Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 24, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 14 ture Grant program including $7.5 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program to increase access to healthy, affordable food. “As the crew of Artemis II recently reminded us, we only have one planet—an oasis of life in a dark and empty universe,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “The beautiful images of our planet from space reinforce the awe-inspiring responsibility we have to keep the earth healthy and thriving. Closer to home, the Mass Ready Act will help reduce our reliance on single-use plastics and ensure we have access to clean air and water, as well as numerous opportunities to enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us for decades to come.” “Today, we advanced the most comprehensive environment-centered climate action bill in Massachusetts history,” said Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. “Trump’s relentless attacks on our environment do not change these simple truths: nature both centers us and sustains us, and we are responsible for its protection, preservation, sustainability and resilience. The Mass Ready Act is once-in-a-generation legislation, packed with policy and funding authorizations to prevent flooding damage, reduce single-use plastics, enhance biodiverse ecosystems, support parks and trails, bolster local efforts to address vulnerability, promote nature-based solutions, measure water access equity and much more.” “Essentially, this bill increases fees and taxes directly upon consumers and businesses in ways I ultimately can’t stand for,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton), one of only three senators who voted against the measure. “Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states in the nation, and the idea of raising the cost of doing business or even just living is untenable.” Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) and Peter Durant (R-Spencer) were the two other senators who voted against the bill. Neither one responded to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the bill. There was opposition to the bill from two outside groups. “Its Tax Day which means taxpayers are paying their taxes and Statehouse elected officials are raising them,” said Paul Craney, executive director of the Mass Fiscal Alliance, noting that the Senate is trying to impose new taxes on April 15th, the same day as the deadline for taxpayers to file their income tax returns. “This level of contempt for the taxpayers only happens in Massachusetts.” “Once again, the political rhetoric on Beacon Hill is completely at odds with policy when it comes to state lawmakers taking affordability seriously,” said the National Federation of Independent Business’ Massachusetts state director Christopher Carlozzi who is against the bill. - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 831-2200 Docket No. WO26A0062AD CITATION G .L. c. 210, § 6 In the matter of: ISAIAH OSCAR ROBLES To: Julio Oscar Robles any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by: Fernando Roscoe of Millville, MA Sandra Roscoe-Diaz of Millville, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to Isaiah Oscar Roscoe-Diaz IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT: Worcester ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON: 06/23/2026 WITNESS, Hon. Kathryn M. Bailey, First Justice of this Court. Date: March 18, 2026 STEPHANIE K. FATTMAN REGISTER OF PROBATE April 17, 24, May 01, 2026 To: - LEGAL NOTICE - COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Worcester Probate and Family Court 225 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608 (508) 831-2200 Docket No. WO26A0063AD CITATION G .L. c. 210, § 6 In the matter of: JULIO ALEJANDRO ROBLES Julio Oscar Robles any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth. A petition has been presented to said court by: Fernando Roscoe of Millville, MA Sandra Roscoe-Diaz of Millville, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to Julio Alejandro Roscoe-Diaz IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT: Worcester ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON: 06/23/2026 WITNESS, Hon. Kathryn M. Bailey, First Justice of this Court. Date: March 18, 2026 STEPHANIE K. FATTMAN REGISTER OF PROBATE April 17, 24, May 01, 2026 “The last thing commonwealth small businesses need is additional mandates, fees and taxes that make owners’ jobs more difficult and products and services more expensive for their customers. Customer satisfaction is vital to small businesses, and making serviceware like straws, condiments, napkins, containers, etc. ‘by request’ only could disrupt that business-consumer relationship.” Carlozzi continued, “If a customer drives away forgetting to request a straw for their ice coffee or milkshake, they will blame the business for not including it, just as with other proscribed items that are expected by consumers. The bill’s new tax on paint in Massachusetts is estimated to cost $1.45 per can of paint, which will drive up costs for shoppers by adding additional expenses on top of the 6.25 percent state sales tax. This will just drive consumers to neighboring states to make their purchases.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes FIREFIGHTERS AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) (S 3050) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $25 million in bonding for the reduction of firefighters’ exposure to dangerous PFAS through three avenues – the purchase of PFAS-free protective turnout gear, the responsible disposal of equipment contaminated with PFAS and the research and development of safer turnout gear that does not contain PFAS. PFAs is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items fireproof, waterproof or non-stick. Supporters said that even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis and other diseases. “I introduced this amendment … because I strongly believe that, when newer and cleaner solutions are developed, the harms of using risky chemicals begin to far outweigh the benefits,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “We are now one step closer to stripping toxic PFAS chemicals out of the gear our firefighters wear every day. I could not be more thrilled about the huge policy win this amendment represents, and I know that the firefighters who will no longer have to wear toxic gear are thankful too.” BEACON | SEE PAGE 17
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