NBC Boston Sunday Sitdown on the Bar Advocates and the Governor's Council, a Nominee's Work on Mattis, Lots More Summer Ahead!
The bar advocates hard-fought pay raise was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Healey, just over two months after a work stoppage began, with many bar advocates declining to accept new cases. Though the work stoppage was concentrated in Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, bar advocates all across Massachusetts declined to accept new cases citing an hourly wage that is much lower than neighboring states. They sought a $35/hour raise and received a $20/hour raise over two years, while funds were provided for an additional 320 staff attorneys. I spoke with Matt Pritchard of NBC Boston on the immediate and long-term impact of the raise. At this point, a number of bar advocates are continuing to refuse new cases, though many have returned. Bar advocates are independent contractors and have the right to decide individually whether to accept new cases. It is unclear how many will remain out. Our first priority must be upholding the Constitution. I am watching this very closely and will keep you informed. Click HERE for that portion of the interview.
I was very glad to have an opportunity to talk about the Governor’s Council too. Let’s throw the idea that no one knows or cares about the Governor's Council out along with the idea that the Governor’s Council is a clown car. We’re in a new era, where folks are paying attention and the Governor’s Council is a group of dedicated professionals working to make sure our state courts reflect the will of the people. Governor Healey is nominating at a fast past, and we are working hard to vet and vote on all the nominees. For my remarks on the Governor’s Council, click HERE.
Here’s just one example from just one nominee, Attorney Thomas Townsend, Chief of the Appellate Division of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, nominated to be Associate Justice of the Superior Court. I received many calls and letters from people who have known and worked with him for many years, all exceptionally enthusiastic about his nomination. I was fascinated to learn that his work on cruel and/or unusual punishment, prohibited by both Article 26 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights and the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, informed the Supreme Judicial Court’s decision in Mattis. I spoke a lot about Mattis on the campaign trail, and how Massachusetts became the first state in the country to hold that a sentence of life without the possibility of parole is unconstitutional for those under the age of 21, citing the science of brain development. Mattis is the first time the SJC held that a sentence violated Article 26 and the Eighth Amendment due to its length. That’s in large part due to the work of Thomas Townsend, who submitted an amicus brief to the SJC on the case, along with Jeanne Kempthorne of the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. I will be proud to vote to confirm Thomas Townsend next week.
I was proud to deliver the remarks to honor the American flag at Lexington’s first India Day flag raising. As Americans, it is essential that we honor the people of all nations and cultures who make up our communities as we work to uphold the historic values of our nation.
No creature was happier to be at the Acton-Boxborough Farmers Market than Walnut, who excitedly pulled me all the way along the sidewalk to get to the Acton and Boxborough Dems! There’s a lot of summer yet to come, so stop by on a Sunday! To find your local farmers market, click HERE.
I’m looking forward to joining the Weston Dems at their summer party, and the 3rd Middlesex Democrats at their annual picnic later this month. I hope you’re squeezing out as much summer as you can. There’s plenty of time, and I hope to see you soon!
Take Care,
Mara
