Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 1, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 51- Report No. 17 April 20-24, 2026 By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. BAN CONVERSION THERAPY FOR ANYONE UNDER 18 (H 140) The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled 8 to 1 against a law banning “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ children under 18 in Colorado. The court sided with a therapist who argued that the law violates the First Amendment and sent it back to a lower court for review. Conversion therapy is primarily used to try to convert gays and lesbians to be straight. LGBTQ+ groups and some mental health experts charge that the practice is scientifi cally unproven and unsound Type of Person Needed: * Are you an experienced/willing to learn, motivated person looking for a shop where your skills can be valued? A local company with a fleet shop is a busy, family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality transportation services and public State inspection services. We are seeking a talented Automotive Technician or mechanical knowledge to join our close-knit crew. If you are dependable and proficient in automotive technical work with a passion for excellent customer service, we want to talk to you. Location: Malden, MA Job Description: * Be able to acquire and maintain a certification for the State Inspection License. Perform light duty mechanical preventive duties, including Fleet preventive maintenance. * State Inspection Services * Miscellaneous shop duties Requirements: * Valid driver’s license with good driving history * Possess or pass the required State Inspector License Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM * Rate will be based on experience Contact: Ed Hyde or David Morovitz Call: 781-322-9401 Email: ehyde@maldentrans.com Website: www.maldentrans.com and can trigger depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts in these youngsters. Massachusetts is one of several states that currently ban or restrict conversion therapy. The Supreme Court’s decision to send the case back down to the lower court to make a determination regarding the future of Colorado’s law doesn’t change the laws of the Bay State or any other state. On March 13, 2019, the House 149-8 and then 148-8, approved a bill that prohibits psychiatrists, psychologists and other health care providers from attempting to change the sexual orienta~ HELP WANTED ~ tion, gender identity or gender expression of anyone under 18. On March 28, 2019, the Senate 34-0, approved a diff erent version of the bill. A few days later the House and Senate agreed on a fi nal version of the bill and approved it on a voice vote without a roll call vote. Former Gov. Charlie Baker signed that fi nal version of the bill into law on April 8, 2019. “I’m incredibly disappointed by the Supreme Court’s ruling,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “So-called conversion therapy is dangerous, discredited and has been shown to cause real harm to young people. That’s why Massachusetts banned this practice on a bipartisan basis in 2019, and it was signed into law by a Republican governor. That’s who we are as a state. We are reviewing the impact of this decision, but our commitment is unchanged. In Massachusetts, we will always stand up for LGBTQ+ young people and their families and make sure they are safe, healthy and able to be who they are.” “[The] decision not only undermines efforts to protect LGBTQ+ youth but also disregards years of scientifi c research showing that conversion therapy can have a devastating impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of young people,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “We are reviewing the court’s decision, and I will continue using every tool available to stand fi rmly against any attempt to legitimize practices that put our young people at risk.” “I am disheartened by the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors,” said Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “All persons, but especially young people, should not be subject to harmful treatments premised on the incorrect and outdated idea that it is possible to change anyone’s sexual or gender identity. Fortunately, the scope of the ruling is narrow and does Sa Sa a Sa y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller Low-Cost Smartphone Plans for Budget-Minded Seniors Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. --Looking to Save Dear Looking, You’re asking a smart question. Many seniors pay far more for smartphone service than they actually use. If most of your phone activity is calls, texts, email, and light web browsing, there’s usually no need to spend $40 or more a month. The good news: plenty of low-cost carriers now cater to light users who want reliable service without the extra cost. The cheapest plans today mostly come from mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) – smaller carriers that lease coverage from major networks like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Because they don’t run their own towers, MVNOs can off er basic service for a fraction of the cost of major carriers, while still providing nationwide coverage. Here are some of the best options available now. Cheapest Wireless Plans According to Consumer Reports, Mint Mobile is a top value among low-cost smartphone plans. For $15 per month, you get unlimited talk and text plus 5 gigabytes (GB) of data. The catch: you pay for a full year upfront – $180 plus taxes – but for seniors comfortable paying annually, it’s a smart way to lock in savings. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s network and works with most unlocked phones. If you want a similar plan without the upfront commitment, T-Mobile Connect is worth a look. For about $15 per month, you get the same 5 GB of data and unlimited talk and text, with no contract and the flexibility to switch plans month to month. It’s an easy, low-commitment option on the same reliable T-Mobile network. For seniors who barely use their phone, Ultra Mobile’s PayGo plan is the absolute cheapest option right now. At just $3 per month plus fees, it includes 100 minutes, 100 texts, and 100 MB of data, with extra usage costing only a few cents per minute, text, or MB. It’s ideal for anyone who mainly needs a phone for emergencies, and it also runs on T-Mobile’s reliable network. Tello is another fl exible option, with plans starting at $8 per month for 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 2 GB of data. You can easily add more minutes or data in small, inexpensive increments, making it ideal for seniors who want control over their costs. Finally, US Mobile offers a plan starting at $10 per month (paid annually) for unlimited talk and text plus 4 GB of data. Simple, affordable, and straightforward, it’s a solid choice for seniors who want coverage without extra bells and whistles. Lifeline Program If your budget is especially tight, be sure to check into the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service. You may qualify if you receive benefi ts such as Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), public housing assistance, or Veterans Pension. You may also qualify based on income alone if your household income is below 135 percent of the federal poverty level – currently $21,546 for one person or $29,214 for two. To learn more or apply, visit lifelinesupport.org. If approved, you can choose from participating providers in your area, and in some cases even apply the discount to service you already have, if your provider participates. Before switching plans, make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new carrier’s network. A quick compatibility check on the provider’s website can help ensure a smooth transition and keep your savings on track. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. nr ior
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