THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“With President Trump repeatedly attacking the programs that help Massachusetts families afford food, programs like these will increase the supply of locally grown healthy, affordable food. These awards are supporting local jobs, farmers and small food businesses that keep money circulating in our local economy and provide essential food for the people of Massachusetts.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

REPARATIVE JUSTICE FOR DESCENDANTS OF SLAVES (H 1696 and H 1753)

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a measure (H 1696) that would establish a 15-member commission to study and develop proposals for reparative justice and other potential remedies to redress harm resulting from the institution of slavery and systemic racism in the Bay State. The commission would produce a report documenting the effects of slavery and its legacy on the American Freedman class – which it defines as “descendants of formerly enslaved persons emancipated in the United States via the 13th Amendment in 1865 or earlier.”
Continue reading REPARATIVE JUSTICE FOR DESCENDANTS OF SLAVES (H 1696 and H 1753)

SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742)

By Bob Katzen

The Election Laws Committee held a hearing on legislation designed to enhance the safety and security of candidates for public office by removing home addresses from ballots, nomination papers and other materials. The measure also would protect from disclosure of personal contact information maintained by government entities on elected officials, judges, judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, public prosecutors, public defenders and state licensed professionals whose work subjects them to an elevated safety risk.
Continue reading SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742)

AGENT ORANGE (H 4688 and H 4691)

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Transportation held a hearing on legislation that would create a special Agent Orange license plate that would be made available, at no cost, to car owners who served in Vietnam and have suffered from exposure to Agent Orange. The plate would bear the Orange Star distinctive emblem that identifies Vietnam veterans exposed to the agent.

Continue reading AGENT ORANGE (H 4688 and H 4691)

SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE TYPE 1 DIABETES INFORMATION TO PARENTS (H 586)

By Bob Katzen

The Public Health Committee held a hearing on a bill that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in coordination with the Department of Public Health, to develop Type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of public school pupils when the student is first enrolled in elementary school and again upon his or her entry into 6th grade. The materials would be required to undergo periodic updates as necessary and be made available to each school district, county office of education and charter school through the DESE’s website. Schools would be required to provide the information to parents and guardians by January 1, 2026.
Continue reading SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE TYPE 1 DIABETES INFORMATION TO PARENTS (H 586)

ALLOW MBTA RIDERS TO PAY ONSITE FOR PARKING WITHOUT A MOBILE PHONE (H 3664)

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would establish an 18-month pilot program requiring that three MBTA parking lots install automated payment machines that allow customers to make in-person payment for daily parking fees by cash or credit card, without the use of a mobile telephone or any other portable electronic device. The MBTA would file a report on the efficacy of the program. Continue reading ALLOW MBTA RIDERS TO PAY ONSITE FOR PARKING WITHOUT A MOBILE PHONE (H 3664)

Kiwanis Club of Somerville Annual Marine Corps, Toys for Tots luncheon and Toy Donations to CAAS Head Start Children

SOMERVILLE_On Thursday, December 11th, Somerville Kiwanis Club members were joined by our good friends from the Somerville Rotary Club and Somerville Lions Club for our annual Toys For Tots luncheon meeting at the Burren Restaurant in Davis Square. Continue reading Kiwanis Club of Somerville Annual Marine Corps, Toys for Tots luncheon and Toy Donations to CAAS Head Start Children