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Tim Flaherty | Priorities
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By Bob Katzen

“Massachusetts’ innovation economy is the foundation of our competitiveness. It fuels discovery, drives growth and sustains good jobs in every region of the state. Through the DRIVE Initiative, we are taking action to protect our leadership in science and technology and support the institutions and workers that make it possible and ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solving the world’s hardest problems.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who practice Islam.
Continue reading CREATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM (H 3351) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts.
Continue reading ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) →

By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs.
Continue reading EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) →

By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes.
Continue reading PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) →

By Bob Katzen

The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation.
Continue reading PEER-TO-PEER CARD GAMES AND DOMINOES (H 3177) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran’s plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces.
Continue reading VETERANS DISABILITY LICENSE PLATE (H 3657) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved two separate measures urging action from the state and federal government to provide funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – the federal food security program that provides food to more than 40 million United States residents, including 1 million residents of Massachusetts.
Continue reading THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND SNAP AND OTHER BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 133-22, approved an amendment requiring that each school district report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the number of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals and other staff employed by the district that directly support student reading and literacy development.
Continue reading SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST REPORT ANNUALLY (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 132-22, approved an amendment to a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy.

Continue reading STUDY EDUCATION WORKFORCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction.
Continue reading TEACHER PREPARATION AND STUDENT LITERACY (H 4672) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers.
Continue reading STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY (H 4671) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The funds would be used for procurement, development and distribution of personal financial literacy educational resources and materials, as well as professional development opportunities, including training, seminars, conferences and materials for educators to use in teaching personal financial literacy.
Continue reading FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4670) →

Obituary
Earnest R. Morrison of Somerville passed away at home surrounded by his family on October 31, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Mary C. (Nardella) Morrison. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Earnest R. Morrison →