Senate Session Summary – Monday, Jan. 3, 2022
State House News Service
The Senate kicked off the new year by approving a single local bill affecting alcohol licenses in Easton before adjourning until Wednesday, when both branches will convene to mark the start of the second year in the 2021-2022 lawmaking session. Senators are calling Wednesday’s gathering a formal session, though it remains unclear if they will tackle any major legislative business. Democrat leaders in the House and Senate have been reviewing Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto action and amendments on a $4 billion spending bill he signed Dec. 13. Lawmakers have had to wait weeks to respond with votes since they met only in informal sessions during a seven-week holiday recess. – Chris Lisinski
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CONVENES: Sen. Brownsberger gaveled the Senate into session at 11:08 a.m.
PLEDGE: Members, staff and guests rose and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
BOSTON LAND, SICK LEAVE BANK: With one vote, the Senate concurred with the House in referring HD 4351 authorizing the Commonwealth to convey certain land in the city of Boston to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight and HD 4616 establishing a sick leave bank for John Coleman, an employee of the Department of Correction, to the Joint Committee on Public Service.
EASTON ALCOHOL LICENSE: The Senate enacted H 4116 authorizing the town of Easton to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages.
ADJOURNMENT ORDER: The Senate adopted a Sen. O’Connor order that when it adjourn, it will meet next on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
MEMORIAL ADJOURNMENT: Question came on a Sen. Moore order to adjourn in memory of James “Jim” Brochu of Upton, who died on Dec. 18.
Sen. Moore said, born in Worcester, James A. Brochu, 61, was a lifelong resident of the town of Upton. Jim has been employed as the director of facilities of Blackstone Valley Tech High School for decades. BVT was special to him. As a graduate in 1978 in the electrical program and his career as the director of facilities, he loved his BVT family. He was also a devoted public servant who proudly served on the Upton Board of Selectmen for six years and previously served as a firefighter and EMT and past president and member of the EMS Association. Jim will be sorely missed by his family, his family at BVT, his friends and the community of Upton he so faithfully served.
The Senate adopted the memorial adjournment order and observed a moment of silence.
ADJOURNS: The Senate adjourned at 11:16 a.m. to meet next on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
