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Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025 By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562 THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senator’s votes on roll calls from recent Senate debate on a fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that includes $425 million to fund the state’s emergency shelter system and make some changes to tighten eligibility for it. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. SAFETY PLAN FOR EMERGENCY SHELTERS (S 16 Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would require the governor to create, implement and enforce a safety plan for the state’s emergency shelter system. “The commonwealth owes it to the families in our emergency shelter program and to the cities and towns that host them to have a comprehensive plan in place to ensure safety and security for all,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (DMillbury). “After a handful of recent high-profile security failures in our shelters, this amendment would direct the governor’s office to examine rules that create unnecessary risks while setting and maintaining a high standard for safety.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote BROADER BACKGROUND CHECKS (S 16) Senate 12-26, rejected an amendment that would expand the background checks that the state must conduct on emergency assistance shelter applicants by mandating universal criminal background checks that include criminal records at the state, federal and international levels as well as immigration or residency status. Without the amendment, the bill limits background checks to crimes committed in Massachusetts. “[This amendment] was a bipartisan proposal to ensure that individuals in taxpayer-funded state shelters are not sex off enders and do not have criminal backgrounds in Massachusetts or anywhere else,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The amendment would also ensure that the individuals in taxpayer-funded state shelters are U.S. citizens. It’s a commonsense proposal for public safety.” “We need to put a stop to the dangerous crime in our state shelters,” continued Fattman. “We’ve seen countless cases of unvetted illegal immigrants committing heinous crimes in state shelters, and Gov. Healey is either unwilling or unable to address it. This amendment would have protected vulnerable residents of Massachusetts, who the shelters are intended for, and it’s a shame it did not pass.” Sen. Mike Rodrigues (DWestport) said the Senate has already approved an amendment that would require the Executive Offi ce of Housing and Livable Communities, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police, to study the feasibility of conducting a National Crime Information Center background check for each adult or beneficiary applying for the emergency shelter program. He noted that once the results of the study are released, the Senate, armed with the results of the study, can vote on the broader background checks. (A “Yes” vote is for the broader background checks. A “No” vote is against them.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Didn’t Vote ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL ALLOW REMOTE ACCESS TO PUBLIC MEETINGS (H 62) — Gov. Maura Healey signed into law legislation that would extend, until June 2027, the current law that allows cities and towns to off er remote participation at public meetings. The option, fi rst adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent state of emergency, was due to expire on March 31. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings. “This law allows everyone, no matter where they are in our state, to engage in important discussions that affect their lives and makes it easier for everyone to have their voices heard in our government,” said Gov. Healey. “We don’t want anyone to be held back from attending public meetings because they don’t have a ride or childcare or because they have a disability.” “As a former mayor, I’ve seen fi rsthand how local government works better when we have strong public participation,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “Lowering barriers for people to get involved in public meetings will help ensure that local services meet the needs of the community while also inspiring new ideas and making sure people get their questions answered.” “One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic was that using technology for public meetings expands access and civic participation across government,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “With this extension, we are removing barriers to participation and residents will continue to be able to be active participants in governmental decisions remotely.” “I have heard loud and clear from my colleagues, and the communities we represent, that hybrid meetings have increased access, engagement and transparency in local government,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “There is no reason that a family obligation, a car breakdown, a disability or any other life circumstance should get in the way of making your voice heard on an issue you care about in your community.” $75.8 MILLION FOR STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENTS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS — The Healey Administration will be distributing an additional $75.8 million in student loan repayment awards to more than 1,700 behavioral health and primary care providers throughout the state as part of the MA Repay Program. Recipients include primary care physicians, family nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, inpatient mental health workers, substance use disorder treatment professionals and school-based mental health providers. The MA Repay Program is designed to help address the critical shortage of health care professionals in the Bay State. By off ering signifi cant fi nancial relief in the form of student loan repayment, the program incentivizes primary care and behavioral health providers, to remain in the fi eld and continue their work in underserved areas across the state. In exchange for a service commitment of four to fi ve years, eligible professionals can receive loan repayment awards ranging from $12,500 to $300,000. “This is a major investment in Massachusetts’ health care workforce,” said Gov. Healey. “By helping to reduce student debt for our dedicated professionals, we are ensuring that we have a strong, diverse and skilled workforce ready to provide quality care for Massachusetts residents.” “By investing in our behavioral health and primary care providers, we are investing in the health and well-being of communities across Massachusetts,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This program will help ensure that residents receive the care they need, when they need it, and that our incredible health care professionals can succeed in the fi eld they love.” NO NEW TAXES ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS — House Speaker Ron Mariano (DQuincy) said the House will not include in its budget proposal Gov. Healey’s plan to add new taxes on prescription drugs. Mariano told pharmaceutical leaders at MassBio’s “State of Possible” conference that the House would drop this tax idea that Healey included in her $62 billion annual budget bill in January. He also indicated to reporters after his speech that the House would likely not pursue Healey’s idea to apply the state’s sales tax to candy. Healey’s budget sought a new tax on prescription drug manufacturers for excessive price increases. The Healey administration estimated it could generate $60 million for the state. Her bill would also re

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