Statement from Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi Regarding the House Return to the State House
Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi made the following statement at this evening’s session of the House of Representatives:
“Before we begin our session today, I have an announcement. Beginning next Tuesday, June 1st, we will hold our sessions back in the House Chamber for the remainder of the year.
“The State House is scheduled to re-open to the public on a limited basis beginning Tuesday, and the consensus of the members is that it is time to conduct our business there as well. I polled the Democratic members, and the vast majority would like to return. I have spoken with Leader Filippi and that is the consensus of his caucus as well.
“Consistent with our policy at the Vets since last week, when we return to the State House, members who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear masks. However, if you have not been fully vaccinated, you are required to wear your mask.
“We will be removing the plexiglass in the chamber.
“Also, we will put some tables and chairs in the House Lounge if you don’t feel comfortable in the chamber for a long period of time.
“Finally, when we return to the State House next Tuesday, we will no longer be accepting proxy votes. When we established the proxy votes in January during the height of the pandemic, it was to accommodate members who had to miss sessions or quarantine. However, with everyone having the opportunity to be vaccinated and the state being reopened, the proxy voting will end after this Thursday’s session.
“There will be no changes to the committee process. Members who are unable to attend hearings in person at the State House will still have a virtual option.
“Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we hit the home stretch of our session.”