At the top of the list of bills to address at the first hearing in February were the cost-of-living bills (see p.1). From that point on, the Committee will hold a hearing on every bill, with topics ranging from health insurance to early retirement.

House Chairman Brian Dempsey (D-Haverhill), who was only appointed chair in February, has proven to be knowledgeable of the subject matter and frequently questions those presenting testimony before the Committee. On the Senate side, Chairman Brian Joyce has returned to chair the Committee for a third consecutive year. Joyce brings with him a depth of knowledge on the issues worked on by the committee during the prior session.

One consequence of the frequent change in chairmen over the past several years has been the turnover in committee staff, who are experienced in the complex issues relating to retirement and health insurance law. Fortunately, Committee Research Director Ted Miller has agreed to remain on with Dempsey.

On the Senate side, Joyce has hired Ruth Riano, who had worked for the Committee on Banks and Banking, as his research director. She will work closely with Chief of Staff Alissa Benway, who served as research director in 2000.

Besides Joyce and Dempsey, fifteen other legislators serve on the joint committee. The Committee is scheduled to meet each Tuesday at 1:00, in room B-1 at the State House.