Page 22 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 BHRC | FROM PAGE 19 Supporters said that it has been close to 100 years since many of the commonwealth’s anti-poaching laws were last updated and noted the absence of action on these laws has resulted in weak, outdated penalties that are just a slap on the wrist. “This legislation finally brings our laws, fines and penalties in line with other states,” said sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “It also brings Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, a nationwide law enforcement network that allows our wildlife protection agencies to share information about poachers with other states. With the passage of this legislation, Massachusetts is making it clear that we will no longer be a safe haven for those who wish to do harm to our wildlife, marine life and ecosystems.” UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM (H 5096) — The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill creating a special commission to study the creation of an underground railroad, civil rights and black heritage museum in Springfi eld. The measure says the museum will serve as “a catharsis important to alleviate some of the lingering negative eff ects of the institution of slavery and the discrimination practiced against African Americans, which had state and federal governmental statutory sanction.” It also notes the bill is designed to enhance regional tourism and attract conferences and conventions to the city of Springfi eld. Rep. Bud Williams (D-Springfi eld), the sponsor of the measure, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his bill. QUOTABLE QUOTES “There is a food truck outside where the food is free for the senators and staff . The Senate will be in a recess.” ---Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) while presiding over the Senate Sunday afternoon, announcing that a Roxy’s Grilled Cheese truck is on Bowdoin Street just outside the Statehouse. “This new research builds on what we have long suspected — Massachusetts is not building enough housing to meet demand. Massachusetts must ease barriers to construction and promote pro-housing policies to meet this demand. Doing so will incentivize construction, lower prices, and help us address the state’s housing crisis.” ---Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board on a new analysis that shows the Greater Boston Metro Area must develop approximately 42,151 apartment units by 2035 to meet projected demand. “Not only was Bill Russell professionally and personally successful, he used this success to advocate on behalf of others and to call out injustice in many forms. Both on basketball courts and in the court of public opinion, Russell changed our country for the better.” ---Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) on the death of Boston Celtics great Bill Russell. “Massachusetts’ vibrant tourism and cultural sectors in cities and towns across the state continue to play a key role in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. By making necessary upgrades to these facilities, the Destination Development grants will bolster the commonwealth’s travel and tourism industry and support continued economic growth.” ---Gov. Baker on the awarding of $2.2 million in grants from the Destination Development Capital program which provides funding for projects that expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. 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 fi led. 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 dozen s of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the period of July 2531, the House met for a total of 39 hours and 55 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 45 hours and 44 minutes. Mon. July 25 House 11:09 a.m.to 12:39 p.m. Senate 11:22 a.m. to 1:34 p.m. Tues. July 26 House 11:03 a.m. to 4:46 p.m. Senate 1:14 p.m. to 5:26 p.m. Wed. July 27 No House session No Senate session Thurs. July 28 House 11:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Senate 1:05 p.m. to 6:32 p.m. Fri. July 29 House 11:01 a.m. to 6:42 p.m. Senate 1:10 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Sat. July 30 House 11:01 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. Senate 12:20 p.m. to 5:38 p.m. Sun. July 31 House 12:03 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.(Monday morning August 1) Senate 11:13 a.m. to 10:13 a.m.(Monday morning August 1) 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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