Daily Archives: August 5, 2024

DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would provide police officers who have suffered a violent act injury, 100 percent regular compensation and pension benefits, until they reach the age of mandatory retirement. Violent act injury is defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.”
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WAGE TRANSPARENCY (H 4890)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill, named the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, in honor of the first woman to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary. The measure would require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose a salary range when posting a job position. The measure also would require employers with 100 or more employees to file annual employment data reports, including information on employee demographics and salaries, with the state.
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DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a bill that would allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. A person who violates the regulations would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The House has already approved a different version of the measure and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.
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PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill that supporters say would ensure legal parentage equality by protecting LGBTQ+ families, and children born through surrogacy and assisted reproduction, in forming the legal bond of a parent-child relationship. They said the measure would dismantle archaic legal barriers to basic parenting responsibilities for modern families, opening the door to legally attend and make decisions during medical appointments, manage a child’s finances, participate in educational decisions and provide authorizations for a child’s travel. Continue reading PARENTAGE EQUALITY (S 2906) →

$250,000 FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4800)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 154-4, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $250,000 for a grant program to school districts to support the implementation of financial literacy courses and standards for students in kindergarten to grade 12, including training and developing programs to assist teachers in incorporating appropriate financial literacy concepts into classroom curriculum. The Senate did not act on the veto.
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CREATE COMMISSION TO STUDY MISREPRESENTATION OF A SERVICE ANIMAL (H 4917)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a special commission to review current federal, state and local laws and procedures governing the use and misuse of service animals by individuals with disabilities in the Bay State. The commission would recommend the possible introduction of legislation prohibiting and civilly penalizing service animal fraud and determining the feasibility of certification, registration or licensing of service animals.
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Somerville/Medford Remembering Marthinus “Inus” Daneel

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Obituary

Inus Daneel, African Theologian

Marthinus “Inus” Louis Daneel of Somerville, MA, and Polokwane, South Africa, died on July 29, 2024, at age 87, after a long illness. Daneel was a noted eco-theologian, ecumenist, author of fourteen published scholarly volumes on African Christianity and traditional religion, and founder of ecumenical movements in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marthinus “Inus” Daneel →

Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin E. Van Stry, Sr.

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Obituary
Van Stry, Kevin E. – Of Saugus, formerly of Medford, passed away at his home on Monday, July 29, 2024. He was 73 years young.

Born and raised in Cambridge, he was the son of the late John and Katherine (Conway) Van Stry.

Kevin was a man of many passions and an unwavering commitment to the joy of others. His love for the water was evident in his sailing adventures, where he found solace and exhilaration in the changing landscapes around him. Whether navigating the waves or engaging in a game of pool, Kevin approached each moment with a competitive spirit and a twinkle in his eye. Those who played pool with him knew they had to bring their best game, as he was famously undefeatable.

In his quieter moments, Kevin’s insatiable curiosity led him to delve into the mechanics of various products, always eager to understand how things worked and operated. This thirst for knowledge was matched only by his profound desire to help others. Kevin found true fulfillment in assisting those around him, and his efforts were always accompanied by a heartfelt smile that brightened the lives of many.

Beloved husband of the late Noreen (Quinn) Van Stry. Devoted father of Erik Van Stry, Katherine Van Stry, and the late Kevin Van Stry Jr and Carol Van Stry and Daniel Van Stry of Medford. Cherished grandfather of Ryan, Jacqueline and Colin Van Stry, Jacob and Cadence Van Stry. Loving brother of Richard Van Stry, Kathryn Hahan and her husband Terry and the late Carol Costa, Daniel Van Stry, Diane Kelley, Janet Van Stry and Jackie Van Stry. Also survived by the mother of his two youngest children Hien Troug, and many loving nieces, nephews friends and cousins.

A funeral procession will be held from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Wednesday, August 7th at 9:00AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church 512 High St., Medford at 10:00AM.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, August 6th from 5:00PM to 7:00PM. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kevin E. Van Stry, Sr. →