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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 31, 2023 Page 15 Joint Easter Celebrations at First Baptist Church of Malden & Maplewood Baptist Church F irst Baptist Church of Malden and Maplewood Baptist Church invite the Malden community to join us for a special joint, family-friendly Easter Worship Service on Sunday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Malden (corner of Salem and Main Streets). “Our plan for this service is to keep our focus on celebrating our Savior’s decisive win over death and the grave. Members of both congregations, though, I’m sure will be remembering that it was just one year ago, Easter 2022, that our two faith communities worshiped together for the first time!” said Pastor Gary McClenthen. “My biblical text for this service, out of the Apostle Paul’s Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 25,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by MASSterlist’s new editor, Erin Tiernan, with help from Matt Murphy. Both are pros, with a wealth of experience, who introduce each article in their own clever way. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/su/aPTLucK THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records localrepresentatives’ and senators’ votes on roll calls from the week of March 20-24. $388.6MILLION FISCAL 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 3548) House 153-0, Senate 39-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a $388.6 million fiscal 2023 supplemental budget. The House and Senate approved different versions a few weeks ago, but last week they agreed on this new version. Provisions include $65 million for free school meals; $130 million to keep expanded nutrition assistance in place for a few more months; $2 million for the reimbursement of SNAP benefits for victims of benefit theft; $250,000 for a free abortion-related legal hotline; $45 million for emergency shelter assistance; $40 million to support affordable housing for letter to a church in Thessalonica, will remind worshipers that the Resurrection narrative didn’t end with our Lord’s empty tomb. Christ, referred to in the Bible as ‘the first fruits of them that sleep,’ rose as a ‘preview’ of what is in store for all who know Him. Message title: ‘Prepare for Takeoff!’” Plan on joining us before the service for a free family-friendly Continental Breakfast beginning at 9:30 a.m. Come and enjoy a light breakfast of assorted muffins, pastries, fruit, coffee, tea and juice. There will be some Easter crafts and activities for kids to enjoy that remind them of the true meaning of Easter. Our Holy Week celebrations begin on Palm Sunday, April 2 immigrants and refugees; and $2 million for the Boston branch of the NAACP for costs of some programs to be included in its 114th National NAACP Conference in 2023 in Boston. Other provisions keep some pandemic-era programs, set to expire, in place including allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails for take-out; expanding outdoor dining; and extending the authority, set to expire in a few weeks, for public bodies, agencies and commissions to hold their meetings remotely. “This supplemental budget ensures that our commonwealth continues to support the most vulnerable among us while also building on the lessons we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud to say that the Legislature has proven once again that it has the courage to chart a course that leaves no place or person in the commonwealth behind.” “I’m proud that, among several critical investments, this supplemental budget provides support for many of the most vulnerable residents and communities in Massachusetts through funding for free school lunches, financial assistance to homeless shelters facing an increase in their migrant population and extended enhanced SNAP benefits,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “In partnership with the House, the Legislature has taken the necessary steps to keep the economy of the commonwealth on a firm footing as we continue to emerge from the pandemic,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The passage of this supplemental budget today utilizes robust tax revenues to its fullest effect, making substantial investments in economic development, housing, education and the social service safety net.” “This relatively modest supplemental budget addresses some of the most pressing needs the commonwealth is facing,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “Whether it is enwith our Palm Sunday Worship Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Delving into Luke’s account of Jesus’ triumphal ride into Jerusalem, Pastor McClenthen will be sharing on the theme “Lessons from the Donkey.” At 3:00 p.m., First Baptist Malden will host the 35th Annual Ecumenical Palm Sunday Concert, “Olivet to Calvary” by John Henry Maunder. Under the direction of Rosalind Mohnsen, Director of Music and Organist at Immaculate Conception Church of Malden/Medford, members of choirs from different denominations throughout Malden will share in song Christ’s journey to the cross. All are welcome to attend this community concert. Please ensuring that our school children have access to free meals, essential early childcare education grants or directing critical resources to deal with the influx of migrants coming into the commonwealth, these funds will have an immediate and positive effect for the residents of the state.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $388.6 million supplemental budget.) Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Sen. Jason Lewis Yes $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 3547) House 153-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $350 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $150 million to pay for bus lane improvements, improvement of public transit, electric vehicles and other state transportation projects. Supporters said the funding will help cities and towns make their streets and bridges safer for all drivers and will improve the state’s public transportation system. They noted that this funding, known as Chapter 90, is relied on every year by local communities but noted that this is not the only source of local aid for cities and towns. Rep. Bill Strauss (D-Mattapoisett), the House chair of the Transportation Committee and the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests from Beacon Hill Roll Call for a comment on passage of the measure. Déjà vu? Strauss did not respond last year to the same request on the 2022 funding for roads and bridges. Many local officials across the state continue to advocate for additional money to increase the funding and argue that the cost of repairing roads has increased by up to 40 percent but the state has kept this funding flat at $200 million for the past 11 years. Geoff Beckwith, the executive director of the Massachusetts MuYes ter through the church doors on the parking lot side (493 Main St.) behind the church. On Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m., we will be celebrating the “Last Supper” during our Holy Thursday Service. “On the Thursday of that first Holy Week, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. We will move through selected Biblical texts during this service and see that the Scriptures have much to say about feet: the disciples’, those of the Savior – and even a few things about ours today,” explained Pastor McClenthen. On Friday, April 7at 7:00 p.m., we will join with other Malden churches at the Freedom Hill Community Church (77 Kennenicipal Association, is one of the biggest advocates for more Chapter 90 funding above the $200 million. “With the construction season starting in a matter of days, local officials are asking lawmakers to enact the Chapter 90 bill as soon as possible so that these funds can go to work improving local roadways,” said Beckwith. He also urged additional funding beyond the $200 million. “With these funds secured as a base, cities and towns hope to work with the state on a long-range plan to offset the corrosive impacts of inflation, which is making it impossible to bring all 30,000 miles of local roads into a state of good repair," he said. (A “Yes” vote is for the $350 million package.) Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL DIZOGLIO AND THE AUDIT OF THE LEGISLATURE – State Auditor Diana DiZoglio announced a few weeks ago that she has launched an audit of the Massachusetts Legislature—something she promised in her campaign last year. “As I committed, my office has begun an audit of the state Legislature,” said DiZoglio. “We hope this will increase transparency, accountability and equity in an area of state government that has been completely ignored. Historically, the Legislature has been a closeddoor operation, where committee votes have been hidden from the general public and legislation has been voted on in the dark of night.” Last week House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy) finally responded to DiZoglio’s announcement. "That your office has the legal authority to conduct an audit of the General Court is a claim entirely without legal support or precedent, as it runs contrary to multiple, explicit provisions of the Massachusetts Constitution, and is wholly unnecessary as the public currently has full and ready access to the House's financial information,” said Mariano in a letter to DiZoglio. “All of the House's accounts are available on the Commonwealth's dy Dr.) for a combined evening of reflection and readings with a theme of “Stains,” remembering the sacrifice of what Jesus gave for us. Together we’ll share a powerful time of praise and Christian community as we lay down denominational names and distinctions and remember that in Him we are one. The Lord’s Supper will be served. For more information about the ongoing joint services and ministries of First Baptist Malden and Maplewood Baptist Church, Pastor Gary McClenthen can be reached directly at 781-3222636 or visit MBCMalden.net. For more information about First Baptist Church of Malden, visit fbcmalden.org. Financial Records Transparency Platform (“CTHRU”) webpage, which can be viewed at www.macomptroller.org/cthru,” continued the letter. “There are no expenditures of the House that are not posted on CTHRU and available for public inspection. Additionally, the House adopts rules for each legislative session, including a rule that requires all House accounts to be independently audited on an annual basis in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards, issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and that the audit report be filed with the House Clerk for public inspection.” Following receipt of the letter, DiZoglio released a statement: “I find it disappointing that the speaker is fighting an audit of what is happening in the people’s house, where the people’s business is conducted, using the people’s money," said DiZoglio. "We are not asking for permission and will continue conducting our audit as planned to help increase transparency, accountability and equity for everyday families,” said DiZoglio. Stay tuned. CHILDCARE TAX CREDIT (S 1814) – A measure before the Revenue Committee would allow up to a $3,000 annual tax credit for families that spend money on childcare services. The childcare servicer must be a provider licensed by the state in order to qualify for the tax credit and the child receiving childcare services must be a dependent of the taxpayer. Sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his proposal. ALLOW NON-CITIZENS TO MANAGE THE SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES (S 206) – A bill before the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would allow non-citizens who are legally in the United States to be appointed manBHRC | SEE PAGE 19

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