Medford VFW #1012 located at 114 Mystic Avenue in Medford is having karaoke on 7/24 and 8/21 , 8:00 PM till 12:00 PM! Continue reading Medford VFW #1012 Karaoke Night →

By Bob Katzen

“We should never ask people to make sacrifices we are unwilling to make ourselves. If it comes to that, I will be the first to vote for a legislative pay cut so that lawmakers feel the same burden our communities are feeling. These cuts were not our choice, but the burden is ours as much as it is for our constituents.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Public Health Committee held a hearing on a measure that would prohibit the use of state funds for Planned Parenthood. Continue reading BAN STATE FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD (H 1389) →

By Bob Katzen

Another measure heard by the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would allow for the sale of alcohol on Thanksgiving.
Continue reading ALLOW ALCOHOL SALES ON THANKSGIVING (H 428) →

By Bob Katzen

Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a proposal that would prohibit customers from buying alcohol beverages in a self-checkout line at retailers and require the sale be conducted through a face-to-face transaction with a store employee over the age of 18.
Continue reading PROHIBIT BUYING ALCOHOL AT SELF-CHECK OUT (H 366) →

By Bob Katzen

Legislation heard by the Transportation Committee would authorize the Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) to allow some driver education schools to teach aspiring drivers virtually online rather than in person. The law would only apply to driving schools that own or lease a physical office or classroom within the state; have been in business for at least three consecutive years; and are in good standing with the RMV.
Continue reading VIRTUAL DRIVER ED (H 3661/S 2411) →

By Bob Katzen

Legislation heard by the Transportation Committee would authorize the Registry of Motor Vehicle (RMV) to allow some driver education schools to teach aspiring drivers virtually online rather than in person. The law would only apply to driving schools that own or lease a physical office or classroom within the state; have been in business for at least three consecutive years; and are in good standing with the RMV. Continue reading VIRTUAL DRIVER ED (H 3661/S 2411) →

By Bob Katzen

Another measure before the Education Committee would ban private schools from using corporal punishment on any students. It also would require private schools to submit reports to Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education of physical restraint in instances where it was necessary to protect students. Current law only prohibits the use of corporal punishment in public schools. Continue reading BAN CORPORAL PUNISHMENT IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS (H 625) →

By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee has recommended passage of a bill which would ban student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. Continue reading BAN USE OF CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS (S 2549) →

By Bob Katzen

Federal policy shifts are testing protections for immigrants, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and others—even in states like Massachusetts. As fundamental rights face new threats, what can be done at all levels of government to safeguard vulnerable communities? Continue reading DON’T MISS THIS CIVIL RIGHTS EVENT →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that supporters say would ensure consistency between existing state law and budgetary language regarding eligibility for cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance throughout a medically verified pregnancy.
Continue reading PREGNANCY AID (S 3) →

Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YMCAs across the state by $700,000 (from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.)
Continue reading 700,000 FOR YMCA (S 3) →

Spicer is a stay-at-home father of three kids under nine years-old. He is the family dog walker and celebrates his neighbor Joe Alibrandi’s 82 birthday. Joe, born upstairs in the bedroom comes from a family that came to Somerville in 1914 after earthquakes in Italy. “My kids classmates are disappearing, I refuse to tolerate ICE detentions and deportations of my neighbors and I want to be as loud as I can in this campaign for the City of Somerville for those who are able to train in nonviolent protection or speak up proud of our love for our neighbors.” Continue reading Christopher Ryan Spicer is running for Somerville City Councilor-At-Large →