The greatest event in Malden for 89 years
On August 10, 11 and 12, Saint Rocco’s Feast Association will celebrate 89 years of tradition during their annual “Grande Festa”.
Daily Archives: July 23, 2018
TAX CREDITS FOR PET ADOPTION
By Bob Katzen
The Committee on Revenue held a hearing on a bill that would give a tax credit to taxpayers who adopt a dog or cat from a shelter. The credit ranges from $100 to $400 depending on the age and health of the animal. The credit is given over three years and is capped at $500 per year per household.
$41.88 BILLION STATE BUDGET DOES NOT INCLUDE SENATE IMMIGRANT POLICY
By Bob Katzen
The state budget approved by the House and Senate last week does not include a Senate-approved plan that would prohibit police and other law enforcement from asking people about their immigration status. Continue reading $41.88 BILLION STATE BUDGET DOES NOT INCLUDE SENATE IMMIGRANT POLICY
NET NEUTRALITY ON BEACON HILL
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would require the Department of Telecommunications and Cable to develop a user-friendly grading system that will grade Internet Service Providers (ISPs) on how effectively they provide net neutral services and protect customer’s privacy. A good grade will allow an ISP to display a “Massachusetts Net Neutrality and Consumer Privacy Seal” on their marketing materials.
OPIOIDS BILL APPROVED
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 37-0, approved a bill aimed at combatting the opioid problem in the Bay State by addressing opioid addiction, prevention and treatment. The House has approved a different version and a conference committee will try to hammer out a compromise version.
SENATE ALLOWS NEIGHBORHOODS TO BAND TOGETHER AND FORM A DISTRICT
The Senate 22-15, approved a local option bill allowing a city or town to authorize the creation of community benefit districts which would permit owners of contiguous property in a city or town to form a district and require property owners to pay for additional services, improvements, events and other projects and activities within the district. The districts would be operated by a nonprofit board.
Continue reading SENATE ALLOWS NEIGHBORHOODS TO BAND TOGETHER AND FORM A DISTRICT
STATE SENDS BILL TO REPEAL ARCHAIC SEX AND ABORTION LAWS
By Bob Katzen
The House 138-9, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would eliminate old state laws restricting or banning abortion and contraception.
Continue reading STATE SENDS BILL TO REPEAL ARCHAIC SEX AND ABORTION LAWS
STATE RAISES AGE FROM 18 TO 21 TO PURCHASE TOBACCO
By Bob Katzen
House 146-3, Senate 32-3, approved a bill raising from 18 to 21 the age to legally purchase cigarettes and electronic cigarettes in the Bay State. Other provisions ban e-cigarettes and other vape devices from the workplace and prohibit pharmacies and healthcare facilities from selling any tobacco or vape products.
Continue reading STATE RAISES AGE FROM 18 TO 21 TO PURCHASE TOBACCO
HIKE CAR RENTAL TAX BY $2 TO FUND POLICE TRAINING APPROVED
By Bob Katzen
The House 143-5, Senate 36-0, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill imposing a $2 tax on car rentals to fund municipal police training.
Continue reading HIKE CAR RENTAL TAX BY $2 TO FUND POLICE TRAINING APPROVED
$41.88 BILLION FISCAL 2019 STATE BUDGET APPROVED
By Bob Katzen
The House 143-6, Senate 36-1, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker the conference committee compromise version of a $41.88 billion fiscal 2019 state budget. Baker has ten days to sign the budget and to veto sections of it. It would then take a two-thirds vote of the House and Senate to override any vetoes. The conference committee version was hammered out after the House and Senate each approved different budgets. The final version is nearly $400 million more than what either branch approved.
Continue reading $41.88 BILLION FISCAL 2019 STATE BUDGET APPROVED
Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 43 – Report No. 29 July 16-20, 2018
By Bob Katzen
THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of July 16-20.
Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 43 – Report No. 29 July 16-20, 2018
This Week’s SomerMovie Fest
“Pinocchio” is up next in Somerville City Cable’s SomerMovie Fest series. You can catch the classic cartoon this Thursday at the East Somerville Community School at sunset. Visit somervillema.gov/fest for the full SomerMovie Fest schedule and to make your pick for the viewers’ choice movie.
Other Events and Dates in Somerville
August 15: Deadline to Register to Vote in September Primary
August 7: Somerville National Night Out
The Ethics Commission is Seeking a New Member in Somerville
The City of Somerville’s Ethics Commission is looking for a new member to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board. The Ethics Commission reviews statements of interested filed with it to determine whether relevant rules and regulations have been fulfilled.
Continue reading The Ethics Commission is Seeking a New Member in Somerville
The Impact of the Arts in Somerville
Two recently published articles highlight the ways that the Somerville Arts Council helps build community and boost the local economy.
Work at a Polling Place In Somerville
Did you know that Somerville has 21 precincts (three in each of the city’s seven wards)? During each election poll workers check voters in and out and help the day go smoothly at each voting location. Continue reading Work at a Polling Place In Somerville
GLX Updates
With construction continuing and bridge closures right around the corner, the Green Line Extension feels more real than ever. Continue reading GLX Updates
Somerville-Davis Square Planning Meeting, July 31
Join the City of Somerville Planning Department for a discussion about the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan on Tuesday, July 31, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave. Continue reading Somerville-Davis Square Planning Meeting, July 31
Somerville Speakup Line:Exploited In Somerville by the Mayor’s Sister Maria
Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
Well it’s been over a month now since the South Middlesex County Register of Deeds Curtatone party shitshow on Prospect Hill.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Exploited In Somerville by the Mayor’s Sister Maria
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, July 23, the 204th day of 2018 with 161 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:26 and sunset is @ 8:14. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1715 – The first lighthouse in America was authorized for construction at Little Brewster Island, Massachusetts. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
Somerville Council on Agin Weekly Updates & Information
Remigio Memorial Scholarship Tournament
Letter to the Editor: Middlesex County Needs a District Attorney Who Will Step Up To The Plate
Dear Editor:
In Massachusetts, young adults make up 10% of the general population but nearly 30% of people arrested. That means a disproportionate number of our young people are coming into contact with our criminal justice system. And we must ask: what kind of criminal justice system are they encountering?
ALMOST FIVE YEARS MCGRATH HIGHWAY OFFRAMP AND TUNNEL CLOSED FOR WHAT?
By William Tauro
Was the recent closing a few years ago of the McGrath Highway offramp that leads down to Target and Burger King in the best interest of the residents and business owners of Somerville or was it a big mistake or an intentional plot?
Continue reading ALMOST FIVE YEARS MCGRATH HIGHWAY OFFRAMP AND TUNNEL CLOSED FOR WHAT?
Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Peter MCILROY (OUI Liquor, Reckless Op of MV)
On July 15, 2018 at approximately 11:55 PM, I (Officer Mark Nevin / West 6) was sitting in the driver’s seat of my assigned cruiser waiting for my relief. My cruiser was parked facing West on Kidder Avenue about 100 feet from the intersection of Kidder Avenue and Willow Avenue. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Peter MCILROY (OUI Liquor, Reckless Op of MV)
Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person of the Week Mark Antonelli
Meet this week’s “Special Person of the Week:Mark Antonelli
Mark is a lifelong resident of Somerville and a very involved and dedicated person in this city.
Continue reading Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person of the Week Mark Antonelli