Local lawmakers split on overriding vetoes
Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives and senators' votes on five roll calls from the week of November 16-20.

Also up on Beacon Hill
TREATMENT OF CIRCUS ELEPHANTS (S 1870) - The Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development heard heated testimony on legislation that would ban the use of bull hooks and chains on circus elephants. Violators would be punished by up to a $5,000 fine and/or a year in jail. Supporters said that these elephants are treated poorly and are routinely beaten with bull hooks and chained up for most of the day. Opponents said that the hooks are simply training tools that help to guide and train an elephant. They disputed any cruelty charges and argued that this proposed law would spell the end of circuses in Massachusetts. The committee is also considering a bill that would provide that the state urge all school departments and local governments to encourage "public participation in programs and activities that highlight local and national, cultural, social and ethnic traditions of all citizens of the commonwealth" (H 3141).

Heard on Beacon Hill
"We're only here because Barack Obama, the savior of the free world and the apologist-in-chief is putting some money on the table."

How long did they meet?
During the week of November 16-20, the House met for a total of 20 hours and 39 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 29 hours and 11 minutes

Lawmakers regulate utilities, expand veterans' benefits
BOSTON - Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on two roll calls and local senators' votes on four roll calls from the week of Nov. 9-13.

Also on Beacon Hill
FINE OR IMPRISON PARENTS OF ABSENT STUDENTS (H 380) - The Education Committee held a hearing on a bill allowing the imposition of up to a $1,000 fine and/or 30-day jail sentence on parents whose children have more than seven unexcused absences from school in a six-month period. Current law only allows for up to a $20 fine and does not provide for a jail sentence.

Heard on Beacon Hill
"Censorship is never the answer. Those who object to Levasseur's appearance should use this opportunity to educate the public about their views on what happened rather than trying to prevent others from hearing him."

How long did they meet?
During the week of Nov. 9-13, the House met for a total of eight hours and 25 minutes while the Senate met for a total of seven hours and eight minutes.

Lawmakers OK more veterans' benefits
Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on two roll calls and local senators' votes on one roll call from the week of Nov. 2-6.

House OKs bill to ban severing vocal chords of dogs, cats
Other action on Beacon Hill included the following:

Heard on Beacon Hill
"I would ask that you move this event off campus so that no parent, student or taxpayer might be under the impression that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts condones terrorism."

How long did they meet?
During the week of Nov. 2-6, the House met for a total of 5 hours and 21 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 9 hours and 43 minutes.

D'Amico lone area rep to oppose martial arts bill
BOSTON - Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on three roll calls from the week of Oct. 26-30. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.

Patrick outlines budget cuts
Gov. Deval Patrick announced plans to use his executive power to make $277 million in cuts in the executive branch in order to help close a $600 million revenue shortfall.

Heard on Beacon Hill
"We're about to legalize a sport here that is, let's face it, professional face punching and professional face kicking. We may as well call it that."

How long did they meet?
During the week of Oct. 26-30, the House met for a total of 5 hours and 52 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 24 minutes.

Area lawmakers united on pandemic bill
Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on two roll calls from the week of Oct. 5-9. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.

Also up on Beacon Hill
REINSTATE NOTICES FOR DRIVER'S LICENSE RENEWALS - The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is reinstating the practice of informing the state's estimated 4.9 million drivers that their driver's licenses are up for renewal. The notices will only be sent to drivers who sign up on the RMV Web site at: https://secure.rmv.state.ma.us/RMVReminder/intro.aspx.

Heard on Beacon Hill
"We're going to be moving toward cutting our budgets deeper, and probably having to lose some people who've been here a long time.

How long did they meet?
During the week of October 5-9, the House met for a total of 5 and 18 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 3 hours and 3 minutes.

Lawmakers split on timing of Senate appointment
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