Oliveira: Outraged at Being Denied the Opportunity to Testify During Committee Hearing

Boston and Springfield – Today, the House Chair of a Joint Committee denied Senator Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow) the opportunity to testify at a public committee hearing. This effectively disenfranchised Oliveira’s more than 170,000 constituents in Western Massachusetts and raised serious concerns about democratic representation and regional equity.  
  
During a hearing held by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, which he serves on, Senator Oliveira sought to testify in support of his legislation, An Act returning liquor license control to municipalities.  
  
During the hearing, the Senate Chair of the Committee, Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence), moved to give Senator Oliveira the floor to testify virtually. The House Chair refused to recognize Senator Oliveira, even though the committee had agreed to allow virtual testimony from all members of the public.  
    
Senator Oliveira was working in his district on Monday, meeting with personnel from early education provider Square One in Springfield. He had registered in advance to speak virtually and was prepared to speak during a break in the meeting.  
  
“I am beyond disappointed by this decision, not for myself, but for the tens of thousands of constituents I was elected to represent and give voice to,” said Senator Oliveira. “To be silenced in a public forum meant to encourage civic engagement and accountability is more than a procedural misstep, it is a disservice to the democratic process. Today’s action disenfranchised not only me as a legislator, but the communities who rely on me to carry their concerns. Despite this, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of the people I serve are heard. I refuse to stay silent about a process that shuts out duly elected officials from advocating on behalf of the public.”  
  
While any other person was free to testify on pending legislation via virtual participation technology, the House Chair refused to recognize Senator Oliveira and made an unprofessional remark about “show[ing] up for work.”  
  
“The Chair’s remarks today were appalling and offensive. Contrary to the belief of the House Chair, I showed up to work today and was denied the opportunity. There is a big difference,” said Senator Oliveira. “Look, we can’t be in two places at once. I woke up this morning with the belief that I could meet with my partners in the district to discuss early education and testify at the hearing as well. I was denied that opportunity.”  
  
“This isn’t about me. It’s about the more than 170,000 residents of the Commonwealth I swore to serve. By preventing me from participating fully in the legislative process, they are silencing and shutting them out as well. When you block a senator from speaking, you block tens of thousands of voices from being heard. You’re robbing our communities of access, equity, representation, and the rights they are guaranteed and deserve.”  
    
Senator Payano, who attempted to ensure that Senator Oliveira could speak, spoke out strongly during the hearing.  
  
“I stand firmly with my colleague Senator Oliveria in offering my disappointment and genuine concern after he was denied the ability to testify today on a piece of legislation he filed,” said Senator Payano. “I spoke up not only on behalf of the Senator, but on behalf of every resident of his district who elected him to be their voice on Beacon Hill. At a time when democratic values and rights are under threat, denying the Senator the right to testify today undermined the integrity of our representative form of government.”  

Oliveira echoed that sentiment, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to advocacy and access. “I remain committed to ensuring that ALL the voices of the Commonwealth, especially those in Western Massachusetts where I serve, are heard,” he said. “Our constituents see enough petty disagreement in Washington. They deserve better than that from us here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”