Mass Fiscal Explanation

Mass Fiscal supports a yes vote because we believe this amendment increases transparency and integrity in government. Informal sessions are held as a way to keep things moving such as approval of liquor licenses and sick-leave banks. However, sometimes they are used to sneak through important controversial pieces of legislation at a time when politicians know many legislators are not at the state house and when the public is not listening. Informal Senate sessions are not available to watch on the legislature’s website as formal sessions are. This amendment would at least require a public hearing by committee on any legislation taken up in informal session.