With bipartisan opposition, both chambers of the Massachusetts Legislature passed police reform bills on Tuesday afternoon.
The bill (S.2963) passed 28-12 in the state Senate and 92-67 in the state House of Representatives. Every Republican in both chambers voted against the bill. The Senate bill passed with a veto-proof majority, but the House majority is far short of the necessary two-thirds. That gives Governor Charlie Baker considerable negotiating power if he disagrees with aspects of it.
Small businesses are closing down due to a lack of revenue caused by government restrictions amid the coronavirus emergency.
About 37 percent of small businesses in Massachusetts have closed down since the start of this year, as MSN reports. Revenue has declined 44 percent since January for such businesses, on average.
