Political Environment

Generally, we are in the midst of unusually political times and this collective sense of concern and change in the air tends to make a Legislature more conservative about moving any legislation.  Should Martha Coakely win next Tuesday, a cascade of opportunities down the line beginning with an appointment by the Legislature to fill the vacant AG seat.  More than likely a House member will be chosen and will need to start campaigning almost immediately for a challenge this fall.

Aside from the budget and a handful of other pre-ordained priorities, it will be more difficult than usual to move any bill forward.  The session ends on July 31, 2010 and we need all hands on deck to make some progress.

Legislation

S.107 – An Act Relative to the Registration of Irrigation Contractors – Brewer (D-Barre)

• Legislation establishing a system for the registration of professional irrigation contractors (S.107) was filed by Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) and had a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on May 19, 2009.  Members of the IANE testified in support of the bill and answered questions, mostly from Senate Chairman Michael W. Morrissey (D-Quincy).  We have the support of the Senate Chair but the committee has other issues pending and they are not holding an executive session until some of those are resolved. We are collateral damage right now but at some point the committee will have to do something, their deadline for making recommendations is the 3^rd Wednesday of March.  We will continue to pressure the committee for action and could use some help from the membership.
• ACTION: Communicate support ask for a favorable recommendation from the House and Senate Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.  Of particular value would be a member company in or near the legislative district of Ted Speliotis (D-Danvers).

S.1396 – An Act Providing for the Regulation of Landscape Sprinkler Systems – Brewer (D-Barre)

• Two bills relative to this subject (H.4013, S.1396) have been filed by Rep. John P. Quinn (D-Dartmouth) and Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre), respectively.  S.1396 had a public hearing before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on October 8, 2009. The IANE testified in support and submitted written testimony in support of the concept of the bill but pointed out that some technical changes were necessary to make the bill more effective.  The same language is found within S.107 filed by Sen. Brewer.
• We have been in contact with the House Chair and his staff, who have indicated they are working on getting the support of Sen. Joyce, the co-Chairman.  Committee staff has also been in touch with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation to get their feedback.
• ACTION: Communicate support and ask for a favorable recommendation from the House and Senate Chairmen of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

Executive Activity

• The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is leading a sustainable water resources initiative and intends to provide advice on streamflow criteria, safe yield and a variety of related issues such as conservation measures and environmental safeguards.  Their first objective is to develop an interim safe yield methodology, then develop a long-term safe yield for the Ipswich River Watershed by August 2010.  The third step is to complete safe yield determinations for the rest of the state by October 2010.
• This initiative will convene a big picture committee of stakeholders to advise EEA on the sustainable water allocation methodology and to incorporate streamflow criteria, safe yield impacts on users, and other factors.  We have made a request for a seat within this group and we are awaiting a response from Secretary Bowls’ office.
• The Water Resources Commission Advisory Committee continues to meet each month, on the 2^nd Thursday with the exceptions of September and November when they meet on the 3^rd Wednesday.  The IANE should have a members present at each one of these to track the discussions and help determine when and how to interject our opinion.