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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Adam Reilly's Talking Politics blog: http://www.thephoenix.com/talkingpolitics

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Adam Reilly: areilly@phx.com

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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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