This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“We all have an important role to play in protecting civil rights, particularly at a time when societal divisions and political polarization have resulted in decreased civility and increased intolerance. The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains focused on developing and supporting the programs, policies and initiatives that strengthen Massachusetts’ ability to uphold our values and embrace our differences.”
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LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (H 5033)

Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a new version of a bill making changes to the state’s long term care and assisted living industry that supporters said will make sweeping reforms to these two industries and will take a powerful step toward delivering high quality and safe care for older residents across the state.
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RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better and properly define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. In April, the House approved a different version of the bill and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.
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Join Somerville’s Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival in Union Square

Festival Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with Performances by Local Hip Hop Artists and Dances on Saturday, September 7

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) are inviting the community to join Somerville’s Tenth Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival that will take
place on Saturday, September 7 (rain date Saturday, September 14), from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in Union Square Plaza. Continue reading Join Somerville’s Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival in Union Square

Somerville’s Community Preservation Act Celebrates 10 Years with Over $35 Million Invested in Affordable Housing, Open Space, and Historic Preservation

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce more than $35 million spent on affordable housing, open space, recreation projects, historical preservation
and accessibility upgrades spanning the entire city, Somerville’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) is now marking its tenth anniversary.
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Mayor Ballantyne Seeks to Expand Climate Action & Energy Savings to Renters via New Ordinance

Residents invited to help shape proposed Rental Registry and Energy Disclosure ordinance to bring greater energy efficiency, affordability, and more to renters

SOMERVILLE–Roughly two-thirds of Somerville residents are renters, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is determined to improve their access to the energy savings and health benefits of green energy upgrades often out of reach to renters–especially low-income renters. And she’s asking residents to help her do so.
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