Tisei said the state should use revenue generated from rent control's abolition to subsidize elderly and low-income tenants displaced by Question 9's implementation.

Sen. Jane M. Swift (R-North Adams) said rent control places unfair burdens on landlords to subsidize their tenants. "It's unfair to expect a handful of individuals to meet the responsibility that should be a collective responsibility," she said.

Tisei attempted to amend Boston's petition to deny the city any additional funding for the continuation of its rent control laws.

The proposed amendment, which was defeated 25-11, drew a storm of criticism from the Democrats.

"It is politically divisive, its motivation is mean-spirited, and its intellectual premise is fatuous," said Sen. Thomas F. Birmingham '72 (D-Chelsea). Birmingham said many state laws have the effect of depressing property values besides rent control, including restrictions on supermarkets and skyscrapers.

"We are criticized repeatedly for allowing issues to linger and remain in a dormant state," said Sen. Robert E. Travaglini (D-East Boston).

"The effect [of rent control] on local aid is minimal at best," Travaglini added.

Following the defeat of the Republican amendment, Travaglini and Sen. Marian Walsh (D-West Roxbury) successfully amended the Boston plan to include a "sunset clause," which would extend rent control for the same groups protected under Cambridge's plan, but only through 1999.

Under the amendment, which passed by a voice vote, rent control would be eliminated for everyone else by March 31.

The rejection of Brookline's petition came as a surprise to some Democrats.

"There were concerns about the lack of a sunset clause and a voluntary means test," Travaglini said. An income-based means test is used to determine rent-control eligibility.

A last-minute amendment by Sen. Lois G. Pines (D-Newton) to add a sunset clause failed to save the petition, and it is too late for the town to get another petition passed before Question 9 takes effect on January 1.

Governor's Decision Now

Nearly all sides agree the rent control decision is now Governor Weld's.

The Democrats will be unable to override a veto unless they can recapture at least eight votes in the Senate.