Page 14 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 2, 2024 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://massterlist.com/subscribe/ THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of July 22-26. $1.26 BILLION BOND FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (H 4889) House 156-2, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would invest in information technology (IT) upgrades, improvements and new projects across state government. The measure authorizes $1.23 billion in bonded spending and $400 million in anticipated federal funds. “Today the Legislature is investing in a safer, more efficient and modernized digital experience for residents and state employees alike,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Our technology infrastructure is a lynchpin for nearly every service and resource our state delivers, and enhancing it is a fundamental step toward increasing access and creating systems that work for everyone.” “I am immensely proud of the dedication and effort demonstrated … to bring this report to fruition,” said Rep. Marcus Vaughn (R-Wrentham). “This achievement stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. By working together, we have shown our shared commitment to serving the best interests of the commonwealth.” “Government spending is wildly out of control and it’s fiscally irresponsible to keep passing these boondoggle bills,” said Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick), one of only two members to vote against the measure. “We need to reduce spending and taxes in order to lower the cost of living in the commonwealth. The path we’re on is unsustainable and will lead to more businesses and taxpayers fleeing the state.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes Yes WAGE TRANSPARENCY (H 4890) House 152-5, Senate 38-2, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a bill, named the Frances Perkins Workplace Equity Act, in honor of the first woman to serve as U.S. Labor Secretary. The measure would require employers with 25 or more employees to disclose a salary range when posting a job position. The measure also would require employers with 100 or more employees to file annual employment data reports, including information on employee demographics and salaries, with the state. “The 2016 Equal Pay Act was a huge step forward in closing pay gaps and it worked,” said Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “One study from 2020 showed salary history bans alone increased pay by as much as 5 percent increase for all job changers, an 8 percent increase for women and a 13 percent increase for Black workers. This bill takes the next steps in providing more information for job seekers and ensuring that women and people of color enter wage negotiations with more information at their fingertips to secure better offers. With the data collected we’ll learn about inequities that persist and be able to identify ways to solve them.” “True progress towards justice and equality demands that we not only acknowledge the critical importance of wage equity, particularly for women and people of color, but actively strive to achieve it,” said Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley (D-Mattapan). “By achieving wage equity, we empower individuals and strengthen our communities, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a more equitable future.” “I voted ‘no’ on the wage transparency bill because this is just another burden being unfairly placed on small businesses,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The National Federation of Independent Businesses wanted the threshold to be 100 or more. Small businesses will inevitably be unaware of this law and receive fines and penalties that are significant, even though they’re not operating with malicious intent. Massachusetts is already an increasingly difficult state to operate a business and this well-intentioned bill will only make it more difficult.” “Burdensome regulations and taxes already make Massachusetts one of the least friendly states in the country to run a business,” said Rep. Nick Boldyga (R-Southwick). “In addition to the cost of compliance, DEI policies, such as so-called salary transparency mandates, crush innovation and stifle talent development. This bill is just the latest attempt to advance a toxic ideology that is destroying free market enterprise. Beacon Hill is killing small businesses.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Joseph McGonagle Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes Yes DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (H 4919) House 159-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. Requirements include, obtaining a license from the municipality, an annual inspection, dog to staff ratio specifications, injury reporting, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, insurance and minimal housing and care requirements. Supporters said that currently, the state has no oversight of dog daycare or boarding kennels. They argued it is estimated that a dog is injured or killed every nine to ten days in Massachusetts at these kennels. They noted that many families in Massachusetts have suffered the loss or injury of an animal at a dog daycare or kennel that could have been avoided by commonsense regulations over these facilities. “I filed this bill on behalf of my constituent, Amy Baxter, whose 7-month-old puppy was attacked by other dogs at a boarding kennel in my district,” said Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow). “Sadly, Ollie eventually succumbed to his many injuries. People assume these facilities are regulated by the state and have safety protocols in place. Many already do, however, far too many do not, leaving animals and staff at risk. I and the Coalition that was formed, wanted to do everything possible to prevent these types of situations from occurring again. I am proud of this legislation and BEACON | SEE PAGE 15 EVENTS | FROM PAGE 11 portunity for your child to put those acting skills to use with our drama coach! Suggested ages: six to 14. Story Time Adventures with Mrs. McAuliffe: Parlin Children’s Room, Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9 at 11 a.m. Join Mrs. McAuliffe for our enchanting Story Time! You will be whisked away on magical adventures through the pages of your favorite books. Bring a friend or make a new one in our circle of friends. Crafternoon: Parlin Children’s Room, Thursday, August 8 at 3 p.m. Mystery Craft! What kind of craft will you pick? All kids ages three and up are welcome; please come and join the fun! Registration is required. Sign up online or at the Parlin Children’s desk. Fluency Fun Fridays! Parlin Children’s Room, Friday, August 9 at 3 p.m. Level up your fluency game! Drop in for an afternoon of fun board games like Scrabble and Bananagrams, word searches and crossword puzzles. Suggested ages: five to 12. Mixed-Media Crafts: Parlin Children’s Room, Saturday, August 10 at 10 a.m. Enjoy learning and develop your imagination! Recommended for ages four to 12. Registration is required – sign up online. This program is funded by the Everett Cultural Council. Origami Club: Parlin Fireplace Room, Saturday, August 10 at 12 p.m. Learn how to fold animals of all kinds! Open to all ages and abilities. Paper and instruction will be provided. Shute Adult and Teens Drop-in Crafts: Shute Meeting Room, Wednesday, August 7 at 2:30 p.m. Discover endless creativity at this REMINDS | FROM PAGE 10 dents will see major impacts of our investment in the city.” Local agencies (for-profit, nonprofit, civic groups, or service providers) can apply for funding to carry out ARPA-eligible projects and programs on behalf of the city. With assistance from the community as well as the city’s ARPA Advisory Panel, Everett has allocated $11.2M to the following initiatives: Public Health Programs – 4.3M; Housing Assistance Programs – 3.7M; Education and Childcare Assistance Programs – 1.4M; Food Assistance Programs – 1.1M; Economic Recovery programs for Small Business and Nonprofits – 745, 000. The Commonwealth designated Everself-led event! From drawing to coloring and DIY knickknacks, there’s something for everyone. Join us at the library and unleash your inner artist! No registration required – first come, first served – for all ages! Drop-in Board Games: Shute Meeting Room, Friday, August 9 from 12 to 3 p.m. Join us for our weekly event that is perfect for all ages! From Sorry to Connect Four, Mancala to Candy Land, Battleship to Trouble – there’s a game for everyone. Games will rotate weekly, so drop in early to play your favorites. No registration required, but space is limited! Games are provided from the generous support of the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries. Resume Writing: Shute Adult Department. Book a one-on-one resume assistance appointment at the Shute Library and let a librarian help you craft a resume tailored to your strengths and aspirations. Sign up for a 30-minute session at the Shute Library; Fridays by appointment only. Computer Basics 101: Shute Adult Department. Tech Newbie? No Problem! Learn to power up, click around, type like a pro, explore the digital world and even send your first email. Book your Friday adventure with technology today! By appointment only on Fridays; please call the Shute Library to register for an appointment. Shute Children’s Lizard Story Time: Shute Children’s Department. Monday, August 5 at 11 a.m. Join us at the Shute Children’s Library for story time with Sunni, the bearded dragon! Picture books will be read aloud as Sunni listens with you! For ages two to six; no registration required. ett as one of four communities that were disproportionately impacted by the virus, and this additional funding was designated to support critical local COVID response and recovery efforts. Events: Business Walks – now through August 5; Information Session (English) – Friday, August 2, 5:30 p.m., Edward Connolly Center, Everett, Mass. Information Sessions translated into Spanish and Portuguese can be found on the City of Everett Facebook page – https://www. facebook.com/cityofeverettma To learn more on how to apply, visit https://cityofeverett. com/everett-arpa/. Recipients will be announced sometime later this year at an awards ceremony.
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