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Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023 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 25,000 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 Your Hometown News Delivered! EVERETT ADVOCATE MALDEN ADVOCATE REVERE ADVOCATE SAUGUS ADVOCATE One year subscription to The Advocate of your choice: $150 per paper in-town per year or $200 per paper out-of-town per year. Name_________________________________________ Address_______________________________________ City_______________ State_______ Zip ____________ CC# _______________________________ Exp. _____ Sec. code____ Advocate (City):___________________ Clip & Mail Coupon with Credit Card, Check or Money Order to: Advocate Newspapers Inc. PO Box 490407, Everett, MA 02149 Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications selected by MASSterlist’s new editor, Erin Tiernan, with help from Matt Murphy. Both are pros, with a wealth of experience, who introduce each article in their own clever way. 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/aPTLucK THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on roll calls from the recent debate on the Senate’s version of a $55.9 billion fi scal 2024 state budget. SEND 90 PERCENT OF CAPITAL GAINS TAX REVENUE ABOVE $1 BILLION TO THE RAINY DAY FUND (S 3) Senate 3-36, rejected an amendment that would maintain the current 90/5/5 law under which 90 percent of the capital gains tax collections exceeding $1 billion goes to the Rainy Day Fund, 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefi ts Trust Fund and 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefi ts Trust Fund. The amendment would replace a pending 60/20/20 proposal that would send, in fi scal 2024 only, 60 percent of the $1 billion excess to the Rainy Day Fund while sending 20 percent to the State Retiree Benefi ts Trust Fund and 20 percent to the State Pension Liability Fund. Amendment supporters said it is essential to provide 90 percent to the Rainy Day Fund which helps bail out the state during slow economic times when tax revenues shrink. Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his amendment. Amendment opponents said the Rainy Day Fund is fl ush with $7 billion and argued these retiree and pension funds are currently underfunded and need some additional money for just one year. Senate Ways and Means Chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him to comment on his opposition to the amendment. (A “Yes” vote is for maintaining the current 90/5/5 formula. A “No” vote is for the 60/20/20 formula.) Sen. Lydia Edwards No $1 MILLION FIGHT HUNGER ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would provide $1 million to support a hungerfree campus initiative to address food insecurity at public colleges and junior colleges. “Unfortunately, too many students at our state 2- and 4-year colleges are food insecure,” said sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “This $1 million will support on-campus programming to address food insecurity, like mobile markets, SNAP enrollment assistance and more. I am grateful that the Senate recognizes the critical importance of addressing this issue. No one should have to learn on an empty stomach.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $1 million.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes $300,000 FOR DRINK SPIKING CRISIS (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would provide $300,000 for the state to develop, research and recommend strategies to address the rising incidence of reported drink spiking in the Bay State. The funds could also be used for a public awareness campaign about drink spiking and the bulk purchase of drink spiking test kits to be distributed at bars, restaurants and other nightlife establishments across the state. Drink spiking is when a person adds alcohol or other drugs to someone’s drink without their knowledge. This can lead to many things including sexual assault or the intent to hurt or steal from the person. “Over the last year alone the commonwealth has seen an alarming increase in the number of reported drink spiking incidents at bars, nightclubs, concert venues and even house parties across the commonwealth,” said sponsor Sen. Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). “These incidents are all too common and we’ve seen countless warnings from law enforcement: ‘use the buddy system, cover your drink and don’t leave your drink unattended.’ Yet reports of these incidents persist and the commonwealth’s response is still catching up to the onslaught of these reports.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $300,000.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ADDITIONAL $400,000 FOR THE PREVENTION OF HATE CRIMES (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding by $400,000 (from $400,000 to $800,000) for grants to schools for the prevention of hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools. The grants would be used for education, professional development, prevention or community outreach, prioritizing schools that have experienced hate crimes or incidences of bias within the last two years. “With skyrocketing incidences of hate crimes and bias against people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jewish people and other minority groups, these programs are now more important than ever,” said sponsor Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury). “Addressing misinformed beliefs during children and teens’ formative years is the best strategy for preventing discriminatory behavior down the road, Hate has no home here in Massachusetts – I’m pleased to have received my colleagues’ support on this critical funding.” (A “Yes” vote is for the additional $400,000.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL PURCHASE ALCOHOL (H 369) – The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a hearing on a bill that would allow liquor and retail store clerks to accept a valid photographic, non-duplicate motor vehicle license issued by other states as a valid form of ID to purchase liquor in the Bay State. “The commonwealth invites people from across the country to our sporting and live events, as well as to vacation and tour our historical sites,” said sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “It only makes sense that we allow our licensees to be able to serve these individuals using their state identifi cation. In addition, this will give our businesses and restaurants additional sales and help them recover from losses during the pandemic.” HIGHER EDUCATION HEARING – The Higher Education Committee held a hearing on several bills including: PROTECT STUDENTS STUDYBEACON | SEE Page 22

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