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THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, MArCH 7, 2025 Page 19 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 physically present at a hearing in order to participate; allowing the public to testify remotely at a hearing; and requiring how each individual member votes on polls conducted by the committees to be posted online. Other provisions include requiring 72-hours-notice before a hearing can be held; requiring members to be physically present to cast their votes, unless the member has active reserve military duty, a serious health condition or limitations related to a member’s pregnancy, including pregnancy loss; and expanding a remote voting option for members for up to 20 weeks of parental leave. “These critical reforms are representative of the House’s strong commitment to the pursuit of a more accessible and effi cient Legislature that is responsive to the concerns of our constituents,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “We remain focused on the all-important responsibility of bettering the General Court as an institution, a goal that I know so many of my colleagues are committed to.” “Recognizing that there are ways we can make the legislative process more effi cient, I am proud of this rules package,” said Rep. Bill Galvin (D-Canton), Chair of the Temporary House committee on House Rules. “The reforms … to govern both branches will help streamline legislative work in the current session, as well as provide the public with a greater understanding of where bills stand in the process.” “The House Republican Caucus off ered a series of rules reforms to shed more light on the legislative process and the inner workings of the House, including a proposal to honor the will of the voters by allowing the state Auditor to conduct the annual fi nancial audit of the House, but these ideas were summarily rejected by our Democratic colleagues,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “The new House rules package includes some welcome reforms, but it still falls far short of achieving the full transparency needed to restore the public’s confi dence in state government, which is why I voted against it.” “I voted against the House rules package because it fell short of delivering the transparency and accountability the public deserves,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “The process should allow for more meaningful debate and input, ensuring all voices are heard rather than consolidating power among a few.” (A “Yes” vote is for the new House rules. A “No” vote is against them.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong No ALLOW STATE AUDITOR TO AUDIT THE HOUSE (H 2024) House 24-127, rejected an amendment that would require the state auditor, currently Diana DiZoglio, to conduct an annual audit of the House. This requirement was approved by the voters on Question 1 on the November 2024 ballot. The amendment would replace a House rule that the state auditor would recommend a fi rm to conduct an annual audit of the House and the business manager of the House would hire that fi rm. “In November of 2024, Question 1 was overwhelmingly approved with the support of nearly 72 percent of the state’s voters who cast a ballot,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “This amendment would honor the will of the voters by allowing the state auditor to conduct these annual audits of the House in compliance with Question 1.” “Every city and town in the commonwealth voted for this question to be the law,” said Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). “Unfortunately, essentially on party lines, the House Democrats defeated the amendment and once again refused to comply with the will of the voters. Beacon Hill Democrats need to end this inter-governmental feud and fi nally respect the voters and give them the transparency they demand and deserve.” Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said this new rule would violate the separation of power in the constitution. He noted that Article 30 says the legislative department shall never exercise the executive and judicial powers, the executive shall never exercise the legislative and judicial powers, and the judicial shall never exercise the legislative and executive powers. Day also noted that the House rule that requires the House to hire a fi rm recommended by the state auditor is suffi cient. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring the state auditor to conduct an annual audit. A “No” vote is against the amendment.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes POST AUDITS ON LEGISLATURE’S WEBSITE (H 2046) House 23-128, rejected an amendment requiring that if there are any audits of the Legislature by the state auditor, the results must be published on the Legislature’s website in a conspicuous place within 72 hours of receipt. “This amendment aligns with the House Republican Caucus’ ongoing efforts to make the Legislature more transparent and accountable to our constituents,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “It simply requires that any audit of the House conducted by the state auditor be posted in a conspicuous place on the General Court website within 72 hours of receipt, so it is readily available and accessible to the public.” “When 72 percent of our citizens are asking for more transparency, ensuring we post the audit within 72 hours would certainly be a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Dave Muradian (R-Grafton). Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham) said all audits are already posted on the Legislature’s website. He noted that allowing the auditor to audit the House violates the separation of power in the constitution so there is no reason to require the posting of an audit that that likely will never happen. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment requiring the posting of an audit. A “No” vote is against requiring it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Donald Wong Yes KEEP COMMITTEE POLLS OPEN FOR TWO HOURS (H 2026) House 23-128, rejected an amendment that would require joint committee polls to be open for at least two hours or until all committee members BEACON | SEE PAGE 20 Sa n i r Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Service Dogs Can Help Seniors with Disabilities Dear Savvy Senior, What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier. Dog Loving Leah Dear Leah, For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, service dogs can be fantastic help, not to mention they provide great companionship and an invaluable sense of security. But be aware that service dogs can be very expensive to purchase and the waiting list to get one can be long. Here’s what you should know. While most people are familiar with guide dogs that help people who are blind or visually impaired, there are also a variety of assistance dogs trained to help people with physical disabilities, hearing loss and various medical conditions. Unlike most pets, assistance dogs are highly trained canine specialists – often Golden and Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherds – that know approximately 40 to 50 commands, are amazingly well-behaved and calm, and are permitted to go anywhere the public is allowed. Here’s a breakdown of the diff erent types of assistance dogs and what they can help with. Service dogs: These dogs are specially trained to help people with physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, chronic arthritis and many other disabling conditions. They help by performing tasks their owner cannot do or has trouble doing, like carrying or retrieving items, picking up dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning light switches on and off , helping with balance, assisting with household chores, barking to indicate that help is needed and more. Service dogs can also be trained to help people with medical conditions like epilepsy or other seizure disorders, autism, diabetes, PTSD and other psychiatric disabilities. Guide dogs: For the blind and visually impaired, guide dogs help their owner get around safely by avoiding obstacles, stopping at curbs and steps, navigate shopping centers and buildings, fi nd doors, seats, pedestrian crossing buttons and more. Hearing dogs: For those who are deaf or hearing impaired, hearing dogs can alert their owner to specific sounds such as ringing phones, doorbells, alarm clocks, microwave or oven timers, smoke alarms, approaching sirens, crying babies or when someone calls out their name. Finding a Dog If your dad is interested in getting a service dog, contact some credible assistance dog training programs. To fi nd them, use the Assistance Dogs International website (AssistanceDogsInternational.org) which provides a listing of around 80 accredited members and 25 candidate programs in North America. After you locate a few, you’ll need to either visit their website or call them to fi nd out the types of training dogs they off er, the areas they serve, how long their waiting list is and what they charge. Most dog training programs charge anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more for a fully trained service dog, however, most programs can assist with fundraising or grant applications for those in need. None of that cost is covered by health insurance or Medicare. To get an assistance dog, your dad will need to show proof of his disability, which his physician can provide, and he’ll have to complete an application and go through an interview process. He will also need to go and stay at the training facility for a week or two so he can get familiar with his dog and get training on how to handle it. It’s also important to understand that assistance dogs are not for everybody. They require time, money, and care that your dad or some other friend or family member must be able and willing to provide. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. nior ior

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