Page 20 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 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 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 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. $750,000 FOR REGIONAL LIBRARIES (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase by $750,000 (from $15,967,600 to $16,717,600) funding for regional libraries. “I’m proud to sponsor this amendment to increase support for our regional public libraries,” said sponsor Sen. Jake Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “By passing the amendment, the Senate has sent a clear message that it stands in solidarity to support free thought, diversity, inclusion and equity across the commonwealth through our public library system.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $750,000.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes $600,000 FOR WALKABLE DOWNTOWNS (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved $600,000 for technical assistance to cities and towns to promote compact, walkable downtowns that have a “vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities and access to public transportation.” “I was honored to deliver my inaugural speech in support of … $600,000 toward the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative … in the Senate budget,” said sponsor Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “The program is adminYour 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 istered by the Executive Offi ce of Economic Development and provides technical assistance to municipalities hoping to revitalize their downtown areas. I fi led this amendment so cities like my hometown of Lawrence can improve their downtowns so they can continue to thrive for years to come.” (A “Yes” vote is for the $600,000.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes $1 MILLION FOR BIRTH CENTERS (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment providing $1 million for the awarding of grants for the development and operation of freestanding birth centers. Priority for funding would be given to birth centers that serve communities historically impacted most by racial inequities in maternal health including high rates of maternal and infant mortality. Birth centers facilities, usually staff ed by nurse-midwives, provide a less institutionalized and less restricted setting than a hospital for women who wish to deliver by natural childbirth. Amendment supporters said there is only one remaining birthing center in Massachusetts. They noted the amendment would lead to much needed additional birthing centers in the Bay State. Amendment sponsor Sen. Liz Miranda (D-Boston) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on the approval of her amendment. (A “Yes” vote is for the $1 million.) Sen. Lydia Edwards Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL FUNDING FOR MASSACHUSETTS-BASED RESIDENTS’ STARTUP COMPANIES (S 237) - The Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee held a hearing on legislation that would create a $500,000 pilot program off ering competitive grants to Massachusetts residents who are starting new businesses. “I believe in the potential of our citizens to drive innovation and economic growth,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “By providing support and resources to local startup companies, we can foster entrepreneurship, create SCAM | FROM Page 16 • Be cautious about credit check websites. If you need a credit check, always use reputable sources, such as those recommended by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at https://www.consumerfi nance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-dojob opportunities and contribute to the overall prosperity of our state.” FOOD LABELS (H 2205/S 1390) – The Committee on Public Health held a hearing on proposals that would standardize the date labels on food products sold in the Bay State by establishing two kinds of date labels to mitigate widespread consumer confusion and reduce food waste. The “Quality Date” label would indicate the date on which the quality of the food product may begin to deteriorate but it is still acceptable for consumption. The “Safety Date” label would apply to certain high-risk food products, signifying the point at which under any storage conditions, consumption of the food may pose a safety risk. “Food waste is an enormous problem in the United States, with an estimated 30 to 40 percent of our food supply – about 400 pounds per year per American - trucked to landfi lls according to the USDA,” said sponsor of the Senate version of the bill Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Lowell). “This, despite the fact that many residents continue to struggle with hunger. The current voluntary labeling standard is confusing and bills at the federal level to create a standard labeling practice have stalled. This bill creates uniformity in labeling to make it less confusing, in an eff ort to reduce food waste. These changes to create a standardized food labeling system will eliminate consumer confusion and reduce food waste, which in part will help to reduce hunger as well as benefi t retailers and the environment.” “In my role as a co-founder and co-chair of the Food System Caucus, reducing food insecurity and food waste are two important priorities,” said Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) who sponsored the House version. “This legislation addresses both by providing standardized language that diff erentiates clearly what food is still safe to eat and donate, versus what food is not.” CHINESE-OWNED COMPANIES IN MASSACHUSETTS (H 413) – The Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee held a hearing on legislation that would establish a special commission to study the fi nancial relationship between i-get-a-copy-of-my-credit-reports-en-5/ For more information Visit https://www.bbb.org/ all/moving for more tips and advice. Learn more about common rental scams in the BBB study at https://www. bbb.org/article/news-releases/21033-bbb-investigaMassachusetts businesses and Chinese state-owned companies. The commission would identify Massachusetts-based assets held by Chinese stateowned companies, determine the extent to which business operations conducted by Chinese state-owned companies aff ect local industries and assess the corresponding dangers posed to the Bay State’s economic wellbeing and sovereignty. “In recent years, the Chinese government has attempted to use its economic power to infl uence the policies of foreign governments by imprisoning visiting businesspeople on spurious charges, abruptly terminating contracts with foreign companies after upfront expenses have been paid and stealing intellectual property,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Massachusetts companies, specifi cally those in the biotech, software, manufacturing and fi - nance sectors, are particularly vulnerable to pressure applied by the Chinese government. The proposed commission will provide vital information about the nature and size of Chinese investment in the commonwealth and will assist lawmakers in identifying the state’s economic vulnerabilities and devising a strategy to protect local industries.” ALLOW 16- AND 17-YEAROLD YOUTHS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS (H 3576) – A bill heard by the Election Laws Committee would allow cities and towns to permit people aged 16- and 17-year to vote in their local city and town elections and presidential primaries. Current law requires that voters be 18. “The benefi ts to lowering the municipal voting age to 16 or 17 are many and include increasing voter turnout, especially in local elections which are historically low, creating lifelong civic habits and strengthening our representative democracy,” said Geoff Foster, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts. Supporters noted that studies have shown that 16- and 17-year-olds score evenly with 21-year-olds on questions about political knowledge, tolerance, political effi cacy, perceived civic skills and community service. Many cities and towns over BEACON | SEE Page 22 tion-rental-scams. Watch out for a similar scam where the “landlord” claims they are out of town and unable to show the property. If you spot a rental scam, blow the whistle! Report your experience at BBB.org/ ScamTracker to help build consumer awareness and frustrate scammers’ schemes.
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