THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators votes on roll calls from the week of November 11-15.

$3.9 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 5100): House 137-8 and then 139-4, Senate 39-1, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $3.9 billion economic development package that supporters say would make bold investments in life sciences, climate tech, AI and small businesses, “building on Massachusetts’ national leadership and creating an environment where businesses and workers thrive.”

The package increases the annual tax credit authorization for the life sciences industry from $30 million to $40 million. Other provisions include $400 million for the MassWorks Infrastructure Program to support public infrastructure projects and create jobs; $150 million for library construction projects; $103 million for AI in systems across the state; $100 million for infrastructure improvements in rural communities; $21 million for resilience in agriculture and fishing; and $40 million for food science innovations.

“This economic development bill maximizes assets and opportunities and ensures Massachusetts will continue to lead the way toward a robust, adaptable and innovative future,” said Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “The bill provides meaningful investments in life sciences, climatetech and small businesses.”

“This legislation will ensure the commonwealth can inject millions of dollars into critical sectors, develop the state’s workforce, grow our economy and make Massachusetts more competitive,” said Rep. Jerry Parisella (D-Beverly), House Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “Policy provisions include permitting reforms, educator diversity, consumer protections around ticketing and home improvement contractors, workforce training and rural development. These, along with meaningful tax credits and incentives for life sciences and climatetech will help keep Massachusetts a leader in vital industries.”

“This well-rounded economic development package makes significant, targeted investments into major sectors of the commonwealth’s economy,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, (D-Boston), chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “By renewing our commitment to the life sciences industry, and by making significant new investments into climatetech, we will be elevating the commonwealth’s economy to be able to compete and thrive for years to come.”

Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick) said this “so-called economic development” bill contains major education and civil service reforms. “That alone is enough for a ‘No’ vote,” said Boldyga, “They should be separate bills. But regardless of that, this bill will continue to march the commonwealth down a destructive path of reckless government spending. It’s full of pork, tax breaks for special interest groups and over $400 million in more subsidies for offshore wind that is destroying our coastline, killing our whales and decimating our fishing industry.”

Boldyga continued, “[It] also includes dangerous DEI language that would allow for exemptions of certain certification tests for public school teachers in order to meet diversity goals, incorporates ‘culturally responsive training,’ requires schools to create ‘diversity plans,’ and creates DEI officers and other mandatory DEI roles within our schools.”

“While I support many of the funding initiatives in the bill, I have concerns with outside sections of the bill that have nothing to do with economic development which I simply cannot support,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “For example, the SAPHE act, which is about public health and dramatically expands the power of state health officials while diminishing local control and leading to lower levels of accountability which could cause severe economic impacts on businesses and individuals.”

Fattman continued, “I do not agree with the portions of the bill that lower the standards of licensure for teachers and physicians, especially at a time where we should expect nothing but excellence from our teachers and doctors. Where too many of the sections were unrelated to economic development, it led to my ‘No’ vote, and these sections are troubling and distracting from the intended purpose of this legislation. Quite frankly, I believe the public is tired of this approach to legislating. Instead, we should have included practical ways to reduce the cost of living for Massachusetts residents struggling to make ends meet because of affordability issues in the state, such as tax breaks for childcare and/or middle class families.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it. The House held two separate roll calls on the same bill so there are two votes listed for each representative.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, Didn’t vote/Didn’t vote; Rep. Daniel Carey, Yes/Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes/Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No/Yes; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes/Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes/Yes; Sen. Joanne Comerford, Yes; Sen. Paul Mark, Yes; Sen. Jacob Oliveira. Yes; Sen. John Velis Yes

CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE (S 2967): House 128-17, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey climate/energy legislation that supporters say will make systemic changes to the state’s clean energy infrastructure which will help the state achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals. They say it will also expand electric vehicle use and infrastructure and protect residents and ratepayers.

A House-Senate conference committee drafted the compromise version to resolve the differences in the competing versions approved by the House and Senate earlier this year.

“Today the Legislature once again took decisive action to address the climate crisis,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “While achieving the shared goal of reforming siting and permitting so that we can ensure that clean energy projects get approved and built at the rate necessary to meet our state’s ambitious emissions reduction goals, we are also expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives, addressing the high cost and long lifespan of gas infrastructure projects as we strive to move towards cleaner energy sources, and protecting rate payers from bearing the costs of this transformational shift.”

“This legislation represents the Legislature’s continued commitment to meeting Massachusetts’ long-term emission reduction targets, as it builds on the work that is being done to modernize the commonwealth’s energy grid, increase clean energy generation and combat the climate crisis,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “The reforms related to siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure will be critical in the process of transitioning the commonwealth’s energy grid away from fossil fuels over time.”

“I voted against the [bill] because of the stance it takes on natural gas,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), one of only 17 members, all Republicans, who voted against the measure. “This bill wants to put an end to the use of natural gas in our state. Natural gas is not only abundant in the United States, but it is one of the cleanest burning energy sources. Increasing the use of natural gas would help our planet, while not having a detrimental impact on our economy. Unfortunately, this bill is just another nail in the coffin for using natural gas as an energy source.”

“While I and many others in the 5th Barnstable District support alternative energy, my primary responsibility as a state representative is to prioritize the health, safety and best interests of my constituents,” said Rep. Steve Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “These interests would be significantly undermined by [the bill] because it would dramatically reduce state and local oversight of clean energy projects and the infrastructure to support them. Communities I represent have been directly and negatively affected by this infrastructure, and I have been pushing for more state and local oversight of these projects, not less, to protect host communities’ interests. This bill is a step in the wrong direction.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, Didn’t Vote; Rep. Daniel Carey, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes

CHANGE WHO APPOINTS THE FIRM TO AUDIT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (H 5105): House 135-10, approved a new House rule that amends the current process by which the House appoints a private, independent auditing firm to audit the books of the House. Under the current rule 85A, the House business manager hires the company that will do the audit. Under the new rule 85A, the state auditor, currently Diana DiZoglio, would recommend a firm to conduct the audit and the business manager would hire that firm.

Among the House’s 132 Democrats, 123 voted in favor of the new rule and nine did not vote. No Democrat voted against the rule. Among the 24 House Republicans, 11 voted for the new rule, three did not vote and ten voted against it. The one unenrolled member of the House voted for the rule.

In November, voters approved Question 1 which created a new state law that would allow the state auditor to audit the Legislature. The vote was 71.6 percent in favor to 28.4 percent opposed. The new House rule 85A does not change that law.

Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), part of House Speaker Ron Mariano’s leadership team, said the change would ensure “any audit pursuant to the passage of Question 1 will be a professional audit, not a political one.” This remark is an apparent reference to DiZoglio’s many clashes with legislative leaders during and after she served in the House and the Senate.

“We haven’t touched the [new] law,” said Mariano. “Let’s make that clear: we have not touched the law. I have no intent to do anything right now, except maybe take a few days off. This has got nothing to do with repealing anything. This is a rules change.”

Mariano pitched the change as “an opportunity to acknowledge the 70 percent to 30 percent vote of the electorate.” He continued, “Obviously, [the voters] weren’t happy with the way we were doing things, and we took a look at the way we were doing things. We found we could make a few changes that we think maintains a strong financial audit while still backboning our argument about the separation of powers.”

Criticism of the new rule was quick. “The House’s actions to ignore the will of the people, who voted overwhelmingly for greater transparency and accountability through Question 1, are profoundly disheartening and absolutely unacceptable,” responded DiZoglio who led the campaign for passage of Question 1. “Should the Senate also seek to similarly stymie our efforts, legislators will possess sole authority to block taxpayers’ access to what any audit examines and show us only what they want us to see – just as they do now. The public would not have the opportunity to see how much taxpayer money is being spent on non-disclosure agreements, nor on state contracts potentially handed out to elected officials’ friends.”

She continued, “I am pushing the governor and attorney general to support the people in pushing back against the Legislature’s attempt to dismantle Question 1’s power. The law needs to be followed and enforced and we need their help to ensure that occurs. Our recent audit of the Legislature, which they refused to participate in, found they did not follow their own rules, nor submit any financial audits to our office, as required by their rules.”

“I believe that that this rule change would go against what 70 percent plus of the commonwealth voted for on November 5th,” said Rep. John Marsi (R-Dudley).

(A “Yes” vote is for the rule change. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Natalie Blais, Didn’t Vote; Rep. Daniel Carey, Yes; Rep. Mindy Domb, Yes; Rep. Kelly Pease, No; Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, Yes; Rep. Aaron Saunders, Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS (H 4918): Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would require health insurance companies to provide coverage for diagnostic examinations for breast cancer, digital breast tomosynthesis screening and medically necessary and appropriate screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging.

Supporters noted that although access to routine preventive screening mammograms is currently covered under the Affordable Care Act, this legislation would go further and require coverage for certain screenings and exams currently not uniformly covered by law.

“We know that early detection of breast cancer saves lives,” said Healey. “This legislation will help ensure that cost is not a barrier for women to get the screenings and care they need.”

“Today is the culmination of work I have done for nearly a decade to ensure that all women have access to necessary, and possibly lifesaving, breast cancer screenings,” said sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. This legislation makes those diagnostic exams used for early detection accessible and affordable, giving women the vital resources needed to catch breast cancer in its earliest stages.”

“This legislation signed into law by Gov. Healey ensures that all women in the commonwealth have access to the digital breast tomosynthesis and MRI screening they need to catch cancer early, without facing financial barriers,” said Sen. Mike Rush (D-Boston). “The increased access to early detection that this enabled through this legislation will save lives.”

“Cost is a known barrier to completing follow up cancer screenings,” Marc Hymovitz, Massachusetts director of government relations for American Cancer Society Action Network. “By eliminating the potential for unexpected costs, we can increase the likelihood of timely, follow up screenings for those who need them – and thus the promise of better health outcomes – for all communities.”

HOUSE MEMBERS TO VISIT CUBA: House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) and ten other state representatives are headed to Cuba, where part of their mission is to discuss the importance of investing in healthcare systems with public officials, hospital staff, researchers and charitable organizations.

“I applaud the visit of this important delegation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to Cuba,” said U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA). “This trip will allow state leaders to learn more about the Cuban healthcare system, climate resiliency strategies and life science innovations. It will also facilitate critical conversations about how to get much-needed humanitarian aid to the Cuban people.”

“I am a strong believer in the power of diplomatic dialogue and engagement, and I’ve long believed it’s time to rethink America’s failed, cold-war approach to dealing with Cuba,” continued McGovern. “I hope that this visit can serve as an important step in improving relations between our two countries.”

All expenses incurred by members traveling on this trip, including expenses related to transportation, lodging and meals, are being funded by each individual member.

The group includes Reps. Jennifer Balinsky Armini (D-Marblehead), Michael Day (D-Stoneham), Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), John Lawn (D-Watertown), Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), Frank Moran (D-Lawrence), Mike Moran (D-Brighton) and Jeff Roy (D-Franklin).

TAX CREDIT FOR COMPANIES THAT HIRE NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS: The Healey administration announced the launch of a new program that would provide a $2,000 tax credit to Massachusetts businesses that hire active members of the National Guard.

Supporters said the program aims to increase economic opportunities for members of the Guard and encourage more businesses to hire and retain them.

“We are addressing the employment roadblocks active service members face and expanding valuable job opportunities statewide,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “The National Guard Hiring Tax Credit will incentivize businesses to hire skilled service members, empowering these businesses to grow and strengthening our local economies.”

“The skills, discipline and resilience of National Guard members make them invaluable to any employer,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “Through the HERO Act and initiatives like this tax credit, we’re strengthening our workforce and reaffirming our commitment to those who serve, ensuring they receive support both in uniform and at home.”

“This tax credit is a meaningful investment in our National Guard members, expanding opportunities for them in the workforce while encouraging more businesses to recognize and leverage their unique skills and dedication,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “By supporting employers who hire active Guard members, we’re strengthening our local economies, honoring the service of these individuals and building a more resilient workforce across Massachusetts.”

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS WITH THE GOVERNOR: Gov. Healey hosted the first-ever Annual Youth Advisory Council Summit to engage young leaders on key priority issues.

The council consists of 60 young people who advise the Healey administration on critical issues impacting Massachusetts, such as civic engagement, education, climate, housing, mental health and youth violence. All members are appointed for a two-year term.

Supporters note that the council, which in total has members who speak 14 different languages, has geographic, racial and gender diversity and includes members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Since swearing the council in, these young people have been hard at work,” said Gov. Healey. “They’ve shown incredible leadership, and they’ve made it a priority to engage with each other about the issues that matter most to them. Each of them recognizes that the decisions we make today will have a significant impact on their futures, and our administration is committed to working with them to address their concerns. While we work to ensure Massachusetts remains a state they can grow and thrive in, we’re excited to welcome these young people to the Statehouse and open the door to conversations about their futures.”

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com