Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JunE 19, 2026 Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 51 – Report No. 24 June 8-12, 2026 Copyright © 2026 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen T HE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of June 8-12. BANNING SCHOOL AND PUBLIC LIBRARY BOOKS AND MATERIALS (H 5489) House 153-3, approved a bill that supporters said would protect people’s access to library materials and guard against politically motivated book bans in Bay State school libraries and public libraries. The bill requires local policies to be developed using nationally recognized library standards and lays out a process around challenges to library materials. The bill also protects librarians and school library professionals from retaliation. The Senate has already approved a diff erent version of the measure and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration. Provisions in the House bill include giving students the right to receive information, ~ HELP WANTED ~ 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 including school library materials deemed educational and age appropriate; requiring that determinations about whether materials are age appropriate are made by qualifi ed school library professionals using their professional training and expertise, and not based on personal, political or doctrinal beliefs; requiring school districts to adopt a written policy governing the selection and use of school library materials and facilities. The House measure also requires public libraries to adopt and publicly post written policies governing the selection and use of library materials and facilities as well as mandating that the policies must incorporate the American Library Association’s Bill of Rights and ensure that materials are not selected, restricted or removed based on personal, political or doctrinal viewpoint. “I am proud that the House passed my bill to prevent censorship and protect freedom of speech,” said sponsor Rep. Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleborough). “This is about defending something basic: the right of students and communities to be able to learn freely, encounter a broad spectrum of ideas and choose what they read without interference.” “I learned from leaders who served in my seat before me – including the great Mel King – that there are moments when we must stand up for civil rights,” said another sponsor Rep. John Moran (D-Boston). “Today I stand with our librarians, our students and our commitment to intellectual freedom. At a time when the loudest voices too often dominate, libraries remain quiet spaces where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is accessible and free expression is protected. Let us ensure BEACON | SEE PAGE 17 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller Senior Travel Discounts: How to Save on Your Next Trip Dear Savvy Senior, My husband and I are retiring later this year and hope to travel more while we’re still healthy and active. Our budget will be tighter, so every dollar counts. Are there worthwhile senior travel discounts you can tell us about, and at what age do they begin? --Ready to Roam Dear Ready, Retirement is the perfect time to start checking destinations off your wish list. Senior travel discounts can make a real diff erence. Whether it’s airfare, hotels, cruises, train tickets or attractions, the savings can add up – sometimes hundreds of dollars per trip – if you know where to look and compare. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the age requirement, which varies by company. Some start as early as 50, but most don’t kick in until 55, 60, 62 or 65. Knowing these benchmarks helps you plan and save as soon as you’re eligible. Ways to save One of the best ways to uncover senior travel deals is through membership organizations. AARP, with membership starting at 50, off ers the deepest travel discounts, including savings on hotels, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. AAA also provides travel-planning services and member savings on lodging and car rentals to adults of any age. Another simple but often overlooked strategy is to ask. Many hotels, tours and attractions don’t advertise senior discounts but may off er one if you inquire. Keep in mind, though, that the “senior rate” isn’t always the lowest price. Promotional sales, advance-purchase fares and seasonal specials can sometimes be cheaper, so compare before booking. Flexibility is another powerful money-saving tool. Traveling midweek, avoiding peak holidays, booking during shoulder seasons, or adjusting your dates slightly can signifi cantly lower costs. You may also fi nd last-minute deals on cruises, rail trips and guided tours, especially during slower travel periods when companies are eager to fi ll unsold space. Here’s a rundown of some different discount deals currently available: Airlines: Senior airfare discounts are less common than they once were, but some still exist. AARP members can get discounts on select British Airways fl ights, about $65 off economy and up to $200 off business class. United and Delta may off er limited senior fares, usually for travelers 65 and older, on select routes if booked by phone or using “Senior” search tools. Loyalty programs can also add value through free checked bags or seat upgrades. Trains: Amtrak offers about 10 percent off for travelers 65plus on many routes, with some cross-border discounts starting at 60. Rail passes and multi-city tickets may provide additional savings. Rental cars: AARP members can save up to 30 percent with companies like Avis and Budget, often with perks like a free additional driver and reduced rates on optional coverage. Hertz offers discounts through its 50 Plus Program. Hotels & lodging: Many hotel brands off er senior or AARP rates, typically 10 to 15 percent off . Examples include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, La Quinta), Best Western, Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn), Cambria, and Rodeway Inn. Booking directly or through AARP usually ensures the rate. Cruises: Some lines off er discounted fares for travelers 55-plus on select sailings, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Viking River Cruises. AARP members may receive additional onboard credits through affi liated providers. Off -peak sailings often provide the best value. Restaurants: Many chains offer senior menus, complimentary beverages, or percentage discounts for ages 55 or 60-plus, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Chick-fi l-A, Denny’s, IHOP, Boston Market, and CiCi’s Pizza. Participation varies by location. Entertainment & attractions: Museums, theaters, zoos, aquariums, and golf courses often off er reduced admission for seniors 60 or 65-plus. One of the best bargains is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass from the National Park Service. For $20 per year or $80 for a lifetime pass (available at 62), it provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. 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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