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$2.3 billion state budget deficit

Description: Richard Voke announces projected budget deficit of $2.3 billion. Reps. Reinstein, Miceli, DeFilippi and Barbara Gray at angry Ways & Means hearing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/09/1990

A day in the budget debate

Description: Housing activists go to Massachusetts House Ways and Means Chairman Thomas Finneran's office to 'evict' him because of his budget proposal. The protesters are arrested. Human service advocates and religious leaders also hold separate protests. The house is debating local aid and tax increases. Rep. Thomas Finneran talks about his budget in the House Chambers. Interviews with Reps. John McDonough and Stanley Rosenberg suggesting new taxes are needed to support services.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 05/21/1991

Black caucus and state budget

Description: Meg Vaillancourt reports that many African American legislators are opposed to the adoption of the latest version of the state budget proposed by the Ways and Means Committee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Vaillancourt reviews the proposed budget, which includes cuts in rental assistance and welfare assistance. The budget also includes cuts to the Department of Social Services and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Interview with State Rep. Shirley Owens Hicks, State Rep. Byron Rushing, and Louis Elisa of the Boston chapter of the NAACP at a breakfast meeting of the Massachusetts Legislative Black Caucus. Owens Hicks and Elisa talk about the need for funding of human services. Rushing says that many voters are not opposed to new taxes to fund human services. Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee Richard Volk talks about the proposed budget in the chambers of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This edition of the Ten O'Clock News also included the following items: Maureen Hart Hennessey of the Norman Rockwell Museum and African Americans in the paintings of Norman Rockwell
1:00:11: Visual: Shots of a breakfast meeting of the Black Caucus. Shots of attendees at the breakfast including Byron Rushing (State Representative). Meg Vaillancourt reports that African American legislators are concerned about the adoption of the budget proposed by the Ways and Means Committee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Vaillancourt notes that African American legislators are concerned about cuts to specific areas of the budget. V: Footage of Shirley Owens Hicks (State Representative) saying that cuts to the budget will affect the poor; that many people depend on the services provided by state agencies. Vaillancourt reports that Richard Volk (Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee) unveiled a budget which cuts $582 million from the budget proposed by Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts); that the budget includes no new taxes. V: Shot of Volk in the House chambers. Volk stands at a podium to explain the proposed budget. On-screen text details some of the cuts included in the budget proposed by the House Ways and Means Committee. Vaillancourt reports that the House Ways and Means budget includes an $8.5 million decrease in rental assistance and a $12 million decrease in emergency welfare assistance. Vaillancourt notes that the budget cuts $6 million from the Department of Social Services; that the budget cuts $20,000 from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Vaillancourt reports that the House Ways and Means budget increases spending on AIDS prevention, elder services, and drug treatment. V: Footage of Rushing saying that the House Ways and Means budget did not cut some areas; that the budget increased spending in other areas. Rushing says that the House Ways and Means Committee proposed spending more money on drug treatment than Dukakis did. Shot of the Massachusetts State House. Vaillancourt reports that legislators are aware of the popular revolt against new taxes; that the minority community may be more receptive to the governor's call for new taxes. V: Footage of Rushing being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Rushing says that his constituents favor new taxes; that many voters all over the state probably favor new taxes. Rushing says that many state representatives are not listening to their constituents. Footage of Owens-Hicks being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Vaillancourt asks Owens-Hicks if she will vote for new taxes. Owens-Hicks says that she is not opposed to some elements of the new tax package; that she supports a capital gains tax; that she is not opposed to cigarette or alcohol taxes. Owens-Hicks says that she will not endorse a gasoline tax. Footage of Louis Elisa (Boston chapter of the NAACP) being interviewed by Vaillancourt. Elisa says that every citizen of the Commonwealth needs to reaffirm their commitment to human services and to their neighbors. Elisa says that the state legislators cannot play politics when there are lives at stake.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/24/1989

Gay Rights Bill

Description: Massachusetts State Representatives speak pro and con on gay rights anti-discrimination bill. Reps. Salvatore Dimasi, Roger Goyette, Susan Schur, Philip Travis, Eleanor Myerson, James Miceli, Francis Woodward, Thomas Vallely, Willian Robinson. The debate focuses mainly on discrimination against gay people in the workplace, but also touches on AIDS and gay foster care rights.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/23/1985

Health care bill passes in House

Description: Marcus Jones reports on debate over a universal health care bill in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Jones reports that lobbyists for the state employees union demanded a collective bargaining amendment to secure the health benefits of state employees. Jones reports that legislators have added the amendment and that the unions are satisfied with the bill. Jones interviews John Flannagan (Massachusetts Teachers' Association) and David Baier (Massachusetts Municipal Association) about the bill and the proposed amendment. Jones also interviews Ray Jordan (State Representative), Catherine Dunham (Dukakis aide) and Richard Volk (Chair, House Ways and Means Committee) about the bill. Jones reports that today's amendment removes one of the roadblocks to the bill's passage. Jones notes that state legislators have been working on the bill for almost a year. He adds that no one is sure if the bill will be approved by the legislature. Jones' report is accompanied by footage of people in the lobby of the Massachusetts State House and by footage of George Keverian (Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives) and House leadership in the House chambers.
1:00:14: Visual: Footage from WGBX of Massachusetts State Representatives in the House Chambers. Representatives take turns addressing the House. George Keverian (Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives) sits at the front of the House chambers. Marcus Jones reports on the Health Care for All package put forth by Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts). V: Footage of John Flannagan (Massachusetts Teacher's Association) saying that universal health care is important; that the State of Massachusetts was trying to roll back other health benefits to pay for the universal health care plan. Jones reports that lobbyists for the state's public employees demanded that an amendement be added to a conference committee bill. Jones notes that the amendment mandates collective bargaining on health benefits for public employees. V: Shots of people milling about in the lobby of the state house; of a man standing in the entrance of the House chambers; of Keverian and House leadership at the front of the House chambers. Jones reports that state employees were concerned about a plan which replaces their Blue Cross coverage with a more costly plan. V: Footage of Flannagan saying that the state is trying to make employees pay more money for fewer benefits. Flannagan says that the amendment for the bill protects state employees. Footage of David Baier (Massachusetts Municipal Association) saying that he represents municipal governments across the state. Baier says that the bill will increase health insurance costs for local governments across the state. Shot of the interior of the House chambers from the State House lobby. Shot of a man standing in the entrance to the House Chambers. Jones reports that legislators spent a lot of time ironing out an agreement with public employees' unions. Jones notes that the amendment to the health care bill removes one of the roadblocks to the bill's passage. V: Footage of Ray Jordan (State Representative) saying that he is more inclined to vote for the bill now that the unions are satisfied with it. Footage of Catherine Dunham (Dukakis aide) saying that the amendment to the bill limits the management flexibility of the administration. Footage of Richard Volk (Chair, House Ways and Means Committee of the Massachusetts House of Representatives) being interviewed by Jones. Volk says that the bill has required a lot of work on the part of legislators. Jones stands in front of the Massachusetts State House. Jones reports that state legislators have been working on the governor's universal health care bill for almost a year; that no one is sure if the bill will pass.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/12/1988

House of Rep.

Description: Interview with Massachusetts Representative Johnston on the reforms he is trying to push through the legislature, which deal with the appointing and workings of committees within the House. Speaker of the House, Thomas W. MgGee is fighting against these changes. Massachusetts State House interiors. Door into the House Chambers. Shot of the House Chambers from multiple angles. Several takes of the reporter standup. Door into the Senate Chambers. Still images of Representative Johnston and Speaker McGee.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 01/02/1979

Infant mortality hearings ignored

Description: Parents and infants in the lobby of a health care center. Rebecca Rollins reports that many Massachusetts state legislators have said that the state's rising infant mortality rate is a priority. State Rep. John McDonough and State Sen. Edward Burke were the only two of seventeen members of the Legislative Health Care Committee attended a recent meeting on the infant mortality rate. Rollins notes that some legislators said that they were not aware of the meeting. Interviews with Burke and Dr. Jean Taylor of the Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center. Taylor says that the all of the members of the committee would have attended if the subject were white infant mortality. Rollins notes that the infant mortality rate is three times higher in the African American community than in the white community. Rollins reports that any legislation related to infant mortality will most likely be written by Burke and McDonough.
1:00:02: Visual: Footage of a health care worker speaking to an African American woman in the lobby of a health care center. The man holds an infant on his lap. Shot of the infant. Rebecca Rollins reports that African American infants in the Boston area are three times more likely than white babies to die in their first year. Rollins reports that many Massachusetts state legislators have said that the state's rising infant mortality rate is a priority. Rollins reports that the Legislative Health Care Committee gave its full attention to the issue of insurance; that the infant mortality issue did not get the same attention. V: Shots of legislators at a meeting of the Legislative Health Care Committee. Rollins reports that there are seventeen members of the Legislative Health Care Committee; that only two members were present at recent hearings on the rising infant mortality rate. V: Shots of black and white photos of the members of the Legislative Health Care Committee, including state representatives Athan Catjakis, Marjorie Claprood, Sherwood Guernsey, Robert Howarth, Frank Hynes, Joseph McIntyre, John McNeiil, Chester Suhoski. Shot of a black and white photo of John McDonough (State Representative). Rollins reports that McDonough and Edward Burke (State Senator) were the only two members who attended the hearings. V: Footage of Burke being interviewed in his office. Burke says that he does not know why other members were prevented from attending the hearings. Rollins says that most of the fifteen legislators were unavailable for comment. V: Shots of black and white photos of state senators on the Legislative Health Care Committee, including Senators Louis Bertonazzi, Robert Buell, John Houston and Thomas White. Shot of a black and white photo of Robert Howarth (State Representative). Rollins reports that Howarth said that he was not aware of the meetings. V: Shot of a black and white photo of John Bartley (State Representative). Rollins reports that Bartley said that he thought the meeting had been scheduled for the day after the primary election. Rollins reports that Bartley said that he had no intention of attending the meeting. Rollins notes that Bartley called back later to say that he had never been notified of the meeting. V: Footage of Burke being interviewed in his office. Burke says that the members were probably notified about the hearings. Burke says that notifications were sent out from his office and from the office of the House Chairman of the committee. Rollins reports that Dr. Jean Taylor (Roxbury Comprehensive Community Health Center) testified at both hearings. V: Footage of Taylor being interviewed by Rollins. Taylor says that all of the members of the committee would have attended the hearings if the subject was related to white infant mortality. Rollins stands in front of the Massachusetts State House. Rollins reports that the previous day's hearings were the final hearings on infant mortality for this year. Rollins notes that any legislation related to infant mortality will most likely be written by Burke and McDonough. Rollins notes that the absence of the fifteen legislators may have compromised progress in the state's health care system.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/16/1990

Investigation of police misconduct

Description: Rep. Kevin Fitzgerald and Sen. Bill Owens support a bill, sponsored by Byron Rushing, creating commission to investigate police misconduct in Stuart murder case. Rep. Michael Flaherty opposes it. Interview with Frank McGee on police investigation.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/08/1990

Quincy vs. Roxbury vs. MWRA

Description: Marcus Jones reports that the Massachusetts State Legislature has passed a bill designating the city of Quincy as the location for the new headquarters of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Parcel 18 in Roxbury had been chosen as the initial site for the headquarters. Speaker of the House George Keverian and House leadership in the chambers of the House of Representatives. Mayor Ray Flynn , City Councilor Bruce Bolling, and Parcel 18 supporters at a press conference outside of the Massachusetts State House. Flynn and Bolling express their support for Parcel 18. Flynn says that the legislature's decision has undermined public confidence in the government. Governor Michael Dukakis has vetoed the bill designating Quincy as the MWRA site at a press conference. Interview with Reverend Tony Bethel of the Parcel 18 Task Force, who says that he and his supporters will continue to fight for economic justice for Roxbury. Footage of the building in Quincy proposed to house the MWRA.
1:00:12: V: Footage of Bruce Bolling (Boston City Council) at a press conference outside of the Massachusetts State House. Bolling says that state legislators need to stand with the supporters of Parcel 18; that the supporters of Parcel 18 are on the "correct side." Shots of a crowd of Parcel 18 supporters gathered outside of the State House for the press conference. The supporters hold signs reading, "Parcel-to-parcel linkage" and "Roxbury equals economic opportunity." Marcus Jones reports that the Massachusetts state legislature has passed a bill which designates the city of Quincy as the location for the new headquarters of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Jones notes that the bill overrules the MWRA's initial decision to build their headquarters on Parcel 18 in Roxbury. V: Footage of George Keverian (Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives) and the House leadership at the front of the chambers of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Shots of the exterior of the Ruggles MBTA station in Roxbury; of the Boston skyline from Parcel 18 in Roxbury. Jones reports that Quincy legislators pushed for the MWRA to settle in an aging industrial building near the site of a sludge facility. V: Shots of officials climbing the stairs of an industrial building in Quincy; of the interior of the building. Shots of the sludge facility in Quincy. Jones notes that Parcel 18 supporters say that the battle is not yet over. V: Shots of demonstrators at the press conference outside of the State House. Shot of a sign reading, "Keep the MWRA in Roxbury." Footage of Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) saying that the legislature's decision jeopardizes the citizens' confidence government. Flynn says that the legislature has not shown a commitment to "straightforward, honest government." Shot of Michael Dukakis (Governor of Massachusetts) signing a piece of paper at a press conference. Members of the media photograph him. Jones reports that Dukakis vetoed the legislature's MWRA bill yesterday; that the legislature will vote next week on Dukakis's veto. Jones reports that Parcel 18 supporters will lobby for the Roxbury site over the next week. V: Shot of the press conference outside of the State House. Shots of demonstrators and audience members at the press conference. A demonstrator holds up a sign reading, "Fairness equals a vote for Roxbury." Footage of Bolling saying that Quincy was not chosen to be the initial site because Quincy did not have the best proposal.The crowd applauds for Bolling. Footage of the Reverend Tony Bethel (Parcel 18 Task Force) being interviewed by Jones outside of the State House. Bethel says that he and his supporters will continue to fight for economic justice for the Roxbury area, even if Dukakis' veto is overruled. Jones reports that Parcel 18 supporters have vowed to continue the fight to bring the MWRA to Roxbury.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/11/1989

Redistricting

Description: Christy George reports that shifts in the state's population have forced the Massachusetts House of Representatives to draw up a redistricting plan for the state's legislative districts. State Rep. Jim Brett has been charged with drafting a redistricting plan. Interview with Brett on his plan. Boston and Cambridge will each lose one seat while the South Shore and Cape Cod will each gain a seat. George notes that the Republican Party and minorities are protective of their legislative districts and that both groups seem to be happy with the plan. Interviews with State Rep. Peter Forman and Byron Rushing. Brett and Peter Vellucci will lose their districts and be forced to run against other incumbent legislators. Interviews with State Rep. Vellucci and Paul White. The legislature has voted in favor of the plan. Speaker of the House George Keverian presides over the proceedings in the House chambers.
1:00:00: Visual: Footage of Jim Brett (Massachusetts House of Representatives) and another lawmaker discussing the Massachusetts House of Representatives' redistricting plan for the state of Massachusetts. Brett and the other lawmaker look at a map of the districts. Shots of Brett and the other lawmaker walking into Brett's office; of Brett sitting down behind his desk. Christy George reports that Brett is the architect of the House redistricting plan; that the job of redistricting is difficult; that Brett's colleagues are eager to have input on the borders of their districts. George reports that Brett appears to have done an excellent job in drafting the redistricting plan. V: Footage of Brett and the other lawmaker looking at the map in Brett's office. Brett gives the map to the other lawmaker, saying that he is tired of looking at the map. The other lawmaker exits Brett's office. George notes that Brett has done a heroic job in performing a thankless task. V: Footage of Brett saying that he was told that the redistricting job was a "losing proposition." Brett says that he thinks that he has managed to please all of the people involved. George reports that Brett's task was to keep all 160 state representatives secure in their districts while making shifts in almost all legislative districts. George notes that a shift in the state's population forced the redistricting of the state. [Shot of Brett explaining the redistricting proposal. Brett stands in front of a map of the districts. George notes that the most recent state census shows that Massachusetts' cities have shrank while suburbs have grown. V: Shot of the districts near Boston shown on Brett's map. George notes that Boston and Cambridge are each losing a seat in the legislature; that two new legislative seats will be created on the South Shore and Cape Cod. V: Shots of Brett pointing to the map; of the audience members. Footage of Brett joking that he might need a security fence around his house after the redistricting plan is filed. Shots of audience members listening to Brett. George reports that minority voters and Republican voters want to protect their districts; that the redistricting may allow Republicans to win one of the new seats on the South Shore. V: Footage of Peter Forman (State Representative from Plymouth) saying that he is very happy with the plan because there are two new districts in suburban areas. Footage of Byron Rushing (State Representative) saying that Brett asks representatives in neighboring districts to come to him with group proposals for redistricting; that Brett's efforts to take those proposals into account have led to acceptance of the plan. Shot of Brett entering the House Chambers with another lawmaker. George reports that it is difficult to combine districts; that the act of combining districts pits two incumbent lawmakers against one another. V: Shot from above of Harvard Square in Cambridge. George notes that the shrinking population in Cambridge forced the combinations of three districts into two districts. George reports that Peter Vellucci (State Representative from Cambridge) voted for the redistricting plan; that Vellucci will lose his Cambridge district and be forced to run in Somerville. V: Footage of Vellucci saying that he does not believe that the plan was drawn up according to the wishes of Charles Flaherty (Majority Leader, Massachusetts House of Representatives). Vellucci says that Flaherty and Saundra Graham (State Representative) have always had districts in Cambridge. George notes that Brett's own district in Dorchester was combined with the district of Paul White (State Representative); that White is expected to run for Senate next year. V: Shots of a residential street in Dorchester. Footage of White saying that Brett will have a long political career ahead of him; that Dorchester voters will have a chance to vote for him and Brett in the future. Shot of an electronic board indicating the results of the vote in the House Chambers; of George Keverian (Speaker of the House) presiding proceedings in the House Chambers. George stands outside of the House Chambers. George reports that the vote was 151 to 1 in favor of the proposal. George notes that Keverian picked Brett to draw up the redistricting plan; that Keverian himself was in charge of a previous redistricting plan years ago.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/13/1987