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James Welch on HEALTH CARE


Vote selection and interpretation by representatives of Mass Scorecard without approval or participation from the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Voted YES on Maintaining two state psychiatric hospitals.
Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: HEALTH CARE:Clause 16 & 17: Mental health.

In the budget item for the operation of adult inpatient facilities and community mental heath centers, the legislature called for a study on how psychiatric patients at Worcester State Hospital and Westborough State Hospital might be best served. The Governor vetoed the section requiring that the legislature approve possible closure of the two hospitals, in effect transferring the closure decision to the executive branch since the study would be conducted under the Governor's authority. A vote of YES would override the Governor's veto, and keep the decision on mental hospital closings within the legislative branch, thereby making closure less likely.

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part II, clause 16 & 17: HEALTH CARE: We oppose cuts in mental health services, including those for children and adolescents. We support an expansion of private health insurance benefits to include mental health parity.

Bill H.4001 budget item 5095-0015 ; vote number MA05-H123 on Jul 14, 2005

Voted YES on Overriding veto on Stem Cell Research Bill.
Platform indicates voting YES in Part II: HEALTH CARE:Clause 14: Stem cell research.

This vote affirmed passage of the bill supporting stem cell research as originally passed by the House and Senate, rejecting Governor Romney’s proposed amendments and veto, and avoiding delays of implementation. A vote of YES indicates support for embryonic stem cell research and support for regenerative medicine research.

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part II, clause 14: HEALTH CARE: We endorse the Legislature's support for stem cell research, including embryonic stem cells, in the belief that such research will yield treatment for many illnesses.

Bill S. 2039 ; vote number MA05-H069 on May 31, 2005


Accord with the Democratic Party Platform is determined by representatives of Mass Scorecard and has no approval by nor association with the Massachusetts Democratic Party.

Other Mass Reps from Hampden County on HEALTH CARE:      James Welch on other issues:
Gale Candaras
Sean Curran
Donald Humason
Michael Kane
Daniel Keenan
Thomas Petrolati
Cheryl Rivera
Mary Rogeness
Todd Smola
Benjamin Swan
Joseph Wagner
Part I: CIVIL RIGHTS
Part II: HEALTH CARE
Part III: EDUCATION
Part IV: ECONOMIC GROWTH
Part V: LABOR
Part VI: HOUSING
Part VII: SOCIAL SECURITY
Part VIII: ENVIRONMENT
Part IX: CONSUMER PROTECTION
Part X: SAFETY AND CRIME
Part XI: VOTING PROCEDURES
Part XII: TAXES AND SERVICES

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