7-5-2011:  Update on House Bill H1048,
"Sterilization of Musical Instruments"

MASSACHUSETTS MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION, INC.

A Federated State Unit of MENC:  The National Association of Music Education

Endorsed by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association

July, 2011

Dear MMEA Members,

I wanted to give you a quick summary of the hearing held by the Joint Committee on Education on Tuesday, June 28^th at the State House concerning House Bill #1048Sterilization of Musical Instruments.

It was obvious during the hearing that our membership has done an excellent job educating and information the committee members about this bill.  Throughout the testimony of the speakers, members of the committees asked pertinent and important questions such as the costs involved, are there any links between the musical instruments and students becoming sick, and why was this going to be required (what was the purpose).  These are some of the questions we have asked ourselves over the past few years as this bill has come to several committees three times.

During the hearing, several speakers spoke for this bill. Some included dentists, doctors, and eventually the founder of the sterilization company.  As stated above, committee members asked pertinent questions (some were not answered fully) and there were 8 people total who spoke FOR this bill.  Speaking against this bill were myself, Paul Livingston (Superintendent of Pentucket Regional and MMEA Board Member) and a member representing the Massachusetts Association of School Committees.  

As the testimony went on (for over an hour), questions were raised about how this bill would affect music programs and it was stated by those for this bill that this was NOT a requirement or mandate. However, committee members pointed out repeatedly that the way the bill was written was that it WAS a requirement/mandate and school systems would be required to have this procedure done. There were also questions about the practicality of this, for example how can you sterilize a shared instrument between ensembles every day or even every period?  

I have attached copies of my testimony as well as what I submitted from Dr. Phil Moen which discusses an article printed in a dental magazine and how it doesn't connect to their argument.  I will say this article was mentioned and quoted by the several doctors and founder who spoke for this bill so I was glad we had this information to share with the committee.

At this time I am waiting to hear if it does come out of committee or they vote it down.  I will keep incoming President Faith Lueth aware of any information I receive so MMEA can continue to fight this bill. In the meantime, I would encourage members to contact members of the Joint Committee on Education (members can easily be found on the Mass. State Website) and thank them for listening to our position and encourage them to vote this bill down.

I would also like to thank Past-President LaVada Studley and Lin Whitehead from Falmouth for being at the hearing with me along with Paul Livingston.  If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at lacavam@chelmsford.k12.ma.us.

Thank you,

Michael LaCava

MMEA Past-President