It's Time for the Legislature to Stand up to the Governor
Last week, Republican Governor Charlie Baker showed repeatedly that he doesn't have the best interests of the commonwealth at heart. And we're not just talking about his stubborn refusal to close in-door dining, casinos (?!), and gyms or ensure that workers and small businesses have the supports they need to weather the dark winter. (Although more on that later.)
We're talking about his refusal to sign good policies passed by the Legislature and desire to run out the clock on all of them.
Rather than signing the Legislature's compromise police reform bill, Baker proposed amendments that would harm the progress made by weakening regulations on the use of force and of harmful facial surveillance technology; weakening the oversight powers of the POST Commission; and delaying the implementation of reforms that we needed yesterday.
And rather than signing the budget passed by the Legislature, Baker -- who only pretends to be pro-choice -- sent back amendments to fully undermine the Legislature’s efforts to create more equitable abortion access.
Even more, while the COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading rapidly in state prisons, Baker struck vital oversight language to ensure that prisons and jails meet public health standards.
That's not okay. And the Legislature shouldn't let him get away with it.
Email your legislators in support of reinstating key language on police reform, reproductive justice, and prison oversight.