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Section Globalization Impact Bill
Text of HB 341
Here's the new text of the globalization impact bill, which would create a state advisory commission on federal trade pacts.
The bill was introduced in January and heard by the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies in June. We are currently looking for Massachusetts voters and activists who would be willing to call legislators and ask them to help move the bill out of committee. It would also be a great help if you can bring this legislation to the attention of other folks or groups in your district--your union, your town's climate action group, your local environmental organization, your church's social justice group, your local peace group, progressive small business owners, etc., so that more people can learn about it make calls on its behalf.
Your legislators can learn how to support the bill by contacting its sponsor, Rep. Byron Rushing, at 617-722-2180.
Click on the headline link for the text of the bill!
What can you do to support the creation of a trade advisory board?
The bill to create a trade advisory board needs legislative support! Here's who to call and what to ask for. Thanks for your help!
Click on the headline for more information.
Maine Citizens Trade Advisory Board in action
Last year, we worked on moving passage of HR 374, the "Globalization Impact Bill," which would create a citizens' advisory commission to assess the impact of proposed international trade policies and pacts on the Commonwealth's laws and economy. This bill has been refiled by Rep. Byron Rushing, and we will be working hard in 2009 to turn it into law.
You can see video of a recent Maine Citizens Trade Advisory board hearing by clicking on the headline link, above. At the hearing, people from around the state spoke on the impact of climate change on the state's ecosystem and economy, and how trade pacts discourage more sustainable and less carbon-intense economies.
In the next few weeks we hope to have resources here for people who are interested in seeing a Massachusetts citizen trade advisory commission. So keep checking on the home page to find out more.
A new number and new committee for Globalization Impact Bill
The Massachusetts Globalization Impact Bill has a new committee assignment and number. It’s now H 4705, and will be considered by the Committee on Rules. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Byron Rushing, sits on the committee, along with at least one co-sponsor. North Bridge AfD and BCA members will be working on organizing tools to get the bill out of committee and passed, including model letters to editors and op-eds. Keep an eye on this site for updates!
State House info session builds support for H374
Janet Eaton, Peter Riggs of the Forum on Democracy and Trade, Cambridge City Councillor Sam Seidel, and former state rep and union activist Karen O'Donnell spoke in favor of H374, the Globalization Impact Bill, at the State House on Wednesday, March 26.
The bill received a favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, and we are waiting to see if it is assigned to a second committee or goes right to a vote.
Click on the headline to read more.
Unofficially, H 374 will be reported out of committee
We've heard unofficially that H. 374, "A Resolve Providing for a Special Commission Relative to the Impact of the Commonwealth of the WTO and Similar International Agreements" will be reported out of committee--favorably, we hope! Click on the headline link to read more.