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THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 7, 2025 Page 27 BEACON | FROM PAGE 26 cardrooms in the commonwealth for games such as poker and dominoes, where players can play against each other instead of a casino,” said sponsor Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston). “We understand that this industry has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to preserve declining jobs at Suffolk Downs, where East Boston residents continue to be employed. These facilities will also generate much-needed tax revenue at a time of increasing uncertainty over continued federal funding.” PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) – A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes. “[The bill] is a deserving gesture of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country and aims to protect veterans’ privacy and uphold their dignity by preventing the public release of their personal information related to taxes,” said its sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “It ensures that any tax notifications are handled privately and respectfully through a local VSO.” McMurtry continued, “[The bill] gives our veterans the respect they deserve when they find themselves facing financial hardship regarding property taxes. We can avoid any public embarrassment and take a more hands-on approach through personal interaction with the VSO for assistance with their tax situation.” EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) – A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs. “New state employees should not have to choose between paying high health care costs out of pocket or foregoing necessary care altogether,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “By empowering state employers to offer employees health insurance on day one, we can better attract quality candidates and ensure new workers have the benefits and coverage they deserve.” ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) – The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts. Appointing authorities would be required to work to appoint diverse members, including developing and implementing plans to attract and recruit diverse members. Each public board and commission would report annually on membership information, to measure progress, to the governor’s office which would publish it. “Increasing diversity in our state’s workforce and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, is both a moral and an economic imperative for our commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “In Massachusetts we have several hundred public boards and commissions, each with a wide range of responsibilities and powers. Much progress has already been made to represent the diversity of Massachusetts, but more work still needs to be done to increase diversity in our state’s leadership.” “This bill is about expanding opportunity and making sure we are drawing from the full range of talent and experience across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), the sponsor of the House bill. “When our public boards and commissions reflect the diversity of the people they serve, everyone benefits. We are not lowering standards — we are raising them by ensuring our decision-making includes the voices and perspectives that have too often been left out.” CREATE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF PEOPLE WHO PRACTICE ISLAM (H 3351) – Another bill before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who practice Islam. The commission would be a resource to the state on issues affecting American Muslim communities including promoting research and serving as a clearinghouse and source of information on issues pertaining to American Muslims; informing the public and leaders of business, education, human services, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of the unique cultural, social, ethnic, economic and educational issues affecting American Muslims; serving as a liaison between government and private interest groups on matters of unique interest and concern to American Muslims; and identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions. “Freedom of religion is one of our most fundamental constitutional rights, and no one should face persecution for their beliefs,” said sponsor Rep. Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “This legislation was filed to address and elevate the serious issues currently affecting the over 131,000 members of our commonwealth’s Muslim community”. QUOTABLE QUOTES “Massachusetts’ innovation economy is the foundation of our competitiveness. It fuels discovery, drives growth and sustains good jobs in every region of the state. Through the DRIVE Initiative, we are taking action to protect our leadership in science and technology and support the institutions and workers that make it possible and ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solving the world’s hardest problems.” ---Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley on Gov. Healey’s DRIVE Initiative, designed to grow Massachusetts’ renowned research and innovation economy and create thousands of new jobs. “The contrast is becoming impossible to ignore and Massachusetts cannot afford to continue to bury its head in the sand on this. Ranking so close to the very bottom should alarm every lawmaker and every taxpayer. Our highcost tax system is driving out talent, capital and opportunity, and New Hampshire’s top tier ranking proves that better policy is possible right next door. We are falling behind not by chance, but by poor policy choices.” --- Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on the Tax Foundation’s newly-released “2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index.” in which the Bay State ranks just 43rd in the nation, while neighboring New Hampshire jumped in rank to come in at number 3. “These rankings confirm what Massachusetts residents and employers already know: our tax burden is too high, making it increasingly difficult for people and businesses to thrive here. Turning this around will require successful, coordinated efforts by private-sector leaders and policymakers to advance meaningful reforms that strengthen the state’s competitiveness. This data should serve as a wakeup call to policymakers as they consider proposals that would further raise the portion of certain income subject to the BEACON | SEE PAGE 30 CITY OF EVERETT - LEGAL NOTICE - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 484 BROADWAY, ROOM 24 EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 To Whom It May Concern: This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Monday November 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM, Everett City Hall, 3rd Floor George Keverian Hearing Room. All interested parties may attend and opinions will be heard regarding the following petition. Whereas a petition has been presented by: Property Address: Map/Parcel: Building Permit Property Owner: 96 Woodlawn Street Everett, MA 02149 M0-03-000040 B-25-698 Carlos Marquez 96 Woodlawn Street Everett, MA 02149 PROPOSAL: The applicant seeks to build a set of spiral stairs in the left side yard setback. Violations and Zoning: Violation: • Section 4 Dwelling Districts (6) Side yard: (a) Four (4) feet minimum. After the stairs are installed, the setback will be less than Four (4) feet. Rebecca Edmondson - Chairman Roberta Suppa - Clerk of Board of Appeals October 31, November 7, 2025

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