DCR Lifeguard and Water Safety Positions Still Available in Boston, North of Boston Communities for Summer Season

Hourly pay up to $27; free lifeguard training classes offered through May; positions available in Boston, Revere, Lawrence, Cambridge, Somerville, Chelsea, Watertown, Everett, Malden and Waltham

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced a targeted effort to recruit lifeguards, swim instructors and other waterfront safety personnel for agency-managed pools and beaches in Greater Boston and communities north of the city ahead of the summer season, where the agency continues to see its greatest hiring needs. Hourly salaries for certified lifeguard applicants range from $22 to $27, with additional bonuses available for staff who work through the end of the season. Continue reading DCR Lifeguard and Water Safety Positions Still Available in Boston, North of Boston Communities for Summer Season

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“While state ethics rules forbid public officials from accepting gifts worth more than $50, lobbyists are allowed to underwrite travel worth up to many thousands of dollars. The recipients of these gifts have only to claim that the travel has a ‘legitimate public purpose’ to promote the interests of the commonwealth. No explanation or supporting documentation is required.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

HEALTHCARE FOR STATE WORKERS (H 5348)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would provide $300 million for health insurance coverage for the 460,000 public employees, retirees and dependents who access health care through the state’s Group Insurance Commission. Supporters said that these additional funds are necessary because of higher-than-anticipated utilization and pharmaceutical expenses.
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PROTECT MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT VIOLATIONS (S 2976)

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on a bill that supporters say will protect Bay State residents from direct actions by federal law enforcement that violate individual protections under the United States Constitution. Under the proposal, a person who subjects a resident of Massachusetts to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by the constitution would be liable to the injured party.
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PROTECT RIGHTS OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS (H 4783)

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would prevent the punishment of individuals experiencing homelessness for conducting life-sustaining activities on public property when no shelter is available. The measure also prohibits discrimination in the use of public areas based solely on housing status and affirms rights such as the right to practice faith and the right against unreasonable search and seizure for individuals experiencing homelessness in public areas.
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ALCOHOL DONATIONS FOR CHARITIES (H 442)

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would allow local licensing authorities to issue temporary licenses to charities in order for the charities to accept donations of wine, beer and alcohol for their charitable events. These licenses were previously allowed under 1997 legislation, but the authorization has since expired.
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$1.57 BILLION FISCAL 2026 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 3041)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 35-4, approved a $1.57 billion fiscal 2026 budget. Some of the funding will come from the $1.3 billion generated by the 2022 voter-approved constitutional amendment, known by supporters as the Millionaire’s Tax and the Fair Share Amendment, which imposes a surtax of an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the constitutional amendment requires that “subject to appropriation, the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.”
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KIDS AND SOCIAL MEDIA AND CELL PHONES (H 5349)

By Bob Katzen

House 129-25, approved a bill that would prohibit the use of cell phones by students from the time they arrive in school until dismissal. School districts would be required to notify parents of this policy and ensure that parents still have the ability to contact their children during the school day and vice versa.
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CANNABIS REGULATION CHANGES (H 5350)

By Bob Katzen

House 155-0, Senate 33-6, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a conference committee version of a bill that would restructure the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) — dissolving it and downsizing its membership from five members to three. It also gives all the power to the governor to make the three appointments, replacing the current law which gives that power to the governor, the attorney general and treasurer. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the measure and a conference committee was appointed in December 2025 and took more than three months to hammer out this compromise version.
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