2025-01-01 00:00:00 - Formal House Session 1

2025-01-01 00:00:00 - Formal House Session 1

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TIMOTHY CARROLL - ASSISTANT CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - Under the constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the general court309 shall assemble every year on the 1st311 Wednesday in January, and the terms of Representatives shall begin on said Wednesday and extend for a period of two years. Section 3 of Chapter 3 of the General Laws provides that on the 1st Wednesday in January, following a state election, between the hours of 10:00 in the forenoon and 12:00 at noon, the persons whose names have been returned as members elect of the House of Representatives shall be called to order by the oldest senior member elect present, who shall be the presiding officer until a Speaker is chosen or the House otherwise determines. An examination of the records in the office of the clerk discloses that Representative elect Kevin G. Honan of the Brighton section of the city of Boston being the 17th Suffolk District, a member of the House from 1987 to 2024, inclusive is the senior member. Accordingly, I have the honor of turning the gavel over to Representative elect Honan, dean of the House, who will be your presiding officer until a Speaker is chosen.

REP HONAN - Thank you very much for your kind welcome. The first annual session of the House of Representatives, the 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, will now come to order. I want to thank you, assistant clerk, soon to be clerk. Please join me in welcoming reverend Dr. Gregory Groover, former chair of the Boston School Committee, recipient of the Henry Shattuck Municipal Award, and a trailblazing theologian who was the pastor of the historic Charles Street AME Church in Boston for the invocation.

GREGORY GROOVER - AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - Let us pray. Dear God of glory and475 of great grace, we pause at this hour479 on this first day of 2025 to first thank you for gifting your servant leaders of this your house of representatives of this general court with another year of noble public service, another legislative session, another opportunity to be moved by your spirit, directed by your will, and led by your voice to address the pressing needs of your people. We pray that these Representatives will be clothed during this 194th session with your good pleasure, and that the work that they set out to do, seen by you as holy, will truly make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of the 1,000,000 spread across your Commonwealth of Massachusetts. How grateful we are for the leadership of this House, the Speaker, the caucus leaders of both parties, the various committee chairs, the551 dean, and every553 member of this hall, may they always, in this upcoming session, be mindful that this work of theirs is their divine calling for this season. May each Representative always walk faithfully and purposefully in that calling. Yes, the calling to always ensure that Massachusetts will be a state that welcomes and embraces all people from every race, every nationality, every faith, every belief system,589 every background, every orientation.

Yes, from every walk of life. Guide these, your servants, to fashion such legislation that will offer high quality education for all our children, irrespective of geographical divides and school districts and zip codes. Speak into the ears of our Representatives assembled here so that they will hear the cries of our seniors,619 the pains of the homeless sisters and621 brothers and the suffering of the countless residents being afflicted by the untold and numerous faces of abuses. Yes, raise the members of this solemn House through their justice centric legislation to create the model for all state houses of Representatives across this country. Then, lord, we pray that you will increase their goodwill to not only work with each other within this House, but that they will also seek better ways to work with their partner chamber, the Senate, the Governor, her cabinet, and all of the state constitutional offices. These are our humble petitions, oh God, that we submit to you. Hear them, we pray, with all of our hearts, souls and minds, and it's in your name that we pray, and your people shall say, Amen.
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HONAN - Thank you very847 much, Andrew. Please be seated. It's my pleasure to welcome you all to the 194th general court. We are honored to be joined today by many elected leaders past and present, but first, I'd like to acknowledge the dedicated service of those who are here each day. We have Ray Amaru, chief court officer, 66 years of service, and Joe Quinn, 49 years, thank you, you may be seated. To the Statehouse Park Rangers security and legislative staff, thank you for your service to the Commonwealth. And to my new colleagues who today begin service in this esteemed and historic body, congratulations and welcome to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. May your journey of public service be as rewarding949 for you as it is951 beneficial to the constituents that you serve. The people we represent are the reason957 we are here and should always remain at the heart of what we do every day. Our families too are at the heart of what we do, I'd like to thank my family and all my colleagues' family for their continued support. My wife, Colleen, is here, and my mother, who always loves attending these events, she is in St. Elizabeth's Hospital watching us on laptop with my sister, Claire. So she's at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Hello, mother.

In a few minutes, you will take an oath to uphold the constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the longest functioning constitution in the world and the document that guided the drafting of the United States Constitution. These documents not only guide our Commonwealth and our country, but have inspired the formation of free and fair republics throughout history and all over the world. In just a few weeks, we will begin the recognition of America's 250th birthday, a birthday with uniquely Massachusetts roots. Throughout that time, Massachusetts has always been a leader among the nation of states. Massachusetts was the 1st state in the nation to legalize1051 marriage equality, to establish a minimum wage, and to create public schools, public transit,1059 and public parks. In recent years, we have passed landmark legislation combating discrimination, promoting the development of housing, and addressing climate crisis. These are just a few of our accomplishments, but there is much more work to do. As we begin the 194th general court and as you,1082 my new colleagues, begin your careers in the House of Representatives, let us remember the journeys that brought us to these halls and bear in mind the honor and awesome responsibility that comes with elected representation and leadership.

By stepping into this chamber and taking the oath of office, we assume that responsibility that is described in the first sentence of the constitution, that of providing the individuals who compose our commonwealth with the power of enjoying in safety and tranquility their natural rights and the blessings of life. As we seek to do this, let us find guidance in the accomplishments of our predecessors and inspiration in the opportunity presented by the challenges ahead. It's my honor to welcome all of you, and I look forward to working with you. We are honored to have with us today some of our former speakers. We have Robert De Leo of Winthrop, Charles Flaherty of Cambridge, Speaker DeMacy and Speaker Finneran send their love, they are unable to be here. We also have1198 a gentleman here who is a United States Senator who served with great distinction in this chamber and brings great pride to all of us, United States Senator Ed Markey. We are also honored to have with us Sheila Fitzgerald, the consul general of Ireland in Boston. A communication from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The clerk will read the communication.

CARROLL - A communication from the secretary of the Commonwealth, January 1st 2025 to the honorable House of Representatives. I have the honor to lay before you the return to the vote cast at the election held in this Commonwealth on the 5th day of November 2024 for Representatives in the general court for the several districts together with schedules showing the number of ballots which appear to have been cast for each person voted for. These returns have been duly canvassed by the Governors and the Governors council and are now transmitted for1283 examination by the house of representatives as required by the constitution and the general laws. Very truly yours, William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
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HONAN - Representative elect1306 Day of Stoneham offers an order which1308 the court shall read.

CARROLL - Ordered that the returns of votes for Representatives in several representatives districts of the Commonwealth be referred to a special committee consisting of three members.
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HONAN - The order is adopted. The chair will appoint three Representatives elect; Day of Stoneham, Ryan of Boston, and Jones of North Redding. Please come down to the well.
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HONAN - Communication from Rep elect Parisella.

CARROLL - Dear Mr. Carroll, I've been nominated to be an associate justice of the district court, so please accept this letter as notification that I will be resigning as State Representative for the 6th Essex District of the 193rd General Court effective 10:30 AM, January 1st, 2025, and that I respectfully decline the office of State Representative of the 194th General Court. Very truly yours, Gerald Parisella.
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HONAN - Thank you so much for this extraordinary work that your committee has done. You've exhibited great leadership, great leadership. Thank you, and I now dissolve this extraordinary committee.
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HONAN - The Chair would like to introduce a couple of former members who are here. Angelo Scaccia from Hyde Park is here, Jim Brett from Dorchester, Jim Cantwell, Mary Ann Lewis, and it is also Mary Keith's birthday, happy birthday, Representative Keith.
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2379 HONAN2379 -2379 Members,2379 please take your seats. It gives the Chair2383 great pleasure and privilege to introduce our extraordinary Governor, Maura T. Healey, who is going to swear us in. Please welcome the Governor, and she's joined by the Lieutenant Governor, Driscoll as well. But please welcome Governor of the Commonwealth, Maura Healey.

MAURA T. HEALEY - GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS - Good morning, and, let's hear it for your great dean, what a dean, he's redefined the dean. You know, I think of2434 Dean Smith and he is like a whole next level2436 Dean Honan. Happy New Year, happy New Session. I want to thank you, Dean, I want to thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of this great and general court, our court officers, our constitutional officers, Governor's councilors, Senator Markey, former Speakers of this auspicious House who are here, and friends and family. It's a special day, and I'm sure whether this is your first time or not your first time, it is special. Because every election matters and it's not easy to put yourself out there to run, it's not easy to do the work once you're elected. I know that all of you are grateful to friends and family who are here today or watching at home, who supported you and helped make this possible. So, on behalf of the Lieutenant Governor and myself, we want to welcome everyone this morning and a special welcome to the new members who are being sworn in today. Thank you for the commitment that you've made to serve the people of this great Commonwealth. Public service is a high calling, and it's absolutely essential to the preservation and the furtherance of our democracy.

It's important2545 that we have people of good character and goodwill who are willing to step up and do these jobs. It's not lost on me and thank you for the invitation to appear in your chamber, your chamber. When the LG and I walk into this chamber, we're filled with a sense of history, we think about people who've appeared at this very rostrum; Martin Luther King Junior, John F. Kennedy, and so many more. We walked from our office down the hall and thought about the foundation of this building being laid by Paul Revere and Sam Adams. We are swearing in this term in the year 2025 which is exactly 250 years since the revolution and the birth of this country in American democracy right here from this great Massachusetts soil. So I hope that you all take a moment to look around this beautiful chamber, look at the names, look at the images, and just reflect on those who've come before, and think about on whose shoulders we stand, think about the trailblazers. Let that inspire you and all of us with the energy, the vision, the continued commitment to furthering the great work from this chamber. Because you will help write that next chapter in the bills you advance, in the policies you make, in the decisions you render, and in the partnerships you build with colleagues. The LG and I want to thank you, those of you who were here, for the incredibly productive last session, a historic legislative session.

We cut taxes for the first time in 20 years, we built more housing, signed a transformative economic development bill, a transformative health care bill, important investments in expanding college and career opportunities, clean energy, and above all, with a commitment to ensuring equal treatment under the law and making sure that we are finding ways to expand and grow this economy for everyone. Not to mention the HERO Act and the work that was done to get support for service members and veterans. I could go on and on and on, gun safety, I'll stop, but it was so productive that I lose my train of thought, which is a good thing because it speaks to the work that got done. It is that in that spirit that we open this new session, this new term with even greater expectations for what we can do, each in our own ways through a lot of deliberation and of course through necessary disagreement to advance policies, to make2752 life better for residents, for businesses, for folks in this great state. We have a great record to build on, there is much work to do, and the LG and I look forward to working with each and every one of you as we continue to serve our state and honor our oaths of office. Now, I'll ask the Lieutenant Governor to join me and ask that members stand and raise their right hand.
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HEALEY - I, state your name, do solemnly swear, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and will support the constitution thereof. So, help me, God. I, state your name, do solemnly swear and affirm, that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent on me as a member of this great and general court according to the best of my abilities and understanding agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution and the laws of this Commonwealth. So, help me, God. I, do solemnly swear that I will support2895 the constitution of the United States. Congratulations.

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HONAN - Representative Moran of Brighton offers an order which the clerk shall read.

CARROLL - Order that the House proceed to the election of a Speaker without nominations and that the election be held in the following manner. The role shall be called by the clerk and each member present in response to their name shall arise and announce the name of the member for whom they vote.
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HONAN - The total number of votes, 157, necessary for a choice, 79.4403 Ronald Mariano of Quincy, 132, Bradley Jones, North Redding, 21, Mark T. Lombardo, 4. Therefore, Ronald Mariano of Quincy is elected Speaker of the House for the 2020. Representative Moran of Brighton offers an order which the clerk shall read.

CARROLL - Ordered that a4454 special committee be appointed to escort Speaker4456 Mariano to the chamber under escort4458 of the sergeant at arms.
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HONAN - He's such a hardworking man. Thank you, Chair Moran, and thank you to this distinguished committee for a job well done.
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HONAN - It is my privilege and honor to present to you the Speaker of the House, Ron Mariano, and present to him this gavel.
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REP MARIANO - Happy new Year. Those of you who know me know that normally, you wouldn't have got me in here on New Year's Day, but we can blame John Adams for that, he forces us to be here today to do this swearing in ceremony that is always a kick. For those of you doing it for the first time, it is something that you will always remember. For those of us who have done it way too many times, it could be a little long, we've done our best to go as quickly as we can today to get you out here for a decent lunchtime. So, that is our goal. My remarks today are very, very small, they're not in-depth, we're not going to reinvent the wheel. But I'm humbled to once again have earned your trust to be the Speaker of the4938 Massachusetts House. I want to begin by taking a moment to congratulate all of you, especially the new class of Representatives who just took the oath for the very first time. None of you are here by accident, but rather because of your hard work and the dedication to your constituents. Your community saw something in you, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you. Two years ago, when I last addressed you all in this chamber, I reaffirmed the House's commitment to combating the most pressing challenges facing Massachusetts into delivering results for our constituents.

I pledged to work with all of you to build on the progress that we had already made on issues like health care, gun safety, clean energy, and to tackle the affordability crisis that was being further exacerbated by high inflation rates. We all knew at the time that addressing these challenges and many others would be no small feat, but we also knew that inaction was simply not an option. Yet despite the complexity of the issues facing Massachusetts, in contrary to what you may have read in the paper, the legislature did in fact deliver on that commitment. We began by passing the largest tax cut Massachusetts has seen in a generation. We provided permanent tax relief for families, renters, seniors, and low income residents while simultaneously reducing the estate tax, the capital gains tax, and taxes on businesses located here in the Commonwealth. Through the budget process, we5068 made school meals free in all public5072 schools, one that I am particularly proud of that we fill the void for our kids here in Massachusetts. We made community colleges free for all Massachusetts residents, and we have made historic investments in bringing down the cost of childcare, and we made the largest investment ever in the MBTA.

The House also championed the most significant gun safety reform bill that Massachusetts has seen in a decade. Legislation that will help to ensure that the Commonwealth remains the safest state in the nation from gun violence. Additionally, to provide greater support for the Commonwealth veterans and their families, we passed legislation that provides expanded benefits for veterans and for Gold Star family members. To ensure that the Commonwealth seniors have access to quality health care, we passed legislation that makes reforms to the long term care industry by supporting and expanding their workforce, enhancing oversight of the facilities, and ensuring greater access for everyone. When it came time to caring for our most valuable residents, we didn't stop there, we also passed a comprehensive maternal health bill and legislation that will help to combat the opioid crisis. To boost the desperately needed increase5212 in housing here in the Commonwealth and to address a top issue for many residents, the legislature passed the largest investment in5220 housing production in the history of Massachusetts.

I'm also proud of the fact that the legislature acted again this session to reduce carbon emissions in Massachusetts and to bolster the Commonwealth's status as a hub for climate technology through the passage of clean air, clean energy siting, and permitting. Furthermore, in an effort to ensure that the Commonwealth remains a driving force behind industries of the future, we also passed a sweeping economic development bill that provides support for workers, small businesses, and for5262 larger companies at the forefront of innovation in the clean energy5266 and the life sciences fields. Finally,5270 in the face of the5272 crisis brought on by Stewart Healthcare, we passed legislation to ensure that state regulators have better insight into the financial condition of hospitals, including private equity involvement. That bill includes protections for community hospitals against increasing hospital consolidation and ensured greater accountability for any health care provider that does not comply with our laws.

We also passed important legislation that gives lawmakers and regulators greater insight into the complicated inner workings of the prescription drug industry, including increased oversight over pharmacy benefit managers. At the same time, we secured meaningful relief for consumers by capping co payments for prescription drugs to treat certain chronic conditions. So given all that we accomplished last session, was incredibly productive by any reasonable objective measure as we reached an agreement on every policy bill that was in conference committee negotiations. If we could turn back the clock to July 31st this year, there aren't many people that would have said we were going to do that. Yet as you all know, the coverage of the past two years hasn't5379 always reflected that. As a result, the perception of our work is often at odds with what we know to be the truth about5387 what we've accomplished. Now, it would be5391 easy under those circumstances to stand here in defiance and say that the work should speak for itself. The reality, however, is that doing good work isn't enough if our constituents don't feel as though they can easily follow the process. It's our responsibility to ensure that voters feel that they have an efficient and transparent legislative legislature that is responsive to their concerns. So to that end, the House will consider a number of rules reforms next month when we have our rules debate, from potential changes to the legislative calendar to reforms aimed at bolstering public confidence in the legislative process.

I'm confident that together we can make changes that will have a positive impact on the legislature as an institution for years to come. That work, however, will only be the very beginning of what we must accomplish this session. That's why I'm incredibly grateful for the expertise and unique perspectives that each of you bring to this chamber. I look forward to hearing from all of you about your priorities for this session and about what you're hearing from folks in your communities. That being said, our ability to deliver results for our constituents will depend on more than just collaboration within this chamber. Our success will also be determined by the quality of our working relationships with our colleagues in the Senate and in the Healey Driscoll administration, a relationship that will now be of heightened importance upon the election of a new President. Just as the legislature acted to protect our residents during the 1st Trump administration, it will once again be our responsibility to step up when we can in the face of federal management changes and decrease federal support. It will be imperative that we rise above the infighting and partisan politics that continue to plague congress, a goal I know that Governor Healey and Senate President Spilka remain committed to. Time and again, the legislature has proven that we can meet the moment and deliver solutions to the most daunting challenges facing Massachusetts and the world. I am really confident that this station will be no different. Thank you.
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REP JONES - Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd begin my remarks by making a motion to ask that the remarks of the gentleman from Quincy, the Speaker of the House, be spread upon the record. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and through to the members, their families, friends, supporters, and to all our distinguished guests. It is truly a privilege to stand before you this January 1st at the start of this 194th biannual session of the great general court as we commence our work in this new legislative term. I'd like to thank the voters of 20th Middlesex District for the continued privilege of allowing me to serve the citizens of Redding, North Redding, Lynnfield, and Middleton. I look forward to continuing to work on their behalf with my legislative colleagues in the House and Senate. Swearing in day is always a favorite day, as members, we have the privilege of working in this magnificent chamber all the time. Today, we share the space with those we hold near and dear. We gather with new and seasoned members of legislature, and we are delighted to welcome family and friends to this historic ceremony.

This chamber provides inspiration and motivation and should remind us every day how fortunate we are to be here. But our individual journey to this chamber is only made possible by family, friends, and supporters who worked tirelessly during the election and sacrificed so that we may serve5697 the citizens of Massachusetts. The commitment and support they demonstrated during the campaign is remarkable, these amazing supporters inspire us each and every day. They should also serve as constant reminders each day that we must give 100% of ourselves to our constituents and they must do so with honor and integrity. Many of you are fortunate today to be joined by that one special person in your lives who never let you down. Who keeps our homes and our lives organized and on track and keeps us going even on the toughest days. For me, that person is my wife Linda. She again joins me to share in the special ceremony. And incredibly, one week from today, I remembered, we celebrate 25 years of marriage. Her support of my career has been unwavering.

Each of us has that one person with us here today. We know that without that constant support, we couldn't do what we do. I'm also honored to be joined by my daughter, Alexis, she wasn't going to cry. I'm so proud of her work as a graduate student at Georgetown, and she has taken DC by storm, a nice storm. Unfortunately, my son, Nicholas, could not be here in person, but I'm sure he's here through social media, and I'm sure he's enjoying the ceremony. They never cease to be able to lift my spirits or change my focus for the better. No matter how difficult the day with their unconditional love. Today is a celebratory day with new beginnings, renewed commitments, full of promise and countless opportunities. Part of our very strength is that we represent diverse in different communities. Sharing the bond as elected members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The voters have given us an opportunity to work side by side on issues of importance over the next two years. We must be ever mindful and clear eyed about the challenges ahead, but remain ever hopeful for a brighter future for all our citizens.

Thank you to my Republican colleagues for the continued opportunity to lead them. I am reminded daily of their talents, commitment to this job, and their uneven unwavering efforts for their constituents. Our caucus is an energetic and opinionated group as well I know. We welcome our newest colleagues from Carver in Foxborough and Pembroke and Somerset to our caucus and look forward to5874 sharing their professional experiences and personal stories as they become5878 part of our legislative family. To all the new legislators, congratulations on becoming a member of a remarkable institution situated in a historic building. The next two years will be rewarding and challenging, and you need only be true to yourself and your constituents. To my veteran colleagues, I welcome you back and look forward to the coming session together. Mr. Speaker, congratulations on your reelection as the leader of this August body. Your democratic colleagues have again demonstrated faith in you to lead this historic institution. I'm confident that we can find common ground in the year ahead to ensure that the critical needs of the residents of the Commonwealth are addressed.

In those times when it is impossible to achieve agreement, we must disagree and debate in the best interest of the citizens of the Commonwealth, in the finest traditions of this institution, with purpose, integrity, and respect. There can be no doubt as we gather today ensuring a strong economy for the citizens of our Commonwealth is imperative. A strong and growing economy provides the foundation for making our state more affordable as well as providing the resources we need to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens and the resources our cities and towns so desperately deserve. While our economy is stronger than it was two years ago, when we stood here in the shadows of the pandemic, none5956 of us can or should be satisfied that as5958 strong as it should be. Our never ending wishes to do more in a wide variety of fronts must always be tempered by the ability of the taxpayers to avoid those5966 wishes and our obligation to prepare for the future. Because if the past is prologue, some issue which barely draws our notice today will command our focus during the next two years. A simple principle should help guide these policies we pursue, and that is does a policy help ensure a brighter, safer, and more secure for the children and grandchildren of the people we represent.

It falls to each of us individually and collectively to make this happen. We took our oath of office just a short time ago, granting us the rare opportunity to be amongst the select few that gets to begin the next chapter in Massachusetts history. Today is also the beginning of variety of commemorations and celebrations of events that happened 250 years ago in which our great state played a leading part. They will culminate on July 4th, 2026 with a tremendous semi quincentennial celebration of the signing of the United States declaration of independence. What better time for each of us to renew our commitment to the wonderful experiment in self governance our founders left us. Our democracy is confrontational by design and strong willed people of diverse talent, experience, and divergent beliefs will have differences of opinion, some of which are irreconcilable. We should always be willing to expend the time necessary to work towards achieving common ground. But there is instances where common ground and consensus are elusive or even impossible, let us debate and highlight those differences in the finest traditions of our wonderful institution and our democracy. I'm optimistic that collectively, we can accomplish important things during the next two years. I know that the Republican caucus is ready to get to work and we look forward to moving Massachusetts forward. May God bless you and may God bless the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States of America.
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MARIANO - Timothy Carroll of Howe is elected president of the House. The clerk will now qualify by taking the oath of office, which I shall administer. Whereas, you, Timothy Carroll, are chosen Clerk of the House of Representatives of the General Court of Massachusetts, you do swear that you will truly enter all votes and orders thereof and that in all things relating to your office, you will act faithfully and impartially according to your best skill in judgment. So, help you, God.

CARROLL - I do.
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CARROLL - Mr. Speaker, to you and all the members of this House, thank you for entrusting me with the responsibilities of this office, it's an honor. The policy of6257 the clerk's office is to serve in an impartial, courteous, efficient, and professional manner. As clerk,6263 I assure you that policy will continue. I look forward to working6267 with each and every one of you. On behalf of the clerk's office, congratulations, this is your day, you've earned it, enjoy. Thank you. Happy New Year.

MARIANO - Communication from the clerk. Clerk will read the communication.

CARROLL - To the honorable Ronald Mariano, Speaker of the House. Dear Mr. Speaker, I have the honor to inform you that I have appointed Elizabeth M. Thompson of Clinton as assistant clerk of the house and Allison J. Morris of Taunton as the second assistant of the House. Respectfully, Timothy Carroll.
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MARIANO - I'm going to move right to the benediction so that father Richard W. Fitzgerald from St. Charles, who has been more than patient, and I want to extend my sincere thanks for your patience in putting up with us today, as we stumbled through what is usually a well run operation.
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RICHARD FITZGERALD - SAINT COLUMBKILLE PARISH - Thank you very much. Let us pray. Dear God, we stand before you conscious of our weakness, but aware that we are strengthened as we gather in your name. We pray in a special way for the needy of our Commonwealth. That generous helping hands and7854 hearts may ease their burden. Bless and enlighten the7858 hearts of all our Representatives, Senators, and all our constitution offers officers present in the state house. Give them light and strength to know your will. Guide them by your wisdom and support them by your power. As you desire justice for all, enable our elected officials to uphold the rights of others. Let them be faithful to all that is true. Do not let them be misled by ignorance or corrupted by fear or favor. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of this chamber and shine forth in all its proceedings. May the decisions of all elected officials preserve peace, promote happiness, and continue to bring the citizens of our Commonwealth the blessings of liberty and equality. May the decisions be pleasing to you, and earn the reward promised to good and faithful servants, For you live and reign, God, forever and ever. Amen. Thank you.
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