Page 16 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2022 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList— the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and infl uence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by widely acclaimed and highly experienced writers Chris Van Buskirk and Keith Regan who introduce each article in their own clever and inimitable way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: www. massterlist.com/subscribe THIS WEEK ON SAUGUS TV Sunday, March 27 from 9–11 p.m. on Channel 8 – “Sunday Night Stooges” (The Three Stooges). Monday, March 28 all day on Channel 8 – “Movie Monday” (classic movies). Tuesday, March 29 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Finance Committee Meeting from March 23. Wednesday, March 30 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – School Committee Meeting from March 24. Thursday, March 31 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Appeals Meeting from March 24. Friday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 9 – Board of Selectmen Meeting from March 22. Saturday, April 2 at 12:00 p.m. on Channel 8 – Memories of The Boston Garden with Rocky Raymond. Saugus TV can be seen on Comcast Channels 8, 9 & 22. For complete schedules, please visit www.saugustv.org. ***programming may be subject to change without notice*** THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 14-18. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week. FORBID DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE (H 4554) House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions, workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defi nes natural hairstyle as “hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formations.” The bill also expands existing anti-bullying law in schools to include recognition for students who may be more vulnerable to bullying or harassment because of their natural hairstyle. Another provision requires the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to investigate complaints filed against employers who have discriminated based on natural hairstyle. “This is an historic moment for Massachusetts. I am beyond delighted that the [bill] passed unanimously in the House, and words cannot describe how great it is to see the years of hard work from advocates, staff , legislators and community members bear fruit,” said co-sponsor Rep. Steve Ultrino (D-Malden). “Today, the votes in our chamber sent a clear message: race-based discrimination has no place in our commonwealth. On this day, we ensured that a person’s racial and cultural identity will no longer be an obstacle to their education, professional career and path to success.” There was a light moment during fl oor debate on the bill. “As you may have guessed, I have never experienced hair discrimination,” said Rep. Ultrino, who is bald. “People of color across the commonwealth, particularly Black women, continue to face discrimination in school, in the workplace and in public spaces based on the texture and style of their hair,” said Rep. Michael Day (D-Stoneham), House Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary. “It is racism, and this bill is necessary to address continued attempts to outfl ank our laws against discrimination based on race.” The House approved the bill in the 2019-2020 session on July 31, 2020 and sent it to the Senate Ways and Means Committee where it died without further action and without a vote by the full Senate. Beacon Hill Roll Call asked Senate President Karen Spika (D-Ashland) and Senate Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) to explain why the Senate Ways and Means Committee in 2020 did not act on what seems to be a non-controversial bill and if they think the bill will die in committee again this year or get through the committee and be approved the Senate. Despite repeated requests, neither Spilka’s office nor Rodrigues’ office responded. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill). Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Donald Wong Yes CREATING WOMEN’S RIGHTS HISTORY TRAIL PROGRAM (H 4555) House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would require the state to develop and implement a Women’s Rights History Trail program. The measure includes requiring the state to designate properties and sites that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women’s rights and women’s suff rage. Another provision provides that the state promote education and awareness of the struggle for women’s BHRC | SEE PAGE 17
17 Publizr Home