Massachusetts Senate -- Vote Descriptions

	Vote Description	Relevant Platform Section
Defining marriage as one man and one woman Platform indicates YES based on Part I: Families & Children (Domestic Partnership) Vote number 522 on Constitutional Amendment on February 11, 2004	Vote on a proposed Constitutional amendment: "It being the public policy of the Commonwealth to protect the unique relationship of marriage, only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Massachusetts. This article is self-executing, but the General Court may enact laws... establishing civil unions."	Part I: Families & Children: Domestic Partnership: "We oppose actions that would define marriage solely as a relationship between a man and a woman, and that would ban the recognition of any other relationship as marriage or its legal equivalent. We oppose efforts that would ban the provision of any benefits to gay and lesbian families that are now granted exclusively to married couples under Massachusetts law."
Veto override of $200K reduction to blind job program Platform indicates YES based on Part I: Families & Children Vote number 251 on Budget Veto Override on July 10, 2003	"Override Gov. Romney's veto of a Budget Line Item which reduced by $200,000 the funding for the Ferguson Industries for the Blind, which employs blind individuals as well as providing them an opportunity for socialization and a chance to mingle with peers, learn daily living skills and gain a feeling of independence.	PART I: FAMILIES & CHILDREN, DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY: Persons with Disabilities: ""We reaffirm our support for The Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability, and for efforts to bring the Commonwealth into full ADA compliance. We believe state assistance should be made more readily available for community-based care, and should not be inappropriately biased toward institutional settings."" "
Veto override of federal school breakfast supplement Platform indicates YES based on Part I: Families & Children Vote number 252 on Budget Veto Override on July 10, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of a Budget Line Item which eliminated a state supplement to the federally-funded school breakfast program whereby all eligible children shall be provided free, nutritious breakfasts at no cost to them.	PART I: FAMILIES & CHILDREN, DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY: No Child Left Behind: "We believe that young people are our most precious resource, and we see inherent worth and promise in every child. Ours is truly the Party that seeks to “Leave No Child Behind.” We endorse, therefore, the goals established under The Children’s Defense Fund initiative of that name, to ensure every child a healthy start [which includes CDF's support of school breakfast programs]."
Veto override of $900K for disability & mentoring aid Platform indicates YES based on Part I: Families & Children Vote number 254 on Budget Veto Override on July 10, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's reduction of a Budget Line Item which cut: $99,000 for Special Olympics Massachusetts; $304,000 for Work, Inc. and $500,000 for Best Buddies Massachusetts [two programs for job training of people with disabilites].	PART I: FAMILIES & CHILDREN, DIVERSITY & COMMUNITY: Persons with Disabilities: “We believe state assistance should be made more readily available for community-based care, and should not be inappropriately biased toward institutional settings.”
Aid to agricultural, technical, and vocational schools. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part II: Education, Training & Opportunity Vote number 246 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's reduction of Budget Line Item 7061-0008 , which cut state aid to agricultural, vocational, and technical schools, many of which are located in rural areas of the state.	PART II: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITY: Putting Education to Work: "We believe that initiatives like School-to-Work and effective vocational curricula that help students acquire the skills needed for high wage jobs are of vital importance in today’s sophisticated economy. We support cooperation among educators, employers, and labor to ensure the creation and preservation of good jobs in the Commonwealth, and the next generation of wellqualified workers to fill them."
Allowing a meals tax at the city and town level. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part II: Education, Training & Opportunity Vote number 56 on H.4003 on June 12, 2003	Allowing a municipal tax on the sale of meals in addition to the state meals tax, by a ballot question vote in each city or town. [Expands the taxing authority for cities and towns, and hence provides more tax revenue for schools].	Part II: Education, Training, And Opportunity -- Full Funding: "we reject policies that direct funds away from the children and the programs in our public schools."
Exempting two-way bilingual programs from English-only rules. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part IV: Economic Growth, Jobs & Security Vote number 156 on Budget Veto Override Section 209 on July 14, 2003	Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 210, which says. “Section 4 of MGL chapter 71A is hereby further amended to add:— “Foreign language classes for children who already know English, 2-way bilingual programs for students in kindergarten through grade 12 and special education programs for physically or mentally impaired students shall be unaffected.” [MGL chapter 71A requires English-only classroom teaching. Section 210 would exempt “2-way classes” in which some students are native English speakers and some are non-native English speakers. A vote to override the Governor's veto would continue to allow that type of bilingual education although foreign-language classes without native English-speaking students would still be disallowed.]	Part II: Education, Training, And Opportunity -- Excellence, Equality and Community: “We reaffirm our support for classroom programs, including Special and Bilingual Education”
Veto override of $10M cut in the uncompensated care pool Platform indicates YES based on Part III: Health Care Vote number 170 on Budget Veto Override on July 8, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of a Budget Line Item which eliminated $9,670,807 in funding for the uncompensated care pool. This care pool provides health care for people who would otherwise not be covered for hospital visits.	PART III: HEALTH CARE, ACCESS & CHOICE: Access and Costs: “We remain committed to extending proper coverage to each of the hundreds of thousands of residents still uninsured, and to aiding the even greater number who are underinsured, or at risk of being so.”
Veto override of "Turning 22" mental disability program Platform indicates YES based on Part III: Health Care Vote number 253 on Budget Veto Override on July 10, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of a Budget Line Item which eliminated state funding for the "Turning 22" program, which provides residential and treatment services for severely disabled individuals (who are mandated to exit other state programs after age 21). "Turning 22" is designed to allow a person to remain where his or her family lives.	PART III: HEALTH CARE, ACCESS & CHOICE: Mental Health: “Our Party supports the full implementation of mental health policies which will provide emergence care, family support, and appropriate housing to our citizens with chronic mental health disorders."
Veto override of cuts in smoking cessation program. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part III: Health Care, Access & Choice Vote number 234 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's reduction of Budget Line Item 4590-0300, which eliminated a program to help state employees quit smoking or discourage them from starting in the first place.	PART III: HEALTH CARE, ACCESS & CHOICE: Tobacco: "We support policies to discourage smoking, especially among youth, and to hold the tobacco industry accountable for their actions against public health."
Amending the Constitution to call for universal health care Platform indicates YES based on Part III: Health Care Vote number 721 on the Constitutional Amendment on July 14, 2004	Vote on a Constitutional Amendment: Upon ratification of this amendment and thereafter, it shall be the obligation and duty of the Legislature and executive officials, on behalf of the Commonwealth, to enact and implement such laws, subject to approval by the voters at a statewide election, as will ensure that no Massachusetts resident lacks comprehensive, affordable and equitably financed health insurance coverage for all medically necessary preventive, acute and chronic health care and mental health care services, prescription drugs and devices.	Part III: Health Care: Health Care: "Our Party supports the creation of a single-payer health care system both in Massachusetts and in the nation in order to achieve the goal of universal health care. We understand that other methods are less satisfactory to us, but we remain committed to ensuring that every man, woman, and child in our state should have access to high quality health care."
Funding for International Trade Council to promote exports Platform indicates YES based on Part IV: Economic Growth (Competitive Advantage and a Global Economy) Vote number 424 on Veto Override, Item 7007-1300 on January 15, 2004	Vote on veto override of Supplemental appropriations, International Trade Council: Item 7007-1300 (contained in section 2 as $1,100,000, see House, No. 4330), which had returned by the Governor with a reduction (to $500,000; for message, see House, No. 4365), was considered.	Part IV: Economic Growth: Competitive Advantage and a Global Economy: "We believe the extraordinary depth and breadth of the knowledge-based sector of the Massachusetts economy is a key competitive edge in the global market. We champion strong federal research & development funding programs, and assistance to smaller companies and startups seeking to commercialize promising technology. We encourage open global trade that promotes fair employment and sound environmental standards by our trading partners. We support state and federal efforts to promote Massachusetts exports."
Investing in emerging technologies, math & science Fund. Platform indicates YES based on Part IV: Economic Growth (Workforce Training) Vote number 429 on Veto Override, sec.70 on January 15, 2004	Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.	Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today’s changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training. We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."
Establishment of a new Department of Workforce Development. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part IV: Economic Growth, Jobs & Security Vote number 256 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of the creation of a Department of Workforce Development, whose purpose would be to promote lifelong learning among workers in the Commonwealth.	PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: Workforce Training: "We support initiatives that invest in the skills of the working men and women of the Commonwealth. We are aware that one out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today’s changing economy. We recognize the challenges faced by employers trying to recruit a skilled workforce; and faced by workers applying for living wage jobs who lack requisite skills. In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training."
Allowing parents on welfare to go back to school. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part IV: Economic Growth, Jobs & Security Vote number 281 on Budget Veto Override Section 528 on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of a program to allow parents with young children who are on welfare to go back to school in lieu of working to meet the requirements of the federal Personal Work and Responsibility Act of 1996.	PART IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH, JOBS & SECURITY: Supporting the Transition from Welfare to Work: "We seek to help welfare recipients successfully find and keep jobs. We advocate increased job training and educational opportunities, and we must ensure that support systems in child care, transportation, and health insurance are in place to enable people to work and to advance into more highly paid jobs. We are committed to ensuring a safety net to members of our families in times of need. We recognize that for some, that transition may take a lifetime. We support measures that reduce, not increase, the number of children living in poverty."
Veto override of cuts in consumer protections. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part V: Fiscal Responsibility, Tax Equity & Public Stewardship Vote number 243 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of Budget Line Item 7006-0066, which cut enforcement of the state's Item Pricing law, requiring retailers to clearly label the price of each item in the store to ensure that consumers pay the correct price at check-out.	PART V: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, TAX EQUITY, & PUBLIC STEWARDSHIP: Consumer Protection: "We support the protection of consumers and their interests in all areas of the marketplace."
Requiring spending reductions to balance new appropriations. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part V: Fiscal Responsibility, Tax Equity & Public Stewardship Vote number 21 on Sen.Rule 27A on May 8, 2003	Appropriations in excess of $100,000 shall be accompanied by a corresponding provision to decrease other items of appropriation. [Applies only to amendments to appropriations bills, and disallows reducing non-discretionary items].	Part V: Fiscal Responsibility -- Tax Fairness and Responsible Budgeting: "budgets should be fiscally responsible and balanced without gimmicks."
Veto override of Mass Correctional Legal Services Platform indicates YES based on Part VI: Safety & Justice Vote number 258 on Budget Veto Override on July 10, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of Budget Line Item 0321-2100, $500,000 for the Massachusetts Correctional Legal Services (MCLS). MCLS provides the only legal aid to indigent incarcerated individuals.	PART VI: SAFETY, JUSTICE & CRIME PREVENTION Legal Services: “We support publicly funded legal services to provide legal representation and advice on issues such as housing, employment, domestic violence, health, elder law, public benefits, and immigration. We urge full state and federal funding of such services. “
Veto override of cuts in legal assistance. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part VI: Safety, Justice, and Crime Prevention Vote number 207 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's veto of Budget Line Item 0321-1600, which eliminated funding for the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC). MLAC provides legal representation for indigent or otherwise disadvantaged persons, including the disabled, Medicare recipients, and battered women.	PART VI: SAFETY, JUSTICE & CRMIE PREVENTION: Legal Services: "We support publicly funded legal services to provide legal representation and advice on issues such as housing, employment, domestic violence, health, elder law, public benefits, and immigration. We urge full state and federal funding of such services. We support efforts to encourage members of the bar to provide pro bono legal services."
Veto override of cuts in Water Management Act enforcement. Platform indicates voting YES based on Part VIII: Environment, Preservation & Sustainability Vote number 221 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Override Gov. Romney's reduction of Budget Line Item 2800-0101, which eliminated the ability of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to patrol watershed areas and enforce the Water Management Act.	PART VIII: ENVIRONMENT, PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABILITY: Environmental Law Enforcement: "We believe it is a basic responsibility of government to ensure that all laws enacted to protect our environment are obeyed and enforced. We support more frequent inspections, vigorous enforcement, penalties sufficiently high to take away any economic incentive to disobey the law, and earmarking a portion of such penalties for environmental cleanup."
Veto override of reduced fees for blood lead level testing Platform indicates YES based on Part VIII: Environment Vote number 176 on Budget Veto Override on July 8, 2003	"Override Gov. Romney's veto of exception of fees charged for the testing of blood lead levels (fees charged by the division of occupational safety). The fees would be limited based on the fees in 2002.	PART VIII: ENVIRONMENT, PRESERVATION & SUSTAINABLITY: Food Safety, Pesticides and Public Health: “We believe state and federal regulatory agencies should pay especially close attention to pollutants that have a direct impact on our families’ health, with a particular emphasis on regulating mercury, arsenic, pesticides, and lead.” Relevant budget section: SECTION 631. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary and with the exception of fees charged for the testing of blood lead levels, fees charged by the division of occupational safety... shall be set at a rate not less than twice the rate charged on July 1, 2002.”. "
Early retirement for cases of MWRA-work-related cancer Platform indicates YES based on Part X: Worker Rights Vote number 308 on Budget Veto Override on July 17, 2003	Gov. Romney vetoed budget section 673, which says: “A person who has been in the state retirement system for more than 35 years, with at least 10 or more of those years in the employment of the Massachusetts Water and Resources Administration; who, in the course of his state employment was exposed to asbestos or other hazardous materials; and who has been diagnosed with an extraneously cancer related illness as well as an extraneously cardio-vascular cardiac related illness, shall be eligible for early retirement with surviving spouse benefits at a compensation rate equivalent to his current salary, if the individual makes application for an early retirement on or before December 31, 2003.” A YEA vote would override the veto and fund the early retirement arrangement.	PART X: WORKERS’ RIGHTS AND FUTURES: Occupational Safety -- "We support environmental Right-to-Know laws about chemical and other potential dangers to worker health. We oppose efforts to weaken workplace safety standards, or the ability of OSHA or state-level agencies to enforce them."

Count only roll call votes -- no voice votes, no bill sponsorships, etc.
No omnibus legislation (such as vote on the entire budget bill, because the purpose of the legislator's vote is unclear).
No constituent service votes, nor any votes that apply primarily to one locality (such as funding for a hospital or court in one legislator's district, since the vote depends more on geography than on one's stance on the issues).
Count only one vote in a series of amendments, or only one vote on any given topic (to avoid over-weighting one issue over others).
No unanimous or near-unanimous votes (because they do not distinguish legislators from one another, and likely have some other political component hidden from the apparent vote). This includes votes which split along party lines.
No procedural votes nor votes on internal rules of the Legislature.
Count only votes that clearly address a platform issue, as expressed in the platform, and as the core issue of the vote.
Vet all votes by confirming with elected officials on a confidential basis that the selected votes meet the criteria above, that the descriptions and platform links are fair and accurate, and that the vote is a fair representation of the legislator's view of the cooresponding section of the party platform.

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