I ON THE STATEHOUSE
HOW YOUR LAWMAKERS VOTED DEC. 18 ~ DEC. 29

REP. ERIC TURKINGTON

$200,000 FOR “REACH OUT AND READ” PROGRAM House 141-15, Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Mitt Romney's $200,000 veto reduction (from $1 million to $800,000) in funding for the Reach Out and Read (ROR) program. ROR is a national non-profit group that began in 1989 at Boston Medical Center to address the problem that most pediatricians' waiting rooms did not have books available to read. The Massachusetts ROR program trains pediatricians and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud to their children in order to prepare them for school. The program also funds the purchase of books to give to children who are 6 months to 5 years old during their visits to their doctors. Supporters of the $200,000 said that this program establishes a unique relationship between doctors, parents and their children and helps encourage early literacy skills. They noted that there are 151 ROR sites in Massachusetts which annually serve more than 120,000 children and provide more than 200,000 new books. In his veto message, Romney said that he reduced the funding to the amount projected to be necessary. The governor in November eliminated the $200,000 again when he used his budget cutting powers to unilaterally cut $425 million from the state's $25.7 billion fiscal 2007 state budget. The Legislature has not acted to restore the $200,000. (A “Yes” vote is for the $200,000. A “No” vote is against the $200,000).

SEN. ROBERT O’LEARY

Rep. Eric Turkington: Yes

Sen. Robert O'Leary: Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL PATRICK TO RESTORE CUTS Gov.-elect Deval Patrick announced that he intends to restore $383.6 million that was cut from the state budget in November by Gov. Romney who used his budget cutting powers to unilaterally cut $425 million from the state's $25.7 billion fiscal 2007 state budget. Romney later restored some $41.4 million. Patrick announced that he would restore the remaining $383 million when he takes office in January. Romney's cuts included funding for education, social service programs and public safety.

BICYCLISTS' RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill making changes in the state's bicyclist laws. Provisions include requiring municipal police officers to be trained in bicycle safety laws and enforcement; requiring motorists to pass bicycles safely and to wait until it is safe before opening their car doors into traffic; making the ticketing procedure for bicyclists the same as the one for motorists and requiring stores that rent bicycles to make bicycle helmets available to their customers. Supporters said that the state's bicycle laws are antiquated and do not do enough to protect bicyclists and motorists. They argued that the bill would save lives and reduce injuries.

REDUCE TRANS FATS Rep. Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham) announced that he is filing a bill to strictly limit the use of artificial trans fats, also known as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, in Massachusetts restaurants. The proposal, up for consideration in the 2007-2008 session, would give restaurants one year to switch to oils, margarines and shortenings that contain less than 0.5 grams of trans fat per serving. Supporters point to studies linking trans fats to coronary heart disease and indicating that replacing trans fats with healthy alternatives can reduce the number of illnesses and save lives.

CHILD LABOR LAWS The House adopted Acting Gov. Kerry Healey's minor amendment to legislation approved by the House and Senate making several changes in the state's child labor laws. The measure needs final approval by both branches prior to going back to the governor's desk. A key provision gives the attorney general the power to issue civil citations to businesses that violate the child labor laws. Current law only allows the attorney general to initiate criminal proceedings. Supporters say that allowing civil fines would result in more prosecutions because the attorney general rarely initiates criminal proceedings against employers who violate these laws.

— By Bob Katzen Bob Katzen can be reached at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com

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