By Bob Katzen

“The number one issue facing the American people is high costs. The President’s tariffs represent nothing more than a giant price hike on the cost of groceries, clothes, phones, housing and energy. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen
The Healey Administration today announced $325,000 in grants to restore approximately 520 acres of wildlife habitat across Massachusetts. The Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is awarding grants to several organizations through the Habitat Continue reading $325,000 TO RESTORE CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey administration and the Massachusetts Broadband Institute announced $19 million in grants to support participants of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program. The funds will support active digital equity projects focused on delivering training, resources and broadband infrastructure to Massachusetts residents.
Supporters say these projects will distribute upwards of 500 devices, expand the Apartment Wi-Fi program by 4,000 units and increase digital access for nearly 20,000 residents across the state. Continue reading $19 MILLION FOR STATEWIDE DIGITAL EQUITY EFFORTS →

By Bob Katzen

State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced that February 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day. She urges all residents to go to findmassmoney.gov or call 888-344-MASS (6277) to see if they can claim any of the $3.4 billion the state is holding in unclaimed money. Continue reading CELEBRATE” UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY →

By Bob Katzen

Tech Goes Home (TGH) and Ameelio, two non-profits dedicated to closing the digital divide, announced the receipt of a $6 million grant with more than $4 million earmarked to bring digital skills courses to more than 3,600 adults and youth housed in county jails and Department of Youth Services facilities in the Bay State.
Most prisons have limited and outdated technology, making it difficult for individuals to acclimate to the rapidly advancing digital world upon release. Continue reading $6 MILLION FOR PROVIDING PRISONERS WITH TECH SKILLS →

By Bob Katzen

DON’T MISS THIS EVENT – Join Massachusetts energy leaders in government, industry and advocacy at the MCLE in Boston on March 26 for an important discussion about the state’s energy policy and its goals for a net-zero future, hosted by the State House News Service. With the return of a new Trump administration and policies hindering wind power development, the state’s plan to expand its offshore wind portfolio faces uncertainty. Continue reading DON’T MISS THIS EVENT – Join Massachusetts energy leaders in government, industry and advocacy at the MCLE in Boston on March 26 →

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced the awarding of $712,500 to support the wellbeing of first responders. The grants are designed to ensure that services are available to members of law enforcement and other emergency responders in the aftermath of a traumatic incident in the line of duty. Continue reading $712,500 FOR WELLBEING OF FIRST RESPONDERS →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation, dubbed by her as the Municipal Empowerment Act, that would allow cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registration; Continue reading LOCAL OPTIONS INCLUDING TAX HIKES FOR CITIES AND TOWNS →

By Bob Katzen

On October 26, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer a short-term supply (60-days once in a two-year period) of HIV prevention drugs, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to a patient without a prescription. The House took no action on the bill and it died. Continue reading HIV PREVENTION DRUGS (S 2480) →

By Bob Katzen

On October 26, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would require all prisons, homeless shelters and K-12 schools to maintain free menstrual products, including sanitary napkins, tampons and underwear liners in private and public restrooms and to make them available in a “convenient manner that does not stigmatize any persons seeking the products.” The House took no action on the bill and it died.
Continue reading MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS (S 2491) →

By Bob Katzen

On July 27, 2023, the Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation that would make it easier for homeless youth and adults to secure free state ID cards. The House took no action on the bill and it died. Continue reading MAKE OBTAINING ID CARDS EASIER FOR HOMELESS PERSONS (S 2251) →

Obituary
Michael F. Cannon, aged 61, of Arlington/Brighton, was a dedicated finish carpenter, avid skier and a proud Marine Corp veteran. He was predeceased by his loving parents, William F. and Elinor L. (Moloy) Cannon of Arlington. Michael is survived by his siblings: Cynthia and Ralph Brogna of Woburn, William and Sandra Cannon of Burlington, Susan Cannon of Woburn, Denise and David Castle of Ossipee, NH, and Barbara and Galvin Murphy of Malden. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as longtime friends Mason (“Sully”), Sean (“Vinny”), Patrick (“Dots”), and Chuck. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Michael F. Cannon →

Due to cost escalation from legal settlement, use to shift from public safety headquarters to housing and mixed use

SOMERVILLE–Today, the City of Somerville announced a recalibration of redevelopment plans for 90 Washington Street following a recent legal decision that significantly increased the cost of the property. Continue reading Somerville Adjusts Redevelopment Plans for 90 Washington St. →