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Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 20, 2024 BHRC | FROM PAGE14 teen (50 percent) Democrats voted with Creem at least 90 percent of the time. Only three Democrats voted with Creem less than 90 percent of the time. The senator who voted with Creem the least percentage of times is Sen. Walter Timilty (D-Milton) who voted with her only 104 times (83.8 percent). Rounding out the top five who voted with Creem the least percentage of times areSens. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) 107 times (86.2 percent);Nick Collins (D-Boston) 110 times (88.7 percent); and Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) and Michael Moore (D-Millbury) who each voted with Creem 114 times (91.9 percent). The votes of the three Republican senators were compared with those of GOP Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). None of the three voted with Tarr 100 percent of the time. Sens. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) voted with Tarr 113 times (91.1 percent); Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) voted with Tarr 117 times (94.3 percent) of the time; and Peter Durant (R-Spencer) 116 times with Tarr (93.5 percent). SENATORS’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13 The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported his or her party’s leadership so far in 2024 through September 13. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the senator opposed his or her party’s leadership. Some senators voted on all 124 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each senator is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted. Sen. Jason Lewis 99.1 percent (1) ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. A person who violates the regulations would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. Required regulations would include obtaining a license from the municipality, an annual inspection, dog to staff ratio specifications, injury reporting, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, insurance and minimal housing and care requirements. Supporters said that currently, the state has no oversight of dog daycare or boarding kennels.They argued it is estimated that a dog is injured or killed every 9 to 10 days in Massachusetts at these kennels. They noted that many families have suffered the loss or injury of an animal at a dog daycare or kennel that could have been prevented by commonsense regulations over these facilities. The bill was filed by Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) in memory of “Ollie,” a 7-month-old labradoodle who was attacked by other dogs at a boarding kennel in East Longmeadow. Ollie needed round-the-clock care and surgery and was in the hospital for two months before succumbing to his injuries. While the facility was shut down by town officials, Ollie’s owner Ann Baxter was stunned to learn that there were no state regulations regarding boarding facilities, and soon took up the fight to help ensure tragedies like this never happen again. "Pets are family who provide boundless love and affection that we are lucky to receive," said Montigny. "For this reason, it is critical that we ensure all businesses entrusted with the care of our family adhere to proper health and safety protocols no matter what town they operate in across the commonwealth.Too often, we have heard devastating stories of pets like Ollie who have been injured or killed due to negligent care.These people have no place caring for such precious creatures and it's time that we implement consistent standards across Massachusetts.” RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941) – Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. They said the legislation also removes outdated and offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws like changing “handicap” to “barrier;” “handicapped” to “person with a disability;” and “retarded,” to “person with an intellectual disability.” Supporters said the name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes toward a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living. “Words matter,” said Gov. Healey. “This legislation ensures that the names and terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy and independence and breaks down stigma.” “The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.” “This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.” “The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.” ADD 225 LIQUOR LICENSES (H 5039) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years. Supporters said the licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades. They noted that sit-down restaurants in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, East Boston, Roslindale, West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Charlestown, Jamaica Plain and the South End now stand to benefit from the restricted licenses. They said that the high price tag of up to $600,000 for existing licenses has been a major obstacle for businesses looking to turn a profit, including in underserved neighborhoods. “Neighborhood restaurants play such an essential role in our communities and our economy," Healey said. "This bill will lower barriers for Boston restaurants to provide the services that their customers are looking for and help them succeed, while also supporting local nonprofits, theaters and outdoor spaces. $362 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 5050) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a $362 million to help close out fiscal year 2024. Key provisions ratify and fund some 38 collective bargaining agreements and direct $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services. Other provisions include $20 million to replace lost federal funding for victims of violent crimes; $29.7 million in early education and care subsidies to ensure providers can maintain access for all income-eligible families in need of childcare; $5.6 million for tax abatements for veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly; $5.1 million to support increased demand for the Healthy Incentives Program which provides fresh healthy food options and supports local growers; and $2.1 million for Women, Infants and Children nutrition services to fully support the current caseload of recipients. “The funding included in this supplemental budget is critical, as it addresses a number of important issues affecting residents, invests in workforce development and ratifies dozens of collective bargaining agreements,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today’s funding will ensure that our workers get the raises they deserve, and that vital support systems across our state have the resources they need to close out the fiscal year,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The essential funding contained in this supplemental budget will help fund important programs and approve numerous collective bargaining agreements that will help essential employees our commonwealth relies on,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), the chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. QUOTABLE QUOTES "[She] committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a Cannabis Control Commission commissioner. I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the commission capably and in an appropriate manner. I expect my appointee’s actions to be reflective of the important mission of theCannabis Control Commission and performed in a manner that incorporates the standards of professionalism required in today’s work environment." ---State Treasurer Deb Goldberg on firing Cannabis Control Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien. "[The firing of O'Brien] whitewashes the unequivocal evidence that would lead any reasonable and fair fact finder to conclude that there are no grounds for removal and would immediately reinstate her to steer the rudderless shipwreck." --- Max Stern, the lawyer who represents O'Brien responding to the firing and indicating O’Brien will appeal Goldberg's decision to the Supreme Judicial Court. “Our cities and towns stand shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight against climate change. When we partner with them and provide tools and resources, we’re unstoppable. This news re-affirms that dynamic and is yet another reason to be proud of Massachusetts.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll commenting on a report from researchers at the University of Texas and the University of California-San Diego which cites Massachusetts as a nationwide leader in food waste reduction. “Too many kids breathe harmful pollution every day just to get to and from school. Electric school buses eliminate this threat to their health.” --- Deirdre Cummings, Consumer Program Director of the MASSPIRG Education Fund on MASSPIRG’s report that 434 clean electric school buses are committed, on their way or operating in Massachusetts.” "Greyhound must hit the brakes on excessive idling. Illegal and excessive idling not only harms our environment but also harms our health, especially children whose lungs are still developing. And urban communities suffer disproportionately from toxic, polluted air." --- Clare Soria, attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation, on filing a lawsuit against Greyhound Lines, Inc. for violating the Clean Air Act by unlawfully idling at the South Station bus terminal and at its bus lot in South Boston, releasing toxic emissions into the neighborhood. 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 filed. 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 Sept. 9-13. the House met for a total of two hours and 40 minutes and the Senate met for a total of two hours and 44 minutes. Mon. Sept. 9 House11:01 a.m. to 11:11 a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. Tues.Sept. 10 No House session No Senate session Wed. Sept. 11 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Sept .12 House11:01 a.m. to1:31p.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to1:44p.m. Fri. Sept. 13 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.

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