Page 20 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 10, 2023 BHRC | FROM PAGE 18 ensure we do not hold on to pre-existing, bias-driven bans,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “I fi led [the bill] to investigate the existing barriers to fi rst responders’ legal right to use cannabis … The bill would also explore the eff ectiveness of cannabis in treating anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD and other traumas.” AIR CONDITIONER USE (SD 2214) – Would prevent a landlord from restricting a tenant’s right to install or use a portable air conditioner so long as the unit is properly installed anddoes not violate building codes or state or federal law; violate the device manufacturer’s written safety guideline; damage the premises; and does not require amperage to power the device that cannot be accommodated by the power service to the building. The bill also directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to analyze whether the state could apply for federal funding to provide cooling assistance for low-income households vulnerable to heat-related illness. “Climate change is altering seasonal temperatures to a point where last summer we experienced one of the worst heat waves in recent memory,” said sponsorSen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).“At that time, too many residents struggling to keep up with basic cost of living expenses lacked access to proper cooling services, thereby threatening the wellbeing of senior citizens, residents with chronic health conditions, and many others. This bill would diminish barriers currently preventing access to cooling services and hopefully reduce preventable heat-related illnesses.” MUSLIM COMMISSION (S 2376) – Would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who Practice Islam to serve as a resource on issues aff ecting American Muslim communities in the Bay State. The duties of the commission include 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 aff ecting American Muslims; fostering unity among the American Muslim community and organizations by promoting cooperation and sharing of information and encouraging collaboration and joint activities; identifying and recommending qualifi ed American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government; and assessing programs and practices in all state agencies as they aff ect American Muslims. “Massachusetts is home to many Muslim Americans, and it is long overdue that we look at our inclusion practices and take a step further,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “This bill promotes the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth, and I am confi dent that the commission will do an excellent job researching and ~ Help Wanted ~ Part-time Laborer Wanted. Call Richie at Craftsman Glass, Everett (617) 389-6600 AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 identifying existing issues, and seeking new opportunities as they safeguard the civil rights of American Muslims.” FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION(SD 1946) – Would guarantee free public higher education as a right for all students who have attended a high school in Massachusetts for three or more years and graduated from a Bay State high school. The measure creates a grant program to cover tuition and mandatory fees for Massachusetts residents attending a state public university. For students who meet certain low-income eligibility, the legislation gives additional aid in grants to cover the additional costs of attending the school including room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. “This bill matters because state funding for public higher education in Massachusetts has been cut drastically in the past 20 years resulting in significant tuition and fee increases and one of the fastest-growing student debt burdens in the nation,” said sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). QUOTABLE QUOTE “With nuclear power, we have the technology to provide an abundant source of power to our homes in a cheap, clean and effi cient manner. Our politicians have failed us by enacting policies that lead to nuclear power plant closures without any plans for replacement.” ---Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “Ollie’s Law is crucial animal protection legislation that our commonwealth urgently needs. We care for and love our animals like we do any other family member. The fact that there are no regulations or oversight for an industry that we place so much trust in should be a concern for every citizen.” ---Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) on his legislation creating regulations designed to protect pets in the entire dog daycare and kennel industry. The bill is named in memory of Ollie, a seven-month-old labradoodle puppy who was mauled by a group of dogs at a daycare facility in East Longmeadow and passed away in November 2020 from those injuries. “These grants provide the opportunity to help communities and individuals along their path toward healing and accountability. I’m grateful for the important work that each of these grant recipients do to meet the diverse needs of communities through restorative justice, and for the lasting partnerships that these grants help to build.” ---Gov. Maura Healey announcing that $380,000 has been awarded to several nonprofi ts across the state to provide restorative justice services in lowincome communities. “The data really tells a story about the direct and downstream impacts COVID has had on students. The ongoing trauma of living through a pandemic has led to more students missing school. The fi nancial insecurity many families have faced in the last few years has contributed to increasing student mobility. Those are just a few examples of how this unprecedented time has led to unforeseen challenges. But we are also seeing schools adapting to the changing needs of students with thoughtfulness and innovation. And, with COVID relief money to spend, many districts are at a pivotal moment for change.” ---Chad d’Entremont, executive director of the Rennie Center which released its annual status report on public education, analyzing trends among students, educators and schools nearly three years after the start of the pandemic. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and briefl ength of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of January 30-February 3, the House met for a total of six hours and 55 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 34 minutes. Mon. Jan. 30 House11:03 a.m. to11:14 a.m. Senate 11:07 a.m. to11:21 a.m. Tues.Jan. 31 House11:00 a.m. to12:29 p.m No Senate session Wed. Feb. 1 House11:02 a.m. to 4:14 p.m No Senate session Thurs. Feb. 2 House11:00 a.m. to11:03 a.m. Senate 11:09 a.m. to11:29 a.m. Fri. Feb. 3 No House session No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma
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