Beacon Hill Roll Call: Dec. 14 to Dec. 18, 2020
Published: 12/25/2020 5:00:22 PM
Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of Dec. 14 to Dec. 18.
Governor’s abortion amendments (H 5179) The House, 49 to 107, and the Senate, 8 to 32, rejected Gov. Charlie Baker’s amendments to a section of the state budget approved by the House and Senate that changes some of the abortion laws in the state. The section lowers the age from the current 18 to 16 at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. Baker’s amendment would bring the age back to 18.
Massachusetts House Speaker Bob DeLeo still hasn’t officially said he’s leaving.
But don’t tell that to the two state representatives who have already declared their candidacies to replace him.
News last week that the 70-year-old Winthrop Democrat is looking to potentially take a job at his alma mater Northeastern University swiftly set off a intra-party race between Quincy Rep. Ron Mariano, a DeLeo ally, and Boston Rep. Russell Holmes, a DeLeo critic.
After nearly 12 years of DeLeo as speaker, it’s a rare opportunity for a change in leadership in a chamber dominated by Democrats for more than half a century.
Whipps lauds DeLeo’s speakership, comfortable with Mariano
Susannah Whipps File photo
Published: 12/21/2020 4:17:49 PM
Modified: 12/21/2020 4:17:42 PM
ATHOL Massachusetts state Rep. Robert DeLeo disclosed Friday that he intends to enter into negotiations for a position at his alma mater, Northeastern University. The move formally signals his intentions to step down as Speaker of the Massachusetts House.
In a letter to House officials, the 70-year-old DeLeo said, “I write to disclose that I intend to begin negotiating prospective employment opportunities with Northeastern University.”
DeLeo, a Democrat from Winthrop, was first elected to the House in 1990 and has served as Speaker for the past 12 years, the lengthiest tenure of any Speaker in state history.
Contenders Angle To Become The Next Speaker Of The Massachusetts House nepm.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from nepm.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
House Speaker Robert DeLeo, right, is expected to leave the House for a job at Northeastern University. Rep. William âSmittyâ Pignatelli, left, D-Lenox, and other Berkshire County lawmakers are backing Majority Leader Ron Mariano to succeed DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat. EAGLE FILE PHOTO
When reports surfaced last week suggesting House Speaker Robert DeLeo may step down, media speculation turned to a possible succession battle â one that seems to be over before it started.
DeLeo, whose 12-year tenure as the Houseâs most powerful member makes him the longest-serving speaker in Massachusetts history, is expected to leave for a job at Northeastern University. If he does, all four Berkshire County representatives feel their districts would be in good hands under the Winthrop Democratâs predicted successor.