WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.740 align:middle line:90% 00:00:11.740 --> 00:00:14.080 align:middle line:84% The hour at which the Senate adjourned having arrived, 00:00:14.080 --> 00:00:15.950 align:middle line:90% the Senate will come to order. 00:00:15.950 --> 00:00:18.460 align:middle line:84% The chair will ask all members, guests, and staff 00:00:18.460 --> 00:00:21.760 align:middle line:84% to rise to recite the Pledge of Allegiance of the flag. 00:00:21.760 --> 00:00:25.990 align:middle line:84% I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 00:00:25.990 --> 00:00:30.460 align:middle line:84% and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 00:00:30.460 --> 00:00:34.899 align:middle line:84% indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:00:34.899 --> 00:00:36.440 align:middle line:84% The Senate will be in a brief recess. 00:00:36.440 --> 00:00:45.420 align:middle line:90% 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:47.040 align:middle line:90% The Senate will come to order. 00:00:47.040 --> 00:00:49.920 align:middle line:84% One member comes before the Senate for its final passage, 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:52.500 align:middle line:84% and under constitution, requires a standing 00:00:52.500 --> 00:00:58.090 align:middle line:84% vote because it contains an emergency preamble. 00:00:58.090 --> 00:01:00.090 align:middle line:84% An act establishing a sick leave bank 00:01:00.090 --> 00:01:06.270 align:middle line:84% for Mary Goddard, an employee of the Department of Corrections. 00:01:06.270 --> 00:01:11.070 align:middle line:84% Those voting for the emergency preamble, please rise. 00:01:11.070 --> 00:01:12.990 align:middle line:90% Please be seated. 00:01:12.990 --> 00:01:14.535 align:middle line:90% Those opposed, please rise. 00:01:14.535 --> 00:01:18.380 align:middle line:90% 00:01:18.380 --> 00:01:20.170 align:middle line:84% Two members voting in the affirmative, 00:01:20.170 --> 00:01:22.300 align:middle line:90% none in the negative. 00:01:22.300 --> 00:01:26.089 align:middle line:90% The emergency preamble prevails. 00:01:26.089 --> 00:01:27.630 align:middle line:84% The Senate will be in a brief recess. 00:01:27.630 --> 00:01:39.520 align:middle line:90% 00:01:39.520 --> 00:01:41.959 align:middle line:84% The Senate will be in recess subject 00:01:41.959 --> 00:01:43.000 align:middle line:90% to the call of the chair. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:58.160 align:middle line:90% 00:01:58.160 --> 00:02:01.940 align:middle line:84% --on one matter comes before the Senate for its final passage, 00:02:01.940 --> 00:02:05.450 align:middle line:84% and under the Constitution, requires a call of the yeas 00:02:05.450 --> 00:02:06.470 align:middle line:90% and nays. 00:02:06.470 --> 00:02:09.949 align:middle line:84% An act establishing a garden of peace trust fund Senate number 00:02:09.949 --> 00:02:12.110 align:middle line:90% 2372. 00:02:12.110 --> 00:02:13.340 align:middle line:90% The clerk will call the roll. 00:02:13.340 --> 00:02:29.340 align:middle line:90% 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:30.360 align:middle line:90% Michael J Barrett. 00:02:30.360 --> 00:02:34.480 align:middle line:90% 00:02:34.480 --> 00:02:35.680 align:middle line:90% Joseph A. Boncore. 00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:38.970 align:middle line:90% 00:02:38.970 --> 00:02:39.815 align:middle line:90% Michael D Brady. 00:02:39.815 --> 00:02:42.410 align:middle line:90% 00:02:42.410 --> 00:02:43.953 align:middle line:90% William N Brownsberger. 00:02:43.953 --> 00:02:48.790 align:middle line:90% 00:02:48.790 --> 00:02:49.960 align:middle line:90% Sonia Chang-Diaz. 00:02:49.960 --> 00:02:53.480 align:middle line:90% 00:02:53.480 --> 00:02:54.624 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Stone Creem. 00:02:54.624 --> 00:02:57.530 align:middle line:90% 00:02:57.530 --> 00:02:58.875 align:middle line:90% Brendan P Crighton. 00:02:58.875 --> 00:03:01.550 align:middle line:90% 00:03:01.550 --> 00:03:02.360 align:middle line:90% Julian Cyr. 00:03:02.360 --> 00:03:05.832 align:middle line:90% 00:03:05.832 --> 00:03:09.800 align:middle line:90% Viriato M de Macedo. 00:03:09.800 --> 00:03:11.286 align:middle line:90% Sal N. DiDomenico. 00:03:11.286 --> 00:03:13.950 align:middle line:90% 00:03:13.950 --> 00:03:14.760 align:middle line:90% James B Eldridge. 00:03:14.760 --> 00:03:18.300 align:middle line:90% 00:03:18.300 --> 00:03:19.070 align:middle line:90% Ryan C Fattman. 00:03:19.070 --> 00:03:22.010 align:middle line:90% 00:03:22.010 --> 00:03:23.000 align:middle line:90% Paul R Feeney. 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:23.780 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:23.780 --> 00:03:26.130 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:26.130 --> 00:03:29.350 align:middle line:90% Cindy F Friedman, yes. 00:03:29.350 --> 00:03:30.130 align:middle line:90% Anne M Gobi. 00:03:30.130 --> 00:03:31.190 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:31.190 --> 00:03:32.340 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:32.340 --> 00:03:35.850 align:middle line:90% Adam G Hinds, yes. 00:03:35.850 --> 00:03:37.170 align:middle line:90% Donald F Humason, Jr. 00:03:37.170 --> 00:03:37.890 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:37.890 --> 00:03:39.530 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:39.530 --> 00:03:43.060 align:middle line:90% Patricia D Jehlen. 00:03:43.060 --> 00:03:43.980 align:middle line:90% John F Keenan. 00:03:43.980 --> 00:03:44.620 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:44.620 --> 00:03:45.862 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:45.862 --> 00:03:47.496 align:middle line:90% Eric P Lesser. 00:03:47.496 --> 00:03:48.430 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:48.430 --> 00:03:49.980 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:03:49.980 --> 00:03:50.940 align:middle line:90% Jason M Lewis. 00:03:50.940 --> 00:03:53.830 align:middle line:90% 00:03:53.830 --> 00:03:55.305 align:middle line:90% Barbara a L'Italien. 00:03:55.305 --> 00:03:57.980 align:middle line:90% 00:03:57.980 --> 00:04:02.870 align:middle line:90% Joan B Lovely. 00:04:02.870 --> 00:04:04.260 align:middle line:90% Mark C Montigny. 00:04:04.260 --> 00:04:07.410 align:middle line:90% 00:04:07.410 --> 00:04:08.380 align:middle line:90% Michael O Moore. 00:04:08.380 --> 00:04:09.040 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:09.040 --> 00:04:11.230 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:11.230 --> 00:04:12.105 align:middle line:90% Patrick M O'Connor. 00:04:12.105 --> 00:04:15.000 align:middle line:90% 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:16.345 align:middle line:90% Kathleen O'Connor Ives. 00:04:16.345 --> 00:04:16.844 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:16.844 --> 00:04:17.343 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:17.343 --> 00:04:20.029 align:middle line:90% 00:04:20.029 --> 00:04:21.147 align:middle line:90% Marc R Pacheco. 00:04:21.147 --> 00:04:21.647 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:21.647 --> 00:04:23.840 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:23.840 --> 00:04:25.130 align:middle line:90% Michael J Rodrigues. 00:04:25.130 --> 00:04:25.640 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:25.640 --> 00:04:27.620 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:27.620 --> 00:04:28.910 align:middle line:90% Stanley C Rosenberg. 00:04:28.910 --> 00:04:29.720 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:32.060 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:32.975 align:middle line:90% Richard J Ross. 00:04:32.975 --> 00:04:38.470 align:middle line:90% 00:04:38.470 --> 00:04:41.046 align:middle line:90% Michael F Rush. 00:04:41.046 --> 00:04:41.670 align:middle line:90% Karen E Spilka. 00:04:41.670 --> 00:04:44.330 align:middle line:90% 00:04:44.330 --> 00:04:47.402 align:middle line:90% Bruce E Tarr. 00:04:47.402 --> 00:04:48.870 align:middle line:90% Walter F Timilty. 00:04:48.870 --> 00:04:51.680 align:middle line:90% 00:04:51.680 --> 00:04:52.550 align:middle line:90% Dean A Tran. 00:04:52.550 --> 00:04:53.450 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:53.450 --> 00:04:55.250 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:04:55.250 --> 00:04:56.360 align:middle line:90% James T Welch. 00:04:56.360 --> 00:05:06.060 align:middle line:90% 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:07.040 align:middle line:90% Harriette L Chandler. 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:07.740 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:05:07.740 --> 00:05:10.044 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:05:10.044 --> 00:05:14.820 align:middle line:84% The Senator from the Cape and islands, Senator Julian Cyr. 00:05:14.820 --> 00:05:16.690 align:middle line:90% Julian's Cyr votes yes. 00:05:16.690 --> 00:05:18.790 align:middle line:84% The senator from 3rd Essex, Mr. Crighton. 00:05:18.790 --> 00:05:20.281 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:05:20.281 --> 00:05:21.772 align:middle line:90% We have not. 00:05:21.772 --> 00:05:23.760 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:05:23.760 --> 00:05:25.900 align:middle line:90% Brendan P Crighton votes yes. 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:29.360 align:middle line:84% The senator from Worcester and Norfolk, Mr. Fattmann. 00:05:29.360 --> 00:05:29.870 align:middle line:90% I'm sorry. 00:05:29.870 --> 00:05:36.674 align:middle line:90% 00:05:36.674 --> 00:05:38.550 align:middle line:90% Ryan C Fattmann votes yes. 00:05:38.550 --> 00:05:40.914 align:middle line:90% Tran? 00:05:40.914 --> 00:05:45.270 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem. 00:05:45.270 --> 00:05:49.743 align:middle line:90% 00:05:49.743 --> 00:05:50.737 align:middle line:90% Creem. 00:05:50.737 --> 00:05:52.228 align:middle line:90% Senator Creem. 00:05:52.228 --> 00:05:54.730 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:05:54.730 --> 00:05:57.520 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Stone Creem. 00:05:57.520 --> 00:05:58.760 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:05:58.760 --> 00:06:02.000 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka. 00:06:02.000 --> 00:06:05.381 align:middle line:90% 00:06:05.381 --> 00:06:08.510 align:middle line:90% Karen E Spilka, yes. 00:06:08.510 --> 00:06:11.072 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico. 00:06:11.072 --> 00:06:13.844 align:middle line:90% 00:06:13.844 --> 00:06:16.890 align:middle line:90% Sal N DiDomenico votes yes. 00:06:16.890 --> 00:06:19.180 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Essex, Ms. Lovely. 00:06:19.180 --> 00:06:22.350 align:middle line:90% 00:06:22.350 --> 00:06:23.265 align:middle line:90% Joan B Lovely. 00:06:23.265 --> 00:06:23.765 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:06:23.765 --> 00:06:24.265 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:06:24.265 --> 00:06:27.215 align:middle line:84% Senator from 3rd Middlesex, Mr. Barrett. 00:06:27.215 --> 00:06:29.490 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:06:29.490 --> 00:06:31.930 align:middle line:90% Michael J Barrett votes yes. 00:06:31.930 --> 00:06:34.030 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch. 00:06:34.030 --> 00:06:38.300 align:middle line:90% 00:06:38.300 --> 00:06:40.430 align:middle line:90% James T Welch votes yes. 00:06:40.430 --> 00:06:42.500 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:43.085 align:middle line:90% Mr. Timilty. 00:06:43.085 --> 00:06:47.380 align:middle line:90% 00:06:47.380 --> 00:06:49.120 align:middle line:90% Walter F Timilty votes yes. 00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:52.080 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz. 00:06:52.080 --> 00:06:56.040 align:middle line:90% 00:06:56.040 --> 00:06:59.280 align:middle line:90% Sonia Chang-Diaz votes yes. 00:06:59.280 --> 00:07:01.920 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor. 00:07:01.920 --> 00:07:04.836 align:middle line:90% 00:07:04.836 --> 00:07:07.266 align:middle line:90% Patrick M O'Connor votes yes. 00:07:07.266 --> 00:07:10.668 align:middle line:90% 00:07:10.668 --> 00:07:14.817 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Brownsberger. 00:07:14.817 --> 00:07:24.770 align:middle line:90% 00:07:24.770 --> 00:07:27.980 align:middle line:84% William N Brownsberger votes yes. 00:07:27.980 --> 00:07:32.440 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Montigny. 00:07:32.440 --> 00:07:35.916 align:middle line:90% 00:07:35.916 --> 00:07:38.440 align:middle line:90% Mark C Montigny votes yes. 00:07:38.440 --> 00:07:41.080 align:middle line:84% The senator from the 5th Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:07:41.080 --> 00:07:45.850 align:middle line:90% 00:07:45.850 --> 00:07:48.370 align:middle line:90% Jason M Lewis votes yes. 00:07:48.370 --> 00:07:50.930 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. deMacedo. 00:07:50.930 --> 00:07:54.190 align:middle line:90% 00:07:54.190 --> 00:07:56.217 align:middle line:90% Viriato M deMacedo votes yes. 00:07:56.217 --> 00:07:59.630 align:middle line:90% 00:07:59.630 --> 00:08:02.540 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:03.545 align:middle line:90% district, Mr. Ross. 00:08:03.545 --> 00:08:07.070 align:middle line:90% 00:08:07.070 --> 00:08:09.690 align:middle line:90% Richard J Ross votes yes. 00:08:09.690 --> 00:08:10.480 align:middle line:90% Mrs. Friedman. 00:08:10.480 --> 00:08:11.974 align:middle line:90% What about Friedman? 00:08:11.974 --> 00:08:52.312 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:08:52.312 --> 00:08:57.280 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge. 00:08:57.280 --> 00:08:58.773 align:middle line:90% James B Eldridge. 00:08:58.773 --> 00:08:59.460 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:00.470 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:09:00.470 --> 00:09:04.100 align:middle line:84% The senator from Worcester and Middlesex-- 00:09:04.100 --> 00:09:04.640 align:middle line:90% excuse me. 00:09:04.640 --> 00:09:09.821 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:09:09.821 --> 00:09:12.180 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:09:12.180 --> 00:09:12.980 align:middle line:90% Bruce E Tarr. 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:13.816 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:09:13.816 --> 00:09:15.800 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:09:15.800 --> 00:09:18.776 align:middle line:84% So Boncore, Jehlen, and L'Italien? 00:09:18.776 --> 00:09:20.760 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:09:20.760 --> 00:09:22.248 align:middle line:90% She was here earlier. 00:09:22.248 --> 00:09:37.624 align:middle line:90% 00:09:37.624 --> 00:09:39.608 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:09:39.608 --> 00:09:58.952 align:middle line:90% 00:09:58.952 --> 00:10:03.080 align:middle line:84% The senator from first Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore. 00:10:03.080 --> 00:10:07.580 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:10:07.580 --> 00:10:10.158 align:middle line:90% Joseph A Boncore votes yes. 00:10:10.158 --> 00:10:27.623 align:middle line:90% 00:10:27.623 --> 00:10:30.617 align:middle line:90% They're on the elevator. 00:10:30.617 --> 00:10:32.114 align:middle line:90% Jehlen is on her way down. 00:10:32.114 --> 00:10:37.104 align:middle line:90% 00:10:37.104 --> 00:10:38.601 align:middle line:90% Just that [INAUDIBLE], right? 00:10:38.601 --> 00:10:39.599 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:10:39.599 --> 00:10:42.094 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:10:42.094 --> 00:10:58.561 align:middle line:90% 00:10:58.561 --> 00:11:02.553 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO OUT] 00:11:02.553 --> 00:14:24.580 align:middle line:90% 00:14:24.580 --> 00:14:27.280 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Essex and Middlesex, Mz. 00:14:27.280 --> 00:14:28.758 align:middle line:90% L'Italien. 00:14:28.758 --> 00:14:31.053 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:14:31.053 --> 00:14:31.971 align:middle line:90% 00:14:31.971 --> 00:14:33.950 align:middle line:90% Barbara A L'Italien votes yes. 00:14:33.950 --> 00:14:36.812 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:14:36.812 --> 00:14:41.105 align:middle line:90% 00:14:41.105 --> 00:14:44.980 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] Senate 357, the court officer 00:14:44.980 --> 00:14:49.070 align:middle line:84% will cast a vote for Senator Jehlen. 00:14:49.070 --> 00:14:50.670 align:middle line:90% Patricia D. Jehlen. 00:14:50.670 --> 00:14:51.170 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:14:51.170 --> 00:14:51.670 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:14:51.670 --> 00:15:00.010 align:middle line:90% 00:15:00.010 --> 00:15:01.805 align:middle line:90% Have all members been recorded? 00:15:01.805 --> 00:15:05.610 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKES BENCH] 00:15:05.610 --> 00:15:08.530 align:middle line:84% On this matter, 36 in the affirmative, 00:15:08.530 --> 00:15:09.940 align:middle line:90% none in the negative. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:14.730 align:middle line:84% The vote has been affirmed, and the matter 00:15:14.730 --> 00:15:17.250 align:middle line:84% will be signed by the president and laid before the governor 00:15:17.250 --> 00:15:19.750 align:middle line:90% for his approbation. 00:15:19.750 --> 00:15:20.625 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKES BENCH] 00:15:20.625 --> 00:15:21.570 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 00:15:21.570 --> 00:15:24.350 align:middle line:90% 00:15:24.350 --> 00:15:25.148 align:middle line:90% What's up? 00:15:25.148 --> 00:15:26.780 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:15:26.780 --> 00:15:27.380 align:middle line:90% I heard you. 00:15:27.380 --> 00:15:35.160 align:middle line:90% 00:15:35.160 --> 00:15:36.505 align:middle line:90% The Senate will come to order. 00:15:36.505 --> 00:15:44.420 align:middle line:90% 00:15:44.420 --> 00:15:47.420 align:middle line:84% I would like to invite the distinguished senator 00:15:47.420 --> 00:15:49.850 align:middle line:84% from Bristol and Norfolk, Mr. Feeney, 00:15:49.850 --> 00:15:53.356 align:middle line:84% to come to the podium to make a special announcement. 00:15:53.356 --> 00:15:57.330 align:middle line:90% 00:15:57.330 --> 00:15:59.000 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:16:02.300 align:middle line:84% Through you to this illustrious and upper body, 00:16:02.300 --> 00:16:04.730 align:middle line:84% I'd like to ask your indulgence as I introduce 00:16:04.730 --> 00:16:07.880 align:middle line:84% some very special guests that we have with us in our Senate 00:16:07.880 --> 00:16:10.750 align:middle line:90% chamber this afternoon. 00:16:10.750 --> 00:16:13.490 align:middle line:84% I rise to recognize the Mansfield High School boys 00:16:13.490 --> 00:16:16.580 align:middle line:84% basketball team for their first ever division I state 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:20.330 align:middle line:84% championship victory over their league rival, Franklin High 00:16:20.330 --> 00:16:21.020 align:middle line:90% School. 00:16:21.020 --> 00:16:24.115 align:middle line:84% Sorry Senator Spilka and Senator Ross. 00:16:24.115 --> 00:16:26.240 align:middle line:84% The Mansfield Hornets have been in the championship 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:28.698 align:middle line:84% before, falling just short of their goal of winning it all, 00:16:28.698 --> 00:16:32.250 align:middle line:84% but due to the leadership and 14 years of coaching experience, 00:16:32.250 --> 00:16:35.660 align:middle line:84% Mike Vaughan got this team dialed in for their final game, 00:16:35.660 --> 00:16:37.760 align:middle line:90% as they were all season long. 00:16:37.760 --> 00:16:40.160 align:middle line:84% This incredible victory put an exclamation point 00:16:40.160 --> 00:16:41.930 align:middle line:84% on a very impressive season that ended 00:16:41.930 --> 00:16:44.000 align:middle line:90% with a 20-game winning streak. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.730 align:middle line:84% The game started off as a back and forth. 00:16:45.730 --> 00:16:48.680 align:middle line:84% Franklin took a 22-16 lead in the second quarter, 00:16:48.680 --> 00:16:51.440 align:middle line:84% but the Hornets as always stormed back, 00:16:51.440 --> 00:16:53.620 align:middle line:84% with senior Sam Highland who finished 00:16:53.620 --> 00:16:56.670 align:middle line:84% the game with 17 points and five assists hit a trey, 00:16:56.670 --> 00:16:59.450 align:middle line:84% and provided two three-point buckets during a personal 9 00:16:59.450 --> 00:17:01.640 align:middle line:90% and 0 run. 00:17:01.640 --> 00:17:03.560 align:middle line:84% The Hornets, even with Franklin coming 00:17:03.560 --> 00:17:05.240 align:middle line:84% flying back towards the end of the game, 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:07.819 align:middle line:84% showed no fear or panic, Madam President. 00:17:07.819 --> 00:17:10.280 align:middle line:84% Senior John McCoy scored 18 points with 10 00:17:10.280 --> 00:17:13.760 align:middle line:84% rebounds, and was absolute money on the free throw line, 00:17:13.760 --> 00:17:16.280 align:middle line:84% draining his last 13 attempts to help seal a championship 00:17:16.280 --> 00:17:17.270 align:middle line:90% victory. 00:17:17.270 --> 00:17:19.970 align:middle line:84% The Hornets joined myself and their representatives 00:17:19.970 --> 00:17:23.089 align:middle line:84% today to get their photo with the governor, who 00:17:23.089 --> 00:17:26.492 align:middle line:84% claims he is also a pretty good basketball player, 00:17:26.492 --> 00:17:28.200 align:middle line:84% and to be recognized in the House Chamber 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.624 align:middle line:90% by their state representatives. 00:17:29.624 --> 00:17:31.790 align:middle line:84% But I want to make sure that they came to the Senate 00:17:31.790 --> 00:17:34.040 align:middle line:84% to receive the recognition that they deserve 00:17:34.040 --> 00:17:37.310 align:middle line:84% from you, Madam President, and from all of our colleagues 00:17:37.310 --> 00:17:38.540 align:middle line:90% here in the Senate. 00:17:38.540 --> 00:17:40.710 align:middle line:84% So I am thrilled and happy to have them here. 00:17:40.710 --> 00:17:42.770 align:middle line:84% They have been very patient awaiting 00:17:42.770 --> 00:17:44.152 align:middle line:90% the gavel of this session. 00:17:44.152 --> 00:17:45.860 align:middle line:84% But I'm glad that they are with us today. 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:47.420 align:middle line:84% I'm glad that we could recognize them, 00:17:47.420 --> 00:17:49.010 align:middle line:84% and I ask all my colleagues to join me 00:17:49.010 --> 00:17:51.612 align:middle line:84% in wishing the team's seven seniors luck in their future, 00:17:51.612 --> 00:17:53.570 align:middle line:84% and to give a warm welcome and congratulations. 00:17:53.570 --> 00:17:56.755 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:17:56.755 --> 00:18:09.630 align:middle line:90% 00:18:09.630 --> 00:18:12.640 align:middle line:84% Senator Feeney, you have a good opportunity 00:18:12.640 --> 00:18:15.670 align:middle line:84% to perhaps provide color in a basketball game. 00:18:15.670 --> 00:18:17.020 align:middle line:90% You're good at this. 00:18:17.020 --> 00:18:22.490 align:middle line:84% Congratulations, Mansfield High School basketball. 00:18:22.490 --> 00:18:26.700 align:middle line:84% The senator from Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Pacheco, 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:30.220 align:middle line:84% has presented resolutions which the clerk will read. 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:32.520 align:middle line:84% I, Mr. Pacheco, resolutions congratulating 00:18:32.520 --> 00:18:35.130 align:middle line:84% the Middleborough High School football team on their victory 00:18:35.130 --> 00:18:38.820 align:middle line:84% in the division VI state championship. 00:18:38.820 --> 00:18:40.440 align:middle line:90% Adoption of the resolutions. 00:18:40.440 --> 00:18:43.030 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:18:43.030 --> 00:18:45.910 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted. 00:18:45.910 --> 00:18:48.270 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex, Ms. Donoghue, 00:18:48.270 --> 00:18:51.970 align:middle line:84% has filed a communication which the clerk will read. 00:18:51.970 --> 00:18:56.670 align:middle line:84% Dear Mr. Clerk, I am writing to inform you of my resignation 00:18:56.670 --> 00:18:59.820 align:middle line:84% as the state senator from 1st Middlesex district effective as 00:18:59.820 --> 00:19:03.690 align:middle line:90% of 9:00 AM on April 11, 2018. 00:19:03.690 --> 00:19:05.700 align:middle line:84% It has been an honor to serve and represent 00:19:05.700 --> 00:19:08.700 align:middle line:84% my constituency as an elected official of the Senate. 00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:10.470 align:middle line:84% I thank you in advance for your assistance 00:19:10.470 --> 00:19:12.564 align:middle line:84% in placing this letter on file with the Senate, 00:19:12.564 --> 00:19:13.980 align:middle line:84% the Secretary of the Commonwealth, 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:15.563 align:middle line:84% and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth. 00:19:15.563 --> 00:19:17.770 align:middle line:84% Sincerely, Eileen M Donoghue, state senator, 00:19:17.770 --> 00:19:19.430 align:middle line:90% 1st Middlesex district. 00:19:19.430 --> 00:19:22.020 align:middle line:84% The senator from second Middlesex and Norfolk, 00:19:22.020 --> 00:19:23.917 align:middle line:84% Ms. Spilka moves that the communication 00:19:23.917 --> 00:19:25.000 align:middle line:90% be printed in the journal. 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:26.850 align:middle line:84% The question comes on the motion. 00:19:26.850 --> 00:19:29.560 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:19:29.560 --> 00:19:31.505 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the motion prevails, 00:19:31.505 --> 00:19:32.880 align:middle line:84% and the statement will be printed 00:19:32.880 --> 00:19:34.530 align:middle line:90% in the Journal of the Senate. 00:19:34.530 --> 00:19:36.730 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex, Ms. Jehlen, 00:19:36.730 --> 00:19:39.960 align:middle line:84% has filed a communication which the clerk will read. 00:19:39.960 --> 00:19:41.920 align:middle line:84% Dear Mr. Clerk, I was absent from the chamber 00:19:41.920 --> 00:19:45.837 align:middle line:84% for the formal session on Thursday, March 22nd, 2018. 00:19:45.837 --> 00:19:47.420 align:middle line:84% Had I been present, I would have voted 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:49.086 align:middle line:84% in the affirmative on the following roll 00:19:49.086 --> 00:19:53.401 align:middle line:84% calls: roll calls number 338, 339, and 343. 00:19:53.401 --> 00:19:54.900 align:middle line:84% And had I been present, I would have 00:19:54.900 --> 00:19:56.691 align:middle line:84% voted in the negative on the following roll 00:19:56.691 --> 00:20:00.549 align:middle line:84% calls: roll calls 340, 341, and 342. 00:20:00.549 --> 00:20:01.965 align:middle line:84% I ask that these vote be recorded, 00:20:01.965 --> 00:20:04.640 align:middle line:84% and I respectfully request that a copy of this correspondence 00:20:04.640 --> 00:20:07.239 align:middle line:84% be printed in the journal during the next session. 00:20:07.239 --> 00:20:09.530 align:middle line:84% Thank you for your assistance in this matter, sincerely 00:20:09.530 --> 00:20:12.300 align:middle line:84% Senator Patricia D Jehlen, 2nd Middlesex. 00:20:12.300 --> 00:20:16.549 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Essex, Ms. Lovely 00:20:16.549 --> 00:20:18.840 align:middle line:84% moves that the communication be printed in the journal. 00:20:18.840 --> 00:20:20.220 align:middle line:84% The question comes on the motion. 00:20:20.220 --> 00:20:23.300 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:20:23.300 --> 00:20:25.050 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the motion prevails, 00:20:25.050 --> 00:20:26.130 align:middle line:84% and the statement will be printed 00:20:26.130 --> 00:20:27.560 align:middle line:90% in the Journal of the Senate. 00:20:27.560 --> 00:20:30.220 align:middle line:84% The senator from Essex, Ms. O'Connor Ives, 00:20:30.220 --> 00:20:33.690 align:middle line:84% has filed a communication which the clerk will read. 00:20:33.690 --> 00:20:35.610 align:middle line:84% Dear Mr. Clerk, I was absent from the chamber 00:20:35.610 --> 00:20:37.720 align:middle line:84% for a portion of the formal session on Thursday, 00:20:37.720 --> 00:20:39.540 align:middle line:90% March 22nd, 2018. 00:20:39.540 --> 00:20:41.340 align:middle line:84% Had I been present, I would have voted 00:20:41.340 --> 00:20:43.006 align:middle line:84% in the affirmative on the following roll 00:20:43.006 --> 00:20:45.834 align:middle line:84% calls: amendment number 15 to Senate Bill 2355, 00:20:45.834 --> 00:20:49.890 align:middle line:84% roll call 342, Senate Bill 2355 passing the bill 00:20:49.890 --> 00:20:52.281 align:middle line:90% for engrossment, roll call 343. 00:20:52.281 --> 00:20:53.780 align:middle line:84% And had I been present, I would have 00:20:53.780 --> 00:20:55.571 align:middle line:84% voted in the negative on the following roll 00:20:55.571 --> 00:20:58.710 align:middle line:84% call: amendment number 11 to Senate Bill number 2153, roll 00:20:58.710 --> 00:21:00.222 align:middle line:90% call number 341. 00:21:00.222 --> 00:21:02.430 align:middle line:84% And I respectfully request that a copy of this letter 00:21:02.430 --> 00:21:04.980 align:middle line:84% be printed in the Senate journal as part of the official records 00:21:04.980 --> 00:21:05.920 align:middle line:90% for the next session. 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:07.385 align:middle line:84% Thank you in advance for your attention 00:21:07.385 --> 00:21:08.490 align:middle line:90% to this important matter. 00:21:08.490 --> 00:21:10.590 align:middle line:84% Sincerely, Kathleen O'Connor Ives, state senator, 00:21:10.590 --> 00:21:12.160 align:middle line:90% 1st Essex district. 00:21:12.160 --> 00:21:14.239 align:middle line:84% The senator from 4th Middlesex, Ms. Friedman 00:21:14.239 --> 00:21:16.530 align:middle line:84% moves that the communication be printed in the journal. 00:21:16.530 --> 00:21:18.480 align:middle line:84% The question comes on this motion. 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:21.130 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:21:21.130 --> 00:21:23.200 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the motion prevails. 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:25.800 align:middle line:84% The statement will be printed in the journal of the Senate. 00:21:25.800 --> 00:21:27.264 align:middle line:90% Report of the committee. 00:21:27.264 --> 00:21:29.802 align:middle line:90% 00:21:29.802 --> 00:21:31.260 align:middle line:84% The Committees on Rules [INAUDIBLE] 00:21:31.260 --> 00:21:34.270 align:middle line:84% to concurrently [INAUDIBLE] the Senate petition of Harriette L 00:21:34.270 --> 00:21:36.255 align:middle line:84% Chandler and James J O'Day for legislation 00:21:36.255 --> 00:21:38.630 align:middle line:84% to authorize the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management 00:21:38.630 --> 00:21:40.350 align:middle line:84% and Maintenance to modify and relocate 00:21:40.350 --> 00:21:42.351 align:middle line:84% an easement in the town of West Boylston. 00:21:42.351 --> 00:21:43.850 align:middle line:84% Reports recommend that Joint Rule 12 00:21:43.850 --> 00:21:45.885 align:middle line:84% be suspended with reference there to Mark C 00:21:45.885 --> 00:21:47.200 align:middle line:90% Montigny for the committee. 00:21:47.200 --> 00:21:49.300 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Worcester, Mr. Moore, 00:21:49.300 --> 00:21:53.170 align:middle line:84% moves that the Senate Rule 36 be suspended so the matter may 00:21:53.170 --> 00:21:54.400 align:middle line:90% be taken up forthwith. 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:56.827 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:21:56.827 --> 00:21:58.660 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the rule is suspended. 00:21:58.660 --> 00:22:01.930 align:middle line:84% The question now comes as suspension of Joint Rule 12. 00:22:01.930 --> 00:22:04.150 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:22:04.150 --> 00:22:06.644 align:middle line:84% And the ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. 00:22:06.644 --> 00:22:08.560 align:middle line:84% The petition will be referred to the Committee 00:22:08.560 --> 00:22:11.260 align:middle line:84% on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 00:22:11.260 --> 00:22:12.820 align:middle line:90% Paper from the House. 00:22:12.820 --> 00:22:15.250 align:middle line:84% The House petition of Daniel J Hunt for legislation 00:22:15.250 --> 00:22:17.859 align:middle line:84% to establish a sick leave bank for Daisy F Bolden, employee 00:22:17.859 --> 00:22:19.900 align:middle line:84% of the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System, 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:21.510 align:middle line:84% comes from the House with the endorsement 00:22:21.510 --> 00:22:23.590 align:middle line:84% that Joint Rule 12 has been suspended with reference 00:22:23.590 --> 00:22:25.506 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] has been referred to the Committee 00:22:25.506 --> 00:22:26.350 align:middle line:90% on Public Service. 00:22:26.350 --> 00:22:28.540 align:middle line:84% Question comes in suspension of Joint Rule 12. 00:22:28.540 --> 00:22:31.294 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:22:31.294 --> 00:22:32.710 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the petition 00:22:32.710 --> 00:22:34.876 align:middle line:84% will be referred to the Committee on Public Service. 00:22:34.876 --> 00:22:36.580 align:middle line:90% Paper from the House. 00:22:36.580 --> 00:22:39.250 align:middle line:84% The House order relative to extending until Wednesday, May 00:22:39.250 --> 00:22:42.220 align:middle line:84% 9th, 2018, the time within which the Committee on Financial 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:44.500 align:middle line:84% Services is authorized to report on the current House 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:46.967 align:middle line:84% document, House number 4383, comes from the House, 00:22:46.967 --> 00:22:48.550 align:middle line:84% where the endorsement has been adopted 00:22:48.550 --> 00:22:50.175 align:middle line:84% by the Committees on Rules to Branches, 00:22:50.175 --> 00:22:51.580 align:middle line:90% and adopted in the House. 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:54.470 align:middle line:84% The senator from 3rd Middlesex, Mr. Barrett, 00:22:54.470 --> 00:22:56.710 align:middle line:84% moves that the rules be suspended. 00:22:56.710 --> 00:22:58.360 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:22:58.360 --> 00:23:04.270 align:middle line:84% Hearing none, the question comes on adoption of the-- 00:23:04.270 --> 00:23:08.620 align:middle line:84% I'm sorry, the senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:23:08.620 --> 00:23:10.300 align:middle line:84% Well, well well, Madam President. 00:23:10.300 --> 00:23:11.426 align:middle line:90% Hello and good afternoon. 00:23:11.426 --> 00:23:13.300 align:middle line:84% It's nice to be here with you this afternoon. 00:23:13.300 --> 00:23:16.210 align:middle line:84% Wonderful to see you upon the rostrum presiding. 00:23:16.210 --> 00:23:18.400 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, I am hoping that we 00:23:18.400 --> 00:23:20.470 align:middle line:84% can get an explanation of this amendment order 00:23:20.470 --> 00:23:22.390 align:middle line:84% that now pends before the Senate, 00:23:22.390 --> 00:23:25.980 align:middle line:84% because we continue to be in the season of extension. 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:28.240 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, that is oftentimes 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:30.500 align:middle line:90% coincidental with spring. 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:33.250 align:middle line:84% We are hoping that it will not extend into summer. 00:23:33.250 --> 00:23:36.010 align:middle line:84% So I'm hoping that we can get an explanation 00:23:36.010 --> 00:23:39.310 align:middle line:84% of this particular extension or to the subject matter that it 00:23:39.310 --> 00:23:43.330 align:middle line:84% contains, the length of time, and the number of bills 00:23:43.330 --> 00:23:44.080 align:middle line:90% that are in it. 00:23:44.080 --> 00:23:45.220 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.720 align:middle line:90% Recess. 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:52.294 align:middle line:90% 00:23:52.294 --> 00:23:53.210 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:23:53.210 --> 00:23:54.460 align:middle line:90% The Senate will come to order. 00:23:54.460 --> 00:23:57.920 align:middle line:90% 00:23:57.920 --> 00:24:02.615 align:middle line:84% The senator from Middlesex and Worcester, Mr. Eldridge. 00:24:02.615 --> 00:24:07.460 align:middle line:90% 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:08.600 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:24:08.600 --> 00:24:10.891 align:middle line:84% As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial 00:24:10.891 --> 00:24:18.890 align:middle line:84% Services, I received House 3543 just on March 5th, 00:24:18.890 --> 00:24:22.220 align:middle line:84% and it has been the recommendation of the House 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:24.410 align:middle line:84% chair and I that we requested a recording date 00:24:24.410 --> 00:24:26.060 align:middle line:90% extension to May 9th. 00:24:26.060 --> 00:24:28.580 align:middle line:84% This bill and an act establishing a Massachusetts 00:24:28.580 --> 00:24:31.370 align:middle line:84% infrastructure bank was heard by the Joint Committee 00:24:31.370 --> 00:24:33.960 align:middle line:84% on Community Development and Small Business, but of course 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.668 align:middle line:84% has not been heard by the Joint Committee 00:24:35.668 --> 00:24:37.190 align:middle line:90% on Financial Services. 00:24:37.190 --> 00:24:39.350 align:middle line:84% We would like more time to review the bill, 00:24:39.350 --> 00:24:43.970 align:middle line:84% and just recently sat down with the House sponsors last week. 00:24:43.970 --> 00:24:46.550 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, that's why the committee is 00:24:46.550 --> 00:24:49.550 align:middle line:84% asking for an extension on the bill to May 9th. 00:24:49.550 --> 00:24:53.200 align:middle line:90% 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:55.769 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:24:55.769 --> 00:24:57.810 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and too, the members. 00:24:57.810 --> 00:24:59.684 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I appreciate the gentleman's 00:24:59.684 --> 00:25:01.660 align:middle line:84% explanation as well as the wonderful tie 00:25:01.660 --> 00:25:02.980 align:middle line:90% that he has on today. 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:05.350 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, I would point out 00:25:05.350 --> 00:25:08.964 align:middle line:84% that once again we see a very reasonable use of an extension 00:25:08.964 --> 00:25:10.630 align:middle line:84% order in this particular instance, where 00:25:10.630 --> 00:25:14.320 align:middle line:84% we have a single matter, a reasonable amount of time. 00:25:14.320 --> 00:25:16.330 align:middle line:84% Once again, I think we are moving 00:25:16.330 --> 00:25:17.890 align:middle line:84% in a very good direction with regard 00:25:17.890 --> 00:25:19.660 align:middle line:90% to the use of extension orders. 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:21.280 align:middle line:84% I commend the gentleman for his work 00:25:21.280 --> 00:25:23.910 align:middle line:84% in getting us to this point, and I hope the order is adopted. 00:25:23.910 --> 00:25:27.677 align:middle line:90% 00:25:27.677 --> 00:25:29.510 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the order. 00:25:29.510 --> 00:25:31.590 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:25:31.590 --> 00:25:34.550 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the order is adopted in concurrence. 00:25:34.550 --> 00:25:40.470 align:middle line:84% Several matters come before the Senate for their final passage. 00:25:40.470 --> 00:25:42.620 align:middle line:84% An act permitting a certain parcel of land 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:44.810 align:middle line:84% in the town of New Braintree to use 00:25:44.810 --> 00:25:47.750 align:middle line:84% for a solar farm and other municipal purposes; 00:25:47.750 --> 00:25:49.790 align:middle line:84% an act establishing a sick leave bank 00:25:49.790 --> 00:25:54.380 align:middle line:84% for Mary Goddard, employee of the Department of Corrections. 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:56.840 align:middle line:84% Question comes on passing the bills to be enacted. 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:59.160 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:25:59.160 --> 00:26:03.610 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bills are passed to be enacted, 00:26:03.610 --> 00:26:05.360 align:middle line:84% and the bills will be signed by president, 00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:07.610 align:middle line:84% and laid before the governor for his approbation. 00:26:07.610 --> 00:26:09.920 align:middle line:90% Paper from the House. 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:12.770 align:middle line:84% The House bill financing the production and preservation 00:26:12.770 --> 00:26:15.890 align:middle line:84% of housing for low and moderate income residents, House number 00:26:15.890 --> 00:26:18.620 align:middle line:84% 4134, comes from the House for the endorsement 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:21.320 align:middle line:84% that the House is non-concurrent in the Senate in its amendment, 00:26:21.320 --> 00:26:22.640 align:middle line:84% and has appointed a committee of conference 00:26:22.640 --> 00:26:24.770 align:middle line:84% on the disagreeing votes in the two branches, 00:26:24.770 --> 00:26:27.320 align:middle line:84% and that Representatives Honan of Boston, McGonegal 00:26:27.320 --> 00:26:29.010 align:middle line:84% of Everett, and Hill of [INAUDIBLE] 00:26:29.010 --> 00:26:31.920 align:middle line:84% are appointed on the committee on the part of the House. 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:35.360 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, 00:26:35.360 --> 00:26:37.690 align:middle line:84% moves that the Senate insist on its amendment, 00:26:37.690 --> 00:26:41.030 align:middle line:84% and concur in the appointment of a committee of conference. 00:26:41.030 --> 00:26:43.280 align:middle line:84% The question comes on this motion. 00:26:43.280 --> 00:26:44.675 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:26:44.675 --> 00:26:47.450 align:middle line:90% It's very hard to hear. 00:26:47.450 --> 00:26:49.100 align:middle line:84% The question comes on this motion. 00:26:49.100 --> 00:26:51.810 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:26:51.810 --> 00:26:54.827 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the motion prevails. 00:26:54.827 --> 00:26:56.660 align:middle line:84% The chair will appoint the following members 00:26:56.660 --> 00:26:59.370 align:middle line:84% to said committee on the part of the Senate. 00:26:59.370 --> 00:27:01.610 align:middle line:84% Boncore of Suffolk and Middlesex, 00:27:01.610 --> 00:27:04.090 align:middle line:84% Keenan of Norfolk and Plymouth, and O'Connor 00:27:04.090 --> 00:27:05.660 align:middle line:90% of Plymouth and Norfolk. 00:27:05.660 --> 00:27:10.425 align:middle line:84% The bill will be returned to the House endorsed accordingly. 00:27:10.425 --> 00:27:11.300 align:middle line:90% Paper from the House. 00:27:11.300 --> 00:27:15.050 align:middle line:90% 00:27:15.050 --> 00:27:17.570 align:middle line:84% The House bill regulating and insuring 00:27:17.570 --> 00:27:20.547 align:middle line:84% short-term rentals, House number 4327, 00:27:20.547 --> 00:27:22.880 align:middle line:84% comes from the House with the endorsement that the House 00:27:22.880 --> 00:27:25.119 align:middle line:84% in non-concurrent with the Senate in its amendment, 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:26.910 align:middle line:84% and has appointed a committee of conference 00:27:26.910 --> 00:27:28.940 align:middle line:84% on the disagreeing votes of the two branches, 00:27:28.940 --> 00:27:30.990 align:middle line:84% and that represents Michlewitz of Boston, 00:27:30.990 --> 00:27:33.500 align:middle line:84% Peake of Provincetown, and Barrows of Mansfield 00:27:33.500 --> 00:27:36.230 align:middle line:84% are appointed to the committee on the part of the House. 00:27:36.230 --> 00:27:39.390 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Middlesex, Ms. Jehlen, 00:27:39.390 --> 00:27:41.450 align:middle line:84% moves that the Senate insist on its amendment, 00:27:41.450 --> 00:27:43.908 align:middle line:84% and concur in the appointment of a committee of conference. 00:27:43.908 --> 00:27:45.560 align:middle line:84% The question comes on this motion. 00:27:45.560 --> 00:27:48.180 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:27:48.180 --> 00:27:50.550 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the motion prevails. 00:27:50.550 --> 00:27:52.400 align:middle line:84% The chair will appoint the following members 00:27:52.400 --> 00:27:54.580 align:middle line:84% to said committee on the part of the Senate. 00:27:54.580 --> 00:27:56.860 align:middle line:84% Rodrigues of Bristol and Plymouth, 00:27:56.860 --> 00:27:59.420 align:middle line:84% Spilka of Middlesex and Norfolk, and Fattmann 00:27:59.420 --> 00:28:00.890 align:middle line:90% of Worcester and Norfolk. 00:28:00.890 --> 00:28:05.332 align:middle line:84% The bill will be returned to the House endorsed accordingly. 00:28:05.332 --> 00:28:09.199 align:middle line:90% Report of the committee. 00:28:09.199 --> 00:28:11.490 align:middle line:84% The Committee on Rules to move before the Senate a bill 00:28:11.490 --> 00:28:13.490 align:middle line:84% relative to the charter of the town of Abington, 00:28:13.490 --> 00:28:16.847 align:middle line:84% printed as Senate number 2278, reports the matter 00:28:16.847 --> 00:28:19.180 align:middle line:84% be placed in the orders of the day for the next session. 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:20.860 align:middle line:84% Mark C Montigny for the committee. 00:28:20.860 --> 00:28:24.160 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Essex and Middlesex, Ms. L'Italien, 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:25.870 align:middle line:84% asks unanimous consent that the rules 00:28:25.870 --> 00:28:28.750 align:middle line:84% be suspended to allow the matter to be considered forthwith. 00:28:28.750 --> 00:28:30.260 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:28:30.260 --> 00:28:31.630 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:28:31.630 --> 00:28:34.330 align:middle line:84% Question now comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. 00:28:34.330 --> 00:28:36.859 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:28:36.859 --> 00:28:39.400 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is ordered to a third reading. 00:28:39.400 --> 00:28:41.480 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:47.050 align:middle line:84% An act ratifying the adoption of the charter 00:28:47.050 --> 00:28:51.224 align:middle line:84% of the town of Abington, printed in Senate number 2278. 00:28:51.224 --> 00:28:53.140 align:middle line:84% Its title having been changed by the Committee 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:54.389 align:middle line:90% on Bills in the third reading. 00:28:54.389 --> 00:28:55.150 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:28:55.150 --> 00:28:55.890 align:middle line:90% Time. 00:28:55.890 --> 00:28:57.640 align:middle line:84% The question now comes in passing the bill 00:28:57.640 --> 00:28:58.750 align:middle line:90% to be engrossed. 00:28:58.750 --> 00:29:01.100 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:29:01.100 --> 00:29:04.810 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:29:04.810 --> 00:29:07.150 align:middle line:84% If there is no objection, item number 00:29:07.150 --> 00:29:10.170 align:middle line:84% 110 on page 5 of the calendar, an act [INAUDIBLE] 00:29:10.170 --> 00:29:12.700 align:middle line:84% to increasing City of Gloucester parking fines, 00:29:12.700 --> 00:29:17.020 align:middle line:84% Senate number 2223, will be considered forthwith. 00:29:17.020 --> 00:29:18.440 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:29:18.440 --> 00:29:19.960 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.850 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:29:21.850 --> 00:29:25.360 align:middle line:84% An act increasing parking fines in the City of Gloucester, 00:29:25.360 --> 00:29:28.060 align:middle line:90% Senate number 2223. 00:29:28.060 --> 00:29:29.680 align:middle line:84% --of passing the bill to be engrossed. 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:32.360 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:29:32.360 --> 00:29:34.930 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:29:34.930 --> 00:29:36.820 align:middle line:84% If there is no objection, item number 00:29:36.820 --> 00:29:40.130 align:middle line:90% 152 on page 7 of the calendar. 00:29:40.130 --> 00:29:42.730 align:middle line:84% An act amending the charter of the Town 00:29:42.730 --> 00:29:46.000 align:middle line:84% of Chelmsford, House number 4243, 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:48.250 align:middle line:90% will be considered forthwith. 00:29:48.250 --> 00:29:49.700 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.710 align:middle line:90% Chair hears none. 00:29:50.710 --> 00:29:51.850 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:29:51.850 --> 00:29:54.356 align:middle line:90% 00:29:54.356 --> 00:29:57.430 align:middle line:84% An act amending the charter of the Town of Chelmsford, House 00:29:57.430 --> 00:29:59.080 align:middle line:90% number 4243. 00:29:59.080 --> 00:30:01.360 align:middle line:84% It now comes to passing the bill to the engrossed. 00:30:01.360 --> 00:30:03.530 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:30:03.530 --> 00:30:06.579 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.120 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 00:30:07.120 --> 00:30:14.410 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:30:14.410 --> 00:30:18.460 align:middle line:84% Senator Pacheco, I would like to invite you representing 00:30:18.460 --> 00:30:22.300 align:middle line:84% the District of 1st Plymouth and Bristol 00:30:22.300 --> 00:30:27.840 align:middle line:84% to introduce some important guests that you have. 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:29.925 align:middle line:84% Thank you very much, Madam President. 00:30:29.925 --> 00:30:35.190 align:middle line:84% It is my honor to present to the body 00:30:35.190 --> 00:30:47.370 align:middle line:84% the 2017-2018 state champions for division IV MIAA Coyle 00:30:47.370 --> 00:30:51.120 align:middle line:90% and Cassidy Lady Warriors. 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:53.370 align:middle line:84% Let's give them a nice round of applause. 00:30:53.370 --> 00:30:56.744 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 00:30:56.744 --> 00:31:06.890 align:middle line:90% 00:31:06.890 --> 00:31:14.030 align:middle line:84% Their team was successful in winning the state championship 00:31:14.030 --> 00:31:19.460 align:middle line:84% in basketball for division IV, and we sincerely want 00:31:19.460 --> 00:31:24.740 align:middle line:84% to congratulate them, and in particular, their head coach, 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:29.150 align:middle line:84% Michael O'Brien of Somerset, assistant coach Tim 00:31:29.150 --> 00:31:37.670 align:middle line:84% Mosher of Taunton, and assistant coach Bob Casey of Taunton. 00:31:37.670 --> 00:31:43.730 align:middle line:84% Ladies, you make us all proud, and they were successful-- 00:31:43.730 --> 00:31:47.270 align:middle line:90% I believe the school was 58-35-- 00:31:47.270 --> 00:31:49.310 align:middle line:90% was that it? 00:31:49.310 --> 00:31:52.850 align:middle line:90% 58 to 35 against Munson. 00:31:52.850 --> 00:31:56.390 align:middle line:84% Sorry Munson, but that's the way it is. 00:31:56.390 --> 00:32:02.390 align:middle line:84% And we want to again send our highest congratulations 00:32:02.390 --> 00:32:06.920 align:middle line:84% to all of you in your significant athletic 00:32:06.920 --> 00:32:08.750 align:middle line:90% achievement this year. 00:32:08.750 --> 00:32:09.260 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:32:09.260 --> 00:32:38.590 align:middle line:90% 00:32:38.590 --> 00:32:40.060 align:middle line:84% --there's no objection, item number 00:32:40.060 --> 00:32:43.060 align:middle line:90% 155 on page 7 of the calendar. 00:32:43.060 --> 00:32:45.824 align:middle line:84% An act relative to the membership of the licensing 00:32:45.824 --> 00:32:47.740 align:middle line:84% commission and Board of Election commissioners 00:32:47.740 --> 00:32:51.400 align:middle line:84% in the city of Somerville, Senate number 2294, 00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:53.290 align:middle line:90% will be considered forthwith. 00:32:53.290 --> 00:32:54.470 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:32:54.470 --> 00:32:55.410 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:32:55.410 --> 00:32:57.130 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:32:57.130 --> 00:32:59.617 align:middle line:84% An act for the regulating the membership of the Licensing 00:32:59.617 --> 00:33:01.700 align:middle line:84% Commission and the Board of Election commissioners 00:33:01.700 --> 00:33:04.139 align:middle line:84% in the City of Somerville, Senate number 2294 00:33:04.139 --> 00:33:06.430 align:middle line:84% changed by the Committee on Bills in the third reading. 00:33:06.430 --> 00:33:08.254 align:middle line:84% The question now comes of passing the bill 00:33:08.254 --> 00:33:08.920 align:middle line:90% to be engrossed. 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:11.165 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:33:11.165 --> 00:33:13.540 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:33:13.540 --> 00:33:17.920 align:middle line:84% If there's no objection, item number 178 on page 4 00:33:17.920 --> 00:33:20.560 align:middle line:84% in the notice section of the calendar, an act authorizing 00:33:20.560 --> 00:33:23.470 align:middle line:84% the town of Westport to grant one additional liquor 00:33:23.470 --> 00:33:25.810 align:middle line:84% license for the sale of wine and malt beverages 00:33:25.810 --> 00:33:27.390 align:middle line:90% not to be drunk on the premises. 00:33:27.390 --> 00:33:31.390 align:middle line:84% Senate number 2302 will be considered forthwith. 00:33:31.390 --> 00:33:32.490 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 00:33:32.490 --> 00:33:33.552 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:33:33.552 --> 00:33:36.010 align:middle line:84% The question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. 00:33:36.010 --> 00:33:38.630 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:33:38.630 --> 00:33:41.260 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is ordered to a third reading. 00:33:41.260 --> 00:33:43.010 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:33:43.010 --> 00:33:44.860 align:middle line:84% And act authorized to the Town of Westport 00:33:44.860 --> 00:33:47.890 align:middle line:84% to grant one additional license for the sale of wines and malt 00:33:47.890 --> 00:33:49.730 align:middle line:84% beverages not to be drunk on the premises. 00:33:49.730 --> 00:33:51.500 align:middle line:84% Senate number 2303, its title having 00:33:51.500 --> 00:33:53.470 align:middle line:84% been changed by the Committee on Bills in the third reading. 00:33:53.470 --> 00:33:55.180 align:middle line:84% The question now comes of passing the bill 00:33:55.180 --> 00:33:55.846 align:middle line:90% to be engrossed. 00:33:55.846 --> 00:33:58.190 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:33:58.190 --> 00:34:01.120 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:34:01.120 --> 00:34:02.650 align:middle line:84% Is there any objection to proceeding 00:34:02.650 --> 00:34:04.590 align:middle line:90% with the order of the day? 00:34:04.590 --> 00:34:07.780 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:34:07.780 --> 00:34:13.000 align:middle line:84% On page 1 the first item is calender item 174, House number 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:15.489 align:middle line:90% 4143. 00:34:15.489 --> 00:34:18.040 align:middle line:84% Question now comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. 00:34:18.040 --> 00:34:21.080 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:34:21.080 --> 00:34:23.803 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to a third reading. 00:34:23.803 --> 00:34:27.429 align:middle line:90% 00:34:27.429 --> 00:34:32.199 align:middle line:84% The next item is calendar item 175, House number 4162. 00:34:32.199 --> 00:34:34.960 align:middle line:84% Question comes on ordering the bill to a third reading. 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:37.790 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:34:37.790 --> 00:34:40.120 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed. 00:34:40.120 --> 00:34:42.130 align:middle line:84% The bill is order to a third reading. 00:34:42.130 --> 00:34:44.050 align:middle line:84% Senator from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, 00:34:44.050 --> 00:34:47.730 align:middle line:84% and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, moves that the rules 00:34:47.730 --> 00:34:50.920 align:middle line:84% be suspended so that the matter may be considered forthwith. 00:34:50.920 --> 00:34:52.010 align:middle line:90% Is there objection? 00:34:52.010 --> 00:34:53.469 align:middle line:90% The chair hears none. 00:34:53.469 --> 00:34:55.350 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:34:55.350 --> 00:34:56.980 align:middle line:84% An act providing for the appointment 00:34:56.980 --> 00:34:59.560 align:middle line:84% of a treasurer/collector in the town of Stockbridge, House 00:34:59.560 --> 00:35:01.360 align:middle line:90% number 4162. 00:35:01.360 --> 00:35:02.890 align:middle line:84% The bill has been read a third time. 00:35:02.890 --> 00:35:05.181 align:middle line:84% The question comes on passing the bill to be engrossed. 00:35:05.181 --> 00:35:07.626 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 00:35:07.626 --> 00:35:10.000 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be engrossed. 00:35:10.000 --> 00:35:14.800 align:middle line:84% On page 2, the next item is calendar item 177, House number 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:17.670 align:middle line:90% 4367. 00:35:17.670 --> 00:35:19.155 align:middle line:90% The chair hears pass. 00:35:19.155 --> 00:35:21.700 align:middle line:90% 00:35:21.700 --> 00:35:24.580 align:middle line:90% The chair hears pass. 00:35:24.580 --> 00:35:28.300 align:middle line:90% The next item passed-- 00:35:28.300 --> 00:35:31.840 align:middle line:84% on page 3, the next item is calendar item 170, 00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:35.050 align:middle line:90% Senate number 2370. 00:35:35.050 --> 00:35:38.180 align:middle line:90% The chair hears pass. 00:35:38.180 --> 00:35:43.582 align:middle line:84% The next item the next item is calendar item 172, Senate-- 00:35:43.582 --> 00:35:44.290 align:middle line:90% chair hears pass. 00:35:44.290 --> 00:35:47.038 align:middle line:90% 00:35:47.038 --> 00:35:47.954 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:35:47.954 --> 00:35:48.790 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 00:35:48.790 --> 00:36:01.939 align:middle line:90% 00:36:01.939 --> 00:36:03.227 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:36:03.227 --> 00:36:04.310 align:middle line:90% Senate will be in session. 00:36:04.310 --> 00:36:06.270 align:middle line:84% The first item passed over is calendar item 00:36:06.270 --> 00:36:09.290 align:middle line:90% 177, House number 4367. 00:36:09.290 --> 00:36:11.090 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 00:36:11.090 --> 00:36:14.540 align:middle line:84% An act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, 00:36:14.540 --> 00:36:18.950 align:middle line:90% House number 4367 amended. 00:36:18.950 --> 00:36:21.742 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:36:21.742 --> 00:36:24.200 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members. 00:36:24.200 --> 00:36:25.730 align:middle line:84% Madam President, the bill that now 00:36:25.730 --> 00:36:28.970 align:middle line:84% pends before the Senate is the so-called chapter 90 00:36:28.970 --> 00:36:31.730 align:middle line:84% authorization, which is of critical importance 00:36:31.730 --> 00:36:35.120 align:middle line:84% to providing road and bridge assistance to cities and towns 00:36:35.120 --> 00:36:37.950 align:middle line:84% all across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 00:36:37.950 --> 00:36:39.710 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, given the fact 00:36:39.710 --> 00:36:41.720 align:middle line:84% that we are now entering the construction 00:36:41.720 --> 00:36:46.430 align:middle line:84% season for this year, and that we have a statutory deadline, I 00:36:46.430 --> 00:36:50.060 align:middle line:84% believe, of April 1st, to notify the cities and towns that we 00:36:50.060 --> 00:36:54.410 align:middle line:84% are going to make appropriation for chapter 90, 00:36:54.410 --> 00:36:57.290 align:middle line:84% it is imperative that we take action on this matter as soon 00:36:57.290 --> 00:36:58.510 align:middle line:90% as possible. 00:36:58.510 --> 00:37:01.250 align:middle line:84% Now Madam President, I know that the gentleman from Quincy 00:37:01.250 --> 00:37:04.490 align:middle line:84% has been looking at this as a matter of bonding. 00:37:04.490 --> 00:37:08.030 align:middle line:84% Often, in our informal session, most recent, 00:37:08.030 --> 00:37:09.920 align:middle line:84% an amendment to what the House had 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:13.880 align:middle line:84% sent us, which makes some significant changes 00:37:13.880 --> 00:37:15.510 align:middle line:84% to the chapter 90 bill that we were 00:37:15.510 --> 00:37:18.390 align:middle line:84% sent by the House of Representatives. 00:37:18.390 --> 00:37:22.340 align:middle line:84% So I'm hoping that the gentleman from Quincy cannot only explain 00:37:22.340 --> 00:37:26.480 align:middle line:84% the bill and its general nature, but also can explain 00:37:26.480 --> 00:37:30.110 align:middle line:84% the amendment which he which he offered, 00:37:30.110 --> 00:37:33.290 align:middle line:84% which was in fact adopted, and which has been printed 00:37:33.290 --> 00:37:36.440 align:middle line:84% for the edification of the members in the prior journal 00:37:36.440 --> 00:37:39.240 align:middle line:84% and in the calendar of the Senate so that everyone would 00:37:39.240 --> 00:37:42.440 align:middle line:84% have a chance to digest and understand it prior to us 00:37:42.440 --> 00:37:46.550 align:middle line:84% taking what I hope will be some very expeditious action today. 00:37:46.550 --> 00:37:48.680 align:middle line:84% Now Madam President, I appreciate his work 00:37:48.680 --> 00:37:52.550 align:middle line:84% on this matter, and I do hope that we can move forward 00:37:52.550 --> 00:37:55.340 align:middle line:84% as expediently as possible to move 00:37:55.340 --> 00:37:57.170 align:middle line:84% this bill to the governor's desk, 00:37:57.170 --> 00:37:59.990 align:middle line:84% because our cities and towns are in fact depending 00:37:59.990 --> 00:38:01.256 align:middle line:90% on this form of assistance. 00:38:01.256 --> 00:38:02.380 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:38:02.380 --> 00:38:03.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:38:03.110 --> 00:38:05.720 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan. 00:38:05.720 --> 00:38:07.345 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, through you 00:38:07.345 --> 00:38:09.680 align:middle line:84% to my good friend from Gloucester. 00:38:09.680 --> 00:38:10.470 align:middle line:90% He is correct. 00:38:10.470 --> 00:38:12.303 align:middle line:84% This is a bill that comes up every year that 00:38:12.303 --> 00:38:14.990 align:middle line:84% is of paramount importance to the cities and towns 00:38:14.990 --> 00:38:15.800 align:middle line:90% that we represent. 00:38:15.800 --> 00:38:18.770 align:middle line:84% And it's this time of year that they get a little itchy, 00:38:18.770 --> 00:38:21.020 align:middle line:84% so that they can get the funds necessary to get 00:38:21.020 --> 00:38:23.510 align:middle line:84% the work done in the upcoming construction season. 00:38:23.510 --> 00:38:25.910 align:middle line:90% That's work on streets. 00:38:25.910 --> 00:38:27.460 align:middle line:84% Whether it's repairing those streets 00:38:27.460 --> 00:38:29.720 align:middle line:84% or doing full-depth reconstruction, 00:38:29.720 --> 00:38:32.840 align:middle line:84% its important work that is quite timely. 00:38:32.840 --> 00:38:36.020 align:middle line:84% What this bill does is authorize the Commonwealth 00:38:36.020 --> 00:38:40.880 align:middle line:84% to apportion $200 million to each one of the cities 00:38:40.880 --> 00:38:42.170 align:middle line:90% and towns. 00:38:42.170 --> 00:38:44.210 align:middle line:84% And the gentleman referenced an amendment 00:38:44.210 --> 00:38:46.234 align:middle line:84% that was done on Monday, and I will just 00:38:46.234 --> 00:38:47.150 align:middle line:90% touch on that briefly. 00:38:47.150 --> 00:38:50.560 align:middle line:84% As the bill came over, it is a $200 million 00:38:50.560 --> 00:38:54.380 align:middle line:84% authorization for one year, and the terms of the bill 00:38:54.380 --> 00:38:57.000 align:middle line:84% is that it would be financed over 30 years. 00:38:57.000 --> 00:39:00.320 align:middle line:84% The amendment that was introduced on Monday 00:39:00.320 --> 00:39:02.880 align:middle line:90% would change a couple things. 00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:05.070 align:middle line:84% First, it would take it from a $200 million 00:39:05.070 --> 00:39:09.050 align:middle line:84% authorization to a $600 million dollar authorization. 00:39:09.050 --> 00:39:12.950 align:middle line:84% But that $600 million would be apportioned over three years. 00:39:12.950 --> 00:39:15.530 align:middle line:84% And the benefit of that is that our communities-- our cities 00:39:15.530 --> 00:39:18.050 align:middle line:84% and towns --would have the benefit of knowing 00:39:18.050 --> 00:39:20.320 align:middle line:84% that the money that is already in place 00:39:20.320 --> 00:39:24.960 align:middle line:84% is subject to release each year, $200 million per year, 00:39:24.960 --> 00:39:29.900 align:middle line:84% but it is there; it is ready, and it takes the anticipation 00:39:29.900 --> 00:39:32.624 align:middle line:84% of the legislative process every year out of the equation, 00:39:32.624 --> 00:39:34.040 align:middle line:84% so they can anticipate that money. 00:39:34.040 --> 00:39:37.280 align:middle line:84% They can better plan because of that. 00:39:37.280 --> 00:39:38.810 align:middle line:84% The other thing that it does is it 00:39:38.810 --> 00:39:42.110 align:middle line:84% reduces the term of the bond from 30 years 00:39:42.110 --> 00:39:45.470 align:middle line:84% to 20 years, much like a shorter financing 00:39:45.470 --> 00:39:47.240 align:middle line:90% of a home with a mortgage. 00:39:47.240 --> 00:39:49.550 align:middle line:84% This will save the Commonwealth money. 00:39:49.550 --> 00:39:52.680 align:middle line:84% It will save the Commonwealth about $50 million dollars, 00:39:52.680 --> 00:39:56.300 align:middle line:84% depending upon the rate that is ultimately 00:39:56.300 --> 00:39:58.040 align:middle line:84% used when the bonds are sold, but it 00:39:58.040 --> 00:40:01.800 align:middle line:84% will save, by estimates of ANF, about $50 million, 00:40:01.800 --> 00:40:04.259 align:middle line:84% and the additional annual debt service 00:40:04.259 --> 00:40:05.300 align:middle line:90% will be about $3 million. 00:40:05.300 --> 00:40:09.200 align:middle line:84% The idea of doing this with 20 years 00:40:09.200 --> 00:40:12.410 align:middle line:84% is consistent with what the state has done historically. 00:40:12.410 --> 00:40:15.750 align:middle line:84% Some of the bond bills are packaged for 10 years, 00:40:15.750 --> 00:40:17.125 align:middle line:90% 20 years, or 30 years. 00:40:17.125 --> 00:40:19.000 align:middle line:84% It doesn't take away any of that flexibility. 00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:22.220 align:middle line:84% In fact, it does direct that this be a 20-year bond there, 00:40:22.220 --> 00:40:25.160 align:middle line:84% which is consistent in many cases with the work that's 00:40:25.160 --> 00:40:27.110 align:middle line:90% being done. 00:40:27.110 --> 00:40:32.870 align:middle line:84% As far as the timing on this, we will pass this. 00:40:32.870 --> 00:40:34.497 align:middle line:84% It will be worked out with the House, 00:40:34.497 --> 00:40:36.080 align:middle line:84% and it will get to the governor's desk 00:40:36.080 --> 00:40:38.166 align:middle line:90% as quickly as possible. 00:40:38.166 --> 00:40:40.040 align:middle line:84% What we're doing here is consistent with what 00:40:40.040 --> 00:40:42.890 align:middle line:84% we have done in the past relative to timing. 00:40:42.890 --> 00:40:45.140 align:middle line:84% And also what we're doing here in terms 00:40:45.140 --> 00:40:48.290 align:middle line:84% of the length of the authorization-- 00:40:48.290 --> 00:40:49.910 align:middle line:84% a multi-year authorization --is also 00:40:49.910 --> 00:40:52.624 align:middle line:84% consistent with what has been done in this body 00:40:52.624 --> 00:40:54.290 align:middle line:84% a few times over the last several years, 00:40:54.290 --> 00:40:59.570 align:middle line:84% and indeed was a fairly regular practice up until about 2011. 00:40:59.570 --> 00:41:02.870 align:middle line:84% With that, Madam President, I urge passage of the bill, 00:41:02.870 --> 00:41:05.335 align:middle line:84% and understanding that it does require a roll call, 00:41:05.335 --> 00:41:08.170 align:middle line:84% and nonetheless I ask that when the bill be voted on, 00:41:08.170 --> 00:41:10.420 align:middle line:84% it would be voted on with a call of the yeas and nays. 00:41:10.420 --> 00:41:12.420 align:middle line:84% And again, I thank my gentleman from Gloucester, 00:41:12.420 --> 00:41:14.327 align:middle line:84% and I thank Ways and Means, and everybody 00:41:14.327 --> 00:41:16.660 align:middle line:84% else who played a role, and our Transportation Committee 00:41:16.660 --> 00:41:20.360 align:middle line:84% chair in making this a priority and moving this as quickly as 00:41:20.360 --> 00:41:20.860 align:middle line:90% possible. 00:41:20.860 --> 00:41:21.720 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:41:21.720 --> 00:41:23.650 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, 00:41:23.650 --> 00:41:25.709 align:middle line:84% Mr. Keenan has asked that when a vote is taken, 00:41:25.709 --> 00:41:27.500 align:middle line:84% it be taken by a call of the yeas and nays. 00:41:27.500 --> 00:41:29.958 align:middle line:84% Those members joining with him, please rise and be counted. 00:41:29.958 --> 00:41:34.980 align:middle line:90% 00:41:34.980 --> 00:41:37.400 align:middle line:84% A sufficient number of members having arisen, 00:41:37.400 --> 00:41:39.650 align:middle line:84% the yeas and nays will be ordered. 00:41:39.650 --> 00:41:43.700 align:middle line:84% The chair asks the clerk to call the chair as well. 00:41:43.700 --> 00:41:48.022 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:41:48.022 --> 00:41:50.480 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you to the members, 00:41:50.480 --> 00:41:52.970 align:middle line:84% and through you to my good friend from Quincy 00:41:52.970 --> 00:41:55.430 align:middle line:84% who gave us an outstanding explanation of what's 00:41:55.430 --> 00:41:56.190 align:middle line:90% happening here. 00:41:56.190 --> 00:42:00.290 align:middle line:84% And I also want to thank him for the prudent course in which he 00:42:00.290 --> 00:42:02.930 align:middle line:84% is guiding us relative to shortening 00:42:02.930 --> 00:42:05.810 align:middle line:84% the time for the borrowing, saving some dollars on debt 00:42:05.810 --> 00:42:08.510 align:middle line:84% service, and also giving some certainty to the cities 00:42:08.510 --> 00:42:10.760 align:middle line:84% and towns so that they don't face 00:42:10.760 --> 00:42:13.760 align:middle line:84% a continuing state of uncertainty in years to come. 00:42:13.760 --> 00:42:16.880 align:middle line:84% Madam President, there has been some indication 00:42:16.880 --> 00:42:19.190 align:middle line:84% from the various cities and towns of concern 00:42:19.190 --> 00:42:22.070 align:middle line:90% about the $200 million amount. 00:42:22.070 --> 00:42:24.710 align:middle line:84% And I know that it is an appropriate amount 00:42:24.710 --> 00:42:29.270 align:middle line:84% for this year, and has been accordingly budgeted as such, 00:42:29.270 --> 00:42:31.700 align:middle line:84% but I am concerned about whether or not 00:42:31.700 --> 00:42:34.040 align:middle line:84% there is anything in the bill that is now 00:42:34.040 --> 00:42:36.980 align:middle line:84% pending before the Senate which would prohibit us 00:42:36.980 --> 00:42:39.770 align:middle line:84% from revisiting this next year or the year 00:42:39.770 --> 00:42:41.450 align:middle line:84% after that if we were to find ourselves 00:42:41.450 --> 00:42:45.080 align:middle line:84% in the enviable circumstance of being able to potentially add 00:42:45.080 --> 00:42:48.560 align:middle line:84% to the $200 million appropriation that's 00:42:48.560 --> 00:42:51.980 align:middle line:84% contemplated in the current bill for next year and the year 00:42:51.980 --> 00:42:52.740 align:middle line:90% beyond. 00:42:52.740 --> 00:42:54.170 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:42:54.170 --> 00:42:56.495 align:middle line:84% The senator from Norfolk and Plymouth, Mr. Keenan. 00:42:56.495 --> 00:42:57.620 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:42:57.620 --> 00:42:59.330 align:middle line:84% Through you, in response to the gentleman's question, 00:42:59.330 --> 00:43:00.746 align:middle line:84% there is nothing in this bill that 00:43:00.746 --> 00:43:02.780 align:middle line:84% would preclude the governor from introducing 00:43:02.780 --> 00:43:05.390 align:middle line:84% and the House and the Senate acting upon a supplemental bond 00:43:05.390 --> 00:43:08.520 align:middle line:84% bill dedicated to chapter 90 purposes 00:43:08.520 --> 00:43:12.692 align:middle line:84% in an additional amount to what will be approved here, 00:43:12.692 --> 00:43:15.150 align:middle line:84% and what will hopefully make its way to the governor's desk 00:43:15.150 --> 00:43:15.650 align:middle line:90% quickly. 00:43:15.650 --> 00:43:18.680 align:middle line:84% So there's nothing to preclude additional funding from being 00:43:18.680 --> 00:43:20.450 align:middle line:90% introduced at a later date. 00:43:20.450 --> 00:43:22.780 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:43:22.780 --> 00:43:24.290 align:middle line:90% The clerk will call the roll. 00:43:24.290 --> 00:43:26.126 align:middle line:90% The clerk will call the chair. 00:43:26.126 --> 00:43:43.556 align:middle line:90% 00:43:43.556 --> 00:43:45.548 align:middle line:90% Michael J Barrett. 00:43:45.548 --> 00:43:46.544 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:43:46.544 --> 00:43:48.038 align:middle line:90% Here, yes. 00:43:48.038 --> 00:43:49.034 align:middle line:90% Joseph A Boncore. 00:43:49.034 --> 00:43:52.022 align:middle line:90% 00:43:52.022 --> 00:43:55.508 align:middle line:90% Michael D Brady. 00:43:55.508 --> 00:43:56.504 align:middle line:90% Lloyd M Brownsberger. 00:43:56.504 --> 00:43:57.500 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:43:57.500 --> 00:43:58.496 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:43:58.496 --> 00:43:59.990 align:middle line:90% Harriette Chandler. 00:43:59.990 --> 00:44:00.986 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:00.986 --> 00:44:02.976 align:middle line:90% Sonia Chang-Diaz. 00:44:02.976 --> 00:44:03.476 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:03.476 --> 00:44:04.970 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Stone Creem. 00:44:04.970 --> 00:44:07.958 align:middle line:90% 00:44:07.958 --> 00:44:11.444 align:middle line:90% Brendan B Crighton. 00:44:11.444 --> 00:44:12.438 align:middle line:90% Julian Cyr. 00:44:12.438 --> 00:44:12.938 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:12.938 --> 00:44:13.934 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:13.934 --> 00:44:15.426 align:middle line:90% Viriato M deMacedo. 00:44:15.426 --> 00:44:15.926 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:15.926 --> 00:44:16.426 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:16.426 --> 00:44:18.912 align:middle line:90% Sal M DiDomenico. 00:44:18.912 --> 00:44:19.412 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:19.412 --> 00:44:20.406 align:middle line:90% James B Eldridge. 00:44:20.406 --> 00:44:20.906 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:20.906 --> 00:44:21.406 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:21.406 --> 00:44:22.896 align:middle line:90% Ryan C Fattmann. 00:44:22.896 --> 00:44:23.396 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:23.396 --> 00:44:24.392 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:24.392 --> 00:44:25.884 align:middle line:90% Paul R Feeney. 00:44:25.884 --> 00:44:26.384 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:26.384 --> 00:44:26.884 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:26.884 --> 00:44:29.370 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Friedman. 00:44:29.370 --> 00:44:29.870 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:29.870 --> 00:44:30.866 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:30.866 --> 00:44:31.862 align:middle line:90% Anne M Gobi. 00:44:31.862 --> 00:44:32.856 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:32.856 --> 00:44:33.356 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:33.356 --> 00:44:34.352 align:middle line:90% Adam P Hinds. 00:44:34.352 --> 00:44:37.838 align:middle line:90% 00:44:37.838 --> 00:44:39.828 align:middle line:90% Donald F Humason, Jr. 00:44:39.828 --> 00:44:40.328 align:middle line:90% Here. 00:44:40.328 --> 00:44:40.828 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:40.828 --> 00:44:42.320 align:middle line:90% Patricia D Jehlen. 00:44:42.320 --> 00:44:43.316 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:43.316 --> 00:44:44.310 align:middle line:90% John F Feeney. 00:44:44.310 --> 00:44:44.810 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:44.810 --> 00:44:45.806 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:45.806 --> 00:44:46.800 align:middle line:90% Eric P Lesser. 00:44:46.800 --> 00:44:47.300 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:47.300 --> 00:44:47.800 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:47.800 --> 00:44:48.794 align:middle line:90% Jason M Lewis. 00:44:48.794 --> 00:44:52.280 align:middle line:90% 00:44:52.280 --> 00:44:53.772 align:middle line:90% Barbara A L'Italien. 00:44:53.772 --> 00:44:54.272 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:54.272 --> 00:44:54.772 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:54.772 --> 00:44:56.264 align:middle line:90% Joan B Lovely. 00:44:56.264 --> 00:44:57.260 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:57.260 --> 00:44:58.752 align:middle line:90% Mark C Montigny. 00:44:58.752 --> 00:44:59.252 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:59.252 --> 00:44:59.752 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:44:59.752 --> 00:45:00.744 align:middle line:90% Michael O Moore. 00:45:00.744 --> 00:45:01.244 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:01.244 --> 00:45:02.240 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:02.240 --> 00:45:03.732 align:middle line:90% Patrick M O'Connor. 00:45:03.732 --> 00:45:04.232 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:04.232 --> 00:45:04.732 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:04.732 --> 00:45:06.222 align:middle line:90% Kathleen O'Connor Ives. 00:45:06.222 --> 00:45:06.722 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:06.722 --> 00:45:07.222 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:07.222 --> 00:45:08.714 align:middle line:90% Marc R Pacheco. 00:45:08.714 --> 00:45:12.200 align:middle line:90% 00:45:12.200 --> 00:45:13.692 align:middle line:90% Michael J Rodrigues. 00:45:13.692 --> 00:45:14.192 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:14.192 --> 00:45:14.692 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:14.692 --> 00:45:16.184 align:middle line:90% Stanley C Rosenberg. 00:45:16.184 --> 00:45:17.678 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:17.678 --> 00:45:18.672 align:middle line:90% Richard J Ross. 00:45:18.672 --> 00:45:19.172 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:19.172 --> 00:45:19.672 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:19.672 --> 00:45:21.164 align:middle line:90% Michael F [INAUDIBLE]. 00:45:21.164 --> 00:45:22.656 align:middle line:90% Karen E Spilka. 00:45:22.656 --> 00:45:23.156 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:45:23.156 --> 00:45:23.656 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:23.656 --> 00:45:24.650 align:middle line:90% Bruce E Tarr. 00:45:24.650 --> 00:45:25.644 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:25.644 --> 00:45:26.144 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:26.144 --> 00:45:27.636 align:middle line:90% Walter M Timilty. 00:45:27.636 --> 00:45:28.136 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:28.136 --> 00:45:28.636 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:28.636 --> 00:45:29.630 align:middle line:90% Dean J Tran. 00:45:29.630 --> 00:45:30.626 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:30.626 --> 00:45:31.537 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:31.537 --> 00:45:32.120 align:middle line:90% James T Welch. 00:45:32.120 --> 00:45:32.620 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:32.620 --> 00:45:35.606 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:45:35.606 --> 00:45:39.492 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem. 00:45:39.492 --> 00:45:42.438 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:45:42.438 --> 00:45:44.402 align:middle line:90% Cindy Stone Creem votes yes. 00:45:44.402 --> 00:45:46.366 align:middle line:90% Fattmann? 00:45:46.366 --> 00:45:50.294 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:45:50.294 --> 00:46:02.078 align:middle line:90% 00:46:02.078 --> 00:46:04.479 align:middle line:90% 5th Middlesex, Mr. Lewis. 00:46:04.479 --> 00:46:07.317 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:46:07.317 --> 00:46:10.040 align:middle line:90% 00:46:10.040 --> 00:46:12.040 align:middle line:84% The senator from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, 00:46:12.040 --> 00:46:13.874 align:middle line:90% and Hampden, Mr. Hinds. 00:46:13.874 --> 00:46:16.334 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:46:16.334 --> 00:46:19.290 align:middle line:90% Adam G Hinds votes yes. 00:46:19.290 --> 00:46:22.900 align:middle line:84% The senator from 3rd Essex, Mr. Crighton. 00:46:22.900 --> 00:46:24.820 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:46:24.820 --> 00:46:28.180 align:middle line:90% Brendan B Crighton votes yes. 00:46:28.180 --> 00:46:31.650 align:middle line:84% The senator for Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore. 00:46:31.650 --> 00:46:35.143 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] voting in the affirmative. 00:46:35.143 --> 00:46:37.638 align:middle line:90% Joseph A Boncore votes yes. 00:46:37.638 --> 00:46:46.620 align:middle line:90% 00:46:46.620 --> 00:46:53.606 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] haven't we already voted? 00:46:53.606 --> 00:46:57.598 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:46:57.598 --> 00:47:00.093 align:middle line:90% 00:47:00.093 --> 00:47:03.586 align:middle line:84% Oh, I thought we've already answered because 00:47:03.586 --> 00:47:06.580 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:47:06.580 --> 00:48:43.386 align:middle line:90% 00:48:43.386 --> 00:48:46.879 align:middle line:84% Can you let them know Donoghue's name is still on the list 00:48:46.879 --> 00:48:47.877 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:48:47.877 --> 00:48:51.370 align:middle line:84% Donoghue's name is still in the [INAUDIBLE] list. 00:48:51.370 --> 00:48:53.366 align:middle line:90% I'm just not clicking her. 00:48:53.366 --> 00:48:57.358 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO MUTED] 00:48:57.358 --> 00:49:41.630 align:middle line:90% 00:49:41.630 --> 00:49:46.288 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Plymouth and Bristol, Mr. Pacheco. 00:49:46.288 --> 00:49:57.244 align:middle line:90% 00:49:57.244 --> 00:49:58.738 align:middle line:84% Oh, I'm in the middle of this one. 00:49:58.738 --> 00:50:00.730 align:middle line:84% Madam President, presiding [INAUDIBLE] 00:50:00.730 --> 00:50:02.722 align:middle line:90% I've got [INAUDIBLE] 00:50:02.722 --> 00:50:04.216 align:middle line:90% Yes. 00:50:04.216 --> 00:50:05.230 align:middle line:90% 26? 00:50:05.230 --> 00:50:07.004 align:middle line:90% Have all members been recorded? 00:50:07.004 --> 00:50:16.270 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:50:16.270 --> 00:50:19.060 align:middle line:84% On this matter, 36 have voted in the affirmative, 00:50:19.060 --> 00:50:20.830 align:middle line:90% none in the negative. 00:50:20.830 --> 00:50:23.100 align:middle line:90% The matter is passed. 00:50:23.100 --> 00:50:23.745 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 00:50:23.745 --> 00:50:35.340 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:50:35.340 --> 00:50:39.459 align:middle line:84% --over is calendar item 172, Senate number 129. 00:50:39.459 --> 00:50:41.250 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on ordering the bill 00:50:41.250 --> 00:50:43.410 align:middle line:84% to a third reading, coming first on an amendment, 00:50:43.410 --> 00:50:45.910 align:middle line:84% as recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means. 00:50:45.910 --> 00:50:48.898 align:middle line:90% 00:50:48.898 --> 00:50:49.894 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:50:49.894 --> 00:50:50.550 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 00:50:50.550 --> 00:51:02.110 align:middle line:90% 00:51:02.110 --> 00:51:05.710 align:middle line:84% The next item passed over is calendar item 172, 00:51:05.710 --> 00:51:07.459 align:middle line:90% Senate number 129. 00:51:07.459 --> 00:51:09.250 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on ordering the bill 00:51:09.250 --> 00:51:11.920 align:middle line:84% to a third reading, coming first on an amendment, 00:51:11.920 --> 00:51:15.270 align:middle line:84% as recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means. 00:51:15.270 --> 00:51:19.981 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 00:51:19.981 --> 00:51:21.980 align:middle line:84% Why thank you, Madam President, and through you, 00:51:21.980 --> 00:51:22.754 align:middle line:90% to the members. 00:51:22.754 --> 00:51:24.170 align:middle line:84% Madam President, the bill that now 00:51:24.170 --> 00:51:26.360 align:middle line:84% pends before the Senate is one that 00:51:26.360 --> 00:51:28.670 align:middle line:84% touches a very important subject, which is 00:51:28.670 --> 00:51:31.520 align:middle line:90% the oversight of student loans. 00:51:31.520 --> 00:51:35.540 align:middle line:84% Madam President, we know how oftentimes families 00:51:35.540 --> 00:51:39.560 align:middle line:84% and students struggle to be able to afford financing higher 00:51:39.560 --> 00:51:42.140 align:middle line:84% education, and we know that it's imperative 00:51:42.140 --> 00:51:45.020 align:middle line:84% that the means by which that financing is delivered 00:51:45.020 --> 00:51:48.260 align:middle line:84% has proper oversight and proper regulation 00:51:48.260 --> 00:51:51.050 align:middle line:84% so that it is done in an appropriate way that does not 00:51:51.050 --> 00:51:56.090 align:middle line:84% cause unnecessary hardship or difficulty for those that 00:51:56.090 --> 00:52:00.170 align:middle line:84% are receiving those loans which are so important to receiving 00:52:00.170 --> 00:52:03.270 align:middle line:84% a higher education in the Commonwealth. 00:52:03.270 --> 00:52:04.760 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, there's been 00:52:04.760 --> 00:52:08.520 align:middle line:84% a lot of work done on this measure, particularly 00:52:08.520 --> 00:52:12.770 align:middle line:84% Madam President, by the Maven of the Millennials from Western 00:52:12.770 --> 00:52:15.770 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts who has done an outstanding job at piecing 00:52:15.770 --> 00:52:17.000 align:middle line:90% this bill together. 00:52:17.000 --> 00:52:19.970 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, I'm hoping that before we consider 00:52:19.970 --> 00:52:26.000 align:middle line:84% further action on this that we can hear from the gentleman who 00:52:26.000 --> 00:52:29.330 align:middle line:84% has been so diligent in piecing together 00:52:29.330 --> 00:52:32.390 align:middle line:84% the components of this bill, which I do hope passes. 00:52:32.390 --> 00:52:34.580 align:middle line:84% I know we have several amendments to consider, 00:52:34.580 --> 00:52:37.700 align:middle line:84% but I do hope ultimately that we find resolution on this today. 00:52:37.700 --> 00:52:39.560 align:middle line:84% And so that we may do that more easily, 00:52:39.560 --> 00:52:41.600 align:middle line:84% I hope that he will give us an explanation 00:52:41.600 --> 00:52:43.460 align:middle line:84% of the general architecture of the bill. 00:52:43.460 --> 00:52:44.300 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 00:52:44.300 --> 00:52:44.720 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:52:44.720 --> 00:52:47.011 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 00:52:47.011 --> 00:52:53.831 align:middle line:90% 00:52:53.831 --> 00:52:56.330 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, to the members. 00:52:56.330 --> 00:52:58.329 align:middle line:84% And I'd like to thank the distinguished minority 00:52:58.329 --> 00:53:01.490 align:middle line:84% leader for his partnership and his bipartisan commitment 00:53:01.490 --> 00:53:03.867 align:middle line:90% to our commonwealth's students. 00:53:03.867 --> 00:53:05.450 align:middle line:84% First, there are quite a lot of people 00:53:05.450 --> 00:53:08.342 align:middle line:84% I'd like to thank for getting us to this point today. 00:53:08.342 --> 00:53:10.550 align:middle line:84% I would certainly like to thank you, Madam President, 00:53:10.550 --> 00:53:13.220 align:middle line:84% for bringing this bill to the floor today, 00:53:13.220 --> 00:53:15.890 align:middle line:84% as well as our distinguished Ways and Means 00:53:15.890 --> 00:53:19.670 align:middle line:84% chair for her work and partnership on this issue. 00:53:19.670 --> 00:53:21.620 align:middle line:84% I'd also like to thank our distinguished 00:53:21.620 --> 00:53:24.980 align:middle line:84% chair of the Consumer Protection and Professional licensure 00:53:24.980 --> 00:53:28.190 align:middle line:84% committee, Senator L'Italien, who's been a wonderful partner 00:53:28.190 --> 00:53:31.700 align:middle line:84% and champion on this issue as well, along with our chair 00:53:31.700 --> 00:53:35.360 align:middle line:84% of our Financial Services Committee, Senator Eldridge. 00:53:35.360 --> 00:53:38.510 align:middle line:84% And you'll be hearing shortly from a friend of mine 00:53:38.510 --> 00:53:40.400 align:middle line:84% and a fellow millennial senator who's 00:53:40.400 --> 00:53:43.940 align:middle line:84% the primary co-sponsor of this bill, my colleague from Cape 00:53:43.940 --> 00:53:45.790 align:middle line:90% Cod, Senator Cyr. 00:53:45.790 --> 00:53:48.830 align:middle line:84% And I'd also like to thank our attorney general, Maura Healey, 00:53:48.830 --> 00:53:51.830 align:middle line:84% for the leadership she's shown in setting up the Student Loan 00:53:51.830 --> 00:53:55.460 align:middle line:84% Assistance Unit in 2015 when she was first elected 00:53:55.460 --> 00:53:57.650 align:middle line:84% to her position, and the leadership she showed 00:53:57.650 --> 00:54:00.950 align:middle line:84% in leading a broad coalition of attorneys general 00:54:00.950 --> 00:54:03.500 align:middle line:84% who are holding the student loan industry and student 00:54:03.500 --> 00:54:07.010 align:middle line:84% loans servicers accountable, and holding the Federal 00:54:07.010 --> 00:54:10.070 align:middle line:84% Department of Education accountable for its negligence, 00:54:10.070 --> 00:54:13.970 align:middle line:84% frankly, in enforcing common sense student loan protections. 00:54:13.970 --> 00:54:17.192 align:middle line:84% I'd also like to thank the incredible staff of the Ways 00:54:17.192 --> 00:54:19.400 align:middle line:84% and Means Committee of the Senate President's office, 00:54:19.400 --> 00:54:22.970 align:middle line:84% and my own tireless office team who 00:54:22.970 --> 00:54:27.620 align:middle line:84% has worked so hard on bringing this bill to the floor today. 00:54:27.620 --> 00:54:30.170 align:middle line:84% Madam President, there's an old saying 00:54:30.170 --> 00:54:33.740 align:middle line:84% that if you throw a frog into a pot of boiling water, 00:54:33.740 --> 00:54:35.900 align:middle line:90% the frog jumps right out. 00:54:35.900 --> 00:54:38.150 align:middle line:84% But if you put a frog in a pot of water 00:54:38.150 --> 00:54:41.160 align:middle line:84% and you slowly raise the temperature, 00:54:41.160 --> 00:54:44.810 align:middle line:84% the frog is going to cook itself without even knowing. 00:54:44.810 --> 00:54:47.570 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, we have reached the boiling point 00:54:47.570 --> 00:54:50.560 align:middle line:84% in this country on student loans. 00:54:50.560 --> 00:54:53.750 align:middle line:84% Nationally, 40 million people in the United States 00:54:53.750 --> 00:54:55.880 align:middle line:84% have outstanding student loan debt. 00:54:55.880 --> 00:54:59.030 align:middle line:84% Collectively, there are more than $1.2 trillion 00:54:59.030 --> 00:55:02.390 align:middle line:84% in outstanding student loan debt across the country. 00:55:02.390 --> 00:55:03.110 align:middle line:90% I want to repeat. 00:55:03.110 --> 00:55:06.950 align:middle line:90% That's $1.2 trillion, with a T. 00:55:06.950 --> 00:55:09.590 align:middle line:90% In just the last year-- 00:55:09.590 --> 00:55:13.460 align:middle line:84% I believe the statistics are from 2015 to 2016 00:55:13.460 --> 00:55:18.810 align:middle line:84% --there was a 14% increase in defaults in just one year. 00:55:18.810 --> 00:55:20.690 align:middle line:90% These are national statistics. 00:55:20.690 --> 00:55:24.140 align:middle line:84% Importantly, 70% of those defaults 00:55:24.140 --> 00:55:28.530 align:middle line:84% were of people who qualified for lower payments. 00:55:28.530 --> 00:55:31.940 align:middle line:84% Again, 70% of the defaults last year 00:55:31.940 --> 00:55:35.450 align:middle line:84% were from people who potentially qualified for lower payments, 00:55:35.450 --> 00:55:37.670 align:middle line:84% but were either unable to participate, 00:55:37.670 --> 00:55:40.820 align:middle line:84% were not made aware of their lower payment options, 00:55:40.820 --> 00:55:43.640 align:middle line:84% or were not able to because their servicers 00:55:43.640 --> 00:55:45.380 align:middle line:90% made it too difficult. 00:55:45.380 --> 00:55:47.690 align:middle line:84% Massachusetts unfortunately, although we 00:55:47.690 --> 00:55:50.210 align:middle line:84% are the beacon we are for the country, 00:55:50.210 --> 00:55:52.370 align:middle line:90% is not immune from this crisis. 00:55:52.370 --> 00:55:55.490 align:middle line:84% We are number seven in the nation in outstanding student 00:55:55.490 --> 00:55:56.570 align:middle line:90% loan balances. 00:55:56.570 --> 00:55:59.450 align:middle line:84% That is not a top 10 list, Madam President, 00:55:59.450 --> 00:56:02.390 align:middle line:84% that we should be proud of being a part of. 00:56:02.390 --> 00:56:05.390 align:middle line:84% In Massachusetts, one in four people 00:56:05.390 --> 00:56:07.250 align:middle line:84% have outstanding student loan balances. 00:56:07.250 --> 00:56:11.870 align:middle line:84% I want to repeat, one in four residents of Massachusetts 00:56:11.870 --> 00:56:14.840 align:middle line:84% have outstanding student loan debt balances. 00:56:14.840 --> 00:56:17.690 align:middle line:84% And there has been a 70% increase 00:56:17.690 --> 00:56:21.230 align:middle line:84% in the outstanding debt held by Massachusetts residents 00:56:21.230 --> 00:56:22.725 align:middle line:90% in just the past 10 years. 00:56:22.725 --> 00:56:26.525 align:middle line:90% 00:56:26.525 --> 00:56:28.900 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 00:56:28.900 --> 00:56:33.599 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex, Ms. O'Connor Ives. 00:56:33.599 --> 00:56:35.571 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 00:56:35.571 --> 00:56:37.550 align:middle line:90% 00:56:37.550 --> 00:56:38.220 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:56:38.220 --> 00:56:39.170 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 00:56:39.170 --> 00:56:44.620 align:middle line:84% The lady from 1st Essex is having great difficulty 00:56:44.620 --> 00:56:46.630 align:middle line:90% hearing, as is everybody here. 00:56:46.630 --> 00:56:49.450 align:middle line:84% So I would ask that you subdue your conversations, 00:56:49.450 --> 00:56:51.970 align:middle line:84% take your seats, and pay attention 00:56:51.970 --> 00:56:55.060 align:middle line:90% to the discussion is going on. 00:56:55.060 --> 00:56:55.960 align:middle line:90% Gentlemen. 00:56:55.960 --> 00:56:58.460 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, to the members. 00:56:58.460 --> 00:57:01.660 align:middle line:84% The statistics are overwhelming, are alarming, 00:57:01.660 --> 00:57:04.104 align:middle line:84% and are harrowing, but it's important to remember 00:57:04.104 --> 00:57:05.770 align:middle line:84% that this debate, at the end of the day, 00:57:05.770 --> 00:57:07.900 align:middle line:84% is about real people and the impact 00:57:07.900 --> 00:57:11.530 align:middle line:84% that the failure to enforce common sense 00:57:11.530 --> 00:57:13.600 align:middle line:84% protections on student loan servicers 00:57:13.600 --> 00:57:16.960 align:middle line:90% is having on everyday people. 00:57:16.960 --> 00:57:20.290 align:middle line:84% Last year, this body conducted a series 00:57:20.290 --> 00:57:22.600 align:middle line:84% of roundtables known as the Millennial Engagement 00:57:22.600 --> 00:57:23.560 align:middle line:90% Initiative. 00:57:23.560 --> 00:57:27.250 align:middle line:84% We toured locations across the Commonwealth-- urban locations, 00:57:27.250 --> 00:57:29.980 align:middle line:84% rural locations, suburban locations 00:57:29.980 --> 00:57:32.810 align:middle line:84% from a variety of different locations and backgrounds, 00:57:32.810 --> 00:57:34.810 align:middle line:84% and one of the things we heard from young people 00:57:34.810 --> 00:57:37.390 align:middle line:84% at those roundtables, overwhelmingly, 00:57:37.390 --> 00:57:41.350 align:middle line:84% was the stress they face from student loans. 00:57:41.350 --> 00:57:46.120 align:middle line:84% I want to share one story from a constituent of mine, Shanique, 00:57:46.120 --> 00:57:48.970 align:middle line:84% who shared her story with me and with other senators 00:57:48.970 --> 00:57:54.180 align:middle line:84% about the struggles she's faced with her student loan debt. 00:57:54.180 --> 00:57:56.500 align:middle line:84% Shanique attended Mount Ida College. 00:57:56.500 --> 00:57:58.930 align:middle line:84% We've heard about Mount Ida College; it's been in the news 00:57:58.930 --> 00:58:00.040 align:middle line:90% recently. 00:58:00.040 --> 00:58:03.730 align:middle line:84% She diligently made her student loan payments on time, 00:58:03.730 --> 00:58:06.520 align:middle line:84% but soon after graduating, she lost her job 00:58:06.520 --> 00:58:09.280 align:middle line:84% and was unemployed for six months. 00:58:09.280 --> 00:58:11.410 align:middle line:84% During this six-month period, she 00:58:11.410 --> 00:58:13.810 align:middle line:84% hadn't yet received her unemployment benefits, 00:58:13.810 --> 00:58:18.460 align:middle line:84% and was unable to make payments on her $5,000 loan to American 00:58:18.460 --> 00:58:21.880 align:middle line:90% Education Services. 00:58:21.880 --> 00:58:25.300 align:middle line:84% Shanique had to default after 90 days. 00:58:25.300 --> 00:58:28.000 align:middle line:84% Her loan was bought by the National Collegiate Student 00:58:28.000 --> 00:58:31.000 align:middle line:84% Loan Trust, which then hiked the value she owed up 00:58:31.000 --> 00:58:35.290 align:middle line:84% to $18,000, over three times her original loan amount. 00:58:35.290 --> 00:58:38.920 align:middle line:84% Think about that, a three-time increase over her original loan 00:58:38.920 --> 00:58:39.970 align:middle line:90% amount. 00:58:39.970 --> 00:58:43.070 align:middle line:84% Although National Collegiate Trust owned her loans, 00:58:43.070 --> 00:58:45.670 align:middle line:84% there was nobody she could call to negotiate 00:58:45.670 --> 00:58:46.930 align:middle line:90% with for a settlement. 00:58:46.930 --> 00:58:48.250 align:middle line:90% She was stuck. 00:58:48.250 --> 00:58:50.020 align:middle line:90% She had to go to court. 00:58:50.020 --> 00:58:52.780 align:middle line:84% The collection agency for the National Collegiate Trust 00:58:52.780 --> 00:58:55.690 align:middle line:90% sued for $18,000. 00:58:55.690 --> 00:58:59.440 align:middle line:84% She has since unsuccessfully tried to settle for less. 00:58:59.440 --> 00:59:02.800 align:middle line:84% The lowest they are willing to go is $13,000. 00:59:02.800 --> 00:59:05.440 align:middle line:84% To add insult to injury, the collection agency 00:59:05.440 --> 00:59:08.350 align:middle line:84% tried to base their lawsuit on Shanique never having 00:59:08.350 --> 00:59:10.540 align:middle line:90% made any payments at all. 00:59:10.540 --> 00:59:13.870 align:middle line:84% They did not have access to her original payment history, 00:59:13.870 --> 00:59:17.770 align:middle line:84% and moved forward based on incorrect information. 00:59:17.770 --> 00:59:21.490 align:middle line:84% The court has since disproven their claim, 00:59:21.490 --> 00:59:25.250 align:middle line:84% but as you can imagine, this was a very upsetting accusation. 00:59:25.250 --> 00:59:27.550 align:middle line:84% Shanique is still in court two years later, 00:59:27.550 --> 00:59:29.690 align:middle line:84% and estimates that by the end of the lawsuit, 00:59:29.690 --> 00:59:33.310 align:middle line:84% she will paid made over $5,000 in attorney's fees, 00:59:33.310 --> 00:59:37.630 align:middle line:84% and will likely Lowe at least $10,000 on her loan. 00:59:37.630 --> 00:59:40.056 align:middle line:84% Madam President, our constituents, 00:59:40.056 --> 00:59:41.680 align:middle line:84% the residents of this state, should not 00:59:41.680 --> 00:59:44.320 align:middle line:84% have to hire lawyers out of their own pocket 00:59:44.320 --> 00:59:47.890 align:middle line:84% to defend and protect themselves against basic consumer 00:59:47.890 --> 00:59:50.230 align:middle line:84% protections that, right now, are inadequately 00:59:50.230 --> 00:59:54.940 align:middle line:84% enforced against student loan servicers. 00:59:54.940 --> 00:59:56.980 align:middle line:84% Unfortunately, these student loan 00:59:56.980 --> 00:59:59.500 align:middle line:84% servicers who are beating up on innocent people 00:59:59.500 --> 01:00:03.790 align:middle line:84% like Shanique have an ally right now in the White House. 01:00:03.790 --> 01:00:07.570 align:middle line:84% President Trump and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos 01:00:07.570 --> 01:00:10.720 align:middle line:84% have worked hand in glove with the national student loan 01:00:10.720 --> 01:00:14.320 align:middle line:84% servicing lobby to try to preempt state actions 01:00:14.320 --> 01:00:16.510 align:middle line:84% like exactly the one Massachusetts is trying 01:00:16.510 --> 01:00:20.060 align:middle line:84% to do today to put state level protections on student loan 01:00:20.060 --> 01:00:20.700 align:middle line:90% servicers. 01:00:20.700 --> 01:00:23.200 align:middle line:84% They're trying to prevent the actions of our Attorney 01:00:23.200 --> 01:00:26.710 align:middle line:84% General, Maura Healey, in protecting against student loan 01:00:26.710 --> 01:00:31.060 align:middle line:84% servicers, and they're trying to scare and intimidate 01:00:31.060 --> 01:00:34.540 align:middle line:84% states and legislatures like ours out of doing something 01:00:34.540 --> 01:00:35.870 align:middle line:90% about it. 01:00:35.870 --> 01:00:38.650 align:middle line:84% But there's been a response to the DeVos and Trump 01:00:38.650 --> 01:00:41.170 align:middle line:84% administrations' attempts to bully and intimidate 01:00:41.170 --> 01:00:44.230 align:middle line:84% states that are trying to stand up for their students. 01:00:44.230 --> 01:00:46.840 align:middle line:84% Across the country, there's been a movement of students, 01:00:46.840 --> 01:00:48.730 align:middle line:84% of their parents, of their family members, 01:00:48.730 --> 01:00:50.740 align:middle line:84% and of legislatures and attorneys 01:00:50.740 --> 01:00:54.610 align:middle line:84% general across the country who have said, enough is enough. 01:00:54.610 --> 01:00:57.460 align:middle line:84% Connecticut led the way in 2015 with a Student Loan 01:00:57.460 --> 01:00:58.900 align:middle line:84% Bill of Rights, our neighbors just 01:00:58.900 --> 01:01:02.050 align:middle line:84% to our south, California this past year 01:01:02.050 --> 01:01:04.360 align:middle line:84% has joined them, as has Illinois. 01:01:04.360 --> 01:01:07.090 align:middle line:84% Just this past week, Virginia passed the Student Loan 01:01:07.090 --> 01:01:08.290 align:middle line:90% Ombudsman's Bill. 01:01:08.290 --> 01:01:10.180 align:middle line:84% So the tide is turning, and we are 01:01:10.180 --> 01:01:13.900 align:middle line:84% standing in a united front with our sister states to say, 01:01:13.900 --> 01:01:17.470 align:middle line:84% if the federal government continues to gut student loan 01:01:17.470 --> 01:01:20.620 align:middle line:84% protections on the federal level, and on a national level, 01:01:20.620 --> 01:01:23.230 align:middle line:84% the states will not be bullied and intimidated. 01:01:23.230 --> 01:01:25.960 align:middle line:84% The states, and Massachusetts in particular, 01:01:25.960 --> 01:01:29.420 align:middle line:90% will step up to fill the gap. 01:01:29.420 --> 01:01:31.480 align:middle line:90% So what does this bill do? 01:01:31.480 --> 01:01:34.510 align:middle line:84% What is in the Student Loan Bill of Rights? 01:01:34.510 --> 01:01:36.710 align:middle line:84% Well, it has three main elements. 01:01:36.710 --> 01:01:40.070 align:middle line:84% First, it requires a new licensing regime 01:01:40.070 --> 01:01:43.130 align:middle line:84% for student loan servicers in the division of banks. 01:01:43.130 --> 01:01:46.070 align:middle line:84% In this state, you need a license to cut hair. 01:01:46.070 --> 01:01:48.140 align:middle line:84% You need a license to sell a car. 01:01:48.140 --> 01:01:52.520 align:middle line:84% You need a license to perform manicures and pedicures. 01:01:52.520 --> 01:01:54.350 align:middle line:84% But apparently, you don't need a license 01:01:54.350 --> 01:01:57.200 align:middle line:84% to issue $100,000 or sometimes even more-- 01:01:57.200 --> 01:01:59.060 align:middle line:84% hundreds of thousands of dollars in student 01:01:59.060 --> 01:02:02.410 align:middle line:84% loan debt to individuals, and lord over people 01:02:02.410 --> 01:02:04.430 align:middle line:84% one of the most substantial and consequential 01:02:04.430 --> 01:02:07.380 align:middle line:84% financial decisions of their entire life. 01:02:07.380 --> 01:02:08.930 align:middle line:90% This is the Wild West. 01:02:08.930 --> 01:02:10.520 align:middle line:90% It goes without any oversight. 01:02:10.520 --> 01:02:14.240 align:middle line:84% It goes without any state-level enforcement of basic licensing 01:02:14.240 --> 01:02:15.200 align:middle line:90% requirements. 01:02:15.200 --> 01:02:18.170 align:middle line:84% This bill sets up a licensing requirement 01:02:18.170 --> 01:02:19.940 align:middle line:90% around student loans. 01:02:19.940 --> 01:02:22.040 align:middle line:84% The next thing that this bill will do 01:02:22.040 --> 01:02:24.830 align:middle line:84% is build upon Attorney General Healey's efforts 01:02:24.830 --> 01:02:27.830 align:middle line:84% with her Student Loan Assistance Office, 01:02:27.830 --> 01:02:30.470 align:middle line:84% which was created in 2015, to create 01:02:30.470 --> 01:02:34.790 align:middle line:84% a new ombudsman, a student loan ombudsman housed 01:02:34.790 --> 01:02:37.230 align:middle line:84% in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office. 01:02:37.230 --> 01:02:40.910 align:middle line:84% And the idea behind this is to be a one-stop shop for student 01:02:40.910 --> 01:02:44.300 align:middle line:84% loan abuse, a place student loan borrowers can 01:02:44.300 --> 01:02:48.020 align:middle line:84% go to if they need help, because right now the system, 01:02:48.020 --> 01:02:48.920 align:middle line:90% is very opaque. 01:02:48.920 --> 01:02:52.310 align:middle line:84% As Shanique's story illustrates, if you're 01:02:52.310 --> 01:02:56.180 align:middle line:84% the victim of one of these really intimidating practices, 01:02:56.180 --> 01:02:59.720 align:middle line:84% if you're not being notified of your rights 01:02:59.720 --> 01:03:01.880 align:middle line:84% under income-based repayment plans, 01:03:01.880 --> 01:03:04.250 align:middle line:84% if you're not being properly notified 01:03:04.250 --> 01:03:05.930 align:middle line:84% of when your payments are due or what 01:03:05.930 --> 01:03:09.984 align:middle line:84% your interest rates will be, it's hard to know where to go. 01:03:09.984 --> 01:03:11.900 align:middle line:84% You could go to the attorney general's office. 01:03:11.900 --> 01:03:15.260 align:middle line:84% You could go to your home higher education institution. 01:03:15.260 --> 01:03:17.630 align:middle line:84% You could potentially try to go to the Federal 01:03:17.630 --> 01:03:20.190 align:middle line:84% Department of Education-- good luck with that. 01:03:20.190 --> 01:03:22.580 align:middle line:84% But it's very unclear, because everyone goes like this. 01:03:22.580 --> 01:03:24.620 align:middle line:84% Everyone points in a different direction, 01:03:24.620 --> 01:03:27.550 align:middle line:84% and it's very unclear who is in charge. 01:03:27.550 --> 01:03:30.320 align:middle line:84% The student loan ombudsman will be a cop on the beat. 01:03:30.320 --> 01:03:33.350 align:middle line:84% It will be a one-stop shop to help protect 01:03:33.350 --> 01:03:36.050 align:middle line:84% students who need questions answered about their student 01:03:36.050 --> 01:03:36.680 align:middle line:90% loans. 01:03:36.680 --> 01:03:38.900 align:middle line:84% And very importantly, it will be an office 01:03:38.900 --> 01:03:41.420 align:middle line:84% that will collect complaints from students 01:03:41.420 --> 01:03:44.930 align:middle line:84% who are being bullied, harassed, or intimidated by these student 01:03:44.930 --> 01:03:46.880 align:middle line:90% loan servicers. 01:03:46.880 --> 01:03:49.040 align:middle line:84% And finally, the third element of the bill 01:03:49.040 --> 01:03:50.840 align:middle line:84% that is very important is it will 01:03:50.840 --> 01:03:53.510 align:middle line:84% allow the division of banks and the student loan ombudsman 01:03:53.510 --> 01:03:56.780 align:middle line:84% to actually enforce and follow up on these complaints, 01:03:56.780 --> 01:03:59.390 align:middle line:84% and to do something about these abuses 01:03:59.390 --> 01:04:02.180 align:middle line:84% so that they can step in on behalf of our students, 01:04:02.180 --> 01:04:06.020 align:middle line:84% on behalf of our student loan borrowers, to fix the problems 01:04:06.020 --> 01:04:10.340 align:middle line:84% and to restore balance to our loan system. 01:04:10.340 --> 01:04:12.800 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I would like to close, 01:04:12.800 --> 01:04:15.050 align:middle line:84% before we open up debate on amendments 01:04:15.050 --> 01:04:17.790 align:middle line:84% and some of my colleagues speak as well, 01:04:17.790 --> 01:04:19.940 align:middle line:90% with the story of Justin Perez. 01:04:19.940 --> 01:04:22.760 align:middle line:84% Justin is a student at Northeastern Law School, 01:04:22.760 --> 01:04:26.270 align:middle line:84% and in fact we're joined by a phenomenal group of students 01:04:26.270 --> 01:04:28.880 align:middle line:84% who work with a group called PHENOM who have been advocates 01:04:28.880 --> 01:04:31.400 align:middle line:84% with us, working hand-in-hand with us 01:04:31.400 --> 01:04:33.410 align:middle line:84% on this legislation for quite some time, who 01:04:33.410 --> 01:04:35.060 align:middle line:90% are in the gallery with us. 01:04:35.060 --> 01:04:38.100 align:middle line:84% If we can thank and acknowledge the work of PHENOM 01:04:38.100 --> 01:04:42.620 align:middle line:84% and our student advocates in standing up for themselves 01:04:42.620 --> 01:04:45.195 align:middle line:84% and for their generation, and if we could take a moment 01:04:45.195 --> 01:04:47.570 align:middle line:84% to recognize them and thank them for their efforts, Madam 01:04:47.570 --> 01:04:49.370 align:middle line:90% President. 01:04:49.370 --> 01:04:52.028 align:middle line:84% To welcome them and thank them for their efforts. 01:04:52.028 --> 01:04:54.896 align:middle line:90% [APPLAUSE] 01:04:54.896 --> 01:05:00.170 align:middle line:90% 01:05:00.170 --> 01:05:03.050 align:middle line:84% Last year, Madam President, as Justin 01:05:03.050 --> 01:05:05.510 align:middle line:84% was preparing to go to Northeastern University 01:05:05.510 --> 01:05:09.680 align:middle line:84% School of Law, his father had a stroke. 01:05:09.680 --> 01:05:13.310 align:middle line:84% His father survived the stroke but cannot work. 01:05:13.310 --> 01:05:17.010 align:middle line:84% As a result, his family lost half their income, 01:05:17.010 --> 01:05:19.130 align:middle line:84% which they were planning to use to help 01:05:19.130 --> 01:05:21.140 align:middle line:90% Justin afford law school. 01:05:21.140 --> 01:05:23.090 align:middle line:84% Justin's family, Madam President, 01:05:23.090 --> 01:05:25.580 align:middle line:84% did what they were supposed to do, 01:05:25.580 --> 01:05:29.060 align:middle line:84% which was save money for their child to get an education, 01:05:29.060 --> 01:05:31.190 align:middle line:90% and to go to graduate school. 01:05:31.190 --> 01:05:33.800 align:middle line:84% Illness befell the family, and in circumstances 01:05:33.800 --> 01:05:38.610 align:middle line:84% beyond their control, they lost half their income. 01:05:38.610 --> 01:05:43.500 align:middle line:84% So instead Justin had to take on a serious amount of debt, 01:05:43.500 --> 01:05:47.270 align:middle line:84% $40,000 in his first semester alone. 01:05:47.270 --> 01:05:50.780 align:middle line:84% He expects to graduate with about $150,000 01:05:50.780 --> 01:05:52.940 align:middle line:90% in debt in total. 01:05:52.940 --> 01:05:55.220 align:middle line:84% This kind of burden is discouraging him 01:05:55.220 --> 01:05:58.850 align:middle line:84% from going into the very work he is getting a degree for, 01:05:58.850 --> 01:06:02.240 align:middle line:84% public interest law, so he can serve people and serve 01:06:02.240 --> 01:06:03.840 align:middle line:90% the public good. 01:06:03.840 --> 01:06:06.410 align:middle line:84% This kind of debt is dampening our young people's 01:06:06.410 --> 01:06:09.650 align:middle line:84% opportunities, and sapping the great amount of energy 01:06:09.650 --> 01:06:12.860 align:middle line:84% they have to give back to our society. 01:06:12.860 --> 01:06:15.560 align:middle line:84% Justin has to worry about passing on his debt 01:06:15.560 --> 01:06:18.687 align:middle line:84% to a partner if he wants to get married. 01:06:18.687 --> 01:06:20.270 align:middle line:84% He said his decision of whether or not 01:06:20.270 --> 01:06:23.090 align:middle line:84% to get married one day will not be about whether or not 01:06:23.090 --> 01:06:26.060 align:middle line:84% he loves the person, but whether or not 01:06:26.060 --> 01:06:29.690 align:middle line:84% they will be financially stable because of the debt 01:06:29.690 --> 01:06:31.970 align:middle line:84% he will bring into that marriage, 01:06:31.970 --> 01:06:35.450 align:middle line:90% again, from no fault of his own. 01:06:35.450 --> 01:06:39.520 align:middle line:84% Student loan debt is putting off serious life choices. 01:06:39.520 --> 01:06:41.420 align:middle line:90% It's delaying homeownership. 01:06:41.420 --> 01:06:44.600 align:middle line:84% It's delaying people starting businesses, or becoming 01:06:44.600 --> 01:06:47.240 align:middle line:84% entrepreneurs, or going into tech and innovation 01:06:47.240 --> 01:06:49.130 align:middle line:90% fields that are more risky. 01:06:49.130 --> 01:06:53.120 align:middle line:84% It's putting off having children and making other life decisions 01:06:53.120 --> 01:06:55.160 align:middle line:84% because of the debt that is being pummeled 01:06:55.160 --> 01:06:58.670 align:middle line:84% on top of an entire generation, and their parents, 01:06:58.670 --> 01:07:00.140 align:middle line:90% and their grandparents. 01:07:00.140 --> 01:07:02.910 align:middle line:84% It is poisoning the rest of our economy, 01:07:02.910 --> 01:07:06.260 align:middle line:84% and it is crowding out spending on everything else 01:07:06.260 --> 01:07:08.280 align:middle line:90% that young people want to do. 01:07:08.280 --> 01:07:09.920 align:middle line:84% And quite frankly, I would say, just 01:07:09.920 --> 01:07:12.440 align:middle line:84% at a time when we should be pouring resources 01:07:12.440 --> 01:07:15.470 align:middle line:84% into people like Justin who are just getting started 01:07:15.470 --> 01:07:17.210 align:middle line:84% with their careers, who are just getting 01:07:17.210 --> 01:07:20.690 align:middle line:84% started with their professional lives, who are about to enter 01:07:20.690 --> 01:07:24.890 align:middle line:84% the workforce, pay taxes, and pay their debt to society 01:07:24.890 --> 01:07:28.310 align:middle line:84% and become productive citizens, is exactly when our system is 01:07:28.310 --> 01:07:31.910 align:middle line:84% sucking them dry for every last penny they have, 01:07:31.910 --> 01:07:34.800 align:middle line:84% and putting burdens on their unborn children, 01:07:34.800 --> 01:07:36.860 align:middle line:84% and on their parents and on their grandparents, 01:07:36.860 --> 01:07:40.470 align:middle line:90% to repay these outrageous debts. 01:07:40.470 --> 01:07:42.470 align:middle line:84% This is not good for our young people. 01:07:42.470 --> 01:07:45.410 align:middle line:84% It is not good for our commonwealth. 01:07:45.410 --> 01:07:47.720 align:middle line:84% Madam President, we must stand with students 01:07:47.720 --> 01:07:50.180 align:middle line:84% and stand up to the student loan servicers who 01:07:50.180 --> 01:07:52.760 align:middle line:84% are taking advantage of people who are already 01:07:52.760 --> 01:07:54.830 align:middle line:84% saddled with these large amounts of debt. 01:07:54.830 --> 01:07:57.410 align:middle line:84% The last thing someone like Justin needs 01:07:57.410 --> 01:08:01.010 align:middle line:84% is a loan servicing agency who he didn't pick, 01:08:01.010 --> 01:08:05.220 align:middle line:84% who he didn't know, harassing messages, not informing him 01:08:05.220 --> 01:08:08.600 align:middle line:84% of his rights, doing everything possible to delay 01:08:08.600 --> 01:08:11.420 align:middle line:84% and intimidate him out of making his payments on time, 01:08:11.420 --> 01:08:14.550 align:middle line:84% in some cases violating federal and state law, 01:08:14.550 --> 01:08:16.760 align:middle line:84% and not having this general court 01:08:16.760 --> 01:08:20.240 align:middle line:84% and this legislature stand up and do something about it. 01:08:20.240 --> 01:08:22.580 align:middle line:84% Madam President, on behalf of Justin, 01:08:22.580 --> 01:08:26.540 align:middle line:84% on behalf of Shanique, on behalf of the 20% of Massachusetts 01:08:26.540 --> 01:08:29.300 align:middle line:84% residents that carry these student loan debts with them 01:08:29.300 --> 01:08:32.621 align:middle line:84% and their families, I ask that when the vote is recorded, 01:08:32.621 --> 01:08:34.745 align:middle line:84% we do so with a recording of the yeas and the nays. 01:08:34.745 --> 01:08:37.630 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser, 01:08:37.630 --> 01:08:39.590 align:middle line:84% has asked that when a vote is taken, 01:08:39.590 --> 01:08:41.430 align:middle line:84% it be taken by a call of the yeas and nays. 01:08:41.430 --> 01:08:44.640 align:middle line:84% Those voting with him, will please rise and be counted. 01:08:44.640 --> 01:08:46.729 align:middle line:84% A sufficient number of members having arisen, 01:08:46.729 --> 01:08:49.840 align:middle line:90% the yeas and nays will ordered. 01:08:49.840 --> 01:08:51.610 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:08:51.610 --> 01:08:52.109 align:middle line:90% No. 01:08:52.109 --> 01:08:54.689 align:middle line:90% No no no. 01:08:54.689 --> 01:08:57.051 align:middle line:84% The senator from Cape and islands, Mr. Cyr. 01:08:57.051 --> 01:08:59.550 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, to the members. 01:08:59.550 --> 01:09:02.970 align:middle line:84% I rise after my good friend from Longmeadow. 01:09:02.970 --> 01:09:06.960 align:middle line:84% First, I want to thank him for his dogged leadership 01:09:06.960 --> 01:09:09.200 align:middle line:90% on this critical issue. 01:09:09.200 --> 01:09:13.950 align:middle line:84% You know, and at a time when the cost of college 01:09:13.950 --> 01:09:17.880 align:middle line:84% has become burdensome for even the privileged, 01:09:17.880 --> 01:09:21.000 align:middle line:84% let alone inaccessible to many more, 01:09:21.000 --> 01:09:22.890 align:middle line:84% we really must take action, and I'm 01:09:22.890 --> 01:09:26.279 align:middle line:84% glad that the Senate is taking action today, 01:09:26.279 --> 01:09:31.350 align:middle line:84% for those in my generation, for my parents' generation which 01:09:31.350 --> 01:09:37.710 align:middle line:84% has also assumed so much of the debt for education, 01:09:37.710 --> 01:09:43.109 align:middle line:84% and have also been at the mercy of predatory loan practices, 01:09:43.109 --> 01:09:46.224 align:middle line:84% and also for a student currently in school. 01:09:46.224 --> 01:09:47.640 align:middle line:84% And the students right now-- we're 01:09:47.640 --> 01:09:50.910 align:middle line:84% about less than a month ahead of May 1st, 01:09:50.910 --> 01:09:53.790 align:middle line:84% which is when many high school students, seniors, are 01:09:53.790 --> 01:09:57.120 align:middle line:84% making choices about where they're going to go. 01:09:57.120 --> 01:10:00.450 align:middle line:84% And a big part of that choice, more and more, 01:10:00.450 --> 01:10:04.110 align:middle line:84% is the cost, not solely at private institutions, 01:10:04.110 --> 01:10:06.480 align:middle line:90% but at our public institutions. 01:10:06.480 --> 01:10:10.440 align:middle line:84% Yes, that at our UMass system, but also our community 01:10:10.440 --> 01:10:11.010 align:middle line:90% colleges. 01:10:11.010 --> 01:10:13.860 align:middle line:84% I was speaking with a student at Cape Cod Community College 01:10:13.860 --> 01:10:17.070 align:middle line:84% recently-- several students --and a number of them 01:10:17.070 --> 01:10:19.050 align:middle line:90% have taken on debt. 01:10:19.050 --> 01:10:23.250 align:middle line:84% And so I think that the real fundamental promise 01:10:23.250 --> 01:10:26.670 align:middle line:84% of investing in our young people, which 01:10:26.670 --> 01:10:28.920 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from Longmeadow was talking about, 01:10:28.920 --> 01:10:31.350 align:middle line:84% that has been eroded, and these predatory loan 01:10:31.350 --> 01:10:34.740 align:middle line:90% practices only erode that. 01:10:34.740 --> 01:10:39.090 align:middle line:90% I think we have to take action. 01:10:39.090 --> 01:10:41.670 align:middle line:84% The current administration in Washington 01:10:41.670 --> 01:10:43.890 align:middle line:84% clearly does not have our best interests in mind 01:10:43.890 --> 01:10:47.190 align:middle line:84% here in the Commonwealth, and I hope 01:10:47.190 --> 01:10:48.700 align:middle line:84% this legislation is taken up today, 01:10:48.700 --> 01:10:50.700 align:middle line:84% and we're going to be able to fill that promise. 01:10:50.700 --> 01:10:52.410 align:middle line:84% I wanted just to give my colleagues 01:10:52.410 --> 01:10:57.540 align:middle line:84% a sense of the fear and the challenge that folks face. 01:10:57.540 --> 01:11:00.990 align:middle line:84% And actually, from several students from PHENOM, 01:11:00.990 --> 01:11:05.620 align:middle line:84% from the Public Higher Education Network of Massachusetts, 01:11:05.620 --> 01:11:09.450 align:middle line:84% this is from someone who is describing-- 01:11:09.450 --> 01:11:11.100 align:middle line:90% it was described earlier today-- 01:11:11.100 --> 01:11:14.340 align:middle line:84% their experience with predatory loan practices. 01:11:14.340 --> 01:11:18.780 align:middle line:84% And I quote, "I had no idea how predatory these loans were, 01:11:18.780 --> 01:11:22.090 align:middle line:84% and the harm I was doing to myself in the long term. 01:11:22.090 --> 01:11:26.700 align:middle line:84% When I graduated, I owed $32,000 between different subsidized 01:11:26.700 --> 01:11:28.680 align:middle line:90% and unsubsidized loans. 01:11:28.680 --> 01:11:32.100 align:middle line:84% Not knowing what I was doing or what I had set myself up for, 01:11:32.100 --> 01:11:35.010 align:middle line:84% I defaulted on all of my loans, and eventually owed 01:11:35.010 --> 01:11:37.410 align:middle line:90% over $63,000. 01:11:37.410 --> 01:11:40.290 align:middle line:84% I was throwing pennies at this mountain of debt, 01:11:40.290 --> 01:11:43.110 align:middle line:90% with no end in my lifetime. 01:11:43.110 --> 01:11:45.690 align:middle line:84% I imagine this dark cloud of debt 01:11:45.690 --> 01:11:48.910 align:middle line:84% hanging over me for the rest of my life." 01:11:48.910 --> 01:11:53.910 align:middle line:84% This is unacceptable for our young folks who are just 01:11:53.910 --> 01:11:57.411 align:middle line:84% starting out here in the Commonwealth to experience, 01:11:57.411 --> 01:11:59.410 align:middle line:84% and Madam President, I hope the bill is adopted. 01:11:59.410 --> 01:12:00.750 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:12:00.750 --> 01:12:04.394 align:middle line:84% The senator from 2nd Essex and Middlesex, Ms. L'Italien. 01:12:04.394 --> 01:12:14.250 align:middle line:90% 01:12:14.250 --> 01:12:18.060 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, to the members. 01:12:18.060 --> 01:12:20.100 align:middle line:84% I rise before you as not a millennial, 01:12:20.100 --> 01:12:22.260 align:middle line:84% but a mother of four millennials. 01:12:22.260 --> 01:12:25.800 align:middle line:84% And I was joined this morning at the press conference 01:12:25.800 --> 01:12:28.770 align:middle line:84% by, of course, the gentleman from Longmeadow, 01:12:28.770 --> 01:12:30.990 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from the Cape, PHENOM, 01:12:30.990 --> 01:12:33.960 align:middle line:84% and many other members of the House 01:12:33.960 --> 01:12:37.470 align:middle line:84% and the Senate who are millennials. 01:12:37.470 --> 01:12:40.410 align:middle line:84% This bill came before the Consumer Protection Committee, 01:12:40.410 --> 01:12:43.500 align:middle line:84% and I think it's critically important that we address this, 01:12:43.500 --> 01:12:48.150 align:middle line:84% because this is really choking off our economic productivity 01:12:48.150 --> 01:12:51.070 align:middle line:84% and growth in our state and throughout the nation. 01:12:51.070 --> 01:12:54.840 align:middle line:84% The fact that young people are having difficulty, and getting 01:12:54.840 --> 01:12:59.160 align:middle line:84% caught up in a spiral of loan servicers 01:12:59.160 --> 01:13:02.130 align:middle line:84% who are sending emails to wrong email sites, 01:13:02.130 --> 01:13:06.420 align:middle line:84% or unaddressed unmarked letters that people don't get them-- 01:13:06.420 --> 01:13:10.080 align:middle line:84% don't open them, and failure to pay in a timely manner 01:13:10.080 --> 01:13:15.070 align:middle line:84% results in mere usury fees being charged on those loans. 01:13:15.070 --> 01:13:16.990 align:middle line:90% This has to stop. 01:13:16.990 --> 01:13:20.430 align:middle line:84% We know that young people are having difficulty 01:13:20.430 --> 01:13:23.700 align:middle line:84% moving out of their parents' homes after graduation. 01:13:23.700 --> 01:13:25.740 align:middle line:84% We know they're having difficulty 01:13:25.740 --> 01:13:29.720 align:middle line:84% buying cars, renting apartments, buying homes, 01:13:29.720 --> 01:13:32.160 align:middle line:84% as the senator from Longmeadow said, 01:13:32.160 --> 01:13:35.410 align:middle line:84% putting off things like getting married and having children, 01:13:35.410 --> 01:13:39.000 align:middle line:84% and these are huge issues that we have generations now 01:13:39.000 --> 01:13:41.820 align:middle line:84% that are not being able to make these critical steps, 01:13:41.820 --> 01:13:45.420 align:middle line:84% and it really impacts our economic growth, vitality, 01:13:45.420 --> 01:13:49.490 align:middle line:84% and the quality of life here in Massachusetts. 01:13:49.490 --> 01:13:52.020 align:middle line:84% And it is important to note that it's not just those going 01:13:52.020 --> 01:13:53.320 align:middle line:90% to private colleges. 01:13:53.320 --> 01:13:56.220 align:middle line:84% Our state colleges and universities 01:13:56.220 --> 01:14:01.110 align:middle line:84% costing $10,000 between tuition and fees. 01:14:01.110 --> 01:14:04.140 align:middle line:84% People are coming into a tremendous amount of debt 01:14:04.140 --> 01:14:05.954 align:middle line:90% at the end of the graduation. 01:14:05.954 --> 01:14:07.620 align:middle line:84% And so I think it's critically important 01:14:07.620 --> 01:14:09.600 align:middle line:90% that we pass this today. 01:14:09.600 --> 01:14:13.570 align:middle line:84% It's critically important that we do our part as a state. 01:14:13.570 --> 01:14:15.060 align:middle line:84% The federal government seems to be 01:14:15.060 --> 01:14:16.620 align:middle line:84% moving in the opposite direction, 01:14:16.620 --> 01:14:22.380 align:middle line:84% and really trying to help the loan servicers rather 01:14:22.380 --> 01:14:23.509 align:middle line:90% than the students. 01:14:23.509 --> 01:14:25.800 align:middle line:84% I think it's critically important that we take whatever 01:14:25.800 --> 01:14:29.600 align:middle line:84% action we can to show that we stand up for our students, 01:14:29.600 --> 01:14:31.350 align:middle line:84% and for their parents, because by the way, 01:14:31.350 --> 01:14:34.380 align:middle line:84% I'm paying some of these tuitions as well. 01:14:34.380 --> 01:14:36.480 align:middle line:84% I'm sure some of you of my generation 01:14:36.480 --> 01:14:39.250 align:middle line:84% are as well, to try to help your children. 01:14:39.250 --> 01:14:42.540 align:middle line:84% We need to find ways in which we can make this more affordable, 01:14:42.540 --> 01:14:45.750 align:middle line:84% but also we have to find ways to be certain 01:14:45.750 --> 01:14:50.330 align:middle line:84% that young people are not being trapped in a spiral of, again, 01:14:50.330 --> 01:14:53.610 align:middle line:84% usury-level interest being charged. 01:14:53.610 --> 01:14:58.560 align:middle line:84% I also noticed that the gentlewoman from MassPIRG 01:14:58.560 --> 01:15:01.590 align:middle line:84% is here, and I think it's important to realize that this 01:15:01.590 --> 01:15:06.150 align:middle line:84% is truly a consumer protection issue that we now will be 01:15:06.150 --> 01:15:07.740 align:middle line:90% addressing here in the Senate. 01:15:07.740 --> 01:15:10.590 align:middle line:84% We hope that it will happen soon in the House. 01:15:10.590 --> 01:15:13.500 align:middle line:84% In my mind, this is really a kitchen table issue 01:15:13.500 --> 01:15:15.060 align:middle line:90% that many families-- 01:15:15.060 --> 01:15:18.750 align:middle line:84% not just millennials-- but many families are contending with. 01:15:18.750 --> 01:15:20.640 align:middle line:84% And here is an opportunity to chip away 01:15:20.640 --> 01:15:24.360 align:middle line:84% at one of the core concerns that young people have. 01:15:24.360 --> 01:15:27.180 align:middle line:84% So I am grateful to have had this 01:15:27.180 --> 01:15:29.340 align:middle line:84% be the first stop at the Consumer Protection 01:15:29.340 --> 01:15:31.710 align:middle line:84% and Professional Licensure Committee. 01:15:31.710 --> 01:15:34.980 align:middle line:84% I agree with the sentiment from the gentleman from Longmeadow 01:15:34.980 --> 01:15:38.100 align:middle line:84% that we license so many things, so many entities, 01:15:38.100 --> 01:15:39.060 align:middle line:90% in this state. 01:15:39.060 --> 01:15:42.570 align:middle line:84% It's time that we now license the loan servicers 01:15:42.570 --> 01:15:44.230 align:middle line:90% for our student loans. 01:15:44.230 --> 01:15:46.110 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:15:46.110 --> 01:15:49.506 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Creem. 01:15:49.506 --> 01:15:55.980 align:middle line:90% 01:15:55.980 --> 01:15:57.330 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:15:57.330 --> 01:15:59.280 align:middle line:84% I rise today to thank the gentleman 01:15:59.280 --> 01:16:02.400 align:middle line:84% from East Longmeadow, Senator Lesser, for his work 01:16:02.400 --> 01:16:04.590 align:middle line:90% in filing this important bill. 01:16:04.590 --> 01:16:06.510 align:middle line:84% The Student Loan Bill of Rights will 01:16:06.510 --> 01:16:08.820 align:middle line:84% give students and their parents more 01:16:08.820 --> 01:16:12.330 align:middle line:84% transparency about the loan payment process. 01:16:12.330 --> 01:16:14.670 align:middle line:84% Under this bill, student loan customers 01:16:14.670 --> 01:16:18.690 align:middle line:84% can be assured of receiving clear and accurate information 01:16:18.690 --> 01:16:21.030 align:middle line:84% about the debt they are taking on, 01:16:21.030 --> 01:16:23.700 align:middle line:84% and their obligation for repayment. 01:16:23.700 --> 01:16:26.250 align:middle line:84% The bill is also about accountability 01:16:26.250 --> 01:16:29.370 align:middle line:84% for loan servicing companies to prevent them 01:16:29.370 --> 01:16:33.570 align:middle line:84% from crossing a line into harassment of borrowers 01:16:33.570 --> 01:16:36.720 align:middle line:84% by giving the Commissioner of Banks, and the state, 01:16:36.720 --> 01:16:40.470 align:middle line:84% tools to go after and rein in loan servicers that 01:16:40.470 --> 01:16:42.300 align:middle line:90% do cross the line. 01:16:42.300 --> 01:16:44.790 align:middle line:84% The bill will result in a benefit 01:16:44.790 --> 01:16:48.540 align:middle line:84% to consumers, who will better understand their obligations 01:16:48.540 --> 01:16:52.050 align:middle line:84% and all their rights to be protected from harassment, 01:16:52.050 --> 01:16:54.480 align:middle line:90% misstatement, and abuses. 01:16:54.480 --> 01:16:59.310 align:middle line:84% But this is only one step in addressing our broken system 01:16:59.310 --> 01:17:01.950 align:middle line:90% of paying for higher education. 01:17:01.950 --> 01:17:05.130 align:middle line:84% When we see that UMass tuition and housing now 01:17:05.130 --> 01:17:10.660 align:middle line:84% cost about $30,000 a year, and a Community College tuition 01:17:10.660 --> 01:17:15.060 align:middle line:84% and fees continue to rise, we must do more. 01:17:15.060 --> 01:17:18.270 align:middle line:84% Education is a lead driver of our state's 01:17:18.270 --> 01:17:20.490 align:middle line:90% economic prosperity. 01:17:20.490 --> 01:17:24.870 align:middle line:84% We know we must maintain our highly-educated workforce, 01:17:24.870 --> 01:17:27.630 align:middle line:84% and we must make it more of a priority 01:17:27.630 --> 01:17:30.570 align:middle line:84% to ensure the young people we are educating 01:17:30.570 --> 01:17:32.670 align:middle line:90% can afford to remain here. 01:17:32.670 --> 01:17:37.380 align:middle line:84% Education should be for all, and not just for the privileged. 01:17:37.380 --> 01:17:40.590 align:middle line:84% I want to again thank Senator Lesser for his work 01:17:40.590 --> 01:17:44.430 align:middle line:84% on the issue, and hope that we can implement more policies 01:17:44.430 --> 01:17:46.680 align:middle line:84% to make public college affordable, 01:17:46.680 --> 01:17:50.790 align:middle line:84% as well as providing support for vocational and technical 01:17:50.790 --> 01:17:51.330 align:middle line:90% training. 01:17:51.330 --> 01:17:54.370 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:17:54.370 --> 01:17:55.810 align:middle line:84% Several amendments have been filed 01:17:55.810 --> 01:17:58.170 align:middle line:84% which will be considered at this time. 01:17:58.170 --> 01:17:59.770 align:middle line:84% Turn to the first amendment, which 01:17:59.770 --> 01:18:02.590 align:middle line:84% was by Senator Brownsberg, which was withdrawn. 01:18:02.590 --> 01:18:06.790 align:middle line:84% The second amendment-- the question 01:18:06.790 --> 01:18:10.930 align:middle line:84% of the second amendment by Senator Tarr, 01:18:10.930 --> 01:18:13.250 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 01:18:13.250 --> 01:18:18.160 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 2, by Mr. Tarr, Ombudsman Annual Report. 01:18:18.160 --> 01:18:21.925 align:middle line:84% The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 01:18:21.925 --> 01:18:23.050 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:18:23.050 --> 01:18:26.610 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I move that amendments 2, 3, and 4 01:18:26.610 --> 01:18:28.710 align:middle line:90% be temporarily held. 01:18:28.710 --> 01:18:32.760 align:middle line:84% Amendments 2, 3, and 4, if there is no objection, 01:18:32.760 --> 01:18:35.430 align:middle line:90% will be temporarily on hold. 01:18:35.430 --> 01:18:36.210 align:middle line:90% Brief recess 01:18:36.210 --> 01:18:39.610 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:18:39.610 --> 01:18:43.735 align:middle line:84% The one that you're working out, that's 5? 01:18:43.735 --> 01:18:45.207 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:18:45.207 --> 01:18:45.707 align:middle line:90% 5? 01:18:45.707 --> 01:18:49.170 align:middle line:90% 01:18:49.170 --> 01:18:54.840 align:middle line:84% Number 5, offered by the gentleman from 1st 01:18:54.840 --> 01:18:57.030 align:middle line:84% Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr, the title 01:18:57.030 --> 01:18:58.310 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:18:58.310 --> 01:19:03.270 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 5 by Mr. Tarr, Student Loan Servicer. 01:19:03.270 --> 01:19:09.620 align:middle line:84% All those in favor of question number 5, say I, opposed, no. 01:19:09.620 --> 01:19:12.590 align:middle line:84% The nos have it, and the amendment is not adopted. 01:19:12.590 --> 01:19:16.170 align:middle line:84% We will then go to amendment number 6, 01:19:16.170 --> 01:19:18.060 align:middle line:84% offered by the gentleman from 1st 01:19:18.060 --> 01:19:20.250 align:middle line:84% Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. Boncore, the title 01:19:20.250 --> 01:19:21.550 align:middle line:90% of which the clerk will read. 01:19:21.550 --> 01:19:23.340 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 6 by Mr. Boncore, 01:19:23.340 --> 01:19:25.802 align:middle line:90% Student Loan Assistance Trust. 01:19:25.802 --> 01:19:26.718 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:19:26.718 --> 01:19:27.654 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 01:19:27.654 --> 01:19:32.960 align:middle line:90% 01:19:32.960 --> 01:19:36.100 align:middle line:84% I recognize the senator from 1st Suffolk and Middlesex, Mr. 01:19:36.100 --> 01:19:36.890 align:middle line:90% Boncore. 01:19:36.890 --> 01:19:39.250 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, through you, to the members. 01:19:39.250 --> 01:19:41.000 align:middle line:84% I am for the edification of the amendment. 01:19:41.000 --> 01:19:42.374 align:middle line:84% I would like to speak, and I hope 01:19:42.374 --> 01:19:44.210 align:middle line:90% that amendment 6 is adopted. 01:19:44.210 --> 01:19:47.315 align:middle line:84% This amendment would establish a student loan assistance 01:19:47.315 --> 01:19:48.837 align:middle line:90% trust fund. 01:19:48.837 --> 01:19:51.170 align:middle line:84% That fund will be administered by the attorney general's 01:19:51.170 --> 01:19:54.710 align:middle line:84% office, and the funds there will be managed by the ombudsman 01:19:54.710 --> 01:19:56.330 align:middle line:90% that this bill creates. 01:19:56.330 --> 01:19:59.570 align:middle line:84% The monies will go to provide people with student loans 01:19:59.570 --> 01:20:03.290 align:middle line:84% with technical assistance in the areas of providing counseling, 01:20:03.290 --> 01:20:05.580 align:middle line:84% assisting and resolving complaints, 01:20:05.580 --> 01:20:08.300 align:middle line:84% as well as conducting investigations 01:20:08.300 --> 01:20:10.730 align:middle line:84% of bad actors in the loan business, 01:20:10.730 --> 01:20:14.060 align:middle line:84% and as well as litigating on behalf of students. 01:20:14.060 --> 01:20:17.430 align:middle line:84% These funds can be appropriated in the general fund, 01:20:17.430 --> 01:20:19.880 align:middle line:84% however, it is the essence and hope 01:20:19.880 --> 01:20:24.980 align:middle line:84% that this fund will be funded by the attorney general's 01:20:24.980 --> 01:20:27.130 align:middle line:84% litigation and any funds received 01:20:27.130 --> 01:20:30.890 align:middle line:84% in penalties paid by bad actors in the student loan game. 01:20:30.890 --> 01:20:34.580 align:middle line:84% I want to thank the senator from Longmeadow, my good friend, 01:20:34.580 --> 01:20:37.130 align:middle line:84% for taking this issue, working on this bill, 01:20:37.130 --> 01:20:39.920 align:middle line:84% and hopefully we will be making it a reality shortly. 01:20:39.920 --> 01:20:42.510 align:middle line:84% I ask the members to support this amendment. 01:20:42.510 --> 01:20:44.090 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:20:44.090 --> 01:20:48.060 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:20:48.060 --> 01:20:50.232 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 01:20:50.232 --> 01:20:52.190 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:20:52.190 --> 01:20:54.990 align:middle line:90% 01:20:54.990 --> 01:20:57.140 align:middle line:90% Number 7 is on hold. 01:20:57.140 --> 01:20:58.595 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 01:20:58.595 --> 01:21:09.750 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:21:09.750 --> 01:21:10.730 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:21:10.730 --> 01:21:12.840 align:middle line:90% The Senate will come to order. 01:21:12.840 --> 01:21:16.170 align:middle line:84% Amendments 2 and 3 have been withdrawn, 01:21:16.170 --> 01:21:21.990 align:middle line:84% and now we are on [INAUDIBLE] 4, which has been redrafted, 01:21:21.990 --> 01:21:26.220 align:middle line:84% authored by the gentleman from Essex and Middlesex, 01:21:26.220 --> 01:21:29.760 align:middle line:84% Mr. Tarr, the title of which the clerk will read. 01:21:29.760 --> 01:21:34.380 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 4 by Mr. Tarr, Division of Banks. 01:21:34.380 --> 01:21:35.185 align:middle line:90% Mr. Tarr. 01:21:35.185 --> 01:21:37.560 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, the members. 01:21:37.560 --> 01:21:39.990 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I appreciate the gentleman 01:21:39.990 --> 01:21:41.940 align:middle line:84% from Longmeadow working on this with us 01:21:41.940 --> 01:21:44.400 align:middle line:84% so that we could hybridize several concepts 01:21:44.400 --> 01:21:47.490 align:middle line:84% into a single important amendment, which essentially 01:21:47.490 --> 01:21:51.720 align:middle line:84% dictates how information flows with regard to investigations 01:21:51.720 --> 01:21:54.420 align:middle line:84% that may happen in instances where there may be 01:21:54.420 --> 01:21:57.150 align:middle line:84% a violation of some of the provisions of the bill 01:21:57.150 --> 01:21:59.760 align:middle line:84% so that we ensure that those that were involved 01:21:59.760 --> 01:22:03.060 align:middle line:84% in those investigations can share information which 01:22:03.060 --> 01:22:05.040 align:middle line:84% is critically important to the effectiveness 01:22:05.040 --> 01:22:06.450 align:middle line:90% of the investigation. 01:22:06.450 --> 01:22:10.020 align:middle line:84% But also, Madam President, it keeps information confidential 01:22:10.020 --> 01:22:13.170 align:middle line:84% that needs to be confidential while still allowing 01:22:13.170 --> 01:22:16.080 align:middle line:84% it to be disclosed when it's in the interest of consumer 01:22:16.080 --> 01:22:17.140 align:middle line:90% protection. 01:22:17.140 --> 01:22:18.870 align:middle line:84% In addition to that, Madam President, 01:22:18.870 --> 01:22:21.480 align:middle line:84% the amendment modifies the annual report 01:22:21.480 --> 01:22:22.980 align:middle line:84% that needs to be done under the bill 01:22:22.980 --> 01:22:25.650 align:middle line:84% so that it's done by the ombudsman, who's in the best 01:22:25.650 --> 01:22:28.680 align:middle line:84% position to have the most information to make 01:22:28.680 --> 01:22:30.129 align:middle line:90% such an annual report. 01:22:30.129 --> 01:22:31.920 align:middle line:84% And so, Madam President, there are a number 01:22:31.920 --> 01:22:34.020 align:middle line:84% of important and necessary changes 01:22:34.020 --> 01:22:35.640 align:middle line:84% that are included in this amendment. 01:22:35.640 --> 01:22:38.040 align:middle line:84% Again, it's been a very collaborative approach. 01:22:38.040 --> 01:22:43.860 align:middle line:84% I appreciate my good friend, who is the Prince of Millennials, 01:22:43.860 --> 01:22:48.220 align:middle line:84% for his work on this, and I hope the amendment is adopted. 01:22:48.220 --> 01:22:50.797 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Hampden and Hampshire, Mr. Lesser. 01:22:50.797 --> 01:22:53.130 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, through you, to the members. 01:22:53.130 --> 01:22:55.734 align:middle line:84% I want to thank my colleague from Gloucester, 01:22:55.734 --> 01:22:57.150 align:middle line:84% the distinguished minority leader, 01:22:57.150 --> 01:22:59.710 align:middle line:84% for his collaborative approach to this amendment. 01:22:59.710 --> 01:23:02.340 align:middle line:84% I do want to reiterate that the language that we've agreed to 01:23:02.340 --> 01:23:06.390 align:middle line:84% does not interfere with the ability of the Student Loan 01:23:06.390 --> 01:23:08.940 align:middle line:84% Ombudsman and the Division of Banks 01:23:08.940 --> 01:23:12.210 align:middle line:84% to sync up with each other and share information 01:23:12.210 --> 01:23:13.740 align:middle line:90% in coordination. 01:23:13.740 --> 01:23:15.500 align:middle line:84% That's the entire point of this bill, 01:23:15.500 --> 01:23:18.270 align:middle line:84% to enhance coordination and information 01:23:18.270 --> 01:23:20.340 align:middle line:84% sharing between the Ombudsman's Office 01:23:20.340 --> 01:23:23.940 align:middle line:84% and the Division of Banks, and the confidentiality provisions 01:23:23.940 --> 01:23:26.310 align:middle line:84% which are similar to other provisions 01:23:26.310 --> 01:23:29.190 align:middle line:84% around other licensing regimes that the Division of Banks 01:23:29.190 --> 01:23:33.810 align:middle line:84% overseas, and that other organs of state government oversees 01:23:33.810 --> 01:23:36.570 align:middle line:84% should in no way inhibit the public policy interests 01:23:36.570 --> 01:23:39.930 align:middle line:84% where there will be a disclosure of the student loan servicer's 01:23:39.930 --> 01:23:40.890 align:middle line:90% conduct. 01:23:40.890 --> 01:23:42.480 align:middle line:84% The entire point, again, of this bill 01:23:42.480 --> 01:23:44.280 align:middle line:84% is to shine a light on an industry that 01:23:44.280 --> 01:23:47.010 align:middle line:84% has been operating in the shadows both nationally 01:23:47.010 --> 01:23:48.616 align:middle line:90% and in this state as well. 01:23:48.616 --> 01:23:49.740 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:23:49.740 --> 01:23:51.280 align:middle line:90% I hope the amendment is adopted. 01:23:51.280 --> 01:23:53.500 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on adoption of the amendment. 01:23:53.500 --> 01:23:55.600 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 01:23:55.600 --> 01:23:57.975 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the amendment is adopted. 01:23:57.975 --> 01:23:59.610 align:middle line:90% The next amendment's number 7. 01:23:59.610 --> 01:24:03.300 align:middle line:84% The next amendment is number 7, offered by the lady 01:24:03.300 --> 01:24:06.750 align:middle line:84% from the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk, Ms. Spilka, 01:24:06.750 --> 01:24:09.380 align:middle line:84% the title of which the clerk will read. 01:24:09.380 --> 01:24:11.130 align:middle line:84% Amendment number 7 by Ms. Spilka-- 01:24:11.130 --> 01:24:12.411 align:middle line:90% corrective amendment. 01:24:12.411 --> 01:24:15.060 align:middle line:90% 01:24:15.060 --> 01:24:18.020 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on adoption of the amendment 01:24:18.020 --> 01:24:19.350 align:middle line:90% of Ways and Means amendment. 01:24:19.350 --> 01:24:21.630 align:middle line:84% All those-- no, excuse me, the corrective amendment. 01:24:21.630 --> 01:24:25.170 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 01:24:25.170 --> 01:24:27.240 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the corrective amendment 01:24:27.240 --> 01:24:27.740 align:middle line:90% is adopted. 01:24:27.740 --> 01:24:31.167 align:middle line:90% 01:24:31.167 --> 01:24:33.500 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on adoption of the Ways and Means 01:24:33.500 --> 01:24:33.999 align:middle line:90% amendment. 01:24:33.999 --> 01:24:36.210 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye, opposed, no. 01:24:36.210 --> 01:24:39.230 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the Ways and Means amendment is adopted. 01:24:39.230 --> 01:24:41.660 align:middle line:84% Question now comes on ordering the bill 01:24:41.660 --> 01:24:43.100 align:middle line:90% to a third reading as amended. 01:24:43.100 --> 01:24:45.989 align:middle line:84% All those in favor, say aye opposed, no. 01:24:45.989 --> 01:24:48.530 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is ordered to a third reading. 01:24:48.530 --> 01:24:49.613 align:middle line:90% Third reading of the bill. 01:24:49.613 --> 01:24:52.290 align:middle line:84% An act establishing a Student Loan Bill of Rights, 01:24:52.290 --> 01:24:56.360 align:middle line:90% senate number 2380 amended. 01:24:56.360 --> 01:24:58.670 align:middle line:84% The bill has been read a third time. 01:24:58.670 --> 01:25:00.910 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on passing the bill 01:25:00.910 --> 01:25:03.110 align:middle line:90% to be engrossed. 01:25:03.110 --> 01:25:05.390 align:middle line:84% The roll call having been ordered, 01:25:05.390 --> 01:25:06.650 align:middle line:90% the clerk will call the roll. 01:25:06.650 --> 01:25:08.634 align:middle line:90% The clerk will call the chair. 01:25:08.634 --> 01:25:15.550 align:middle line:90% 01:25:15.550 --> 01:25:16.532 align:middle line:90% Harriette L Chandler. 01:25:16.532 --> 01:25:17.032 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:17.032 --> 01:25:19.502 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:19.502 --> 01:25:20.984 align:middle line:90% Michael J Barrett. 01:25:20.984 --> 01:25:25.460 align:middle line:90% 01:25:25.460 --> 01:25:26.480 align:middle line:90% Joseph A Boncore. 01:25:26.480 --> 01:25:26.980 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:26.980 --> 01:25:29.358 align:middle line:90% Yes . 01:25:29.358 --> 01:25:30.296 align:middle line:90% Michael D Brady. 01:25:30.296 --> 01:25:34.050 align:middle line:90% 01:25:34.050 --> 01:25:35.280 align:middle line:90% William N Brownsberger. 01:25:35.280 --> 01:25:35.820 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:35.820 --> 01:25:38.280 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:38.280 --> 01:25:39.630 align:middle line:90% Sonia Chang-Diaz. 01:25:39.630 --> 01:25:43.630 align:middle line:90% 01:25:43.630 --> 01:25:44.740 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Stone Creem. 01:25:44.740 --> 01:25:45.240 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:45.240 --> 01:25:47.063 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:47.063 --> 01:25:48.386 align:middle line:90% Brendan P Crighton. 01:25:48.386 --> 01:25:49.270 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:25:49.270 --> 01:25:50.890 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:50.890 --> 01:25:51.700 align:middle line:90% Julian Cyr. 01:25:51.700 --> 01:25:52.240 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:52.240 --> 01:25:53.576 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:53.576 --> 01:25:55.348 align:middle line:90% Viriato M deMacedo. 01:25:55.348 --> 01:25:56.240 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:56.240 --> 01:25:57.500 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:57.500 --> 01:25:58.510 align:middle line:90% Sal M DiDomenico. 01:25:58.510 --> 01:25:59.380 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:25:59.380 --> 01:26:00.660 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:00.660 --> 01:26:02.160 align:middle line:90% James B Eldridge. 01:26:02.160 --> 01:26:02.880 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:02.880 --> 01:26:04.050 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:04.050 --> 01:26:05.950 align:middle line:90% Ryan C Fattmann. 01:26:05.950 --> 01:26:07.400 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:07.400 --> 01:26:08.676 align:middle line:90% Paul R Feeney. 01:26:08.676 --> 01:26:09.176 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:09.176 --> 01:26:10.580 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:10.580 --> 01:26:11.600 align:middle line:90% Cynthia Friedman. 01:26:11.600 --> 01:26:12.260 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:12.260 --> 01:26:14.450 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:14.450 --> 01:26:15.950 align:middle line:90% Anne M Gobi. 01:26:15.950 --> 01:26:17.840 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:17.840 --> 01:26:18.830 align:middle line:90% Adam G Hinds. 01:26:18.830 --> 01:26:19.490 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:19.490 --> 01:26:21.080 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:21.080 --> 01:26:22.430 align:middle line:90% Donald F Humason, Jr. 01:26:22.430 --> 01:26:23.090 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:23.090 --> 01:26:24.590 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:24.590 --> 01:26:27.730 align:middle line:90% Patricia D Jehlen. 01:26:27.730 --> 01:26:28.660 align:middle line:90% John F Keenan. 01:26:28.660 --> 01:26:29.260 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:29.260 --> 01:26:30.620 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:30.620 --> 01:26:31.570 align:middle line:90% Eric P Lesser. 01:26:31.570 --> 01:26:32.350 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:32.350 --> 01:26:33.730 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:33.730 --> 01:26:34.600 align:middle line:90% Jason M Lewis. 01:26:34.600 --> 01:26:35.510 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:35.510 --> 01:26:36.940 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:36.940 --> 01:26:38.045 align:middle line:90% Barbara A L'Italien. 01:26:38.045 --> 01:26:38.545 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:38.545 --> 01:26:40.150 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:40.150 --> 01:26:41.140 align:middle line:90% Joan B Lovely. 01:26:41.140 --> 01:26:41.980 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:41.980 --> 01:26:42.795 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:42.795 --> 01:26:44.430 align:middle line:90% Mark C Montigny. 01:26:44.430 --> 01:26:45.280 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:45.280 --> 01:26:46.510 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:46.510 --> 01:26:47.560 align:middle line:90% Michael O Moore. 01:26:47.560 --> 01:26:48.460 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:48.460 --> 01:26:50.050 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:50.050 --> 01:26:51.005 align:middle line:90% Patrick M O'Connor. 01:26:51.005 --> 01:26:51.710 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:51.710 --> 01:26:53.030 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:53.030 --> 01:26:55.600 align:middle line:90% Kathleen O'Connor Ives. 01:26:55.600 --> 01:26:56.780 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:56.780 --> 01:26:58.990 align:middle line:90% Marc R Pacheco. 01:26:58.990 --> 01:26:59.580 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:26:59.580 --> 01:27:01.320 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:01.320 --> 01:27:02.730 align:middle line:90% Michael J Rodrigues. 01:27:02.730 --> 01:27:03.700 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:03.700 --> 01:27:05.280 align:middle line:90% Yes . 01:27:05.280 --> 01:27:06.690 align:middle line:90% Stanley C Rosenberg. 01:27:06.690 --> 01:27:07.360 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:07.360 --> 01:27:08.880 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:08.880 --> 01:27:10.190 align:middle line:90% Richard J Ross. 01:27:10.190 --> 01:27:11.120 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:11.120 --> 01:27:12.070 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:12.070 --> 01:27:14.750 align:middle line:90% Michael F Rush. 01:27:14.750 --> 01:27:15.720 align:middle line:90% Karen E Spilka. 01:27:15.720 --> 01:27:16.530 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:16.530 --> 01:27:17.940 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:17.940 --> 01:27:18.976 align:middle line:90% Bruce E Tarr. 01:27:18.976 --> 01:27:19.870 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:19.870 --> 01:27:21.240 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:21.240 --> 01:27:22.410 align:middle line:90% Walter F Timilty. 01:27:22.410 --> 01:27:23.160 align:middle line:90% Yes, sir. 01:27:23.160 --> 01:27:24.600 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:24.600 --> 01:27:25.550 align:middle line:90% Dean A Tran. 01:27:25.550 --> 01:27:26.340 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:26.340 --> 01:27:27.922 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:27:27.922 --> 01:27:28.904 align:middle line:90% Jame T Welch. 01:27:28.904 --> 01:27:32.341 align:middle line:90% 01:27:32.341 --> 01:27:35.780 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:27:35.780 --> 01:27:38.126 align:middle line:90% --of 3rd Middlesex, Mr. Barrett. 01:27:38.126 --> 01:27:40.460 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] affirmative [INAUDIBLE] 01:27:40.460 --> 01:27:42.410 align:middle line:90% Michael J Barrett votes yes. 01:27:42.410 --> 01:27:43.844 align:middle line:90% Have all members been reported? 01:27:43.844 --> 01:27:49.570 align:middle line:90% 01:27:49.570 --> 01:27:53.500 align:middle line:84% The Center from 2nd Suffolk, Ms. Chang-Diaz. 01:27:53.500 --> 01:27:56.500 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:27:56.500 --> 01:27:58.820 align:middle line:90% Sonia Chang-Diaz votes yes. 01:27:58.820 --> 01:28:01.288 align:middle line:84% The senator from Hampden, Mr. Welch. 01:28:01.288 --> 01:28:05.260 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] in the affirmative. 01:28:05.260 --> 01:28:07.103 align:middle line:90% James T Welch votes yes. 01:28:07.103 --> 01:28:11.350 align:middle line:90% 01:28:11.350 --> 01:28:14.534 align:middle line:90% Have all members been reported? 01:28:14.534 --> 01:28:16.398 align:middle line:90% [INAUDIBLE] 01:28:16.398 --> 01:28:18.740 align:middle line:90% 01:28:18.740 --> 01:28:24.410 align:middle line:84% Under Senate rule 57, the the court officer 01:28:24.410 --> 01:28:28.580 align:middle line:84% will cast a vote for Senator Jehlen. 01:28:28.580 --> 01:28:29.700 align:middle line:90% Patricia D Jehlen. 01:28:29.700 --> 01:28:30.261 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:28:30.261 --> 01:28:30.760 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:28:30.760 --> 01:28:33.360 align:middle line:90% Have all members been reported? 01:28:33.360 --> 01:28:41.690 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:28:41.690 --> 01:28:44.140 align:middle line:84% 36 [INAUDIBLE] in the affirmative. 01:28:44.140 --> 01:28:46.240 align:middle line:84% On this matter, 36 in the affirmative, 01:28:46.240 --> 01:28:48.070 align:middle line:90% none in the negative. 01:28:48.070 --> 01:28:54.050 align:middle line:84% The question-- the bill has been passed to be adopted. 01:28:54.050 --> 01:28:55.584 align:middle line:90% Brief recess. 01:28:55.584 --> 01:29:07.512 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:29:07.512 --> 01:29:09.440 align:middle line:84% If there is no objection, we will 01:29:09.440 --> 01:29:13.580 align:middle line:84% take one matter out of the orders of the day out of order. 01:29:13.580 --> 01:29:15.890 align:middle line:84% The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues, 01:29:15.890 --> 01:29:18.790 align:middle line:84% has presented an order, which the clerk will read. 01:29:18.790 --> 01:29:20.750 align:middle line:84% An order relative to the question 01:29:20.750 --> 01:29:23.480 align:middle line:84% of the pending acquisition of my Mount Ida 01:29:23.480 --> 01:29:26.420 align:middle line:84% college by the University of Massachusetts, Senate number 01:29:26.420 --> 01:29:27.020 align:middle line:90% 2417. 01:29:27.020 --> 01:29:28.346 align:middle line:90% 01:29:28.346 --> 01:29:31.290 align:middle line:84% Under the rules referred to the Committee on Rules, 01:29:31.290 --> 01:29:32.450 align:middle line:90% report of the committee. 01:29:32.450 --> 01:29:33.840 align:middle line:84% The Committee on Rules, to whom it was referred, 01:29:33.840 --> 01:29:35.514 align:middle line:84% sent Senate order reports recommending 01:29:35.514 --> 01:29:36.680 align:middle line:90% that it ought to be adopted. 01:29:36.680 --> 01:29:40.580 align:middle line:84% Mark C Montigny for the committee. 01:29:40.580 --> 01:29:45.731 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr. 01:29:45.731 --> 01:29:48.230 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President, and through you, to the members. 01:29:48.230 --> 01:29:50.150 align:middle line:84% Madam President, there is an order 01:29:50.150 --> 01:29:53.150 align:middle line:84% that has now emerged on today's calendar, 01:29:53.150 --> 01:29:55.820 align:middle line:84% and it is offered by the gentleman from Fall River. 01:29:55.820 --> 01:29:57.500 align:middle line:84% And I'm hoping that he will explain 01:29:57.500 --> 01:30:01.220 align:middle line:84% to us the nature of the order before the Senate consider 01:30:01.220 --> 01:30:02.246 align:middle line:90% taking action on it. 01:30:02.246 --> 01:30:03.370 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:30:03.370 --> 01:30:06.140 align:middle line:84% The senator from 1st Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. 01:30:06.140 --> 01:30:07.140 align:middle line:90% [AUDIO CUTS OUT] 01:30:07.140 --> 01:30:08.872 align:middle line:90% 01:30:08.872 --> 01:30:11.330 align:middle line:84% Thank you, Madam President and through you, to the members. 01:30:11.330 --> 01:30:13.370 align:middle line:84% Let me first start by thanking the gentlemen 01:30:13.370 --> 01:30:16.130 align:middle line:84% from Essex, our esteemed minority leader, 01:30:16.130 --> 01:30:18.080 align:middle line:90% for asking the question. 01:30:18.080 --> 01:30:23.210 align:middle line:84% Before the body at this time is an order 01:30:23.210 --> 01:30:27.350 align:middle line:84% referring and requesting that our Senate Committee 01:30:27.350 --> 01:30:32.270 align:middle line:84% on Post Audit and Oversight conduct a public hearing 01:30:32.270 --> 01:30:35.780 align:middle line:84% on the merits of the pending acquisition of Mount Ida 01:30:35.780 --> 01:30:39.180 align:middle line:84% college by the University of Massachusetts. 01:30:39.180 --> 01:30:43.220 align:middle line:84% These Merit specifically relate to the fiscal impact 01:30:43.220 --> 01:30:45.570 align:middle line:84% that it will have on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 01:30:45.570 --> 01:30:47.417 align:middle line:90% We have read in the paper-- 01:30:47.417 --> 01:30:50.000 align:middle line:84% and that's all we know, because any information we've received 01:30:50.000 --> 01:30:52.160 align:middle line:84% is only what we've read in the paper 01:30:52.160 --> 01:30:55.660 align:middle line:84% --that UMass will be assuming between $55 million and $70 01:30:55.660 --> 01:30:59.390 align:middle line:90% million of debt. 01:30:59.390 --> 01:31:01.970 align:middle line:84% We also want to know the impact that this pending 01:31:01.970 --> 01:31:06.230 align:middle line:84% acquisition would have on the well being of our students. 01:31:06.230 --> 01:31:10.100 align:middle line:84% I personally have received three phone calls 01:31:10.100 --> 01:31:13.310 align:middle line:84% from constituents whose daughters 01:31:13.310 --> 01:31:17.120 align:middle line:84% are at Mount Ida in programs that are not 01:31:17.120 --> 01:31:21.560 align:middle line:84% offered at UMass Dartmouth, those being specifically 01:31:21.560 --> 01:31:22.940 align:middle line:90% vet tech-- 01:31:22.940 --> 01:31:26.780 align:middle line:84% veterinary technician program, and the dental hygienist 01:31:26.780 --> 01:31:28.100 align:middle line:90% program. 01:31:28.100 --> 01:31:30.380 align:middle line:84% And I received another phone call from a parent 01:31:30.380 --> 01:31:35.900 align:middle line:84% whose daughter attended Mount Ida on an athletic scholarship, 01:31:35.900 --> 01:31:38.180 align:middle line:84% and what happens to her scholarship? 01:31:38.180 --> 01:31:39.200 align:middle line:90% Is she allowed to play? 01:31:39.200 --> 01:31:43.910 align:middle line:84% Do NCAA rules allow her to play at UMass Dartmouth? 01:31:43.910 --> 01:31:47.870 align:middle line:84% Will she be accepted at UMass Dartmouth in her program? 01:31:47.870 --> 01:31:52.610 align:middle line:84% And this body, Madam President, this great Senate 01:31:52.610 --> 01:31:58.700 align:middle line:84% has prided itself on being as open and as transparent 01:31:58.700 --> 01:32:04.750 align:middle line:84% as we could possibly be to the citizens that we represent. 01:32:04.750 --> 01:32:08.680 align:middle line:84% This body also holds those public institutions 01:32:08.680 --> 01:32:11.770 align:middle line:84% of which utilize tax payers' dollars 01:32:11.770 --> 01:32:16.580 align:middle line:84% to maintain that same levelness of open and transparency. 01:32:16.580 --> 01:32:20.410 align:middle line:84% Now it appears that under the cover of darkness, 01:32:20.410 --> 01:32:25.090 align:middle line:84% without any questions, without any notification to either 01:32:25.090 --> 01:32:27.430 align:middle line:90% is in the legislature-- 01:32:27.430 --> 01:32:29.900 align:middle line:84% I don't know about the governor and his administration. 01:32:29.900 --> 01:32:32.370 align:middle line:84% I haven't spoken to the governor's administration, 01:32:32.370 --> 01:32:36.340 align:middle line:84% but certainly those of us who are UMass alums, those 01:32:36.340 --> 01:32:41.070 align:middle line:84% of us who care very, very deeply about the stability 01:32:41.070 --> 01:32:44.505 align:middle line:84% and the long-term viability of our UMass campuses, 01:32:44.505 --> 01:32:49.000 align:middle line:84% I being very concerned about UMass Dartmouth. 01:32:49.000 --> 01:32:51.070 align:middle line:84% I can only imagine how I would feel 01:32:51.070 --> 01:32:53.570 align:middle line:84% if I was an alum of UMass Boston, 01:32:53.570 --> 01:32:55.930 align:middle line:84% and UMass Boston was in my district, 01:32:55.930 --> 01:32:58.840 align:middle line:84% as they are bleeding at UMass Boston, 01:32:58.840 --> 01:33:04.360 align:middle line:84% in dire need of capital investment at UMass Boston. 01:33:04.360 --> 01:33:06.160 align:middle line:84% But we just take it upon ourselves 01:33:06.160 --> 01:33:08.830 align:middle line:84% without any public discourse or discussion 01:33:08.830 --> 01:33:12.040 align:middle line:84% to assume $55 million to $70 million. 01:33:12.040 --> 01:33:14.950 align:middle line:84% And by the way, that $50 million is a big delta. 01:33:14.950 --> 01:33:20.830 align:middle line:84% $55 million to $70 million of debt for a Mount Ida 01:33:20.830 --> 01:33:23.350 align:middle line:90% campus of UMass Amherst. 01:33:23.350 --> 01:33:27.190 align:middle line:84% So I look forward to working with the gentlelady, the chair 01:33:27.190 --> 01:33:30.340 align:middle line:84% of the Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, 01:33:30.340 --> 01:33:33.090 align:middle line:84% the gentleman, the chair of the Committee on Higher Ed, 01:33:33.090 --> 01:33:36.760 align:middle line:84% as hopefully we and then our constituents, 01:33:36.760 --> 01:33:39.400 align:middle line:84% those who we represent, those who 01:33:39.400 --> 01:33:42.970 align:middle line:84% pay the taxes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 01:33:42.970 --> 01:33:44.680 align:middle line:84% can have the answers to the questions 01:33:44.680 --> 01:33:48.100 align:middle line:84% that they rightfully deserve, hopefully 01:33:48.100 --> 01:33:52.700 align:middle line:84% before this transaction is fully consummated. 01:33:52.700 --> 01:33:55.729 align:middle line:84% So Madam President, I hope this order is adopted. 01:33:55.729 --> 01:33:59.380 align:middle line:90% 01:33:59.380 --> 01:34:04.260 align:middle line:84% The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr.-- 01:34:04.260 --> 01:34:05.470 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:34:05.470 --> 01:34:07.020 align:middle line:84% Madam President, it is worthy of note 01:34:07.020 --> 01:34:09.510 align:middle line:84% that this particular order moved very quickly 01:34:09.510 --> 01:34:11.790 align:middle line:84% through the Committee on Rules, and I 01:34:11.790 --> 01:34:18.360 align:middle line:84% am surmising from that very expeditious action 01:34:18.360 --> 01:34:20.340 align:middle line:84% that the Rules Committee must consider this 01:34:20.340 --> 01:34:22.670 align:middle line:90% to be a matter of fair urgency. 01:34:22.670 --> 01:34:26.070 align:middle line:84% And Madam President, I'm hoping that the distinguished chairman 01:34:26.070 --> 01:34:30.330 align:middle line:84% of the Committee on Rules could opine on the committee's work 01:34:30.330 --> 01:34:32.520 align:middle line:84% relative to moving this as quickly as it 01:34:32.520 --> 01:34:33.930 align:middle line:90% has moved to the floor. 01:34:33.930 --> 01:34:36.060 align:middle line:84% And perhaps, Madam President, he may also 01:34:36.060 --> 01:34:38.900 align:middle line:84% have some insight into the substance of the order. 01:34:38.900 --> 01:34:42.150 align:middle line:84% Hope may be realized, because our next speaker is 01:34:42.150 --> 01:34:46.670 align:middle line:84% the gentleman from 2nd Bristol and Plymouth Mr. Montigny. 01:34:46.670 --> 01:34:50.430 align:middle line:84% Madam President, I would be happy to attempt to answer 01:34:50.430 --> 01:34:53.130 align:middle line:90% the gentleman's inquiry. 01:34:53.130 --> 01:34:55.680 align:middle line:84% The power of the chair, I am always aware, 01:34:55.680 --> 01:34:59.970 align:middle line:84% that the majority can temper any of my untethered passions, 01:34:59.970 --> 01:35:01.320 align:middle line:90% even on matters like this. 01:35:01.320 --> 01:35:04.530 align:middle line:84% So please understand the timing was based 01:35:04.530 --> 01:35:07.050 align:middle line:90% on the urgency of the matter. 01:35:07.050 --> 01:35:08.820 align:middle line:84% And I know the minority leader knows this 01:35:08.820 --> 01:35:12.250 align:middle line:84% because he's been very supportive of the effort. 01:35:12.250 --> 01:35:16.470 align:middle line:84% And first I want to commend my colleague, the senator 01:35:16.470 --> 01:35:21.030 align:middle line:84% from Westport, who shares a district that 01:35:21.030 --> 01:35:25.800 align:middle line:84% relies pretty heavily on the institution, UMass Dartmouth. 01:35:25.800 --> 01:35:29.250 align:middle line:84% But I also want to share a very quick history. 01:35:29.250 --> 01:35:32.880 align:middle line:84% So when I attended that institution, 01:35:32.880 --> 01:35:35.730 align:middle line:84% there were four in my family, believe it or not, 01:35:35.730 --> 01:35:38.270 align:middle line:84% at the same time at that institution. 01:35:38.270 --> 01:35:43.110 align:middle line:84% We used to call it Irish quadruplets back in the day. 01:35:43.110 --> 01:35:45.420 align:middle line:84% And all four of us had been accepted 01:35:45.420 --> 01:35:50.800 align:middle line:84% to private institutions, and we couldn't afford it. 01:35:50.800 --> 01:35:54.420 align:middle line:84% And all four of us graduated from that institution. 01:35:54.420 --> 01:35:58.900 align:middle line:84% Try to do that today on a middle class income. 01:35:58.900 --> 01:35:59.820 align:middle line:90% Why am I saying that? 01:35:59.820 --> 01:36:03.690 align:middle line:84% Because if this were one event, one decision 01:36:03.690 --> 01:36:07.200 align:middle line:84% by the trustees in isolation, we might not 01:36:07.200 --> 01:36:10.950 align:middle line:84% have been so quick to refer this to the Post Audit Committee. 01:36:10.950 --> 01:36:13.530 align:middle line:84% And by the way, as chair of Rules, 01:36:13.530 --> 01:36:15.780 align:middle line:84% we process the order technically, 01:36:15.780 --> 01:36:19.170 align:middle line:84% but I'm here to join my colleagues 01:36:19.170 --> 01:36:21.810 align:middle line:84% as a passionate sponsor of the substance of it. 01:36:21.810 --> 01:36:23.730 align:middle line:84% This is exactly what the Post Audit 01:36:23.730 --> 01:36:27.420 align:middle line:84% Committee, which I formally chaired, is designed to do. 01:36:27.420 --> 01:36:30.150 align:middle line:84% And I have the highest respect for the current chair, 01:36:30.150 --> 01:36:33.990 align:middle line:84% and I know that the gentlelady will conduct this 01:36:33.990 --> 01:36:36.432 align:middle line:84% with a sense of urgency, but also that we'll 01:36:36.432 --> 01:36:37.890 align:middle line:84% get the answers that we should have 01:36:37.890 --> 01:36:42.870 align:middle line:84% had before we read about it in the Boston newspapers. 01:36:42.870 --> 01:36:44.720 align:middle line:90% It's outrageous on many fronts. 01:36:44.720 --> 01:36:48.810 align:middle line:84% I won't bore you with the details of what I feel. 01:36:48.810 --> 01:36:51.690 align:middle line:84% But again, if it were not a pattern, 01:36:51.690 --> 01:36:54.150 align:middle line:84% perhaps I wouldn't be as concerned. 01:36:54.150 --> 01:36:55.680 align:middle line:84% And I might have said as a courtesy, 01:36:55.680 --> 01:37:00.420 align:middle line:84% why don't we call in the folks, and let them explain. 01:37:00.420 --> 01:37:02.730 align:middle line:90% Too late for that. 01:37:02.730 --> 01:37:05.790 align:middle line:84% This is a public institution entering a deal 01:37:05.790 --> 01:37:08.179 align:middle line:90% with a private institution. 01:37:08.179 --> 01:37:09.720 align:middle line:84% We've heard from many of the students 01:37:09.720 --> 01:37:14.860 align:middle line:84% at Mount Ida who are deeply concerned and angry. 01:37:14.860 --> 01:37:17.220 align:middle line:84% But we've also heard from folks, for instance, 01:37:17.220 --> 01:37:20.049 align:middle line:84% I wonder how it felt to wake up and read the newspaper. 01:37:20.049 --> 01:37:21.840 align:middle line:84% I still read the hard copy, so you actually 01:37:21.840 --> 01:37:23.190 align:middle line:90% wake up and read it. 01:37:23.190 --> 01:37:27.120 align:middle line:84% I'm sure there were people that knew online throughout the day 01:37:27.120 --> 01:37:28.090 align:middle line:90% and were concerned. 01:37:28.090 --> 01:37:32.820 align:middle line:84% But think about working at UMass Boston 01:37:32.820 --> 01:37:37.770 align:middle line:84% or attending UMass Boston, and you've 01:37:37.770 --> 01:37:41.490 align:middle line:84% watched this beautiful campus fall apart. 01:37:41.490 --> 01:37:44.490 align:middle line:84% And you've been told in a sense by the system, 01:37:44.490 --> 01:37:45.560 align:middle line:90% you're on your own. 01:37:45.560 --> 01:37:49.570 align:middle line:84% They're laying off janitors and others to fill gaps. 01:37:49.570 --> 01:37:54.450 align:middle line:84% And yet we're going to buy this sort of country club 01:37:54.450 --> 01:37:59.130 align:middle line:84% because we want to offer internships and a place 01:37:59.130 --> 01:38:03.330 align:middle line:84% for our alumni from Boston to come and hang out. 01:38:03.330 --> 01:38:05.340 align:middle line:84% Think about that, if you're at UMass Boston. 01:38:05.340 --> 01:38:08.760 align:middle line:84% The last time I went out to UMass Boston 01:38:08.760 --> 01:38:14.220 align:middle line:84% and to the similarly situated property of the JFK Library, 01:38:14.220 --> 01:38:16.680 align:middle line:84% I thought, what a beautiful place this 01:38:16.680 --> 01:38:19.140 align:middle line:90% is to entertain alumni. 01:38:19.140 --> 01:38:21.830 align:middle line:84% What a great place it is for internships 01:38:21.830 --> 01:38:23.250 align:middle line:90% and corporate partnerships. 01:38:23.250 --> 01:38:29.130 align:middle line:84% So I thought that sales pitch for the deal was 01:38:29.130 --> 01:38:32.040 align:middle line:84% somewhat condescending, but again, irrelevant. 01:38:32.040 --> 01:38:34.380 align:middle line:84% Because the more important thing is, 01:38:34.380 --> 01:38:37.410 align:middle line:84% as the gentleman from Westport suggested-- 01:38:37.410 --> 01:38:41.320 align:middle line:84% I think he called it under cloak of darkness, 01:38:41.320 --> 01:38:43.800 align:middle line:90% or veil of secrecy-- 01:38:43.800 --> 01:38:46.080 align:middle line:84% we read about this in the newspaper. 01:38:46.080 --> 01:38:48.000 align:middle line:84% We are the proxy for the taxpayer. 01:38:48.000 --> 01:38:51.840 align:middle line:84% The trustees may think they are from time to time, 01:38:51.840 --> 01:38:57.190 align:middle line:84% but the proxy for the taxpayer are we elected officials. 01:38:57.190 --> 01:38:58.800 align:middle line:90% And here's what I know. 01:38:58.800 --> 01:39:02.623 align:middle line:84% UMass has become unaffordable for families like mine 01:39:02.623 --> 01:39:03.589 align:middle line:90% if I were-- 01:39:03.589 --> 01:39:06.487 align:middle line:90% 01:39:06.487 --> 01:39:08.410 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:39:08.410 --> 01:39:08.910 align:middle line:90% Yes. 01:39:08.910 --> 01:39:09.690 align:middle line:90% Senator Tarr. 01:39:09.690 --> 01:39:10.830 align:middle line:90% Thank you, Madam President. 01:39:10.830 --> 01:39:12.913 align:middle line:84% I do know that the chairman of the Rules Committee 01:39:12.913 --> 01:39:15.180 align:middle line:84% is very passionate, and he is trying to share with us 01:39:15.180 --> 01:39:17.610 align:middle line:84% some very salient facts, and yet even 01:39:17.610 --> 01:39:19.740 align:middle line:84% despite his passionate articulation, 01:39:19.740 --> 01:39:21.570 align:middle line:84% I'm having a hard time hearing him. 01:39:21.570 --> 01:39:24.390 align:middle line:84% And so I'm hoping that you could bring the Senate to order. 01:39:24.390 --> 01:39:25.230 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:39:25.230 --> 01:39:28.750 align:middle line:84% The Senate, please take your conversations outside. 01:39:28.750 --> 01:39:29.420 align:middle line:90% Thank you. 01:39:29.420 --> 01:39:29.920 align:middle line:90% Continue. 01:39:29.920 --> 01:39:32.430 align:middle line:84% And what the audience-- well, the audience that's 01:39:32.430 --> 01:39:34.720 align:middle line:84% here in the physical sense knows full well, 01:39:34.720 --> 01:39:37.260 align:middle line:84% but the TV audience may not realize the gentleman really 01:39:37.260 --> 01:39:38.940 align:middle line:90% is saying, you've said enough. 01:39:38.940 --> 01:39:40.329 align:middle line:84% I asked you a technical question, 01:39:40.329 --> 01:39:41.370 align:middle line:90% and you're still talking. 01:39:41.370 --> 01:39:44.940 align:middle line:84% So he's not doing that, Madam Pres. 01:39:44.940 --> 01:39:46.780 align:middle line:90% Let me finish with this. 01:39:46.780 --> 01:39:50.100 align:middle line:84% So I represent UMass Dartmouth, so one would assume 01:39:50.100 --> 01:39:51.330 align:middle line:90% I think this is a great deal. 01:39:51.330 --> 01:39:56.970 align:middle line:84% We're going to assume the tuition and the bright minds 01:39:56.970 --> 01:39:59.610 align:middle line:84% of perhaps several hundred students. 01:39:59.610 --> 01:40:03.365 align:middle line:84% But even we have concerns when we look at this quest. 01:40:03.365 --> 01:40:04.890 align:middle line:84% And it was a former chancellor who 01:40:04.890 --> 01:40:08.730 align:middle line:84% cut a deal on a no-bid contract to build dorms 01:40:08.730 --> 01:40:10.980 align:middle line:90% without union labor. 01:40:10.980 --> 01:40:13.420 align:middle line:84% And this was a big controversy some years ago. 01:40:13.420 --> 01:40:14.610 align:middle line:90% And we know why. 01:40:14.610 --> 01:40:15.550 align:middle line:90% Everybody knows why. 01:40:15.550 --> 01:40:18.421 align:middle line:84% You can get triple the tuition when 01:40:18.421 --> 01:40:20.670 align:middle line:84% you bring in international students, which by the way, 01:40:20.670 --> 01:40:23.790 align:middle line:84% I think is a great addition to any student body. 01:40:23.790 --> 01:40:27.060 align:middle line:84% But we should be mindful of the mission of the institution. 01:40:27.060 --> 01:40:30.870 align:middle line:84% You can get double the tuition from out-of-state students, 01:40:30.870 --> 01:40:34.200 align:middle line:84% so there's always this quest to bring in those folks. 01:40:34.200 --> 01:40:35.730 align:middle line:90% Again, it's great. 01:40:35.730 --> 01:40:37.350 align:middle line:84% You bring all these bright minds, 01:40:37.350 --> 01:40:40.060 align:middle line:90% and you ensure diversity. 01:40:40.060 --> 01:40:42.120 align:middle line:84% But when you have institutions like Mount Ida 01:40:42.120 --> 01:40:44.340 align:middle line:84% that are doing specific things, and you 01:40:44.340 --> 01:40:48.499 align:middle line:84% aggrieve the students who are in debt now, some for a long time. 01:40:48.499 --> 01:40:50.040 align:middle line:84% And then you have UMass Boston that's 01:40:50.040 --> 01:40:53.370 align:middle line:84% crying for help to fix their campus, 01:40:53.370 --> 01:40:55.400 align:middle line:84% and you have UMass Dartmouth saying, 01:40:55.400 --> 01:40:59.670 align:middle line:84% hm, we used to be an institution that put the region first, 01:40:59.670 --> 01:41:02.970 align:middle line:84% and now my suspicion, perhaps, is 01:41:02.970 --> 01:41:06.600 align:middle line:84% this is a great way to fill unoccupied dorm space. 01:41:06.600 --> 01:41:08.490 align:middle line:84% That may be a very good idea, and this 01:41:08.490 --> 01:41:11.970 align:middle line:84% may be a great solution for Mount Ida, 01:41:11.970 --> 01:41:14.370 align:middle line:84% and it may be a great solution for UMass Dartmouth, 01:41:14.370 --> 01:41:18.900 align:middle line:84% but what I do know is this is a public institution, 01:41:18.900 --> 01:41:22.230 align:middle line:84% and oftentimes the attitude of the leaders 01:41:22.230 --> 01:41:24.434 align:middle line:90% of this public institution is-- 01:41:24.434 --> 01:41:26.100 align:middle line:84% and we've heard them say it, by the way, 01:41:26.100 --> 01:41:29.030 align:middle line:84% over and over, you don't even give us x. 01:41:29.030 --> 01:41:31.650 align:middle line:84% So this, you know, we hear different figures quoted, 01:41:31.650 --> 01:41:35.970 align:middle line:84% and we only pay x percent of the school budget 01:41:35.970 --> 01:41:38.310 align:middle line:90% comes from the legislature. 01:41:38.310 --> 01:41:41.670 align:middle line:84% Well x percent, guess what it adds up to? 01:41:41.670 --> 01:41:46.590 align:middle line:84% Over $500 million a year of taxpayer money. 01:41:46.590 --> 01:41:49.480 align:middle line:84% And the proxy for the taxpayer-- that's me 01:41:49.480 --> 01:41:53.130 align:middle line:84% and 199 other people here in this building-- 01:41:53.130 --> 01:41:56.460 align:middle line:84% we are the proxy, and we read about this deal 01:41:56.460 --> 01:41:57.790 align:middle line:90% in the newspaper. 01:41:57.790 --> 01:42:01.140 align:middle line:84% It's wrong, and if it were the first time and not a pattern, 01:42:01.140 --> 01:42:03.210 align:middle line:84% I would not have co-sponsored the order. 01:42:03.210 --> 01:42:07.320 align:middle line:84% I would still do my duty as the Rules chairman, 01:42:07.320 --> 01:42:11.400 align:middle line:84% and respect the gentleman and others, but I co-sponsored it. 01:42:11.400 --> 01:42:13.800 align:middle line:84% Even though UMass Dartmouth might in the end 01:42:13.800 --> 01:42:15.810 align:middle line:84% benefit from this, and I might be the first one 01:42:15.810 --> 01:42:18.990 align:middle line:84% to tell you the deal makes sense, I can't tell you that, 01:42:18.990 --> 01:42:21.990 align:middle line:84% and that's why Post Audit needs to immediately engage. 01:42:21.990 --> 01:42:25.350 align:middle line:84% And I have the strongest faith in the chairwoman 01:42:25.350 --> 01:42:26.370 align:middle line:90% of the committee. 01:42:26.370 --> 01:42:29.120 align:middle line:90% But it also should be a lesson. 01:42:29.120 --> 01:42:33.320 align:middle line:84% Public institutions, whether we fund a nickel or $500 million, 01:42:33.320 --> 01:42:37.550 align:middle line:84% are answerable to the public through the Senate, 01:42:37.550 --> 01:42:39.710 align:middle line:90% and the House, and the governor. 01:42:39.710 --> 01:42:40.652 align:middle line:90% End of story. 01:42:40.652 --> 01:42:45.840 align:middle line:90% 01:42:45.840 --> 01:42:47.850 align:middle line:84% Senator from Bristol and Plymouth, 01:42:47.850 --> 01:42:49.350 align:middle line:84% Mr. Rodrigues moves that the rules 01:42:49.350 --> 01:42:53.700 align:middle line:84% be suspended that the matter may be considered forthwith. 01:42:53.700 --> 01:42:57.370 align:middle line:84% All those in favor signify by saying aye, opposed, no. 01:42:57.370 --> 01:43:00.130 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the rules are suspended. 01:43:00.130 --> 01:43:02.760 align:middle line:84% The question now comes on adoption of the order. 01:43:02.760 --> 01:43:06.970 align:middle line:84% All those in favor signify by saying aye, opposed, no. 01:43:06.970 --> 01:43:09.994 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the order is adopted. 01:43:09.994 --> 01:43:11.535 align:middle line:84% The Senate will stand a brief recess. 01:43:11.535 --> 01:43:23.290 align:middle line:90% 01:43:23.290 --> 01:43:25.350 align:middle line:90% The Senate will come to order. 01:43:25.350 --> 01:43:28.530 align:middle line:84% Just for the edification of the members 01:43:28.530 --> 01:43:32.085 align:middle line:84% and your schedules for the rest of the day, 01:43:32.085 --> 01:43:36.420 align:middle line:84% the chair has been advised that we're not expecting 01:43:36.420 --> 01:43:40.140 align:middle line:90% any further roll calls today. 01:43:40.140 --> 01:43:43.770 align:middle line:84% We have some business that can be conducted informally, 01:43:43.770 --> 01:43:46.980 align:middle line:90% but no roll calls are expected. 01:43:46.980 --> 01:43:50.220 align:middle line:90% 01:43:50.220 --> 01:43:54.090 align:middle line:84% One matter comes before the Senate for its final passage, 01:43:54.090 --> 01:43:57.330 align:middle line:84% an act providing for the appointment of a treasure 01:43:57.330 --> 01:44:01.521 align:middle line:84% collector in the town of Stockbridge. 01:44:01.521 --> 01:44:04.970 align:middle line:84% The question comes on passing the bill to be enacted. 01:44:04.970 --> 01:44:08.381 align:middle line:84% All those in favor signify by saying aye, all those opposed, 01:44:08.381 --> 01:44:08.880 align:middle line:90% no. 01:44:08.880 --> 01:44:11.840 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the bill is passed to be enacted, 01:44:11.840 --> 01:44:13.790 align:middle line:84% and will be signed by the president 01:44:13.790 --> 01:44:17.454 align:middle line:84% and laid before the governor for his approbation. 01:44:17.454 --> 01:44:18.995 align:middle line:84% The Senate will stand a brief recess. 01:44:18.995 --> 01:44:30.380 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:44:30.380 --> 01:44:34.830 align:middle line:84% To order on page 3, calendar item 170. 01:44:34.830 --> 01:44:37.400 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the order, 01:44:37.400 --> 01:44:39.140 align:middle line:84% coming first on the pending motion 01:44:39.140 --> 01:44:41.330 align:middle line:90% to lay the matter on the table. 01:44:41.330 --> 01:44:43.890 align:middle line:90% 01:44:43.890 --> 01:44:47.150 align:middle line:84% The question comes on laying the matter on the table. 01:44:47.150 --> 01:44:52.470 align:middle line:84% All those in favor signify by saying aye, opposed, no. 01:44:52.470 --> 01:44:57.570 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the matter is laid on the table. 01:44:57.570 --> 01:44:59.358 align:middle line:84% The Senate will stand a brief recess. 01:44:59.358 --> 01:45:20.772 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:45:20.772 --> 01:45:23.620 align:middle line:84% The Senator from the 1st Worcester district 01:45:23.620 --> 01:45:26.235 align:middle line:84% offers an order which the clerk will read. 01:45:26.235 --> 01:45:28.110 align:middle line:84% An order that when the Senate adjourns today, 01:45:28.110 --> 01:45:30.660 align:middle line:84% to adjourn to meet again tomorrow at 11:00 AM. 01:45:30.660 --> 01:45:32.868 align:middle line:84% [INAUDIBLE] be directed to dispense with the printing 01:45:32.868 --> 01:45:34.560 align:middle line:90% of the calendar. 01:45:34.560 --> 01:45:37.500 align:middle line:84% The question comes on adoption of the order. 01:45:37.500 --> 01:45:38.500 align:middle line:90% Is there an objection? 01:45:38.500 --> 01:45:41.555 align:middle line:84% The chair hears none, and the order is adopted. 01:45:41.555 --> 01:45:47.495 align:middle line:90% 01:45:47.495 --> 01:45:51.455 align:middle line:84% The Senator from [INAUDIBLE] move that the Senate 01:45:51.455 --> 01:45:54.425 align:middle line:90% be now adjourned. 01:45:54.425 --> 01:45:56.610 align:middle line:84% The senator from New Bedford moves 01:45:56.610 --> 01:46:00.010 align:middle line:90% that the Senate do now adjourn. 01:46:00.010 --> 01:46:03.920 align:middle line:84% All those in favor signify by saying aye, opposed, no. 01:46:03.920 --> 01:46:09.220 align:middle line:84% The ayes have it, and the Senate stands adjourned to meet again 01:46:09.220 --> 01:46:12.560 align:middle line:90% tomorrow at 11 o'clock AM. 01:46:12.560 --> 01:46:15.310 align:middle line:90% [GAVEL STRIKING BENCH] 01:46:15.310 --> 01:46:23.275 align:middle line:90%