[MUSIC PLAYING]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Please take your seats.
Members and guests, please take your seats.
[AUDIO OUT] Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye.
Under Article 64 as amended by Article 82 of the amendments
to the Constitution of Massachusetts,
the General Court shall assemble every year
on the first Wednesday in January.
And the terms of representatives shall
begin on the first Wednesday in January succeeding
their election and extend to the first Wednesday in January
in the third year following their election
and until a successor is chosen and qualified.
Section 3 of chapter 3 of the General Laws
provides that on the first Wednesday
in January following a state election,
between the hours of 10:00 in the forenoon and 12:00 at noon,
the persons whose names have been returned as members elect
of the House of Representatives shall
be called to order by the oldest senior member present, who
shall be the presiding officer of the House
until a speaker is chosen or the House otherwise determines.
An examination of the records in the Office of the Clerk House
discloses that Representative Elect Angelo M.
Scaccia of Readville section of the city of Boston
and the 14th Suffolk district, who served in the House
from 1973 to 1978 inclusive and also from 1981
to 2018 inclusive, is such senior member--
although he tells me not the oldest.
But he is the oldest senior member.
And accordingly, I have the honor
of turning the gavel over to Representative Elect
Scaccia, the Dean of the Massachusetts
House of Representatives membership, who
will preside and be your presiding officer
until a speaker is chosen.
Representative Scaccia.
[AUDIO OUT]
[APPLAUSE]
[GAVEL BANGING]
The first annual session of the House of Representatives
of the 191st General Court of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts will now come to order.
Thank you.
Before we do anything, I know you folks up
there have done yeoman work to send
these folks down here to us.
And I see folks down here who have sent us
160 beautiful reps.
I want you to get up and hug and squeeze.
That's what I do as an Italian.
But whatever you want to do.
Talk to your face.
[APPLAUSE]
We had a caucus downstairs, and I left behind the podium.
And the court officer explained to me,
if you do that once again, you are no
longer the presiding officer.
So I hope we only take about four hours
up here before I have to relieve myself.
[MUTED]
First order of business is the prayer.
And Reverend Ronald Coyne, who is my pastor in three
parishes in Hyde Park and Milton--
and I had Reverend Coyne here four years ago,
and this body received him remarkably well.
And I said it that day, and I want to say it again.
When we think of profiles in courage,
we often think of the actions of an individual in the context
of a political arena.
Father Coyne, to me, is a profile
in courage in a different arena, a religious institution.
He was amongst a small minority of pastors
that spoke up against certain practices
of our beloved institution that he
had committed himself to serve.
It cost him his parish and his position, for a while.
We are reminded, Father, that when you challenge
the establishment in an effort to right a wrong,
it often results in personal setbacks.
However, we are also assured that change
is the only thing that remains a constant,
and exile is never forever in any religious or political
institution.
Father Coyne was ordained in 1973.
He lives in my section of the city, Roslindale, West Roxbury,
and Hyde Park.
He served three decades in the church in Boston parishes
from Mattapan to Charlestown.
Then he went out to the suburbs in Weymouth and Randolph.
And thank God he came back again to the city.
He's been our pastor of the Blue Hills Catholic Collaborative
since January of 2014, serving, as I said,
most precious blood in Hyde Park, St. Pius in Milton
and St. Anne's in Readville.
Reverend Coyne, could you give to us
some words of encouragement?
Thank you, Angelo.
And what a privilege for me once again
to be invited to pray with you.
Personally, I don't believe that words
are the only way of praying.
In fact, there's a big difference
between saying prayers and praying.
As I've matured in my faith, I now
realize that for me, praying is becoming
more aware of God's presence in my life.
No religion or single word can capture God.
So we have many faith traditions which attempt
to accompany us on this quest.
I happen to be Catholic.
Some of you may also be Catholic or belong to another faith
tradition, or possibly have no religious affiliation
at this time.
And some may identify as humanists.
Religion at its best attempts to acquaint us
with God's presence in our world.
If someone asks me if I believe in God,
the first thing I say to them is, what do you mean by God?
After they explain that, my answer may be no,
I don't believe in that concept of God.
Then I explain what I do mean by God.
So today I believe that God is love.
And whenever I experience love, I experience God.
And I also believe today that God is life itself.
And whenever I experienced life, I experience God.
So I no longer fear God.
I now encounter God every day.
Today as we gather at the Statehouse in Massachusetts
with our elected officials, we pray
that we may lead by example.
As long as we accept sexism, belief that one gender is
superior to another, denominationalism, belief
that one religion is superior to another, or racism, belief
that one culture is superior to another,
we will never be at peace.
We live in a wonderful world, a beautiful country,
and a great state.
A healthy future for all and our strength as a society
lies not in our tolerance of gender and orientation
differences but on how we respect and embrace them.
Our strength as a society lies not
in our tolerance of other cultures and languages
and nationalities but on how we respect and embrace them.
And our strength as a society lies
not in our tolerance of other religions and faith traditions
but on how we respect and embrace them.
So as the legislators take their oath of office,
may they be blessed with passion and compassion
for all God's people and God's creation.
May each elected official realize that in Massachusetts,
if love is to overcome hate, it is our responsibility.
In Massachusetts, if education is to overcome ignorance,
it is our responsibility.
In Massachusetts, if equality is to overcome classism,
it is our responsibility.
In Massachusetts, if inclusion is to overcome exclusion,
it is our responsibility.
And in Massachusetts, if justice is overcome poverty,
it is our responsibility.
We pray that those in this chamber
may begin the new year, 2019, determined
to enhance the quality of life for all of those who
are citizens of the Bay State.
May we all be aware of how powerful our words can be so
that we no longer speak about others
as people with disabilities but as
those with different abilities.
Let us no longer describe someone as the least among us
but rather as those among us with the least opportunities.
Small changes can have a lasting impact.
And I will conclude with the words
of a song that says it all.
"This is my song, O God of all the nations, a song of peace
for lands afar and mine.
This is my home, the country where my heart is.
Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine.
But other hearts in other lands are
beating with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.
My country's skies are bluer than the ocean,
and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine.
But other lands have sunlight too, and clover,
and skies are everywhere as blue as mine.
O hear my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace
for their land and for mine."
Amen.
As Father would say, life is love, or reverse it,
love is life.
And this priest, when he gives sermons on Sunday,
there are standing Os from the people in the pews.
And he has revitalized the Catholic faith
like no other person I know.
Mr. Rogers of Norwood moves that the prayer
be spread across the record.
Is there objection?
Chair hears none.
The motion is adopted.
My next duty is to have my fellow colleagues join us
at the podium with the Pledge of Allegiance.
These are five individuals who continue, to this day,
to serve in the armed forces of the United States of America.
And I'll start with the oldest folks,
and get down to the younger ones.
Harold Naughton of Clinton, Major
in the United States Army National Guard.
Jerald Parisella of Beverly, Lieutenant Colonel
in the United States Army Reserves.
John Velis of Westfield, Captain in the United States Army
Reserves.
Jon Santiago of Boston, Captain in the United States Army
Reserves.
And Patrick Kearney of Scituate, Ensign
in the United States Naval Reserves.
Gentlemen.
[APPLAUSE]
Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues.
It's an honor and a distinguished pleasure
to be standing here in front of you today,
not only those of us that are still active reservists,
actively drilling, but in behalf of our fellow colleagues
that are veterans and have served this country.
We would ask you at this time to think of the several hundred
thousand of your brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters,
mothers and sons, that are serving in faraway places,
at the tip of the spear, and allowing
us to be here today and exalt in the result of this democracy.
And we are pleasured to have one of those warriors who has just
recently returned to us after his second tour in Afghanistan.
The gentleman from Westfield, Mr. Velis.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
We are also joined and represented
by the future of our armed forces in this chamber today
with the father of Midshipman Carolyn Dooley, the gentleman
from Norfolk, and by my son, Harrison Naughton, Midshipman,
second-class United States Naval Academy.
We want to thank them for their service
as they go forward on behalf of our country.
[APPLAUSE]
We'd now ask you to join us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United
States of America, and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
[INAUDIBLE]
It's the photographer.
[INAUDIBLE]
Where is it?
Please continue standing for the National Anthem
by the Burncoat High School Quadrivium Chorus of Worcester,
guests of Representative O'Day.
Are they here?
OK.
[MUTED]
[MUSIC - "THE NATIONAL ANTHEM"]
--(SINGING) you see, by the dawn's early light what
so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous
fight, o'er the ramparts we watched
were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er
the land of the free and the home of the brave?
[APPLAUSE]
Once again, continue to stand for a moment of silence.
Representatives of the 190th General Court who passed away
in the last session.
Representative Gailanne Cariddi, the gentle lady
from North Adams.
Representative Christopher Walsh,
the gentleman from Framingham.
Representative Peter Kocot, the gentleman from North Hampton.
And Representative James Miceli, the gentleman from Wilmington.
Thank you so very much.
You can be seated.
Congratulations to all on your successful elections.
A grateful welcome to the members of the Class of 2019.
A hearty welcome back to those who
find the work of this institution
paramount in their lives and in the lives of those they serve.
History tells us we are the oldest and most hallowed
institution of democracy, crafted by long ago
peers, most of whom had little or no prior knowledge
of government, never mind how to run one.
I direct your attention to the mural on the wall behind me.
Both of them, I guess.
Right over here.
To my left, your right.
They proposed a document in 1780.
And after much input and debate, it
became the Constitution of this Commonwealth.
Tested by time, inhaled as the greatest work
produced by free people for the enjoyment
of peace, freedom, and liberty.
Today, we once again proceed to fill
the shoes of our predecessors in this, the 191st biennium
of the General Court.
It's a big job, a demanding job, a full-time job.
But one you are capable of doing.
If you were not, your constituents
would not have sent you here.
Let me take a minute to speak directly to the Class of 2019.
We want you, we need you, to roll up your sleeves,
dig into the shoes of the day, and offer your insights.
We want you to plow new ground.
Trust me, no one has yet has cornered the idea market.
And never, never, never be afraid to air your ideas.
Use your God-given talents and gifts to make it so.
The future of this House is made stable
when the new are made welcome in our herd.
You have a unique, special role to play in this House.
And we will delight in seeing you fulfill it.
You have the opportunity to make this institution greater
than it is.
It is this chamber that has it all.
We are the closest to the people.
We are laden with expertise and experience.
We can attain heights never seen before
if we dare to tap into them.
If we encourage and utilize our potential,
the possibilities are endless.
The power of acquired knowledge is only as potent
when paired with the twin virtues of hard work
and humility.
Don't waste this golden gift given to us.
Now let us begin this journey of opportunity
as we climb to greater heights to serve
the people of this great Commonwealth together.
For it is together when we succeed.
It is together where we may fail.
It will be together we best serve
the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE]
House will be in a brief recess.
I don't have any jib sheets on the US senators,
so I don't know what to say.
[LAUGHTER]
[MUTED]
The biggest enjoyment I get on this opening day
is introducing three men who, for the last 50 years,
have made this House what it is.
And the first individual was the 79th speaker of the House
from 1969 to 1975.
He was the Secretary of Administration and Finance
from 1981 to '83 under Governor Ed King.
And from 1975 to 2004, was the President of the Holyoke
Community College.
His main accomplishment in life was Chapter 766,
first in the nation, special educational law.
And since then, copied by every state.
This people, this legislation, put everyone
on an equal footing.
It didn't matter where you came from,
what you did, what your capabilities were.
This law allowed public schools to treat everyone equally.
Again, copied by everyone in the United States of America.
The dean of the speakers, David Bartley.
[APPLAUSE]
The next two gentlemen are my very personal friends.
Elected first in 1983, speaker of the house in 1996.
Served as speaker for over eight years.
Former President of the Massachusetts Biotechnology
Council.
Talk radio host at WRKO for many, many years.
This gentleman created the state's rainy day fund.
And let me tell you, I've been here a while.
It's still raining outside, OK?
And we have been using the money that he set aside
for years and years and years.
And that's why this Commonwealth has a triple A rating.
Who knows?
But it's close, huh?
[LAUGHTER]
A-plus.
Never needed to use 9C cuts under this gentleman
because he always had a balanced budget.
Thomas Finneran.
[APPLAUSE]
And last but not least, the 84th speaker
of the House, who turned the reins of power
over to our present officeholder.
The architect of Massachusetts health care law, which--
[APPLAUSE]
--which was the model for the federal Affordable Care Act.
97% of the people in Massachusetts
are now covered under this law.
And he single-handedly was the one who put it in place.
He's the architect of Massachusetts' move
to install solar and wind as our primary sources of energy.
And he will go down in history as one
who brought justice to the civil rights of our citizens.
Sal DiMasi.
[APPLAUSE]
Elizabeth, you don't mind if I just
say a word or two about the senior, yet junior, US senator?
Because I've known him since he started in this House
16 years ago.
[LAUGHTER]
Ed Markey is an American politician
serving as the junior United States senator
from Massachusetts since 2013.
He was the United States representative
for Massachusetts' 7th congressional district
from 1976 to 2013.
God, you've got to be old
Whoo.
[LAUGHTER]
He has spent his time focusing on energy policy, Chairman
of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global
Warming.
There's a lot of newer reps who would
like to talk to you because that's their issue.
In 2013, after John Kerry was appointed United States
Secretary of Service, he was elected to serve the balance.
He's the eighth most senior member.
And in 2014, was elected to a full six year Senate term.
He is the dean of the Massachusetts
congressional delegation and the second longest serving member
of Congress from New England behind Senator Patrick
Leahy of Vermont.
Senator, thank you for your presence today.
[APPLAUSE]
Senator Liz Warren, they gave me nothing about you.
But let me tell you, you're the senior United States senator
who won a great election this past year.
You also are going on to bigger and better things later.
I appreciate what you have done in the short time you have
been our United States senator.
Another individual who has brought equality
in so many issues to the people of this state
and to the people of the United States of America.
Senator, I wish you the best in the future.
Senator Elizabeth Warren.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
One last one.
I think I know this kid fairly well.
The son of immigrants.
And he won election to this body in 1997
and served here until 2014 as my seatmate.
He's gone, and Marty, I'm still in the same seat.
[LAUGHTER]
He and Representative Malia led the fight
to treat addiction, primarily as a health care issue.
And it took he and Representative Malia years
to change this body, which then changed the other body.
And now it is law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
He's a progressive, pragmatic problem solver.
He fights for every corner and community in the city.
He's a lifelong champion of working people.
He is now the 54th mayor of the city of Boston.
Whoo.
[LAUGHTER]
He is America's mayor of mayors.
His milestones since he started there
include the nation's first municipal Office of Recovery
Services to prevent and treat substance abuse, the city's
first cultural plan in a generation
to restore Boston's identity as an arts leader.
And in a sign of strong fiscal management in economic policy,
the city's first perfect AAA bond ratings,
unlocking unprecedented investments in parks,
libraries, and public safety.
A great kid.
I was happy that he left here, because for 16 and 1/2 years,
I sat next to him and he was the biggest pain blah, blah, blah.
[LAUGHTER]
He would jump up in this chamber no matter what the debate
was and get involved.
And I knew then that he was going on
to bigger and better things.
And he's causing an uproar in the city of Boston,
let me tell you, for the good.
Martin J Walsh.
[APPLAUSE]
How am I doing?
Last group of individuals I am going to talk about,
very quickly too.
These are the people who make this institution run,
and you can understand when I mention
their years of longevity.
Ray Amaru, 60 years of public participation in this,
the House of Representatives.
Ray, are you around?
[INAUDIBLE]
There you are.
[APPLAUSE]
Next to me is Gene DiPersio, who's in his 49th year.
And he's fantastic because if someone's
up here that doesn't know anybody down there,
he knows everyone's name.
He helps everybody all the time.
Gene DiPersio.
[APPLAUSE]
My dear friend, who pretty much came
in with me, who runs the position down there that's
closest to me.
He's been here for 46 years.
Joe Quinn.
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE]
Last but not least, the clerk of the House of Representatives
who just got renominated down there.
And now if you can convince some Republicans,
you'll be the clerk again.
55 years of continued service.
Imagine having to stand here for I don't know how long
and advise this House what is proper or improper.
Steve James.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Communication from the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Secretary of the Commonwealth,
State House, Boston, January 2, 2019.
To the honorable House of Representatives,
I have the honor to lay before you the returns of votes cast
at the election held in this Commonwealth on the 6th day
of November 2018 for representative
and General Court in the several districts
together with schedules showing the number of ballots which
appear to have been cast for each person voted for.
These returns have been duly canvassed
by the governor and council and are now
transmitted for examination by the House of Representatives
as required by the Constitution and General Laws.
Very truly yours, William Francis Galvin,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Mr. Mahoney of Worcester refers that this communication--
Be referred to as special--
--be referred to as special commission in the House.
Those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Those opposed?
The ayes have it.
[INAUDIBLE] and Mr. [INAUDIBLE].
[INAUDIBLE] orders of their duty.
Mr. Mahoney of Worcester offers an order
which the clerk will read.
Ordered that the returns of votes
of the representatives of the several districts
of the Commonwealth be referred to a special committee
to consist of three members.
[INAUDIBLE]
Yes.
The question comes in adoption of the order.
Question comes on the adoption of the order.
The chair will appoint Mr.--
[INAUDIBLE]
The chair will appoint Mr. Mahoney of Worcester,
Gordon of Bedford, and Boldyga of Southwick.
Question comes on that.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
[MUTED] Mr. Mahoney and the committee,
would they come forward, please?
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
House will be in a brief recess.
Angie?
Angelo?
You're doing great so far.
Lean in a little closer to the mic.
That's one.
And two, you haven't forgotten your family, have you?
You didn't-- come on.
Jesus.
Can you folks hear me up there?
No.
Let's start all over.
[LAUGHTER]
You mean you didn't hear the speech?
No.
[LAUGHTER]
All right.
I'm going to go back from the beginning, how's that?
[MUTED] The speaker is doing this to me.
That's what's happening.
[CHUCKLE] [MUTED] --report of a committee.
The special committee of the House to which
was referred the returns of votes for representatives
in several representative districts of the Commonwealth
reports thereon that the person's name therein
had been duly elected.
Mr. Mahoney moves suspension of the rules.
Mr. Mahoney of Worcester moves suspension of the rules.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The rules are suspended.
Question comes on acceptance of the report.
Question comes on the acceptance of the report.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Those opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The report is accepted.
This next thing is for the--
an order-- [MUTED]
Mr. Rogers of Norwood offers an order that the clerk will read.
Ordered that a special committee be appointed
to wait upon his Excellency, the governor,
and inform him that a quorum of the members
elect of the House of Representatives have assembled
and that they are ready to take the oaths and affirmations
of qualification.
Question comes in the adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Those opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
The chair will appoint the following individuals to serve.
Mr. Kearney of Scituate.
Mr. Rogers of Norwood.
Ms. Robinson of Framingham.
Mr. Hecht of Watertown.
Ms. Campbell of Methuen.
Ms. Keefe of Worcester.
Mr. Silvia of Fall River.
Mr. Wong of Saugus.
Mr. Garballey of Arlington.
Mr. Holmes of Boston.
Mr. Dooley of Norfolk.
Mr. DuBois-- Madam DuBois of Brockton.
Mr. Cullinane of Boston.
Ms. Garry of Dracut.
Ms. Fiola of Fall River.
Mr. D'Emilia of Bridgewater.
Mr. Finn of West Springfield.
Mr. Howitt of Seekonk.
Ms. Gifford of Wareham.
Mr. Williams of Springfield.
Mr. Hunt of Boston.
Mr. Walsh of Peabody.
And Mr. Chan of Quincy.
All members, please form in the well of the House.
All members, please form in the well of the house.
You don't need-- [MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
The committee will proceed under the guidance
of the Sergeant of Arms.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Hey, Angie?
So far, you're getting 4 out of 5 stars.
Don't blow it.
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
House will come to order.
While we await the return of the committee,
we have a musical interlude.
[MUSIC - "GOD BLESS AMERICA"]
(SINGING) God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her through the night
with the light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
to the oceans white with foam, God bless America,
my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
[APPLAUSE]
Beautiful job.
Beautiful.
Chairman will ask that all representatives
and their guests remain in their seats.
And while there is a minute, I'd like
to introduce a young lady that I met 47 years ago, who has
been my guide and inspiration.
My wife, Sandra.
[APPLAUSE]
My son Michael and my daughter Amy.
[APPLAUSE]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant of Arms.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant of Arms.
[INAUDIBLE] The honorable committee of the House.
The honorable committee of the house.
And meet the honorable committee of the house.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Chair recognizes Mr. Kearney of--
Mr. Speaker, committee report.
Gentlemen--
The committee that you put together
has executed its duties faithfully.
And His Excellency, the governor,
waits outside the chamber to administer the oath of office.
Why, thank you, Mr. Kearney.
We can have the governor wait a while, OK?
[LAUGHTER]
But before I dissolve the committee, Mr. Kearney,
I want to tell you why I chose you to lead this.
It is because I met you for the first time
23 years ago in this very chamber.
You were obviously not a member then, but you were within one.
[LAUGHTER]
And that woman, your mother, served this House
with great distinction from 1995 to 2003.
She was the first woman in Massachusetts history
to give birth while in office, making you,
sir, the first child of such a member today.
Sir, through you, this House makes history once again,
with the first mother/son representatives
to serve the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Thank you for a job well done, and I dissolve the committee.
Excellent job, Patrick.
Excellent job.
Nicely done.
Awesome job.
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
House will come to order.
Chair recognizes the Sergeant of Arms.
Let this be heard, his Excellency, Charles Baker of
[INAUDIBLE].
The Honorable Karyn Polito, Lieutenant Governor
of the Commonwealth.
The Honorable Maura Healey, Attorney General
of the Commonwealth.
The Honorable Deborah Goldberg, Treasurer of the Commonwealth.
The Honorable Suzanne Bump, Auditor of the Commonwealth.
And the honorable [INAUDIBLE].
[INAUDIBLE]
[LAUGHTER]
Admit the Honorable Governor of the Commonwealth,
Charles Baker, the Honorable Lieutenant Governor
of the Commonwealth, Karyn Polito,
the Honorable Secretary of State,
William Galvin, the Honorable Attorney General, Maura Healey,
the Honorable Treasurer, Deborah Goldberg,
the Honorable Auditor, Suzanne Bump,
and the Honorable Governor's council.
[APPLAUSE]
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
House will come to order.
It is my pleasure to introduce the Governor
of the Commonwealth, Charles Baker, Jr.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you.
I'm just going to start by wishing
everybody a happy new year--
I'm sure that already happened-- and tell you
how much the Lieutenant Governor and I look forward
to working with all of you who are present here today,
as well as those who might not be.
As Karyn and I were walking down the hallway,
we were talking about the fact that this
is a little bit of a page turner every few years that we
do at the start of a session.
And it comes with all kinds of hope and possibility.
And we look forward to having the chance to work
with all of you on the very many issues
that the people of the Commonwealth care about.
And with that, I would ask all of those of you who were
elected in November to serve in this august body to raise
your right hands.
And now I'm going to ask you to repeat after me, which
you never have to do again.
[LAUGHTER]
I, state your name.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
Do you solemnly swear.
Do solemnly swear.
That I will bear true faith and allegiance.
To the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
And will support the Constitution thereof.
So help me God.
I, state your name.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
Do solemnly swear and affirm.
That I will faithfully and impartially.
Discharge and perform.
All the duties incumbent on me.
As a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
According to the best of my abilities and understanding.
Agreeably.
To the rules and regulations of the Constitution.
And the laws of this Commonwealth.
So help me God.
I, state your name.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
Do solemnly swear.
That I will support the Constitution
of the United States.
That I will support the Constitution
of the United States.
Congratulations, and good luck.
[APPLAUSE]
[GAVEL BANGING]
House will come to order.
The Secretary of State will be passing throughout the chamber
a little piece of paper.
Make sure you put your name on that little piece of paper
because if you don't, you won't get paid.
[LAUGHTER]
All right.
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, while I have you here,
just a few words.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
I want to thank you for what you did to the financial dilemma
this House and this Commonwealth was in before you got here.
We were in a deficit, a huge deficit.
And you, in four years, have turned it into a surplus.
You alone put in a budget, 100 million extra dollars
for mental health, the first time that was ever,
ever done from the corner office.
You, Governor, tackled, and I mean
tackled, the opioid addiction.
72,000 people last year--
year before now-- died in the United States
of opioid overdoses.
72,000 people.
4,000 people in Massachusetts have
died over the past two years.
It certainly didn't get you any votes, Governor.
But I'll tell you, it was the right issue
to tackle at the right time.
And you put your heart and soul into that.
And lastly, most important, times are tough out there.
There's this divisiveness in the United States of America,
and even in parts of Massachusetts.
You brought people together to work on issues,
to solve issues.
And that to me is the greatest thing
you could have done for the people of Massachusetts.
By the way, somebody told me you got 71% of the vote.
I know you got 35%, and Karyn got the other 36% for you.
[LAUGHTER]
But Governor, I want to thank you,
and I think the House members want to thank you, too,
for what you and the Lieutenant Governor
have done for the past four years.
[APPLAUSE]
And I'm too old to be a judge.
Members and guests are asked to remain standing as the--
Sergeant of Arms.
--Sergeant of Arms escorts the Governor, Lieutenant Governor,
and all the constitutional officers
and the governor's council from this chamber.
God bless you for coming.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Look at this thing.
House will come to order.
Representatives will take their seats,
their guests take their seats.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
House will come to order.
Representatives will take their seats,
their guests will take their seats.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Court officers will clear the aisles, seat the members
and their guests.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
The Imam Abdur Rahman Ahmad will deliver a prayer to us
this afternoon.
At the age of nine, he completed memorizing the holy Quran.
From 2008 to 2015, he was the Imam
of Masjid As-Saffat in Trenton, New Jersey.
He now serves as the Imam and resident
scholar of the Islamic Center of New England in Sharon.
Imam?
(WHISPERING) Thanks for having me.
So we are on schedule.
Good afternoon.
We heard that I memorized the whole Quran, the whole 600
pages.
So I would just want to share the first chapter.
[LAUGHTER]
It's actually only seven verses.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
In the name of God, the most compassionate,
the most merciful.
All praise be to God, Lord of the universe,
most compassionate, and most merciful,
Lord of the day of judgment.
You alone do we worship, and you alone do we turn to for help.
Guide us to the straight way, the way
of those on whom you have bestowed
your favors and your grace, not the way
of those who have earned your anger nor
of those who have gone astray.
That was the translation of the chapter that I read,
the first chapter.
I'll make a short prayer.
O Lord, we seek your protection and we entrust you
with our religion, our faith, ourselves, our wealth,
our Commonwealth, our family, and our country, and all
that you have given us.
O Lord, place us and them in your protection, your safety,
your security, and your sanctuary
from any rebellious Satan and any obstinate tyrant
and any oppressor and from every envious person
and the evil of every evil-doer.
Indeed, you are capable of all things.
O Lord, protect us from all the causes of regret.
You are the Hearer of all applications.
O Lord, enable us to remove the difficulties of the people
around the world.
Enable us to show compassion towards them.
Inspire in us guidance in our affairs
and deliver us from the evils within ourselves.
Unite our hearts upon guidance.
Instill the love of your creation in our hearts.
Give us leaders the wisdom and ability to guide our nation
and the world out of crisis.
O God, as we heard, how many thousand people are suffering?
O God, cure the sick among your creation
and be sufficient for us in all of our affairs.
Amen.
Thank you.
Mr. Rogers of Norwood moves that the prayer of the Imam
be spread across the record.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The prayer is spread across the record.
This is the order of the--
Speaker.
(WHISPERING) Speaker.
[INAUDIBLE]
Mr. Mariano of Quincy offers a order
in the hands of the clerk.
The clerk will read the order.
Ordered that the House proceeds to the election
of a speaker without nominations that the election be
held in the following manner.
The roll shall be called by the clerk.
And each member present, in response to his/her name,
shall arise and announce the name of the member
for whom he/she votes.
Question comes on the adoption of that order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
Clerk will call the roll.
James Arciero?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Brian M. Ashe?
[INAUDIBLE] Robert DeLeo.
Robert A DeLeo.
Bruce J Ayers?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Ruth B. Balser?
Rob DeLeo.
Robert A DeLeo.
[INAUDIBLE]
Christine P. Barber?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Robert A DeLeo.
John D. Barret?
Robert A. DeLeo.
F. Jay Barrows?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Jennifer E. Benson?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr.?
Bradley Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. David Biele?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Natalie M. Blais?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Robert DeLeo.
Nicholas L. Boldyga?
Bradley Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Paul Brodeur?
Robert DeLeo.
Antonio F.D. Cabral?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Dan Cahill?
Rob DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Linda Dean Campbell?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Peter L. Capano?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Daniel R. Carey?
Robert DeLeo.
Gerard J. Cassidy?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Tackey Chan?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Michelle Ciccolo?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Mike Connolly?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Edward F. Coppinger?
William--
[LAUGHTER]
William Crocker, Jr.?
William L. Crocker, Jr.?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Claire D. Cronin?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Brief recess.
House will be in a brief recess.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Daniel R. Cullinane?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Mark J. Cusack?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Josh S. Cutler?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Michael S. Day?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Marjorie C. Decker?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
David F. DeCoste?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Robert A. DeLeo?
Rob DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo votes for Robert A. DeLeo.
Angelo L. D'Emilia?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Marcos Devers?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Robert A DeLeo.
Mindy Domb?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Daniel M. Donahue?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Paul J. Donato?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Shawn Dooley?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
William J. Driscoll, Jr.?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Michelle M. DuBois?
Rob DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Peter J. Durant?
Bradley [INAUDIBLE].
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Carolyn C. Dykema?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Lori A. Ehrlich?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Nika Elugardo?
Present.
Nika Elugardo, answer is present.
Tricia Farley-Bouvier?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Kimberly N. Ferguson?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Dylan A. Fernandes?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Ann-Margaret Ferrante?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Michael J. Finn?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Carole A. Fiola?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Paul K. Frost?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
William C. Galvin?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Sean Garballey?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Denise C. Garlick?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Colleen M. Garry?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Carmine Lawrence Gentile?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Susan Williams Gifford?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Thomas A. Golden, Jr.?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Carlos González?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Kenneth I. Gordon?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Tami L. Gouveia?
Present.
[INAUDIBLE]
Tami L. Gouveia, answer is present.
Danielle W. Gregoire?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Patricia A. Haddad?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Richard M. Haggerty?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Sheila C. Harrington?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. James K. Hawkins?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Stephan Hay?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Jonathan Hecht?
Present.
Jonathan Hecht, answer is present.
Christopher Hendricks?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Natalie Higgins?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Bradford Hill?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Kate Hogan?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Russell E. Holmes?
[INAUDIBLE], present.
Russell Holmes, answer is present.
Kevin G. Honan?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Stephen S. Howitt?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Daniel J. Hunt?
Robert.
A. DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Randy Hunt?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Bradley H. Jones, Jr.?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Mr. Jones of North Reading votes for Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Louis
L. Kafka?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Hanna E. Kane?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Joseph Patrick Kearney?
Present.
Joseph Patrick Kearney, answer is present.
Mary S. Keefe?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
James M. Kelcourse?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Kay Khan?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Kathleen P. LaNatra?
Robert A. DeLeo.
John J. Lawn, Jr.?
Robert A. DeLeo.
David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Jack Patrick Lewis?
Robert A. DeLeo.
David Paul Linsky?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Jay D. Livingstone?
Robert DeLeo.
Mark T. Lombardo?
Brad Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Adrian C. Madaro?
Robert A. DeLeo.
John J. Mahoney?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Elizabeth A. Malia?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Ronald Mariano?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Paul W. Mark?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Christopher M. Markey?
Robert DeLeo.
Joseph W. McGonagle, Jr.?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Joseph D. McKenna?
Bradley Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Paul McMurtry?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Joan Meschino?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Aaron Michlewitz?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Christina A. Minicucci?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Liz Miranda?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Lenny Mirra?
Bradley Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Rady Mom?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Frank A. Moran?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Michael J. Moran?
[INAUDIBLE]
Robert A. DeLeo.
David K. Muradian, Jr.?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Matthew J. Muratore?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H Jones, Jr. James M. Murphy?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Brian W. Murray?
Robert A. DeLeo.
David M. Nangle?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Harold P. Naughton, Jr.
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Tram Nguyen?
Robert A. DeLeo.
James J. O'Day?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Norman J. Orrall?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Jerald A. Parisella?
DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Sarah K. Peake?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Alice Hanlon Peisch?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Thomas M. Petrolati?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Smitty Pignatelli?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Elizabeth A. Poirier?
Bradley H. Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr.?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Davin Allen Robertson?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Maria D. Robinson?
Present.
Maria D. Robinson, answer is present.
David M. Rogers?
Robert A. DeLeo.
John H. Rogers?
Present.
John Rogers, answer is present.
Jeffrey N. Roy?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Robert A DeLeo.
Daniel J. Ryan?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Lindsay Sabadosa?
Jon Santiago?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Angelo M. Scaccia?
Present.
Angelo M. Scaccia, answer is present.
Paul A. Schmid, III?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Alan Silvia?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Todd M. Smola?
Bradley Jones.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Michael J. Soter?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Theodore C. Speliotis?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Thomas M. Stanley?
Robert A. DeLeo.
William M. Straus?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Alyson M. Sullivan?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. José F. Tosado?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Paul F. Tucker?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Chynah Tyler?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Steven Ultrino?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Adres X. Vargas?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Aaron Vega?
Robert A. DeLeo.
John C. Velis?
Robert A. DeLeo.
David T. Vieira?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. RoseLee Vincent?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Tommy Vitolo?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Joseph F. Wagner?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Thomas P. Walsh?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Timothy R. Whelan?
Bradley Jones, Jr.
Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Susannah M. Whipps?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Bud L. Williams?
Robert A. DeLeo.
Donald H. Wong?
Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
Jonathan D. Zlotnik?
Robert DeLeo.
Robert A. DeLeo.
Have all members voted who wish to do so?
Clerk will call Mr. Coppinger of Boston.
I haven't voted.
[LAUGHTER]
[INAUDIBLE]
Oh, Robert A. DeLeo.
I voted for you twice, [INAUDIBLE]..
Edward F. Coppinger votes for Robert A. DeLeo.
[APPLAUSE]
That's a nice comeback.
[LAUGHTER]
Now, there's one other member who did not [INAUDIBLE]..
[MUTED]
Have all members voted who wish to do so?
House will be in a brief recess.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Members will take their seats.
Court officers will clear the aisles.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Ms. Sabadosa from North Hampton desires to be recorded.
Lindsay Sabadosa votes for Robert A. DeLeo.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
House will come to order.
Whole number of votes, 150.
Necessary for a choice, 76.
Robert A. DeLeo received 119 votes.
Brad Jones, 31.
Brad, come on.
[LAUGHTER]
You keep going down and down.
I mean, come on.
You can use rank choice voting, and you can vote now.
[INAUDIBLE]
Well, you should have asked me, you know?
Robert A. DeLeo, with that vote, becomes
the speaker of the House.
[APPLAUSE]
Mr. Rogers of Norwood offers an order
in the hands of the clerk.
Clerk will read the order.
Ordered that a special committee consisting of 14 members
be appointed to escort speaker Robert A. DeLeo of Winthrop
to the chamber under escort of the Sergeant at Arms.
The chair will appoint--
question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
The chair appoints the following folks.
Representative Dykema of Holliston.
Mr. Mark of Peru.
Ms. Malia of Boston.
Mr. Hunt of Sandwich.
Mr. Ashe of Longmeadow.
Ms. Decker of Cambridge.
Mr. Markey of Dartmouth.
Ms. Tyler of Boston.
Mr. Vega of Holyoke.
Mr. Cassidy of Brockton.
Ms. Harrington of Groton.
Mr. Gonzalez of Springfield.
Mr. Kelcourse of Amesbury.
Mr. Schmid of Westport.
Mr. Madaro of Boston.
Mr. DeCoste of Norwell.
And Mr. Ryan of Boston.
Committee will form in the well of the House.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[APPLAUSE]
House will be in a brief recess.
All right.
That's it, huh?
I got to watch you--
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant of Arms.
Admit the honorable committee of the House.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Ms. Dykema of Holliston.
We are very excited to have gone and met with the new speaker,
and excited to let him know that he
has been duly elected as our leader for the upcoming
session.
Of course, he was extremely excited and looking forward
to getting to work with all of the members
on the important business that sits before us as a legislature
for the upcoming session.
And so we're thrilled to be able to introduce our next Speaker
of the House, Robert A. DeLeo.
Carolyn, I told you--
[APPLAUSE]
I told you when you left, to go to Boylston Street.
And from there, go to Readville.
And then from there, go to Winthrop
and then bring him back in two or three days.
You went too fast.
But I love you.
God bless you.
Thank you, the committee.
And the committee is now dissolved.
[APPLAUSE_]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
House will come to order.
Court officers, clear the aisles.
What am I supposed to do now?
Chair will recognize the Sergeant of Arms.
Mr. Speaker, the Honorable Robert A. DeLeo,
the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Admit the Honorable Speaker of the House, Robert E. DeLeo.
A. DeLeo [INAUDIBLE].
[MUTED]
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
The Honorable Robert DeLeo, Speaker of the House.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Thank you so much.
Thank you.
And you thought I was going to stop you from applauding,
didn't you?
[LAUGHTER]
First of all, I want to welcome everyone to the House today.
I'd first like to thank the members of the clergy
for being here to offer their words of hope
and encouragement.
I also want to mention the Burncoat High School
Chorus, who I thought was superb in their singing here today.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you, Representative O'Day, for that great recommendation.
Thank you to the Governor, Baker, Lieutenant Governor
Polito, who was here earlier, Auditor Bump, Treasurer
Goldberg, Attorney General Healey, the Governor's
counsels.
And I thank them for being here, as well
as our United States Senators Warren and Markey as well.
A special thank you, also, to the former speakers
of the House for taking the time to be here today.
Speaker Bartley, thank you so much.
Speaker Finneran was here earlier.
He had to leave.
And Speaker DiMasi, thank you so much for being here.
[APPLAUSE]
And I can't thank enough, also, the mayor from this great city
of Boston, Mayor Walsh, who served with many of us
for a number of years-- and as mentioned earlier, is now,
I think, is becoming America's mayor as well.
So I thank the mayor for being here.
[APPLAUSE]
And I'd be remiss if I didn't thank--
they were here earlier--
Mayor McGee, from this great city of Lynn,
and Mayor Rivera of Lawrence, who's been somewhat busy,
shall we say, the last couple of months.
I want to thank them for being here.
Leader Jones, I want to thank you for your partnership.
And I look forward to, again, working with you.
I'm looking forward to your remarks in a short time.
To those-- the representatives, who in particular,
led us in today's pledge.
I thought that was really something special.
And it was really something I thought
that we could be proud of, to think
that we have so many representatives who are still
serving our country.
To Representative Velis, Naughton, Parisella, Santiago,
and Kearney, we thank you sincerely
for doing that here today-- and most importantly, for service
to your country.
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
And I would be extremely remiss if I
didn't thank all the folks, not just presently serving
their country, but all veterans who
are now serving in the House.
Thank you so much.
I especially want to recognize--
I know he received special recognition before.
But I hadn't seen him--
I actually saw him for the first time in the last six months.
And I noticed, first of all, he lost quite a bit of weight
as well.
He said the food isn't as good as it is back home--
who just returned back from serving
six months in Afghanistan.
Representative Velis, thank you for your service.
[APPLAUSE]
And also, we're very fortunate to have
the Winthrop town manager here today, Austin Faison.
And I want to thank him for being here.
And thank you from all the folks in my district of Winthrop
and Revere for your support.
Most importantly, I really must thank my family.
And I think that there's no one here
who would disagree with that.
I'm very fortunate enough because I have a lady who's
been with me for many of year.
I refer to her as somewhat as the rock of the homestead.
But I'd have to say that being--
living with the Speaker of the House
may not be the easiest thing in the world, especially one who
works 24/7.
His mind is always going.
But she's always been always there for me
with her love and her support.
And I can't thank her enough.
And that's Vicki.
Everyone knows Vicki.
[APPLAUSE]
And I'm also fortunate to have a sister who
still refers to me as her baby brother, which is great.
Not too many people refer to me as baby anything anymore.
But she watches by me each and every day.
If I have a cold, make sure you take care of the cold.
Make sure you sleep more.
Make sure you do this and that.
But that's, again, because of her love and affection.
That's my sister Carol and my brother-in-law Anthony.
[APPLAUSE]
And we're fortunate to have Vicki's son here today,
who I wanted to make sure that I welcome.
He lived in Brooklyn for a while,
but I'm not going to hold that against them.
He's now back-- and living in Arlington, by the way.
I'm not sure if that's good or bad.
But that's all right.
OK.
I just want to welcome, again, Vicki's son, Gregory,
and his lovely wife, Kristen, who are here today.
[APPLAUSE]
My son Rob is-- today's his birthday.
And he's away, actually, for his birthday.
I just want him to know-- and I left a word,
or talked to him this morning-- how proud I was of him.
He's a professor now at Bentley, and I'm very, very pleased.
My daughter, as you all know, just
gave birth about 10 days ago to my second grandchild.
[APPLAUSE]
And that has been the greatest gift of all, let me tell you.
I am humbled and honored to stand before you today
as your Speaker.
And for that, I thank you.
For our returning members, welcome back.
I look forward to working with you all again
during the next session.
Thank you for your guidance, and thank you for your friendship.
I have learned so much from you.
Many of you also served as members--
or mentors, I should say, to our new members.
And I hope that this is a tradition which continues.
A special welcome to the Class of 2019.
25 new members and their families and loved ones who
are here to celebrate.
And as I told you before, and I'll tell you again,
today is your day.
[APPLAUSE]
And I look forward to serving with each and every one of you.
Because I had also mentioned to you,
although it's nice to have folks with knowledge and seniority
and many years of experience, having
the new, fresh voices come into this House I think
is also very important.
New ideas in terms of what you see
as you were out in running for election for the first time.
And we will welcome that, and we will welcome all of your ideas.
With that focal point in mind, I'll
try to keep my remarks short.
A new year brings with it a new spirit
of hope and a reflection, and a chance
to ponder what comes up next.
Amid the clamor and discontent of our national discourse,
we have a lot to be grateful for in Massachusetts.
And as I said earlier today down in the caucus,
you can be rest assured that this House, as it has always
done, will do everything to make sure that those
who try to diminish or dilute whatever
rights or privilege that we may have,
that we will fight that all the way
and to make sure that Massachusetts continues to be
the great state that it is.
[APPLAUSE]
And no one's rights will be infringed upon here
in Massachusetts.
[APPLAUSE]
Still, we have many challenges facing us.
And the needs of our Commonwealth
are varied and complex.
So now it's time for us to get to work.
Moments ago, we took a pledge in the name
of the people of the Commonwealth,
to serve them with duty, to serve them with honor,
to serve them with respect, and to serve them with care.
I'm honored to have joined you in that pledge.
Let me close by once again saying congratulations
to all of you.
This is a great day for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
May God bless the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
and may God bless the United States of America.
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Thank you very much.
[INAUDIBLE]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant at Arms.
[CHUCKLE] [MUTED]
--Speaker, the Committee Senate.
Please admit the Honorable Committee of the Senate.
[APPLAUSE]
Madam Chair, it's great to have you here.
Mr. Speaker.
[MUTED]
--Karen E. Spilka.
We have also elected our clerk, Michael Hurley.
And in the spirit of cooperation and collaboration,
we look forward to working with you and the members of this
august chamber.
Thank you.
Please make sure you congratulate
the Senate President for me, [INAUDIBLE]
I'm looking for a continuation of our long term friendship she
had, which started right in this chamber some years ago
and continues to this date.
And I think that together, as the House and the Senate,
we're going to be accomplishing much together.
To the clerk, congratulations.
And again, to all the members of the Senate,
we're looking for you for the most successful years
that we've ever had in this State House.
Thank you so much.
[APPLAUSE]
It's now my honor to introduce for the purpose of remarks,
please give a warm welcome to our minority
leader, Brad Jones.
[APPLAUSE AND CHEERING]
Thank you.
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you all.
And since I'm one of the last things between you and lunch,
I'll try to be brief.
[LAUGHTER]
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and congratulations.
And thank you to the members, their families, friends,
supporters, and distinguished guests.
It is a privilege to stand before you on the occasion
of the 191st biennial session.
Today we begin a shared journey, writing
the next chapter in the history book
that is our great Commonwealth.
Years from now, the things that we do
and how and why we do them will be studied by schoolchildren
across this great state.
It's a wondrous day of new beginnings,
renewed commitments, and promise.
Today we took our oath, the same oath recited many times
before by thousands of dedicated servants
of this historic Commonwealth.
We represent diverse communities and bring
different philosophies, experiences,
and perspectives along with our own lists
of goals and priorities.
But we share a bond as elected members of the Massachusetts
House of Representatives that are given the opportunity
to work side by side on the issues importance
over the next two years.
We are hopeful for a brighter future, but ever mindful
of the challenges ahead.
Today is the culmination of what each of us and our supporters
have worked so hard for.
It is the exclamation point on your election day success.
Today represents what must be the final step
in the transition of campaigning to governing.
It's always exhilarating to see the members surrounded
by family and friends in this magnificent chamber
on this special day.
The chamber should be a source of inspiration every time
we cross the threshold into this, the people's chamber.
If you ever lose your way, simply find your seat,
read the words on the rostrum under the murals,
or simply contemplate the portraits that adorn the walls.
I want to thank the residents of the 20th Middlesex district
for allowing me the continued opportunity to serve them.
It remains an honor and a privilege
to represent the citizens of Lynnfield, Middleton,
Reading, and North Reading.
And I look forward to continuing to work on their behalf
during the new legislative session.
Our paths to the State House are different.
But each shares a common thread of being made possible
by family and friends, those important individuals who
worked tirelessly during the election.
Make no mistake about it.
They sacrificed so that you and I may serve
the citizens of Massachusetts.
Their unwavering commitment and support
demonstrated during the campaign, the late night
meetings, the standouts in all kinds of weather, the weekend
events, and the occasional public criticism
is truly commendable and inspiring.
Our families keep us centered and serve as a daily reminder
why we must give 100% of ourselves to our constituents.
And that we must do so in honor and integrity,
even in the face of seemingly endless letters,
calls, emails, posts, texts, and tweets, not
all of which are positive.
Please join me in applauding them once again
and giving them the recognition and thanks they deserve.
[APPLAUSE]
Now I'm very confident that joining you here today
is at least that one very special person in your life who
keeps you going even on the toughest of days.
Joining me today is my wife Linda,
who has been with me in this chamber for the past 19 years.
Please stand up, Linda.
[APPLAUSE]
Now at the end of the day, no matter
how long or how difficult, I'm always welcomed home
by my daughter Alexis and son Nicholas, both of whom
are back at school today.
While I wish they were here with me today,
I'm strengthened each and every day
knowing I am the constant beneficiary
of the unconditional love that children
have for their parents.
They welcome me home every night and lift me up
in so many countless ways.
We must always remember to make time and take time
for our families.
Thank you to my Republican colleagues--
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you to my Republican colleagues
for electing me to continue to serve as minority leader.
I'm excited to welcome the three newest members
of our Republican caucus.
The gentle lady from Abington, who
has the honor of holding the seat her father once held.
And she now has the privilege of sitting in seat 28, which he
occupied during his time here.
I had the honor of serving with your father
when I was first elected.
And I hope you are as receptive to my advice as I was to his.
[LAUGHTER]
You can take that either way.
[LAUGHTER]
The gentleman from Bellingham, we
welcome you and your professional experience
from the private sector as well as your experiences
as a municipal official.
Like you, a great many of us had the opportunity
to serve the public locally and know
full well the things we do and don't do
can have real consequences at the municipal level
where people frankly rely for so much of what
they view as their most important services
on a daily basis.
The gentleman from Lakeville, affectionately known as Norm--
Norm.
--who returning members may know best,
but who has, perhaps, the biggest shoes to fill.
He takes over for his wife [INAUDIBLE],, who, in her time
here, developed an almost legendary reputation
for tenacity in pursuing an issue or concern.
We welcome the engineering perspective
you bring to the legislature, as well
as your municipal experience.
And know that if you're even half as
tenacious as your predecessor, you will do very well.
We are delighted to have the three of them
as part of our Republican caucus family.
And to them and our freshmen members on the Democrat side,
congratulations on becoming a member of a truly remarkable
institution.
The next two years will be rewarding, challenging,
and you need only be true to yourself and your constituents.
To my veteran colleagues, I welcome you back
and look forward to the coming session together.
Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your re-election as leader
of this historic institution.
I look forward to working with you, arguing with you,
and hopefully arguing to resolution sometimes.
Your Democratic colleagues have voiced support for you
to lead this governing body.
And as happens each and every session,
issues which barely draw our notice today
will command our focus at some point in the next two years.
As we assemble here today, our priorities
must continue to be a stronger economy for all,
fiscal responsibility, and continuing
to transform the way we operate as a government
and provide services to our citizens.
And while our economy is certainly stronger than it was
just a few short years ago, we cannot be satisfied.
We must continue our efforts to ensure economic opportunity
and the chance for success reach all corners
of our Commonwealth.
Our stronger economy and the careful fiscal stewardship
of the corner office, in partnership
with the legislature, has allowed
us to start to replenish our rainy day fund,
virtually eliminate our structural deficit,
and make meaningful, targeted increased
investments in essential areas, perhaps
none so more important as combating
the scourge of addiction.
As always, our Commonwealth's ongoing challenges
require each of us to be creative and innovative
over the next two years.
We face ongoing concerns about our state's fiscal situation,
always assessing the current budget
and contemplating the next one.
Our never-ending wishes to do more
across a wide variety of fronts must always
be tempered by the ability of the taxpayers
to avoid those wishes and our obligation
to prepare for the future by building our reserves even
further.
Opportunities for the future are created
by adversities of the day.
Working with Governor Baker, we have
made important reforms the past four years,
but more remains to be done.
We are the stewards of the taxpayers' money.
And as such, we should always be searching for creative ways
to give the taxpayer an efficient and strong return
on their investment.
And the very nature of our economy
means the way we delivered services and thought
about things yesterday may not be the best or most cost
effective way of doing so today, and certainly not tomorrow.
Mr. Speaker, we had some notable successes the past two years,
but we also came up short in some key areas.
And we should all agree the time has
come to work to implement the recommendations
of the Foundation Budget Review Commission
in a sustainable, meaningful, and responsible way.
And while we can all agree on the destination, the path
we choose to get there will be the challenge for the members.
We also fell short in health care reform and cost
containment efforts.
These two difficult and contentious issues
should be at the top of the agenda for action
this legislative session.
In both of the last two legislative sessions,
we've taken measurable and meaningful steps
to address an opioid crisis that does not discriminate
in our Commonwealth.
We've taken nation-leading efforts,
but we know more needs to be done.
We've passed important legislation
the past two sessions to promote clean energy
and combat climate change.
And there can be little doubt that more remains to be done
and that we once again need to be looking
at advancing our efforts in the Commonwealth
to remain at the forefront of this critical issue.
Now our democracy is confrontational by design.
And it is all but certain that when considering legislation
and crafting laws, diverse, strong-willed people of talent,
experience, and divergent beliefs
will have differences, some of which will be irreconcilable.
We should always work towards achieving common ground,
even when that effort takes valuable time.
It is no secret that the House has differences
with the Senate and vise versa, and so too with the corner
office.
But at the end of the day, when we can reach agreement
without sacrificing our principles,
we must do so in the best interests of the Commonwealth.
When we cannot reach that agreement,
we in the Republican caucus will debate those differences.
Not simply in the vain hope that we
may carry the day, but rather, and perhaps more importantly,
because it is what our democracy demands
and what our oath requires of each of us.
We remain a proud state at the very forefront
since the founding of our republic.
Our great Commonwealth is steeped
in history and tradition.
The stories of the people of Massachusetts
remain the stories of America.
We can and must accomplish great things collectively
during the next two years.
I know the Republican caucus is ready to go to work.
And we look forward to working with the members
of the majority, our colleagues in the Senate,
Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito
to continue to move Massachusetts forward.
May God bless you, and may God bless
the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
Mr. Hill of Ipswich moves that the remarks of the minority
leader Mr. Jones be spread on the records
of today's proceedings.
The Chair hear objection?
Chair hears none.
[INAUDIBLE]
House will now proceed with the election of a clerk.
The Chair recognizes Ms. Ehrlich of Marblehead.
[INAUDIBLE]
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to make a motion today
for a gentleman who is a constituent, a friend,
and a humble public servant.
Many of you know him as Steve James, our clerk.
Steve, you may not be aware, began serving this body in 1964
and has been clerk since 1999.
We are grateful for your service and your service
to our nation in the US Navy--
as well on a submarine, I might add.
So without further ado, Mr. Speaker,
I move that the House proceed to the election of a clerk,
that the election be by acclamation,
and that Steven T. James of Swampscott
be so elected Clerk of the House.
Mr. DeLeo of Winthrop--
Mr. DeLeo of Winthrop second the nomination of Steven T. James.
Chair recognizes.
Chair-- I'm sorry.
Chair recognizes the Speaker of the House--
Speaker--
--for that purpose.
Second the nomination of Mr. James of Swampscott.
More importantly than his present residence,
I'm proud to say that he was born in Winthrop.
[LAUGHTER]
--and later moved to the city of Revere.
What could be better than that?
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE] second the nomination
of Clerk Steven James.
-- Mr. Jones.
Chair recognizes Mr. Jones of North Reading.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I second the nomination of Steven T. James of Swampscott,
and even more importantly than that,
formerly of North Reading.
[LAUGHTER]
I think you've hit almost all 351 [INAUDIBLE]
for the Office of Clerk of the House.
Question comes on the motion.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The motion is carried.
Congratulations to our clerk, Steven James.
[APPLAUSE]
[INAUDIBLE]
Mr. James, if you could please raise your right hand.
Whereas you, Steven T. James, are
chosen Clerk of the House of Representatives of the General
Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
do you swear that you will truly enter all votes in orders
thereof and that in all things relating to your office,
you will act faithfully and impartially
according to your skill and judgment, so help you God?
So help me God, I do.
Congratulations.
[APPLAUSE]
Now for some brief remarks, please
welcome Clerk Steven James.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, Reverend Clergy,
Speaker DeLeo, former speakers.
We're so honored to have you here.
And Mayor Walsh was here, and the former United States
senators, which was a great honor.
Distinguished guests, Dean of the House Scaccia,
honorable members, and I see some honorable former members
of the House here.
Thank you for being here.
And the staff of the house, and my dear Michelle.
Thank you very much for the honor
that you have bestowed upon me by reelecting me as your clerk.
And special thanks to Representatives Erlich
of Marblehead, Speaker DeLeo, and Leader Jones here
in the chamber and in the caucus.
And in the Republican caucus, to Representatives Barrows
and Ferguson for nominating me and for seconding
my nomination.
My role as clerk, although often challenging,
is an honor that I will always cherish.
The successes of my office are possible
only because of the assistance we
are given by all of the very hardworking and dedicated staff
members of the House of Representatives
and the joint staff.
I am, by virtue of tradition and the grace of the Speaker,
the only staff person who is privileged to have
the opportunity to make remarks from this esteemed rostrum.
My remarks will be brief, but I am
compelled to take advantage of this opportunity
to mention some of the offices and staff that have made such
an incredible commitment to this legislature
over the past several years.
The House Counsel.
The Senate Clerk's Office, and special congratulations
to Mike Hurley on being elected the new Senate Clerk.
The Engrossing Division.
The staff of the Republican Leader's Office.
The Speaker's excellent staff.
The House webcasting crew.
The legislative aides.
The various committee staffs, especially
House Ways and Means.
The Committee on Bills in the Third Reading.
The staffs of the Rules Committee and Steering
Policy and Scheduling Committees that the clerk's office
works very closely with.
And of course, the court officers and the pages
that made our jobs in the clerk's office
and here in the chamber much more manageable and navigable.
And please allow me to take a moment more of your time
to talk about the accomplishments
of our Legislative Information Systems Division.
Under the direction of Paul Pak, they
have made major strides towards the goals
of providing the best computer services for all of us.
We may take great pride in the knowledge
that the Massachusetts legislative website was
once again selected by the National Conference of State
Legislatures as the best legislative website
in the nation.
Finally, my sincere gratitude is extended
to my own capable and hardworking and professional
staff in the office.
Steven [INAUDIBLE],, Maria [INAUDIBLE],,
Alison Morris, Mary Gibson, Amanda [INAUDIBLE],,
and Maureen Harris.
And here in the chamber at the clerk's desk,
first assistant clerk Tim Carroll, second assistant clerk
Betsy Thompson, and of course, Bill Tierney.
And lastly, I'd like to thank Speaker DeLeo
for your many courtesies and the confidence you
have in me and my staff.
But as a speaker said, enough of listening to me.
This is your day, and you and your campaign staffs
and your friends and families worked very
hard to make this day happen.
Enjoy it.
Savor the moment.
Thank you again for the honor you have given me.
And happy new year.
Congratulations and best of luck in 191st
General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Communication from the clerk of the House.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, House of Representative's,
Office of the Clerk, the Honorable Robert A. DeLeo,
Speaker of the House, State House Boston.
Dear Mr. Speaker, I have the honor
to inform you that I have appointed
Timothy Carroll of Winthrop as assistant clerk of the House
and Elizabeth M. Thompson of Clinton
as second assistant clerk of the House.
[MUTED]
Communication shall be placed on file.
Now I can do that?
Yes.
Under the authority conferred by Rule 7,
I have the honor to appoint Father Rick
Walsh of the Paulist Center of Boston
as the chaplain for the House for the years 2019 and 2020
session.
He will now lead us in prayer.
Father Walsh?
[APPLAUSE]
We've been standing a lot, but stand again.
Let us pray.
Loving God, it is from your generous spirit
that the many gifts of our Commonwealth flow.
We are thankful for the blessings we enjoy.
We thank you for the women and men
who are willing to serve the citizens of our small but great
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bless our newly elected legislators and those
who returned to this chamber.
Give them and their dedicated staff good health
in mind and body.
May this legislative body seek unity of purpose
among each member, respecting differences
while crafting meaningful and impactful legislation.
Give our legislators the courage to persevere in negotiation
in hearing thoughtful, informed voices that advocate ideas,
opinions, and direction that may be different from their own.
Give them the humility to listen, especially
to the often hushed and powerless voices most
in need of their capable skills.
May your spirit of grace and mercy assist them
and their staff during the many long hours of reading
reports, listening to testimonials,
and drafting documents.
Help these lawmakers to face the many responsibilities
and challenges that lie before them in dockets, calendars,
and meeting deadlines.
Bless the efforts of the House Clerk
and his staff, entrusted with the important task of keeping
accurate journals and records.
Bless the work of the House Counsel and his staff
as they carefully review the legislation that
will be proposed this session.
Bless our public safety officials, rangers, troopers,
and court officers.
May their eyes and ears be sharp while offering
a spirit of hospitality to all who
enter this historic building.
We ask your blessing also upon the legislative agents
who work on behalf of various organizations and institutions.
May they also seek the well-being
of those agencies that lack the resources at their disposal.
Bless the State House news service and members
of the media.
As they report on this chamber's business,
may they be kind as well as truthful in their reporting.
[LAUGHTER]
Bless those who will serve as student interns
as they learn the art of lawmaking and political science
firsthand.
May the elected officials they serve
inspire them to a career in public service.
Bless all those who enter the State House, either as
tourists, teachers, students, or concerned citizens.
May your good and gracious spirit
be with all of us here today and the many days that follow.
May God continue to bless our Commonwealth.
Amen.
Thank you, Father.
Please be seated.
Believe it or not, we are coming to an end here.
[LAUGHTER]
[APPLAUSE]
For those of you who wish to stay overnight and see
the governor get sworn in tomorrow,
please let the court officers know.
And we'll try to make proper accommodations.
You have an order to [INAUDIBLE]..
Order in the hands of the clerk.
Do you want to [INAUDIBLE]--
somebody to offer the order?
[INAUDIBLE]
Ms. Haddad of Somerset offers an order
in the hands of the clerk, which the clerk will read.
Ordered that a special committee be appointed
to inform the Senate that the House of Representatives
has been organized by the election
of a speaker and a clerk.
Question comes in the adoption of the order.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
The chair appoints on behalf of the House
the following members.
Ms. Haddad of Somerset.
Ms. Ferguson of Holden.
Mr. Santiago of Boston.
Ms. Minicucci of North Andover.
Ms. Miranda of Boston.
Mr. Robinson of Tewksbury.
Ms. Sabadosa of Northampton.
Mr. Vitolo of Brookline.
Mr. Murray of Milford.
Mr. Ultrino of Malden.
Ms. Vincent of Revere.
Ms. Barber of Somerville.
Mr. Cahill of Lynn.
Ms. Domb of Amherst.
Ms. Gifford of Wareham.
Ms. Harrington of Groton.
Mr. Kelcourse of Newbury.
Mr. Mirra of West Newbury.
And Mr. Madaro of Boston.
All members will please congregate
in the well of the House.
And I think, Madam Speaker, you know the way to the Senate,
I think.
Especially with the new members of--
I better turn to the [INAUDIBLE]..
Yes.
[INAUDIBLE]
Yes.
Thank you to the honorable committee of the House.
[APPLAUSE]
Mr. Mariano of Quincy offers an order
in the hands of the clerk, which the clerk will read.
Ordered that a special committee be appointed
to inform His Excellency, the governor, and the council
that the House of Representatives
has been organized by the election
of a speaker and a clerk.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
On behalf of the House, the Chair
will appoint the following.
Mr. Mariano of Quincy.
Ms. Kane of Shrewsbury.
Mr. Nangle of Lowell.
Ms. Blais of Sunderland.
Ms. Ciccolo of Lexington.
Mr. Devers of Lawrence.
Mr. Haggerty of Woburn.
Mr. Capano of Lynn.
Mr. Carey of East Hampton.
Ms. Tyler of Boston.
Mr. Hendricks of New Bedford.
Ms. LaNatra of Kingston.
Mr. LeBoeuf of Worcester.
Mr. Orrall of Lakeville.
Mr. Soter of Bellingham.
Ms. Sullivan of Abington.
Mr. D'Emilia of Bridgewater.
Ms. Gifford of Wareham.
Oh, I think I just appointed her in the other committee.
All right.
[LAUGHTER]
Then I'll appoint Mr. Wong of Saugus.
He's always a popular figure.
[LAUGHTER]
Especially on New Year's Eve.
[LAUGHTER]
And Mr. Biele of Boston.
[INAUDIBLE]
You're going to the governor's office.
And if you'd be so kind as to let
him know that we are ready for business
and we're looking forward to working with him.
[INAUDIBLE]
Thank you to the honorable committee.
And we await your return shortly.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Mr. Galvin of Canton offers an order
in the hands of the clerk, which the clerk will read.
Ordered that the clerk begin keeping of and making available
daily in a format determined by the speaker in consultation
with the clerk of the journal as authorized by House Rule 10.
And that the daily reading thereof
be dispensed with that under authority of Section 22A
of Chapter 3 of the General Laws,
copies of the journal for the entire session
be printed and bound with the customary appendices
and an index.
And that the adjusted bound copy be deposited
with the Secretary of the Commonwealth
as the official journal of the House.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
This is our temporary House rules.
This is [INAUDIBLE].
Mr. Galvin of Canton offers an order
in the hands of the clerk, which the clerk will read.
Ordered that the rules of the House of Representatives
for the 2017 and 2018 be observed so far as
are applicable until rules shall be
adopted by the present House.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
[INAUDIBLE]
Ms. Ferrante of Gloucester offers
an order in the hands of the clerk, which
the clerk will read.
Sorry, this is a paper for the Senate, sir.
Oh.
[INAUDIBLE]
Paper from the Senate.
Following order comes from the Senate with the endorsement,
and has been adopted by said branch.
Ordered that the joint rules of the last session
be observed as the temporary joint rules of the two
branches for the present General Court
until the adoption of permanent joint rules.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant at Arms.
Mr. Speaker, the committee of the honorable House.
Please admit the committee of the honorable House.
[APPLAUSE]
Chair recognizes the chair of the honorable committee,
Ms Haddad of Somerset.
Mr. Speaker, the Senate president
wishes you congratulations on your reelection
as Speaker of the House.
Also she hopes for a very productive session,
and she wishes you a happy new year.
First of all, thank-- what?
Their house is nice.
Yeah.
[LAUGHTER]
We'll get to that.
First of all, congratulations to you, Madam Chair,
and to all the members of the committee for a splendid job
and being able to walk from here to the Senate
to pass on our well-wishes.
For me, it was a particular chore.
It was a great job.
But sincerely, thank you very much for a job well done.
And the committee is now dismissed.
[APPLAUSE]
[MUTED]
Chair recognizes the Sergeant at Arms.
[MUTED] Please admit the honorable House committee.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Mr. Speaker, I--
Chair recognizes the chair of the honorable committee,
Mr. Mariano of Quincy.
I would like to inform the Speaker
that we had a lot of difficulty finding the governor
and the lieutenant governor.
So being a man of quick wit and quick thinking,
I informed a deputy legislative director named Jimmy, who--
[LAUGHTER]
Who is going to inform the governor.
So I think we're covered.
I think we're covered, yeah.
Well, not recovered, but we're covered.
Did you go right or left out of the chamber?
Maybe you went the wrong direction.
--the wrong way.
Let me just say, it's disappointing to hear
that you had trouble finding the governor, lieutenant governor.
But you did leave word for Jimmy.
I left word with Jimmy.
Jimmy knows.
Jimmy knows, so--
So Jimmy-- he said he'd pass the word on?
Yeah, he's committed.
He's a legislative director for governor.
[INAUDIBLE]
OK.
And he had a--
He had a what?
He had a folder.
A folder?
Yeah.
Oh, then I'm sure.
OK.
I feel better now.
Thank you so much for your quick thinking and making sure
you left word there for the governor.
We'd still be there.
I'm sure that proper word will get out to the governor.
I'm sure.
Thank you so much.
And the committee's dismissed.
And thank you for a job well done.
[APPLAUSE]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
House will be in a brief recess.
We're just waiting to receive an order which
is now in the Senate, relative to tomorrow's seating.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[MUTED]
Paper from the Senate.
The following order comes from the Senate
with the endorsement that has been adopted by said branch.
Ordered that a convention of the two houses be held at a quarter
before 12:00 noon on Thursday, January 3,
2019 for the purpose administrating
the oaths of office to the governor elect,
the lieutenant governor elect, and the several counselors
elect.
[MUTED]
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[GAVEL BANGING]
Benediction will now be given by Rabbi Barbara Penzner
of Temple Hillel B'nai Torah.
Rabbi Penzner?
Thank you so much for your patience.
In Jewish tradition--
[GAVEL BANGING]
--we have a blessing for something
that takes place for the first time.
And that blessing is to say thank you, God, for giving us
life, for keeping us alive, and for enabling
us to get to this moment.
Which I know is the moment that everyone is waiting
for-- for the adjournment.
[LAUGHTER]
But before we get to that, I'm grateful that you are here,
that you're alive, and that we have all awakened today
to a new year.
A year full of promise bursting with new vision
for this Commonwealth.
And yet, in many ways, seething with trepidation for events
beyond our control.
In this new legislative year, one
might hearken back to Charles Dickens
and say this is the best of times
and this is the worst of times.
It is the best of times for many who are prospering,
and it is the worst of times for so many problems
that are before you in this legislative session to address.
But as a person of faith, I reach back
in the bookshelves, back to ancient texts,
for words of prophecy for inspiration in all times.
And in the words of the prophet Micah,
humanity God has instructed you how
to live, to do justice, love compassion, and walk humbly
with your God.
That is all that we need in this world.
And as representatives of the people of this Commonwealth,
these words should be as sacred as the oath of office
that you have taken today.
Because as members of the General Court,
you are called to do justice.
Today you have sworn, agreeably, to bear true faith
and allegiance to this Commonwealth
and to support the Constitution.
I urge you to use your days to bring justice
and to end injustice, craft just laws
and enact them in a just manner.
You were also called to love compassion.
Your constituents have placed their faith in you,
including those who voted for you and those who did not.
When they come to you to advocate for just causes,
hear their stories with compassion
and respond by tempering strict justice with abounding mercy.
And finally, the one that may be most difficult.
And that is to walk humbly.
Now this may appear to be the most challenging instruction,
and yet it is quite simple.
Remember, you are servants of a higher calling.
Whether you are walking humbly with your god,
or with the people of Massachusetts.
Whether you walk humbly with what
your parents and your grandparents taught you,
or with the purpose and the principles
that propelled you to seek higher office.
Remember to walk humbly with them.
Seek out wise counsel.
Pay attention to colleagues and staff and constituents.
None of us can carry this burden of bringing
justice and compassion to our world alone.
Do justice, love compassion, and walk humbly with.
We call on the infinite power of justice and compassion
to bless these officers of the Commonwealth, their families,
the staff, and all those who work in this building
and for our Commonwealth.
May God imbue them with all the gifts of vision, of justice,
and of love so that at the end of this legislative session,
our people and our Commonwealth, our neighborhoods and homes
will rejoice and will be able to say wholeheartedly,
this is indeed the best of times.
[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH].
May it be so.
And we say Amen.
Amen.
We need the motion to spread the prayer [INAUDIBLE]..
[INAUDIBLE]
Mr. Donato of Medford moves that the comments and prayer
of the rabbi be spread along the records of the journal.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Representative [INAUDIBLE] of Andover
offers an order in the hands of the clerk, which
the clerk will read.
Ordered that when the House adjourns today,
it adjourn they meet tomorrow at 11:00 AM.
Motion comes on adoption of the order.
Question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The order is adopted.
The formal adjourn.
(WHISPERING) Invite everybody to the luncheon downstairs.
Again, I thank everyone on behalf of their patience
and attention here today.
Please note again that there will be some refreshments
and luncheon downstairs in the Great Hall, which
everyone is welcome to.
To the members, just to be reminded,
we plan on meeting at 11:30 tomorrow
for the purpose of the administration
of the oath of the governor, which should take place
no later than--
well, which will take place at noon.
So if everyone can be in their seats
as close as possible to 11:30, it'd be greatly appreciated.
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
Mr. Jones of North Reading moves that the House stands at--
now adjourn.
Chair objection?
The chair hears none.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The House now stands adjourned to meet tomorrow
at 11:30 AM in a full formal session.
[GAVEL BANGING]
[APPLAUSE]
[MUTED]
[SIDE CONVERSATION]
[MUSIC PLAYING]