Page 26 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 BEACON | FROM Page 25 tate tax” to imply that this tax is mostly paid by the wealthy. Amendment supporters said that Massachusetts is one of only 12 states that have an estate/death tax and that the Bay State’s is the most aggressive of the 12. They said that in light of the high value of houses, with the average home price more than $500,000, the $1 million threshold of this “unfair and regressive” tax is too low and noted the federal tax exempts the fi rst $12 million. They noted that Massachusetts is losing many residents who move to Florida and other states where this tax does not even exist. Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marl1. On May 30, 1942, over 1,000 British bombers fl ew to what city with a name similar to perfume? 2. How are alewife, clown and dog similar? 3. What Secretary of the Treasury was born in the British Leeward Islands and was orphaned? 4. On May 31, 1977, the TransAlaska Pipeline was completed between Prudhoe Bay and what? 5. In what country is “The Jungle Book” set: the Congo, India or Malaysia? 6. What Massachusetts city was originally called Mystic Side? 7. On June 1, 1494, Scottish Friar John Cor made the fi rst-known written record of what beverage? 8. How are Blue, Cabinet and The Situation similar? 9. How are bell, Carolina reaper and Scotch bonnet similar? 10. On June 2, 1886, Frances Folsom married what U.S. president (with a last name that is a city’s name) and became the youngest First Lady at 21? 11. Which song won the 2025 Eurovision contest: Answers “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights,” “Wasted Love” or “Wasted”? 12. What is pommes frites? 13. On June 3, 1906, what French entertainer (with the same fi rst name as “Little Women” sister) was born in Saint Louis, Missouri? 14. Which singer was called the Empress of the Blues: Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday or Bonnie Raitt? 15. The 2025 Beach Soccer World Cup fi nal was won by what country that originated the sport? 16. On June 4, 1937, what “first” in grocery shopping debuted at Oklahoma City’s Humpty Dumpty stores? 17. In 1980 what disease was declared eradicated: AIDS, polio or smallpox? 18. What is Rancho Obi-Wan in Petaluma, California? 19. Reportedly, semicolons are less popular; what wartime U.S. president said, “…I must say that I have a great respect for the semicolon; it’s a very useful little chap”? 20. On June 5, 2012, what author of “Fahrenheit 451” died? borough) Senate Chair of the Committee on Revenue, said he voted against the increased exemption because the Legislature in a bipartisan manner already raised the threshold last session from $1 million to $2 million, providing tax relief to many middle class and working families. “Further raising the threshold would not only further reduce state revenue at a time when federal budget cuts are looming, but such a change would only make our tax system more regressive, disproportionately benefi ting Massachusetts’ wealthiest families,” said Eldridge. (A “Yes” vote is for increasing the exemption to $5 million. A “No” vote is against increasing it.) Sen. Lydia Edwards No ALLOW GOLD STAR MOTHERS TO RECEIVE ANNUITY EVEN OIF THEY REMARRY (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would repeal a current law that restricts a surviving spouse from receiving the Gold Star annuity if they remarry. “As we near Memorial Day, a day where we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, we can never forget those they left behind,” said amendment sponsor Sen. John Velis (D-Westfi eld). “It is truly so cruel to me that these husbands and wives, who lost their loved ones, who have sacrificed so much themselves, are told that their sacrifice will no longer matters to the commonwealth if they decide to remarry.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes $400,000 FOR PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment increasing funding for a pediatric palliative care program by $400,000 (from $10.4 to $10.8 million). This program provides invaluable comprehensive care for children living with life-limiting or end-oflife illnesses, as well as support for their families. “I am proud to secure additional funding for this critical program which will help clear the waiting list for these services and support the staff who work with these children,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “Families who are seeking pediatric palliative care do not have time to wait on a waitlist. These children deserve quality care and support throughout the duration of their illness and at the end of their lives, and their families deserve the support they need as they face one of the most traumatic times of their lives. This program has been one of my top priorities during my 15 years in the Senate and I will continue to ensure that all families have access to these vital services.” (A Yes” vote is for the $400,000.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL HEALTHY PUBLIC COLLEGES (S 949) — The Higher Education Committee will hold a hearing on June 3rd to hear testimony and consider legislation that would establish a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission to evaluate and make recommendations on campus infrastructure — focusing on energy efficiency, indoor air quality, accessibility, life safety and overall public health. The proposal creates a trust fund to alleviate campus debt and lower student fees currently used to fi nance aging infrastructure. It also ensures longterm investments so that all public higher education campuses meet Green and Healthy standards by 2037. The bill prioritizes renovations for buildings in greatest need and addresses longstanding environmental and health inequities across campuses. “I filed this bill because every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, healthy and sustainable,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (DLudlow). “By investing in our public college and university infrastructure now, we can reduce student debt, eliminate health disparities and build a more equitable, climate-resilient future for higher education in Massachusetts.” SENIOR SHELTERS (H 787) — The Committee on Elder Aff airs will hold a hearing on June 24th to consider a bill that would establish a special commission to study the feasibility of dedicated senior shelters in Massachusetts. The commission would examine the unique needs of homeless seniors, evaluate existing resources and propose recommendations to address gaps in services and housing for this population. Supporters say that homeless seniors are a growing part of the homeless population in the Bay State. They note they face unique challenges and need specialized support because of limited retirement savings, rising housing costs and a lack of aff ordable housing options. Rep. Sean Reid (D-Lynn), the sponsor of the measure, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his bill. $500,000 FOR ENVIRONMENT — The Healey Administration announced nearly $500,000 in grants from the inaugural Environmental Justice Capacity Building Grant Program to help empower local organizations to build organizational capacity, strengthen local advocacy, advance community-driven solutions and improve the health and wellbeing of underserved communities. The Healey Administration said the grants represent an ongoing commitment to addressing environ1. Cologne, Germany (Eau de Cologne originated there in 1709.) 2. They are names of types of fi sh. 3. Alexander Hamilton 4. Valdez Harbor 5. India 6. Malden 7. Scotch whiskey 8. They are names of rooms at the White House. 9. They are types of pepper. 10. Grover Cleveland 11. “Wasted Love” by JJ 12. French fries (in French) 13. Josephine Baker 14. Bessie Smith 15. Brazil 16. Shopping carts 17. Smallpox 18. The world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia 19. “Honest Abe” Lincoln 20. Ray Bradbury
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