THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, DECEmbER 16, 2022 Page 17 needy families; and extending eviction protections for tenants who have active assistance applications. The package also extends from April 1, 2022 to April 1, 2023 outdoor dining at restaurants and from May 1, 2022 to April 1, 2023 the law allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails with takeout orders. Supporters said the package is a fiscally responsible one that will fund important programs, benefit many residents and help Massachusetts prepare for the future. (A “Yes” vote is for the $1.6 billion package). Rep. Jessica Giannino Rep. Jeff Turco Yes Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL GALVIN CERTIFIES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT HIKING TAXES ON MILLIONAIRES - Secretary of State Bill Galvin signed the final certification of the new constitutional amendment, approved by voters as Question 1 in November. The amendment would allow a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and impose an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the change requires that “subject to appropriation, the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.” GALVIN CERTIFIES LAW REGULATING DENTAL INSURANCE RATES – Galvin also certified Question 2 which voters handily approved on the November ballot. The new law regulates dental insurance rates, requiring companies to spend at least 83 percent of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements, instead of administrative expenses. HONOR MERCY OTIS WARREN (H 4281) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would call for renowned Cape Cod artist and sculptor David Lewis to construct, at no expense to the state, a memorial display in the likeness of Mercy Otis Warren, an important and underrepresented historical woman of the American Revolution from Barnstable. The bust would be displayed in the Massachusetts Statehouse. “Mercy Otis Warren was a leading writer and patriot in colonial Massachusetts,” said co-sponsor Rep. Kip Diggs (D-Barnstable). “Yet, she remains a little-known figure to the public. I sponsored this legislation because what better way to educate the public about this Cape Cod woman and her remarkable influence on Massachusetts and American history than to place a memorial of her, created pro bono by an artist from her hometown, within the Statehouse for visitors to see and learn about? I am very glad to see the House agree by advancing this legislation to honor the contributions of Mercy Otis Warren.” “I am very glad to see this legislation advance in the House,” said cosponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D -Truro). “Art is powerful, and people across the commonwealth should see art that reflects the impactful contributions that women have made to this state and the nation from its very beginning. Mercy Otis Warren is a notable historical figure hailing from West Barnstable who pushed social norms as a poet and playwright during the American Revolution. Installing a bust of the writer in the Statehouse celebrates the legacy she left us.” HISTORIC FIRST SPORTS BETTING LICENSE GOES TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to award Everett’s casino, Encore Boston Harbor, the first sports wagering operator license in the state’s history. “Next on the agenda is that the Everett casino now must obtain a certificate of operations and meet additional conditions before bets can actually be accepted. “I think that this is great for the commonwealth,” said Gaming Commissioner Jordan Maynard. Earlier this week the commission deferred its vote on the applications from Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and Springfield’s MGM. Gov. Charlie Baker had signed the law after a four-year effort by proponents to legalize sports betting on professional and college sports for Massachusetts residents over 21 years old at the state’s casinos, slots parlors, simulcast centers and through mobile platforms. Betting on Massachusetts colleges and universities would not be allowed unless the school is playing in a tournament like March Madness. DEMOCRAT CHALLENGER WINS BY ONE VOTE – Following a recount in the 2nd Essex Representative District, challenger Democrat Kristin now leads 10-year Republican incumbent Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown) by a single vote. Mirra originally had led Krassner by 10 votes out of more than 23,000 cast in the November 8 election. Mirra has indicated he will challenge the outcome in court. QUOTABLE QUOTES “My wife is really looking forward to having me around a little more, so I don’t think I’ll be a candidate in ‘24 for anything. I will certainly try to be involved in a positive way.” ---Gov. Charlie Baker when asked if he plans to run for president in 2024. “As a former student athlete and coach, I know that sports can be a powerful unifier. Today, we brought together coaches, athletic directors and educators who are committed to ensuring that young people can participate in school sports in a safe and inclusive environment.” ---Governor-elect Maura Healey at a conference of Education Leaders and Boston Sports Teams at TD Garden on preventing and addressing hate in school sports. “Our first responders are the heart of our communities. They help keep residents and communities safe, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. These grants are an investment in public safety.” ---Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announcing $4.8 million in funding to support municipal police and fire staffing in several communities. “Over the last decade, our approach as a commonwealth toward addressing the needs of children and families has evolved. A growing body of research has helped us better understand the negative impact that court involvement and out-of-home placement of any kind can have on youth, and our state has increasingly focused on building our system of school and community-based supports for children and families.” --- Maria Mossaides, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate, on a major policy report with recommendations for improving the way the state provides support to families who are struggling with their child’s behaviors, such as truancy or repeatedly running away from home. 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 December 5-9, the House met for a total of one hour and 14 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 32 minutes. Mon. Dec. 5 House 11:02 a.m. to 11:31 a.m. Senate 11:22 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Tues. Dec. 6 No House session No Senate session Wed. Dec. 8 No House session No Senate session Thurs. Dec. 9 House 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Fri. Dec. 2 No House session No Senate session 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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