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Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 28, 2024 said Rep. Pat Haddad (D-SomBeacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/aPTLucKs THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of June 17-21. MATERNAL HEALTH (H 4773) House 153-0, approved and sent to the Senate a maternal health bill that would require certified professional midwives and lactation consultants to be licensed; encourage the creation of more freestanding birth centers; expand access to postpartum depression screenings; and raise awareness of pregnancy loss and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. “Today, I feel proud to stand with my colleagues in recognition of the autonomy of all birthing people to make important decisions about where they give birth – whether in a hospital, at home or in a birthing center – and ensure that all parents feel strong, empowered and in charge of their health at such a formative time in their lives,” said Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton), a sponsor of the bill. “In passing this historic maternal health package, we have further elevated the midwifery model of care and moved mountains toward addressing the needs of all birthing people in the commonwealth, regardless of their race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status.” “Today we are making a commitment to ensuring that every mother receives the care and support they need before, during and after childbirth,” erset), a sponsor of the bill. “We are taking steps to eliminate the causes of infant mortality and improving maternal health outcomes of pregnancies for all birthing persons. This legislation tackles the root causes of maternal deaths and delivery complications.” “[The bill] is a significant legislative step in addressing perinatal mood disorders in Massachusetts,” said Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This bill provides crucial support for new parents by improving access to comprehensive mental health care during the perinatal period. By focusing on early detection and intervention, we can ensure better health outcomes for both parents and their babies. This legislation is vital for fostering healthier families and communities, particularly for those most vulnerable to perinatal mood disorders.” “This legislation, which is the fourth significant health care bill that the House has passed this session, is the latest example of our ironclad commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable health care for all residents of Massachusetts,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “While the commonwealth’s health care system is amongst the best in the world, inequities in maternal health remain prevalent, and certain aspects of care are woefully insufficient. That’s why the reforms included in this legislation are so important, as they will help to close racial inequities and improve maternal health care statewide.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS AND MORE (S 2830) Senate 38-2, approved a bill that would ban single-use plastic bags; make straws and plastic utensils available by request only; require stores to charge 10 cents for recycled paper bags with 5 cents retained by the retailer and 5 cents used to fund environmental protection measures; make it easier to recycle; create a statewide program for recycling large plastic objects including car seats; prohibit single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies; require do-not-flush labeling for non-flushable wipes made of plastic; and implement statewide composting. “From microplastics in our blood to plastic bags in our waterways to greenhouse gases in our air, plastics pollute and harm our people and planet,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment. “The Plastics Reduction Act will prevent billions of single-use plastic bags, bottles, cutlery and wipes from clogging up our environment, pipes and landfills each year. This is a major win for our climate, our wildlife and our health.” “Nothing we use for just a few minutes should pollute the environment for decades,” said Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG. “Getting rid of single use plastic bags, food ware and more will reduce plastic waste, cut down on litter and make a cleaner, greener future for everyone.” “In Massachusetts, we take pride in being a leader when it comes to protecting our environment and people’s health, and this bill continues that leadership,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Limiting our plastics use means less trash in our waterways and on our streets, and giving our kids the green, clean planet they deserve to inherit. This is a crucial part of achieving the commonwealth’s climate goals.” “It’s burdensome on small businesses and creates increased cost at the grocery store and everyday living for consumers by having to pay an additional tax on paper bags and reusable bags,” said Sen. Ryan Fatman (R-Sutton), one of two senators who voted against the bill. “It also has no chance of passing through the Legislature because it’s unrealistic and out of touch.” “I think it’s important to understand that when we talk about the pollution that occurs throughout the world, that we understand where this comes from,” said Sen. Peter Durant (R-Spencer), the other senator who voted against the bill. “Over 70 percent of all plastic pollution in the world today comes from Asia. The United States accounts for approximately 4 percent of the pollution, which is too much, I can give you that. I oppose this bill because the question becomes, what is the cost to benefit ratio that we’re talking about here? To what end do we want to cause businesses to cause families in Massachusetts, to expend more for a diminishing return?” Durant continued, “This is going to cost the consumers of Massachusetts more, in a state that already has an incredible cost of living and in a state where we’re trying to make it more affordable to be here. I think this is something that Dad, It’s hard to believe its been a year since you passed, so many days gone by without you. So many days when we don’t feel your presence, or hear your voice filled with words of love, wisdom and calm. But in our hearts we’re all together, we see and hear you, but it can never ease the pain. You left this world too soon as it was God’s Will to take you from us, to ease your pain. If we could only have one more moment to tell you how much we love and miss you. Our only solace is knowing we will all be together again some day. Love & Miss You Every Single Day, Ethelyn, Jeff, Jim, Marianne, Todd, Julie, Dan, Lucy and all your grandchildren & great-grandchildren ends up being a little bit too much, too much for us to bear.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes MAKE PAPER BAG FEE OPTIONAL (S 2830) Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would make the up to 10 cent fee for paper bags optional for retailers to charge. The amendment would replace a section of the bill that requires stores to charge 10 cents for recycled paper bags with 5 cents retained by the retailer and 5 cents used to fund environmental protection measures. Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) said he “voted in favor of [the] amendment because it helps consumers and small business owners save money at a time when inflation is causing hardships for families and businesses alike.” “I voted yes … because we have spent almost four years fighting inflation,” said Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “Just when prices are starting to stabilize, why would we impose a mandated cost increase on retail products? I believe we should leave it up to the retailer to decide if it makes sense to impose a fee on carryout paper bags.” “A nominal paper bag fee that business owners can customize will incentivize customers to bring reusable bags and advances the bill’s waste reduction goals,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham) who opposed the amendment. “This fee is optional for small businesses, building in flexibility for business owners who need it most.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico No REQUIRE REPORTING (S 2830) Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would reBEACON | SEE PAGE 18 ~ In Memoriam ~ James D. Mitchell, Jr. May 3, 1937 - June 30, 2023

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