January 17, 2006

ROMNEY FILES BILL TO SUPPORT CONSUMER CHOICE IN WINE

Legislation would allow all wineries to ship directly to Massachusetts residents

Governor Mitt Romney today filed legislation to regulate the direct interstate shipment of wine to Massachusetts. The proposed new law would satisfy consumer demand for choice in wine without imposing burdensome restrictions on this type of commerce.

“It’s time we end the monopoly that wholesalers have over wine sales and allow out-of-state wineries to ship directly to Massachusetts consumers,” said Romney.

In the fall, Romney vetoed a bill prohibiting direct sales by wineries that produce more than 30,000 gallons of wine a year if they are represented by a Massachusetts wholesaler. That legislation would have benefited wholesalers at the expense of consumers, he said.

Under Romney’s new bill, any winery could ship to Massachusetts. The bill requires the Department of Revenue and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to promulgate regulations within 30 days of enactment.

Romney’s push to open up Massachusetts to direct wine sales follows last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said states cannot allow in-state wineries to ship to their consumers and deny that same privilege to out-of-state wineries. Following this ruling, a federal district court in Boston invalidated those portions of state law that restrict out-of-state wineries from shipping directly to Massachusetts consumers. Under the old law, only local wineries could ship to Massachusetts residents.

There are specific safeguards in the Governor’s bill to discourage minors from obtaining wine through the mail. Upon delivery, recipients would be required to prove – with identification and signature – that they are over the legal drinking age of 21.

The proposed law also includes provisions previously approved by the Legislature that permit restaurant patrons to re-cork unfinished bottles of wine and bring them home.

January 17, 2006

ROMNEY MAKES BOARD OF EDUCATION APPOINTMENTS

Governor Mitt Romney today announced he has named Christopher R. Anderson and reappointed Henry M. Thomas III to the Board of Education, the nine-member panel that sets policy for K-12 education in Massachusetts. Appointees serve unpaid five-year terms.

Anderson is president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, an industry group that works to make Massachusetts more competitive for high technology employers. As Council president, he has articulated the need for public schools to produce skilled workers that technology employers need for future growth and was a partner in developing the comprehensive education reform bill that Governor Romney filed in September. Anderson replaces J. Richard Crowley, whose term had expired.

“As a leader in the high tech community, Chris Anderson brings an important perspective to the board because he understands the need for excellence in math and science,” said Romney. “He cares deeply about young people, and I know he will make a difference.”

Anderson is also president of the Massachusetts Defense Technology Initiative, a public-private-education partnership that led the strategy to preserve and expand the state’s military technology missions in response to the Defense Department’s 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process. Thanks to this effort, Massachusetts retained its five military installations, preserved thousands of jobs and enhanced its ability to grow its defense and homeland security potential.

“There is a real sense of urgency among technology employers that the state’s public schools continue to improve so we can compete in a rapidly changing global economy,” said Anderson. “I appreciate this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth and I look forward to working with legislators, teachers, administrators and parents to help Massachusetts public schools – and students – rank among the best in the world.”

A graduate of Lexington High School, Anderson received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. He and his wife, Cathy, live in Westford with their three children.

Romney also reappointed Henry M. Thomas III to the Board of Education. A former member of the Judicial Nominating Commission, he has been a member of the Board of Education since 2001. He is currently a visiting professor at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and at Curry College in Milton. The president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, Thomas also hosts a weekly community talk show on Springfield radio.

“Henry Thomas is a leader in the community who appreciates the challenges that face urban youth in and out of the classroom,” said Romney. “I urge Henry to continue to speak for these students as we work to close the achievement gap that persists between white and nonwhite students.”

Thomas received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from American International College in Springfield and his law degree from Western New England School of Law in Springfield. He and his wife reside in Springfield.