Tuesday, January 21, 2003.

Met according to adjournment, at eleven o’clock A.M., in an Informal Session, with Mr. Walsh of Lynn in the Chair (having been appointed by the Speaker, under authority conferred by Rule 5, to perform the duties of the Chair).

Prayer was offered by the Reverend Robert F. Quinn, C.S.P., Chaplain of the House, as follows:

Gracious and Merciful God, we focus our thoughts and attention on You, Our Creator. We proclaim our trust and belief in You and Your personal concern for our total well-being. Help us to respond to You by accepting and following Your ways and spiritual values in our daily living. In addressing our legislative responsibilities and in evaluating legislation and public policy, teach us to be patient with others at times of disagreement and open to new and accurate information as well as to reasonable suggestions. May our hearts, minds and choices be guided and directed by the virtues of truth, justice and prudence. In meeting today’s demands and future needs, let our decisions remain sound, fair and ethical.

Grant Your blessings to the Speaker, the members and employees of this House and their families. Amen.

At the request of the Chair (Mr. Walsh of Lynn), the members, guests and employees joined with him in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Resolutions (filed with the Clerk by Mr. Connolly of Everett) honoring Coach John Dibiaso were considered forthwith, under suspension of the rules, on motion of Mr. Greene of Billerica; and they were adopted.

At ten minutes after eleven o’clock A.M., on motion of Mr. Peterson of Grafton (Mr. Walsh of Lynn being in the Chair), the House recessed until half past twelve o’clock noon; and at twenty-three minutes before one o’clock P.M., the House was called to order with Mr. Walsh of Lynn in the Chair.

An order (filed by Mr. DiMasi of Boston) relative to the adoption of permanent Joint Rules 10, 11B, 12, 12A and 26A for the 2003-2004 General Court (House, No. 2005) was considered.

Pending the question on adoption of the order, further consideration thereof was postponed, on motion of Mr. Peterson of Grafton, until the next sitting.

On motion of Mr. Finneran of Boston,—

Ordered, That when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet tomorrow at one o’clock P.M.

At twenty minutes before one o’clock P.M., on motion of Mr. Peterson of Grafton (Mr. Walsh of Lynn being in the Chair), the House adjourned, to meet tomorrow at one o’clock P.M.