Lawmakers Override Vetoes, Approves Housing Bond, Funds for Gay Programs in Schools
       The House and Senate spent the Wednesday restoring millions of dollars to the fiscal 2006 budget, easily overriding budget vetoes submitted by Gov. Mitt Romney. Among them was a provision that provides $15 million to reduce the health insurance contribution for most state employees from 20 percent to 15 percent.
       Lawmakers also enacted a $200 million bond bill to recapitalize a pair of trust funds that help finance production of about 1,500 units of affordable housing each year. The House and Senate also sent Gov. Mitt Romney a bill to give consumers a sales tax-free shopping weekend Aug. 13 and 14. Before adjourning, both branches approved legislation that would add a $10 surcharge to rental cars in Revere.
       Another budget item, 7010-0005, gives the Department of Education $75,000 and instructs them to use that money for de facto homosexual programs.   This represents an increase in funds for homosexual programs in the public school system. In the past, such money was used to fund notorious programs like "Fistgate".
       A second budget items for gay programs in public schools, 4590-0250, which commits an additional $100,000 was voted on Wednesday afternoon. By a vote of 36-0, the senate overrode Romney's veto to increase those funds. The House voted 130-21 to override the veto. Related information on this item can be found at Article 8.
       The House and Senate will be back at work today when both branches meet in formal sessions. The House is in at 11 am with roll calls expected to begin at 1 pm following a Democratic caucus. The Senate will convene at 11 am in an informal session. The House intends to consider legislation creating a new method for the state to dispose of its surplus state property.