Housing slated for medical personnel, first responders, and patients, with campus segmented into separate zones for different types of populations

In partnership with local health-care providers and its host communities, Continue reading Tufts to Make Residence Halls Available to Local Hospitals and Host Cities →

By Bob Katzen

There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week.

Once again, the main focus on Beacon Hill last week was the COVID-19 pandemic. Only a handful of legislators and staff along with the House and Senate Clerks and some of their staff were at the House and Senate sessions. Continue reading THIS WEEK IN THE MASSACHUSETTS HOUSE AND SENATE →

HELP CITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS (H 4617) – The House and Senate approved and Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a bill designed to help cities, towns, businesses and individuals solve some of the problems created by the COVID-19. Continue reading HELP CITY AND TOWN GOVERNMENTS, BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation putting a moratorium on most residential and commercial evictions and foreclosures until 30 days after Gov. Baker lifts the ongoing state of emergency. Continue reading MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that would allow changes to the state’s high school standardized testing requirements. Continue reading CHANGES TO HIGH SCHOOL STANDARDIZED TESTING REQUIREMENTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that sponsors say will provide additional unemployment insurance relief to low-income families, non-profit institutions and employers.

Continue reading IMPROVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker announced that in order to reduce large concentrations of people at beaches during the COVID-19 outbreak, the state is closing the parking lots at beaches managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Continue reading GOVERNOR BAKER CLOSES BEACH PARKING LOTS →

By Bob Katzen

“We know that … the COVID-19 crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector,” says the Mass Cultural Council as it announces the launch of the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals. Grants of $1,000 will be available to Continue reading MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL COVID-19 RELIEF FUND →

By Bob Katzen

Education Fund released a guide with tips for how consumers can negotiate with their banks to lower interest rates, waive overdraft fees and agree on payment plans to provide more financial peace of mind in the months to come.

Continue reading MASSPIRG’s GUIDE ON HOW CONSUMERS CAN NEGOTIATE WITH BANKS – MASSPIRG →

By Bob Katzen

The Supreme Judicial Court heard testimony in the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Massachusetts, Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) asking the court to take immediate action to limit outbreaks of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people who are incarcerated in Massachusetts jails, prisons and houses of correction. Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS CONSIDERING EARLY RELEASE FOR PRISONERS →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Mindy Domb (D-Amherst) has filed legislation, co-sponsored by 36 of her colleagues, to establish a $500 million emergency fund to support food pantries in Massachusetts as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Continue reading $500 MILLION EMERGENCY FOOD FUND PROPOSED →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Other cities obviously want business. The Winter Hill problem after all this time can only mean this is something between the building owner and someone in the city. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Reopen Up Winter Hill →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
So my tenant that hasn’t paid rent since december…
and owes three thousand dollars in back rent should be allowed to stay? nope. not fair.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:State Moratorium on most Residential and Commercial Evictions and Residential Foreclosures →