September 12th 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

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

There are a variety of valid reasons why the city should not be allowed to build a public safety building at 90 Washington Street. I will focus on two. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:90 Washington Street →

By Bob Katzen

“The Wall Street Journal’s metrics – student outcomes, learning environments and diversity – directly measure student success during and after they earn their degree. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

These three bills would provide civil liability protections to individuals, restaurants and organizations that make direct food donations to persons in need. The donor would also receive a tax credit of up to $5,000. Continue reading DONATE FOOD (H 1594, S 920 and S 1016) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill Would allow minors, ages 13 to 17 years old, to appear in court, without a parent, guardian or attorney when filing for a protective order. Under current law, these minors are required to be accompanied by one of the above.

Continue reading MINORS AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS (H 1605) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would require harassment prevention orders to be expunged from a defendant’s record if and when the order is vacated on a motion made by the plaintiff. Continue reading EXPUNGE HARASSMENT PREVENTION ORDERS (H 1620) →

By Bob Katzen m

The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on several bills. This hearing was the one that began on July 18 was disrupted by an electrical fire and was rescheduled for last week. Bills before the committee include: Continue reading JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING →

By Bob Katzen

The Executive Office of Veterans Services has announced a contest for residents to design a new logo for that office which in March was elevated to be part of the governor’s cabinet rather than just a state agency. Continue reading LOGO CONTEST →

By Bob Katzen

Attorney General Andrea Campbell has determined that 34 out of the 38 possible 2024 ballot question Continue reading ATTORNEY GENERAL CERTIFIES POSSIBLE BALLOT QUESTIONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE 2024 BALLOT →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 3-36, rejected an amendment that would maintain the current 90/5/5 law under which 90 percent of the capital gains tax collections exceeding $1 billion goes to the Rainy Day Fund, Continue reading SEND 90 PERCENT OF CAPITAL GAINS TAX REVENUE ABOVE $1 BILLION TO THE RAINY DAY FUND (S 3) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the budget that exempts tax revenue generated from the recently voter-approved Millionaire Tax from counting toward the allowable state tax revenue limitations, under Chapter 62F, which provides that whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth, the excess is returned to taxpayers. Continue reading TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would increase from $1 million to $5 million the amount of money that is exempt from 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. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over ten years. Continue reading INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 2397) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-32, rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent. Continue reading REDUCE SHORT TERM CAPITAL GAINS TAX (S 2397) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 33-5, approved an amendment that would require Massachusetts couples who file income tax returns jointly at the federal level do the same at the state level.
Continue reading FILE TAXES JOINTLY (S 2387) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a package that provides $590 million in tax relief. Continue reading $590 MILLION TAX REDUCTION PACKAGE (S 2397) →

Continue reading INTO FAITH FESTIVAL →