YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS ONLINE! SCAN & SUBSCRIBE HERE! Vol. 34, No.18 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Free Every Friday Play Ball – Revere Little League Opening Day 781-286-8500 Friday, May 3, 2024 City renews trash disposal contract with WIN Waste Innovations By Barbara Taormina T he City Council approved a new 10-year contract with WIN Waste at their meeting this week. The current contract expires on June 30, and city Chief Financial Officer Richard Viscay said he had been negotiating with WIN Waste for the past month on a new deal. Although the contract was negotiated exclusively with WIN Waste, Viscay told the council it was a good deal, the best the city could expect. Viscay explained that for the STARTING PITCHER: Cubs Starting Catcher Vincent Martinez caught the ball from Mayor Patrick Keefe during Revere Little League Opening Day ceremony on Saturday at Griswold Field. See page 4 for photo highlights. (Courtesy photo) Mass House Passes FY25 Budget, Invests in Programs That Support Families Across Massachusetts Highlights include a record investment in the MBTA, continued funding for universal school meals, meaningful investments in child care and K-12 education B OSTON — The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget. Funded at $58 billion, $62 million below Governor Maura Healey’s budget proposal, the House’s FY25 budget responds to the needs of residents, provides strong support for the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, and among many critical investments, includes signifi cant funding for education, transportation, health care, housing, and workforce development. MASS HOUSE | SEE Page 10 fi rst fi ve years the rate would increase roughly fi ve percent annually. This year, WIN Waste will charge $88.25 a ton for disposal, next year, $91.78 a ton, $95.48 a ton in 2027 and so on. In years six through 10, both WIN Waste and the city will have the option to extend or renegotiate. WIN Waste has agreed to take all of Revere’s yard waste for free as long as it fi ts in the Rumney Marsh landfi ll without exceeding the 50-foot height limitation. Currently, the city pays $16 per ton for yard waste disposal. Viscay said the company expects to reach the limit in two years. WIN Waste is also making a $25,000 contribution to the city. Viscay said that Mayor Patrick Keefe intends to use that money to launch a composting program. “Anything we can do to keep waste out of the landfi ll is helpful.” The rates would apply even if WIN Waste fi nds itself in the position of having to truck out its ash to another landfi ll. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya was the first to ask Viscay about the contract. Anthony Zambuto Councillor-at-Large “When are they going to close?” asked Guarino-Sawaya about the facility. Residents in Point of Pines and Riverside, her constituents, have long complained about problems at the facility, including what they believe are hazardous emissions that cause respiratory health problems. “They truck all sorts of ash through the city. I don’t understand why we keep going back to them when we want them to be shut down. I’m disgusted with them and their toxic ash.” It has been noted in the past that the ash that is deposited in the landfi ll at WIN Waste has been classifi ed as nonhazardous material by MassDEP and U.S. EPA. Other councillors questioned Viscay about negotiating with WIN Waste exclusively and about the rates of other solid waste disposal companies. “I think this is a favorable deal no matter what you think of the business,” said Viscay, adding that Revere’s rates were one of the lowest. “Did we bid this out?” asked City Council Vice President Ira Novoselsky. CITY RENEWS | SEE Page 5
Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Shirley Ave. Forest Pocket Park Community Event — May 4 at 10:00 a.m. Decision of how to develop this green space comes backed by resident input and grant funding T Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! Sell Cigars & Accessories! MAJOR BRANDS AT DISCOUNT PRICES! Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES If you use what we specialize in (Cigars & Accessories), then take advantage of our 52 Years of Experience! HOURS: OPEN DAIL 7 DAYS A WEEK, 9AM - 6PM * Join our Rewards Program! Humidor Specials! Starting as LOW as $99. Complete with Accessories R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Green Label Cigar Sale! Buy 2 Cigars, Get One FREE! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 HOURS: OPEN DAILY 7 DAYS WEEK, 9AM - 6PM * Join our Rewards Program! he City of Revere is working in coordination with Shirley Avenue neighborhood partners and landscape architecture firm ASK+ to design a brand-new public space at 69 Shirley Ave: a forest pocket park! A pocket park is a smallscale neighborhood greenspace that is designed to meet a range of functions. Through last year’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process, the community identifi ed this project as the top public space priority. Now, the work is underway, and three concept designs have been proposed for community feedback. Community members can provide in-person input at the community event held at 69 Shirley Ave. on May 4 at 10:00 a.m. Input can also be given through the Celebrating Our 52ndCelebrating Our 52nd Yearear Chris 2024 survey at www.shirleyave.com/ work/pocketpark. This project emerged from the 2023 Shirley Avenue Public Realm PB process, which collected more than 600 pieces of input, including over 300 votes for public space projects proposed by community members. The City of Revere allocated $560k towards the PB process — a mix of $260k Community Development Block Grant funding, $285k of State Housing Choice Grant funding and $15k of public art private philanthropic funds. Mayor Patrick Keefe articulated his support of the project: “Shirley Ave is a vibrant community. This greenspace will act as a complement to Costa Park. We love to see the activity down on Shirley Ave and across the Ward 2 neighborhood.” Once again, join the team on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the site of the future Forest Pocket Park: 69 Shirley Ave. This is a two-part event, including a community design workshop and a plant swap. The rain location for this event is Las Delicias Colombianas (86 Shirley Ave.). All are welcome! The City’s community liaison team will be on-site to support language access, and refreshments will be provided by MGH/RevereCares. The City of Revere hopes to see you there! Plant Swap Rules: 1.Bring pest-free plants, in containers or “bare root” 2.Swaps or giveaways only, no sales please Councillors address street sweeping complaints, send to committee By Barbara Taormina T he City Council decided to tackle street sweeping, the $50 fi nes, scheduling and other problems and complaints about the service. City Council President Anthony Cogliandro said the ticketing issue came up during a conversation with the Parking Department. “I don’t think we should be penalizing anyone,” said Cogliandro, adding that residents need to be accountable. Councillors had individual stories about street sweeping in their wards. Cogliandro said in his neighborhood, on Newman Street, people take an old-school Italian approach to street cleaning. “People clean the street, they clean their neighbor’s, they’ll clean you if you want,” he said. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna said Winthrop Street, which is undergoing multiple construction projects, hasn’t been cleaned for a year. According to McKenna, Arrow Street Sweeping, which sweeps the city’s streets, won’t go down Winthrop Street because they’re afraid that all the rocks will damage the machine. Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio said cleaning was the responsibility of whoever is doing the work, not the city. Cogliandro suggested changing the schedule so sweeping starts after people have left for work so there’s no need to move cars. He also pointed out that in wards 3 and 6 people don’t always have actual sidewalks, they have transitions. Residents park on them with four wheels up to avoid the street sweeping fi nes. Parking on the sidewalk is a $25 fi ne but a street sweeping fi ne is $50. Ward 2 City Councillor Ira Novoselsky said there are no issues in his ward. “People are good about moving their cars; they know when to move and wait until the sweeper comes by to return. In my neighborhood, people know.” Cogliandro stressed that the city should not be towing any cars for sweeping and the council agreed. They voted to refer the issue to the Public Works Subcommittee for continued discussion and review.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 3 Argenzio gets backing from councillors over curbing driveway reductions By Barbara Taormina C ity councillors did not hesitate to support Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor instruct the engineering department to stop reducing residents’ driveways to 20 feet, per city ordinance, when sidewalks are being reconstructed unless the driveway poses a public safety concern. “The engineering department has decided to follow the letter of the law with this ordinance. As streets are being reconstructed, they are reducing driveways. I don’t see the point of going into older established neighborhoods and doing this,” said Argenzio. “Unless a driveway poses a public safety concern, I don’t see what is to be gained going back all these years to close up driveways,” he added. Argenzio recalled that when he was the city’s Supt. of Public Works he would walk streets and assess each individual property rather than following a broad ordinance. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto said it was a great motion. “This is foolish and it’s sticking in to the homeowner,” said Zambuto. “It’s a stupid law. If it’s not a public safety hazard, leave it alone. Stop torturing people.” Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri said he recently received city to do what’s in the best interest of residents. “These places shouldn’t be reduced, they are grandfathered in,” said Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky. “They were there before the law changed.” Ward 6 Councillor Chris Giannino said residents in his ward are having their driveways cut for no reason. The council voted unanimously to support the motion. Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ PAUL ARGENZIO WARD 4 COUNCIĹLOR calls from Washington Street residents who were having driveways reduced. Councillorat-Large Michelle Kelly said that individual approach allowed the RevereTV Spotlight T une in to the RTV Community Channel to watch the fourth episode of the Revere Public Schools (RPS) Family Liaisons Cooking Series. In this episode, you’re taken on a culinary journey to Puerto Rico. Leslie ClyneDe Cicco, the Parent Liaison at Revere High School, showcases the art of preparing a traditional Puerto Rican dish, Pollo Guisado (Puerto Rican chicken stew). Accompanying Leslie is Estaphany Rodriguez, the RPS Family and Community Coordinator. Together in this episode, they guide you through the steps to make this delicious stew while also providing insights into Puerto Rican culture. This program is conducted in both English and Spanish in the same episode. Watch at your convenience on YouTube and follow along in your own kitchen! April was Autism Acceptance Month and local leaders and families gathered at City Hall on April 18 to celebrate. This is an annual event where people come together to support Revere’s autistic community and REVERETV | SEE Page 4 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM 12-9 p.m. $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net
Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Former Revere resident in Haymakers for Hope’s 13th Annual Boxing Charity Event E veryday individuals will transform into fi ghters with a shared goal of knocking out cancer in Haymakers for Hope’s 13th annual ‘Rock ’N Rumble’ charity boxing event at Fenway’s MGM Music Hall on Thursday, May 9, 2024. Tickets, ringside tables and sponsorships are now on sale for the event. Thirty-three courageous boxing enthusiasts living and working in and around the Boston area will compete against equally skilled opponents to help raise money for cancer research, awareness, survivorship and care. Local amateur boxers step into the ring and challenge their opponents as they fi ght for a cure in Boston’s Premier Music Hall! Jonathan Robin, 44, originally from Revere, Mass., will M Play Ball — Revere Little League Celebrates Opening Day By Tara Vocino ayor Patrick Keefe threw out the fi rst pitch during Revere Little League Opening Day ceremony on Saturday at Griswold Field. Jonathan Robin be participating in this year’s event. Jonathan is currently working as a teacher while also training for Rock ’N Rumble. He’s already raised $10,918.96 in hopes of reaching his goal for the cause. Shown from left to right, are: mother Lisa Gigliello, Tigers fi rst baseman Mikey Catino, Jr. and father Michael Catino, Sr. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Cubs: Kneeling, shown from left to right, are: Nelson Fuentes Campos, Michael Biasella, and Joey Biasella. Standing, shown from left to right, are: Vinny Martinez, Danny Alimonte, Roman Brangiforte and Billy Churchill with Head Coach Brian Waldron. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Announcing our Classic SpecialsAnnouncing our Classic Specials Dine In Only:Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with pur * FREE Salad with purchase ofchase of Entree, Monday & Tuesdays Entree, Monday & Tuesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10* Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL TheCatch ALL The Live Sports Live Sports Action On Our Action On Our Large Scr Large Screeneen TV’ TV’s SHOP LOCALSHOP LOCAL & DROP & DROP BY BY FOR DINNER! FOR DINNER! www.eight10barandgrille.com Tigers: Kneeling, shown from left to right: Zachary Babo Jr., Travis Perretti, Bobbi Rose, and Andrew Whitney. Standing: Josiah Haubret, Santino Brangiforte, and Cesare Commito with Head Coach Zachary Babo Sr., in center, and Assistant Coach Joe Whitney and Assistant Coach Cesare Commito opened their season on Saturday at Griswold Field. REVERETV | FROM Page 3 promote acceptance. If you drive by City Hall, you will still see the word LOVE spelled out in puzzle pieces and a fl ag hanging above the main steps. Watch coverage of this event now playing on the Community Channel or RevereTV’s social media pages. The City of Revere and Mayor Patrick Keefe held an event in honor of Earth Day on Saturday. Beautify Revere was the annual spring cleanup day held at various locations around the city. Participants were invited to celebrate together in the afternoon at McMackin Memorial Park, which was formerly known as the American Legion Lawn on Broadway, to enjoy barbecue, drinks and family-friendly activities. Watch RevereTV’s coverage of this event in between programming on the Community Channel for the next few weeks. Victoria Fabbo was back in the kitchen studio once again to record her May episodes of “Fabulous Foods.” Be on the lookout for a new spring show where Victoria makes Persian cuisine. In the meantime, you can still watch her past three recipes from April on the Community Channel over the next few weeks. The recipes in “Fabulous Foods” currently airing include saff ron rice and two desserts. You can watch all episodes of “Fabulous Foods with Victoria Fabbo” on the Community Channel every month, or always at any time on YouTube. RTV GOV is scheduled with the latest government meetings from the City Council Chambers. Tune in to see replays of the License Commission, Parking Advisory, Board of Health, Legislative Affairs Sub-Committee, Ways and Means SubCommittee, Revere City Council, and Conservation Commission meetings. All meetings play live on RTV GOV and YouTube and then replay in the weeks following. Meetings on YouTube stay posted and can always be accessed. RTV GOV is channel 9 on Comcast and channels 13 and 613 on RCN.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 5 Councillors seek police plans to curb potential violence on Memorial Day weekend By Barbara Taormina P olice Chief David Callahan and Massachusetts State Police Commander Lt. Donald Bosse were at this week’s City Council meeting in response to a request from Councillors Michelle Kelley and Marc Silvestri for an update on safety and security measures in place on Revere Beach in preparation for Memorial Day weekend. “We’ve seen some incidents,” said Kelley. “I don’t think anyone wants to see a repeat performance of last year. Last Memorial Day weekend, three people were injured during two separate shootings. Callahan said he is in constant communication with Bosse and the state barracks, which has jurisdiction over the beach. “We always have a plan in place but it’s challenging because a lot depends on the weather,” said Callahan, who added that he has been talking with police chiefs in neighboring communities. Bosse explained the challengCITY RENEWS | FROM Page 1 Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelly asked about comparative rates from other companies. Viscay said the contract talks were exclusively with WIN Waste. “I don’t think we would have gotten anything better,” said Viscay. Although he did not have any quotes for comparison, Viscay said moving to another disposal company would be complicated. The city’s contract with Capital trash hauling is dependent on the trucks bringing loads to WIN Waste to be incinerated. “I didn’t think it was worth disrupting the collection contract,” said Viscay. Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto applauded the deal Viscay negotiated with WIN Waste. “You won’t get anything better than this anyplace else. This is better than I thought he would have gotten. This is protecting the taxpayer.” City Council President Anthony Cogliandro said he was sure Viscay had done a great job negotiating but he was concerned about the ongoing growth in the area and the increasing amount of ash from incinerated trash. Councillors Guarino-Sawaya, Marc Silvestri and Cogliandro voted against approving the contract. The Revere Advocate reached out for comment regarding the renewed contract with the city. Mary Urban, Sr. Director of Communications & Community, WIN es manning patrols and said the state funds dedicated or extra patrols when needed. He said the state police also have an alliance with Troop F at Logan Airport and Troop H from Greater Boston, and they will respond when called. “Unfortunately, last Memorial Day got ahead of us. We try to protect, try to have resources in place. We could make the beaches safe but it would require a military show of force. People don’t want to see that,” Bosse told the council. Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri was the fi rst to ask what was on the minds of several councillors. “My biggest concern is how do we prevent the youth from other cities from taking the train to Revere,” said Silvestri. Bosse said they are depending on warnings from the MBTA’s Transit Police, who will let state police know if there are crowds. He said there’s a need to understand the nature of the crowd, adding that there would be no response for events such as senior skip day by Boston school Waste Innovations, replied in an email, “WIN Waste is pleased to continue to provide a reliable, affordable and local waste disposal solution for Revere. Waste-to-energy remains the preferred method of waste disposal because it off sets the need for fossil fuels, eliminates long-haul trucking of waste to out-of-state landfi lls and recycles thousands of tons of metals each year. For every ton of waste handled at our waste-toenergy facility, we are avoiding students. Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya asked if it is possible to keep the train from stopping at Revere Beach. Bosse said that could be unconstitutional and added that police try to evacuate the beach by getting people on the trains. Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky praised the work of the Community Action Team. Bosse said they are part of the response plan and Revere Beach is the main area in which they patrol. Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas asked if police were monitoring social media. Bosse said it was being tracked but it’s challenging to sort out credible threats from chatter. Three weeks after last year’s shootings, police were monitoring an online call to go back to Revere Beach but they realized later it was one kid looking for attention. “I am confident that something will happen this year,” said Bosse, adding “No plan is perfect but we will do our best.” up to two tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. 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Page 6 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 NorNortheast Metro Tech Students theast Metro Tech Students Create Scrim Banner Create Scrim Banner for Fence of Building Site for Fence of Building Site Students hold up a 6’ by 60’ scrim banner, which now adorns the fence of the Northeast Metro Tech construction site. (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) S uperintendent David DiBarri was pleased to share that Northeast Metro Tech students created a 60-foot scrim banner for the fence of the new school building site at Northeast Metro Tech. The banner was installed on the construction site fence on Friday, April 5, with students who helped design it in attendance. Over 20 senior students in the school’s Design and Visual Communications program designed the banner as part of their studies after a representative of Gilbane, the school project’s construction manager, reached out. The students worked in the Studio 12 design fi rm that is part of the Design and Visual Communications shop under instructor Brian Peluso. Studio 12 is run like an actual design fi rm so that students can learn a pathway of JOHN MACKEY & ASSOCIATES ~ Attorneys at Law ~ * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES 14 Norwood Street Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.JMACKEYLAW.COM A section of the scrim banner (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) skills, techniques and gain a realistic understanding of client relations and expectations. While most scrim banners are utilitarian and pedestrian, students designed the scrim to tell a story about Northeast Metro Tech, its students and its com Shannon Sturtz of Gilbane and Northeast Metro Tech Design and Visual Communication Instructor Brian Peluso stand next to the scrim banner. (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) munities. Students worked in design teams, each team creating a panel. They presented the panels to the client, Gilbane, just like a professional design agency would, and then received feedback on their designs, working with Instructor Peluso as a creative director. “It was a truly moving experience for our client as well as the class,” said Peluso. “Our students have a renewed sense of pride and involvement in the school and community at large — as well as a more-defi ned idea of what opportunities and career paths await them after graduation.” “Being able to work on such a big project for the Gilbane construction company was such an unexpected opportunity to be given,” said Kariana Franklin, a Design and Visual Communications senior from Chelsea. “Working as a team and as a shop helped us make a piece that represented the school, the students, and its community. We’re all proud of what we’ve made together.” A group of Studio 11+ and Studio 12 design students stand with the scrim banner after it was attached to the construction site fence. (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech) Students pose with the scrim banner after it was attached to the construction site fence. (Courtesy Northeast Metro Tech)
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 7 OBITUARIES Concetta Petruzziello O f Revere. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Concetta Marie Petruzziello on April 19, 2024. Born on March 5, 1936, in Boston, Massachusetts. A Visitation and Prayer Service for Concetta was held at the Paul Buonfiglio & SonsBruno Funeral Home, 128 Revere St, Revere, on April 21, 2024. Entombment took place on Monday, April 22, 2024 at 9:00am in the Holy Cross Mausoleum in Malden. Relatives and friends were kindly invited. Linda L. (Garland) Balliro O f Revere, formerly of Hyde Park. Passed away on April 17, 2024 at 82 years after long time illnesses. Beloved wife of the late Rosario (Billy) Balliro. Devoted mother of George and Jeffrey Patnode, and her late daughter Lisa Patnode. Stepmother to Tia M. Balliro of AZ, the late Michael T. “Rusty” Balliro, William J. Balliro, Michelle Balliro-Cummings and Renee B. Balliro-Cosson. Dear sister of William C. Garland and wife Revere City Council Round-Up By Barbara Taormina Councillor requests Proclamation declaring May Jewish American Heritage Month W ard 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky asked fellow councillors to approve a proclamation declaring May 2024 Jewish American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush fi rst named May Jewish American Heritage month in 2006 in recognition and celebration of the achievements and contributions American Jews have made to the United States. Since then, presidents Obama, Gail of West Roxbury. Cherished grandmother and caregiver of Rita M. and Philip M. Patnode, both of Revere and many grandchildren. Also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews. Family and friends were invited to attend Visiting Hours in the Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals, Revere, on Wednesday, May 1st followed by a Funeral Service. Linda was laid to rest next to her husband at the family lot (Hillside Section) in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett at a later date. Gerry Trump and Biden have made it a tradition. “Revere is known for diversity. This is just showing our inclusiveness,” said Novoselsky, who added that Revere has historically had a strong Jewish community that has always shared its culture, faith and traditions with neighbors. We are currently facing a rise of antisemitism so be it resolved that May 2024 is Jewish American Heritage Month, he said “There’s nothing more appropriate,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto, who added that the recent wave of antisemitic protests was heartbreaking. CITY COUNCIL | SEE Page 8 D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available Sabatino Insurance is proud to welcome the loyal customers of tino I sur nce is p the l yal customers of ALWAYS READY TO SERVE YOU: Our Staff are, Emma Davidson, Jeimy Sanchez, Josephine Leone, Marie D’Amore, Rocco Longo, Z’andre Lopez, Anthony DiPierro, Darius Goudreau, Laurette Murphy, Danielle Goudreau and Tina Davidson. PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM d t welcome
Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 CITY COUNCIL | FROM Page 7 Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri tried to take the politics out the proclamation and said it was not about supporting the Israeli government but rather was about celebrating cultural heritage whether you’re an Israeli or Palestinian. Councillors invite HYM’s CEO to meeting on Suffolk Downs update Councillors Joanne McKenna and Michelle Kelly presented a motion to have Thomas O’Brien, CEO of The HYM Investment Group, LLC, provide a construction progress update on Suff olk Downs at the May 6th council meeting. The councillors hope to dispel rumblings about HYM’s fi nancial challenges, particularly with a project that’s key to the city’s future. Speed table approved for Sagamore Street The council approved a motion from Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya that the Traffi c Commission approve the installation of a speed table on Sagamore Street to slow down cut through traffi c. Clr. Argenzio requests return of Water & Sewer Discount Program for seniors Councillors voted unanimously to approve Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor and Chief of Infrastructure Don Ciaramella be requested to return the Water & Sewer Discount Program for seniors to last year’s rate structure. The discounts are 30 percent for consumption of 30,000 gallons or less, 20 percent for consumption of 30,001 to 70,000 gallons and a 10 percent discount for consumption of 70,001 gallons or more. Councillor requests lifeguard for Satter House seniors The council supported Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya’s motion that the mayor request DCR to station a lifeguard on Revere Beach in front of Jack Satter House. Guarino-Sawaya said it is important for the safety of seniors and for the many residents who bring their grandchildren to the beach. Council refers two appointments for Election and Planning Boards The council referred two appointments from Mayor Patrick Keefe to the Council’s Appointments Subcommittee. The subcommittee will review the reappointment of J. Cammarata to the Election Commission and the appointment of Leah Hoff man to the Planning Board. Dog park proposed for Revere Beach Several councillors had concerns about Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor contact DCR and the state delegation to make a small portion of Revere Beach dog-friendly year-round. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April to October and Argenzio said many residents enjoy walking their dogs on the beach. It’s how they use and enjoy this city resource. But Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said families have only a short season to visit the beach and they don’t want to worry about aggressive dogs or dog waste. Argenzio used the example of the area from Beach Street to Revere Street because there are no plovers and no houses. But he said that was only an example and he would like to hear suggestions from DCR. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna had a suggestion. About a year ago, McKenna proposed creating a dog park on a little patch of beach off of Broadsound Avenue. “Nobody uses that part of the beach where the rotary is,” said McKenna. “The sand is diff erent, it’s kind of mud-sand. Nobody sits there.” McKenna said if done right, a dog park could work. “We should look into it,” she added. ~ RHS PATRIOTS SPORTS ROUND-UP ~ Revere girls tennis shows promise despite loss Medford topped Revere, 5-0, in girls tennis. At fi rst singles, Dayna Phan lost 6-0, 6-4. “Even though she lost, she did continue to play better as the match continued,” Revere coach Carla Maniscalco said. At second singles, Jaimy Gomez fell 6-4, 6-1. She was down 5-1 in the fi rst set, and she did start to make a comeback, but just wasn’t able to hold on to the momentum. At second doubles Ivana Nguyen and Erta Ishmahili fought hard in a 6-3, 6-2 loss. “There were moments in that match where they were on the verge of catching up,” Maniscalco said. Revere was 2-3 after fi ve matches. Revere girls track remains unbeaten The Revere girls moved to 4-0 on the season last week defeating Lynn English, 91-45. Liv Yuong returned and took home two fi rst places and one third place scoring 11 points for the team. She had a season PR in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 17.7. Gemma Stamatopoulos took home a fi rst and a second place for the team (fi rst in 800m, tied for second in high jump), scoring seven individual points in total. She was also a part of the fi rst-place 4x400m relay team. Senior Captain Yara Belguendouz took home fi rst and second place for the team, scoring eight points (fi rst in javelin, second in 100m hurdles). Ashley Cabrera Rodriguez also scored eight points placing fi rst in triple jump and second in the 200m. Other fi rst places included Neyla Vranic in the long jump, Angelina Montoya in the discus, Rania Hamdani in the 400m, Genevieve Zierten in the mile and Rocio Gonzalez in the 2 mile. Revere swept in the discus event: Anghi Montoya, Camila Echeverri, Ashley Chandler. Javelin throw Relay school record team Jocelyn Lazo, Yara Belguendouz, and Rocio Gonzalez. 4x200 meter school record team Ashley Cabrera Rodriguez, Jaliyah Manigo, Gemma Stamatopoulos, and Giselle Salvador. Long jump relay school record team Neyla Vranic, Liv Yuong, and Marwa Riad. The Patriots got a 4x400m win with a time of 4:43.7 for the quartet of Marwa Riad, Jaliyah Manigo, Rania Hamdani and Stamatopoulos. The team also headed to the MSTCA D1 State Relays in Franklin, where it set/broke a total of fi ve relay records: 4x200m Relay Record: 1:56.79 set by Giselle Salvador, Jaliyah Manigo, Gemma Stamatopoulos, Ashley Cabrera Rodriguez. Previous record was set in 2017 and was 1:58. Distance Medley Relay: 14:58.16 set by Rocio Gonzalez, Gemma Discus throw relay school record team Ashley chandler, Camila Echeverri, and Angelina Montoya. Stamatopoulos, Olivia Rupp, and Genevieve Zierten. Previous record was set in 2017 and was 14:58.6. Javelin throw record: 58.68 set by Rocio Gonzalez, Jocelyn Lazo, Yara Belguendouz. Long jump: 13.79 set by Liv Yuong, Marwa Riad, Neyla Vranic. Discus throw: 53.68 set by Angelina Montoya, Camila Echeverri, Ashley Chandler. “We also saw some non-recordbreaking but still stellar performances in the 4x100m and 4x400m where both teams had season bests and were very close to school records,” Revere coach Racquel MacDonald-Ciambelli said. “This is the perfect halfway point for the team as we head into our toughest competition this season. I am confi dent that if the girls keep up this momentum, we will continue to see consistent PRs and a total rewriting of the RHS record books.” Revere volleyball blanks Lynn Classical Revere topped Lynn Classical, 3-0, Distance Medley Relay School Record Team Genevieve Zierten, Rocio Gonzalez, Gemma Stamatopoulos, and Olivia Rupp. in boys volleyball action. Larry Claudio had 25 assists, and Ruben Rodriguez added 17 kills.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 9 By Tara Vocino T he Revere High School Patriots Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team introduced themselves at home against the Medford High School Mustangs on Monday afternoon at Gibson Park. Meet the 2024 Revere High Patriots Boys’ Varsity Tennis Team TEAM LEADERS: Tennis Captains, shown from left to right, are: Nicholas Barry, Vincent Phan, Nick Aguiar and Raihan Ahmed. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Seniors, shown from left to right, are: Nicholas Barry, Head Coach Michael Flynn and Raihan Ahmed. Shown back row, from left to right, are: Nick Barry, Indrit Tamizi, Vic Cisneros, and Steven Espinal. Shown top row, from left to right, are: Head Coach Michael Flynn, Raihan Ahmed, Ethan Men, Vincent Phan, Nick Aguiar, Abbes Ghiat, John Barry during their match against the Medford High School Mustangs on Monday afternoon at Gibson Park. Missing from photo: Rayan Elmzabi.
Page 10 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 MASS HOUSE | FROM Page 1 “This budget takes a fi scally ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MAKING GIFTS F or many taxpayers, making lifetime gifts can result in estate tax savings, particularly for those taxpayers residing in Massachusetts. No income taxes are paid when the donee of the gift receives the gifted property. Gifting may also allow you to shift income from the top income tax bracket of a parent to a lower income tax bracket of a child or other relative. When you gift to a child, you do have the benefi t of seeing your child enjoy the gifted asset during his or her lifetime. You can also get to see how well your child manages the money or other property gifted to him or her. By observing how a child is managing gifted monies, you can adjust going forward by either making additional gifts or by deciding to place property in a trust for the benefi t of a son or daughter. Gifting to a child may also offer some asset protection as it might serve to spread out the risk of losing assets. Of course, there cannot be a transfer in defraud of a creditor. A disadvantage to gifting is that you will no longer have legal title to the asset gifted away. The donor of the gift needs to be relatively certain that he or she will not need the asset going forward. Therefore, you should evaluate your fi - nancial needs and corresponding resources before you decide to gift away assets. Also, once in the hands of your child, the asset would be at risk for his or her creditors including his or her spouse in a divorce proceeding. You also have to consider whether or not making a gift to a child will take away the child’s incentive to make it on his or her own. It might not be such a good idea to give assets to children too soon. It is always good when children are a little bit hungry. It usually brings out the best in them. A sink or swim mentally takes over. As your children are older and more established, making lifetime gifts in Massachusetts will serve to reduce your taxable estate. Since there is no gift tax in Massachusetts, such gifts result in no gift tax and will escape estate taxation upon your death. Any taxable gift (i.e. gifts to any donee each year in excess of $18,000) will serve to reduce your Massachusetts $2,000,000 estate tax lifetime exemption for purposes of being required to fi le a Massachusetts estate tax return. If you gave $2million to your son Charlie during your lifetime and still had a $500,000 bank account in your name upon your death, the $500,000 would be taxed as part of your Massachusetts taxable estate because you still owned the $500,000 at the time of your death and you used up your $2million estate tax fi ling threshold exemption. Therefore, even though your gross estate was under $2million at the time of your death, all of the $500,000 would be subject to the estate tax. Many taxpayers do not realize this is how the Massachusetts estate tax works. However, giving away the $2million may very well have saved $99,600 in Massachusetts estate taxes. There is not too much concern with federal estate taxes for most people as the federal lifetime exemption is now over $13million for each decedent’s estate. However, if the 2017 tax act is not extended, the federal estate tax exemption will drop to approximately $6million come January 1, 2026. Also keep in mind whether you give directly to a child or to an irrevocable Trust, you do start the fi ve-year look back period for purposes of protecting assets as part of a Medicaid asset protection plan. Joseph D. Cataldo is an Estate Planning/Elder Law Attorney, Certifi ed Public Accountant, Certifi ed Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a Master’s Degree in Taxation. responsible approach to making meaningful investments in areas of significant need. I’m proud of the fact that the House’s FY25 budget allocates key funding to better support Massachusetts students and families, to increase access to aff ordable health care, and to provide for a safer and more reliable public transportation system,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and the entire House Committee on Ways and Means for crafting this budget, as well as all my colleagues in the House for their hard work and critical input throughout this process, a collective eff ort that has helped to produce a strong and responsible FY25 budget.” Due to responsible fi scal management, the House’s FY25 budget is balanced, and makes significant investments across a number of issue areas, without needing to draw from the Stabilization Fund, which is set to reach a record high of $9.053 billion. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chairman Michlewitz for their leadership during this year’s budget process. I am proud of the House’s budget, Education Universal School Meals JESSICA GIANNINO STATE REPRESENTATIVE as it is fi scally responsible and makes key investments in transportation and aff ordable healthcare,” said Representative Giannino (D-Revere). “I am happy to have secured vital funding for the City of Revere in several important areas including educational programs, public safety, and repairs to our aging infrastructure that support our youth and seniors. I am thankful for the partnership and advocacy of Representative Turco in bringing this funding home.” “The FY25 House passed budget is a values statement. I am honored to have supported a budget that contains the largest investment in our educational JEFFREY ROSARIO TURCO STATE REPRESENTATIVE system in the Commonwealth’s history. In addition, working with my colleague, Rep. Giannino, the House budget contains signifi cant funding for important programs in Revere. This budget confi rms that teamwork benefi ts Revere,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). The budget passed includes $1.3 billion in investments for transportation and education initiatives made possible because funding generated by the Fair Share ballot initiative that voters approved in November 2022, which established a surtax of 4 percent on annual income above $1 million. House’s FY25 Fair Share Investments Transportation $190,000,000 Commonwealth Transportation Fund Transfer $80,000,000 MBTA Capital Investments Child Care Rate Increase Minimum per Pupil Aid Income Eligible Waitlist Early Literacy MassReconnect Higher Education Capital Funding Targeted Scholarships Green SchoolWorks DHE Endowment Match $250,000,000 Child Care Grants to Providers $175,000,000 Regional Transit Funding and Grants $90,000,000 Financial Aid Expansion $75,000,000 $65,000,000 MBTA Workforce/Safety Reserve $65,000,000 $37,000,000 MBTA Academy $30,000,000 MBTA Resilient Rides $30,000,000 Roads & Bridges Supplemental Aid $25,000,000 $24,000,000 MBTA Means-Tested Fares State U’s SUCCESS Program $14,000,000 Water Transportation $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $10,000,000 $10,000,000 UMass Endowment Match $10,000,000 TOTAL $695,000,000 TOTAL Law Offices of JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES INCOME TAX PREPARATION WEALTH MANAGEMENT RETIREMENT PLANNING ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee $605,000,000 $40,000,000 $35,000,000 $20,000,000 $5,000,000
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 11 Local Aid and Education The FY25 House budget funds Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) at $1.283 billion, and Chapter 70 education funding at $6.863 billion, representing a $309 million increase over the funding provided for Chapter 70 in the FY24 budget. The budget also funds the fourth year of a six-year implementation plan for the Student Opportunity Act (SOA), which was enacted in 2019 to ensure that public schools have the necessary resources to provide high-quality education to students, regardless of zip code or income level. The budget provides an additional $74 per pupil in minimum aid supplements, increasing the minimum aid total to $104 per pupil. Additionally, the budget includes the following education initiatives: • $493 million for the Special Education Circuit Breaker program • $199 million for charter school aid • $99 million for regional school transportation • $29 million for homeless student transportation The House’s FY25 budget continues to fully fund universal free school meals programming for every public-school student in the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is one of only eight states in the country with permanent free school meals for all students, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Due to this program, which the House has extended each year since the COVID-19 pandemic began, since 2019, more than 100,000 additional kids ate school lunch daily through October 2023, according to the Feed Kids Campaign. This budget also invests $30 million for improved early literacy programming to ensure highquality reading instruction is available to students in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. Public Transportation The House budget includes a record investment of $555 million for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), as well as $184 million for the Regional Transit Authorities that serve commuters across Massachusetts. These investments include: • $314 million operating transfer to the MBTA • $184 million to support operations and transit improvements at the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities • $75 million for MBTA capital investments in physical infrastructure • $65 million for projects that address safety concerns at the MBTA related to the fi ndings of the Federal Transit Administration’s Safety Management Inspection initiated in April 2022 • $40 million to create an MBTA Academy to support recruiting and training eff orts, and establish a pipeline for a skilled workforce across departments • $35 million to create a Resilient Rides program to support climate adaptation and climate readiness capital improvement projects in the stations are rails located in the most climate-vulnerable areas of the system • $20 million for reduced MBTA fares for riders with low incomes • $5 million for grants for ferry services Early Education and Care Continuing the House’s longstanding commitment towards investing in the early education and care (EEC) workforce, the House budget includes $45 million to sustain FY24 rate increases and provides an additional $20 million in FY25 rate increases for child care providers across the Commonwealth. Other early education and care investments, some of which are made permanent through this budget, include: • $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) grants • $357 million for child care for children involved with the Department of Children & Families and the Department of Transitional Assistance • $417 million for child care for low-income families • $30 million to reduce the income-eligible waitlist • $20 million for child care resource and referral agencies • $17.5 million for Head Start grants • $10 million for an EEC educator scholarship program • $10 million for an EEC educator loan forgiveness program To create a new funding source for EEC initiatives, the budget the House passed would allow the Massachusetts Lottery to sell its products online. A portion of the new revenue collected from online lottery sales, estimated to be $100 million annually, would fund C3 grants, which provide long-term stability for high-quality and affordable care for families. In order to ensure grants are providing optimal results for families and communities with the greatest needs, the House budget provides an equitable funding formula for C3 grants that supports the state’s most vulnerable children, setting aside $240 million (50.5 percent) for providers serving at least 25 percent of children who are eligible for Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA), $135 million (28.4 percent) for providers serving less than 25 percent of children eligible for CCFA, and $100 million (21.1 percent) for providers who do not serve any families eligible for assistance. It also caps the grant amount for-profit, multi-state or franchised organizations receive at 0.33 percent of funding annually. As federal funding for the C3 program is no longer available, the Department of Early Education and Care must recommend a new C3 funding formula after 5 years. Affordable and Accessible Housing The FY25 budget maintains the House’s commitment to protect renters and homeowners across the Commonwealth from eviction and homelessness by investing in the following programs: • $325 million for the Emergency Assistance (EA) program, which provides shelter to families with children and pregnant women • $219 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) • $197.4 million for Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program • $57.3 million for HomeBase • $10 million for shelter workforce assistance • $8.9 million for the Home and Healthy for Good program, MASS HOUSE | SEE Page 17
Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 By Tara Vocino T he Revere High School Patriots Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team introduced themselves at Harry Della Russo Stadium last Wednesday. Their Senior Day ceremony is Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the stadium. Meet The 2024 Revere High School Patriots Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team Shown, from left to right, are: Head Coach Amy Rotger with seniors Meesha Francois, Victoria Vilaca, Ariana Aguilar, Sophia Grullon, Jayla Foster and Assistant Coach Kimberly Egizi. TEAM LEADERS: Shown from left to right, are: Head Coach Amy Rotger, Co-Captain Jayla Foster, Co-Captain Naomi Tadele, and Assistant Coach Kimberly Egizi. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Shown kneeling, from left to right, are: Meesha Francois, Sophia Grullon, Gianna Guzman, Hilda Sarmiento, Naveah Eaton, and Gabriella Aguilar. Shown standing from left to right, are: Head Coach Amy Rotger, Captain Naomi Tadele, Victoria Vilaca, Ari Haizlip, Analia Romero Gonzalez, Ariana Aguilar, Isabella De Paula, Bianca Rincon, Jayla Foster and Assistant Coach Kimberly Egizi.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 13 Team chemistry and selfless play define Revere softball’s winning strategy By Dom Nicastro A s we delve into the heart of the spring season, the Revere High School softball team stands out with an impressive 9-2 record. Under the guidance of Coach Megan O’Donnell, the team has showcased resilience, skill and a relentless drive to win, highlighted by its recent thrilling come-from-behind victory against Saugus. The Revere Comeback Kids team’s spirit was epitomized in a nail-biting game where they overturned a daunting defi cit to clinch a 15-14 win over Saugus at home, thanks to a walkoff hit by Brianna Miranda. “We were down but not out. Our girls battled back with heart, and Brianna stepped up when it mattered most,” said Coach O’Donnell, refl ecting on the game’s intensity and the icy conditions that evening. “We were down 9-1, and then we went down 13-5, and we battled back and came back with a walk-off hit from Brianna Miranda in the seventh inning to win 15-14. Honestly, we could have been down 15-0, and my confi dence in our girls as a hitting team … we would have no doubt we would score 15, too. They defi nitely take hitting seriously.” This victory not only demonstrated their tenacity but also solidifi ed their reputation as a formidable competitor in the league. Revere had a big game scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 (after press deadline) with Medford, who was leadPats’ Jordan Martelli slides safely into third base. tiple players have been hitting over.600, a testament to their off ensive strength. “Our lineup is deep, and everyone is hitting with confidence,” O’Donnell said of the team’s off ensive prowess. A key element of Revere’s Pitcher Danni Hope Randall on the mound for the Patriots ing the Greater Boston League ahead of the Patriots. The Mustangs beat the Patriots earlier in the season, but O’Donnell said the team has improved greatly since and was ready for the big-league battle. This season has been notable for strategic ingenuity and the emergence of new and existing talent. Freshman pitcher Gianna Chiodi, despite initial challenges, displayed remarkable composure and skill in the game against Saugus. She started and was relieved by regular ace Danni Randall, who recorded her 200th career strikeout; she’s just a sophomore. “We started a freshman pitcher with Gianna, and she held her own. She battled,” O’Donnell said. “The conditions were freezing out; it’s defi nitely not spring weather, but she bore down, and she battled.” The team has also benefi tted from a deep lineup where mulsuccess is the strong team chemistry and morale. Players are described as playing “selfless softball,” a mindset that fosters mutual support and enhances collective performance, according to O’Donnell. This environment allows players to thrive and contribute signifi - cantly, as evidenced by the entire lineup consistently making impactful plays. With just a few weeks left in the season, the Patriots are not just chasing a league title; they are setting new standards for excellence and teamwork. “Every game, every inning, and every pitch counts,” Coach O’Donnell said. “We stay focused on the present, supporting one another and playing selfl ess softball.” Revere individualhitting leaders with more than 20 at-bats after 11 games Lea Doucette Batting Average:.658 Hits: 25 out of 38 at-bats Home Runs: 3 Runs Batted In (RBIs): 18 Stolen Bases: 17 Slugging Percentage: 1.026 Lea Doucette has been a Ally Straccia at bat for Revere. powerhouse at the plate, leading the team with a batting average of.658 and a slugging percentage over 1.000. Ally Straccia Batting Average:.636 Hits: 14 out of 22 at-bats Home Runs: 1 RBIs: 11 Stolen Bases: 6 Ally Straccia brings not only a high batting average but also speed on the bases, contributing signifi cantly in scoring and driving in runs. Riley Straccia Batting Average:.586 Hits: 17 out of 29 at-bats Doubles: 5 Triples: 2 RBIs: 16 Riley Straccia excels with extra-base hits, boosting her slugging and signifi cantly impacting games with her ability to clear the bases. Shayna Smith Batting Average:.500 Hits: 18 out of 36 at-bats Home Runs: 4 RBIs: 21 Stolen Bases: 9 Shayna Smith is another critical slugger for the team, with four home runs and a.972 slugging percentage, leading the team in RBIs. Frankie Reed Batting Average:.367 Hits: 11 out of 30 at-bats Home Runs: 1 RBIs: 12 Stolen Bases: 5 Frankie Reed contributes solidly with key hits and has shown versatility and consistency throughout the season. Her ability to drive in runs and score herself has been pivotal to the team’s success.
Page 14 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 By Bob Katzen If you have any questions about this week’s report, e-mail us at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com or call us at (617) 720-1562 GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST — Join more than 22,000 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. 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/aPTLucKs THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of April 22-28. Some of the House roll calls are on the House version of a $58 billion fi scal 2025 state budget. A LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE BUDGET “DEBATE” Most of the decisions on which representatives’ amendments are included or not included in the budget are made behind closed doors. Of the more than 1,500 budget amendments proposed, most of them were bundled into consolidated “mega” amendments. This year there were seven mega amendments and all were approved unanimously. There is no real “debate” on the House floor. Everyone who spoke on any of the consolidated amendments spoke in favor of them. The system works as follows: Individual representatives file amendments on various topics. All members then pitch their amendments to Democratic leaders who draft consolidated amendments that include some of the individual representatives’ amendments while excluding others. The categories of consolidated amendments include many subjects including programs relating to public safety, judiciary energy, environmental aff airs, housing, labor and economic development. Supporters of the system say that any representative who sponsored an excluded amendment can bring it to the fl oor and ask for an up or down vote on the amendment itself. They say this system has worked well for many years. Opponents say that rarely, if ever, does a member bring his or her amendment to the fl oor for an up-or-down vote because that is not the way the game is played. It is an “expected tradition” that you accept the fate of your amendment as determined by Democratic leaders. $375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 4529) House 157-0, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in onetime funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $375 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $175 million for several transportation-related grant programs. The programs funded by the $175 million include the municipal small bridge program; the complete streets program; a bus transit infrastructure program; and grants for municipalities to purchase electric vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them. “This legislation secures critical funding to our municipalities for the roads, bridges and sidewalks that residents utilize each and every day,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “Regardless of where you live or how you get around, this funding will address infrastructure needs to improve travel, enhance safety and bolster our economy.” “The timely passage of this responsive legislation for fiscal year 2025 demonstrates the Legislature’s continued commitment to fund our local transportation projects,” said Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Transportation Committee. “With the renewed investment in funding rural towns and other infrastructure grant programs, our communities across the commonwealth will be better positioned to meet their unique transportation needs, and I am pleased to support these investments.” “Local offi cials across Massachusetts are grateful for the Legislature’s swift passage of the transportation bond bill, with funding for the Chapter 90 program and additional key investments in municipal roads and bridges,” said Adam Chapdelaine, CEO of the Mass Municipal Association (MMA). “Every community in the commonwealth will benefit from this critical funding, particularly with construction season already underway. The MMA again this year is asking the Legislature to supplement these programs through dedicated funding from the new Fair Share surtax. Last year, supplemental Chapter 90 aid via the surtax provided an additional $100 million for the 30,000 miles of municipal roads, which went to great use in communities across the commonwealth.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $375 million package.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Jeff Turco Yes Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET INCLUDING $251 MILLION FUNDING FOR SHELTERS (H 4582) House 123-35, Senate 299, approved and sent to Gov. Healey a supplemental budget that includes an additional $251 million in funding for the Emergency Assistance Program that funds the emergency family shelter system which houses migrants. The measure imposes a new nine-month limit on how long families can stay in the state’s emergency shelters, with up to two 90-day extensions available to some and a new hardship waiver process. Provisions include $10 million for approved workforce training programs; $10 million for a tax credit for companies that provide job training to Emergency Assistance participants; $3 million for family welcome centers; $1 million for supplemental staffi ng at emergency housing assistance program shelters; and $7 million for resettlement agencies and shelter providers to assist families with rehousing, work authorization and English language learning. Other provisions keep in place some pandemic-era programs, set to expire, including allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails for take-out; expanding outdoor dining; and allowing graduates and students in their last semester of nursing education programs to practice nursing. “I’m proud that this legislation puts us on a responsible path forward without sacrifi cing our values of treating families with dignity and respect,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (DAshland). “This legislative action was warranted because of inaction at the federal level on a challenge of their own creation. Massachusetts has once again shown that we can work together to address complicated issues, as we have done today.” “Ensuring that people exit the shelter system in a timely manner is crucial to the emergency assistance program’s long-term viability,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “This is the current reality due to the status of the migrant crisis, the lack of federal support, the number of people on the waitlist and the revenue challenges facing Massachusetts. It’s also critical that we ensure that folks in the shelter system receive ample support aimed at helping them to successfully enter the workforce, which is exactly what this legislation does.” “Once again the Massachusetts Senate was given the opportunity to do right by our residents and the majority party failed to do so,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The supplemental budget did not have a residency requirement nor prioritization criteria for the right to shelter program and therefore earned a ‘No’ vote from me. In a time when the state budget is being trimmed back, adding nearly half a billion dollars to the right to shelter program which has housed thousands of people who are not Massachusetts residents and has only hemorrhaged money is not the answer.” “I fi rmly believe that the state of Massachusetts cannot continue to aff ord to fund this program ourselves without jeopardizing many of the countless critical programs we hold dear,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld). “Our emergency shelter system was simply never meant to handle the number of individuals it is housing today and unlike the federal government, who has completely abdicated their responsibility to address the immigration crisis, the commonwealth must have a balanced budget and cannot simply run up debt without any consequences.” (A “Yes” vote is for the supplemental budget. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Jeff Turco Yes Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS (H 4460) House 30-125, rejected an amendment that would change the state’s Right to Shelter Law which requires the state to provide shelter and other necessities to homeless parents with young children, pregnant women and recently the many migrant families arriving in the Bay State. Homeless individuals are not covered by the Right to Shelter law. The amendment would require that people provide proof that they have lived in the state for at least three months to qualify for the program. It also exempts from the requirement a victim of domestic violence or a person whose living situation has been aff ected by a fi re or other natural disaster that occurred in Massachusetts. Amendment supporters said the current interpretation of residency in Massachusetts by the Healey administration is that the person can be in the state for a matter of minutes to qualify to get services. “The emergency housing assistance program is operating under a 7,500-family cap imposed
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 15 by Gov. Healey, but the demand for services continues to grow and has created a lengthy waitlist,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Imposing a minimum residency requirement of three months is reasonable and will help to ensure that people who are already living in the commonwealth will have access to housing assistance when they need it.” Some amendment opponents said the amendment might be unconstitutional. Others said people from around the world who are the victims of rape, violence and oppression are coming to Massachusetts and the state should not impose residency requirements on these suff ering migrants. “I would also just like to underscore, as I did a moment ago, that no families — whether they are longtime Massachusetts residents or families that are new to the state — are being put out on the street,” said Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “We do have these overfl ow shelters. I don’t want anyone to be operating under the assumption that we have Massachusetts residents who are being left out on the street, so once again, I ask you please … reject the residency requirement.” (A “Yes” vote is for the 3-month requirement. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Jeff Turco No PRIORITIZE HOMELESS VETERANS (H 4600) House 27-129, rejected an amendment that would prioritize honorably discharged homeless veterans for eligibility for placement in the shelter assistance program. “Massachusetts is widely recognized as a national leader for the programs and services we provide to our veterans and our shelter system should be refl ective of that,” said amendment sponsor GOP Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “No individual who has served their country with valor and dedication should ever be forced to sleep on the street. Ensuring the well-being of homeless veterans, who have sacrifi ced so much for our country and our commonwealth, is not a policy decision; it’s a moral imperative.” Opponents of the amendment said it is a political stunt designed to make it appear that Democrats are against helping veterans and noted that nothing could be further from the truth. They noted this shelter assistance funding was designed to protect women, children and families. They noted that the Bay State proudly already has some of the best veterans’ benefi ts in the nation and pointed to increased veterans benefi ts in the House budget. Rep. Gerard Cassidy (D-Brockton), House chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Aff airs, previewed a veterans bill being prepared by his committee for consideration in May and said it will provide even more benefi ts for veterans. “This is not a veterans’ bill. This is basically a political ploy,” said Cassidy. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment giving priority to homeless veterans. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Jeff Turco No HOUSE APPROVES $58 BILLION FISCAL 2025 STATE BUDGET (H 460 House 153-4, approved a $58 billion fi scal 2025 state budget after three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve a different version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to the governor. “This budget builds off the successes of the last few years by prioritizing our residents,” said Rep. Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston), chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Whether it is greater investments into programs like housing stability, public transportation or early education, these initiatives are a reflection of our shared values. By reinvesting in the people of the commonwealth, we will continue to make our economy more competitive and equitable for years to come.” “We take pride in our collective eff orts to develop a budget that mirrors the needs of our constituents,” said Rep. Pat Haddad (D-Somerset), Assistant Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “The fi scal year 2025 budget underscores our dedication to signifi cant investments in healthcare, education, housing, veteran services, energy and environmental services, among other critical areas. Passing this budget will provide vital protection for the cities and towns of the Bay State, particularly amidst fiscal challenges. Our commitment to supporting municipalities has never been more resolute, with local aid emerging as a top priority to sustain essential local services.” “This budget contains billions in taxpayer dollars for illegal migrants, cash bail and $35 million for free phone calls for inmates,” said Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). “All the while in this $58 billion budget, education and local aid are less than 25 percent of the budget. The taxpayers are not the priority in this budget and I can’t support that.” “Clearly Speaker Ron Mariano has one thing on his mind, which is to spend now and fi gure out the economic mess later,” said Paul Craney, spokesperson for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. “His budget successfully mugs the taxpayers of their hard-earned money and keeps them on the hook to fund new priorities. The speaker’s top three priorities are to spend, spend and spend. His budget has nothing to show in the way of spending restraint or fi scal responsibility. Through budget amendments, the House had several opportunities to reform how they spend our taxpayer money, but they were all shot down. The speaker was unusually cruel to taxpayers of Massachusetts, as spending continues to grow with nothing to show for it.” (A “Yes” vote is for the budget. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino Yes Rep. Jeff Turco Yes ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COLLEGE CREDITS (H 4600) House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would require all public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts to develop and adopt written policies and procedures allowing full acceptance of all appropriate college credits earned by students in advanced placement courses who have successfully completed these courses and have also achieved profi - cient advanced placement test scores to satisfy these credits. “If a high school student is taking advanced college level courses before graduation and has also achieved satisfactory AP test scores, I think it’s only fair that their hard work be recognized by giving them full credit for these courses once they enroll as a freshman in college,” said House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “With families of college-age students facing large tuition bills, this policy change would help to ease some of their fi nancial burden BEACON | SEE Page 16 How to Find Affordable Internet Services? Dear Savvy Senior, I was recently notifi ed that the Aff ordable Connectivity Program, which subsidizes my monthly internet bill, is about to end. What are my options for fi nding aff ordable home internet services now? I’m 71 years old and live primarily on my Social Security benefi ts. Barely Getting By Dear Barely, It’s unfortunate, but without additional funding from Congress, the Aff ordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is winding down and will end in mid-May. For those that aren’t familiar with this program, the ACP is a government benefi t that has provided millions of fi nancially eligible households with a discount of up to $30 per month toward their home internet service, or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The ACP was initially born out of a pandemic-era program called the Emergency Broadband Benefi t in 2021 and replaced six months later by the longer-term ACP when Congress devoted $14.2 billion to the program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. More than 23 million households are currently enrolled in the ACP which has signifi - cantly helped close the digital divide, as aff ordability has been the primary barrier that has kept most ACP benefi ciaries from getting home internet services. But funds are almost out, and a sharply divided Congress has chosen not to continue funding the program, unless they change their mind in the 11th hour. What to Do Now? A good fi rst step in securing aff ordable home internet services is to contact your current provider to fi nd out if they off er any other discounts or low-cost services that fi t your budget. If not, you should shop around. The nonprofi t organization EveryoneOn has a National Off er Locator Tool that can help you fi nd low-income discounted internet services from providers in your area. Just go to EveryoneOn.org/fi ndoff ers, type in your ZIP code and answer a few questions regarding your household fi nancial situation so the internet services you’re eligible for can be located. Some cities and states across the country are also off ering their own local versions of the ACP to help low-income households pay their internet. The best way to look for these services is by going to Google and searching for “(location) internet resources.” Check Lifeline Benefit If you haven’t already done so, you also need to fi nd out if you’re eligible for the Lifeline program. Unlike the ACP, Lifeline is a permanently funded federal assistance program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy that can help pay your home internet, phone or bundled services (up to $34.25 if you live on Tribal lands). Only one benefit is available per household. To qualify, your annual household income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $19,683 for one person or $26,622 for two. Or, if you’re receiving certain types of government benefi ts such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, public housing assistance, veterans’ pension or survivors pension benefi t, or live on federally recognized Tribal lands. You can apply for Lifeline online at LifelineSupport.org, via mail or through your internet or phone provider. Or, if you need assistance call their support line at 800-234-9473. Other Options If you fi nd that you aren’t eligible for any of the lower-income services, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like InMyArea.com, which provides a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds. Most providers off er plans under $50 monthly, and you can often fi nd additional discounts for things like bundling with a cellphone plan or signing an annual contract. Another way to save some money is to buy your own equipment. Most internet service providers charge around $15 per month to rent a modem and router from them. But you can buy your own for as little as $100, which will pay for itself within the fi rst year. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.
Page 16 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 BEACON | FROM Page 15 by giving students the opportunity to begin college with several credits already earned towards their degree.” Amendment opponents said the Higher Education Committee has already approved a separate, more detailed measure that addresses advanced placement. They said the bill will eventually come before the full House and urged members to vote against this less comprehensive amendment and wait for the more detailed bill. Rep. Dave Rogers (D-Cambridge), the House chair of the Higher Education Committee, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to explain his opposition to the amendment. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Jeff Turco No $35 MILLION FOR LOCAL AID INSTEAD OF FREE PRISONER PHONE CALLS (H 4600) House 29-125, rejected an amendment that would strike a budget section that provides $35 million to subsidize free phone calls for prisoners; and instead use the $35 million to fund additional unrestricted local aid for cities and towns. “At a time when many cities and towns are struggling to balance their budgets, the House Ways and Means Committee inexplicably opted to fund unrestricted local aid at a level that is $25 million below the governor’s proposal,” said House GOP minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Communities rely on this funding to support a variety of municipal services, including teachers, police, fi refi ghters, libraries and senior centers. The $35 million allocated for unlimited free prisoner phone calls represents a 75 percent increase in the program’s costs, which is unacceptable at a time when revenues are declining and the governor has implemented millions of dollars in … cuts. The state budget is all about setting priorities and boosting local aid represents a more prudent use of our limited state resources.” Amendment opponents say telephone and video calls are a lifeline for people locked in prisons and their families. They said these calls help families keep in touch and can help incarceratLicensed & Insured ed people succeed when they are released from prison into the community. Rep. Mike Day (D-Stoneham), the House chair of the Judiciary Committee, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to explain his opposition to the amendment. (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment providing $35 million in local aid to cities and towns. A “No” vote is against it.) Rep. Jessica Giannino No Rep. Jeff Turco No PROTECT CONSUMER WHEN PURCHASING CARS (S 2716) Senate 38-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say will modernize protections for consumers in automobile transactions. The bill adds legal safeguards for buyers who purchase used and leased cars in Massachusetts by creating new consumer protections in the car buying process. A key provision expands the Lemon Aid Law by providing consumers seven days from the date of delivery to inspect their vehicle and obtain a full refund if the vehicle fails inspection. Current law provides this return privilege seven days from the date of sale. Other provisions would ensure those who lease a vehicle have the same rights to repossession notice and right to cure as those who fi nance a vehicle; and increase the used vehicle warranty from 125,000 miles to 150,000 miles — a move supporters say that will protect consumers who purchase more affordable vehicles with higher mileage. Supporters say the bill would expand the rights of car buyers who expect a purchased vehicle to be in a state of good repair and free of problems. “I am … proud that the Senate has passed legislation I have fi led to update Massachusetts used vehicle statutes and close existing loopholes in our laws that prevent the attorney general from adequately protecting consumers during a used car purchase,” said sponsor Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL HOME OIL LEAKS (S 2737) — The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would mandate that insurance companies in the Bay State provide resFree Estimates Carpentry * Kitchen & Bath * Roofs * Painting Decks * Siding * Carrijohomeimprovement.com Call 781-710-8918 * Saugus, MA General Contractor * Interior & Exterior idential owners with insurance for damage to home and property caused by a leak in a residential liquid fuel tank or home fuel supply lines. Current law requires that companies make coverage available for owners but supporters say that while coverage is available, there are many documented cases of companies not making owners aware that the coverage is available. They said this often results in homeowners being unaware they do not have insurance coverage until after they experience a liquid fuel tank leak. Supporters said that some 100 homeowners experience an oil leak in Massachusetts every year. They noted that leaks can incur costly damage to the residence itself, but under Massachusetts law owners are responsible for environmental cleanup, which can rise to $100,000 or more, to dispose of contaminated soil and mitigate the spread in surrounding areas. “I am … grateful that the Senate has passed a much needed consumer protection measure to protect homeowners in the event of an accidental home heating oil release so that homeowners aren’t saddled with exorbitantly high clean-up costs through no fault of their own,” said Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), chair of the Financial Service Committee. MUST PAY BROKER FEE (H 4474) — The House gave initial approval to legislation requiring that in real estate transactions, the fees associated with hiring brokers are paid by the party who hires them. “It is common practice in the Massachusetts rental market for landlords to hire brokers to list properties and execute lease agreements,” said sponsor Rep. Paul Schmid. “The landlords then pass off the broker’s fee, often half to a full month rent, onto the tenant making the housing market increasingly unaff ordable. This bill would ensure that whoever hires the broker, landlord or tenant, pays the fees. EXTEND TAX BREAKS TO MORE FARMERS (H 2693) — The House gave initial approval to a bill that would expand current law and make more farmers eligible for a favorable valuation of property process that results in a tax break. Under current law, to be eligible for the favorable valuation and the resulting tax break, a farmer must own and be farming a minimum of fi ve contiguous acres of land. The bill would reduce the required number to two and not require the acres to be contiguous. Supporters said that farming practices have been modernized and farmers no longer need vast contiguous acreage to grow crops and manage their livestock. They noted that in Eastern Massachusetts, contiguous land is getting harder to acquire. “The bill basically would provide a farmer with multiple parcels of agricultural land the same taxation benefits that a farmer would receive if they owned all their fi ve acres in the same municipality,” said sponsor Rep. James Arciero (D-Westford). “Whenever an owner holds two or more non-contiguous areas of land in one or more subdivisions of the commonwealth equaling not less than fi ve acres, the owner shall have the right to apply for the provisions of this section provided all parcels are within a 10-mile radius of one another, or within the confi nes of a single municipality. The acreage would have to meet all the requirements for the benefi ts of this section as if the land was contiguous.” CONDO CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY TAX (H 2982) — The House gave initial approval to a bill that would change the current law which removes from a city or town’s property tax rolls the land of a large-scale condominium project during the construction phase. The bill would keep the land on the tax rolls during the constructions phase. Supporters say that this problem is more of an issue on multiphased projects where a first phase of a condominium development gets built, and for whatever reason other phases of the project languish. “I fi led the bill … to support municipal assessors as they assess their municipal property tax revenue,” said sponsor Rep. Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “We want to ensure that municipalities receive all the revenue to which they are entitled in order to fully provide for essential service demands.” “This is about fairness and equity,” said Kevin Rudden, Legislative Chair of the State Assessors Association. “Communities currently lose the value and property tax revenue of a condominium project during a multi-phase project, particularly if it’s delayed. That means other homeowners must make up for that lost revenue. This fi xes that so the value of the property and its revenue to the community is not lost during construction phases.” HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been fi led. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of April 2226, the House met for a total of 26 hours and 57 minutes and the Senate met for a total of fi ve hours and six minutes. Mon. April 22 House 11:01 a.m. to 11:17 a.m. Senate 11:19 a.m. to 11:32 a.m. Tues. April 23 No House session No Senate session . Wed. April 24 House 11:01 a.m. to 8:33 p.m. No Senate session Thurs. April 25 House 11:02 a.m. to 8:46 p.m. Senate 12:22 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Fri. April 26 House 10:00 a.m. to 5:25 p.m. No Senate session Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 Page 17 MASS HOUSE | FROM Page 11 including $500,000 for the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance Workforce Development The House budget funds the Executive Offi ce of Labor and Workforce Development at $115 million. Additionally, it invests in the following initiatives: • $59.4 million for Adult Basic Education Services • $20.2 million for Labor and Workforce Development Shared Services • $18.4 million for DTA Employment and Training Services • $16.2 million for Summer Jobs for At Risk Youth • $10.4 million for Career Technical Institutes • $10 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund • $10 million for the Targeted Scholarship Program for highdemand industries • $9.9 million for One Stop Career Centers • $7.8 million for School-to-Career Connecting Activities • $5.4 million for Higher Education Innovation Fund Grants • $3.8 million for Registered Apprenticeship Expansion • $3.5 for Career and Technical Education Grants Energy and Environmental Affairs The House’s budget invests $579.9 million in Energy and Environmental Aff airs, including: • $159.7 million for the Department of Conservation and Recreation • $86.7 million for the Department of Environmental Protection • $75.4 million for the Department of Agricultural Resources • $63.4 million for the Clean Water Trust It also includes $35 million for an MBTA Resilient Rides program, a $30 million transfer to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and $10 million in continued support for Green SchoolWorks program to decarbonize and increase effi ciency in our schools through green energy projects. The budget creates a new Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund, initially consisting of $14 million, for permanent emergency disaster relief from natural disasters or other catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, landslides, extreme winds, and extreme temperatures. It also creates a new Environmental Justice Fund to be funded by settlements from the Attorney General’s Division of Environmental Protection for remediation projects in disadvantaged communities such as restoration of natural resource, projects for community health or well-being, mitigation of environmental pollution or harm. Health and Human Services The House budget includes $20.8 billion for MassHealth, representing the largest investment in the budget. It includes a provision that would provide prenatal vitamins and over-the-counter oral contraceptives at no cost for MassHealth and Health Safety Net (HSN) members, as well as another provision to eliminate co-pays and premiums for certain children’s insurance plans. The House’s FY25 budget invests in the human services workforce, which provides services to our most vulnerable residents, by including $390 million for Chapter 257 rates for health and human service workers, and $50 million for rate increases for nursing facilities. It also protects the Personal Care Attendant program by requiring that eligibility criteria and services be maintained at FY24 levels. It also funds the following initiatives: • $13 million for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative • $10 million to support more intensive programs for adolescents with complex behavioral needs • $4.9 million in workforce development for funding for nurses through recruitment bonuses, educator funding, and testing • $3 million for the Besty Lehman Center for Patient Safety • $28 million for Councils on Aging Public Health and Mental Health The House budget funds the Department of Public Health at $1 billion and the Department of Mental Health at $1.18 billion for FY25. Investments include: • $193.5 million for the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) • $14.2 million for statewide and community-based suicide prevention • $1.25 million for prostate cancer awareness, education, and research • $622.3 million for adult support services • $130.5 million for child and adolescent services Criminal Justice The House budget continues to invest in programs and policies to uphold our commitment to criminal justice reform by reducing recidivism rates and increasing access to justice and inmate services. It also effectuates the closure of MCI-Concord, a medium security jail that is currently operating at half capacity, and authorizes the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to convey the property. It also includes the following investments: • $32.7 million for the Offi ce of Community Corrections • $15.6 million for Community Based Reentry Services • $7 million for Emerging Adults Pre-and-Post Release Reentry Grants • $4.8 million for Housing Assistance for Reentry Transition • $2.75 million for Reentry Workforce Development and Supportive Services • $1.6 million for the School of Reentry • $52.5 million for Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corp. to provide legal services to the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations • $35 million transfer to the NoCost Calls Trust Fund to provide free phone calls for inmates and their families • $4.8 million to cover the costs of afterhours bail fees • $3.2 million for Prisoners’ Legal Services • $2.5 million to implement an access to counsel pilot program to provide legal representation for low-income families in eviction proceedings Speaker Mariano and the House Committee on Ways & Means introduced their FY25 budget proposal on April 10, 2024, following a review of the Governor’s proposal and a series of public hearings. The budget passed the House of Representatives 153-4, and now goes to the Senate for consideration. 1. Miles Standish was the caption of what ship? 2. On May 3, 1978, the fi rst spam email ever was sent — on what internet predecessor? 3. In what year did the Olympic Games at the Paris Exposition Universelle include fi reman’s drills, carrier pigeons and ballooning: 1876, 1900 or 1941? 4. According to the Dull Men’s Club, data shows that “10-minute bursts of activity” doing household chores benefi ts what? 5. May 4 is Bird Day; the Bird Day founder suggested that students should recite “bird facts and proverbs” like “A bird in the bush is worth two in the __”? 6. What substance (starts with “t”) makes redwood tree bark red? 7. What language does the name of the 1955 Little Richard song “Tutti Frutti” come from? 8. On May 5, 1809, Connecticut’s Mary Kies was the fi rst American female to receive a patent, which was for weaving straw, silk and thread to make what accessory? Answers 9. What six letter word ends in “mt”? 10. Where is the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World”: Paris, France; Macon, Georgia; or Osaka, Japan? 11. On May 6, 1957, was the last episode of what sitcom that had a Cuban costar? 12. What is the collective noun for a bunch of bananas? 13. May is AAPI Heritage Month; what does AAPI stand for? 14. On May 7, 1840, what composer of “Swan Lake,” “The Nutcracker” and the “1812 Overture” was born? 15. Who is the Greek Goddess of Spring? 16. On May 8, 1961, the New York Metropolitan Baseball Club, Inc. chose what nickname? 17. How are Diana, Florence and Mary similar? 18. What German word means “desire to hike”? 19. What island country gets most of its energy geothermally and from hydroelectricity? 20. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day on the second Monday of May; what is the day’s traditional fl ower? Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com BUYER1 Jaiswal, Shri Saeed, Jewel REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS SELLER1 BUYER2 DICENSO, NICO A DICENSO, SADIE A Thakkar, Darshit 324 Princeton LLC SELLER2 DICENSO, ANNA DICENSO, ANTHONY RETals LLC ADDRESS 98 ATWOOD ST #9 DATE PRICE 04.09.24 500000 350 Revere Beach Blvd #2T 04.12.24 310000 185 Squire Rd 04.08.24 2000000 Revere 1. The Mayfl ower 2. The U.S. Defense Dept.’s Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPAnet) 3. 1900 4. Health (“lowers risks of heart attack, stroke, and death”) 5. Hand 6. Tannin 7. Italian (means “all fruits”) 8. Hats 9. Dreamt 10. Macon 11. “I Love Lucy” (Desi Arnaz) 12. Hand 13. Asian American and Pacifi c Islander 14. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky 15. Persephone 16. New York Mets 17. They are fi rst names of The Supremes (last names: Ross, Ballard and Wilson, respectively) 18. Wanderlust 19. Iceland 20. Carnation
Page 18 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / All estimates, consultations or inspections completed Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 WASTE REMOVAL & BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Landscaping, Lawn Care, Mulching • Yard Waste & Rubbish Removal • Interior & Exterior Demolition (Old Decks, Fences, Pools, Sheds, etc.) • Appliance and Metal Pick-up • Construction and Estate Cleanouts • Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $169 • Carpentry LICENSED & INSURED Call for FREE ESTIMATES! Discount Services - Raccoons - Squirrel Removal 781-269-0914 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 Discount Tree Service 781-269-0914 ADVOCATE Call now! 781-286-8500 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net Professional TREE REMOVAL & Cleanups 24-HOUR SERVICE ClassiClassifieds
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Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 3, 2024 FOR SALE FOR SALE- ARE YOU SICK OF THE BORING COOKIE CUTTER HOMES WITH NO DETAIL? WELL THEN THIS HOME IS THE ONE YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. THIS BEAUTIFUL OLD VICTORIAN GREETS YOU WITH A GRAND FOYER RIGHT OFF THE COVERED FRONT PORCH. INSIDE THE HOME YOU WILL FIND EXPANSIVE ROOMS DRIPPING WITH RICH PERIOD DETAIL. YOU WILL ALSO FIND THE GORGEOUS STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE TWO UPPER LEVELS. THE 1ST FLOOR OFFERS FORMAL DINING, LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN, 3/4 BATH AND OFFICE SPACE WITH A DECK OVERLOOKING THE BACK YARD. THE 2ND FLOOR HAS A PRIMARY SUITE, 3 ADDITIONAL BEDROOMS, A FULL BATH, AND LAUNDRY ROOM. THE 3RD FLOOR OFFERS ANOTHER ROOM WHICH COULD EASILY BE A 5TH BEDROOM WITH 2 CEDAR CLOSETS AND A BALCONY WITH BOSTON VIEWS. ALSO, ON THE 3RD FLOOR IS A HUGE UNFINISHED SPACE FOR STORAGE OR FINISH FOR MORE ROOM! THE WALK-OUT BASEMENT OFFERS A 3 ROOM, 1 BEDROOM, 1 BATH IN-LAW UNIT GREAT FOR EXTENDED FAMILY OR RENTAL INCOME PLUS STORAGE SPACE. FENCED YARD & 2 CAR GARAGE. MALDEN $1,075,000 CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 UNDER CONTRACT FOR SALE- RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS TWO FAMILY HOME LOCATED ON A DEAD END STREET IN SAUGUS CENTER. FIRST FLOOR OFFERS ONE BEDROOM, EAT-IN KITCHEN, LIVING ROOM, OFFICE, DINING ROOM (COULD BE A SECOND BEDROOM) FULL BATH AND IN-UNIT LAUNDRY. THE SECOND UNIT FEATURES EAT-IN KITCHEN, NICE SIZED LIVING ROOM AND TWO BEDROOMS. NEWER GAS HEATING SYSTEMS. SEPARATE UTILITIES, PAVED DRIVEWAY, PLENTY OF OFF STREET PARKING. LARGE BASEMENT WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE. THIS PROPERTY IS PERFECT FOR ANYBODY LOOKING TO OWNER OCCUPY OR RENT. SAUGUS $749,000 CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 UNDER CONTRACT FOR SALEBUILDABLE LOT SAUGUS FOR SALE- THIS COMMERCIAL CONDO IS IN A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER BUILDING AND AREA OF READING, RIGHT AT THE TRAIN DEPOT. THIS 2ND FLOOR CORNER UNIT OFFERS 4 PRIVATE OFFICES, THREE CUBICLES, A KITCHENETTE AND A SMALL RECEPTION AREA. THIS UNIT IS ALSO COMING FULLY FURNISHED WITH DESKS, SHELVING AND CHAIRS. THERE IS ALSO ONE DEEDED PARKING SPOT OUT BACK ALONG WITH UNDER COVER ENTRY. THIS BUILDING OFFERS BEAUTIFUL COMMON AREAS AND LOBBY, AS WELL AS COMMON 6 BATHROOMS. THERE IS ALSO AN ELEVATOR IN THE BUILDING MAKING IT HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE. READING $325,000 CALL DEBBIE 617-678-9710 CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 FOR DETAILS UNDER CONTRACT FOR SALE- BRIGHT AND SUNNY 1/2 DUPLEX ON QUIET DEAD END STREET NOW AVAILABLE. THIS PET FRIENDLY UNIT HAS IT ALL. MAIN LEVEL FEATURES A LIVING ROOM, UPDATED KITCHEN AND HALF BATHROOM. UPSTAIRS THERE ARE 2 BEDROOMS WITH A FULL BATHROOM. THE LOWER LEVEL FINISHED FAMILY ROOM IS A COZY ADDITION TO THIS ALREADY ADORABLE HOME. ENJOY YOUR PRIVATE FENCED IN BACKYARD ON YOUR COMPOSITE DECK OR BELOW ON YOUR BEAUTIFUL PAVER PATIO. THE YARD ALSO INCLUDES A LARGE SHED WITH A RAMP. YOU WILL NOT FIND A LOWER HOA ANYWHERE. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS LOVELY HOME. PEABODY $429,900 CALL JOHN 617-285-7117 FOR SALE FOR SALE-NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH 3800 SQFT OF LIVING! THIS HOME FEATURES 9' CEILINGS ON BOTH FLOORS, CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETS, THERMADOR APPLIANCES, 10' ISLAND, QUARTZ COUNTERS & BACKSPLASH, COFFEE STATION, ELECTRIC FIREPLACE IN FAMILY ROOM WITH COFFERED CEILING, WIDE PLANK OAK 6" HW FLOORS. 2ND FLOOR LAUNDRY WITH CUSTOM CABINETS, 4 BEDROOMS, LARGE PRIMARY SUITE W/ CUSTOM WALK-IN CLOSET. SHOWER HAS 3 SHOWER HEADS AND 2 BODY SPRAYS FOR SPA- LIKE EXPERIENCE. ENTERTAINMENT AREA WITH A FULL BATHROOM AND A CUSTOM WET BAR IN FULL BASEMENT. LYNNFIELD $1,590,000 CALL KEITH 781-389-0791 COMMERCIAL RENTAL • GREAT HIGHWAY ACCESS AND TRAFFIC EXPOSURE WITH THIS SUNNY AND BRIGHT WELL MAINTAINED OFFICE SPACE, LOCATED ON A 2ND FLOOR. NICE SIZE RECEPTION AREA, 2-3 PRIVATE OFFICES, PLUS A CONFERENCE ROOM. FLEXIBLE FOOLR PLAN, CABLE & SECURITY AVAILABLE, TENANT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GAS HEAT & C/A, ELECTRIC & CABLE. THERE IS PLENTY OF OFF-STREET PARKING. GOOD CREDIT AND REFERENCES. AVAILABLE JUNE 1ST. SAUGUS $1,400 CALL RHONDA 781-706-0842 MOBILE HOMES LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? JUSTIN KLOACK (978) 815-2610 CALL HIM FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE • THIS IS LIKE LIVING IN A SINGLE FAMILY HOME . BEST BUY ON MARKET HUGE BEAUTIFUL UPDATED AND VERY PRIVATE UNIT WITH APPROX 1180 SQ FT LIVING AREA.. VERY RARE TO FIND UNITS AVAILABLE IN THIS VERY DESIRABLE PARK. 2-3 BEDROOMS HUGE PRIVATE DOUBLE CORNER LOT. NEWER PROPANE FURNACE, CENTRAL AIR, NEWER KITCHEN ,NEWER FLOORING, NEW HW TANK, PITCHED ROOF, HUGE FAMILY ROOM CAN BE MASTER BEDROOM. FULL SIZE WASHER AND DRYER IN LAUNDRY ROOM. SAUGUS $169,900 • GREAT YOUNG ONE BEDROOM UNIT IN A VERY DESIRABLE PARK IN MOVE IN CONDITION. 2 CAR PARKING. LOW PARK RENT OF 410 A MONTH INCLUDES RE TAXES, WATER AND SEWER, RUBBISH REMOVAL AND , SNOW PLOWING. NO DOGS ALLOWED. SOLD AS IS WILL NOT LAST. DANVERS $99,900 • PRE-CONSTRUCTION. WELCOME TO SHADY OAKS BRAND NEW MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY. AFFORDABLE YET UPSCALE LIVING , EACH HOME HAS AMPLE SQUARE FOOTAGE WITH 2 BEDROOMS AND 2 BATHS. OPEN CONCEPT PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING. HIGH QUALITY FINISHES FROM TOP TIER APPLIANCES TO ELEGANT FINISHES.. A SERENE WOODED SETTING WHILE BEING CONVENIENT TO SCHOOLS, SHOPPING, DINING AND MAJOR TRANSPORTATION ROUTES. THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF THIS THRIVING COMMUNITY AT AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE. LOW PARK RENT OF 450 A MONTH. INCLUDES TAXES, WATER AND SEWER, RUBBISH REMOVAL AND SNOW PLOWING. ACT NOW BEFORE PRICE INCREASE. EXPECTED OCCUPANCY DATE APRIL 2024 DANVERS PRICES START AT $249,000 FOR 2 BEDROOM, $159,900 FOR 1 BEDROOM. CALL ERIC 781-223-0289
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