Click on link below to read April 23rd, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online April 23rd, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)
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Daily Archives: April 23, 2024
This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill
By Bob Katzen
“Utility accidents from damaged underground lines and pipes are both dangerous and costly. Calling 811 is the best way to ensure a line won’t be hit when starting a new home project this year.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill
INCREASE TAX ABATEMENT FOR BLIND RESIDENTS (H 4458)
By Bob Katzen
Another bill heard by the Revenue Committee would increase from $457 to $1,800 the amount of the real estate tax exemption for blind residents.
Continue reading INCREASE TAX ABATEMENT FOR BLIND RESIDENTS (H 4458)
REPLACE PROPERTY TAX (H 4271)
By Bob Katzen
The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a measure that would allow cities and towns to abolish the local property tax and replace it with both a personal and business income tax to fund the local city or town’s budget. Continue reading REPLACE PROPERTY TAX (H 4271)
INCREASE PARKING FINES (H 3326)
By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and town to double the mazimum fine for some parking violations. Current law sets a maximum fine for many violations at $50 if paid within 21 days, $55 if paid after 21 days and $75 if paid after the parking clerk reports the parking offense and fine to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Continue reading INCREASE PARKING FINES (H 3326)
TAX INCENTIVE FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE (H 2852)
By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to legislation that would promote urban agriculture and horticulture by allowing Gateway cities as well as cities and towns, with populations of more than 50,000, to exempt from property taxes any land of two acres or less that is used for commercial urban agriculture and horticulture. Additionally, the parcel must have had at least $500 in gross sales of agricultural or horticultural products in the prior year to be eligible for the tax exemption.
Continue reading TAX INCENTIVE FOR URBAN AGRICULTURE (H 2852)
EXPAND PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS FOR POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS (H 2890)
By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to a bill that would expand the current law which provides a property tax abatement to the surviving spouses and minor children of police officers and firefighters “killed in the line of duty.” The bill provides that the abatement also go to the families of officers who “died in the line of duty.”
Continue reading EXPAND PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS FOR POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS (H 2890)
REVENGE PORN AND TEEN SEXTING (H 4241 and S 2703)
By Bob Katzen
The House 151-0, Senate 40-0, approved different versions of a bill that would prohibit the posting of sexually explicit images of another person online without their permission— commonly referred to as “revenge porn.” The practice is often used by ex-spouses or ex-partners.
Continue reading REVENGE PORN AND TEEN SEXTING (H 4241 and S 2703)
EMPLOYERS MUST DISCLOSE A SALARY RANGE WHEN POSTING A JOB (H 4109 and S 2484)
By Bob Katzen
The House 148-8, Senate 38-1, different versions of a bill, dubbed the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, which would require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose a salary range when posting a job position.
Continue reading EMPLOYERS MUST DISCLOSE A SALARY RANGE WHEN POSTING A JOB (H 4109 and S 2484)
APPROVE FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4139 and S 2572)
By Bob Katzen
The House 120-38, Senate 37-3, approved different versions of a bill that would change some of the state’s gun laws including limiting the carrying of guns into public places including schools, polling places, government buildings and the private residences of others, with an exemption for law enforcement. Another provision would crack down on the spread of ghost guns — unserialized and untraceable firearms.
Continue reading APPROVE FIREARMS CHANGES (H 4139 and S 2572)
USE INTEREST FROM STATE’S “RAIN DAY FUND” TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL FUNDS (H 4446 and S 2554)
By Bob Katzen
The House 154-0, Senate 39-0, approved different version of a bill that would leverage the interest from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to better compete for federal dollars, to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds and to pay down the state’s long term debt liabilities. The Rainy Day Fund currently has a historic balance of $8.2 billion.
Continue reading USE INTEREST FROM STATE’S “RAIN DAY FUND” TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL FUNDS (H 4446 and S 2554)
SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET INCLUDING $250 MILLION FUNDING FOR SHELTERS (H 4466 and S 2711)
By Bob Katzen
The House 121-33, Senate 32-8, approved different versions of a supplemental budget that includes an additional $250 million in funding for the Emergency Assistance Program that funds the emergency family shelter system which houses migrants. Continue reading SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET INCLUDING $250 MILLION FUNDING FOR SHELTERS (H 4466 and S 2711)
Somerville/Medford Remembering Diane E. Slonina
Obituary
Diane Slonina (Turner) of Somerville passed away on April 14, 2024, comfortably, at home. She was 68 years old. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. She will be cremated, and her ashes interred at her camp on her beloved Deer Pond in Hollis Maine. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Diane E. Slonina
Somerville/Medford Remembering Francis Xavier Fahey
Obituary
Francis Xavier Fahey was born on March 1st 1950 and passed away on April of 2024 in Somerville.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Francis Xavier Fahey
Somerville/Medford Remembering Rakim J. Smith-Lartey
Obituary
Smith-Lartey, Rakim J. – Of Somerville, passed away on April 13, 2024. He was 32 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rakim J. Smith-Lartey
Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program Application Workshop, April 25
Through the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program, the City is now hiring for positions across multiple departments – multiple opportunities are also available with local businesses. Applicants must be Somerville residents and at least 14 years of age. Continue reading Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program Application Workshop, April 25
Attend the Veterans Career Fair on May 1
Local veterans – come work with us! The City of Somerville is participating in MassHire Metro North’s Veteran and Civilian Job Fair on Wednesday, May 1, at the Metro North Career Center (186 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 310) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Continue reading Attend the Veterans Career Fair on May 1
Attend the Glen Park Community Garden Ribbon Cutting
Community members are invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 30, at 5 Palmer Ave. at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the completion of the Glen Park Community Garden extension. Rain date is Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m.
Continue reading Attend the Glen Park Community Garden Ribbon Cutting
Dispose of Expired or Unused Medications on National Drug Take Back Day, April 27
Let’s work together for the safety and health of our community. The City is hosting two collection events on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for residents to safely dispose of prescription medications and unused sharps (needles and syringes). Locations include:
Continue reading Dispose of Expired or Unused Medications on National Drug Take Back Day, April 27
Reminder: Join the Fun at Somerville’s Civic Day Celebration on April 27 SomerViva staff at Civic Day
Mayor Ballantyne and City staff are gearing up for Somerville’s second annual Civic Day! Come learn about City services, local government, and enjoy free activities, food, and entertainment next Saturday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) and on the City Hall concourse. Continue reading Reminder: Join the Fun at Somerville’s Civic Day Celebration on April 27 SomerViva staff at Civic Day
Somerville/Medford Remembering Laura C. Rothberg
Obituary
Laura C. Rothberg, nee Laura Gail Clayman, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 17, 2024, aged 88, following a two year battle with non-smokers’ lung cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Laura C. Rothberg
Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie J. Meus
Obituary
Born and raised in Ganthier, Haiti. She was the daughter of the late Lemond and Emelia (Pierre) Meus. Marie was a family woman, she loved to spend time with her family, especially her beloved son Alvin. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie J. Meus
Somerville/Medford Remembering Andrea D. Garcia
Obituary
Garcia, Andrea D.- Of Lynn, passed away after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 19, 2024. She was 30 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Andrea D. Garcia
Mayor Ballantyne and the City Council Invite Somervillians to New “Slice of the City” Spring Meet-Up Series
Connect with Mayor, City Officials, and Neighbors Over Free Pizza, Refreshments, and Kids’ Activities in a Somerville Park Near You
Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne and the City Council Invite Somervillians to New “Slice of the City” Spring Meet-Up Series
Mayor Ballantyne Announcing 2024 Somerville Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony
Community Encouraged to Sign Up as Volunteers and Parade Participants
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services are announcing
that Somerville’s Memorial Day parade will be held on Sunday, May 26. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announcing 2024 Somerville Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony
Mayor Ballantyne Announcing Public Interviews for Somerville Police Chief Candidates
Residents, community members invited to attend and share feedback to help select Somerville’s next Chief of Police
Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announcing Public Interviews for Somerville Police Chief Candidates
Somerville Memorial Day Parade
Greetings!
On behalf of the City of Somerville Department of Veterans’ Services, we invite your organization in joining us for this year’s Memorial Day Parade to Honor and Remember our Fallen Heroes.
Continue reading Somerville Memorial Day Parade