THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 4, 2023 Page 19 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 er protections for individuals who are “unbanked” -- folks who don’t have a checking, savings or money market account or who are “underbanked” --- folks who may have a bank account, but also rely regularly on alternative financial services outside of the mainstream banking system. Lower-income households, less educated households, Black households, Hispanic households, working-age households with a disability and single-mother households are most vulnerable to being unbanked or underbanked. “This bill aims to tear down financial barriers that create situational and generational cycles of poverty by fostering a fair and responsible market in which low-income families can more easily save and protect their money,” said sponsor Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton). “Passage of this bill will allow people to keep more of their hardearned income, improving their ability to build assets, create wealth and promote overall stability in the economy of the commonwealth.” BAN ELEPHANTS AND OTHER ANIMALS (H 3245/S 2189) – The Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban elephants, bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and other animals from being used in traveling circuses and other traveling shows in Massachusetts. Violators would be fined between $500 and $10,000. “It is cruel for any of these large animals to live a life on the road and be forced into an unnatural lifestyle,” said House sponsor Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “Animal-based traveling acts have waned in popularity across the nation, with many companies eliminating animal-based models and now proudly offering animal-free shows. Currently, 14 municipalities in Massachusetts have local ordinances banning traveling animal acts and eight other states have already adopted these bans. Action is needed statewide to protect wildlife and ensure the humane treatment of all animals.” “Exotic, wild animals are subject to abusive training as they are transported throughout the country and across the commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “The cruel exhibition of these various animals also poses serious health and safety to the general public. We must be intolerant to animal abuse and ensure the safety of patrons.” QUOTABLE QUOTES Massachusetts, like most states, currently has a law to prevent utility shut offs during the winter months. However only 19 states have similar provisions for dealing with extreme heat in the summer months. Recent reports from scientists indicate that Massachusetts residents can expect extreme heat conditions annually for the foreseeable future.” ---Former Sen. Dick Moore, Legislative Chair of the Dignity Alliance urging passage of a bill to protect older adults and people with disabilities for having utilities shut-off during periods of extreme heat. “This contract demonstrates the T’s commitment toward reducing its emissions and is another step toward reaching our climate goals. In addition to BEACON | SEE PAGE 22 OBITUARY Stanley J. Ruggiero A lif e - long r esiden t of Ev er - ett, passed aw ay peacefully on July 31, 2023 at Massachusetts General Hospital. Former husband of Theresa Ruggiero and loving companion of Phyllis Franco of Salem, NH. Loving father of Stanley J. Ruggiero Jr. and his wife Theresa of Pateros WA, Steven Ruggiero and his companion Jill Sasso both of Middleton & Stacey and her husband Joseph Laro, of Peabody. Adored Grandfather of seven and Great-grandfather of one. Cherished brother of Angela Ruggiero of Quincy and the late Frank J. Ruggiero Jr. and his wife Patricia Ruggiero and nephew Todd Ruggiero. Brother-in-law of Patricia Ruggiero. Beloved son of the late Jennie (Lanzo) and Frank Ruggiero. Proud United States Army Veteran and well-respected member of the Carmen A. Schiavo Club in Everett. Visiting hours were held at Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main Street, on Thursday August 3rd with a Prayer Service immediately following in the funeral home. Following the services at the funeral home were are welcomed to the Schiavo Club. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to be made in his name to the West Roxbury VA Medical Center 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA 02132.
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