THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“Every day, police officers across Massachusetts answer the call to serve, often facing extraordinary risks to protect our communities. Today, we recognize 18 officers whose bravery and selflessness went far beyond the call of duty. Their actions represent the very best of public service and the same commitment to protecting others that defined Trooper George Hanna’s life.”
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

$1.75 MILLION TO PROTECT STUDENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration today announced the awarding of $1.75 million in new funding to help Massachusetts schools protect students from the harmful impacts of social media and teach young people how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. The grants are designed to support schools in educating students about online safety, cyberbullying, protecting their personal information, recognizing misinformation and making healthy choices about social media use.
Continue reading $1.75 MILLION TO PROTECT STUDENTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA →

$142 MILLION FOR HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE

By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts was awarded $142 million by the federal government to fund the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

“No family in Massachusetts should have to choose between heating their home and affording groceries or medicine,” said U.S. Representative Lori Trahan. “With heating oil prices up nearly 75 percent from last year, that choice is becoming a reality for far too many households. Releasing these funds early will help families prepare for the winter ahead. Continue reading $142 MILLION FOR HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE →

$2 MILLION FOR FARMS AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) announced more than $2 million for the Climate Smart Agriculture Grant Program (CSAP) to help 68 Massachusetts farms and agricultural businesses buy new equipment, upgrade buildings and install clean energy systems that cut costs and boost productivity. The grants are designed to support 78 projects to improve food safety, reduce energy costs, protect natural resources and strengthen the long-term sustainability and resilience of Massachusetts agriculture.
Continue reading $2 MILLION FOR FARMS AND AGRICULTURAL BUSINESSES →

FIREFIGHTERS AND CANCER SCREENINGS (S 3284)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call, a bill mandating free insurance coverage of cancer screenings for firefighters. The firefighters would not be subject to co-payment, deductible, coinsurance or any out-of-pocket expenses. The House approved a different version of the measure in July and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.

Continue reading FIREFIGHTERS AND CANCER SCREENINGS (S 3284) →