Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 26, 2026 Malden legislators celebrate removal of the ‘r-word’ from state law O n June 4, 2026, State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to enact a bill removing outdated and offensive terminology from state law. The bill strikes the “r-word,” a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, along with other outdated terms and phrases, out of state law and replaces them with current terminology, such as “person with a disability.”After the enactment of the bill by the Legislature, it was signed into law on June 12 by Governor Mau8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! ra Healey as Chapter 102 of the Acts of 2026. “Allowing this offensive terminology to exist in an official capacity has been extremely damaging,” said Senator Lewis. “It is important that we keep our laws up-to-date and use language that uplifts people and communities instead of harming them. With this change, we are making sure the law correctly represents what we stand for in Massachusetts.” “The language we use in government sends a message,” said Representative Donato. “Updating offensive terminology is more than a technical change, it is a statement about respect. This bill ensures that Massachusetts’ law reflects our values of inclusion and dignity.” “This long-overdue legislative change does more than update language in state law by removing offensive terms; we are affirming the dignity and respect every person deserves,” said Representative Ultrino. “Words hold power, and it is important that our state laws reflect the values that we teach our children and expect those around us to model,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “Archaic, bigoted terms have no place in the statutes of a www.810bargrille.com Aluminum Aluminum Everett Everett Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Vinyl Siding Decks • •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Free Estimates • • Replacement Windows • Carpentry Work • Roong • Fully Insured• Fully Insured Fully Insured Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com • Replacement Windows •Roong Free Estimates Fully Licensed • Roong 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Everett Aluminum Supplies Aluminum Paul Donato State Representative Commonwealth where all are welcome and recognized for Kate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative their contributions to our communities.” Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Summer is Here! Jason Lewis State Senator Steven Ultrino State Representative
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