Hot topics discussed at legislative lunch

The legislative luncheon is “one of our flagship events and is always very well attended,” said Pam Dziora, business director of the Cranberry Chamber of Commerce. “Those who attend will walk away more educated about what is happening in the state and in our communities.”

“The value of (the event) is the networking,” said banker Matthew Dyer, who works at North Easton Savings Bank. “Communication is important for all businesses in my opinion.

The lunch was attended by 12th Bristol District Representative Norman Orrall (R-Lakeville), 1st Bristol and Plymouth District Senator Michael Rodriguez (D-Westport), 3rd Bristol and Plymouth District Senator Mark Pacheco (D-Taunton) and 2nd Plymouth District Representative Susan. Gifford (R-Wareham).

Cruz, Ural, Rodriguez, Pacheco, and Gifford participated in a Q&A discussion where they He opposed a sweeping bill proposed in the House that would expand gun control rules in Massachusetts.

The bill would Defining and redefining many terms related to firearms, including what is considered an “assault” type weapon or a large magazine. The bill also includes provisions intended to restrict the availability of “ghost guns,” and contains a provision requiring gun owners to obtain permission from private property owners before bringing guns onto private property. Similar law in New York It was struck down by the Supreme Court.

Pacheco said Massachusetts has “some of the strictest laws and regulations in the country,” and the proposed House bill did not have the support of police officers.

“I can’t see the Legislature passing any proposal that doesn’t have the support of the Massachusetts Association of Chiefs of Police,” Pacheco said.

The immigration crisis that has led to many Massachusetts cities and towns housing immigrants in hotels was also discussed during lunch. Pacheco said federal immigration laws are outdated.

“The vast majority of immigrants seeking asylum are here in the United States legally under federal law,” Pacheco said. “Our immigrant crisis is a direct result of an outdated federal immigration system that has not been comprehensively addressed since 1986 and is in desperate need of reform.”

However, the potential for the immigration crisis to be beneficial for companies facing worker shortages was also discussed during the lunch. Pacheco said immigration could be an opportunity to recruit new workers.

“Every sector is looking for workers,” Pacheco said.