PATRICK PICNIC

By State Representative Don Humason, Jr.

August 9, 2008

 

Now that the House and Senate have concluded formal sessions for the 185th session of the Great and General Court, things have quieted down a great deal on Beacon Hill. 

The Legislature continues to meet in informal sessions to proceed with the non-controversial aspects of running the state government.  Many legislators are taking their family vacations during August before gearing up for the November elections. 

 Governor Patri ck and his staff have been busy reviewing the flurry of bills that reached his desk after being passed last week by the House and Senate.  By law, he has 10 days to act on legislation.  He may choose to sign a bill into law, veto the bill outright, or send a bill back with an amendment for the Legislature.

 Some of these amended bills may be taken up informally, but mostly these amendments mean that a bill will die and need to be re-filed at the start of the next session.  That’s how i t goes with some legislation.  This is one reason why I believe we in the Legislature should not wait until the last minute to send bills to the Governor.

 Speaking of Governor Patrick, Deval and his wife Diane invited members of the Legislature to an end-of-session picnic at their summer home in Richmond, Massachusetts last Sunday.  My wife Janice and I attended and I must say it was a very nice event.

Their home is lovely.  It sits in a wooded area of Richmond, out on the Massachusetts – New York border, surrounded by apple orchards and fields.  There is a manicured lawn behind the home that overlooks a small pond.  There is a guest house, a garage, an in ground pool and pool house, a tennis court, and a large field.  The picnic was held in a Big-Top tent set up in the field.

The Speaker of the House, Sal DiMasi, and the two House members jockeying to replace him when he retires, Bob DeLeo and John Rogers, were there.  There were about 100 Representatives and Senators there, along with their family members. 

 The lunch was hamburgs, grilled chicken, sausages, and salads, with watermelon, assorted fruit, and ice cream for dessert.  I was one of only three Republican legislators to attend but we were warmly received and welcomed.  There were no speeches and no overt politicking.  

 My colleagues and I had a terrific time.  It was also great that so many legislators from the Boston area came out to Western Mass. 

 I repeatedly heard from them about how beautiful it is here, and, of course, about how far it seems from Beacon Hill.  I would always reply that it takes me as long to drive in to Boston as it took them to drive out.

I received a notice this week at my State House office that the MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) will be holding a public hearing in Westfield to allow interested parties to comment as part of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget recommendation process.

 The public hearing is next Thursday, August 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the North Middle School on Southampton Road.  Written comments are also welcome.  This testimony will be used by the Governor’s staff to help craft his budget proposal for next fiscal year.

 I also wanted to let you know that next weekend, Augus t 15-17, is the Westfield Fair.  It’s held every year up at the fairgrounds on Russellville Road.  It’s a great event for families.  Put it on your calendar.

 Also, the newest installment of my cable show on Channel 15, “From the State House to Your House,” is now airing and features Mary Kay Wydra from the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.&nb sp; We talk tourism in Western Massachusetts.

 I have Massachusetts and Pioneer Valley Getaway Guides available for my constituents free of charge in my office.  So if you’re planning a day trip, a “stay-cation,” or a longer getaway somewhere in the Bay State these books can help you find lodging and attractions.  Call my office at 568-1366 to make an appointment to come by and pick them up.

 

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