More Perfect Union: 068 - Congress, The Role of The House Speaker, and The Current Problem Facing The Republican Party (audio)

In this episode, the group discusses the problem republican's are having appointing a house speaker, how congress works, why this is holding up session, the democratic party's reaction, and so much more.

Audio file -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episode/068-congress-the-role-of-the-house-speaker-and-the-current-problem-facing-the-republican-party

Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, Chris Woolf and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

US House of Representatives minority and majority leader initial speeches as the 118th Congress opens

Franklin is where we are, and a recipient down the 'food chain' so to speak from the Federal level, to the State (actually Commonwealth in our case), to the local. While Congress is not a direct influence, there is plenty of indirect influence. 

Hence it does matter for us to be aware of what happens there. Here are the two opening speeches of the newly elected House of Representatives. What they say, how they say it, and what they don't say, will effect us in ways we will find out as it happens.

House minority leader H Jefferies -> https://youtu.be/JLOAQjjKJbM

 

House majority leader K McCarthy -> https://youtu.be/pb_gA0009b4 

 

For more about the US Congress visit their page -> https://www.congress.gov/

https://www.congress.gov/

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Nov 21 to Dec 9

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW NOVEMBER 21 - DECEMBER 9 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed.  On the Hill Respect for Marriage Act: Last Thursday, I was excited to join my colleagues in voting to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which President Biden signed into law. I celebrated this historic vote on the House floor with my trailblazing predecessor, Barney Frank. This critical law ensures that all Americans have the right to marry whom they love by making marriage equality and interracial marriage the law of the land. Protecting Offshore Wind: Last week, my continued advocacy helped ensure a win for offshore wind development in Massachusetts and across the country. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was intended to include a well-intentioned, but poorly considered, provision that would have prevented the U.S. offshore wind industry from reaching President Biden's goal of 30 gigawatts by 2030. Over the course of the last year, I led 30 of my colleagues in advocacy to remove the provision, which officially succeeded this week. The southern part of our district holds massive potential for offshore wind energy and economic development. I will continue to fight for the clean energy and green jobs that offshore wind promotes. Gun Violence Prevention: I, along with fellow members of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, met with the Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the Justice Department. We discussed his enforcement of regulations we passed in the bipartisan gun safety bill we passed earlier this year as well as the concerning rise of ghost guns. Ghost guns are assembled by consumers after purchasing different components of the gun from different vendors. I am committed to ensuring illegal guns, whether assembled commercially or individually, stay off the streets and out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Make your voice heard → The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act passed the House last week. I was the only Democratic veteran to vote against it. The bill currently totals $857 billion, representing an $80 billion increase over the previous year. I am a proud supporter of a strong and growing U.S. military, but the spending needs to be reined in. The Pentagon is the biggest bureaucracy in the world, and it can do 10% more with 10% less — but Congress needs to force the issue. What do you think? Do you support reducing the defense budget? Around the Fourth Small Business Saturday: I celebrated Small Business Saturday by stopping by some local businesses with Teddy. We went holiday shopping for Toys for Tots at Henry's Bear Park in Newtonville. I also visited Viva Fall River and met Executive Director Patti Rego, who won the 2022 Gateway Cities Innovation Award. This award recognizes Patti's exceptional contributions to one of the state's Gateway Cities - Fall River. Small businesses need our support, and while I'm working to support them in Congress, I urge you to support them this holiday season by shopping local. EPA Funding Announcement: On Friday, I joined EPA Regional Director David Cash, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Paul Coogan, State Senator Mike Rodrigues, and State Representative Carole Fiola in Fall River to announce $14 million in federal funding for Fall River. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is also investing over $7 million. These funds will help de-lead Fall River's drinking water and purchase electric school buses. As I said in my remarks to Fall River students: this is government at work, for you. The mayor's remarks were especially poignant. The days of Fall River being left behind or counted out, he said, are over. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 31 to Nov 18

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 18 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. First — Happy Thanksgiving! On the Hill The New Republic: Recently, I joined the New Republic for the Run-Up Live, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at Congress. In regards to their question about Republican control of the House, I said that with the gavel comes the initiative: if the GOP wants to focus on lower costs and clean energy, then Democrats will engage and debate in good faith. But if it's going to be political theater designed only to weaken the president, then House Democrats will hit back hard. You can watch the full discussion here. Speaker Pelosi: Last week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced that she would not seek re-election as the House Democratic Leader. I am thankful for her fearless leadership, especially during the Trump administration. I agree with her sentiment that "we must move boldly into the future, grounded by the principles that have propelled us this far and open to fresh possibility for the future." You can watch my comments about the next wave of Democratic leadership here. Make your voice heard → A recent controversial discussion at COP27 — the climate conference hosted by the United Nations — revolved around "loss and damage." A loss and damage fund will send monies from developed nations to mitigate climate harm suffered by poorer nations. One big question is, what about China? It's simultaneously the world's biggest carbon emitter (much bigger than the USA) but also, still, a developing nation. Do you support wealthier countries, like the U.S., providing loss and damage payments to poorer countries? Let me know below if you support this proposal. Do you support a Loss and Damage system in response to extreme weather events? Around the Fourth Lakeville Fire Department: Recently, I visited the Lakeville Fire Department to learn about their new equipment. Local, state, and federal officials came together to better equip the Lakeville Fire Department to fight both structural and forest fires. Better gear doesn't just make for better firefighters — it means longer careers and healthier retirements. Veterans Day: I celebrated Veterans Day at the Veterans Day Parade in Seekonk. I spoke at the parade to honor fellow veterans who have sacrificed for our country. The call for a nationwide moment of silence in President Biden's Veterans Day Proclamation is an important marker of respect. I was proud to further the efforts of Former Representatives Barney Frank and Joe Kennedy, and current Representative Steve Lynch, to recognize this moment of silence in all future Veterans Day presidential proclamations. I encourage all Americans to participate in the coming years. Climate and Housing Conferences: Two weeks ago, I hosted conferences on affordable housing and clean energy. The affordable housing conference highlighted that the cost of housing is the single biggest challenge facing the Commonwealth. We were joined by Juana Matias, the HUD regional administrator, and spoke with housing officials and developers across the district about the programs and funding available for affordable housing development. I also reiterated my commitment to policies, from zoning reform to Low Income Housing Tax Credit expansion, that surge production of affordable housing units. You can watch my floor speech highlighting the affordable housing conference here. At the climate and clean energy summit, we covered policy, clean tech, and international affairs. I left this event optimistic because of the growing political will, abundant talent and innovation, and increasing global cooperation around the imperative of a clean energy transition. We are going to achieve a future of clean air, clean water, and clean energy that is too cheap to meter. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Sep 12 through Sep 30

LAST 3 WEEKS IN REVIEW SEPTEMBER 12 - SEPTEMBER 30 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill The Clean Energy Transition: I wrote in the Washington Times that the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy need not be along party lines. Republicans must combat science deniers within their ranks and join Democrats in making progress on clean energy innovation. And Democrats should be open to collaboration on the market-based solutions that Republicans tend to favor.  There are common values on which to build: members of both parties should want to leave a healthier environment for their children while creating a stronger economy that is free from Middle Eastern oil. Writing about clean energy in a conservative publication is part of my go-everywhere, talk-to-everyone approach to delivering results on the critical issues of our time. Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act: Prior to voting in favor of the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act, I spoke on the House floor about the importance of this legislation. The bill will strengthen protections for federal employees who expose wrongdoing. Federal whistleblowers who put their livelihoods on the line to expose bad actors deserve their day in court if they face retaliation. I also passed an amendment to the bill to ensure their cases appear with the urgency they demand. Wall Street on the Hill: Recently, the CEOs of big U.S. banks testified before the Financial Services Committee. In my questioning, I focused on how Wall Street and Washington can work together to outcompete the Chinese Communist Party as it strains under its draconian zero-Covid policy. Congress and big banks both have tools and resources to expand U.S. productive capacity, particularly by building more housing and increasing labor force participation. I also asked the CEOs about whether they believed the Fed Chair would maintain inflation-fighting credibility with Wall Street in the year ahead. If markets don't believe the Fed's forward guidance, the central bank's ability to prevent long-term inflation would be undermined. Upon my questioning, these closest Fed-watchers raised their hands in a vote of confidence in the Fed chairman's resolve. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to ensure Americans have access to affordable housing. At the state and local level, building multi-family housing by-right is critical to driving down housing prices. Let me know below if you support building more multi-family homes. Do you support building multi-family housing to drive down housing prices? Around the Fourth New England Council: Recently, I addressed the New England Council to highlight the accomplishments of this Congress while presenting a new, collaborative vision for the future. I've worked with progressive Democrats on curbing climate change, with moderate Democrats on lowering costs for families, and with Republicans to support the people of Ukraine. My core message: I will continue to work left, right, and center to deliver results for working families. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Aug 29 - Sep 11

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 11 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Remembering 9/11 Anniversary of September 11th: On Sunday, we commemorated 21 years since our way of life came under assault, in an attack so horrifying that the images and sounds are forever seared in our collective memory. In solidarity, I spoke at the Newton Fire Department in honor of the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. As a country, we commit ourselves to freedom and democracy, in their memory. On the Hill MBTA: I met with Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) General Manager Steve Poftak and other MBTA officials on the shutdown of the Orange Line and other service restrictions caused by maintenance and safety concerns. The federal government has provided sufficient funding to the MBTA, but now the MBTA needs to properly use the funding for increasing staffing and performing maintenance. Specifically, they need to hire at least 2,000 people over the next two years. I do not believe that the Federal Transit Administration should impose receivership on the MBTA. The FTA has demonstrated its value in enforcing safety upgrades and should stay in close oversight of the MBTA, but as a former local official, I strongly believe that state and local officials are best equipped to run the MBTA. Supporting Ukraine: Ukrainian forces recently retook over 1,000 square miles in northeastern Ukraine from Russian troops. Ukraine's counteroffensive is the most significant development in the war since Russia's retreat from Kyiv and is further evidence that Russia can be defeated. I am continuing to work to maintain strong bipartisan support in Congress for Russia's strategic defeat. We must continue providing economic, military, and humanitarian aid to Ukrainian forces to ensure their victory on the front lines of the free world. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to provide widespread access to public transit. Let me know below if you have access to reliable, public transportation. Have you been impacted by recent public transit service restrictions? Around the Fourth Investing in Health: I joined Governor Baker in speaking at the opening ceremony for a new Blackstone life sciences location in our state. Blackstone is investing in new cures, good jobs, and better care for Massachusetts residents. And, increasingly, the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem is extending to southeastern Massachusetts, where, for example, Thermo Fisher Scientific recently opened a biomanufacturing facility in Plainville. Meet-Ups Across the Fourth: Throughout the month of August, I hosted a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants throughout the district. I enjoyed hearing from constituents on a variety of topics, from Congress's recent action on climate change to providing support to Ukraine to continuing our work to lower health care costs. I will take all of this information with me back to Washington and keep it in mind as relevant legislation arises. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update covering the 2 week period July 4 - July 15

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW JULY 4 - JULY 15 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Trip to Israel: I recently visited Israel with a bipartisan group of my colleagues, which I documented with Jewish Insider upon my return. While we were visiting, I saw firsthand the positive impacts of the Abraham Accords, which I have strongly supported since taking office, as well as the Biden Administration's efforts to expand and strengthen them. When I met with Israeli political and military leaders last month, they emphasized the importance of regional defense and deterrence against Iran's malign activities. That is why President Biden's reaffirmation of the United States' commitment to Israel's security during his recent trip to the region is so important. Saudi Arabia's decision to open its airspace to civilian flights to and from Israel is a significant step toward regional integration and diplomatic normalization. This important step, thanks to President Biden's diplomatic efforts, lays the groundwork for additional economic, cultural, and security ties between Israel and its Arab neighbors. While I was in Israel, I also witnessed the peaceful – even good-natured – transition of leadership between outgoing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and incoming Prime Minister Yair Lapid. These two leaders, from different parties, embraced one another and committed to continuing to work for the good of all Israelis. It was yet another testament, to me, of what's at stake with the January 6 Commission here at home. Immigration: I spoke on the House Floor about the concerning drop in legal immigration from pre-pandemic trends, which has caused further employment shortages across the country. During my conversations with local business owners, I have heard time and time again how difficult it has been for businesses to get back on their feet after the pandemic, primarily due to a lack of workers available to fill open positions. I strongly support any and all measures to make up for the shortfall of 2M legal immigrants, from clearing the visa backlog, to documenting immigrants and Dreamers already in the US, and increasing caps for both immigration and refugee resettlement. This isn't just an economic issue - it's a moral and American issue. Protecting the Right to an Abortion: On Friday, I voted for the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA) when it passed in the House. This bill is intended to guarantee equal access to safe and legal abortion for all women following the Supreme Court's decision to repeal a fundamental right and restrict access to abortion. The WHPA guarantees a woman's right to abortion, as well as the freedom of abortion providers to deliver abortion services. Further, the bill prohibits medically unnecessary restrictions that are designed to take the right to abortion away. I also joined my colleagues in passing the Ensuring Access to Abortion Act in the House. This bill would protect a woman's right to travel to access the reproductive care they need. Specifically, the bill prohibits any person acting under state law from impeding or retaliating against health care providers who provide services to out-of-state residents, any person who travels for such services, and the person who helps them travel. Americans have a constitutional right to travel, including for health services, and this bill will help protect that right. The Senate should eliminate the filibuster and pass these critical bills to ensure access to abortions for all Americans. Voting Against the Defense Spending Bill: I am a supporter of a strong United States military. We need to be able to uphold the post-war international order and stamp out humanitarian catastrophes wherever they exist. I also appreciate that this defense budget continues to orient the United States' strategy towards the Indo-Pacific and away from our failed forever wars in the Middle East; however, I opposed this bill for two reasons. First, the topline funding level is just too high. The Pentagon, like any massive bureaucracy, can do 10 percent more with 10 percent less. I inserted an amendment to force the Pentagon to procure more efficiently and to take a hard look at its personnel and overhead, so that in future years, we can save taxpayer money while maintaining military readiness. We are spending too much money on defense procurement and not getting enough in return. Secondly, the bill contains a provision that would harm the U.S. offshore wind industry. The southern part of our district has a growing offshore wind cluster and I am fiercely protective of the clean energy, jobs, and economic development that will follow offshore wind development. In addition to voting against the bill, I led 30 of my colleagues in calling on the Senate to remove the provision restricting offshore wind development. Clean energy is the future. Regardless of what other voices in Washington have to say, I will oppose any bill that pulls us back instead of pushing us forward. Make your voice heard → Our military spending eclipses that of the ten next-largest militaries combined, and still would if it were slimmed down by ten percent. The Pentagon is the world's largest bureaucracy and – like most big bureaucracies – could tighten its belt and find itself more efficient and effective as a result. The Pentagon, however, is also the most effective lobbyist on the Hill, and therefore too few Members of Congress are willing to cut its budget. Let me know below if you support reducing the defense budget. Do you support reducing the defense budget? Around the Fourth A Visit to Sharon: Last week, I toured around Sharon, visiting a local dairy farm, water infrastructure, and speaking to firefighters and police officers. Our first stop brought us to Crescent Ridge Dairy Farm to celebrate their 90th anniversary and enjoy some locally made ice cream. I spoke to the third-generation owners about their challenges finding skilled workers due to a lack of immigration, which I also spoke about on the House floor. I was also able to tour the production line and discuss the ways local businesses are working to support each other during these difficult times. I also thanked Sharon police officers and firefighters for their service during the pandemic, as well as their ongoing efforts to keep Sharon safe. We discussed the urgent need to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of citizens and how the police force is working to ensure they are able to address emergency situations as they arise. Gardner Terrace: I visited and spoke at Gardner Terrace, a senior facility in Attleboro. Gardner Terrace will undergo a $23 million renovation, which will ensure that low-income Attleboro seniors have access to high-quality, affordable housing. As the Vice Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, I will continue to be a committed partner for affordable housing development in our district, our state, and across the country. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

President Biden's Address advocating "Let us finally do something!" (video)

The full video can be found ->  https://youtu.be/0Yu7u2k-6gM

Boston Globe coverage of the address -> 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/06/02/nation/president-biden-urge-congress-act-guns-prime-time-address/

New York Times coverage of the address ->   https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/06/02/us/biden-gun-control-speech

"Total cost began to be higher than total income in 2021"

Social Security 2022 Trustees Report

The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2035, one year later than projected last year, with 80 percent of benefits payable at that time.

The OASI Trust Fund is projected to become depleted in 2034, one year later than last year’s estimate, with 77 percent of benefits payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund asset reserves are not projected to become depleted during the 75-year projection period.

In the 2022 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced:

• The asset reserves of the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds declined by $56 billion in 2021 to a total of $2.852 trillion.
• The total annual cost of the program is projected to exceed total annual income in 2022 and remain higher throughout the 75-year projection period. Total cost began to be higher than total income in 2021. Social Security’s cost has exceeded its non-interest income since 2010.
• The year when the combined trust fund reserves are projected to become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, is 2035 – one year later than last year’s projection. At that time, there would be sufficient income coming in to pay 80 percent of scheduled benefits.

“It is important to strengthen Social Security for future generations. The Trustees recommend that lawmakers address the projected trust fund shortfalls in a timely way in order to phase in necessary changes gradually,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “Social Security will continue to be a vital part of the lives of 66 million beneficiaries and 182 million workers and their families during 2022.”

Continue reading the full press release ->   https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/releases/2022/#6-2022-1

On the Climate Front: more heat pumps; legislation in Congress; MA Senate acts to drive climate action forward

A Cold War law could be used to boost heat pump production 

"Democrats and climate advocates are demanding the White House invoke a Cold War-era law to boost domestic manufacturing of heat pumps and other clean energy technologies, arguing it could simultaneously counter Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and fend off climate change.

The Defense Production Act enables the president to force manufacturers to expand the production of crucial goods in times of crisis. President Harry S. Truman wielded the law in 1950 to bolster steel production for the Korean War. Former president Donald Trump and President Biden used it to boost the manufacturing of ventilators and medical masks respectively."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/07/science/cold-war-law-could-be-used-boost-heat-pump-production/

Is the world’s most important climate legislation about to die in US Congress?

"On April 23, the day after Earth Day, a big tent coalition—climate activists, union workers, civil rights leaders, and increasingly desperate young people—will be gathering outside the White House. If you live on the eastern seaboard and are free that Saturday, you should sign up and join them. Here’s why:

Tucked beneath the headlines on COVID and Ukraine, the most important climate legislation in US history – and thus, arguably, in world history – is still stuck in Congressional purgatory. You’d be forgiven if you weren’t fully aware. It is not trending on Twitter. President Biden has mostly stopped talking about it. The enormous moral stakes have been brutally ablated by a broken, farcical, and, above all, extremely boring legislative kludge known as budget reconciliation. The months-long saga has turned Biden’s original “Build Back Better” plan into the juridical equivalent of a Warhol soup can – a ubiquitous token evacuated of any original meaning."

Continue reading the article (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/apr/07/is-the-worlds-most-important-climate-legislation-about-to-die-in-us-congress

An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday introduced An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward, its second major climate proposal this legislative session, and the latest effort to continue the Commonwealth on its path towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The bill, also known as the Drive Act, increases investments in the state’s clean energy infrastructure, builds and improves upon existing incentives for homeowners, renters, and consumers to reduce their carbon footprints, and reduces emissions from the building and transportation sectors.

“With the Drive Act, we are taking an all-hands-on deck approach to saving the planet, with a particular focus on three area that will need significant attention if we are to meet our ambitious goal of having net zero emissions by 2050: the transportation, clean energy, and building sectors,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “With gas prices fluctuating and our reliance on foreign oil being brought into question once again by world events, it is in everyone’s best interest to get more Massachusetts drivers into electric vehicles, and this bill will help do that through investing in renewed EV incentives for consumers and expanded EV infrastructure. I’m proud that the Senate continues to lead on facing the existential challenge of climate change, and I am particularly grateful to Senate Majority Leader Cream and Chairs Barrett and Rodrigues on their dedicated work to aggressively move this important legislation forward.”

“Building off last year’s landmark Next Gen Climate law, An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward is a comprehensive climate bill focused on boldly confronting our climate challenges and achieving our ambitious 2050 net zero carbon emission goals as quickly and as equitably as possible,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I applaud Senate President Spilka and her team for their incredible leadership, ensuring the Senate is committed to prioritizing an all-hands-on deck approach on the issue of climate change, and I applaud Senator Barrett, Senator Creem, their staffs and the Senate Ways and Means team for their collaboration, dedication and focus to put forward this comprehensive package to meet this most urgent moment. I look forward to a robust and energetic debate next week on the Senate floor.”
 
“We know climate change is relentless, so we think Massachusetts needs to be relentless, too,” stated Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee. “No one's around to give out ‘A’s’ for effort. What matters are results. An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward pushes back against global warming on multiple fronts, and with an emphasis on innovation and smart experimentation. It's about thinking long-range but executing now, in the short term. It's about problem-solving, confidence, and even optimism.”

“It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating the passage of another landmark climate bill, but the climate crisis requires of us to constantly drive Massachusetts’ climate policy forward,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D-Newton), Chair of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. “I’m grateful to President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and Senator Barrett for prioritizing climate action, and I’m incredibly proud of the bold steps that the Senate is proposing today to reduce emissions from transportation and buildings and invest in clean energy technology.”

An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward bolsters cutting edge clean energy technologies, updates the offshore wind procurement process and supports the advancement of solar power. It also incentivizes consumer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), electrifies the MBTA bus fleet and builds up the EV charging infrastructure across the state. Finally, it addresses issues regarding building emissions, biomass facilities and the future of gas in the Commonwealth, among other things.

A detailed description of the bill’s provisions can be found in the accompanying fact sheet. The Senate plans to debate S.2819, An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward on Thursday, April 14, 2022, in advance of the annual celebration of Earth Day. In coordination with the Drive Act, the Senate will take up H.851, An Act preserving open space in the Commonwealth, and S.676, An Act relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases. The former bill codifies into law protections for open space covered by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution, while the latter bill takes action to ensure that homeowner insurers provide crucial insurance coverage to families who are at risk of costly home heating oil spills.

PDF of the press release

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X8u7Pv98kM96wGhZfBFL-zD9dCoMOayu/view?usp=sharing

PDF of the Fact Sheet 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Oj_thFiKd7QbmFynCt_EDsw4rx5_MfDu/view?usp=sharing

An Act Driving Climate Policy Forward