THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 10, 2026 Page 17 lation makes strategic investments into an industry that is essential for our economy, environment and the health of our communities.” “Today, the Senate advanced Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 51 -Report No. 14 March 30-April 3, 2026 By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on local senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 30-April 3. There were no roll calls in the House last week. THE FARM BILL (S 3029) Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill titled “Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts,” nicknamed the FARM bill, that proponents said will support Massachusetts’ 7,000 farms; make it easier for families to buy fresh and nutritious food; protect the state’s food supply for the future; and continue the state’s response to federal actions that threaten food access. A key provision in the bill builds on tax policy designed to keep farms fi nancially viable through the Chapter 61A program, which allows farmland to be taxed based on agricultural value rather than market value. Other provisions include helping owners of small farms to grow their businesses by removing hurdles and making agritourism ventures possible, such as corn mazes and “pick your own” berry and fruit operations; supporting expanding farm operations with a local option property tax exemption for owners who build new agricultural structures; making permanent the Healthy Incentives Program to help families aff ord fresh produce and the Farm to School program to bring local ingredients into schools; and requiring regular reporting on the distribution of local produce through food assistance programs including food banks, universal school meals, Meals on Wheels and the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program. “I’m proud to support the Senate’s eff ort to build a more resilient and sustainable food system in the commonwealth,” said Sen. Dylan Fernandes (D-Falmouth), Senate Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “The FARM bill will expand access to fresh, locally grown food while putting more money into the hands of our farmers and fi shermen. By reducing costs, strengthening supply chains and expanding reliable markets, this legis- LEGAL NOTICE - CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSION 484 BROADWAY EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 PHONE: 617-944-0211 philip.antonelli@ci.everett.ma.us annette.debilio@ci.everett.ma.us ~ Legal Notice ~ Everett Housing Authority Notice of Comment Period & Public Hearing The Everett Housing Authority (EHA) is required by Section 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 and 24 CFR 903, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on October 21, 1999 to review its procedures and policies annually. The Housing Agency Plan is a comprehensive document that describes aspects of the EHA’s Federal program. Public Hearing Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 6:30 PM This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 @ 6:30 P.M. at Everett City Hall, 2nd Floor, in room 27. Opinions will be heard regarding the following application: An application has been presented to the License Commission F & C Corporation d/b/a El Trapiche Colombian, 195 Main St, Everett for a Change of Ownership Interest. All interested parties may attend. Phil Antonelli Chairman April 10, 2026 A public comment period commences on May 1, 2026 and will end the close of business June 15, 2026. The EHA has made no changes to its current goals, objectives or policies but will accept comments on our current policies in writing or on audiotape during this period. A Public Hearing will be held on or about June 23rd 2026 at the EHA Main Office located at 393 Ferry Street, Everett MA 02149. This location is wheelchair accessible. An exact date of the Public Hearing will be posted at City Hall. The EHA plans and policies are available for review at the main office during regular office hours. The telephone number for the Housing Authority is (617) 387-6389. David Ela, Chairman Date: May 1, 2026 April 10, 2026 urgently needed legislation to support the farms, producers and fi sheries that are the foundation of our local and regional food systems,” said Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), Senate vice chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. “In Western and North Central Massachusetts, where agriculture is core to our economy and identity, we know that when we lose farmland, we lose far more than fi elds—we lose livelihoods, food security and community.” She continued, “This legislation refl ects the recommendations of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century—a body that I was proud to co-chair … With the FARM Bill, Massachusetts is stepping up—investing in the next generation of farms and fisheries while ensuring more local, nutritious food reaches Massachusetts families.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes TAX EXEMPTIONS (S 3029) Senate 38-0, approved an amendment that would allow cities and towns to give temporary property tax breaks to farmers for building new buildings and/or renovating structures that are essential to farming - including barns, storage facilities, worker housing structures and structures used as indoor arenas for training and exercising horses that are used to help on the farm. The tax exemption applies only to the added value from new or rebuilt buildings and is valid for fi ve years. If the building is used for non-agricultural purposes prior to the 5-year period, the owner would be required to pay back the taxes that were exempt. “This measure provides our farmers with the support they need to invest in their operations without being immediately burdened by higher property taxes,” said Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “By off ering targeted, temporary relief, we’re helping to sustain local agriculture and protect working lands. This is a practical step toward strengthening food security and the economy.” Amendment sponsor Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his amendment and its passage. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes STUDY OPENING MORE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS (S 3029) Senate 37-0, approved an amendment that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Agricultural Resources, to conduct a study and make recommendations on the feasibility of establishing additional county agricultural schools in BEACON | SEE PAGE 18
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