As part of Mayor Katjana Ballanytne’s First 100 Day Agenda and the City’s ongoing work to ensure an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Ballantyne will be hosting small-group listening sessions with Somerville residents and workers disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Somerville to Host Small-Group COVID-19 Listening Sessions as Part of Ongoing COVID-19 Recovery Efforts →

The City of Somerville’s Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Department invites the community to a virtual forum to meet department staff, learn about their work, and find out how to get involved in ongoing racial and social justice initiatives on Thursday, March 31, beginning at 6 p.m. Register to attend online, or call 311 to get call-in information. Continue reading Meet the City’s Racial and Social Justice Department Staff →

The City of Somerville’s Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Department has contracted with Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc to conduct a staffing and operations analysis of the Somerville Police Department (SPD). Continue reading Racial and Social Justice Department Takes Next Step on Reimagining Policing and Public Safety Work →

Somerville’s annual PorchFest is scheduled for May 14, and registration is now open for bands/hosts. Continue reading PorchFest Registration Now Open! →

By Bob Katzen

“We … applaud plans to develop a hybrid hearing model that retains the benefits of remote access for the public. Across the commonwealth, remote access to public meetings has significantly increased public participation in state and local government, and has lowered longstanding barriers for people with disabilities, people with limited access to transportation and people with work and family obligations. After the pandemic, access to the democratic process should not hinge on a person’s health or disability or their ability to afford a car, get time off work or find a care provider. More transparent and accessible government means a stronger democracy for all.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The Telecommunications Utilities and Energy Committee held a virtual hearing on a measure that would allow the state’s Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to assist municipal lighting plants in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating collaboration between municipal lighting plants and other state, local, regional and federal agencies. Continue reading ASSIST MUNICIPAL LIGHTING PLANTS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a virtual hearing on a proposal that would require that an animal riding inside a motor vehicle comply with at least one of the following: be kept in an enclosed crate; be under the physical control of a person other than the driver; or secured by a harness or seat belt. Continue reading MANDATORY PET CARRIERS IN CARS – MOLLIE’S LAW →

By Bob Katzen

The Election Laws Committee recommended that a bill that would permit cities and towns to allow non-citizens over age 18 to vote in local municipal elections be shipped off to a study committee where bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. Continue reading ALLOW NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved its own version of a Senate-approved bill that would repeal a current law which prohibits adoption of children by family members including older siblings, aunts and uncles. The proposal would allow these family members, with the permission of the county probate courts, to legally adopt their family members. Continue reading MAKE ADOPTION BY FAMILY MEMBERS EASIER →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate, on a voice vote, without a roll call, approved its own version of a $1.65 billion fiscal 2022 supplemental budget. The House has approved a different version of the package and a conference committee will hammer out a compromise version. Continue reading $1.65 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET →

By Bob Katzen

The Baker Administration announced that 500,000 low-income workers will each receive $500 under the first round of the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program that was part of the American Rescue Plan Act approved by the Legislature several weeks ago. Continue reading $500 PAYMENTS TO 500,000 ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME WORKERS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would require the state’s pension funds to terminate investments with any company that has been sanctioned by the United States as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or is incorporated in Russia. Continue reading DIVEST STATE’S PENSION FUND FROM RUSSIAN INVESTMENTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $200 million for free counseling, advocacy and intervention services to victims of crime. Amendment supporters said the funding is necessary to forestall devastating federal program cuts and will be distributed to 161 programs statewide. Continue reading SENATE APPROVES $20 MILLION FOR COUNSELING VICTIMS OF CRIME →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 11-29, rejected an amendment that would immediately suspend the state’s 24-cents-per gallon until September 5. The measure also requires that the total amount of revenue lost as a result of the suspension be taken out of the General Fund and transferred to the Transportation Fund, where the gas tax currently goes. Continue reading SUSPEND THE 24-CENTS-PER GALLON GAS TAX UNTIL LABOR DAY →