By Bob Katzen
This was the first state budget in the COVID-19 era and most representatives participated virtually from their homes.
Continue reading A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE BUDGET “DEBATE”
Daily Archives: November 15, 2020
$46 BILLION FISCAL 2001 STATE BUDGET
By Bob Katzen
The House 143-14, approved and sent to the Senate an estimated $46 billion fiscal 2021 state budget that uses $1.5 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help cover expenses. The House added an estimated $27 million to the price tag of the original version of the budget drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee. Debate was on Tuesday and Thursday instead of the usual 4- or 5-day period it has taken in the past.
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES INCREASE ABORTION ACCESS
By Bob Katzen
The House 108-49, approved a budget amendment that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and lower the age from 18 to 16 that a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. Continue reading LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES INCREASE ABORTION ACCESS
SOMERVILLE LAWMAKERS VOTE TO INCREASE SOME TAXES FROM 5 PERCENT TO 9 PERCENT
By Bob Katzen
The House 30-127, rejected an amendment that would have raised the tax rate on long term capital gains, dividends and interest income from 5 percent to 9 percent. Continue reading SOMERVILLE LAWMAKERS VOTE TO INCREASE SOME TAXES FROM 5 PERCENT TO 9 PERCENT
BOARDS OF HEALTH
By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would require a local board of health to provide the local agricultural commission with a copy of any of the board’s proposed regulations to farms and farmer’s markets. The commission would have 45 days to hold public hearings, review the proposed regulations and make recommendations to the board of health. Continue reading BOARDS OF HEALTH
CELEBRATE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill creating a special commission to develop a comprehensive plan for promoting and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026.
Continue reading CELEBRATE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that sponsors say would modernize public accountancy and bring Massachusetts in line with the majority of states to protect licensed Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and consumers at the same time. Continue reading PUBLIC ACCOUNTANCY
Somerville Animal Control Update: FOUND DOG!! PLEASE SHARE!!
This very scared male was found tonight(11/14/20) in the area of Corinithian Rd. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Update: FOUND DOG!! PLEASE SHARE!!