By Bob Katzen

“From the beaches of Cape Cod to the peaks of the Berkshire mountains, Massachusetts’ diverse landscapes support thousands of unique plant and animal species that are essential to the health of our environment. As a mom, I will always work to preserve for the next generation the natural resources, economic opportunity and public health benefits that come from the strong environmental protections the Trump Administration is attempting to strip away.”
—Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell who co-led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing two lawsuits to protect endangered and threatened species. The suits challenge new rules that gut essential protections for wildlife under the Endangered Species Act and threaten the survival of imperiled species.

“Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has made progress enforcing its hospital transparency rules, but this report shows that most hospitals still owe patients clear, usable dollars-and-cents prices they can look up before receiving care. Too many patients are still being denied the real, upfront prices they need to shop for affordable care and protect themselves from overcharges.”
—Cynthia Fisher, Founder and Chairman of Patient Rights Advocate on a report that many hospitals are still not complying with Price Transparency Rules.

“Shellfishing is an important part of the North Shore’s economy, culture and way of life, and we’ve been working to support our Massachusetts shellfishers and strengthen our working waterfronts. Because the water in Plum Island Sound is cleaner and the science says it’s safe, we can give more than 200 commercial shellfishers up to 72 more days a year to harvest. That means more certainty for their businesses, more local seafood on our tables and more support for a North Shore industry that has been part of these communities for generations.”
—Gov. Maura Healey announcing expanded access to shellfish harvesting in Plum Island Sound after extensive testing by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries found significant improvements in water quality.

“Did you know there is $3.4 billion in unclaimed property here in Massachusetts? Check the list, go online, or call our office to begin the process, because some of it could belong to you.”
—State Treasurer Deb Goldberg on the latest release of owners’ names added to the state’s list of unclaimed property owners which includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Go to http://www.findmassmoney.gov for a complete list of over 10 million properties or call 1-888-344-MASS (6277).