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Page 20 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 5, 2024 BHRC | FROM PAGE 18 gagement in the democratic process and bolster civic engagement of these youths. Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull) first sponsored the bill in 2020 at the request of then-16-year-old Hingham High School student Samantha Bevins, now a 21-yearold junior at Dartmouth College studying Government and Public Policy, who wanted this group to be allowed to vote in the Bay State’s March 2020 presidential primary. Bevins said she is thrilled to learn that the bill received initial approval. “I proposed this legislation … when I was 16 because I wanted first-time voters in the commonwealth to have the same rights as my peers in 27 other states and Washington, D.C.,” said Bevins. “It is crucial that young people have the opportunity to fully participate in their first election cycle by having a say in the primaries on candidates who will ultimately be on the ballot in the general election. I am hopeful our bill will [receive further approval] soon in order to fully enfranchise first-time voters before the next Massachusetts state primaries.” “This legislation promotes a model of civic engagement and full enfranchisement that is critical to foster among our young people, who are the future of this country,” said Meschino. “Hingham resident Samantha Bevins and her peers’ continued engagement in the advocacy process during consecutive legislative sessions demonstrates that these young adults are fully equipped and ready for the opportunity to fully engage in the election process, and I commend them for their groundbreaking efforts.” ”[The bill] will lead to increased voter turnout that transcends party lines and further engages the youngest voters,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “This furthers our civic engagement goals and aligns the commonwealth with 27 other states including Mississippi, Wyoming, West Virginia and Maine.” AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (H 466) – Would require that American Sign Language (ASL) be taught in all Bay State public elementary and secondary schools to increase interactions between hearing persons and deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, as well as children with autism. Current law allows but does not require schools to teach ASL. “Every student deserves access to diverse linguistic opportunities,” said sponsor Rep. Carol Doherty (D-Taunton). “By requiring that ASL courses be offered for credit alongside traditional world languages in Massachusetts public schools, we’re not only fostering inclusivity for the deaf and hard-of-hearing comYour Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $175 per paper in-town per year or $225 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149 munity but also enriching our educational landscape with a vibrant and vital language.” SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE ON STUDENT IDS (H 1999) – Would require all public schools with grades 6 to 12, and all public and private colleges to include on their student identification cards the telephone and text number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The bill includes a provision that allows any schools and colleges which have a supply of old ID cards without the 988 line to continue to distribute those IDS until the supply is gone. Supporters said that while suicide is a leading cause of death for people of all ages in the United States, young people are particularly at risk. They noted that according to a study published by the National Center for Health Statistics at the end of last year, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 15-24, representing a 56 percent increase in the previous decade. They argued that there are significant disparities in these numbers, with LGBTQ+ youth being at greater risk, and Black youth seeing a 73 percent increase in youth suicide rates in that same time period. “It can be difficult for someone to reach out for help even in the best of times and it is essential that we seize every opportunity to provide the necessary resources for our children,” said co-sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “[The bill] is a vital step in connecting those in their most vulnerable years with the lifesaving help and assistance they need and put the commonwealth in line with the 19 states including Arkansas, Louisiana and New York who have passed similar legislation.” “This legislation is one simple way we can make sure our students have the resources they need to help themselves and their friends in a time of crisis,” said co-sponsor Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster). “The 988 Helpline is a critical support for our community, and ensuring all of our youth learn about it will help all future generations get the mental health support they need when they need it most.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “It might be a gray, rainy week, but progress on updating the state’s Bottle Bill is a ray of sunshine for everyone who wants to reduce litter and waste.” --- Janet Domenitz, Executive Director of MASSPIRG on the reporting out of committee a bill that would increase the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents and expand it to include water bottles, vitamin drinks and other beverages that were not on the market when the Bottle Bill first passed in 1982. “Because Massachusetts has entered a new era with sports betting now literally available at your fingertips, it is critical that we raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity, particularly for young people. This coalition brings together the business, professional sports, nonprofit and responsible gaming communities to best achieve one common goal: better protect and educate young adults across the commonwealth.” ---Attorney General Andrea Campbell on formation of a new public-private partnership, the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition, to raise awareness of the laws, risks and public health harms associated with sports betting and gambling among young people. “Expanding low-income fares will help to ensure that our transportation system is more equitable and more affordable, which supports the mission to give everyone greater access to mobility options, especially community members depending on transit.” ---Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt commenting on the MBTA board vote to approve a reduced fare program for low-income riders across most services. “Park Serve Day exemplifies the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s goals of promoting stewardship and conservation of our state’s green and open spaces. Encouraging the public to take an active role in protecting our environment is one way that we can foster the next generation of environmentalists who will take up the mantle of protecting these important natural resources.” ---Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing that registration is now open for the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s 18th annual Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at which volunteers help clean coastlines, clear trails, pick up litter, plant flowers or take part in other restorative projects More information at mass. gov/info-details/dcr-parkserve-day HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediBHRC | SEE PAGE 23

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