By Bob Katzen
“It might be a gray, rainy week, but progress on updating the state’s Bottle Bill is a ray of sunshine for everyone who wants to reduce litter and waste.”
— Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG on the reporting out of committee a bill that would increase the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents and expand it to include water bottles, vitamin drinks and other beverages that were not on the market when the Bottle Bill first passed in 1982.
“Because Massachusetts has entered a new era with sports betting now literally available at your fingertips, it is critical that we raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity, particularly for young people. This coalition brings together the business, professional sports, nonprofit and responsible gaming communities to best achieve one common goal: better protect and educate young adults across the commonwealth.”
—Attorney General Andrea Campbell on formation of a new public-private partnership, the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition, to raise awareness of the laws, risks and public health harms associated with sports betting and gambling among young people.
“Expanding low-income fares will help to ensure that our transportation system is more equitable and more affordable, which supports the mission to give everyone greater access to mobility options, especially community members depending on transit.”
—Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt commenting on the MBTA board vote to approve a reduced fare program for low-income riders across most services.
“Park Serve Day exemplifies the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s goals of promoting stewardship and conservation of our state’s green and open spaces. Encouraging the public to take an active role in protecting our environment is one way that we can foster the next generation of environmentalists who will take up the mantle of protecting these important natural resources.”
—Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing that registration is now open for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s 18th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at which volunteers help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers or take part in other restorative projects
More information at mass.gov/info-details/dcr-park-serve-day