Page 5 - Sentinel Volume 33 Issue 1 2017_Neat

LEGISLATIVE
REPORT

After Slow Start Legislature Set To Open Throttle
Jim Machado
Executive Director

Shortly after the January Executive Director of the Norfolk
swearing in, the legislature faced Retirement System. Senator Flanagan We look forward to watching
public scorn after voting themselves departed for the Cannibus Control the implementation of marijuana
a pay increase. Although it had been Board and great friend Senator Ken regulations as pot shops eye a July
many years between increases the Donnelly lost his battle with cancer. 2018 opening. We hope to voice our
timing was questioned. Revenues On the House side chair of Ways concerns regarding criminal justice
were tracking lower forcing and Means Brian Dempsey departed reform which looks to decriminalize
Governor Baker to make mid year for a private sector lobbyist firm. certain crimes, do away with
cuts. Fortunately local aid was These changes resulted in newly mandatory minimum drug sentences,
spared limiting the impact to local elected Senator Cindy Friedman who increase felony larceny to $1500, and
communities. This would continue one a special election to succeed seal the records of all juveniles. As
and create a$470 million shortfall by Senator Donnelly being named you can see, if all these are adopted
fiscal year end. Senate chair of Public Service. it will handcuff police instead of
Former MPA Sergeant at Arms criminals. We expected heated
In late February, committee Senator Michael Moore moved from debate before years end. Given the
assignments were made with vice chair to chair of Public Safety legislatures more “progressive”
Representative Parisella of Beverly joining Representative Naughton. thinking, we will be operating from
being named the new chair of Public Representative Jeff Sanchez of an underdog position. Rest assure,
Service joining Senator Timilty of Boston was named House Ways and we will fight to retain the daily
Walpole who returned to also chair Means chairman. tools necessary to get police and
Public Safety. The House chair for communities safe.
Public Safety would once again After a summer recess,
be old friend Representative Hank hearings have begun again with If you have any issues of
Naughton. The Judiciary Committee the Association testifying for concern please call the office or send
would be chaired by Representative changes to the GIC as well stopping an email. Follow the web for the
Claire Cronin and Senator William communities from raising co pays latest. Wishing you a cool Autumn
Brownsberger. The committees held and deductibles. This really has and dry, warm Winter.
several hearings before focusing an impact on retirees who have no
on the fiscal 18 budget. Given the collective bargaining rights and can
revenue shortfall, negotiations have there healthcare split increased
continued into early July forcing a to 50%. This could result in costs
temporary budget to be adopted. By doubling for someone where the split
mid July the budget was approved is 75/25. We also testified against
by Governor Baker with over$400 communities looking to leave civil
million in vetoes. service in order to avoid recognizing
veterans. Given that Chairman
By this time, the faces of the Parisella is currently a lieutenant
legislature were changing. Senator colonel, these home rule petitions are
Timilty left the legislature to become closely scrutinized.
5

MASSACHUSETTS POLICE ASSOCIATION