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Members welcome most changes to executive order but warn revised quorum could concentrate decision-making
Summary
Council members said Gov. Healey's new executive order fixes many prior issues with council composition, but the Bay State Council of the Blind and other members urged clarification of a revised quorum definition that they say could let a small number of people decide major items.
Jerry Barrier, reading a statement from the Bay State Council of the Blind, said the organization "welcomes" Governor Healey's new executive order revising the Rehabilitation Council's makeup but objects to its new quorum definition. "We disagree however with the revised definition of Quorum," Jerry read, saying the change risks allowing "a very small number of people" to make major decisions that should involve broader stakeholder representation.
Council leaders responded that the order resolved many problematic provisions in the prior draft and that the council should try operating under the new rules before seeking further changes. Brian Switzer said the governor's office "pulled together" appointment data and named staff to help move appointments forward, and urged members to "see how it goes" under the new order before pressing for legislative or executive revision.
Philip D., Boards and Commissions manager at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, told members the governor signed the executive order "a few weeks ago" and that his office is coordinating appointments and reappointments. He said the office is aiming to complete the slate of appointments by the end of the month and to coordinate oath-taking at a council meeting once appointments are finalized.
The council did not take any formal vote on changing the quorum rule at the meeting. Members suggested procedural options — such as tabling major votes until more members are present — if a future item warrants broader participation. Jerry said he and the Bay State Council of the Blind "look forward to continuing to work" with the commission and the governor's office to clarify quorum language if the change proves problematic.
The discussion concluded without further action; council staff and the executive office will continue appointment work and monitor whether the quorum definition affects the body's ability to conduct representative business.
