Hello family, friends, and constituents,

 

During the campaign, I heard over and over again how much people appreciated being kept in the loop via the 'Trailblazing with Lori' newsletter. Well with Spring now sprung, it's time to catch up! Over the past positively frenetic month, there have been literally hundreds of experiences or encounters where I've made a mental post-it to share in the next Trailblazer newsletter.  Alas, with so much going on, the past month can best be visualized as a virtual sea of yellow adhesive squares. Time to peel off at least few!

 

With a box of office supplies, (unintentional theme here) I was shown to my office immediately after being sworn in and about an hour before going into my first formal session.  Lo-and-behold, two lobbyists were there waiting for me!  No kidding. I've settled into room 540 (look and feel in photo) in the bustling Municipalities and Regional Government office in the coolest building in the whole state, bar none. 

 

If you check in at the office, Maryann, whom I adore, generally answers the phone.  And someone you really want to get to know if you didn't get to know him during my campaign, is Tom Mills, my legislative aide. Luckily, having interned for two other legislators and also having recently served as communication director for a congressional campaign, Tom started off on day one knowing his way around the building, a skill not to be underestimated. His energy is boundless. His hours have been very long. Our phone rings ALOT! Incidentally, if you know of anyone who might enjoy summer interning in our office, or if you have other matters to discuss, send Tom an email thomas.mills@state.ma.us 

 

Thus began my attempt to sip from the fire hose of legislative activity. To wit: 

 

Week 1: With support from the legislature, I was able to engross and enact a local veteran's benefit bill and send it to the Senate for enactment.  I got word from the Governor that it was signed into law about a week ago. What a thrill! 

 

Week 2: I certainly knew it when I signed up for the job, but I was sworn in during one of the hottest debates and votes in recent years--the Governor's three Casino plan--and a few bond bills. In addition to learning about internal state house systems, electronic and otherwise, I've really gotten a sense for what makes the place tick directly from The Speaker of House, The Governor, the Lt. Governor, and many committee heads. Everyone--I mean everyone--in that house is generous of spirit and takes their mandate of the people's work very seriously.  

 

Week 3: As the only CPA in the legislature, I was tapped for expertise during the debate about closing the Corporate Tax Loopholes. (We did do this, btw. It blew my mind that a mere three weeks in, I was participating in rewriting the corporate tax code that has guided my career for 22 years!)  I have my committee assignments and have finally ordered up some stationery. The Speaker of the House has assigned me to two committees, Natural Resources and Steering & Policy. I think you can guess about the function of the  former. The latter is a leadership committee that prioritizes which bills come to the floor. 

Week 4:  Wednesday, however, brought the unfurling of the bad news budget and stern words from the Speaker, the Chair of Ways & Means and the State Treasurer. Our big budget week runs from 4/29-5/2 and amendments have been filed. Sessions throughout the week are expected to run until 9:00 p.m. unless rule 1A is suspended by a 2/3 vote.  Apparently, the next rule we bump into won't allow our presence after midnight unless we vote unanimously.  It all sounds so orderly, right? I am still at times slightly mystified by complex Parliamentary procedure, steeped in history, but I'm catching on.  I do love this place and have some really great things in the pipeline so stay tuned.