CCB MEDIA PHOTO: From left to right; Will Crocker (R) Centerville, Randy Hunt (R) Sandwich, David Vieira (R) Falmouth, Tim Whelan (R) Brewster, Sarah Peake (D) Provincetown, Dylan Fernandes (D) Falmouth
BOSTON – The 190th session of the Massachusetts Legislature was sworn into office Tuesday, a group that includes three new members of the Cape Cod delegation.
During afternoon sessions at the Statehouse, both the House of Representatives and State Senate held inauguration ceremonies presided over by Governor Charlie Baker.
Among those taking the oath for the first time were Democrat Julian Cyr, the new Cape and Islands State Senator, Democrat Dylan Fernandes from the Barnstable/Dukes/Nantucket State Representative District and Republican Will Crocker from the 2nd Barnstable State Representative District.
Crocker said being a part of the legislature is honorable and gratifying.
CCB MEDIA PHOTO: Newly election state representatives Will Crocker (R) Centerville and Dylan Fernandes (D) Falmouth
“I am a very, very, very small part of that history – all of the history that has gone on in that chamber,” Crocker said. “If you look at the names, it is just amazing. I look at my name up on the board, the bulletin board, and I go ‘how is my name there?’”
Fernandes said taking the oath is an incredible honor and humbling.
“Today is really for our volunteers and all of our supporters who came out throughout our campaign and worked hard to elect me and elect new energy and some experienced leadership for our district,” Fernandes said.
The State House is a familiar place for Cyr who is ready to get to work during the legislative session.
“Bill filing is the big focus for us,” Cyr said. “I’m someone who has worked on legislation so I’m eager to sink our teeth in and file bills that are really thoughtfully written, make sense and can really make a difference for the Cape and the Islands.”
Cyr, Crocker and Fernandez were all in agreement that finding solutions to the opioid epidemic and the lack of affordable housing are top priorities for their districts and the Cape and Islands region.
CCB MEDIA PHOTO: State Senator Julian Cyr (D) Truro
The other members of the Cape Cod delegation who were re-elected in November and took the oath on Tuesday included Democratic 4th Barnstable State Representative Sarah Peake of Provincetown, Republican 1st Barnstable State Representative Tim Whelan of Brewster, Republican 3rd Barnstable State Representative David Vieira of Falmouth, Republican 5th Barnstable State Representative Randy Hunt of Sandwich and Plymouth/Barnstable State Senator Vinny deMacedo of Plymouth.
Robert DeLeo was easily re-elected as House Speaker thanks to a large Democratic majority. He defeated Republican Minor Leader Bradley Jones on straight party line vote.
In his acceptance speech, DeLeo thanked his staff, many of whom have been in his office for many years.
He said he was humbled for the support of the members and proud to see the work they have done over the years.
He also recognized the new incoming members of the Legislature.
“As patriots and as public servants, we will stand in solidarity to protect each and every Massachusetts citizen.” DeLeo said.
He pointed to accomplishments made in recent years, including healthcare for all and marriage equality.
CCB MEDIA PHOTO: Provincetown State Representative Sarah Peake (D) on the House floor
DeLeo also highlighted that Massachusetts has a long history maintaining balanced budgets.
Jones said the House was about to begin a shared journey.
“Today is a day of new commitments and promises,” he said
Jones said his party would work together with Democrats to advance the best interests for Massachusetts.
He thanked all the new members of the chamber to a “remarkable institution.”
Amherst Democrat Stan Rosenberg remained as Senate president.
Beginning his second term as Senate leader, Rosenberg outlined an ambitious agenda including increased education funding and modernizing the state’s transportation system.
By MATT PITTA and BRIAN MERCHANT, CapeCod.com NewsCenter
Material from the Associated Press was used in this article.
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