By Bob Katzen

“Partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve is the cornerstone of effective public safety. This funding is an investment in the enduring success of strong partnerships. Through this grant program, we provide public safety with essential resources to enhance community engagement and deliver evidence-based programs.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) announced its intention to shut down MCI-Concord, a medium-security men’s prison which currently operates at 50 percent capacity with an incarcerated population of approximately 300. The shutdown is proposed by Gov. Healey in her fiscal 2025 budget proposal. The shutdown needs legislative approval before it goes into effect.

Continue reading GOV. HEALEY PLANS TO CLOSE OPERATION AT MCI-CONCORD →

By Bob Katzen

The State Ballot Law Commission dismissed a challenge that alleged Donald Trump is ineligible for office due to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, ruling that it does not have jurisdiction over the case.
Continue reading STATE PANEL DENIES EFFORT TO REMOVE FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FROM MARCH 5 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY BALLOT →

By Bob Katzen

Another proposal before the Transportation Committee, offered by Rep. Jim Arciero (D-Westford), would eliminate the initial state-required annual inspection for brand new vehicles for one year. Continue reading WAIVE FIRST ANNUAL INSPECTION FOR NEW CARS (H 3255) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit colleges from being required to release certain student education records to third parties that request the records. The prohibition would not apply to federal, state or municipal agency requests. Continue reading PRIVACY OF COLLEGE STUDENTS (H 4266) →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would create a 1-year pilot program for free access to bus service for the MBTA and regional transit authorities. The measure also would establish advisory committees to evaluate the impacts of the pilot program on ridership, equity, increased access, efficiency, on-time performance, cost savings and other metrics. Continue reading FREE BUSES (H 3266) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed an executive order requiring all state agencies to institute skills-based hiring practices. The order requires hiring to focus primarily on an applicant’s skills, knowledge and abilities rather than educational credentials. Continue reading GOV. HEALEY SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER INSTITUTING SKILLS-BASED HIRING →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healy filed her second annual state budget, this one with a price tag of $58.15 billion. The package calls for about $2.07 billion or 3.7 percent more spending compared to the fiscal 2024 budget she signed in August 2023.
Continue reading HEALEY FILES $58.15 BILLION FISCAL YEAR 2025 STATE BUDGET →

Prior to the 9-2 vote, hundreds of Somerville residents rallied in support and packed the council chambers

SOMERVILLE, MA: On January 25th, the Somerville City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling on the Biden administration to work toward an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza. Continue reading Somerville City Council overwhelmingly Passes Ceasefire Resolution →