Baker On Not Attending GOP Convention: 'I've Got A Busy Week'
BOSTON (CBS) -- The current legislative session on Beacon Hill is over at the end of July--and with two national political conventions also happening this month, the clock is ticking for lawmakers at the State House to get some work done.
That's one reason why the state's leading Republicans, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, will not be going to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
"I've got a really busy week next week," Baker told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens. "And with all the stuff that's going on around here, I think Karyn and I are going to be focusing on what I would describe as our day jobs here."
Baker listed off what he calls "the big six," six significant items that are still awaiting legislative action.
"Certainly the municipal modernization legislation, which hopefully will be in conference by the end of this week," Baker said. "The energy bill, which is in conference now, the economic development bill that we expect to be in conference by the end of the week."
There are also new regulations on the ride-sharing industry, a gender pay equity bill, and a proposal to restrict non-compete agreements.
Another reason why the governor isn't going to the convention? A genuine distaste for the Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump.
The governor said he did not vote for Trump in the state's March 1 primary, and has said he won't be voting for Trump in the general election, either. Last December, Baker called Trump's proposal for a ban Muslims from the United States "ridiculous."
"I question whether he's got the temperament to serve as president," Baker said of Trump back in May.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports