[BEEP]
Under the provisions of Article X
of the Amendments to the Constitution,
the Senate will come to order and proceed
to the business of the first annual session
of the 191st General Court.
I call upon the eldest senior senator
with continuous service, the Honorable Marc R. Pacheco,
to take the gavel and preside over the Senate
until such time a president of the Senate has been elected.
Senator Pacheco.
The Senate will come to order.
Welcome to this beautiful, refurbished Senate Chamber.
Welcome to all.
I would ask that all members, guests, and staff please rise
and join me in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag.
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.
Please remain standing.
Our prayer this morning will be offered by Rabbi Joseph Metzler
of the Temple Sinai in Sharon.
Rabbi Metzler will-- if you'll please join me
on the rostrum-- oh, you're here.
OK.
[LAUGHTER]
Please join me on the rostrum.
Ladies and gentlemen, Rabbi Metzler.
God, you have blessed us this day and we feel thankful.
Our elected leaders are gathered here at the beginning
up a new session.
Such a beginning brings hope for what
can be done with a long and optimistic
to do list that inspires a feeling of deep privilege
to represent others who have given not only
their votes but their trust, and instills in all of us
the duty to raise up the voices of those who otherwise would
not be heard.
Teach us to look out for the most vulnerable among us.
And this beginning kindles a feeling
of awesome responsibility for all people
to work well together for the greater good.
We also may feel pride in our Commonwealth
where people do, in fact, work together.
We are grateful to live where we live.
All the more so is then the responsibility
for our representatives to be leaders and role
models of cooperation, respect, and reason to the rest
of the nation and the world.
God help those gathered here to turn
to you for patience, thoughtfulness,
and the long view.
In my Jewish tradition, we pray in the names of our ancestors.
This approach casts each of us in a special role,
for we are not just participants now
But the ancestors for tomorrow let
those who work here today be worthy
ancestors for the generations to come
God, we look to you as not only the creator
of this beautiful world, but also as the origin of law.
You have entrusted us to bring peace, healing, harmony,
dignity, and wholeness to each other.
In that spirit, bless now those who
have gathered here to rise to the best that is in us.
And let us say, Amen.
Amen.
[MUSIC - VOICES OF PRAISE, "STAR SPANGLED BANNER"]
(SINGING) Oh, say can 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 we so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star spangled banner yet
wave o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
Ladies and gentlemen--
[APPLAUSE]
Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated.
We've just heard from the Voices of Praise
from the Greater Framingham Community Church.
They are here today as guests of Senator Spilka.
They are accompanied by Reverend Lord,
and they are under the direction of David F Coleman, Minister
of Music.
And, as you've just heard, they have
performed our national anthem.
Let's give them another round of applause
for the beautiful rendition.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Bristol and Norfolk, Mr. Feeney,
moves that the remarks of Rabbi Metzler
be printed in the Journal of the Senate.
Is there an objection?
The Chair hears none, and the Rabbi's remarks
will be printed in the Journal of the Senate.
Communication from the Secretary of State.
To the Honorable Senate, I have had the honor
to lay before you the return of votes cast at election
in the Commonwealth on the 6th day of November, 2018,
for the senators in the General Court
and the several districts, together with schedules
for showing the number of ballots
which appear to have been cast for each person forth.
These returns have been duly canvassed
by the Governor's Counsel and the Governor,
and are now transmitted for examination by the Senate,
as required by the Constitution and general laws.
William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The senator from Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire,
and Middlesex, Miss Colby, offers an order,
which the Clerk will read.
Order that a special committee of the Senate
be appointed for the purpose of canvassing the votes
for senators in several districts.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye.
All those opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The Senate members appointed are as follows--
Senator Lewis, of Middlesex, Senator Chandler, of Worcester,
and Senator Humason, of Hampden and Hampshire.
I'd ask the committee to meet in the well
and be escorted to the Senate Reading Room by the Sergeant
at Arms.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
Let us give the committee a round of applause
as they go and count the ballots.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
We are waiting for the committee.
I would at this time like to recognize a few special guests
who have joined us today.
United States Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
United States Senator Edward Markey.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you both so very, very much
for coming to this ceremony today.
I'd also like to recognize former Senate
presidents, former Senate President Murray and former--
[APPLAUSE]
Former Senate President Travaglini.
[APPLAUSE]
The Auditor of the Commonwealth, Suzanne Bump.
[APPLAUSE]
The Mayor of the City of Lynn and a former Senate colleague,
Senator McGee.
[APPLAUSE]
Mayor McGee.
[APPLAUSE]
And the Mayor of the City of Boston, Mayor Walsh.
[APPLAUSE]
And the Mayor of the City of Framingham, Mayor Spicer.
[APPLAUSE]
Mr President, the Honorable Senate Committee.
Admit the Honorable Senate Committee.
[APPLAUSE]
Mr. President, it took some time,
but we reviewed the election results
and all the members are duly elected.
All the members are duly elected?
[LAUGHTER]
Well, I thank you very much for your service--
for your public service in this regard.
It is very nice to know that we don't have some of the returns
that we have in other parts of the country.
[LAUGHTER]
I thank the committee for its service,
and you are hereby discharged.
[APPLAUSE]
We go to this?
Yes, sir.
[AUDIO OUT]
--Norfolk, Miss Creem, has presented an order,
which the Clerk will read.
Order that a committee be appointed by the Chair
to wait upon His Excellency, the Governor, Charles D
Baker, Her Honor, Karyn E Polito, Lieutenant
Governor of the Commonwealth, the Honorable
Counsel, and the constitutional officers,
and inform them that quorum of the senators elect
have assembled and are ready to be qualified.
The question comes of adoption of the order.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye.
All those opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The Senate members appointed are as follows--
Senator Friedman, of Middlesex; Senator Comerford,
of Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester;
Senator Lesser, of Hampton and Hampshire;
Senator Jehlen, of Middlesex; Senator Eldridge,
of Middlesex and Worcester; Senator Tran,
of Worcester and Middlesex.
I'd ask the Sergeant at Arms to meet the committee
in the well of the Chamber and proceed
to the Governor's Office.
We want to thank the distinguished committee,
and urge them to say hi to the Governor for us.
The Senate will stand in a brief recess.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
Mr. President, the Honorable Senate Committee.
Admit the Honorable Senate Committee.
[APPLAUSE]
Senator Friedman?
Yes.
Not only is he ready, but he is eager to join us.
All right.
That is great.
Let me thank the Honorable Senate
Committee for discharging its duties so expeditiously.
Thank you very much, and you are discharged.
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
Mr. President, His Excellency Charles E Baker,
Governor of the Commonwealth, Her Honor, Karyn Polito,
Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, the Executive
Council, and the constitutional officers.
Thank you very much.
Admit.
[APPLAUSE]
Please admit His Excellency, the Governor Charles E Baker,
Karyn E Polito, the Lieutenant Governor,
the Executive Council, and the constitutional officers.
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
I'd ask all of the senators to rise as the Governor
administers the oath of office.
Mr. Governor.
Thank you, Mr. Leader.
Good to see you.
So I would ask all the senators to raise their right hand
and repeat after me--
it's probably the last time that ever happens.
[LAUGHTER]
I, state your name--
I--
--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--
I--
--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 State Senate--
--according to the best of my abilities and understanding--
--agreeably--
--to the rules and regulations-- to the rules and regulations
of the Constitution--
--to the rules and regulations of the Constitution--
--and the laws of this Commonwealth--
--so help me, God.
I, state your name--
I--
--do solemnly swear--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States.
Congratulations, happy new year, and good luck.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
[GAVEL BANGS]
On behalf of the members of the Senate,
we want to thank the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor,
the Executive Council, and the distinguished constitutional
officers for being with us.
I know that they have to go over to the House of Representatives
to do the swearing in there now.
And so I'd ask the Sergeant at Arms
will now take this opportunity to escort
His Excellency, the Governor, Her Honor, the Lieutenant
Governor, the Executive Council, and the constitutional officers
from the Chamber.
Let us give them another round of applause.
Thank you.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[APPLAUSE]
In addition to the Executive Council,
I just wanted to make note that the Attorney
General of the Commonwealth, Maura Healey, was with us;
the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Secretary Galvin,
was with us; along with I mentioned
earlier the Auditor of the Commonwealth Bump;
and the Treasurer of the Commonwealth, Treasurer
Goldberg.
So I thank them all for being with us today.
[APPLAUSE]
All the members may be seated.
The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Rodrigues,
presents an order which the Clerk will read.
Order that pursuant to the provisions of Senate Bill 4A,
the Senate shall proceed to the election of a president.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The Senate will proceed to the election of a Senate president.
Nominations will be open.
And for the purpose of a nomination,
Chair recognizes Senator Creem.
Mr. Acting President, I rise to place in nomination
as president of the Massachusetts State Senate
the name of the Honorable Karen E Spilka,
the distinguished senator from Ashland,
who represents the Second Middlesex and Norfolk District.
Senator Spilka has already proven
to be an effective leader of this historic body.
She has already shown us her diligence, her intellect,
and her collaborative spirit in developing and advocating
for initiatives important to all of us members,
as well as the people of our state.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor once noted,
we don't accomplish anything in this world alone,
and whatever happens is the result
of the whole tapestry of one's life
and all the weaving of individual threads from one
to another that creates something.
Karen would be the first to acknowledge
the truth of these statements.
Karen came to Boston to attend Northeastern Law School.
Many lawyers upon graduation go on
to adversarial and often quite lucrative legal work.
But not Karen.
She opted instead for the kind of law
that was in keeping with her broader vision of society.
She went into community mediation and arbitration.
And if you think about that, that
has been her approach to her work here in the Senate,
as well.
We already know from her leadership
here that she is a change maker for the public good,
and a woman who leads by doing the work
and sharing the credit.
Her public record of accomplishment is impressive.
But it is her personal story that
makes me so excited about this opportunity to nominate her.
She grew up in Yonkers, New York,
and went upstate to attend Cornell University.
And one of my favorite stories is about the time
that she graduated, her car broke down.
She didn't have a job.
She was worried about it.
Like most of us, she brought her car to a garage.
But then Karen found out how much it would cost.
So she bought the manual, read it,
and learned how to do it herself.
That was just the beginning.
Apparently, she even had a lift installed in her home garage.
And to this day, she does many of her own repairs.
And I hear her rates are very reasonable.
[LAUGHTER]
Curious and undaunted by obstacles,
that's how I think of Karen, someone who doesn't
see any kind of ceiling--
glass or otherwise.
She is always willing to put in the time and effort
and learn more.
On a personal level, Karen has been there for her family.
When health care and other issues have arisen,
she has always stepped up, again,
acquiring the necessary knowledge to know
what to do and be useful.
Working with medical advisors, she
was able to help evaluate and assist
with different medication and regimes
to treat her father's lifelong psychological issues resulting
from the trauma of military service for our country.
And she was a lifelong advocate for her sister, Susie.
Susie worked and played hard as a child and adult.
And Karen and her family made sure she was not
discriminated against or treated any differently because
of her Down syndrome.
I was lucky to have met said Susie here in this Chamber
and to see the closeness of the sisters.
I saw how much Susie loved and admired and how very proud
she was of Karen, and I saw how much Karen
cared and loved her sister.
When Susie was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease,
Karen was her strongest supporter,
making sure Susie received care with dignity and love.
That's who Karen is.
And these personal life experiences
are woven into who Karen is, what she stands for,
and what she will fight for to better the lives of people
in our Commonwealth.
Karen has shown us unwavering commitment
to better health care, including equity in mental health
coverage and access to Affordable Care,
including prescription drugs for all people.
She has worked to remove barriers
for individuals whose equal rights were not guaranteed,
and to remove barriers that prevented equal access,
whether it was discrimination by gender, race, income,
or disability.
In this building, we have seen Karen's passion
for taking on large and complicated issues,
and her sensible even handedness in working together
with fellow senators to resolve differences.
We know her success with the difficult and contentious task
of developing and negotiating state budgets.
We have seen her stand firm and strong
on equal rights, equal pay, and on reforming
our juvenile justice system, and so
many other issues of basic fairness.
She has done so by working with others,
working with each and every one of us,
with advocates on different sides of an issue,
with the minority party, and, of course,
our colleagues in the House and the corner office.
Karen has shown us that she will listen to good ideas, whoever
they come from, and incorporate them to make legislation
better.
I've often been so surprised to hear Karen say, oh, I never
thought of that.
That's a wonderful idea.
And she will not be outworked when
it comes to fixing the pressing issues facing
our constituents in our state.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said, fight
for the things you care about.
But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.
This is the type of leader Karen has been for so many years.
And now I ask you to join me in supporting Karen
as she works with us and for us to fight for the environment,
for public education, for equality and civil rights,
for economic growth, public transportation,
and so many of the other issues that we care so deeply about.
It has been my pleasure to serve with Karen
in this Chamber for more than a decade,
and I am proud of the way she has led the Senate.
And now I'm so proud to formally nominate
my friend and colleague, Karen E Spilka,
to be the president of the Massachusetts State Senate.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from the Cape and the Islands, Mr. Cyr,
is recognized for the purpose of seconding the nomination.
Thank you, Mr. President, and through
my colleagues and their honored guests,
the citizens of the Commonwealth,
we assemble today in this glorious Chamber,
each of us marveling at the opportunity to serve,
each of us humbled by the once in a generation chance
to do so in this sparkling, refurbished Chamber, each of us
keenly aware of the legacy of this body
and the promise of what's possible in the 191st session
of the great General Court.
The walls of this Chamber were stripped
to its foundation, as I think you all can see,
the chandelier dismantled and burnished,
each wooden block and beam taken apart, steamed, sanded by hand,
painted, and put back in place.
And when this Chamber was in scaffolding,
we too underwent a parallel if unplanned renovation,
and we are better for it.
And I'd be remiss, Mr. President,
if I did not recognize the soon to be
new Clerk who stands beside our presiding
officer at the rostrum.
Mr. President, when it comes to choosing who among us should
lead us, it is my profound honor to second the nomination
of our colleague from Ashland, Karen E Spilka,
to be president of the Massachusetts Senate.
I first met Karen Spilka in 2011 at a gathering
after the FY12 budget had been passed.
I was a newly minted legislative liaison at the time,
but I somehow struck up a conversation
with the gentle lady from Ashland.
We talked about my work in public health and our dogs.
She showed me pictures of her dogs.
I don't recall what else was said.
I don't-- I don't think we talked about mechanics,
car mechanics.
But I don't recall what else was said,
but I distinctly remember how she made me feel,
that she was genuinely interested in what I did.
She was approachable, with no pretense, and wicked funny.
I didn't imagine then that I'd be a colleague serving
alongside Karen and all of you.
Yet two years ago, I find myself--
I found myself finding my way here.
And Karen, from then on, was a constant presence, always
looking out for how she could help.
How can we make you successful? she'd ask.
What are the priorities in your district?
We can't get this done yet, but there's always another day.
Let's figure it out.
When I put my foot in my own mouth, as eager millennials
like me are wont to do, Karen was
there to throw me a life vest and shared
her own colorful stumbles when she
was a new member of the legislature, which is really
the best sort of mentorship you can ask for.
Those two years went by mighty fast.
And in that time, Karen became more than a colleague.
She became a mentor and a treasured friend.
And now at the outset of 191st General Court,
it is upon us to select who among us should lead our august
body.
Who among us should be the champion for our work
and cause?
For me, I want a president of the Senate
who sees the promise in each and every member,
no matter their party or seniority.
I want a president the Senate who sinks her teeth into policy
and cares about getting it right,
not keeping up with the news cycle or scoring
political points.
I want a president of the Senate was is a fierce negotiator.
I want a president who can navigate her way
through the stakeholders and egos in this building, who
transcends the status quo of Beacon Hill politics
with the skills of a mediator and a seasoned social worker.
I want a president of the Senate who
listens to staff, who goes out of her way
to be invested in them.
I want a president who understands
that the people who keep our offices
and this building humming are as essential as anything else.
I want a president of the Senate who
sees all parts of the Commonwealth, who appreciates
the problems that face Pittsfield
or Provincetown aren't secondary to those communities
geographically closer to the Hill.
I want a Senate president who knows
what it's like to be left out.
And I want a President of the Senate is a woman.
My friends, we need a president of the Senate
who believes in uplifting every member,
but who has the grit to go toe to toe for what
this Chamber passes, and to get those actions signed into law.
We need a president the Senate who listens to her constituents
and isn't afraid to be challenged
by new conceptions and novel ways of seeing the world.
We need a president the Senate who
is an ally to the forgotten.
We need a president who is a fierce protector of justice,
especially at this time when the values that
make this Commonwealth and our country truly great
are under assault. And in Karen Spilka,
we have a president of the Senate
who has a bevy of accomplishments
that have fundamentally changed the structures
of the Commonwealth and our society so that all people--
women, children, those across the developmental spectrum,
immigrants and their children, transgender people,
the most vulnerable among us--
they have equal access and opportunity.
In Karen Spilka we have a president the Senate
who will work with any of us on a good idea,
however complicated or minute.
In Karen, we have a president of the Senate
who has a bold vision for our work and our Commonwealth.
In Karen Spilka, we have a president
of the Senate who understands that leadership isn't bravado,
or in hearing the sound of one's own voice.
In Karen, we have a president who
knows the true-- that true leadership takes knowing
oneself, your flaws and your strengths,
that effective leadership takes facilitation,
and true leadership raises others up,
not just simply advances one's own fortunes.
In Karen, we have a president who
brings humor and a joie de vivre into this essential work.
In Karen Spilka, we have a president of the Senate
who can take the big, pressing dreams that each of us
bring to this body and to work tirelessly
to ensure that bold new ideas don't end up as empty rhetoric
but rather become something truly transformational
and are enacted into law.
My friends, the walls of this storied Chamber
are now primed and painted with an inch of historic accuracy,
and I'm told dating to 1900.
But our Senate is a far cry from the one that
first assembled here in 1900.
It is fitting in this moment that we
be led by a woman with the strength, wisdom, poise,
and sense of fairness as Karen E Spilka.
Our colleague from Ashland is invested in our successes.
She shares the dreams of our constituents,
and will bring a needed urgency and diligence
to the work that lies ahead.
Mr. President, I stand here today honored and excited
for what's possible to second the nomination
for the senator from Ashland, Karen E Spilka,
to be our Senate president.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
[GAVEL BANGS]
And now the senator from Worcester and Norfolk,
Mr. Fattman, is recognized for the purpose
of placing a name in nomination for the president
of the Senate.
Thank you, Mr. President.
And first let me begin by welcoming my colleagues
with a happy new year, and their friends and their family.
Today, the members of the State Senate
will be choosing a leader of this prestigious body.
And although members have before them
two qualified and well-respected candidates,
today it is my honor to nominate Senator Bruce E
Tarr as president of the Massachusetts Senate.
In this historic 191st assembling at the Massachusetts
General Court, we'd be remiss if we failed to remind ourselves
as public servants of the Commonwealth
that we are a government of the people, by the people,
for the people, never above the people.
In the long days and nights ahead, it
will be important for us to remember that whatever else
is happening in the world or in our country,
that we rely upon each other irrespective of what letter
might come before our name.
And speaking of names, for those of you who don't know me,
I grew up with the last name Fattman.
I've been called a lot of things in my life,
prepared me very well for politics.
But today we're reminded that the best
names that we are called are not that of senator or even
Senate president.
The best names are father, and mother, husband, and wife,
sister, brother, indeed friend.
These titles give us commonality in an uncommon time
for our country, and they bring us together
at a time when we need it most.
As the father of two children, who you may have heard here
today, I like to serve in this historic Chamber
as a vessel to the future.
In the current political climate,
filled with divisiveness and uncertainty,
there remains a need for this body
to live up to the great potential
and be heard as a voice of the people.
Author Robert Greenleaf stated in his essay, The Servant
as Leader, that where there is not community, not trust,
and not respect, ethical behavior
is difficult for the young to learn
and for the old to maintain.
During my tenure serving besides the gentleman from Gloucester,
he has displayed empathy, understanding, courtesy,
and ethics under his leadership.
The consummate public servant, who
served as a former prosecutor, state representative, and now
state senator, Bruce Tarr has dedicated his life
to serving and helping other people.
He is usually the first person in this building,
and the last to leave, oftentimes consulting
on the difficult issues of our time,
whether it be it through Melissa's Law, working
to support our police, fire, first responders,
working to fund our schools, ensuring the welfare of animals
and our pets, Senator Tarr holds a knowledge of this institution
that few rival, and less could hope to keep.
No matter who you are or where you come from,
Senator Tarr will be there for you.
If you have a question on procedure,
he can answer it; a problem on policy, he will solve it;
and perhaps most importantly, if you need someone to talk to
he will lend a listening ear and offer sage advice.
Talented on the podium no less, the gentleman from Gloucester
has been compared to the likes of Cicero,
Massachusetts' own Cicero, yet a younger and more handsome
Cicero.
[LAUGHTER]
But instead of donning a purple toga,
he's settled more for a purple tie, a symbol of his commitment
to consensus, constellation, and bipartisan leadership.
It is in this spirit that we are reminded
about the need for trust, honesty, and integrity
in this body, after a long fog has dissipated
from the last session.
Senator Tarr possesses the attributes
necessary to lead this great body forward,
including laying his own personal relationships aside
for the betterment of this institution.
In recent times, there's been a great deal
of talk about our institutions, our democracy, and those who
serve in American greatness.
I recently attended a forum talking about what
makes our country exceptional.
Throughout human history, there have been many great nations,
many great civilizations.
But what makes America great is that we are good.
And the manifestation of that goodness
is found in our citizens.
Every Christmas, a group of sick, unexpecting children
at Boston Children's Hospital find themselves receiving
dozens of gifts, hugs, laughs, and love
from a man they hardly even know.
No, it's not Santa Claus.
It's Senator Bruce Tarr at Boston Children's Hospital,
where he has been every Christmas for over a decade.
This is just one example of that goodness.
And so long as America is good and our leaders
act accordingly, America will always be great.
Cicero once said that it is not by muscle, speed,
or physical dexterity that great things are
achieved, but by reflection, force of character,
and judgment.
I can think of no other who possesses
these attributes more than the gentleman from Gloucester.
And if nothing else, we can give Bruce Tarr a birthday gift
today that he will never forget--
[LAUGHTER]
--by electing him to the Massachusetts Senate
presidency.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Plymouth and Norfolk, Mr. O'Connor,
is recognized for the purpose of seconding the nomination.
Thank you, Mr. President.
I rise to second the nomination of the gentleman
from Gloucester, Bruce E Tarr, for president
of the Massachusetts State Senate.
It's hard to mention State Senator Tarr without someone
noting how good of an orator he is.
I think it's very fair to say that he's one of the greatest
orators that we've had in the Massachusetts State
Legislature.
It would also be remiss--
amiss, excuse me, to not mention his profound Constitutional
knowledge, his respect for our democratic process,
and legislative accomplishments, of which there are many.
He has championed numerous bills to strengthen public safety,
improve our schools, protect our environment,
and enhance government efficiency, transparency,
and accountability.
This is the Bruce Tarr we all know, love, and respect.
The Bruce Tarr that I want to talk about
is not the legislator delivering impassioned speeches here
in this Chamber.
I want to talk about Bruce Tarr outside of this Chamber,
who he is at his core, and why he is the person
to lead this esteemed body.
The Bruce Tarr that I have had the honor of coming to know
does not miss a single opportunity
to give back to his community, do something
charitable, gracious, or kind.
As the gentleman from Webster touched upon,
every single Christmastime, Senator Tarr
takes it upon himself to organize toy drives
through radio stations across his district
from the early morning hours all the way to late at night.
He criss-crosses his district, going to all these events,
spreading holiday cheer, and collecting these toys.
He then takes these toys, employees help
of the volunteers, some of whom end up
talking to a lot of these children,
gets the help of Santa Claus, and goes to Shriners Hospital
to deliver these to children who are suffering with burns,
spinal cord injuries, and other injuries and ailments
no child should ever have to cope with.
Last year I joined this caravan to the Shriners Hospital
and I got to see the looks of pure joy and excitement
on these children's faces as our colleague told them
they can go pick out a toy and meet Santa Claus.
This is the character of Bruce Tarr.
This is just one of hundreds and hundreds
of untold stories like this that define our minority leader.
And it is this kind of behind the scenes action
that each of us don't see but what
makes him truly a dedicated servant to his community
and to our Commonwealth.
In my ultimate opinion, it is compassion, selflessness,
conviction, and bravery there are just
some of the characteristics you want
in a person to lead this body.
We are so fortunate to have both caucuses led by people
who embodies these ideals, and that each member
in this Chamber also shares these values
for the benefit of your districts
and your constituents.
In a time that we see unprecedented division
in our nation's capital, and at city halls and state
capitals across our country, we in this Chamber
choose to buck that trend by standing up
to this unfortunate new status quo.
We choose to have conversations rather than arguments.
We choose to put people before politics
and we choose to work together and compromise
for the better of our constituents, our communities,
and this Commonwealth.
We do this in large part because of the leadership of Bruce
Tarr.
His actions and bravery are sending a resounding message
that good government is achievable
and that it is well underway here in the Massachusetts State
Senate.
It is for these reasons and so many
more that I am honored and privilege not just
to second the nomination of Senator Bruce E
Tarr for Senate President, but to call him a friend.
Thank you, Mr President.
[APPLAUSE]
You done good.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Middlesex, Mr. Barrett,
now moves that nominations be closed.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
All those opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and nominations
for presidency of the Massachusetts Senate
are closed.
The question now comes on election
of the Senate President.
Each senator will state the name of the candidate
they wish to vote for, Karen E Spilka or Bruce E Tarr.
The middle initial is what they have in common.
[LAUGHTER]
Make sure they're signing the document.
Just before I call the role, the Clerk
has asked me to make sure you are cognizant
of the piece of paper that is before you that has been sent
over by the Secretary of State's office,
that everybody needs to sign that document if you
care to receive compensation this session.
[LAUGHTER]
So, again, the choices are Karen E Spilka or Bruce E Tarr.
Mr. Clerk, please call the role and call the Chair.
Marc R. Pacheco.
Karen E Spilka.
[LAUGHTER]
Sorry.
Michael J Barrett.
Karen E Spilka.
Joseph A Boncore.
Karen E Spilka.
Michael D Brady.
Karen E Spilka.
William M Brownsberger.
Karen E Spilka.
Harriette L Chandler.
Karen E Spilka.
Sonia Chang-Diaz.
Karen E Spilka.
Nick Collins.
Karen E Spilka.
Joanne M Comerford.
Karen E Spilka.
Cynthia Stone Creem.
Karen E Spilka.
Brendan P Crighton.
Karen E Spilka.
Julian Cyr.
Karen E Spilka.
Viriato M deMacedo.
Bruce E Tarr.
Sal N DiDomenico.
Karen E Spilka.
Diana DiZoglio.
Karen E Spilka.
James B Eldridge.
Karen E Spilka.
Ryan C Fattman.
Bruce E Tarr.
Paul R Feeney.
Karen E Spilka.
Barry R Finegold.
Karen E Spilka.
Cindy F Friedman.
Karen E Spilka.
Anne M Gobi.
Karen E Spilka.
Adam G Hinds.
Karen E Spilka.
Donald F Humason, Jr.
Bruce E Tarr.
Patricia D Jehlen.
Karen E Spilka.
John F Keenan.
Edward J Kennedy.
Karen E Spilka.
Eric P Lesser.
Karen E Spilka.
Jason M Lewis.
Karen E Spilka.
Joan B Lovely.
Karen E Spilka.
Mark C Montigny.
Karen E Spilka.
Michael O Moore.
Karen E Spilka.
Patrick M O'Connor.
Bruce E Tarr.
Rebecca L Rausch.
Karen E Spilka.
Michael J Rodrigues.
Karen E Spilka.
Michael F Rush.
Karen E Spilka.
[LAUGHTER]
Bruce E Tarr.
[LAUGHTER]
Walter F Timilty.
Karen E Spilka.
Dean A Tran.
Bruce E Tarr.
James T Welch.
Karen E Spilka.
33 for Karen E Spilka.
Six for Bruce E Tarr.
33 members having voted for Karen E Spilka.
How many members for--
and six members voting for Bruce E Tarr, the Chair
declares that Karen E Spilka has been elected
president of the Senate.
[APPLAUSE]
Senator Tarr, for what purpose does the gentleman rise?
Thank you, Mr. President, and through you to the members.
Mr. President, in the spirit of bipartisanship
and collaboration that has always characterized
this Chamber, and is equally as important to its future,
I move that it be declared that the sense of the Senate
be that the election of Karen E Spilka be unanimous.
The Senator--
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
moves that it be the sense of the Senate
that the vote for election of Senator Spilka as president
be declared unanimous.
All those in favor, signify by saying aye.
Aye.
All those opposed.
The ayes have it, and Senator Karen E Spilka is unanimously
declared Senate president.
[APPLAUSE]
At this time, I ask that the Sergeant at Arms
meet the senator from Norfolk and Suffolk, Mr. Rush,
and the senator from Suffolk, Mr. Brownsberger
in the well, for they will escort
Senator Spilka to the rostrum.
[APPLAUSE]
Members of the Senate, ladies and gentlemen
of the Commonwealth, I give you Karen E Spilka,
President of the Massachusetts Senate.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
Good afternoon.
Thank you so very much to Senator Creem and Senator
Cyr for your very kind words.
They're greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
And thank you from the bottom of my heart to my colleagues
for putting your faith and trust in me once again
as your Senate President.
Thank you.
And thank you to the minority leader.
We have much more in common than our middle initials.
[LAUGHTER]
And to the minority crescent.
I look forward to our continuing working
together with this upcoming session.
And I'd like to extend a particularly warm
welcome to our new senators, Senator Comerford, Senator
DiZoglio, Senator Finegold, Senator Kennedy, and Senator
Rausch.
Congratulations and welcome.
[APPLAUSE]
We look forward to working closely with you in the months
and years ahead.
Welcome.
And thank you to our new Clerk, and the Clerk's office,
Senate Counsel, and our court officers that we rely upon,
the business office, all of the folks
that help us make today possible.
Thank you so much.
And to our distinguished guests, I
would like to recognize that--
and they may be back, our wonderful senators, Elizabeth
Warren and Senator Markey.
I'm happy that we're able to join us.
And I want to give a special thanks to Rabbi Metzler,
my cousin from--
[APPLAUSE]
And his family.
[APPLAUSE]
And his family.
For those of you who heard my speech in July
about my grandfather, Joseph, Rabbi Metzler's first name
is Joseph.
He's made named after my grandfather.
So welcome.
It's a special honor to have you.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
And I would like to especially thank
the terrific voices of Praise Chorus and the Reverend Lloyd,
from the Greater Framingham Community Church.
[APPLAUSE]
Thank you for your voices and your passion,
and for lifting us all today and joining us today.
I would like to also acknowledge that our constitutional
officers were here, and the Executive Council,
and recognize Mayor Spicer, Mayor Walsh, and Mayor McGee.
It's great to have them.
And to our prior Senate presidents,
Senator Murray, Senator Travaglini, Senator Emerita--
Senate President Emerita Chandler.
I truly stand on your shoulders and thank you
so much for joining us today.
[APPLAUSE]
And, finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to my family
and friends, and especially to my husband, Joel Loitherstein,
and our two sons, Scott and Jake.
Thank you so much for your constant support,
encouragement, and love.
As all of us know, we can't do it without you.
I can't do it without you.
So thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
It is my honor today to be the first to welcome you
to the renovated Senate Chamber.
Isn't it spectacular?
Yes.
[APPLAUSE]
On behalf of everyone here, I'd like
to thank the many, many people who worked hard
on this historic restoration.
In a world that has become increasingly virtual,
the Senate Chamber remains a place
where we can come together and sit side
by side as equals to work on behalf
of the people of the Commonwealth, a place where we
can look each other in the eye as we advocate
for our positions, and sometimes strongly and respectfully
disagree, and shake hands at the end of a long day.
Soon, this Chamber will be filled
with our voices for the 191st legislative session.
As we started on this renovation, however,
we found that this Chamber was already
filled with voices from our past that we could just no
longer ignore, the voices who by either accident or design
have been excluded from this great Chamber
throughout our history.
We heard the voice of one of our great leaders, Frederick
Douglass, who dedicated his life to eradicating slavery,
and worked with abolitionists to not only free
his fellow enslaved countrymen, but create true equality
for African-Americans.
His words have proven to be so powerful that we have enshrined
them on our wall here--
truth, justice, liberty, and humanity
will ultimately prevail, words that will guide our work here.
We have also heard the voices of the women who,
despite Abigail Adams' demand to remember the ladies,
had to fight for the right to vote, then legislate, and then
lead.
As record numbers of women take office nationwide this month,
we remember the tremendous courage
of the suffragettes, who 100 years ago organized,
they protested, and they fought for their rights as Americans.
Finally, we have heard from the voices
of those whose minds were excluded
from full debate in this Chamber because their physical bodies
just were not able.
And, as a result, we have made this Chamber fully
accessible from front to back.
And we remember with fondness and sadness,
our recently departed colleagues Senator Tom Kennedy
and majority leader Fred Berry, who
forced us to confront the physical limitations
of this space, and who also made us realize
the importance of encouraging all
to have a seat or a wheelchair at this table in this Chamber.
I so wish they could be here today
to take the new lift that's behind me up to this rostrum
and sit beside me, and to know that physical ability will
never be an impediment to being a senator ever again.
To all who have come before us and raised their voices
in a chorus of demands for more truth, more justice, more
liberty, and more humanity, we have heard you.
As we marvel at the beauty of this renovated Chamber,
we can look to the two alcoves that have been left empty
and know that soon they will be filled
with the bust of Frederick Douglass and an important woman
from our history--
very possibly our own Abigail Adams.
Their presence will remind us that we are moving closer
towards the goals of equity, diversity,
and accessibility, both in our physical space
and in the work that we do.
The voices of our past called upon us
to create a better Senate Chamber.
And now as we begin this new session,
the voices of our future call to us
to create a better Commonwealth.
When rising ocean levels threaten our coasts,
and when unreliable public transportation
makes the lives of working families almost impossible,
what are these voices trying to tell us?
When the level of income inequality in Massachusetts
is the highest in the nation, and families
feel they must choose between a house they can afford
and a decent education for their children,
what are these voices trying to tell us?
And when the cost of health care threatens the well-being
of our small businesses, our schools,
our public institutions, our municipalities,
and our families, what are the voices of our future trying
to tell us?
They are telling us it's time to get to work.
They are telling us that the time for small ideas
and incremental change is over.
They are telling us that we cannot let the political
battles of today prevent us from conquering the complex
challenges of tomorrow.
And, yes, they are also telling us that we must be bold.
To those voices, I say, we hear you and we are ready to lead.
When I first ran for state representative,
I chose as my campaign slogan the phrase, for our future.
I didn't realize it at the time, but that phrase
would be much more than a slogan for me.
It would become a guiding principle
and a constant call to action.
Today, that call to action feels more urgent than ever before.
We are living through a time of remarkable change.
Technology has radically changed the way that we live and work.
And shifting priorities have caused
us to rethink everything from where
we live to how we commute.
Massachusetts, in true form, has led
the way in this new landscape.
We have produced entirely new industries
fueled by creativity, innovation,
and technological expertise.
But we have also experienced pain points in the areas
where we have failed--
failed to adjust or keep up.
I have faith, however, that Massachusetts will not only
succeed, that we will rise to the challenges,
but that we will be an example for others
on how to navigate our way to a better future
by calling on the fundamentals that
have guided us in the past--
namely, education, innovation, and caring for the common good.
Education has always been Massachusetts' lodestar,
beginning with the birth of public education
under the guidance of Senate President and Franklin
native, Horace Mann.
I'm proud that the Senate successfully
advocated for a record investment in education funding
these past few years.
But we must do more.
Adequately funding our education system
will be one of the top priorities of the Senate
this session.
And I hope that we will pass a bill
to finally implement the recommendation
of the Foundation Budget Review Commission
as soon as we are able.
[APPLAUSE]
Because we all know that all children deserve access
to a quality public education regardless of where they live,
or who they are.
Education drives our economic growth,
our national leadership, and our ability
to strive for an ever greater quality of life
for all of our residents.
It also drives our passion for ingenuity and innovation,
our second fundamental value.
Massachusetts has never been shy about shaking up
the status quo from the Revolutionary War
to the fight for equal marriage.
As gridlock grips the federal government,
we have here both the opportunity and the obligation
to lead.
Right now, increasing health care costs
serve as a silent stranglehold on budgets everywhere.
We can begin to address this by passing legislation that
slows the rise of prescription drugs prices,
and increases transparency to the consumer.
And when it comes to climate change adaptation,
our potential for leadership is virtually limitless, especially
as our proactive and evidence-based approach
stands in stark contrast to the inaction of Washington.
We can work with businesses and scientists
to push the envelope on clean energy technologies,
creating new jobs in the process.
Collaborating with city and town governments,
we can determine smart environmental changes
on the local level that will help offset our transportation
and our housing concerns.
We can commit ourselves to creating a transportation
infrastructure that matches our innovation economy by studying
the feasibility of reenvisioning our outdated commuter rail
system as a true rapid regional rail system.
And we can take on the challenge of creating
livable neighborhoods where people can afford to live,
work, and raise a family.
And we can and should continue our leadership
in the areas of juvenile justice and criminal justice reform,
so that we level the playing field
and give all of our residents a fair shot at a brighter future.
As we call on our ingenuity to deliver innovative solutions
for our future, no idea should be beyond consideration.
Finally, the term "commonwealth" reminds us
that we are all invested in preserving our common good.
To that end, we must create an economic development and tax
framework for the 21st century, where
innovative technology-driven businesses can develop
and thrive here, but where we also capture new revenue
to continue providing essential services
and to fund our vision for our future.
So far, we have been addressing these industries
on a piecemeal basis, which only serves
to breed confusion for business, government, and consumers.
We must work together to find a balance that
benefits us all, especially as we
will be relying on these industries
to fuel our future economic success.
In the meantime, we can be proud that the legislature has
increased the balance of our rainy day fund
to over $2 billion.
[APPLAUSE]
That will provide for our resilience as a Commonwealth
as we prepare for a future that is both exciting and uncertain.
As I contemplate how the Massachusetts Senate will
address these complex challenges before us,
I am reminded of another Frederick Douglass quote--
I would unite with anybody to do right, and with nobody
to do wrong.
As your Senate President, I am committed
to making sure we invite all voices to the table.
And if we find that our table just isn't big enough,
we will build a bigger table.
I promise to listen to your employees
and, through each of you, your constituents' voices.
I promise to listen to the voices of our partners
in state government, the Speaker of the House and the Governor.
I promise to listen to our minority leader,
to business leaders, labor unions,
our institutions of higher learning,
and government officials.
And I also promise to listen to the voices
of children, and working mothers,
of teachers, and steelworkers, and seniors, and veterans,
and nurses, and home health aides, and police,
and firefighters, of immigrants, of small business owners,
of scientists, artists, academics, members
of the LGBTQ community, and many, many others--
especially those who don't believe they
have a voice at the table right now.
Because these are all the voices of our future
and I want us all to be able to say, we hear you.
There is one more voice from the past that compels me to action
and I've saved it for last because it's personal.
And that is the voice of my father.
While you heard, the physical injuries
he sustained during his military service were attended to,
the psychological trauma he experienced never was.
And this inattention to his mental health
had long-term consequences for him and for my family,
just as undiagnosed or untreated mental illness
has long-term consequences for so many families
across our Commonwealth.
And as we fight for our future, we
must make the care of our mental health
as routine as the care of our physical health.
[APPLAUSE]
And we must work to end the stigma surrounding
mental illness for once and for all.
We simply cannot end the epidemic of addiction or solve
the problems of chronic homelessness, and unemployment,
child abuse and neglect, veteran and first responder PTSD,
childhood bullying, or repeated incarceration without first
addressing the underlying issue of mental health.
This is my personal promise to all of you,
that achieving true mental health parity
and finding creative ways to integrate
preventative mental health care into our health care system
will be my priority for this session
and, frankly, for as long as it takes.
As we begin our new session, it is a privilege
to be in this Chamber with you today,
in this place where we can listen to
and be guided by the voices of our past,
the voices of our present, and the voices of our future,
and work together for a future where we not only succeed,
we become the model for navigating change
while maintaining our core values.
The work will be hard.
And sometimes the voices of our critics will overwhelm us.
But if we promise to remain true to ourselves,
each other, and our common values,
and listen to one another, we will
create a better Commonwealth.
I thank you again for the trust you put in me.
And I stand as ready as ever to be your Senate President.
I thank you, and I wish you all a happy and healthy new year.
[APPLAUSE]
The Chair recognizes the senator from Essex and Middlesex,
Mr. Tarr.
Well, well, well, Madam President.
[LAUGHTER]
Madam President, I want to offer my heartiest congratulations
to you.
You can understand my surprise because when
I got up this morning I was listening
to all of the exit polls.
And they all said that somebody with a middle initial E
was going to be the next Senate president.
I was so excited for the prospect of that.
But lo and behold, Madam President, someone has to win,
and someone has to lose.
But when your win, we all win.
And I want to extend my very, very sincere congratulations
to you, and let you know how much I look forward
to working with you in the days ahead on so many shared
priorities.
And I appreciate your partnership, your interaction
with all of us, and your commitment
to make sure that the best ideas that we all have get
elevated to action, and that action builds a better
Commonwealth.
So thank you.
And, on a side note, my truck needs an oil change.
I'll see you tomorrow at 4.
[LAUGHTER]
Madam President, I also want to say thank you
to Senator Fattman for nominating me
and for his words of eloquence, and to congratulate him
for his rising leadership role in this Chamber,
and for his friendship.
And so to Senator O'Connor, whose constant attention
to detail and passion make a true difference in this Chamber
for all of us.
And I want to say thank you also to Senator deMacedo, Senator
Tran, and Senator Humason for investing their faith
and trust in me to lead our efforts to work
with all of you.
It is truly an honor to serve with them,
as it is with all of you.
And I want to thank you all for the trust, and respect,
and interaction that you have with all of us
here in our part of the Chamber.
Now you may be asking why I said our part of the Chamber,
and I'll get to that in a minute.
But I do want to say thank you too to Senate President Emerita
Chandler for her work that was then carried on
by Senate President Spilka to bring us
to this beautiful place that has now new added significance, not
only because of that quote but because
of the next chapter in the life of this Chamber
that that quote represents.
So thank you.
I also want to say thank you to the other Senate
presidents that are here for the partnership
that we have had because it has built
an incredible tradition in this Chamber
that transcends time and place and defies the negativity
that we see in so many other quarters.
So thank you, Senate President Murray,
Senate President Travaglini for that partnership, as well.
You know, Teddy Roosevelt said, far and away the best prize
that life has to offer is the chance
to work hard at something worth doing.
Thanks to the people that have sent us here,
we all now have that chance.
And we have it in this glorious new Chamber.
Now I know some of you may be asking a few questions.
So we are trying out the term that this would be the minority
arc, with arc being an acronym for advancing
reasonable concepts.
I know a few of you that I talked
to when I came in were very concerned about what happened
to the Ways and Means Mystery Closet
and the Minority Innovation Chamber.
Rest assured, they are here.
And they will reveal themselves in due time.
[LAUGHTER]
But there is also a very interesting new element
to this Chamber that we like to call the Minority Collaboration
Center.
If you look behind the rostrum, you
will see that a new space has been created for us to be
able to talk with each other.
Very interestingly, it has an entrance from the left
and an entrance from the right.
And our passionate hope is that we will all
walk through those entrances at one time or another,
meet in the middle, and come back here with a resolution
to a problem that before seemed unsolvable.
Because that is what we do in the Massachusetts State Senate.
You know, it would be easy to be bedazzled
by this wonderful, glorious, new Chamber that we're in.
And a special thanks is owed to all of the craftsmen and women
who've made it so, and transformed our vision for what
this Chamber should be into the reality that we are now in--
the bright colors, the warm feeling,
the sunlight that streams into the Chamber.
But it would be well to remember that while some things have
changed other things have not.
This is the Chamber that the cornerstone was laid to
by Paul Revere and Sam Adams.
This is the Chamber where, in 1838, Angelina Grimke gave
a speech advocating the abolition of slavery,
in this Chamber, and she was the first woman
to address a legislative body in the United States.
In fact, Douglass quoted her in his book,
American Slavery As It Is.
This is also the Chamber in which John Andrew was first
elected to office in 1857 as a representative
to the General Court.
And he served here as a member.
He distinguished himself in leading the successful effort
to have Judge Edward Greely Warring, who
had ordered the return of fugitive slaves Thomas
Sims in 1851 and Anthony Burns in 1854 removed
as a judge in the probate court.
His great championing of the end of slavery
caused Senator Charles Sumner, upon hearing about a vacancy
in the governorship, to say, give me my boots.
John A Andrew must be the next governor of Massachusetts.
So as we think about that legacy of which we are stewards,
we think about the fact that this
must be a new chapter in the life of this Chamber,
where every person is represented, everyone that
has contributed to getting us to where we are that may have been
sadly lost in the representations in this Chamber
along the way.
And on that, Madam President, you and I
share a solemn commitment.
As we move forward, we need to think
about the importance also of another great tradition
in this Chamber.
It is true that we have been through some stormy times.
None that no one--
anyone could have predicted when we last
left this Chamber to go to our temporary Chamber.
But the members of minority arc never once--
not once-- sought to exploit difficult times
for political gain.
Instead, we joined with you to uphold the greatest traditions
of this Senate, that we would have
transparency, accountability, honesty, and integrity.
And we will do no less now.
Sure, we'll answer or ask the difficult questions.
Maybe too many of them for some of you.
We will use the charts that we hope to illustrate our points.
And we will put our ideas on the table
because to only offer a critique of the ideas of the majority,
without putting on the table the ideas the minority,
would be a disservice to the greatest
traditions of this Chamber and American democracy.
And we will not do it.
And that's why we share a couple of things, Madam President.
I was pleasantly delighted to read your op ed
piece in a newspaper of general circulation
in the Boston area that appeared this morning.
Because we share so many priorities
with everyone in the Chamber.
And you, we have to continue to address the crisis of addiction
with innovation and compassion, and lead this country.
We have to be able to continue to support the people who
protect us every day, as police officers, and firefighters,
and first responders, and continue
to send the message that we support them from this Chamber.
We need to capture economic opportunity for everyone
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
in every corner of the state, including
those who are engaged in fishing, and farming,
and the creative economy, and in every other sector.
Because that needs to be our role.
And we do in fact need to control the cost of health
care, but making sure that we have
quality care and good access.
Because one without the others is unacceptable.
In addition to that, we need to think about,
Madam President, that we live in times
of relative economic prosperity.
But we will not always enjoy those times.
And that's why we need to redouble our commitment
to keeping the promises we have made,
like founding-- funding education
and the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review
Commission, and like revenue sharing
with our municipal partners.
And with an eye toward the future,
we need to make sure that we develop
spending plans that are sustainable,
and defensible, and accountable so that we never again make
promises that we can't keep to the people who
will benefit from those and to the people who
must pay for them.
And, Madam President, we must always think about the issue
that you have highlighted, that never--
not for one minute--
in this Commonwealth, which has led the country in health care,
should anyone who has a mental health issue
be subordinate to someone who has another physical health
issue.
Never.
That will take work.
But we need to do it together.
You know, Madam President, we pledge
to work with everyone in this Chamber collaboratively
on so many priorities.
But we are also aware that the climate sometimes
will challenge us to do so.
We will uphold our commitment to work to find common ground,
to disagree honestly and respectfully,
and to always try to leave the discussion with a solution
rather than an obstruction.
You know, Madam President, these are difficult times.
And, in fact, it was Abigail Adams
who said that great necessities call out great virtues.
And Teddy Roosevelt said, the most practical kind of politics
is the politics of decency, the very kind of politics
that we practice in this Chamber.
And so, Madam President, I would be remiss
if I also didn't mention the urgency with which we must
address a changing climate.
We need to do so thoughtfully.
We need to do so in a cost effective way.
But we need to press on, and we cannot ignore it.
So as we think about this great future,
I want to as well welcome our new members--
Diana DiZoglio, from Methuen; Edward Kennedy, of Lowell;
Jo Comerford, of Northhampton; Becca Rausch, of Needham;
and Barry Finegold 2.0, from Andover.
[LAUGHTER]
And let me just ask you, let me ask
you to hold in these next two years in your hands
the sacred trust that has been built
in this Chamber for our democracy,
and for our members to work together,
and for a tradition of making progress collaboratively.
Welcome to our Chamber.
And let me also say a warm and hearty thank you
to everyone in this Chamber who returns,
that has worked to build that foundation of trust which
will allow us to carry forward.
You know, Madam President, it was Aristotle Onassis who said,
we must free ourselves of the hope
that the sea will ever rest.
We must learn-- you knew I would get a Greek in there.
[LAUGHTER]
We must learn to sail in high winds.
We've been through a lot of tumultuous, turbulent seas.
And, as we look to the next horizon,
we know that there will be more.
We need to operate independently of the conflict
and the controversy that grips our federal government,
and lead by example to show what is
possible in this Chamber, which is
the crucible of good faith and good ideas.
And, in fact, Madam President, it
was John McCain who said, the glory belongs
to the act of being constant to something
greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles,
to the people on whom you rely, and the people who rely on you.
May that be our sacred commitment to each other.
Madam President, let me also thank you and congratulate you
on the selection of Michael Hurley as our Clerk
and Jennifer Miller as our Counsel.
They are proven-- proven--
assets to this body.
And so, Madam President, it's 2019.
We can see a bright horizon, one that
is full of opportunity and promise,
and one which can be illuminated by the light of democracy
streaming out these windows to the rest of the world.
It is 2019.
We have a great voyage to embark on.
The seas will be rough.
But we are all in this boat together,
and we can reach that next horizon.
Happy new year to everyone.
Let's set sail.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Worcester, Miss Chandler,
moves that the remarks of this Senate President and the Senate
Minority Leader be printed in the Journal of the Senate.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, nay.
Aye.
The ayes have it, and the remarks
will be printed in the Senate Journal.
The senator from Suffolk, Mr. Collins,
moves that the president cast one ballot
for Michael D Hurley of South Boston as Clerk of the Senate.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Suffolk, Mr. Collins.
Thank you, Madam President, and through you
to each of the members.
I rise today to nominate Michael Hurley of South Boston
as Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate.
As a Senator, beginning my second term in this august
body, but my seventh as a state elected official,
Michael's reputation as a hardworking,
dedicated member of the Massachusetts Senate
Clerk's Office is widely known in the State House.
I've had the fortune to know Michael on a personal level
as a neighbor, a dedicated family man, a father
to seven beautiful children--
Michael, Deirdre, Mary, James, and Elizabeth,
who are with us today, Evelyn, and Nola, and husband
to his lovely wife, Mary, who's with us today, as well.
We were also joined by Michael's sister, Jean,
her-- his brother-in-law, Paul, and nephew, Paul.
So welcome.
[APPLAUSE]
A son of South Boston, Michael is an early product
of the Boston public schools, having gone to John Boyle
O'Reilly and, it was mentioned earlier, Governor James A
Andrew Elementary Schools in South Boston's Andrew Square,
named after the late governor, before graduating
from St. Bridget's School and Boston College High School.
Michael then worked to put himself through college
at one of our great state institutions, UMass Boston,
working as a laborer and then in the proofing
department at bank-- at the Bank of Boston,
preparing him for an opportunity to work in the Senate Clerk's
office, which led him to commit 25 years working at almost
every job in the Clerk's Office, from the front office
all the way to Assistant Clerk.
And today, with your support, Clerk of the Senate.
Along the way, Michael has distinguished himself
as a technology leader in the field,
moving the Senate's bills to digital online texts,
leading the Upper Chamber to be the first one to do so,
putting Massachusetts General laws online,
introducing display boards, progressively leading
the business of the Senate into the modern era,
providing a more efficient, user friendly experience for members
and staff, while opening up the Senate to the public
and making our business more transparent,
gaining more of the public's trust,
as we conduct such important business on their behalf.
To quote the former Clerk, William Welch,
there is nobody more capable of taking the Clerk's Office
and the Senate into a more advanced digital space
than Michael Hurley.
And, quite frankly, you couldn't ask for a better person.
Before I close my remarks, I want
to share a personal anecdote about Michael.
Before I joined the Senate, the session before last,
like I have on occasion, I grabbed a late lunch at Florina
behind the State House.
It was a Friday afternoon, the Friday before Memorial Day
weekend, just after the Senate budget.
I saw Michael eating a slice of pizza with a co-worker.
I said, hello.
We exchanged pleasantries.
I asked how he was--
both of us asked how we were doing.
On the way out, I asked Michael if he was going away
for the long weekend.
He replied to me, happily as I recall, content
as the day is long, nope, I'll be right here,
pointing toward the State House, making
sure all the amendments that were passed this week
were ready to go.
As I walked out, I thought to myself, Michael Hurley,
a humble public servant who loves his job,
and I hope I get to work with him someday.
So today I'm honored and proud to nominate
my neighbor, constituent, friend, and colleague, Michael
Hurley, as Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate.
[APPLAUSE]
Is there an objection?
[LAUGHTER]
The Chair hears none.
And the president casts one ballot
for Michael D Hurley of South Boston as Senate Clerk.
I will now administer the oath of office.
Please raise your right hand.
I do solemnly swear--
I, Michael Hurley, 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 do solemnly swear and affirm--
I, Michael Hurley, do solemnly swear to affirm--
--that I will faithfully and impartially discharge
and perform--
--that I will faithfully and impartially discharge my duties
and perform--
--incumbent upon me as Senate Clerk--
--according to the best of my abilities and understanding--
--agreeably--
--to the rules and regulations of the Commonwealth--
--and the laws of this Commonwealth--
--so help me, God.
I do solemnly swear--
I, Michael Hurley, do solemnly swear--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States--
Whereas you, Michael D Hurley, are
chosen Clerk of the Senate of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, you do swear that you will truly
enter all of the votes and orders thereof,
and in all things relating to your office
that you will act faithfully and impartially
according to your best skill and judgment, so help you, God?
I do.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Madam President.
[APPLAUSE]
And, at this time, I have the distinct pleasure
to announce that I have appointed Jennifer Grace Miller
of Ipswich as Senate Counsel.
I asked that the senator from Essex and Middlesex, Mr. Tarr,
escort Miss Miller to the rostrum to take and subscribe
to the oaths of office as required by the Constitution.
[APPLAUSE]
Raise your right hand and repeat after me.
I do solemnly swear--
I, Jennifer Grace Miller, 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 do solemnly swear and affirm--
I, Jennifer Grace Miller, do solemnly swear and affirm--
--that I will faithfully and impartially--
--discharge and perform--
--all the duties incumbent on me as Senate Counsel--
--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 do solemnly swear--
I, Jennifer Grace Miller, do solemnly swear--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States--
--that I will support the Constitution of the United
States.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Madam President.
[APPLAUSE]
The senator from Bristol and Plymouth, Mr. Montigny,
has presented an order which the Clerk will read.
Order that it may be appointed to notify
His Excellency, the Governor, Charles D Baker, to honor
Karyn E Polito, Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth,
and the Honorable Counsel of the organization of the Senate,
and that the Honorable Karen E Spilka of Second Middlesex
and Norfolk has been elected President the Senate, Michael D
Hurley of South Boston had been elected Clerk of the Senate.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The Senate members appointed are as follows--
Senator Brownsberger, of Suffolk and Middlesex;
Senator DiZoglio, of Essex; Senator Rausch,
of Norfolk, and Bristol, and Middlesex;
Senator Welch, of Hampden; and Senator deMacedo,
of Plymouth and Barnstable.
Please come to the well, and the Sergeant at Arms
will meet the committee and proceed
to the Governor's Office.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[AUDIO OUT]
Madam President, Committee of the Honorable Senate.
Admit the Honorable Committee.
[APPLAUSE]
Madam President, I beg to inform you
that we have traveled to Governor's Chambers,
and there delivered the message that you
have been elected as a leader, and we have been organized,
and we've appointed Michael Hurley to Senate Clerk.
Thank you so kindly.
Great work.
And we now disband this Honorable Committee.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
What are we going to do with this one?
Let's adopt the rules.
So we'll do two of it.
Because we're waiting on the joint.
So we'll do the Senate one--
[AUDIO OUT]
The senator from Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin,
and Hampden, Mr. Hinds, has presented an order,
which the Clerk will read.
Order that the rules of the Senate
rules of the last session be observed
as the temporary rules for the Senate
for the present General Court.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The senator from Second Suffolk, Miss Chang-Diaz,
has presented an order, which the Clerk will read.
Order that the joint rules of the last session
be observed as temporary joint rules
to the two branches of the present General Court,
until the adoption of permanent joint rules,
or March 1, 2019, whichever comes first.
The question comes on adoption--
[AUDIO OUT]
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The senator from Norfolk, Bristol, and Plymouth,
Mr. Timilty, has presented an order
which the Clerk will read.
Order that a committee be appointed
to inform the House of Representatives
of the organization of the Senate,
that the Honorable Karen E Spilka of Second Middlesex
and Norfolk has been elected President of the Senate,
that Michael D Hurley of South Boston
was elected Clerk of the Senate.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The Senate members appointed are as follows--
Senator Lovely, of Essex; Senator Boncore,
of Suffolk and Middlesex; Senator Crighton, of Essex;
Senator Kennedy, of Middlesex; Senator Finegold,
of Middlesex and Essex; and Senator O'Connor,
of Plymouth and Norfolk.
The Sergeant at Arms will meet the Committee
in the well of the Chamber, and proceed to the House Chamber.
The Senate will be in a brief recess.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[AUDIO OUT]
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
[GAVEL BANGS]
Madam President, the Committee of the Honorable Senate.
Admit the Honorable Committee.
[APPLAUSE]
Hello.
Madam President, we have gone over to the House Chamber
and we've told the Speaker that we have organized as a Senate
and we elected you as our president.
We've elected Michael Hurley as our Clerk.
The Speaker sends his congratulations to both you
as the President, Michael as our Clerk.
He looks forward to continuing the collaboration and longtime
friendship that he has with you, and he looks forward
to a very productive session coming forward.
Thank you so much for this hard work.
And we appreciate you going over there.
And we now discharge this committee.
But thank you.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
We just need to wait for the House now.
OK.
So we can move--
[AUDIO OUT]
--from Worcester, Mr. Moore, has presented
an order, which the Clerk shall read.
Order that the Clerk begin the daily printing of the Journal
and as authorized by Senate Rule 6
and that the daily reading thereof
be dispensed with, that under the authority of Section
22a of the general laws, copies of the Journals
with the entire session be printed and bound
with customary appendices and an index,
and that a certified copy of that will be
deposited with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The question comes on adoption of this order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
The senator from Middlesex and Suffolk, Mr. DiDomenico,
has presented an order, which the Clerk shall read.
Order that a special committee of the Senate
to consist of two members of the Senate be-- oh, wrong one.
Sorry.
Order that a convention of the two Houses be held at a quarter
before 11 o'clock noon on Thursday, January 3,
2019 for the purpose of administering
the oath of office to the Governor Elect, the Lieutenant
Governor Elect, and the several [INAUDIBLE] Elect.
--from Suffolk, Miss Chang-Diaz, moves
that the rules be suspended so that the matter may
be considered forthwith.
Is there an objection?
The Chair hears none.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the order is adopted.
[AUDIO OUT]
Just to let folks know, we are waiting
for an Honorable Committee from the House
to let us know that they have formed
and who they've elected as Speaker, et cetera,
just like we just did to the House.
We are pretty much completed with our work though.
You're certainly welcome to stay here,
or you're welcome to go across into the Senate Reading Room
and have some refreshments, and spend
some time with friends and family, whichever you desire.
But we don't have much more left here.
So thank you very much.
Have a great day if you decide to leave.
[APPLAUSE]
We'll be in brief recess.
[GAVEL BANGS]
[AUDIO OUT]
Good afternoon.
Admit the Honorable Committee.
Welcome.
[APPLAUSE]
Good afternoon, Madam President.
We have been sent to tell you that our House is organized,
and that we are looking forward with great anticipation
to work with you and your members in what we hope
will be a very, very productive session.
And we also really wanted to come and see your new House.
[LAUGHTER]
And it's beautiful.
And we congratulate you and want you
to do great work in this beautifully adorned new room.
So thank you for having us.
Well, thank you for coming in.
We welcome all of you.
You're welcome at anytime to come to this newly
renovated, beautiful Chamber.
We also look forward to working with all of you
to be productive and do some really wonderful work
for the people of the Commonwealth.
We thank you.
We thank the Speaker, and congratulate him
on his re-election, and wish you all a very, very
healthy and happy new year and a wonderful 109st
legislative session.
Thank you very much.
[APPLAUSE]
[AUDIO OUT]
--from Bristow, Mr. Brady, offers an order,
which the Clerk shall read.
Order that when the Senate adjourns today,
it adjourns to meet again at a quarter past 11:00 AM tomorrow.
The question comes on adoption of the order.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it.
The Chair hears none if there is an objection,
and the order is adopted.
The senator from Middlesex and Norfolk, Miss Creem,
moves that the Senate do now adjourn.
All those in favor, say aye.
Opposed, no.
The ayes have it, and the Senate stands
adjourned to meet again tomorrow at a quarter past 11 o'clock
AM.
[GAVEL BANGS]
Thank--
[AUDIO OUT]