View from the Hill - Dec '06

This is my first column since the November elections, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the voters of the 1st Middlesex District for choosing to return me to the Massachusetts House for a seventh term. I will continue to represent the interests of the district to the best of my ability and provide assistance to individual constituents when the need arises. Once again, thank you for your confidence.

As you can imagine, legislative activity has slowed to a virtual crawl as the 2006 session (informal since July 31) approaches its end and the holiday season gathers momentum. In addition, the Governor's Office and the executive branch is focused on the coming transition to the Patrick administration, bringing with it new appointments and new policies. One piece of unfinished business that will be "addressed" in some fashion is the initiative petition defining marriage as between a man and a woman, which is among several proposed amendments on the docket of the resumed session of the Constitutional Convention scheduled for January 2. If the Convention is once again adjourned (by majority vote) with no roll call taken on the petition itself, then the measure is effectively dead with no chance of appearing on the statewide ballot in 2008. This is the most likely outcome, but I will continue to oppose adjournment and vote for the amendment if given the opportunity.

Work does continue apace on implementing the new Massachusetts health insurance reform legislation, with uninsured families and individuals that earn between 100% and 300% of the federal poverty level becoming able to sign up for subsidized coverage in January. For more detailed information call Commonwealth Care Enrollment Center at 1-877-MA-ENROLL. I was recently invited to participate in an event organized by the Iowa Caregivers Association entitled "Massachusetts Day in Iowa - Getting Serious About Health Care Reform." My role was to give a perspective as a member of the legislative conference committee that produced the final version of the Massachusetts bill. Joining me on the program in Des Moines were the president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation, the chief health counsel for House Speaker Sal DiMasi, the president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, and the chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Health. As this and several other conferences across the country make clear, the landmark Massachusetts reform is being given serious consideration as a template for other states to follow.

Congratulations to Jeffrey Cormier, Jordan Saverse, and Timothy Crory of Troop 81, Townsend for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Congratulations also to Albert Harris and Leo Lamy of the Pepperell Fire Department on the occasion of their retirement after 35 years and 28 years of service, respectively. Kudos to Roger Robbins of Pepperell, who was recently honored for his courageous submarine duty during World War II. Finally, a special recognition to Winthrop "Win" Sherwin for providing 50 years of retail service and a communal gathering place for the people of West Groton.

Finally, my very best wishes to all for a very merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!