MA State Rep Bob Spellane

HOUSE SPEAKER, SENATE PRESIDENT AGREE ON MAJOR CUTS - OCTOBER 2, 2008

Speaker of the House Salvatore DiMasi and Senater President Therese Murray have agreed to take swift, voluntary action to cut the collective legislative budget by 10 percent. "We will collaborate with the Governor as he readies for 9C cuts throughout state agencies under his statutory authority and will continue to work together to find savings and efficiencies throughout state government," the Speaker's Communications Director said. Go here to read the entire statement.

GREEN COMMUNITIES ACT - JUNE 26, 2008

The House will vote on the conference committee report relative to the Green Communities Act, a comprehensive energy reform package that focuses on promoting and developing energy efficiency and renewable energy across the Commonwealth.
The original bill was unveiled by Speaker DiMasi and passed the House unanimously in November with the support of the administration and the business, energy and environmental communities. Go here to read a summary to the conference report. Go here for the actual conference report.

NATIONAL RECORD CHECK SIGN-ON LETTER- JUNE 5, 2008

Bob and a number of his colleagues recently wrote to Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and Robert DeLeo, Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, advocating on behalf of H144, which would require a national criminal background check for job candidates who would work with individuals served by the Department of Mental Retardation. Currently, only a Massachusetts Criminal Offense Registry Information (CORI) check is required. In part, their letter read:
We are writing to you in strong support of the National Criminal Background Check Bill (H144). This legislation will require candidates who apply for positions working with individuals served by the Department of Mental Retardation to undergo a National Criminal Background Check. This bill was reported favorably out of the Judiciary Committee on April 2 and has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.
This bill has the overwhelming support of the disabled community, including The Arc of Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change, as well as DMR Commissioner Elin Howe among others. Similar legislation has already been successfully implemented in other states, including New York and Idaho.
Currently, employees who apply for jobs in Massachusetts working with people served by DMR must undergo a Criminal Offense Registry Information (CORI) check, which is limited to a person’s criminal history within Massachusetts. As a result, potential employees with a criminal record outside Massachusetts are able to land jobs working with some of our state’s most vulnerable and defenseless residents. This will continue to happen until this loophole is closed.
H144 would require a national check of these candidates that includes the cross-referencing of fingerprint data with the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), a national fingerprint and criminal history system maintained by the FBI. The IAFIS provides automated fingerprint search capabilities, latent search capabilities, electronic image storage, and electronic exchange of fingerprints and results, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The bill would not have any effect on the current CORI system or any CORI reform. It would simply ensure an additional level of protection.
In the last decade in Massachusetts, there have been more than 2,000 documented cases in which people with disabilities were victims of abuse at the hands of staff ostensibly providing care and supervision, according to the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission. In about 300 of those cases, the alleged abuser resided outside Massachusetts in a neighboring state (this number does not even include employees who previously lived out of state). Because of current law, no national background check was done in these cases and any out-of-state criminal records went unseen. Had H144 been in place, dozens of instances of abuse may have been prevented.

SPEAKER DIMASI'S STATEMENT ON GOV. PATRICK'S CASINO PROPOSAL - MARCH 3, 2008
In a statement issued on March 3, Speaker DiMasi doubts the accuracy of job creation touted in Gov. Patrick's casino proposal and cites a Boston Globe article that calls the economic spinoff of 30,00 new construction jobs "at least six times too high." Writes DiMasi, "...those figures were taken from Suffolk Downs, a casino advocate, at face value and simply multiplied by three and the argument becomes even more questionable. DiMasi asserts that the Governor has the burden to convince the Legislature that the casino plan should be adopted. Read Speaker DiMasi's statement here. To read the Globe article go here

DRIVERS CELL PHONE LEGISLATION - JANUARY 23, 2008
On Wednesday, January 23, the House of Representatives passed H 4477, limiting the use of cell phones to hands-free devices and banning text messaging while driving. The bill will make drivers' use of cell phones without a hands-free device a primary offense punishable by fines ranging from $100-$500 for adult drivers. For junior operators, who will not be allowed to use cell phones at all under the ban, the penalties further include 60-day, 180-day, and one year license suspensions for each subsequent offense. Drivers will be exempt from the ban in case of emergency phone calls, and when pulled over out of all traffic lanes. If a driver is fined for using a handheld cell phone while driving, the offense will be considered a moving violation and insurance surcharge penalties will apply as of July 1, 2009. The new law also includes a ban on tv screens, DVD players, and portable video game devices that are viewable to the driver. The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote. To read the legislation, go here. For a fact sheet on the bill, go here.

REP SPELLANE APPOINTED TO BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF COMMONWEALTH COVENANT FUND - DECEMBER 13, 2007
It is with great pleasure that Bob accepts the appointment to the board of trustees of the newly created Commonwealth Covenant Fund (CCF), an innovative program created by the Legislature that provides tuition repayments to students who attend public institutions of higher education with the intent of pursuing careers in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.
State Treasurer and Reciever General Timothy P. Cahill, who will adminster the fund, explains that this program is critical in the development of a dynamic workforce in the state's STEM-related disciplines. At a time when the Bay State aspires to a national leadership role in the fields of science and technology, the need for educated and well-trained individuals to meet the needs of employers in the STEM fields has never been greater."With your experience and leadership on the Board of Trustees, CCF will encourage students to pursue degrees in these sectors and begin their careers in the Commonwealth."
Bob's appointment will be effective January 30, 2008 for the duration of three years. CCF was created through legislation Chapter 10, Section 35EE. Not more than $4 milllion shall be deposited into the fund, which may accept private contributions. The fund currently has $3.75 million in it. Loans eligible for repayment do not include credit card loans or loans taken out by parents or guardians. There are additional stipulations that can be read in the legislation by going here.

BILL ADDRESSES GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS DECEMBER 19, 2007
Bob has co-sponsored An Act to Promote the Reduction of Green House Gas Emissions and to Reduce the Use of Fossil Fuels for Vehicles, legislation filed by State Rep. Frank Smizik. As Rep. Smizik explains, the bill introduces the idea of a "feebate," a simple economic carrot and stick that encourages drivers to purchase fuel-efficient cars and fees or surcharges for poorly performing cars. For an introduction to the bill, go here. To read the entire bill, go here.

MASSACHUSETTS PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY FEBRUARY 4, 2008
The Legislature voted in late November to move the presidential primary date to February 4 to coincide with primary elections in 22 other states. On Wednesday, December 5, Secretary of State William Galvin picked the order of how the candidates' names will appear on the ballot. Republican candidates will appear in this order: John McCain, Fred Thompson, Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Rudy Giuliani. Democrats will appear in this order: John Edwards, Hillary Clinton, Joseph Biden, Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Barack Obama, Dennis Kucinich, and Bill Richardson. Citizens must register to vote by January 16 to be eligible to cast a ballot in the presidential primary.

RETURNING VETS NOT ACCESSING WELCOME HOME BONUS
Bob wants to remind Massachusetts veterans returning from Afghanistan or Iraq that they are entitled to the Welcome Home Bonus offered by the Commonwealth. This $1,000 tax-free payment is adminstered by the Veterans Bonus Division in the office of State Treasurer Timothy Cahill. Military who served six months or more active duty, state-side or outside the continental United States, are entitled to a $500 bonus. Go to Treasurer Cahill's website or call Bob's district office at 508.799.3948 for more information. According to recent reports, less than half of the returning veterans have taken advantage of this program. Please pass the word to those who have served our country and are now home.

GREEN COMMUNITIES ACT, H.4365 - NOVEMBER 8
Speaker Salvatore DiMasi unveiled his sweeping energy efficient incentives that will be debated during the full formal session on November 15. Among the highlights of the bill: 20 percent reduction of greenhouse gasses in the state by 2020 from 1990 levels; requires state vehicles to be fuel-efficient; encourages energy distribution companies to purchase renewable energy instead of relying on traditional sources such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear; allows for a $2,000 tax deduction to Mass residents who purchase hybrid cars; increases the amount of low interest loans to homeowners for energy efficient improvements such as new windows, solar panels, and insulation. To read the entire bill, go here.

CALENDAR AND AGENDA FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Go here for a link to the November 7 House calendar. Go here for the bills that will be heard before the Committee in Room B-1 at 1 p.m.

BUFFER ZONE LEGISLATION PASSED - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1
The House of Representatives passed legislation at the November 1 full formal session that increased the 18-foot “floating buffer zone” to a 35-foot “fixed buffer zone” around reproductive health clinics.
"This is a public safety bill, first and foremost," explains State Rep. Bob Spellane. "Individuals seeking treatment at a reproductive health facility have the right to demand that their safety is secured and extending the buffer zone is an important part of preserving that right."
"The women who want health services and the people who provide those services should be free to do so without fear of assault, harassment or intimidation," continued House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi.
Prior to the new legislation, protesters could enter the floating zone as long as they stayed at least six feet away from patients, which some legislators argued was too close. In addition, protesters could break the six-foot barrier if they got “consent” from the patient. Consent, however, proved impossible to legally define.
While the ACLU and abortion opponents argued that expanding the zone would intrude on free speech by forcing protesters to stand across the street from clinics, State Rep. Michael Costello, chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security, said that the House worked to ensure that the new buffer zone bill meets Constitutional guidelines and balances First Amendment rights with the rights of individuals to safely access a reproductive health care facility.
Governor Patrick said he would sign the bill when it gets to his desk, probably sometime the week of November 5. The law will go into effect immediately upon the Governor's signing it.

AGENDA FOR FULL FORMAL - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 1
The House will consider the following agenda items:
Enactment of H4184, Licensing Requirements Of Certain Tidelands (so called Chapter 91 Legislation).
S1353, Relative to public safety (the so called buffer zone bill). The bill has been engrossed in the Senate and is on the House Calendar for a second reading
H3119, Relative to property tax classification in cities and towns.The bill is currently before the Committee on Bills on Third Reading
H4191, Relative To Child Abuse And Neglect.The bill has been reported favorably by the Committee on Children & Families and Persons With Disabilities. The bill will be reported from the House Committee on Ways & Means.
The House may also consider other House Calendar items and papers from the Senate.

REVENUE FIGURES EXCEED ESTIMATES
According to the Dept. of Revenue, during the first three months of fiscal year 2008 - July, August and September of 2007 - tax collections exceeded budget estimates by $179. Revenue was up $258 million - or 5.7 percent - over the same time period in fiscal year 2007.

CASINO OPPONENTS AT STATEHOUSE MONDAY OCTOBER 29
Opponents of casino gambling gathered at the Statehouse to protest Gov. Deval Patrick's proposed legislation, warning that if enacted, it is not the panacea that it is touted to be and will lead to social ills associated with gambling, including addictions and financial hardships.
Supporters of casino gambling, however, cite econmic development and revenue streams that can go toward transportation infrastructure and property tax relief as just two pluses for the governor's idea.
Leo Maley of Amherst opposes the plan, saying casino gambling will not provide the expected revenue boost and actually damages small businesses.
“This is not a good way to raise government revenue,” said Maley. “It sucks the life out of communities instead of revitalizing communities."
A newly formed group, Casino Free Mass, includes backers from the Massachusetts League of Women Voters, community activists, and members from almost 2,000 congregations across 17 religious denominations, said Laura Everett, associate director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches. Casino Free Mass will hold meetings across the state and has launched a website, www.casinofreemass.org

HOUSE PASSES BILL TO RESOLVE TIDELANDS RULING
MONDAY OCTOBER 29

Today, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation to ensure a new, public-driven review process for large-scale projects being built on the Commonwealth’s many tidelands.
The bill resolves a ruling by the state Supreme Judicial Court that found the Department of Environmental Protection had improperly exempted landlocked tidelands from waterfront licensing. The legislation is the result of a conference committee report developed over a series of months by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The case began when a neighhborhood group brought suit against developers of the North Point project in East Cambridge. The SJC issued a stay to give the Legislature the opportunity to resolve the issue. The conference committee resolved their remaining differences last week, prompting the action in the House and expected vote next week in the Senate.
The public will benefit from provisions of the bill that give them greater input into the development process and gives assurance to homeowners that they will not be subjected to rigorous licensing procedures.
“I am very pleased that we have been able to reach a successful resolution between the House and Senate. This bill offers greater protection to the public with regard to public benefits that a developer must give to the community in exchange for building on tidelands. It also offers greater protection to real estate developers and investors who have relied on this exemption for the past seventeen years,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), who served as the House Chair of the conference committee.
This bill protects the public trust interests associated with tidelands without requiring Chapter 91 licensing. The legislation validates the regulatory exemption created by the Department of Environmental Protection in 1990. It grandfathers all projects built since that time and ensures that future projects on landlocked tidelands will also have the exemption. Instead of licensing, tidelands projects must now go through an enhanced review under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and a public benefit review by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The bill further amends the MEPA act to include groundwater among the environmental issues that the Secretary must consider before passing on a project.

FULL FORMAL SESSION - OCTOBER 25
On Thursday, October 25, Bob will go to the Statehouse where a full formal session is planned.The House will consider the following matters:

H. 4191, Relative To Child Abuse And Neglect (the bill is currently before the Committee on Children & Families and Persons With Disabilities).
The Conference Committee Report of H. 4184, Licensing Requirements Of Certain Tidelands (so called Chapter 91 Legislation)
S. 2301, Relative To Establishing the Commonwealth Corps (the bill was engrossed in the Senate and is currently before the House Committee on Ways & Means)
The House may also consider other House Calendar items and papers from the Senate. Please review the Calendar.

HOUSE BILL 3726 HEARD TUESDAY OCTOBER 23
Bob's House Bill 3726 mandates that three percent of all state contracts each fiscal year be dedicated to veteran-owned small businesses. This bill will be heard today before the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. To see the actual bill, go here

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE RELIEF- OCTOBER 19
The House of Representatives today passed new legislation to address the rising tide of mortgage foreclosures by encouraging banks to help borrowers, providing a new three-month window to cure defaults, and mandating tough new licensing standards for mortgage loan originators. Read more here

AUTO INSURANCE REFORM - SEPTEMBER 2007
Bob supports Commissioner of Insurance Nonnie Burnes' recent announcement to bring competitive auto insurance into the Commonwealth. To read more about his thoughts -- and his September 17 editorial in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette -- see below: "Managed competition good news for auto insurance buyers " September 17 T&G
See Bob and Chairman Ron Mariano's July 12, 2007 letter that urges auto insurance reform

HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM - JULY 2007
If you have a question about health insurance reform and the state-mandated coverage for every resident, go to www.MAhealthconnector.org

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - MAY 2007
Understanding the importance of Community Health Centers and the critical health care coverage they deliver throughout the state, Bob, House Speaker Sal DiMasi, Senator Jack Hart and other legislators are collaborating to push through legislation that will strengthen such centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Read more from, "Health Center Leaders Praise Sen. Hart, Rep. Spellane for their support of Community Health Centers.

HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TECHNOLOGY- APRIL 2007
As a proponent of clean energy, Bob is taking the lead on advocating for state funding for hydrogen and fuel cell initiatives by working closely with WPI www.wpi.edu to establish the Massachusetts Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Institute at the college.
Read the editorial from the April 17, 2007 T&G >>>

NEW REPORT QUESTIONS CHARTER SCHOOL ENROLLMENT PRACTICES
September 24: A report completed by graduate students at WPI has provided some definitive and stunning insight into enrollment trends in charter schools across Massachusetts.The document, "Assessment of Special Education and Limited English Proficient Populations in Massachusetts Charter Schools," utilized statistically valid and unbiased means to demonstrate that for many years, Massachusetts' Special Education (SPED) and Limited English Proficient (LEP) students have been denied equal opportunities to enroll in charter schools. Click here to continue reading the announcement from the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
Click here to read WPI's study

FY 2008 BUDGET NEWS
September 24: State Rep. Robert Spellane (D-13th Worcester) today announced that the House of Representatives has restored approximately $37 million in appropriations for vital initiatives such as healthcare and workforce development programs vetoed in the Fiscal Year 2008 state budget. Read more about these latest restored funds

OTHER NEWS FROM THE STATEHOUSE
September 18: New web broadcast feature offers more than a dozen recent public hearings, further opening legislative process to the public. Read more about the newly launched archived public hearings and searchable database.