Page 20 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2021 BHRC | FROM PAGE 17 the pandemic hit but only applied to the 2020 elections. “Massachusetts voters got a glimpse into an effi cient, safe, and convenient way to vote that other states have long enjoyed during last year’s election, with 42 percent of our commonwealth’s voters voting by mail,” said Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “And because of that, even in the midst of a global pandemic, we experienced turnout numbers we haven’t seen in nearly 30 years.” “I’m a little shocked that we’re doing this today as part of the supplemental budget said GOP Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This should go through the committee process. The chairman of Ways and Means has tried to impress that upon me numerous times. I don’t understand why that’s not the case here particularly for something that isn’t timely. This doesn’t have to be done … this doesn’t have any eff ect on the voters for over a year.” “The operating paradigm around here is that the ends justify the means,” continued Jones as he tried appealing to members of the Progressive Caucus who often call for greater transparency, to reject the amendment because of the way it was being rushed through. “That really is the operating rule of the House of Representatives, that’s what we’ve come down to. There’s no transparency in this process. There’s no real opportunity to debate.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment making mail-in voting and early voting permanent. A “No” vote is against the amendment.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of June 7-11, the House met for a total of eleven hours and hours and 47 minutes while the Senate met for a total of fi ve hours and 47 minutes. Mon. June 7 House 11:01 a.m. to 1:16 p.m. Senate 11:27 a.m. to 1:22 p.m. Tues. June 8 No House session No Senate session Wed. June 9 House 11:01 a.m. to 2:41 p.m. Senate 1:17 p.m. to 2:37 p.m. Thurs. June 10 House 11:03 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. Senate 11:23 a.m. to 1:55 p.m. Fri. June 11 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Frank Berardino MA License 31811 • 24 - Hour Service • Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Residential & Commercial Service Gas Fitting • Drain Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! 379 Broadway Everett 617-381-9090 All occasions florist Wedding ~ Sympathy Tributes Plants ~ Dish Gardens Customized Design Work GIFT BASKETS Fruit Baskets www.EverettFlorist.net
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