To kick off the month I drove down to Florida during the week long winter recess of the legislature. Getting to visit D.C. on the way down, and all the grandeur of the plaster Rome and bringing constituent requests to the federal delegation. Most importantly I got some much needed sun in Sebastian, Florida. Everything moves slower down there. The tropic mindset is a perfect respite from the frigid winter mindset of New England. My trip had a hard stop, with the House meeting on the 7th of the Month. I got to reacquaint myself with my travel fling, the beautiful interstate ninety-five. Hauling myself up the Eastern seaboard. Sleeping in small bursts at rest stops along the way. I woke up at 0400 on the 7th at the final rest stop on the Jersey turnpike before New York City. There was a beautiful view of the gray pre-dawn sky over the skyline of New York. I stretched, got myself sorted, and hit the road as fast as I could to avoid the traffic. I rushed up the interstate, legally, and pulled into the legislative parking garage around 0930 on maybe two hours of sleep and some cold water. The House then held a nine hour floor session on fifty two different bills which we had to act on. That woke me right up but by the time I left the House around eight o’clock in the evening all my exhaustion which I had pent up In order to make it rushed over me at once. I thought to myself, could I have left Florida earlier to avoid this? Yes; but would I have rather gotten three days with my grand and great grandmother, or two? The question answers itself at that point. Every thankless hour on the interstate was worth every moment of sun and family I got during our winter recess. 

The House dealt with four hundred and fifty six bills in March. Two hundred and eighty of them on the consent calendar. One hundred and seventy six on the regular calendar. The Criminal Justice committee held public hearings on fourteen bills, and voted on ten bills throughout three executive sessions. My legislation HB1539 got it’s vote on the House floor, passing with a strong bipartisan vote. It was another month of a heavy workload. 

The bill, HB1539, would annul the record of those convicted of a misdemeanor or violation level possession of cannabis. It went to the floor with the strong bi-partisan vote out of committee of 14-6. I took the well to speak to the motion of Ought to Pass on the bill and after speaking, returned to my seat. I was confident in my ability to garner the votes for passage. The House has very rarely rejected positive measures on cannabis policy. The Speaker called the question, the thirty second timer begun, we all clicked our buttons. Then the electronic bell which marks the end of a vote rang out, we all turned our heads to look to the screen which displays the vote, and I was stunned when the number displayed showed the vote margin was 283-80. On an issue which usually draws more partisan division, a strong bi-partisan vote was achieved. Not everyone who voted with me agrees with me on cannabis legalization, but we were able to put our feelings on each others opinions about an issue aside and pass legislation which would make a real difference in the lives of those swept up by the reefer madness of past societies - not that long ago.

On the House session of the 28th I spoke to legislation I cosponsored which protected students’ rights to freedom of association and speech while on campus. With the threat to freedom looming large everywhere we see, our college campuses are often times test-cases for broader restrictions. The practice of ‘free-speech zones’ and the like, has warped the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and association on our campuses. These core tenants of our Republic are critical to the participation of citizens within it. What are we teaching the next generation if they are told to be accustomed to the relegation of speech to zones where it cannot be heard. The opposition to this bill was based around the fear of those who may speak to extreme issues. The hard truth is that freedom of speech does not just protect popular speech. In fact, it’s purpose is to protect minority views. The unpopular, extreme, distasteful speech which most would rather not hear. The bill does not allow criminal or unlawful behavior, and that distinction is not a hard line to tow. Ultimately the legislation passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 206-169. Representative Popovici-Mueller, Ellen Read, and many others deserve strong props for crafting and passing the bill. 

HB1169, the legislation I brought forward creating a private right of action for people who have faced discrimination based on hairstyle, had its hearing in the State Senate. The Senate was respectful and diligent. The main focus of our conversation was around where these cases should be handled and processed. The Human Rights Commission believes it is the best place for them, I am of the belief that it is the Department of Labor which has the capacity to handle these cases. I have had non stop conversations with the members of the committee and the HRC to find the right path forward for this legislation. 

The work continues under the golden dome. The legislature certainly has moments which makes one feel insane for choosing to participate, but those are overwhelmed by the moments of small success you have along the way. 

Until next month,