Page 4 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 8, 2022 With 26 Days Until Legislative Session Ends, MassFiscal Comments on Dysfunctional State House Leadership No Gas Tax Suspension, No Tax Relief, and No Annual Budget B oston – With 26 days until the 192nd legislative session comes to an end, the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance commented on the fact that Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka still have not suspended the state gas tax, passed a tax relief package, or even passed their annual budget. The legislative session comes to an end on July 31. While it’s not uncommon for State House leaders to wait until the very last possible minute to pass controversial bills into law, the current leadership team cannot even seem to pass their baLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net sic budget, further demonstrating the depth of the current level of State House dysfunction. “With only 26 days left in the legislative session, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka seem to be already in vacation mode. They are ignoring their constituents’ calls for suspending the gas tax, ignoring efforts from the Governor and fellow legislative colleagues to pass any type of tax relief, and they remain so dysfunctional they cannot even pass their annual budget,” stated Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “With 26 days left, the clock is ticking, and time is running out. Instead of passing legislation that would help ordinary middle class Massachusetts taxpayers, they are focused on fringe policies that have an outsized influence in Democratic primaries like passing drivers licenses for illegal immigrants,” continued Craney. “There is also a looming ballot question this November proposed by the Speaker and Senate President which could increase the income tax by 80 percent on some high-income earners and small businesses. With the possibility of higher taxes down the road, and no action on tax relief right now, Massachusetts taxpayers should be ready for a very expensive 2023 if Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka continue to get their way,” concluded Craney. Better Business Bureau Scam Alert Fake events & phony tickets take festival goers by surprise M any people are looking forward to fun festivals this summer. As usual, scammers are taking advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets – and even fake events. How the scam works: You see a fantastic deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat meals, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities. When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets, and you think you are all set. But before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is nonexistent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: Someone pockets your hardearned money! The BBB Scam Tracker of the Better Business Bureau has received numerous reports from people who purchased fake tickets to real events or bought tickets to events that never materialized. A customer in Memphis reported buying tickets for $82.50 to a “Bubble Run” in June Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 64 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! 2022 that never happened: “Facebook event page advertised the Bubble run as a free event. I purchased 4 ‘entries’ with glasses and tutus and they charged my debit card. They then cancelled the event refuse to respond to emails. They are still advertising on Facebook like the event is happening.” One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their inconsistent and mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.” How to spot a fake festival • Research before you buy. Search online for the festival’s name and ensure the name advertised matches the website. ALERT | SEE PAGE 6 Summer is Here!
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