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BHRC | FROM PAGE 15 and we look forward to seeing what comes out of the Senate.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Rep. Paul Donato Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Yes STUDY EDUCATION WORKFORCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (H 4672) House 132-22, approved an amendment to 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. The amendment would provide that DESE, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents study and make recommendations about the education workforce in public school districts in the area of reading and literacy development. Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the amendment, did not offer any arguments in favor of her amendment during debate on the House floor. She also did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the amendment. “I opposed this amendment because it would hand groups such as the Massachusetts Teachers Association and American Federation of Teachers an outsized role in determining how schools staff their literacy and reading workforce,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “These groups were opposed to this bill in its entirety; thus, it would be counterproductive to have them play such a prominent role in producing those recommendations.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Paul Donato Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Yes SCHOOL DISTRICTS MUST REPORT ANNUALLY (H 4672) House 133-22, approved an amendment requiring that each school district report annually to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education the number of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals and other staff employed by the district that directly support student reading and literacy development. Rep. Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge), the sponsor of the amendment again did not offer any arguments in favor of her amendment during debate on the House floor. She also did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she sponsored the amendment. “I opposed this amendment because it imposes an unfunded reporting mandate on school districts at a time when cities and towns are facing increased financial constraints,” said Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 7, 2025 The letter continues, “Because of “Also, there are already extensive reporting requirements included in the underlying bill, so this would only add to that burden.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Paul Donato Rep. Steven Ultrino Yes Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AND SNAP AND OTHER BENEFITS AND PROGRAMS – The Senate approved two separate measures urging action from the state and federal government to provide funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - the federal food security program that provides food to more than 40 million United States residents, including 1 million residents of Massachusetts. The first one is a resolution that urges President Trump and the Massachusetts Congressional delegation to use all existing authority to supplement and transfer available funds to sustain SNAP benefits throughout the duration of the ongoing federal government shutdown. The second one is in the form of a letter that urges the House-Senate conference committee that is hammering out a fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget, to include funds for the SNAP program in its budget. Supporters said that any disruption in SNAP benefits, even brief, “would threaten the food security and well-being of residents of the Bay State, disproportionately burdening seniors, children and individuals living with disabilities.” They noted that “more than 5,500 retailers in the state participate in SNAP, with purchases accounting for up to 20 percent of all grocery spending in some stores” and argued that “an interruption in benefits would destabilize local grocers, undermine jobs and cause cascading harm to farmers, fishers and food producers.” The House sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Liz Warren urging them to work with their colleagues in the Senate to resolve the continuing impasse as quickly as possible. “As members of the Massachusetts Legislature, we are writing to express our deep concerns about the ongoing federal government shutdown's detrimental impact on individuals and families,” reads the letter. “The consequences of the federal government shutdown are already having a far-reaching adverse impact on our constituents and their daily lives, but the problem is only going to get worse the longer this shutdown continues. Workers, including air traffic controllers and other essential employees, are going without pay or being furloughed. with about 25,000 federal employees in Massachusetts being impacted, among them members of our military. Small businesses that depend on government operations are also struggling, and our local economies are being placed under increasing strain.” the shutdown, people who depend on having a strong safety net in place are now bracing for the imminent disruption of vital federally funded food and nutrition programs, including SNAP and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. In addition, more than 10,000 Massachusetts children are facing cuts in Head Start services, which are critical to promoting school readiness for preschoolers under the age of 5. The letter concludes, “The ongoing stalemate at the federal level is untenable and is creating significant hardships and uncertainty for many Americans. We cannot allow this situation to continue indefinitely without a resolution because far too many people are being hurt by Congress’ inaction. While both parties may disagree on certain policy priorities, maintaining the basic operations of government and protecting the people we serve should never be a partisan issue.” In the meantime, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund SNAP as the government shutdown threatens food aid benefits for millions of Americans, ordering the White House to outline a plan to provide at least partial assistance starting Nov. 1. The ruling comes after a coalition of 25 states, including Massachusetts, sued to compel the administration to release the contingency funds for SNAP. Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said the administration’s suspension of benefits "is contrary to law," noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is statutorily required to use previously appropriated SNAP contingency funds when necessary and has discretion to use other available funds. "Today's court rulings affirm what we have known all along: the federal government must follow the law,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It has both the responsibility and the means to ensure that no person in our great country goes hungry.” She urged the federal government to comply with the law and provide this essential funding. VETERANS DISABILITY LICENSE PLATE (H 3657) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran's plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces. “I filed this bill on behalf of a constituent who came to my office with a concern about the current policy on getting a Veterans Disability plate in Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “They are a 100 percent disabled veteran with PTSD, and unable to obtain a plate under the current Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations, as they are not physically handicapped. Our veterans with mental health disorders face daily battles that are not always apparent to the outside world. By providing disability license plates tailored to their needs, we can offer a visible symbol of recognition and support, Page 17 acknowledging the profound impact of their service. This simple yet powerful gesture can serve as a reminder to all that our veterans, regardless of their wounds, deserve our utmost respect and understanding.” PEER-TO-PEER CARD GAMES AND DOMINOES (H 3177) – The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation. Players would use chips instead of cash, with games limited to between two and nine players and dealers must be non-participating. The bill would impose a 10 percent tax on gross receipts and a 15 percent admission tax, if a separate entry fee is charged. Revenues would be split between the Gaming Local Aid Fund (80 percent) and the Racehorse Development Fund (20 percent). The cardroom operator can charge a participation fee or "rake" but cannot have a direct economic interest in game outcomes. Cardroom operators must pay a license fee of $1000 per table. There are occupational licenses for employees and managers, and background checks and fingerprinting would be required. “I elected to file this bill to start the conversation about the creation of peer-to-peer cardrooms in the commonwealth for games such as poker and dominoes, where players can play against each other instead of a casino,” said sponsor Rep. Adrian Madaro (D-East Boston). “We understand that this industry has the potential to create hundreds of jobs in the commonwealth, as well as to preserve declining jobs at Suffolk Downs, where East Boston residents continue to be employed. These facilities will also generate much-needed tax revenue at a time of increasing uncertainty over continued federal funding.” PROHIBIT PUBLISHING OF NAMES OF VETERANS WHO OWE TAXES (H 3869) –A bill heard by the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would prohibit cities and towns from publishing the name of a veteran who owes the municipality taxes. Instead, the Veterans’ Service officer (VSO) of the city or town would contact the veteran privately and provide him or her with information regarding their overdue tax situation. Many cities and towns currently publish the names of their taxpayers, including veterans, who owe the municipality back taxes. “[The bill] is a deserving gesture of gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform of our country and aims to protect veterans’ privacy and uphold their dignity by preventing the public release of their personal information related to taxes,” said its sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “It ensures that any tax notifications are handled privately and respectfully through a local VSO.” McMurtry continued, “[The bill] gives our veterans the respect they deserve when they find themselves facing financial hardship regarding property taxes. We can avoid any public embarrassment and take a more hands-on approach through personal interaction with the VSO for assistance with their tax situation.” EXPAND HEALTH INSURANCE ACCESS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES (S 822) – A bill before the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee would allow a state employer to offer their employees health insurance on day one of their new job. Currently, there is a gap in insurance coverage when new state employees begin their jobs. “New state employees should not have to choose between paying high health care costs out of pocket or foregoing necessary care altogether,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “By empowering state employers to offer employees health insurance on day one, we can better attract quality candidates and ensure new workers have the benefits and coverage they deserve.” ENSURE GENDER PARITY AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY ON PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (S 2160/H 3398) – The Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on a bill that would require state boards and commissions to have, or explain why they do not have, a minimum percentage of members who are female, LGBTQ+ or an underrepresented minority. The percentages would change over time to match census data to reflect the population of Massachusetts. Appointing authorities would be required to work to appoint diverse members, including developing and implementing plans to attract and recruit diverse members. Each public board and commission would report annually on membership information, to measure progress, to the governor’s office which would publish it. “Increasing diversity in our state’s workforce and leadership, in both the public and private sectors, is both a moral and an economic imperative for our commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “In Massachusetts we have several hundred public boards and commissions, each with a wide range of responsibilities and powers. Much progress has already been made to represent the diversity of Massachusetts, but more work still needs to be done to increase diversity in our state’s leadership.” “This bill is about expanding opportunity and making sure we are drawing from the full range of talent and experience across our commonwealth,” said Rep. Tram Nguyen (D-Andover), the sponsor of the House bill. “When our public boards BHRC| SEE PAGE 19

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