THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 23, 2022 Page 9 BEACON | FROM PAGE 8 make inequality in our state worse, as it undoubtedly will if it is used to disproportionately benefit the highest-income residents—those who bear the impact of inflation and economic turbulence of any kind the least—as Gov. Baker proposes.” “I support the idea to deliver $2.9 billion in relief checks to taxpayers this fall,” said Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge). “However, Chapter 62F would send the largest checks to the state’s top income earners, while those most impacted by inflation would get the smallest checks. That’s not just inequitable, it’s also bad economic policy. Moreover, 62F only authorizes tax credits for next year, not checks this fall. That’s why I am calling on legislative leaders to return to formal session as soon as possible to adjust the 62F distribution formula so that middle-income residents and the working poor are prioritized, as they are the ones who are being most crushed by inflation. At the same time, I think the legislature should take action to legally authorize the distribution of these checks this fall. Otherwise, Gov. Baker’s rebate scheme could get tied up in the courts. REDUCED TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND PROTECT PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS (H 5103) – The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill designed to protect “vulnerable road users” which includes pedestrians, constructions workers, emergency responders bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skates and wheelchair users. A key provision requires vehicle drivers, when passing a vulnerable user, to pass at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet when the motor vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less, and an additional foot of clearance for every ten miles per hour that the vehicle is traveling above 30 miles per hour. Other provisions include establishing a process to lower the default speed limit to 25 mph on state highways and parkways in thickly settled or business districts; requiring higher-visibility mirrors and lateral sideguards on certain stateowned, state-operated and state-contracted trucks; creating a uniform reporting tool for crashes involving a pedestrian or cyclist; and requiring bicyclists to have red rear lights. “[The bill] strengthens traffic safety regulations, making our roads safer and taking critical steps to save lives, and reduce crashes that needlessly put people at risk,” said Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville), sponsor of an earlier version of the bill .“With an emphasis on enhancing safeguards for pedestrians and bikers, the commonwealth positions itself as a leader in road user safety and promotes alternative modes of transportation.” Others sponsors of earlier versions of the bill, including Reps. Michael Moran (D-Brighton),Bill Strauss (D-Mattapoisett) and Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge) did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on the bill being approved and sent to Gov. Baker. BALLOT QUESTION ASKS VOTERS TO REPEAL THE NEW LAW ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (H 4805) – The new law that would allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license is going to be on the November ballot for voters to decide whether to repeal it or leave it intact. “Fair and Secure Massachusetts,” the group spearheading the repeal campaign, submitted 71,883 voter signatures to get the question on the ballot, far more than the 40,120 signatures required. The law would require an applicant for a driver’s license “without legal presence” in the United States to provide the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) with a foreign passport and at least one of five other documents: a driver’s license from another state, a foreign driver’s license, a birth certificate, a foreign national identification card or a marriage certificate or divorce decree from any U.S. state. The bill became law when the House and Senate on June 9 overrode Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of the bill. Maureen Maloney, whose son Matthew Denice was killed by a drunk driver who ~ HELP WANTED ~ Snowblower & Outdoor Motor Shop Seeks Full and Part Time Help. Always willing to pay fair wages. Retail Store Help Wanted. Flexible Hours Available. Boats & Motors Wakefield, MA Call (781) 245-3080 did not have legal status in the United States, is the chair of the repeal campaign. She said that Massachusetts roads “will be much more unsafe” if the law takes effect. “Voters lined up to sign our petition, they voiced to us their reasons for opposing the law,” Maloney said. A newly formed group, The Yes for Safer Roads Coalition, is spearheading the campaign to reject the repeal effort and keep the law intact. “This law is about more than just operating a motor vehicle,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, a member of the coalition. “It enhances safety on our roadways, but just as importantly it allows individuals to get to their work and medical appointments as well as to kids’ school and after school activities. That’s why I am proud to stand with the broad coalition of law enforcement colleagues, public health professionals, advocates and legislators who worked to pass this crucial law.” 2022 COASTSWEEP BEACH BEACON | SEE PAGE 10 AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! 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