THE EVERETT ADVOCATE–Friday, November 8, 2019 Page 17 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 filed. They note that the infrequency and brief THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records the only roll call vote of local senators from the week of October 28-November 1. There were no roll calls in the House last week. SUBSCRIBE TO MASSTERLIST – IT’S FREE! Join more than 17,000 other people from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens who start their mornings with a copy of MASSterList! MASSterList is a daily ensemble of news and commentary about the Legislature, Politics, Media and Judiciary of Massachusetts drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced editor Jay Fitzgerald. Jay introduces each article in his own clever and never-boring, inimitable way. Go to: www.massterlist.com/subscribe–Type in your e-mail address and in 15 seconds you will be signed up for a free subscription. With no strings attached. COLLEGE CLOSURES (S 2387) Senate 37-0, approved a bill that would require colleges and universities to post financial information online in a publicly accessible fashion, undergo regular budgetary screening and alert state officials if they face imminent closure. The bill was filed in response to some college closures and mergers in recent years, most notably Mount Ida College which in April 2018 caught everyone by surprise with the unexpected announcement that it would shut down at the end of that school year. Under the bill, all higher education institutions would be required to alert the Board of Higher Education if they have any liabilities that create a risk of “imminent closure.” The measure also requires board members at every college and university to undergo regular fiduciary and accreditation training. If the board determines that a school does in fact face closure, the school would be required to create a contingency plan with details outlining how students can complete their programs, how their records would be maintained and how deposits would be refunded. The board would impose a fine of up to $1,000 per day if it determines that an institution has failed to comply with this new law. The board would also have the power to suspend state funding to the college or revoke degree-granting authority. “The Senate has continually placed an emphasis on education and making sure that students are afforded every opportunity possible,” said Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate chair of the Committee on Higher Education. “This bill adds necessary protections to make sure that students, faculty and staff are protected from abrupt school closings and provides greater transparency and accountability relative to the financial stability of all institutions of higher learning.” The House has already approved its own version of the bill and a conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico 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 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 October 28-November 1, the House met for a total of five hours and 30 minutes and the Senate met for a total of five hours and 47 minutes. Mon. October 28 House 11:02 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 4:19 p.m. Tues. October 29 House 11:05 a.m. to 12:19 p.m. No Senate session Wed. October 30 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:06 a.m. Senate 1:46 p.m. to 2:16 p.m. Thurs. October 31 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. Senate 11:10 a.m. to 11:23 a.m. Fri. November 1 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com ~ Home of the Week ~ Saugus....Here’s your chance to own an affordable 2 bedroom condo in Saugus. This sunny second floor unit offers open concept kitchen & living room with slider to balcony, 2 generous size bedrooms and full bath. Newly refinished hardwood floors, 2 wall unit air conditioners, coin operated washer/dry in building, 1 car assigned parking, condo fee’s include: Heat, hot water, water, sewer, master insurance, snow removal and refuse removal. Cliftondale Square location convenient to public transportation and stores. Offered at $229,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com
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