The Somerville Council on Aging is hosting a morning of ballroom dancing on Friday, May 6, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Holland St. Center (167 Holland St.). Continue reading Ballroom Dancing with Somerville Council on Aging – May 6 →

The Between the Covers Book Group will meet on Tuesday, May 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom to discuss the novel You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria. Continue reading Between the Covers Book Group – May 3 →

Gallery @ SPL returns with Southie Then and Now – A Neighborhood Transformed, an interactive video exhibit by award-winning artist Jared Katsiane. An opening reception and community forum is planned for Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Central Library auditorium (79 Highland Ave.). Continue reading Gallery @ SPL Returns with Interactive Exhibit by Jared Katsiane →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 City Councilor Beatriz Gómez Mouakad, and City staff invite you to a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, May 10, to discuss the expansion and renovation of Junction Park, located off of Central Street near the Community Path extension. Continue reading Somerville Junction Park Expansion & Renovation Virtual Community Meeting 5/10 →

The Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic Preservation Commission are seeking new members, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Continue reading Join the Zoning Board of Appeals or Historic Preservation Commission →

At their meeting on April 21, the Somerville Board of Health voted to extend the City’s eviction moratorium another two months and ultimately sunset the moratorium on June 30.
Continue reading Somerville Eviction Moratorium Extended One Last Time Until June 30 →

PorchFest 2022 is set to ring out on front stoops across the city on Saturday, May 14. Stroll through neighborhoods citywide to enjoy this showcase of Somerville’s varied and diverse array of musical talent. Continue reading PorchFest Returns Saturday, May 14 →

By Bob Katzen

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced that beginning May 2, applicants taking the road test to obtain their driver’s license are required to bring their own vehicle for the road test. Continue reading BRING YOUR OWN CAR →

By Bob Katzen

The Baker administration announced the awarding of $527,000 in grants to cities and towns to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AED) for public safety and first responder vehicles that will equip 246 vehicles serving about 70 percent of the state’s cities and towns. Continue reading AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS →

By Bob Katzen

On its way to a study committee is a bill that would allow any person, including students, parents and school personnel to possess and use a topical sunscreen product without a physician’s note or prescription while on school property or at a school-related event or activity to avoid overexposure to the sun if the product is regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for over-the-counter use. Continue reading ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL:SUNSCREEN LOTION →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment to a section of the sports betting bill that prohibits a credit card from being used to place bets. The amendment clarifies that any use of credit, whether the credit card itself or some other third-party, is prohibited. Continue reading PROHIBIT CREDIT CARD USE FOR SPORTS BETTING →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 4-35 rejected an amendment that would reduce from 20 percent to 10 percent the gaming excise tax for in-person betting and from 35 percent to 12.5 percent the tax for mobile bets and daily fantasy sports. Continue reading REDUCE GAMING TAX →

By Bob Katzen

The House 32-124, rejected an amendment that would have suspended the state’s 24-cents-per-gallon gas tax for 60 days. The measure also requires the state to use money from its General Fund to cover transportation costs, normally funded by the gas tax, such as road and bridge maintenance, during the two-month holiday.
Continue reading GAS TAX SUSPENSION →

By Bob Katzen

The House 31-125, rejected an amendment that would increase by $1,005 (from $750 to $1,755) the maximum tax credit which seniors over 65 who qualify, can receive under the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Law. The law applies to seniors with homes valued at less than $884,000 and who earn $62,000 or less for a single individual who is not the head of a household; $78,000 for a head of household; and $93,000 for married couples filing a joint return. Continue reading INCREASE TAX BREAK FOR SENIORS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 29-127,rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent.

Chip Ford, executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation said that anything that can help the investors in Massachusetts keep up with mounting inflation is a positive step for the commonwealth’s economy, “Why should the capital gains or any tax imposed be charged at a higher rate than earned income, especially considering the multi-billions in historic revenue surpluses?” asked Ford. Continue reading REDUCE CAPITAL GAINS TAX FROM 12 PERCENT TO 5 PERCENT →

By Bob Katzen

The House 30-126, rejected an amendment that would exempt the first $2 million of the value of a person’s estate from the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. Continue reading REDUCE ESTATE/DEATH TAX →

By Bob Katzen

The House 28-127, rejected an amendment making seniors, aged 67 or older, who are at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, eligible for a prescription drug rebate on their total out-of-pocket expenses of up to $2,500 for the 12 months from July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2023. Continue reading PRESCRIPTION REBATE FOR SENIORS OVER 67 →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $49.7 billion fiscal 2023 state budget after adding nearly $130 million in spending during three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve a different version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and sent to the governor. Continue reading APPROVE $49.7 BILLION FISCAL 2023 STATE BUDGET →