9-08-2024 4:03am

Beacon Hill Roll Call

Alan Earls Editor

If you have any questions about this week's report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562.

Volume 49 - Report No. 36

September 2-6, 2024

By Bob Katzen

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THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ roll call attendance records for the 2024 session through September 6.

REPRESENTATIVES' 2024 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 2024

The House has held 129 roll calls in 2024. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each representative was present and voting, and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record.

In the House, 67.3 percent (107 representatives out of 159) did not miss any roll calls and have 100 percent roll call attendance records; while 32.7 percent (52 representatives out of 159) have missed one or more roll calls.

The worst roll call attendance record belongs to Rep. Alan Silvia (D-Fall River) who missed 69 roll calls for a roll call attendance record of only 46.5 percent.

Rounding out the representatives with the top five worst records were Reps. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) and Dawne Shand (D-Newburyport) who each missed 23 roll calls (82.1 percent roll call attendance record); Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox) who missed 18 roll calls (86.0 percent roll call attendance record); and John Rogers (D-Norwwod) who missed 13 roll calls (89.9 percent roll call attendance record.)

The next representatives with the worst records are Reps. John Barrett (D-North Adams) and Carol Doherty (D-Taunton) who each missed 11 roll calls (91.4 percent roll call attendance record); Ruth Balser (D-Newton), Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge) and Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica) who each missed ten roll calls (92.2 percent roll call attendance record); Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge) who missed nine roll calls (93.0 percent roll call attendance record; and Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate), Tom Stanley (D-Waltham), Chynah Tyler (D-Roxbury) and Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville) who each missed eight roll calls (93.7 percent roll call attendance record).

Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted all of these representatives to ask why they missed some roll calls. Only six of the 15 responded. The other nine were contacted three times by Beacon Hill Roll Call but did not respond. The list of nonrespondents consists of Reps. Ashe, Barrett, Balser, Decker, Stanley, Tyler, Uyterhoeven, Kearney, and Dave Rogers.

Here are the responses:

Rep. Silvia: “The last eleven years I have had nearly perfect attendance. This session regrettably due to cardiac issues I had emergency cardiac surgery, hospitalization twice and was unable to travel to Boston. I did vote remotely when possible.”

Rep. Doherty, whose missed roll calls were all on one day, August 1, responded: “After such a good voting record all session, I am disappointed to not have finished it with a sterling record. I was feeling quite poorly and had to leave the chamber [on that day] around 12:30 p.m.

Rep. Pignatelli responded: “I was out of town attending a funeral."

Rep. Lombardo responded: “I had family medical issues.”

Rep. Shand responded: “In April, I spent three weeks in Alabama with my mother navigating four different hospital settings in one of the most beleaguered and impoverished parts of the country. Morally, ethically and legally, I couldn’t leave her to return to Beacon Hill for budget week.”

Rep. John Rogers responded: “The House Journal, the official record of the House, has publicly recorded Rep. John Rogers on 100 percent of all roll calls this session.”

Beacon Hill Roll Call stands by its statement that Rogers in fact was not present and did not vote on the 13 roll calls in question. Rogers' response to Beacon Hill Roll Call is referring to written statements submitted by him for inclusion in the House Journal, after the roll call votes took place, indicating that had he been present in the chamber for those roll calls, “Here’s how I would have voted.” The vote is not counted in the official tally and he is listed in the journal as “not voting.

Rep. Jeffrey Roy 100 percent (0)

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

CAP LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 2944) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and towns to impose a cap on local property taxes paid by low-income seniors over 65. The cap would apply to single filer seniors with incomes of less than $50,000 and married filers with incomes below $60,000. The senior’s assets would have to be less than $75,000, excluding their primary residence and they would also be allowed to own one motor vehicle.

Supporters said the bill would not have any financial impact on the state but would simply create a process for cities and towns to impose property tax caps for seniors within the specified income and asset limits. They argued that the bill would mean municipalities can decide if and how they provide real estate tax relief to lower-income seniors, allowing cities and towns more flexibility to address the needs of their communities and further the state’s commitment to lowering costs for seniors and ensuring our aging population can remain in their homes.

“I’m glad to see this bill continuing to move through the process,” said sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough). “We accomplished a lot last year with the $1 billion tax cut we passed, which included legislation I filed to raise the senior circuit breaker tax credit. We need to do as much as possible to lighten the load on seniors who have built their lives here and are now on fixed incomes, and that’s why I filed this bill to give cities and towns flexibility to cap property taxes for low-income seniors.”

TAX COLLECTOR CAN WAIVE UP TO 50 PERCENT OF LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 2971) – The House have initial approval to a bill that allows local tax collectors in cities and towns to waive up to 50 percent of the total property tax liability, including interest, charges and fees, of any homeowner in any tax period.

“[This bill] is a crucial piece of legislation, especially in the current economic climate, as it provides much needed relief for taxpayers, particularly seniors who are often on fixed incomes,” said sponsor Rep. Marcus Vaughn (R-Wrentham). “For many seniors, property taxes and other local taxes can be a significant burden, especially in times of economic uncertainty. As costs of living continue to rise, and many seniors struggle with limited income from pensions or Social Security, the flexibility offered by [this bill] can make a critical difference. By allowing tax collectors to waive a portion of these costs, this bill provides seniors with greater financial breathing room, potentially enabling them to remain in their homes and communities without the fear of falling into debt or facing tax-related penalties.”

Vaughn continued, “In the context of today's economic challenges, such as inflation and rising healthcare expenses, [the bill] is a compassionate measure that recognizes the need to support our seniors and other vulnerable citizens. It promotes financial stability and peace of mind, ensuring that seniors are not unduly penalized for tax burdens they may find increasingly difficult to manage.”

PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS (H 2832) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and towns to establish a program to reduce the property tax for volunteer, call or auxiliary firefighters and EMTs in exchange for their services. The reduction would be in addition to any other exemption or abatement to which the person is entitled but the measure limits the total reduction of property taxes for any individual to $2,500.

“This bill was filed to show appreciation and value for the sacrifice of volunteer firefighters and EMTs in many Massachusetts communities without full time fire departments,” said sponsor Rep. Steven Howitt (R-Seekonk).

RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. The legislation also removes offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to MassAbility.

Supporters said the name change reflects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the office undergoes broad changes toward a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living.

“As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices.”

“This legislation is not just a name change but a mission enhancement,” said Sen. Nick Collins, Senate Chair of the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “By defining the commonwealth’s response now with emphasis on the abilities of our citizens, we are taking the MassAbility Commission in a new proactive, positive direction to better serve the community’s needs.”

“The language we use is important,” said Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral (D-New Bedford), House Chair of the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. “Changing the agency’s name to MassAbility represents a shift in the perception on disability, focusing instead on the strengths, skills and capabilities of every individual. This new name of the agency reduces stigma and emphasizes equal access, self-determination, and inclusion. I believe, as MassAbility, the agency will project the abilities rather than the barriers for jobseekers.”

ADD 225 LIQUOR LICENSES (H 5039) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years.

Supporters said the licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades.

“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to add additional liquor licenses to underserved neighborhoods across Boston,” said Sen. Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “These additional licenses will improve the sustainability of existing small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and create economic vibrancy on our main streets.”

“I am proud to support this equitable proposal that will give an economic boost to restaurants and small businesses across Boston, especially in communities of color that historically haven’t had much access to these licenses,” said Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett).

“Expanding liquor licenses in these Boston neighborhoods means expanding economic opportunity and equity into critical areas that have been underrepresented for too long,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).

LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (H 5033) – Gov. Healey signed into law a bill making changes to the state’s long term care and assisted living industry that supporters said will make sweeping reforms to these two industries and will take a powerful step toward delivering high quality and safe care for older residents across the state.

“In Massachusetts, we are committed to making sure our aging residents and their loved ones can trust that they are receiving the highest quality of care from qualified staff at their long-term care or assisted living facilities,” said Gov. Healey. “This bill helps to provide them with that peace of mind, while also ensuring our hardworking providers have the resources and support they need to succeed in this important career. We are also proud to be enhancing protections for older LGBTQ+ residents to ensure they receive the specialized care they need free from discrimination.”

The bill includes provisions related to basic health services administered in assisted living facilities and oversight of long-term care facilities, including creation of a program for the certification, training and oversight of certified medication aides who would be authorized to administer medications to residents of long-term care facilities; several new initiatives to recruit and retain a dedicated long-term care workforce; allowing assisted living residences to offer basic health services such as helping a resident administer drops, manage their oxygen or take a home diagnostic test; giving the Executive Office of Elder Affairs new powers to penalize non-compliance by allowing it to fine assisted living residences up to $500 per day; and authorizing the attorney general to file a civil action against a person who commits abuse, mistreatment or neglect of a patient or resident.

Other provisions allow the Department of Public Health (DPH) to limit, restrict or revoke a long-term care facility’s license for cause, such as substantial or sustained failure to provide adequate care, substantial or sustained failure to comply with laws or regulations or lack of financial capacity to operate a facility; streamline the process for small house nursing homes to be licensed; direct DPH to establish and implement training and education programs on topics such as infection prevention and control, resident care plans and staff safety programs; and require long-term care facilities to develop individualized outbreak response plans to contain the spread of disease and ensure consistent communication with DPH, residents, families, and staff.

The measure also would require each long-term care facility to provide staff training on the rights and care of LGBTQ+ older adults and older adults living with HIV; forbid any long-term care facility and its staff from discriminating based in whole or in part on a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, intersex status or HIV status, whether through the denial of admission, medical or non-medical care, access to restrooms or through room assignments.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Reducing the amount of waste we produce – by reusing, repairing, rescuing, and donating what we already have – has the biggest direct impact on our ability to meet our waste reduction goals. Funding these projects ensures we have the infrastructure to tackle waste reduction right here in Massachusetts.”

--- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple announcing the the awarding pf $140,126 in microgrants to organizations, municipalities and academic institutions focused on reducing waste generation and prolonging the lifespan of products by offering donation, rescue, reuse and repair services across the state.

“Massachusetts is the number one state for women, for having a baby and for raising a family. That’s in large part due to our commitment to making the strongest child care and early education investments in the country. Our nation-leading efforts have added thousands of new child care slots across the state, and we’re continuing to partner with the Legislature to make child care more affordable and support our hardworking providers.”

---Gov. Maura Healey on what she calls Massachusetts’ national leadership when it comes to making child care more affordable and accessible.

"This is yet another example of the extreme lack of government oversight of taxpayer dollars. Ordinary Massachusetts taxpayers are already struggling with inflation and the high cost of living in our state. It’s a slap in the face that the Healey-Driscoll Administration shows such little respect for how Massachusetts residents' hard-earned money is being spent."

--- MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale commenting on a recent Boston Herald report revealing that EBT cards issued to Massachusetts welfare recipients have been used out of state, including in popular vacation destinations such as Hawaii, the Virgin Islands, Alaska and in 165 cities and towns in California, as well as 293 cities and towns in Florida, among many others across the nation.

“Massachusetts’ clean energy transition will deliver benefits to every community, including more high-paying jobs, cleaner air, improved public health and lower energy costs. We are proud to support municipalities as they make these investments, and we will continue to work with them to reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.”

--- Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing more than $7.4 million in grants for communities across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects.

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 Sept. 2-6. the House met for a total of one hour and 11 minutes and the Senate met for a total of one hour and 16 minutes.

Mon. Sept. 2 No House session

No Senate session

Tues. Sept. 3 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:08 a.m.

Senate 11:07 a.m. to 11:14 a.m.

Wed. Sept. 4 No House session

No Senate session

Thurs. Sept .5 House 11:01 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Senate 11:02 a.m. to 12:11 p.m.

Fri. Sept. 6 No House session

No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com