Senator Frederick E. Berry (D-Peabody), completing his first year as Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate, recently reviewed the Senate’s legislative accomplishments in 2003. “The Senate, working with the House of Representatives and Governor Mitt Romney, achieved a great deal during the year,” said Berry.
The most significant achievement, according to Berry, was closing a nearly $3 billion budget deficit for fiscal year 2004. The legislature sent a balanced budget to Governor Romney that eliminated the projected deficit through a combination of reforms, program cuts and fee increases while avoiding new taxes. “I think this year’s budget process was a big test for all of us. The Legislature and Governor showed that we could work together to find common ground and make state government work,” said Berry
Berry also pointed to the passage of an economic stimulus bill as another instance where the legislature and Governor Romney came together on an important piece of legislation. The stimulus bill invests state funds to leverage private sector support of innovative technologies, offers business incentives such as research and development credits, tax rebates and a sales tax holiday.
“The economic stimulus bill is a clear sign that Massachusetts intends to remain competitive in the global marketplace,” said Senator Berry. He continued, “The only sour note was that Governor Romney, while approving most of the bill, chose to veto some provisions that would really help the North Shore, and my district specifically, such as the International Tourism Initiative and the tax credit for the medical device industry.”
During 2003 the legislature passed a number of bills aimed at protecting the public from violent criminals. Commenting on bills that expanded the civil commitment process for sex-offenders and expanded the DNA database for convicted felons, Berry said, “Protecting the public is one of government’s most basic roles. Bills such as these gives all of us some extra protection from violent criminals.”
Berry also expressed satisfaction in the improved operations of the Senate itself during the year. He pointed to the leadership of first-year Senate President Robert Travaglini as the main reason for the change in atmosphere within the Senate. “I think individual Senators really felt empowered this year for the first time in many years. Senate President Travaglini established an atmosphere that allowed Senators to be creative in terms of public policy and established a process that allowed all Senators an opportunity to contribute to the body’s work.”
Looking to 2004, Berry predicted more tough times and difficult decisions. Most analysts agree that the projected budget deficit for fiscal year 2005 will be close to $2 billion. “We still have a rough road ahead of us,” said Senator Berry. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and again bringing the benefit of my experience to Senate deliberations.”