THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 7, 2025 Page 15 Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives' votes on roll calls from the week of October 27-31. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week. FINANCIAL LITERACY (H 4670) House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The funds would be used for procurement, development and distribution of personal financial literacy educational resources and materials, as well as professional development opportunities, including training, seminars, conferences and materials for educators to use in teaching personal financial literacy. Provisions include requiring school districts to provide instruction to middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy, starting in the 2026 school year. The instruction would include earning and spending income; local, state and federal taxes; charitable giving; methods of payment; consumer protection; balancing ledgers and checkbooks; budgeting; long-term saving; simple and compound interest; planning for the future; using credit; making investments; risks of various financial instruments and basic diversification of assets; and rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home or making other large purchases or investments. “Too many young people graduate without understanding how credit, loans or savings work,” said Rep. Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate) “This bill gives them the foundation to make informed financial decisions that will impact their entire lives.” “I taught Financial Literacy as an elective at Attleboro High School and my point was always long-term planning,” said Rep. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro). “Ten years ago it mattered that students learn about their credit score. It can affect not just buying a house but also car purchases and admission to schools and other programs. Now the economy is a threat since young people may want to buy a house but with $200,000 in student debt and $1,000 monthly car payments, they may have used up the limits of their indebtedness before even applying for a mortgage. And should they want to save up to a 20 percent down payment, that would be a challenge with $2500+ monthly apartment." (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Paul Donato Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Yes STATE SEAL OF BILITERACY (H 4671) House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it easier for students to receive a State Seal of Biliteracy which is awarded by school districts to students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and at least one other language. The seal appears on the transcript or diploma of the graduating senior and is a statement of accomplishment for future college admission and employers. Under current law, in order to qualify for the seal, a student must meet criteria established by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) including a specified level of performance on the 10th grade language arts exams of the MCAS, and at least one nationally recognized and readily available assessment that measures literacy in a language other than English. The bill that the House approved updates these criteria by changing the MCAS requirement to allow another assessment or equivalent alternative to be established by BESE. “Under the current law, some bilingual students have been unintentionally excluded,” said sponsor Rep. Jack Lewis (D-Framingham). “Until now, the only way to prove English proficiency was by passing the 10th grade English MCAS. That meant if you attended a private school that didn't administer the MCAS, you were ineligible, even if you earned a five on your AP English exam and a perfect score on the SAT.” “[My] bill addresses this issue,” continued Lewis. “Once it becomes law, all bilingual students, regardless of the high school they attend, will be eligible for this important designation." (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Paul Donato Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Yes TEACHER PREPARATION AND STUDENT LITERACY (H 4672) House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would provide a framework for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to identify and approve a list of high-quality curricula that school districts will select from for kindergarten through third grade literacy. It also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s list of high-quality curricula, provided DESE verifies that it uses evidence-based literacy instruction. Supporters said this bill would define evidence-based early literacy as grounded in scientific research methods and demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. They noted that many school districts in Massachusetts have switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, and some have been assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch Program. They said that some school districts have yet to fully adopt proven literacy curricula, despite it being the most effective way to improve reading outcomes. Supporters also argued that the bill supports teachers by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources, including online materials and free training modules, to aid districts with professional development aligned with evidence-based literacy instruction for K-3. It also ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction. “We filed this legislation because literacy is not just an academic skill — it is a life skill,” said Rep. Danillo Sena (D-Acton), the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “It is the foundation for all future learning, for civic participation, and for economic opportunity. This bill ensures that our students learn through evidence-based and high-quality strategies.” "As a former special education teacher and as a father of four young kids, making sure all students are taught to read using effective, scientifically proven methods is deeply personal to me,” said Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord) also the co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “I am proud to have co-filed the bill.” “Currently, fewer than half of Massachusetts third graders are reading at grade level,” said Rep. Alice Pesich (D-Wellesley), another co-sponsor of an earlier version of the bill. “Research shows that children who do not read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to fall behind academically, drop out of school or face limited opportunities later in life. We must ensure that every student in Massachusetts has access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction.” American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts President Jessica Tang has her doubts about parts of the bill. “As passed today, this bill establishes a limited, blanket curriculum that is concerning, particularly to veteran educators who have developed rich and effective evidence-based literacy curriculum over the years,” said Tang. “Even more concerning is that it bans important, proven tools our educators currently use and use successfully, particularly with our English language learners and students with special needs. As educators, we fully support evidence-based literacy curriculum. We also know that it will take more than just curriculum for our students to fully thrive as they progress from learning to read to reading to learn.” Tang continued, “Even though we have concerns, we are pleased that the bill passed today includes key provisions we were proud to advocate for, including reporting and tracking measures, expanding funding opportunities for critical positions and establishing a commission to continue the important work to advance literacy in the commonwealth. We will continue to work with legislative and state allies on this issue BHRC| SEE PAGE 17 ~ HELP WANTED ~ Type of Person Needed: * Are you an experienced/willing to learn, motivated person looking for a shop where your skills can be valued? A local company with a fleet shop is a busy, family-owned business dedicated to providing high-quality transportation services and public State inspection services. We are seeking a talented Automotive Technician or mechanical knowledge to join our close-knit crew. If you are dependable and proficient in automotive technical work with a passion for excellent customer service, we want to talk to you. Location: Malden, MA Job Description: * Be able to acquire and maintain a certification for the State Inspection License. Perform light duty mechanical preventive duties, including Fleet preventive maintenance. * State Inspection Services * Miscellaneous shop duties Requirements: * Valid driver’s license with good driving history * Possess or pass the required State Inspector License Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM * Rate will be based on experience Contact: Ed Hyde or David Morovitz Call: 781-322-9401 Email: ehyde@maldentrans.com Website: www.maldentrans.com
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