By Bob Katzen
“It took over a decade but as a result of this litigation and with credit due to the brave officers who filed this case, the commonwealth is now taking steps to create a police promotional exam that will fairly treat Black and Hispanic candidates. This outcome means the officers are going to get some substantial money.”
— Harold Lichten, lead attorney for the police officers who won a $40 million settlement between the state and a class of minority police officers resolving claims made in the class action lawsuit that a promotional exam used by various police departments discriminates against minority police officers who took the exam.
“When valid alternative methods are available, there is absolutely no reason why we should allow any company to experiment on such precious creatures. This legislation will enhance protections for these animals and assure consumers that the products they purchase are not created to the detriment of these living beings.”
—Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) on his legislation that would require companies to use non-animal-based testing methods for cosmetics and other household products.
“By allowing all eligible students to receive in-state tuition, Massachusetts would make college dramatically more affordable for tens of thousands of individuals currently without status in the commonwealth. Tuition equity would increase enrollment at state colleges and universities and create a stronger, more empowered workforce to drive our state’s future.”
— Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet on a Senate budget proposal that would allow some undocumented/illegal immigrants to qualify for lower in-state tuition rates if they attended high school in the Bay State for at least three years and graduated or completed high school Graduation Equivalency Degree.
“While our audit of the Legislature is ongoing, yes, leadership is still refusing to comply. So, in order to conduct this audit in the most meaningful way, our office is currently reviewing every possible legal step we may unfortunately need to take to support the completion of our audit, as a result of their continued non-compliance.”
—State Auditor Diana DiZoglio telling the State House News Service about the status of DiZoglio’s plan to audit the Legislature which has met with resistance from House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) who says her intent is without legal support or precedent, and runs contrary to multiple, explicit provisions of the Massachusetts Constitution.