Lawmakers race against clock
Massachusetts lawmakers are gearing up for a final, busy week of their formal session with several major pieces of legislation still pending.
Among the bills lawmakers have yet to send to Gov. Deval Patrick are a casino gambling proposal, a plan to streamline the siting of wind power plants, a small business health insurance overhaul and an economic development package.
Patrick also hopes lawmakers will approve his crime bill that would limit gun buyers to the purchase of one firearm a month.
The Massachusetts Senate has scheduled formal sessions for every day Monday through Saturday, the end of the formal session. The House also plans formal sessions.
Most bills that do not reach Patrick's desk by the end of Saturday will have to start their legislative journey again next year.