Dr. Octavia A. Sampson‘s Graduation from Tufts University School of Dental

By William Tauro

Graduating from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine represents the fulfillment of Octavia’s lifelong dream—a journey defined by faith in God, perseverance, and the unwavering support of community. So many obstacles arose between her and her goal of becoming a dentist. Continue reading Dr. Octavia A. Sampson‘s Graduation from Tufts University School of Dental

$22.2 MILLION TO MODERNIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTERNET

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced $22.2 million in grants to upgrade internet access for 15,793 affordable housing units across 54 communities in Massachusetts. The projects will install modern fiber-optic cables in public and affordable housing properties that will increase residents’ access to high-quality, reliable and affordable broadband service. Continue reading $22.2 MILLION TO MODERNIZE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTERNET

HEALTHY PUBLIC COLLEGES (S 949)

By Bob Katzen

The Higher Education Committee will hold a hearing on June 3rd to hear testimony and consider legislation that would establish a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to evaluate and make recommendations on campus infrastructure — focusing on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, life safety and overall public health.
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INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would increase from $2 million to $5 million the amount of money that is tax exempt from the value of a person’s estate when calculating the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over three years. Continue reading INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 3)

CAPITAL GAINS TAX DISTRIBUTION (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would require any excess revenue in capital gains revenue over $1 billion to annually automatically be transferred as follows: 80 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 10 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 10 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund. The amendment would replace a section that distributes 5 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 90 percent to the state’s Pension Liability Fund; and 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

By Bob Katzen

Senate 12-28, rejected an amendment that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel, motel, lodging house or bed and breakfast establishment employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to trafficking situations. The measure also requires these establishments to post in plain view, in the lobby and in any public restroom in their establishment, a written notice developed by the attorney general, which must include the national human trafficking hotline telephone number.
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SENATE APPROVES $61.4 BILLION FISCAL 2026 STATE BUDGET (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 38-2, approved a $61.4 billion fiscal 2026 state budget after three days of debate. The House has already approved a different version, and 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.
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ENGLISH LEARNERS (H 4150)

By Bob Katzen

House 150-1, approved an amendment that would enshrine protections for English language learners and students with disabilities currently provided under federal law into state law, ensuring that these students receive both English language development and Special Education services in a coordinated, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, regardless of school district or demographic. The amendment also prohibits discrimination in public schools based on immigration, citizenship status or disability.
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