BEACON HILL REPORT
MLP partners with allied green industry organizations to ensure that the business needs of our members are heard in the Massachusetts legislative and regulatory arena .
by Stephen A . Boksanski , GIA Legislative Agent
The legislative process is starting to show signs of life . The House has completed it budget debate and it ’ s now the Senate ’ s turn to sort through several hundred amendments and pass what will be a $ 47 billion bill to fund state government for another year .
After the Senate completes this debate , a conference committee of three House and three Senate members , will meet to reconcile the two versions which must be approved with an up-or-down vote . The Governor will then have 10 days to review the bill and he has line-item veto authority , which grants him the power to reduce or eliminate spending in specific ways . He may also tinker with any outside sections that are policy riders on the appropriations bill .
Legislative committees have begun holding public hearings and it is expected that the months of June and July will be busy with many hearings . There will be a break for August and then a busy fall public hearing schedule through September , October and November .
There are now 33 Joint Committees that are made up of House and Senate members , with the House enjoying a nearly 2-to-1 advantage on each . The Legislature created three new committees this year : ( 1 ) The Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology , the Internet and Cybersecurity , ( 2 ) the Joint Committee on Covid-19 and Emergency Preparedness and Management , and ( 3 ) the Joint Committee on Racial Equity , Civil Rights and Inclusion .
There are 18 new House Chairs , which has also a reason as to why the Legislature is slow to start the process . One of the most important committees for our interests is the Joint Committee on Environment , Natural Resources and Agriculture , and this committee has two new Chairs .
State Senator Rebecca Rausch is in her second term representing the Norfolk , Bristol , and Middlesex District , has been a town meeting member in her hometown of Needham . She is an attorney with expertise in health law and policy and has worked in the Executive Office for Health and Human Services . With only one bill that has been referred to her new committee , she is without a clear track record on the issues of interest to us .
State Representative Carolyn Dykema is in her 7th term and represents the towns of Holliston , Hopkinton , and Southborough . This is her first Chairmanship , but she was the Vice Chair of this Committee in the previous legislative session and has been a member for years . Environmental issues are a priority for her , and she has championed bills relative to water infrastructure and protecting pollinators .
Both members would benefit from the expertise you all have as stewards of the environment and businesspeople . This is especially true for members who live , operate their businesses or work in their districts . Making local connections with elected legislators is easy and they are always willing to listen to constituents . Please take a moment to let them know who you are and what you do , it can make a difference . ❖
Stephen A . Boksanski of BCB Government Relations , Inc . in Boston is Legislative Agent for the Green Industry Allliance .
MLP is a proud member of the Green Industry Alliance along with the Massachusetts Arborists Association , Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals , Irrigation Association of New England , and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England . Steve Davis ,
MCLP serves as MLP ’ s representative . If you are interested in becoming involved with the GIA ’ s legislative and advocacy activities , please contact the MLP Office .
Learn about the invasive Spotted Lanternfly
and earn up to 4 FREE continuing education credits ( CEUs )!
Sign up for our FREE quarterly webinar series to get the most up-to-date info about Spotted Lanternfly in Massachusetts . Learn about current control efforts , and how you can help .
Spotted Lanternfly is a growing threat to MA ’ s environment and economy , and you are an important first line of defense !
Each quarterly session is approved for the following credits : 1 Mass . Pesticide License credit [ Category 25 , 26 , 27 , 29 , 31 , 35 , 36 , 40 , 48 , and CORE ( L )], 1 MCA credit , 1 MCH credit , 1 MCLP credit , ½ MQTW credit . ISA credits pending .
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Email : joshua . bruckner @ mass . gov with any questions .
8 MLP Newsline | Summer 2021