SMC is offering a set of free digital literacy workshops geared toward audiences who want to improve their ability to navigate and participate in the digital media sphere and greater social economy. Continue reading Free Digital Literacy Workshops Ongoing; February – June 2019 @Somerville Media Center Register at www.somervillemedia.org
Daily Archives: January 21, 2019
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/ Commonwealth Real Estate
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, January 21, the 21st day of 2019 with 344 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:08 and sunset is @ 4:42. The Full Wolf Moon is exact @ 12:17 AM EST. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1789 – W.H. Brown’s “Power of Sympathy” was published. It was the first American novel to be published. The novel is also known as the “Triumph of Nature Founded in Truth”. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
GRANTS FOR CITIES AND TOWNS FOR BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROJECTS
By Bob Katzen
The state’s MassTrails Program will be awarding $5 million in matching grants for cities and towns to expand their off-road pathways for walking, bicycling, inline skating and people in wheelchairs. Continue reading GRANTS FOR CITIES AND TOWNS FOR BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAIL PROJECTS
MEANS TESTED PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION
By Bob Katzen
In December, the Senate approved a bill that would allow cities and towns to establish a means-tested property tax exemption for senior citizens. Continue reading MEANS TESTED PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION
CONFIDENTIALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
By Bob Katzen
Governor Baker held a ceremonial event to sign legislation ensuring confidentiality for first responders who seek mental health services from a peer counselor. Prior law did not guarantee confidentiality.
MASS TO LEGALIZE WAGERING ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
By Bob Katzen
Governor Baker announced plans to file legislation that would allow people over 21 in Massachusetts to wager on professional sports. The proposal would authorize the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to issue sport wagering licenses to the state’s casinos including MGM-Springfield, Encore-Everett and Plainridge. The three casinos would also be allowed to provide sports wagering online or contract with an entity to provide the service. Continue reading MASS TO LEGALIZE WAGERING ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
BAKER PROPOSES HIKE IN DEEDS EXCISE TAX
By Bob Katzen
Gov. Baker has proposed an increase from $2 per $500 of assessed value to $3 per $500 of value in the deeds excise tax which is paid by the seller upon selling real estate property. The increase is estimated to generate an additional $137 million per year and an estimated $1 billion over the next decade to implement new climate adaption programs to protect Massachusetts’ residents, communities, economy and infrastructure. Continue reading BAKER PROPOSES HIKE IN DEEDS EXCISE TAX
STUDENT LOAN BILL OF RIGHTS
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 36-0, approved a bill giving greater protections to borrowers in disputes with companies servicing their student loans.
BILL APPROVED TO PROTECT PUPPIES AND KITTENS
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 36-0, approved a bill ensuring that puppies and kittens are bred and sold in a safe and healthy environment and strengthening the current “Puppy Lemon Law” to give pet owners additional options if they unknowingly purchase a sick pet. Continue reading BILL APPROVED TO PROTECT PUPPIES AND KITTENS
ACTION PLAN IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill requiring the state, led by the secretaries of energy and environmental affairs and public safety, to study, create and implement a comprehensive adaption management plan to protect and ensure the preservation, protection and restoration of the state’s “built and natural environment” from the risks of climate change. The plan would be updated every five years.
SOCIAL MEDIA PRIVACY PROTECTION
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 36-0, approved a proposal designed to protect students and employees from being forced or bullied into providing schools and companies with information about and access to their social media accounts.
COST OF COLLEGE LEGISLATION APPROVED
By Bob Katzen
The Massachusetts Senate 39-0, approved legislation that would require all colleges in Massachusetts to give applicants who have been accepted to the college, a uniform financial aid information sheet, developed by the student’s decision whether to enroll in that school. Currently, an estimated 3,300 U.S. institutions across the nation, including 66 in Massachusetts, already use the information sheet.
PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS
By Bob Katzen
Senate 39-0, approved a bill providing a variety of property tax breaks for seniors, veterans and disabled persons. Continue reading PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS
Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 44 – Report No. 3 January 14-18, 2019
By Bob Katzen
THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.
The 2017-2018 legislative session ended on January 1. Thousands of bills that were not approved by that time by both branches and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker are now dead. Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 44 – Report No. 3 January 14-18, 2019
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, January 20, the 20th day of 2019 with 345 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:08 and sunset is @ 4:40. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1265 – The first English parliament met in Westminster Hall.
1801 – John Marshall was appointed chief justice of the United States. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer