THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 27, 2026 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 aid. This shift has exacerbated budget shortfalls in many cities and towns, where rising costs like infl ation, mandated education expenses outpace the limited 2.5 percent annual growth allowed under Proposition 2½. As a result, local governments have been forced to raise property taxes, cut essential services like teaching positions or public safety, or both, eff ectively shifting the funding burden for these “free” statewide programs back onto middle-class and working-class homeowners through higher local property taxes. Amendment sponsor Rep. Justin Thurber (R-Somerset) said the amendment would provide meaningful relief to the 95 percent to 99 percent of Massachusetts cities and towns facing fi scal struggles while fulfi lling the original intent of the Fair Share Amendment to support public needs. “Though disheartened it didn’t pass, the proposal highlights important questions about current revenue allocation and whether redirecting more surplus funds could better aid struggling communities and residents amid ongoing local pressures.” continued Thurber. “I hope this sparks broader discussions on ensuring the Fair Share surtax, now generating billions beyond expectations, truly meets voter expectations for funding public schools and road and bridge maintenance.” Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford) opposed the amendment and said the distribution formula in the amendment does not adequately serve the road and bridge repair needs of rural and less populated areas across the state. Historically, this House has heard from our rural communities how funding distribution formulas that weigh population as a determining factor harms rural communities due to their lower population numbers. Rural municipalities have been clear that road mileage is the most important factor in addressing their repair needs since these towns have extensive local road networks. He continued that last year, the Legislature authorized $300 million for the Chapter 90 program, a 50 percent increase over historical funding levels. Of this funding, $200 million was distributed to all municipalities based on the standard Chapter 90 program distribution formula of 60 percent road mileage, 20 percent population and 20 percent employment. Then in support of our rural communities, the remaining $100 million of that funding was distributed to all municipalities based on their proportional amount of local road mileage. The passage of this amendment would undermine that progress we’ve made to build regional equity across the state for rural and less populated communities. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle No PETS (S 3014) Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House legislation, named the PETS Act, that supporters said would end the inhumane puppy-mill-to-petshop system by banning commercial sales of cats and dogs in pet stores; ending harsh, unnecessary testing of animal subjects for non-medical purposes; strengthening animal cruelty protections; and prohibiting breed-based discrimination in public housing and insurance coverage. “Animals who provide us with boundless love and companionship must be protected from cruel and abusive actions by neglectful individuals,” said Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), the sponsor of several of the original bills upon which this comprehensive bill is based. “Sadly, we have done far too little to punish and deter heartless abuse and to push back against a weak system that has too often failed to hold abusers accountable. This legislation will crack down on such abhorrent treatment by empowering local authorities to intervene and remedy cruel conditions and by banning the use of painful vanity testing on animals when cosmetics and other household products can easily be tested through alternative means.” “This legislation ends the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops across Massachusetts, finally severing our ties to puppy mills and unethical breeding operations,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “For too long, the retail pet industry has not taken accountability for a system that harms animals and misleads hopeful pet owners, allowing sick and vulnerable animals to be sold across the commonwealth.” “The emotional connection and love between pets and their humans are so often both immeasurable and indescribable,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “I see it with our family dog, Melody, and particularly so between Melody and our children. Everyone should have the chance to experience the joy and, especially true for our kids, responsibility that comes with caring for a pet.” “Today’s vote is a major step forward for animals and families across Massachusetts,” said Preyel Patel, the Massachusetts State Director of Humane World for Animals. “The PETS Act shuts off the cruel puppy-millto-pet-store pipeline and puts our state at the forefront of humane science by requiring the use of non-animal test methods for cosmetics and household products when validated alternatives are available. Combined with stronger cruelty protections and provisions to keep families and their pets together in their homes, this bill refl ects the values our commonwealth strives to uphold.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS AWARENESS DAY (S 2145) Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that City of Everett PLANNING BOARD 484 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Frederick Cafasso- Chairman LEGAL NOTICE EVERETT PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Public Hearing on an application by ILPB Ventures, LLC Property located at: 22-26 Elm Road Site Plan Review In accordance with the provisions of M.G.L Chapter 40A and with Sections 4 and 19 of the Everett Zoning Ordinance, the Everett Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 6:00PM in the Speaker George Keverian Room (Room 37, Everett City Hall) to consider the above-listed application for Site Plan Review. This proposal contemplates the redevelopment of a 5,010 sq. ft. parcel of land currently occupied by a multifamily structure and garage. By the present application, Applicant seeks to construct an addition to the existing dwelling, demolish the existing garage structure, and perform an interior fit-up to the existing dwelling, resulting in a three-story dwelling containing seven (7) units and a surface parking lot containing 6 parking spaces. 22-26 Elm Road is a parcel of land located in the Dwelling District and is referenced by Assessor’s Department as D0-05-000032. A copy of the application and plans are on file and available in the Office of the City Clerk and the Department of Planning and Development, both located at City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 and can be inspected online anytime at http://www.cityofeverett.com/449/PlanningBoard and/or by request during regular City Hall business hours by contacting The Planning and Development Office at 617-394-2334. All persons interested in or wishing to be heard on the applications may attend and participate in person. This project, along with all other projects to be discussed at the meeting, can be found on the posted Agenda at the following link: http://www.cityofeverett.com/AgendaCenter. Questions and comments can be directed in advance of the public hearing to Jeannie Vitukevich of the Department of Planning & Development at Jeannie.Vitukevich@ci.everett.ma.us or 617394-2230. Frederick Cafasso Chairman March 20, 27, 2026 would establish October 15th as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day to increase public awareness of the prevalence of pregnancy loss and the physical and mental toll individuals face following a pregnancy loss. The day would also include loss from an unsuccessful round of intrauterine insemination or of an assisted reproductive technology procedure, a failed adoption arrangement, a failed surrogacy arrangement, a diagnosis or event that impacts pregnancy or fertility, a stillbirth or the death of the newborn child. “For many people, the journey to starting a family is a joyful time fi lled with hope and exciteBEACON | SEE PAGE 18
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