The Liberty Preservation Association of Massachusetts, Inc.

MassLPA.Org

Contact: Laura Jackson

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MassLPA.Org Puts State Senators on Notice

Thirty-Six MA Senators Voted for Sweeping Legislation Without Reading the Bill

AGAWAM – May 5, 2009

MassLPA, a political watchdog group has put 36 Massachusetts Senators on notice for their unanimous 36-0 vote in favor of Senate Bill No. 2028: An Act Relative To Pandemic And Disaster Preparation And Response In The Commonwealth.

On Thursday, April 30, 2009, the senate bill, sponsored by Senator Richard T. Moore (D), Worcester and Norfolk District was passed in the senate, containing language that violates the Constitutional Rights of Massachusetts citizens.

Susan Allen, (I) 2008 challenger to Barney Frank's congressional seat wrote to Senator Moore pointing out the dangers of such legislation. Senator Moore, Chairman of the Health Care Financing committee, responded in writing: “You have been completely....misled by someone who simply doesn't understand the bill.”

The most egregeous items in the bill evidence forced vaccinations, quarantine and warrantless searches with provisions for fines and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

The bill also provides for the appointment of a non-elected, unnamed Health Official and would strip the Speaker of the House of his power.

It is passage of Bill 2028, which would create emergency conditions.

MassLPA members are currently petitioning each of the State Senators who voted in favor of this legislation asking them to reconsider their vote as well as visiting each of the State Representatives offices on Beacon Hill with notice of this bill.

MassLPA President, Laura Jackson added that, “Of course we all want to believe that our legislators have our best interests and safety in mind when urged to pass health legislation, but we want them to read the bill first. This bill contains language that provides for, among other things warrantless searches and that language is unacceptable.”

Massachusetts already has quarantine and isolation mandates in place.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (105 CMR 300.000) supports Using the Local Administrative Process to Enforce Isolation and Quarantine.

The bill will now go the House where it will be voted on after the finalization of the state budget.

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