THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 22, 2025 Page 19 BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 residents,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. ALCOHOL DONATIONS FOR CHARITIES (H 442) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow local licensing authorities to issue temporary licenses to charities in order for the charities to accept donations of wine, beer and alcohol for their charitable events. Supporters said these licenses were previously allowed under 1997 legislation but the authorization has since expired. “Today, more than ever, nonprofits are in need of charitable donations to stay afloat,” said sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “This bill would allow for safe and regulated alcohol licensure for nonprofits in order to raise revenue at charity events by partnering with alcohol manufacturers.” FIRST RESPONDERS MUST HAVE NARCAN AVAILABLE (S 1410) – The Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery will hold a hearing on September 15 on legislation that would require government entities to supply first responders with Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, or another opioid antagonist which is used as an emergency treatment used for the complete or partial reversal of an opioid overdose. The bill also incorporates existing Department of Public Health-regulated naloxone training into the first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training first responders already undergo. Sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem) said the bill would require the opioid antagonist to be carried either by the responder or in their emergency response vehicle, or both. “Delays in the administration of opioid antagonists can be deadly,” said Lovely. “We cannot be sure which category of first responder will be the first to arrive on the scene, and training and providing all first responders with opioid antagonists will ensure we are able to effectively treat overdoses and save lives.” LOWER COST OPTIONS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS – Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s Citizen Information Service has compiled information about new financial aid programs available to Massachusetts students at public colleges and universities. The new informational brochure, “Low and No Cost Options for Higher Education,” highlights several new programs available through the state’s public colleges. Detailed information is provided about the state’s free community college program, free tuition at state schools for lower income students and scholarships available for high-achieving community college students transferring to one of the UMass campuses. “In the last few years, Massachusetts has created several new pathways to affordable learning, but students and their parents may not be aware of these options,” Galvin said. “This publication is meant to educate the public about grants and scholarships that may be available, to help alleviate the burden of student loans.” More information and details are available at https:// www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/cis/education/low-nocost-options.htm $46 MILION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING – The Healey Administration announced a package of $46 million for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support the buildout of EV chargers across Massachusetts. Supporters said that the funding will help address gaps identified by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council, including the need for more chargers along secondary corridors and to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. “We’re making it easier for everyone to get around as more Massachusetts residents choose to drive electric,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Not only are these vehicles fun to drive but they are typically less expensive to maintain than their gas- and dieselpowered counterparts. We are committed to building a cleaner environment and vibrant economy for everyone.” “Expanding our robust network of public EV chargers will enable electrification of passenger vehicles as well as highly polluting mediumand heavy-duty vans and trucks,” said Mass Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “This funding allows MassDEP to cut air and noise pollution in communities across the state — driving real change for a healthier Massachusetts.” QUOTABLE QUOTES “Massachusetts has over 25,000 culverts, most of which are undersized. By replacing these outdated culverts with larger, safer structures, we can better prepare our communities for severe weather. Investing in these projects now will save our cities and towns money on disaster recovery in the future.” --- Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing $2.9 million in grants to support ecological restoration projects across Massachusetts to strengthen resilience against extreme weather events, improve water quality, reduce flood risk and restore crucial wildlife habitat. “Our audit identified a number of issues that undermine and negatively impact the Cannabis Control Commission’s mission to equitably and effectively oversee the cannabis industry in Massachusetts. Our team appreciates the commission’s cooperation throughout this audit, which serves to identify areas for needed improve~ Legal Notice ~ NOTICE OF INITIAL SITE INVESTIGATION AND TIER I CLASSIFICATION Glendale Methodist Church 392 Ferry Street, Everett, MA 02118 RELEASE TRACKING NUMBER 3-50699 A release of oil and/or hazardous materials has occurred at this location, which is a disposal site as defined by M.G.L. c. 21E, § 2 and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000. To evaluate the release, a Phase I Initial Site Investigation was performed pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0480. As a result of this investigation, the site has been classified as Tier I pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0500. On August 19, 2025, Union Combined Parish, filed a Tier I Classification Submittal with the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). To obtain more information on this disposal site, please contact William Kenney, Licensed Site Professional (LSP), at River Hawk Environmental, LLC, 511 West Grove Street, Suite 301, Middleborough, MA 02346, (781) 536-4639. The Tier I Classification Submittal and the disposal site file can be reviewed at MassDEP, 150 Presidential Way, Woburn, MA 01801; Main Phone: (978) 694-3200. Additional public involvement opportunities are available under 310 CMR 40.1403(9) and 310 CMR 40.1404. August 22, 2025 ments to better serve the residents of the commonwealth. We encourage the Cannabis Control Commission to adopt our office’s recommendations for improvement and will be revisiting the commission’s progress in roughly six months as part of our post-audit review.” ---Auditor Diana DiZoglio upon releasing an audit of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) -- the independent agency responsible for developing and enforcing regulations over the marijuana industry in Massachusetts. Among the audit’s findings is that the CCC’s mismanagement of prorated fees for license extensions resulted in revenue loss, procedural inequity, noncompliance with state regulations and the appearance of potential favorBEACON | SEE PAGE 22
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