By Bob Katzen

“Over $3 billion in benefits will flow into Massachusetts thanks to this major transmission line. That means lower bills, more jobs and the power we need to grow our economy. Our administration played an important role in keeping this project on track and affordable.”
—Lt Gov. Kim Driscoll, on completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line that is now delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to the Bay State.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would set apart December 1-8 as “Getting to Zero Week” to increase public awareness, understanding and recognition of our communities’ shared commitment to end the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Bay State by getting to zero new cases, zero HIV-related deaths and zero stigma.
Continue reading HIV – GETTING TO ZERO WEEK (H 3381) →

By Bob Katzen

The Health Care Financing Committee held a hearing on legislation that would reverse the exclusion of under-age 65 with a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD or kidney failure) from being able to purchase Medicare Supplement health insurance plans, also called Medigap.

Continue reading KIDNEY FAILURE (S 2737) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure also gave a favorable report to and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that supporters say would update Massachusetts law and regulate how businesses can encourage non-credit card payments and charge for credit card use, with an emphasis on transparency and consumer protection. The bill would allow businesses to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash, check or similar means — and would prohibit credit card issuers from restricting those discounts, provided the discount is clearly disclosed in advance of the transaction.
Continue reading CREDIT CARDS (S 2819) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure gave a favorable report and has recommended that the House and Senate approve a bill that would prohibit health insurance carriers, particularly in the context of direct primary car (DPC) arrangements, from denying payment for covered health care services based solely on the provider being outside the carrier’s network, as long as the service itself is covered.
Continue reading DIRECT PRIMARY CARE (S 2732) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a proposal that would create a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents and children. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
Continue reading BLUE STAR LICENSE PLATES (S 2903) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 34-3, approved an amendment that would require that when a ballot question group pays people or a company to gather signatures to qualify the question to be on the ballot, the petition must include a disclosure, in a manner to be determined by the secretary of state, which clearly informs potential signers that the petition is being distributed by a paid signature gatherer.
Continue reading SIGNATURE GATHERING FOR BALLOT QUESTIONS (S 2898) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill requiring more frequent public reporting of fundraising and spending by groups supporting or opposing ballot questions. Under the bill, ballot question committees would be required to provide monthly reports on their finances. After September of that year,, campaigns would have to file biweekly reports until Election Day. The bill would hold ballot question campaigns to the same standard of disclosure already followed by candidates for office. Currently, ballot committees don’t have to report on their finances between Jan. 20 and September. Continue reading REQUIRE MORE PUBLIC DISCLOSURES OF FUNDRAISING AND SPENDING BY BALLOT QUESTION GROUPS (S 2898) →

Obituary
Theresa Auterio, 76 of Arlington MA, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026

Daughter of the late Theodore and Josephine (Frasca) Auterio.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Theresa Auterio →

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:
SPD is investigating 5 overdoses that occurred over the weekend, with 3 being fatal. This spike in overdoses could indicate the presence of a “bad batch” being distributed locally.

Please remember to take precautions:
–Call 911 immediately if you suspect an overdose.
–Access free fentanyl test strip kits and Narcan available at Somerville Public Libraries (somervillepubliclibrary.org) and also from 24/7 health vending machines located outside the West Branch Library (40 College Ave) and Project Soup (165 Broadway). Continue reading OVERDOSE WARNING from SPD →