Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 30, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 17 sations with Denis Russell of Plymouth VFW Memorial Post 1822, who shared powerful stories of the veterans he has helped—and the heartbreaking moments when needs exceeded the resources available,” said sponsor Rep. Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth). “Our veterans stepped up to protect us, and it is our responsibility to make sure we step up to support them.” REGULATE TRAVEL INSURANCE (S 2921) – Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence) fi led a bill that would establish a legal framework for travel insurance in Massachusetts. It defi nes key terms, clarifi es the responsibilities of travel insurers, administrators and retailers and ensures consumer protections. The bill mandates licensing requirements for travel insurance providers, sets premium tax obligations and outlines permissible sales and marketing practices. It also regulates policy classification, underwriting standards and the off ering of travel protection plans. Additionally, the bill prohibits unfair trade practices, such as misleading marketing tactics, and empowers the commissioner of insurance to enforce compliance through regulations. “This bill would create a clear and uniform statutory framework for travel insurance that encourages openness, consumer trust and ethical procedures,” said sponsor Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “The legislation is based on the Travel Insurance Model Act, adopted by the National Council of Insurance Legislators and National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Thirty-Eight other states have already enacted legislation based upon this Model Act and several more states are contemplating enacting similar legislation.” QUOTABLE QUOTES Last week, Gov. Maura Healey delivered her State of the Commonwealth address before a joint session of the House and Senate. Former Govs. Mike Dukakis and Bill Weld were among the hundreds who attended. Here are some of the reactions to her speech: Rep. Ken Sweezey CITY OF EVERETT ~ Legal Notice ~ ~ Legal Notice ~ (R-Duxbury) who gave the Massachusetts Republican party’s offi cial response: “What you have just heard over the course of the last hour was at best a speech full of half-truths and a misrepresentation of a failed administration. As expected, all Gov. Healey did was try to point her fi nger at Washington and mask her failures of the last three years. Washington has nothing to do with the biggest problems that we face here in the commonwealth, no matter how many times she shouts the president’s name. The only ones to blame are the governor herself and one-party rule on Beacon Hill. The hard truth behind these remarks hide violations of the public trust, accountability, transparency and worst of all lying about her commitment to aff ordability.” “Now, the good news is it’s possible to change it. 2026 is an election year, and Republicans have constantly offered common sense solutions. This aff ordability crisis, these bloated budgets, the lack of funding to our schools and public safety, it is all a choice. A choice that you will have in November. Do not allow the direction of our great commonwealth to be dictated by hopelessness, cynicism or apathy, lest we continue down this horrible path. That is exactly what those in power want. It is time to show them that you are the ones that hold the power. I will see you at the polls in November.” House Speaker Ronald Mariano (D-Quincy): “ Tonight, Gov. Healey shared her vision for a government that works for people, that addresses the most dire affordability challenges that our residents are facing, that protects our most vulnerable populations and that positions Massachusetts for success in an ever-changing global economy. That’s a vision that the House shares, and it stands in direct contrast to Donald Trump’s chaos, and his vision for an America where his billionaire friends get richer while working people struggle to get by. The House will continue to work with Gov. Healey to cut costs for residents, and to ensure that despite the damage being done at the federal level, Massachusetts will continue to serve as a driving force behind solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.” Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland): “The governor focused on PUBLIC HEARING FOR PETITION FROM MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY D/B/A NATIONAL GRID OF NORTH ANDOVER, MASSACHUSETTS AND VERIZON, NEW ENGLAND INC To all parties interested in the public hearing. Be it hereby ordered: Massachusetts Electric Company d/b/a NATIONAL GRID and Verizon New England, Inc requests permission to locate poles, wires, and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures, along and across the following public way: The following are the streets and highways referred to: WR# 31082476 – Behen Street - National Grid to relocate 2 JO poles on Behen Street beginning at a point approximately 260 feet Southeast of the centerline of the intersection of Beacham Street and Behen Street and continuing approximately 120 feet in a Southeasterly direction. National Grid to relocate pole #2570-0 approximately 3 feet and pole #2571-0 approximately 45 feet to accommodate the Island End River (IER) flood resilience project at 201 Beacham Street, Everett MA.. Hearing to be held with the Everett City Council, held on Monday at 7:00PM, on the 9th of February, 2026 at the Everett City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Everett City Hall. January 30, 2026 affordability and lowering costs for the residents of Massachusetts, whether it be with housing or energy or education, making it easier for people to live in Massachusetts and have healthy lives. So, I was very pleased to see that. The other thing I was pleased with was her social media policy. It aligns really wonderfully with the Senate’s cell phone ban and with our data privacy bill. It really hones in on protecting children, which is what we have been focusing on in the Massachusetts Senate, as well.” Progressive Massachusetts Policy Director Jonathan Cohn: “Although Gov. Healey’s State of the Commonwealth began with sharp criticisms of President Trump, she failed to demonstrate that Massachusetts will be a true bulwark against his harmful policy agenda. It’s deeply disappointing that Gov. Healey offers nothing of substance in how to protect our immigrant communities in Massachusetts from ongoing ICE terrorism and Trump’s un-American, xenophobic agenda. Last year, she offered Marcelo Gomes da Silva a rosary; perhaps it should be no surprise that all she offers here is thoughts and prayers. Brian Shortsleeve, Republican candidate for governor: “I came here to listen and I was uninspired. I would think it was an uninspiring speech. What I didn’t hear were bold ideas and action. Gov. Healey should have announced that tomorrow morning she’s going to cut all those state-mandated fees out of your electricity bill. That would save consumers ratepayers hundreds of dollars a month. She should have announced we are building the natural gas pipelines. She killed two pipelines back in 2016 that, if they were in place today, would be saving ratepayers thousands of dollars. The state’s facing an aff ordability crisis and a tax nightmare that requires bold leadership. I’m a Marine. In the Marine Corps, you are taught to lead with a bias for action. Take action. Be bold. What I heard from Healey was proposals for new commissions, new studies and new ways to think about our problems, not bold action.” Mike Kennealy, Republican candidate for governor: “Gov. Healey’s ‘plan’ for energy relief, is basically a payday loan scam. Get cash now, pay it back later with interest. Your next governor should lead with integrity, not lie to you about providing ‘relief.’ This does nothing to address the real root of the problem, which is that Gov. Maura Healey is fi nancing a climate agenda through our utility bills, sticking Massachusetts families with the third highest utility rates in America. She talks about bringing more energy to the state, while in reality she has blocked two natural gas pipelines that would have driven costs down. When BEACON | SEE PAGE 19
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