By Bob Katzen

“The Trump Administration’s portrayal of Portland as ‘war ravaged’ and ‘under attack’ is inaccurate and inflammatory. By sending in the National Guard, the President is provoking disorder where it otherwise does not exist. These actions attempt to instill fear in our communities and silence dissent. I stand firmly with Oregon in resisting this egregious abuse of power.”
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

A bill filed by Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) would designate the second Monday in October, now known as Columbus Day, as Indigenous Peoples Day and recommend appropriate exercises in schools to acknowledge the history of genocide and discrimination against Indigenous people.
Continue reading RENAME COLUMBUS DAY (S 2113) →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) has filed a bill that would prohibit police and other law enforcement officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties. The measure was referred to the Judiciary Committee and the date for a public hearing on the proposal has not yet been set. Continue reading BAN MASK USE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT (HD 4886) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would prohibit discrimination against an employee based on their status as a victim of abusive behavior. The measure requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure employees are able to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and address the situation, while remaining productive in the workplace.
Continue reading EMPLOYMENT PROTECTION FOR ABUSE VICTIMS (H 2143/S 1294) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow any person, including students, parents and school personnel, to possess and use a topical sunscreen product without a physician’s note or prescription while on school property or at a school-related event or activity, to avoid overexposure to the sun.
Continue reading SUNSCREEN LOTION (H 600) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 148-7, overrode Gov. Healey’s $700,000 veto reduction (from $6,200,000 million to $5,500,000 million) in funding for the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton.
Continue reading 700,000 FOR CUMMINGS SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE AT TUFTS UNIVERSITY (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

House 139-16, override Gov. Healey’s $1,530,735 veto reduction (from $39,250,384 to 37,719,649) in early intervention services.
Continue reading $1.5 MILLION FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 147-8, overrode Gov. Healey’s $2.5 million veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to $6,364,721) in programs for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services.
Continue reading $2.5 MILLION FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s $300,000 veto reduction (from 8,864,721 to 8,564,721) in programs for the blind.
Continue reading $300,000 FOR PROGRAMS FOR THE BLIND (H 4240) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 143-11, override Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $1.5 million for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund which was established in 1993 to help reduce the rising costs of sewer services in the Bay State.
Continue reading $1.5 MILLION FOR SEWER RATE RELIEF (H 4240) →