Federal Update

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Update: FRIDAY JUNE 6, 2008
Beacon Hill, Massachusetts
MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE (H 3246) - The House approved a measure proclaiming the third full week in September as "Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week." Supporters explained that mitochondria are the power plants in every cell of a person's body and create more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support growth. They note that when a body's mitochondria fail, the resulting problems often lead to death. They said that making the public aware of this disease would save lives. Former Gov. Mitt Romney "pocket vetoed" the bill in 2007. A pocket veto occurs when the Legislature approves a bill and then adjourns for the year. If the governor does not act on the measure within ten days, it is considered to be vetoed. Romney said that since he was leaving office and the Legislature approved the bill at the last minute, he did not have the time for a complete legal review of the proposal and decided to pocket veto it.