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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 10, 2026 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 anything about the cost of living and neglected to provide any tax relief,” said Rep. John Gaskey (R-Carver). ”That’s why I unapologetically voted No on this boondoggle. Billions of dollars continue to flow to those who broke the law to come here. If you come to Massachusetts illegally, you can get legal counsel, shelter—even college tuition paid for on the taxpayers’ dime. That money is coming at the expense of local aid to our town governments. At a time when municipalities across the state are strapped and facing property tax overrides, the State Legislature preferred to shift aid from local government and instead give it to illegals.” (A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes TOXIC MEDICAL DEVICES (H 5550) House 139-0, approved a bill that would ban the use of DEHP, a toxic chemical which is commonly added to plastic intravenous bags and tubing and linked to breast, liver, lung and testicular cancer. Many IV bags currently contain DEHP, which is added to improve the plastic’s flexibility but can pose serious health dangers to patients. The measure also prevents manufacturers from replacing DEHP with similar ortho-phthalates and encourages the transition to safer alternatives while preserving limited exemptions for specialized blood collection and cell therapy products. The Senate has approved its own version of the measure, and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration. “An Act relative to toxic-free medical devices is a straightforward bill that aims to protect patients — especially infants, children, pregnant women and those with cancer from being unnecessarily exposed to harmful chemicals,” said House sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “Long-term exposure to DEHP in medical instruments like IV bags and tubing has long raised concerns in the medical community, particularly when safer alternatives are available … Our state has never waited for others to set the standard on patient safety.” (A “Yes” vote us for the bill.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes REQUIRE MORE PUBLIC DISCLOSURES OF FUNDRAISING AND SPENDING BY BALLOT QUESTION GROUPS (H 5549) House 149-0, approved a bill requiring more frequent public reporting of fundraising and spending by groups supporting or opposing ballot questions. Under the bill, ballot question committees would be required to provide monthly reports on their finances. After September of that year, campaigns would have to file biweekly reports until Election Day. The bill would hold ballot question campaigns to the same standard of disclosure already followed by candidates for office. Currently, ballot committees don’t have to report on their finances between Jan. 20 and September. The bill also establishes a thirteen-member special legislative commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the statewide initiative petition process and to submit recommendations, including proposed constitutional amendments where appropriate, by December 31, 2027. The Senate has approved its own version of the measure, and the House version now goes to the Senate for consideration. “This Act will bring ballot question committees and their campaign reporting requirements in line with the reporting schedule that we, as duly elected representatives of the people, adhere to,” said Rep. Dan Ryan (D-Boston), primary House sponsor of the bill. “These requirements allow voters to see who is influencing the messages they are hearing leading up to Election Day.” “Massachusetts voters deserve to know who is behind the campaigns asking for their vote,” said Rep. Daniel Hunt (D-Boston), House Chair of the Committee on Election Laws. “This legislation ensures voters have access to timely, meaningful information before they head to the polls, helping cut through the confusion that can surround statewide ballot question campaigns. By modernizing reporting requirements, increasing transparency, strengthening accountability and making campaign finance information easier to access, we are giving voters the tools they need to make informed decisions and greater confidence in the integrity of our elections.” (A Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Yes ILLUMINATING PUBLIC SPACES (S 3145) Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would improve how public spaces are illuminated and would help protect public health and safety; reduce energy consumption; safeguard wildlife and ecosystems; and lower long-term costs for municipalities. Provisions include requiring all new and replacement publicly funded outdoor lighting fixtures to meet industry standards and best practices for reducing light pollution and minimizing glare; directing the Department of Energy Resources to establish regulations governing the brightness, shielding and design of public outdoor lighting; establishing a cheaper electric rate for low-wattage street lamps which would help cities and towns trim their electric costs if they use the low-wattage lights; cutting down on extra light poles to ensure the number of streetlamps along a roadway matches the level needed for traffic and pedestrian safety; and exempting light fixtures related to safety or security needs, including lights related to aviation and nautical safety, and temporary emergency, repair and construction lighting. “Light pollution poses real challenges for public health, public safety and environmental protection,” said sponsor Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “It can disrupt sleep, create dangerous glare for drivers and pedestrians, waste energy and interfere with wildlife and natural ecosystems. [The bill] is a commonsense measure that will help municipalities save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public lighting by prioritizing warmer, properly shielded fixtures.” “This legislation strikes a vital balance of reducing unnecessary light pollution, conserving energy, and protecting both wildlife and the night sky,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “By introducing a lower electric rate for streetlights, mandating fully shielded fixtures and setting a warmer color temperature, we’re helping cities and towns cut costs while improving public safety and environmental health. It’s a cost-effective, science-based step to ensure future lighting installations respect our dark skies—and to ensure future generations are able to experience the natural wonder of gazing up at our starry skies.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes ENERGY COSTS (S 3143) Senate 32-8, approved legislation that supporters said would save people money; repair the climate; grow the economy; tackle rising energy costs head-on by cutting unnecessary fees; even out price spikes that hit households during high-demand months; crack down on predatory sales practices by energy suppliers and steer the state away from expensive infrastructure projects that don’t deliver value for ratepayers. “The cost of energy in Massachusetts has placed a real strain on family budgets,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “This legislation reflects the Senate’s commitment to addressing that strain in a serious and sustained way while continuing our deeply held commitment to lead on our climate goals.” “With the passage of this comprehensive energy affordability bill, the Senate acted decisively today, laying the foundation for affordable and renewable energy for generations to come,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. “Homeowners, renters and small businesses across my district consistently cite expensive energy costs as one of the single biggest issues they face, and this legislation levels the playing field and provides a pathway to a more affordable future for consumers of the commonwealth. This bill will drive down monthly utility bills and flatten out sudden price spikes, and our proposal will lead to long-term savings that will be felt by residents across the commonwealth.” “Baystaters want to power their lives without polluting our air and water, harming our health, changing our climate or emptying our wallet,” said MASSPIRG’s Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings. “This bill will help them do that. By removing costly and cumbersome red tape, this bill makes it easier and quicker for residents to go solar. Alongside new municipal solar options, this means more people will be able to tap the abundant, clean energy of the sun’s golden rays. The bill also prioritizes energy efficiency and adopts common sense consumer protections.” “The systems run by the gas and electric companies are sprawling and complicated,” said Sen. Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “The Senate sees no greedy masterminds behind the scenes, but we do BEACON | SEE PAGE 18 ~ 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

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