Click on link below to read July 2nd, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online July 2nd, 2024 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
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Daily Archives: July 2, 2024
Register on Eventbrite: Jimmy Fund Benefit at Ted Williams Camp
PAUL DONATO Leadership with Results
This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill
By Bob Katzen
“Ensuring every veteran receives the proper status and respect they deserve is a top priority of the Executive Office of Veterans Services. The injustices faced by LGBTQ+ service members are a stain on our history that we are committed to erasing. Massachusetts is leading the way when it comes to supporting our veterans and this initiative is a crucial step to healing past wounds and fostering a more inclusive military community.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill
DELIVERING CARS TO DEALERSHIPS (H 3472)
By Bob Katzen
The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit any car carriers delivering cars to a dealership from parking on a public street or highway. A car carrier operator who violates this law would be subject to a $250 fine and potential license suspension. The carrier company is also subject to forfeiting its carrying permit.
Continue reading DELIVERING CARS TO DEALERSHIPS (H 3472)
REQUIRE SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE INFO ON STUDENT IDS (H 1999)
By Bob Katzen
The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would require all public schools with grades 6 to 12, and all public and private colleges to include on their student identification cards the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill includes a provision that allows any schools and colleges which have a supply of old ID cards without the 988 line to continue to distribute those IDS until the supply is gone.
Continue reading REQUIRE SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE INFO ON STUDENT IDS (H 1999)
SEXUAL ASSAULT BY FRAUD (H 4350)
By Bob Katzen
The House approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that would make it a crime for a doctor or other medical professional to commit sexual contact with a patient even when the doctor claims the contact is necessary for a legitimate medical purpose.
Continue reading SEXUAL ASSAULT BY FRAUD (H 4350)
REQUIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (H 2289)
By Bob Katzen
The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would allow cities and towns to require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system in every newly-constructed 1- or 2-family home.
Continue reading REQUIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (H 2289)
HOME INSPECTIONS (S 2834)
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that requires the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to implement regulations that secure a homebuyer’s right to have an inspection done on a property before finalizing the purchase of the home. The regulation bans the conditioning of a sale on waiving or limiting the buyer’s right to inspect the home.
Continue reading HOME INSPECTIONS (S 2834)
APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (S 2834)
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 6-34, rejected an amendment that would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop and promulgate regulations allowing a city or town affected by the zoning provisions of the MBTA Communities Act to appeal for relief from those provisions. Any appeal would have to be based on at least one of the following criteria: the community’s inability to meet the drinking water supply or wastewater requirements necessary to support the housing units authorized by the law’s zoning provisions; the inability of municipal transportation infrastructure to safely accommodate the increased population attributable to this housing development; any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the development of housing units under this act; and any adverse impacts on historic properties. Continue reading APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (S 2834)
HOUSING (S 2834)
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 40-0, approved a housing bill that would authorize $5.4 billion in borrowing to spur housing production in the Bay State. Supporters said the package makes crucial policy changes with the goal of building new housing, accelerating the rehabilitation of existing housing, reducing barriers to development and promoting affordable housing.
Continue reading HOUSING (S 2834)
$1 BILLION CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE ACTION FUND (S 2829)
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 1-38, rejected an amendment that would create a $1 billion Clean Energy and Climate Action Fund to be administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center, which would distribute funds to efficient retrofits and upgrades that fit into the state’s commitment to reducing emissions from the built environment.
Continue reading $1 BILLION CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE ACTION FUND (S 2829)
CLEAN ENERGY (S 2829)
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 38-2, approved and sent to the House climate legislation that supporters say will make systemic changes to the state’s clean energy infrastructure that will help the state achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals. They say it will also expand electric vehicle use and infrastructure and protect residents and ratepayers.
Continue reading CLEAN ENERGY (S 2829)
$3.4 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 4789)
By Bob Katzen
The House 155-2, approved and sent to the Senate a $3.4 billion economic development package that supporters said includes an array of investments and policy initiatives that aim to bolster support for workers and businesses, particularly in the life sciences, clean energy technology and manufacturing industries, while retaining a larger focus on making Massachusetts more affordable and competitive.
Continue reading $3.4 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 4789)
BAN HOME EQUITY THEFT (H 4791)
By Bob Katzen
The House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a measure that would prohibit cities and towns that foreclose on properties on which the owner owes back property taxes, from keeping all of the profits when the city or town sells the property at auction. Current Massachusetts law allows this practice. The bill would allow the city or town to keep only the amount owed in back taxes and send the remainder to the owner.
Continue reading BAN HOME EQUITY THEFT (H 4791)
$540 MILLON FISCAL 2024 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4790)
By Bob Katzen
The House 153-1, approved and sent to the Senate a $540 million fiscal 2024 supplemental budget to close out the books for fiscal year 2024. Provisions include millions of dollars in funding for 18 collective bargaining agreements; $26.5 million for cities and towns to prepare for and celebrate in 2026 the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution; $5.5 million for tax abatements for veterans, widows, blind persons and the elderly; and $29.6 million for Income-Eligible Child Care; $2.1 million for Women, Infants and Children Nutrition Services.
Continue reading $540 MILLON FISCAL 2024 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4790)
City of Somerville Honoring 2024 Disability Pride Month
Free Activities for All Ages and Abilities Planned Throughout July
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Commission for Persons With Disabilities (SCPD) are announcing a series of events throughout July to recognize and celebrate Disability Pride Month. Continue reading City of Somerville Honoring 2024 Disability Pride Month
Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin Sheridan O’Brien
Obituary
Kevin Sheridan O’Brien died on June 25, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin Sheridan O’Brien
Medford News ’bout Town
“It was a Win, Win Night!”
Each year many cities gather their Charity Clubs for a Communal Night….Eat, meet, chat, review events and ideas, and eagerly await raffles! This year all met at great Ho Win Palace.
Continue reading Medford News ’bout Town
Somerville/Medford Remembering William “Willie” A. Medeiros
Obituary
MEDEIROS, William A. “Willie” – Born and raised in Somerville and a lifelong resident, June 26, 2024. Beloved Son of the late Robert and Elizabeth Medeiros.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering William “Willie” A. Medeiros
City of Somerville Announcing Resale of One (1) Affordable Home Ownership Opportunity at 9 Avon Place
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Continue reading City of Somerville Announcing Resale of One (1) Affordable Home Ownership Opportunity at 9 Avon Place
Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia T. Judge
Obituary
Judge, Patricia T. – Of New Bern, NC formerly of Somerville, passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, June 21, 2024. She was 65 years of age.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia T. Judge
Somerville Invited to Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan Public Meeting on Monday, July 8
Community Encouraged to Ask Questions and Share Feedback on Current Version of the Neighborhood Plan
Continue reading Somerville Invited to Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan Public Meeting on Monday, July 8
Somerville/Medford Remembering Joyce E. “Ginger” Kelly
Obituary
Kelly, Joyce E. “Ginger” (Crowley)- Of Somerville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, June 24, 2024. She was 89 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joyce E. “Ginger” Kelly
Somerville/Medford Remembering James C. O’Donnell, DMD
Obituary
James C. O’Donnell, DMD of Andover, MA and formerly of Higham, MA and N. Woodstock, NH, passed away on June 23, 2024. Jim was predeceased by his wife Eleanor (Doyle) O’Donnell.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James C. O’Donnell, DMD
Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia O’Neil
Obituary
Patricia O’Neil, born, raised, and educated in Somerville, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at the age of 76. She was the cherished daughter of the late Hugh W. and Catherine (McGlinchey) O’Neil.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia O’Neil
Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie E. Trahan
Obituary
Trahan, Marie E. – Of North Chelmsford, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, June 22nd. She was 80 years old.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie E. Trahan












