By William Tauro
Your thoughts about this, in my opinion this is more onging Somerville “Buffoonery” from our Somerville elected officials? Would you elect any of these two to be our next mayor? 🤔
[“So glad that the City’s lawyer agreed that Somerville could pay for identity document changes for trans and nonbinary folks.”
“By Councilor Bumley Jr. and Councilor Scott
That the City Solicitor confirm whether an LGB TQ Legal Services Stabilization Fund can be created to pay fees associated with gendered document changes and potential court sealing of records associated with such documents
Assistant City Solicitor Piques explained that a stabilization fund may be created for any lawful public purpose. The Law Department believes that the creation of an LGBT Legal Services Stabilization Fund is valid, though it may be subject to differing interpretations by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. While the fund would assist private individuals, it would still be considered a public purpose if it serves the broader community’s welfare.
Solicitor Piques referenced the city’s immigrant legal services fund as an example of how legal assistance to individuals can fulfill a public purpose. He also cited a state statute establishing the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, which provides legal aid to low-income residents while delivering a broader public benefit. Given the disproportionate barriers faced by the LGBTQ+ community in accessing legal support for identity document changes and court processes, this fund should meet the standard of serving the public good.”
Words of Willy Bumley Jr. “When I am Mayor, Somerville residents will no longer have to pay hundreds of dollars to be who they are.”]