Senate President Rosenberg has created the Commonwealth Conversations — a series of meetings across the state to get a sense of what’s most important for us to address in this legislative session. These meetings have been well attended by members of the State Senate. Here is information about two public meetings in Boston on Wednesday, March 4. I hope you can attend and directly make your concerns known to us.
Legislative News
commonwealth conversations, outlook, senate press releases, updates and analysis
MA Senate Begins Commonwealth Conversations Tour
Senator Brownsberger is visiting all eight regions of the Commonwealth Conversation tour crossing the state between February 4 and March 11. The tour, including a Metro Boston session he will lead on March 4, will be an opportunity for senators to listen directly to residents, businesses, and interest groups, and then come together in shared leadership to craft an agenda for the next legislative session.
Senate Adopts New Rules, Reflecting Transparency and Openness, for 2015-16 Session
This is the earliest the rules have been adopted by the Senate since they moved to a two year session in 1995. The new rules reflect the priorities of openness and transparency for Senate business that Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (D-Amherst) promised in his inaugural Senate address on January 7th.
New Senate Committee Assignments
As we begin the new year, the Senate has released its Committee Chairs and assignments for the 2015-2016 legislature. Senator Brownsberger’s roles include the Judiciary Committee (chair), the Senate Ethics Committee (vice-chair), and membership on the Ways and Means Committee, Municipalities and Regional Government Committee, and Election Laws Committee
Some good bills at the end of session
The end of the legislative session is a time when bills that are not controversial can still make it across the finish line. There were five bills that I was particularly pleased to help over the finish line in the waning days of the session. Governor Patrick signed all of these bills, so they are now law.
Four questions
Hello Will, There are four questions on the ballot Tuesday: 1. Index Gas Tax to Inflation 2. Expand bottle bill to include other beverage bottles 3. Nullify the casino law 4. Provide sick leaves to most regular employees Will you please remind us of your leanings on these measures?