Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 16, 2025 BHRC | FROM PAGE16 “Cheering is a highly competitive and athletically challenging sport,” said sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). “It should receive the same recognition and resources as any other sport in the commonwealth and as such, needs to be classified properly.” Supporters said that Bay State high school cheerleading is currently governed by the Massachusetts Schools Administrators’ Association which only supports Cheer/Game Day, Dance and eSports. They argued it would be more appropriate to have the MIAA run and support this highly athletic and competitive sport. THE BEAN NEW DEAL (S 922) – The Higher Education Committee held a hearing on a bill, dubbed the Bean New Deal, designed to help more people understand the climate, health and environmental benefits of diets that involve plant-based protein sources, whether exclusively or just occasionally. It also would ensure that public food establishments and public programs provide access to plant-based protein sources to those who want them. Provisions include ones that would require all state dining halls, cafeterias and canteens to provide at least one plant-based protein source with every meal; ensure that all culinary arts programs at public institutions of higher education provide instruction about plant-based protein sources; direct the Department of Elder Affairs to offer plant-based protein sources to low-income seniors who participate in the Senior Nutrition Program; direct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to offer voluntary training and resources concerning plant-based protein sources to organizations participating in the National School Lunch Program and other food programs it oversees; and direct DESE, in awarding food-related grants, to consider whether proposals will increase awareness of and access to plant-based protein sources. “Eating more plant-based proteins is beneficial to human health, to the climate and to the environment, but many of us don’t know about those benefits and don’t have access to healthy options like beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and chickpeas,” said SAVE $350when you transform your patio into an outdoor oasis. Instant shade—at the touch of a button. Enjoy more quality time with family and friends. Up to 10-Year Limited Warranty. SAVE$350 TODAY! Call 1-833-626-0576 now to America’s #1 Awning! J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “I filed the Bean New Deal legislation to promote awareness of the benefits of plant-based eating and to increase access to plant-based options at public institutions and within public nutrition programs. Massachusetts residents should be able to choose food options that foster healthier communities and promote sustainability. This bill would give them that choice." GIVE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS COLLEGE CREDITS FOR HIGH SCORES ON ADVANCED PLACEMENT PLANS – Another proposal heard by the Higher Education Committee would direct the Department of Higher Education to establish regulatory standards allowing high school students who have achieved a score of 3 or higher on their Advanced Placement (AP) exams to receive college credit at Massachusetts’ state universities. “The American Council on Education and the College Board both recommend granting college credit to students who score a 3 or higher on their AP exam because those who achieve a score in this range are generally more prepared for subsequent coursework than students who only completed the introductory course and did not take the exam,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Providing college credit for AP classes taken in high school allows students to be rewarded for their hard work by giving them much more flexibility to pursue a double major or study abroad, provides a less confusing college application process by setting a uniform standard and saves students tuition money due to the reduced number of classes they have to take.” BAN HOTELS FROM PROIVIDING PLASTIC-PACKAGED TOILETRIES TO GUESTS (S 609) – The Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban, beginning in January 2027, hotels, motels and boarding houses from providing small plastic-packaged toiletries to guests. Toiletries are defined as a product provided by a hotel “intended to be applied to or used on the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, conditioning or moisturizing including, but not limited to, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and liquid soap.” “For healthier people and a healthier planet, it’s important that we continue shifting away from using plastic materials,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “Their production and disposal contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, their usage leads to microplastic contamination and they continue to be among the most harmful materials littered through our neighborhoods and our natural resource areas. Because there are logical, less harmful and even more convenient ways to provide shampoos, soaps and the like at hotels, banning the plastic packaging in this one area is an important, incremental step towards a healthier future.” BAN USE OF HELIUM BALLOONS (H 996) – Another bill heard by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee would ban the intentional release in the air of any type of balloon that is filled with helium or any other type of gas that is lighter than air. Firsttime offenders would be fined $100 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. Subsequent violations would be fined $500 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. The ban and fines would not apply to balloons released by or on behalf of a state agency or the United States for scientific or meteorological purposes; hot air balloons that are recovered after their launch; and balloons released by a person under the age of 12. The state would also be required to prepare and make available to retail distributors of balloons notice of this new law and information about the harmful effects of releasing balloons into the environment. The notice must be available in English and in any other language spoken by at least ten percent of the Massachusetts population. Supporters noted that the idea for this bill was first presented by the Provincetown Elementary School 3rd grade class. They said that balloons present a threat of entanglement and ingestion to birds, marine life and mammals. "I sponsored this bill which was previously filed by former Rep. Sarah Peake, with the hope that Massachusetts will follow other states, towns and cities in addressing this environmental waste danger,” said sponsor Rep. Hadley Luddy (D-Orleans). “I look forward to working with the committee to move this legislation forward." ALLOW LEGAL NON-CITIZENS TO VOTE IN CITY AND TOWNS ELECTIONS (H 855) – The Elections Laws Committee held a hearing on a measure that would allow legal non-citizens over the age of 18 to vote in local municipal elections, participate and vote in town meetings and to run for municipal office. Sponsor Rep. Samantha Montano (D-Boston) said this new law would apply to legal non-citizens including Green Card holders and students with visas. “Immigrants are productive members of Massachusetts and should be able to take part in the political activities of their municipalities,” said Montano. “These are documented individuals who pay taxes that directly support their municipal infrastructure. Many parents with immigrant backgrounds aren’t able to participate or aid in their children’s educational experience outside of providing testimony. Additionally, in municipalities that are heavily populated by specific ethnicities, such as the Brazilian population in Framingham or the Cape Verde population in Brockton, this legislation would give these groups proper representation.” “Currently, immigrant populations BHRC | SEE PAGE 16
15 Publizr Home