts
emergency authorities to study diseases
that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The Tufts Veterinary Program is a valuable asset
for the Commonwealth, and we should support it financially
to secure these benefits.
So, I ask that you vote to overturn this veto.
Thank you.
If there are no other questions on this particular override,
the Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Harriette L. Chandler?
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
No.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
Fattman?
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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.
No.
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.
No.
Walter F. Timility.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
30 members having voted in the affirmative, six
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Senate will be in a brief recess.
Chair recognizes the minority leader.
Thank you, Mr. President through to the members.
Mr. President, on one particular item
I think we deserve further consideration.
So I move that Senate--
or item, rather, 7066-9600, and the vote
that the Senate took on that matter be reconsidered.
Motion to be made to reconsider.
Is there no objection?
Hearing none.
All those in favor signify by saying
aye-- all those opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
Reconsideration will prevail.
Question now comes on the current question
before us is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the governor
to the contrary.
And this is, again, item number 7066-9600
that we'll be voting on.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
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.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
In the negative.
The gentleman recognizes senator Fattman.
Ryan C. Fattman votes yes.
All set?
36 members having voted in the affirmative,
none in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
[INAUDIBLE]
OK.
Paper from the House.
Item 7100-0700, Office of Dispute Resolution Operations,
comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the action
of the governor and his disapproval, 121 to 31.
Madame President.
Yes, the senator from first Essex and Middlesex,
for what do you ask?
Why, thank you, Madam President.
It's delightful to see you on the rostrum
as we continue to see the depth of the majority bench
here this afternoon with [? presiders ?]
coming in from the bullpen to carry us into the late innings.
It is great to see you, Madam President.
And Madame President, I'm hoping that we
can get an explanation of this current item that
now pends before the Senate, which is
relative to dispute resolution.
It appears to me, from my cursory read
of this, that this veto, if not overridden,
would actually eliminate the program.
So I'm hoping we can get an explanation, Madam President,
and also an explanation as to whether
or not the Senate would be eligible for the services
of the Office of Dispute Resolution.
Thank you, Madame President.
Yes.
The Chair recognizes the chairman
of Ways & Means, senator from the [INAUDIBLE]..
Thank you, Madam President.
I would argue that we all get along so well.
We do not need the services of dispute resolution,
but I'm sure they're available for the State if need be.
And the minority leader is 100% correct
that this veto totally eliminates
the funding for the Office of Public Collaboration Dispute
Resolution, cutting $750,000.
This is a very small cost to the Commonwealth.
The Office of Public Collaboration at UMass Boston
is an important cost saving resource.
Many of you-- and this is what I used to do--
conflict resolution--
dispute resolution prior to coming
to the legislature working with the child courts,
working with organizations.
It is a very important function where trained volunteers--
and I stress the word, volunteers--
work with local governments in the trial court
and other areas of the community to find innovative solutions
to conflict.
These grants allow for the conflict
to be resolved with the help of a third party
in a neutral forum.
It helps to reduce litigation and settlement expenses
and the Office saves the Commonwealth money.
I stress that.
This Office saves the Commonwealth money,
and it improves efficiency.
For these reasons, I ask that you
vote to overturn the governor's veto.
Thank you.
Question before the Senate is shall the item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
The roll call is closed.
On this matter, 33 members have voted in the affirmative,
three members have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 7112-0100, Framingham State University
comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction
from His Excellency, the Governor, 116 to 34.
The question before the Senate is shall this matter item
pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Mr. Clerk, have all members voted?
Yes.
OK.
30 in the affirmative.
Six in the negative.
On this matter, 30 members have voted in the affirmative,
six members have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objection of the Governor,
two thirds of the members have voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 1599-4417 contained in section two,
EJ Collins Jr. Center for Public Management,
comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval
of the Governor, 118 to 34.
Question before the Senate is shall the item pass
notwithstanding the objection of the Governor to the contrary.
And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all [INAUDIBLE].
On this matter, 29 members haven't
voted in the affirmative, six members
have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 1599-7114, UMass Center at Springfield
comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval
of His Excellency, the Governor, 120 to 32.
Madame President.
Yes.
The good senator from first Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr.
Why thank you, Madam President.
What an outstanding job you are doing upon the rostrum
this afternoon.
As we get into the late innings you've come off the bench,
and you are doing an outstanding job as our presiding officer.
I noticed, Madame President, that you
have a significant flurry of papers up there.
And I'm thinking you might be examining the Uniform
Commercial Code to determine the applicability of some
of these particular items.
But Madame President, I'm hoping that we
can hear about the next item that pends before the Senate.
I'm hoping that we can understand
the impact of this particular veto and the rationale
if we are being requested to override it.
Thank you, Madam President.
And thank you to the senator.
I want him to know that I had, in advanced, checked
the Uniform Commercial Code, so that I would know the answer
before we got here.
The senator chair of Ways and Means first Middlesex--
Essex and Middlesex-- no, sorry.
set in Middlesex and Norfolk, Senator Spilka.
Thank you, Madam President.
This veto would totally eliminate the funding
for operational costs at the UMass Springfield satellite
office.
Now we don't want to do that.
It would cut $250,000.
The UMass system is a world class public university system.
And it's a critical economic engine and a provider
of top tier educational opportunities
that students and families can afford.
The UMass Center at Springfield represents a unique partnership
between the UMass system, Holyoke Community College,
and Springfield Technical Community College.
Students can participate in undergraduate, graduate,
and certificate level classwork and course work,
with a focus on the work force needs of that region.
This is something we all have talked that we should be doing
more of in the Commonwealth.
This line item supports the services
so that more students and more communities
can take advantage of this wonderful resource
in the Commonwealth.
Even during difficult budget times,
I would argue that even more so during difficult budget times,
it's critical that we remain staunch supporters
of our education system and our UMass system,
so more students can afford to go to higher Ed.
Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto.
The question before the Senate.
Oh, yes.
Senator Tarr?
Why, thank you, Madam President, and through you
to the gentlelady at the microphone.
Madame President, this particular item
is titled the UMass Center for the Study of Racial Justice,
but it appears that this might be a sub-component in that line
item.
So I rise to ask for further clarification
because what the distinguished Chair of Ways
& Means explained, seem to be a collaborative program
between various institutions, which makes perfect sense.
But I'm curious about the titling
of this particular item.
And, Madame President, I move the Senate
to be in a brief recess.
The Senate is in a brief recess.
Chairman of Ways & Means, second Middlesex and Norfolk, Senator
Spilka.
Oh, Kenny, sorry.
You guys have got to--
who's Tarr?
Who's on first.
The Senate-- the minority leader, first Essex
and Middlesex, Senator Tarr.
Thank you, Madame President.
I realize that this has taken on the appearance of a tennis
match, so I can understand the back and forth volley.
But, Madame President, my question
for the distinguished chair lady of the Committee on Ways
& Means is whether or not this item actually
funds workforce development programs, as Opposed
to the study of racial justice.
Thank you, Madam President.
Yes, it's for workforce development.
The clerk will call--
and the clerk will call the roll.
When I was writing, it was 57.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Senator Forry?
[INAUDIBLE]
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Thank you.
So, all members have been recorded?
On this matter, 31 members have voted in the affirmative,
five members have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 1599-7115, UMass state regional campus,
comes from the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the disapproval
of the Governor, 120 to 32.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objection of the governor to the contrary.
He said [INAUDIBLE].
OK.
And the clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 O. Moore.
Yes.
Patrick M. O'Connor.
No.
Kathleen O'Connor Ives.
Yes.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Yes.
Michael J. Rodrigues.
Yes.
Richard J. Ross.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
No.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members voted?
On this matter, 31 members have voted in the affirmative,
five members have voted in the negative.
The item passes notwithstanding the objection
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0005 contained in section two,
Youth Violence Prevention Program grants
comes from for the House with the endorsement
that this item has passed notwithstanding the reduction
or objections of His Excellency, the Governor, 121 to 33.
Yes, the Chair recognizes the senator
from Plymouth and Barnstable, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I appreciate it.
I was hoping that the Chair of Ways & Means
might be able to give us some understanding in regards
to this particular line item that is being overridden.
It seems to be, at least from what I can tell,
more earmarks than it is the broader Youth Violence
Prevention Program grant.
And so my hope is that we might be
able to get an understanding, if in fact, these
are just specific earmarks-- which
I thought we weren't doing.
We were doing something more on a broad scale
due to the revenue picture, so I'm
hoping we might be able to get an analysis.
Thank you.
And the Senator from second Essex, assistant Ways & Means,
Senator locally.
Thank you, Madam President.
This veto would eliminate three local projects
for youth development and violence prevention services
in the city of Springfield, funded through the Safe
and Successful Youth Initiative in executive office for Health
and Human Services, totaling $70,000.
These initiatives represent investments
in the young people of Springfield,
reducing the likelihood of gang involvement
and offering constructive alternatives to violence,
investments in minimizing youth violence
to the safe and successful successful youth initiative
demonstrates a return through better life
outcomes for young people, reduced crime, and reduced need
for spending on incarceration.
Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto.
Thank you.
The Clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Viriato M. DeMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
No.
Patricia D. Jehlen.
Yes.
John F. Keenan.
Yes.
Eric P. Lesser.
Yes.
Jason M. Lewis.
Yes.
Barbara A. L'Italien.
Yes.
Joan B. Lovely.
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.
No.
Michael F. Rush.
Yes.
Karen E. Spilka.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
Yes.
Walter F. Timilty.
Yes.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Bruce E. Tarr.
votes no.
32 members having voted in the affirmative--
on this matter, 32 members having
voted in the affirmative, five members
having voted in negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objection
of the governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0007, contained in section two,
unaccompanied homeless youth services, come from the House
with the endorsement that this item has passed
notwithstanding the disapproval of His Excellency, the Governor
140 to 12.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
[INAUDIBLE] will come to order.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman
from Plymouth, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to my colleagues.
I was hoping that the gentlelady from Salem might be able
to give us an explanation in regards to this line item
before us, item 4000-0007, in regards to unaccompanied
homeless youth services, so we might get an understanding
of exactly what this particular override does--
in light of the fact that we spent a million last year,
and it was the Conference Committee was $675,000.
The Chair recognizes the gentlelady
from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto would cut $675,000 in funding
for unaccompanied homeless youth Services,
eliminating funding completely for this line item.
This funding supports shelter beds, counseling services,
and transitional housing programs
for young, vulnerable youth ages 18 to 24,
across the Commonwealth.
This line item has been a priority of the Senate
since the passage of the unaccompanied youth homeless
bill in 2014.
During the FY 2018 debate process,
this body showed our strong commitment
to vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth.
Funding the unaccompanied homeless youth program
at $2.5 million.
Overriding this veto, we will not only
show that our commitment to these services remains strong
but also ensure that administering agencies will
be able to continue providing services.
Without this funding, the effects
on youth, specific shelter beds, and services would be profound,
and would set us further back.
Therefore, I ask that you overturn this veto.
Thank you.
Question comes before the Senate is shall this pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Yes.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Yes.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Yes.
Julian Cyr.
Yes.
Yes Viriato M. deMacedo.
No.
Sal N. DiDomenico.
Yes.
Eileen M. Donoghue.
Yes.
James B. Eldridge.
Yes.
Ryan C. Fattman.
No.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
Yes.
35 matters having-- 35 members having
voted in the affirmative, two members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0601, containing section two,
MassHealth senior care comes from the House
with the endorsement that this item
has passed notwithstanding the reduction of His Excellency,
the Governor, 140 to 12.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman
from Plymouth, Mr. deMacedo.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and through you to my colleagues.
I'm asking if we might be able to get
an explanation in regards to line item 4000-0601.
It's the MassHealth senior care.
In FY '17, the spending was zero here.
The Conference Committee came out at $3.5 million--
I'm sorry, the Conference Committee was at $3.5 billion.
So, I'm hoping we might be able to get an explanation of why
it was FY '17, it was 0.
I'm assuming that the line item was changed.
Maybe we might be able to get an explanation for that, and why
it should be overwritten.
Thank you.
The lady from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto reduces the MassHealth senior care by $5 million.
This line item funds crucial long term services
and supports needs for our seniors on MassHealth,
including innovative programs.
It's combined spending on medical in-home care services
in order to keep our residents out of the hospital
and in the community.
This $5 million will help ensure these services are fully funded
for the seniors who need them, and will help our MassHealth
program address caseload changes throughout the year.
As demographic shifts result in more residents
of the Commonwealth becoming senior citizens,
it is important to fund the most successful and efficient
programs to keep them healthy.
Therefore, I ask that the veto is overturned.
Thank you.
The question comes before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The Senate recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Why, thank you, Mr. President.
It's delightful to see you upon the rostrum,
as we continue to pull folks--
[? presiders ?] out of the bullpen here.
And it's nice to see you upon the rostrum,
and also, Mr. President, nice to see the gentlelady from Salem
pinch hitting for the Committee on Ways & Means,
and doing it so well.
Mr. President, we're trying to ascertain the impact
of this particular veto.
Because if you look at this line item, in the past fiscal year
it is zero, but we know that this is not a new program,
because obviously the things that she described
have been funded in the past.
So we're trying to ascertain, if we possibly can,
and hopefully with her help, what this item was funded
at in the last fiscal year, given the fact that it might
have been a combination of different line items--
or it might have been just one different line item.
So we're trying to understand, to put this into context, what
this is currently funded-- or what it was funded
at in the past fiscal year.
Senate will be in a brief recess.
Senate will come to order.
The Chair recognizes the lady from Salem, Ms. Lovely.
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you
to the minority leader for this very good question.
It actually has to do with a shift in the line item.
For fiscal year '17, line item 4000-0600,
the MassHealth senior care options
was funded at $3,516,116,093.
And it got shifted down to MassHealth senior care,
line item 0601, at $3,526,935,443--
so a difference of about $10 million.
And so it really was a shift in the line item
cost at that point.
Hope that explains that for you.
Veto is overwritten.
Thank you.
The Chair recognizes gentleman from Essex, Mr.Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I just wanted to thank the gentlelady
for her explanation, which clarifies
the situation significantly.
So, I appreciate the explanation.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
It's 4:23.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
William N. Brownsberger.
Yes.
Harriette L. Chandler.
Senator 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.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
On this matter, 37 members having
voted in the affirmative, zero in the negative,
the item passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0641, MassHealth nursing home supplemental rates
comes from the House that this action has passed the House
by a vote of 147 to 5, notwithstanding the reduction
and objections from His Excellency, the Governor.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Essex, Mr. Tarr.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
I'm hoping that we can have an explanation
of this particular item, and if we
are being asked to override it, the rationale for that request.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The Chair recognizes the gentlelady
from Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka.
Thank you, Mr. President.
This veto reduces the funding for MassHealth nursing home
rates by $7.5 million.
The majority of residents of the Commonwealth--
the majority of residents of the Commonwealth nursing homes
are funded through MassHealth.
And while rates to these providers
have increased over the last several years,
more must be done to ensure that nursing homes remain solvent.
There are many, many of our residents
across the state that live and rely upon these nursing homes.
Even as we attempt to reform our long term services and supports
systems to allow as many people as possible
to receive care at home, many MassHealth members
do, in fact, require care that can only be delivered
in this kind of facility.
To support and improve our nursing homes
and their workers, we must continue
to increase their funding.
Therefore, I ask that you vote to override this veto.
The question before the Senate is
shall this pass not withstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
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.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
Have all members been recorded?
I just wait for the number?
On this matter, 37 members having
voted that voted in the affirmative, zero members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
Paper from the House.
Item 4000-0641 containing section two,
MassHealth nursing home supplemental rates comes from
the House with the endorsement that this item has--
we just did that one.
Item 4590-1503, pediatric palliative care,
having come from the House with the endorsement
this item has passed notwithstanding the actions
of the Governor, 139 to 13.
The question before the Senate is shall this item pass
notwithstanding the objections of the Governor
to the contrary.
The clerk will call the roll.
Michael J. Barret.
Yes.
Joseph A. Boncore.
Yes.
Michael D. Brady.
Yes.
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.
Linda Dorcena Forry.
Yes.
Cindy F. Friedman.
Yes.
Anne M. Gobi.
Yes.
Adam G. Hinds.
Yes.
Donald F. Humason, Jr.
Yes.
Patricia D. 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 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.
James T. Welch.
Yes.
I didn't know if I--
on this matter, 37 members having
voted in the affirmative, zero members
having voted in the negative, the item
passes notwithstanding the objections
of the Governor, two thirds of the members
having voted in the affirmative.
The senator from Hampden and Hampshire,
Mr. Lesser, office in order of which the clerk will read.
Order there when the Senate adjourns today,
adjourned to meet again on Monday next at 11:00 AM,
and the clerk be directed to dispense with the printing
of a calendar.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
Is there objection?
The Chair hears none, and the order is adopted.
The senator from Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser,
moves that when the Senate adjourns today,
it adjourn in the memory of Miguel Antonio Roldan-Castro
Sr. Of chick a-p Miguel Antonio Roldan-Castro Sr. of Chicopee,
a well-known community activist, died on Monday, August 21st,
2017 after a prolonged illness.
Miguel proudly served his community over many years
as the vice chair, and affirmative action officer,
and minority leader of the Chicopee Democratic City
Committee.
He also served as Chairman of the Chicopee Commission
on Disability, where he worked to improve the quality of life
for disabled residents of Chicopee.
Additionally, Miguel was an appointed member
of Chicopee's zoning board of appeals,
using his experience as a paralegal
to assist the city with permit and zoning issues.
Miguel also previously served as president
of the Worcester-based Hispanic Americans United
of New England.
Miguel was a proud son, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle,
and friend.
He is described by his dear friend Al Kendall of Chicopee
as having, "gone about doing good quietly."
Miguel never sought recognition for his efforts
to improve his community.
He is survived by his son, Elvis Roldan and 8-year-old grandson,
Josiah.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the motion prevails.
The Senate will be in a moment of silence.
The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Montigny,
moves that the Senate do now adjourn.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
And the Senate stands adjourned in memory of Miguel Antonio
Roldan-Castro Sr. of Chicopee, to meet again
Monday next at 11:00 AM.