Talking Politics

Slow ride

By ADAM REILLY | April 26, 2006

The ambiguity is only fitting. Everyone knows health-care reform was a major achievement, and the anti-gang legislation that passed earlier this year was eminently worthwhile. But at this point, the number-three achievement for 2006 could be a new law allowing restaurant patrons to bring home re-corked bottles of wine. If the House and Senate can rise above whatever ill will might be lingering from the health-care debate, and hammer out an agreement on a few more key matters — such as legalizing syringes, or raising the minimum wage, or creating tax incentives for owning hybrid vehicles — the second half of this legislative session might actually be remembered for its productivity. Then again, if health-care reform becomes an excuse for taking it easy between now and July 31, history’s verdict will be less kind.

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Comments

Slow ride

While you make a valid point regarding the yet unresolved economic stimulus bill and supplemental budget from last fall, I believe you have missed many other significant pieces of legislation that have been passed so far in this TWO YEAR legislative session.... Both houses have passed a groundbreaking Stem Cell Research, authorized Emergency Contraception, passed a Drunk Driving Bill, reauthorized an Affordable Housing Bond and a produced a Veterans Welcome Home Bill....and this year the House passed a comprehensive Mercury Bill and a Primary Seat Belt Bill that is awaiting Senate action and the House debated two controversial bills that would allow the Death Penalty and In-State Tuition (both failed, thankfully) And where is three months to go.........I think it is a little unfair to say that this was an unproductive session. These accomplishments along with the groundbreaking Health Care Reform Law is quite impressive!

By CapitalD on 04/30/2006 at 10:30:11

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He's Stayin’

One factor that could influence the legislature’s ability to have a productive 2006: Senate president Robert Travaglini’s plans for the future. There’s been buzz of late that Travaglini might leave the State House for a private-sector job. But earlier this week, at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast, Travaglini said these rumors were off base. “Let me say that I am running for re-election, and I’m not being cute.”

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