Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council Approve Changes to Somerville Charter, Now Set to Advance to State Legislature

Committee to be created to form plan for Ranked Choice Voting

Length of Mayoral term to be decided by voters via ballot question

SOMERVILLE – City charters serve as a city’s local constitution, and after an intensive community process and collaborative work by the Ballantyne administration and the City Council, Somerville’s charter is getting a significant update. The new charter Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council Approve Changes to Somerville Charter, Now Set to Advance to State Legislature

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

“Our annual Advocacy Day is an opportunity to highlight the incredible impact assisted living has on the lives of older adults across Massachusetts. By sharing personal stories and advocating for policies like the Frail Elder Waiver expansion, we can ensure that more individuals have access to the care, community and independence that assisted living provides.”
—Mass Assisted Living Association (ALA) CEO Brian Doherty hosting the group’s annual Advocacy Day on Beacon Hill. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

TOXIC CHEMICALS IN CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS (H 384)

By Bob Katzen

Would ban toxic chemicals, known as PFAs, in children’s products. The bill would require the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a list of known toxic chemicals and require manufacturers and distributors to pay fees and submit biannual reports disclosing if these chemicals are in products they make or distribute for children under 12. Continue reading TOXIC CHEMICALS IN CHILDREN’S PRODUCTS (H 384)

WAIVE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT (H 451)

By Bob Katzen

Would standardize what forms of identification can be used by applicants when applying for occupational licenses from the Division of Occupational Licensure and the Department of Public Health. The measure would allow individuals to submit a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or another form of verified identification in place of a social security number.
Continue reading WAIVE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT (H 451)

ALLOW DETAINMENT BY IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (H 4000)

By Bob Katzen

House 25-131, rejected an amendment that would provide a mechanism for law enforcement and the courts to detain individuals for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if the person poses a direct threat to public safety. It would specifically allow for the detainment of individuals for possible immigration violations for up to 12 hours upon receipt of a written request and warrant from ICE.
Continue reading ALLOW DETAINMENT BY IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT (H 4000)

MUNICIPAL TAX AMNESTY (H 4000)

By Bob Katzen

House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would authorize cities and towns to conduct a municipal tax amnesty program over a two-month period, as determined by the local legislative body, any time prior to June 30, 2027. It specifically authorizes communities to waive any or all penalties, fees, charges and accrued interest if the original overdue tax assessment is paid in full.
Continue reading MUNICIPAL TAX AMNESTY (H 4000)

HOUSE APPROVES $61.47 BILLION FISCAL 2026 STATE BUDGET (H 4000)

By Bob Katzen

House 151-6, approved and sent to the Senate a $61.47 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve its own version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a compromise plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to Gov. Maura Healey.
Continue reading HOUSE APPROVES $61.47 BILLION FISCAL 2026 STATE BUDGET (H 4000)

A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE “MAKING OF THE BUDGET”

By Bob Katzen

Most of the decisions on which representatives’ amendments are included or not included in the budget are made behind closed doors. Of the more than 1,650 budget amendments proposed last week, most of them were bundled into consolidated “mega” amendments. This year there were seven mega amendments and all were easily approved on roll call votes. Continue reading A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE “MAKING OF THE BUDGET”

Somerville Launching “Neighbors Talking to Neighbors” Dialogue Series

New initiative by Ballantyne Administration aims to build community through professionally facilitated conversation sessions

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is today announcing the launch of Neighbors Talking to Neighbors (N2N), a new City initiative aimed at strengthening community connections via open, respectful conversation, as ongoing cultural turmoil leads to increased feelings of isolation, division, and fear. Continue reading Somerville Launching “Neighbors Talking to Neighbors” Dialogue Series

Man Charged after Striking Pedestrian and Fleeing Crash in Lowell

LOWELL – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Lowell Police Superintendent Greg Hudon and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble have confirmed that Christopher Campbell, 30 of Billerica, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, two counts of leaving the scene of personal injury, carjacking, larceny of a motor vehicle, negligent operation and a marked lanes violation following multiple incidents that occurred last night in Lowell. Continue reading Man Charged after Striking Pedestrian and Fleeing Crash in Lowell

William Tauro Facebook Site Hacked Investigation Ongoing

Please friend my new “William Tauro” Facebook page because my original page got hacked!

To all my Facebook friends my Facebook site was hacked on Saturday. While we sort through the paperwork to correct my Facebook site situation back to normal, please feel free to friend me on my new site here at William Tauro or you could follow us on my Instagram page and we are also on YouTube. Thank you for your patience and  continuous support! Continue reading William Tauro Facebook Site Hacked Investigation Ongoing