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Page 22 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 2023 BEACON | FROM Page 20 hike for all Senate employees. All staff members who began work prior to May 1, 2023 will receive a 7.5 percent pay hike beginning July 31, 2023. For example, a staff er who currently earns $50,000 will receive a $3,750 hike to $53,750 while an employee earning $100,000 will receive a $7,500 bump to $107,500. “I know I refl ect the feelings of the Senate members when I say that we are deeply appreciative of all of your hard work,” said Spilka in an e-mail last week to Senate staff ers. “Thank you for your continued dedication to the Senate and the people of the commonwealth.” Judicial and executive branch employees currently have the right to form a union but Legislative staff cannot do so. Two bills, H 3069 and S 2014, pending before the Legislature would allow these employees to unionize. The measures are giving little chance of success this year based on a recent comment from Spilka in July 2022 that “the Senate does not at this time see a path forward for a traditional employer-union relationship in the Senate as we are currently structured.” LIMIT FEE FOR CASHING CHECKS (H 344) – The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a measure that would set a cap on the fees check-cashing stores and outlets are allowed to charge. The maximum charge would be 5 percent of the value of a personal check or $5, whichever is greater, plus a $1 service charge; 2.5 percent of a government check plus a $1 service charge; 2.25 percent of a payroll check plus a $1 service charge; and 3 percent of all other checks including traveler’s check, cashier’s check and certifi ed check plus a $1 service charge. Supporters said of the 34 states that regulate check cashing, Massachusetts is one of eight that do not regulate the fees that may be charged. They argued these check-cashing “stores” are often located in low-income neighborhoods and take advantage of vulnerable residents. They noted the bill would provide greater consumer protections for individuals who are “unbanked” -- folks who don’t have a checking, savings or money market account or who are “underbanked” --- folks who may have a bank account, but also rely regularly on alternative fi nancial services outside of the mainstream banking system. Lower-income households, less educated households, Black households, Hispanic households, working-age households with a disability and single-mother households are most vulnerable to being unbanked or underbanked. “This bill aims to tear down fi nancial barriers that create situational and generational cycles of poverty by fostering a fair and responsible market in which low-income families can more easily save and protect their money,” said sponsor Rep. Kay Khan (D-Newton). “Passage of this bill will allow people to keep more of their hard38 Main St. Saugus (781) 558-1091 20 Railroad Ave. Rockport (978)-999-5408 mangorealtyteam.com EVERETT 2 Family Two families like this one are hard to come across. Located just 6 miles away from Boston. This vibrant community maintains it's small city feeling with so many amenities. This home boasts an inviting 2 units that offers hardwood floors. The 1st unit has a 4 Room 2 bedroom and the 2nd unit has 2 levels that have 2 baths. This home has a driveway, fenced yard, a 5 year old roof along with newer windows. Everett has new high school along with close to major routes, Airport, Encore, and more. Investment opportunity or the chance to make this gem your home $899,000 CALL/TEXT Sue 617-877-4553 Commercial Rental ROCKLAND Dreaming of starting your own business, this space is for you. This professional office or retail space is located on busy Union Street right outside of Rockland Center. Space has two front entrances and one rear exit. There are two rest rooms. Additional storage space in the basement! Multiple parking spaces in the rear of the building. Tenant pays their own electricity and heating costs. Exterior maintenance (snow plowing and landscaping) is shared with adjoining tenant. High traffic and strong visibility location close to the areas major highways. Flexible terms for start-up business. Parking for these two units will be out back or on side of building, not in front, and there is plenty! Large basement for storage included in lease. Other uses are permitted with special permit. Lessee to conduct due diligence with Rockland building department $1,750. CALL/TEXT Peter 781-820-5690 Commercial Condo for Sale LYNN Location! The perfect combination of exceptional location and unique brick building that offers a 4 room 2 bedroom. This condo complex has a professional managed and well maintained building on the Lynn/Salem Line. Come enjoy the open concept of living and dining room combination with sliders to outside balcony. 1 car garage, storage, and plenty of parking! $349,000 CALL/TEXT Christine (603) 670-3353 Studio Condo, 1 Bed/bath. Currently vacant. Condo must sell as owner occupied, per condo rules. FHA approved. This condo is a professionally managed unit, with a pool, dog park, gazebo, and parking. H/P accessible via elevator. Restaurants and bus route nearby within walking distance..... $235,000. sell sell pp y az aze ze o rRe t on ly mam a d ally m lly m o, an m n ym pprov y m ma nd par l ov as ve e as ow ed. T . T mana d pa bat n bath .T. Th . Th h s s ed nit, with in s co unit, scs un sc w u C w ner o This ner o his oc Cururr n cup e up up do i occupied pe upied rren pied d, p s a vac er c ed, perp er c s SAUGUS This tri-level is located in the highly desirable Indian Rock Development. The open concept kitchen offers S.S. appliances & a center island that adjoins a double sliding door that leads to the screened in porch. A 1 car garage attached to this lovely home and bonus rooms in the basement with so much more space. $949,000 elo g c car ms in n h a g oo do g doo gara th lo lo ance oor ce or o r h ort age at ac opme pme s & a s ha n es a c r tha ge at nt. Th cen ce ce en ated h ted i he nt. The o d & a cent & a ce te t le ent Th o tete in th pen ente ds to ds to penpepe isla p h o theo the pe igh gh n co and t an t on nce at h 14 Norwood St. Everett (781)-558-1091 earned income, improving their ability to build assets, create wealth and promote overall stability in the economy of the commonwealth.” BAN ELEPHANTS AND OTHER ANIMALS (H 3245/S 2189) – The Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban elephants, bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and other animals from being used in traveling circuses and other traveling shows in Massachusetts. Violators would be fi ned between $500 and $10,000. “It is cruel for any of these large animals to live a life on the road and be forced into an unnatural lifestyle,” said House sponsor Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “Animal-based traveling acts have waned in popularity across the nation, with many companies eliminating animal-based models and now proudly off ering animal-free shows. Currently, 14 municipalities in Massachusetts have local ordinances banning traveling animal acts and eight other states have already adopted these bans. Action is needed statewide to protect wildlife and ensure the humane treatment of all animals.” “Exotic, wild animals are subject to abusive training as they are transported throughout the country and across the commonwealth,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Adam Gomez (DSpringfi eld). “The cruel exhibition of these various animals also poses serious health and safety to the general public. We must be intolerant to animal abuse and ensure the safety SAUGUS of patrons.” QUOTABLE QUOTES Massachusetts, like most states, currently has a law to prevent utility shut off s during the winter months. However only 19 states have similar provisions for dealing with extreme heat in the summer months. Recent reports from scientists indicate that Massachusetts residents can expect extreme heat conditions annually for the foreseeable future.” ---Former Sen. Dick Moore, Legislative Chair of the Dignity Alliance urging passage of a bill to protect older adults and people with disabilities for having utilities shut-off during periods of extreme heat. “This contract demonstrates the T’s commitment toward reducing its emissions and is another step toward reaching our climate goals. In addition to reducing the Authority’s greenhouse gas emissions, these 40foot battery electric buses have many amenities to enhance our riders’ experience, like fl ip-up seats, accessibility features and dual-sided passenger information screens.” --- MBTA General Manager Philip Eng announcing the MBTA’s new $119 million contract with New Flyer of America Inc. for the production and delivery of 80 new, low-fl oor, 40foot battery electric buses. “It could be ‘Plastic-Free July’ all year round if we can get this bill over the fi nish line. Reusable bags are ready and waiting.” ---Janet Domenitz of MASSPIRG on proposed legislation to eliminate single-use plastic bags in the Bay State. “As Massachusetts will experience some of its most intense heat in the coming days, it’s important for people to make a plan to stay safe – including staying hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and checking in on one another. We’ve expanded hours at DCR swimming pools, beaches, waterfronts and spray decks to allow for more opportunities for residents to cool off . We’re grateful to the workers who are putting in the time and effort to support these extended hours. All of us can do our part to help our friends and neighbors beat the heat.” ---Gov. Maura Healey. 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. MOVE RIGHT IN..This Spectacular sun-filled home with exceptional flow. Details matter & this lovely home is brimming with great potential and character. Walk into a screened in porch & read your favorite book or just have your favorite drink w/ a friend or family member. The kitchen leads and flows into the living & dining room that offers gleaming hardwood floors & a full bath on the first floor. The second floor has 3 generous bedrooms that have hardwood floors with an additional new full bath. The roof is approximately 2 years old. The Driveway can park 3-4 cars tandem, Easy access to public transportation, 20 minutes from Boston, & proximity close to shopping malls & restaurants. Saugus is an energetic town featuring new schools, low property tax rate. Something this sweet will not last. Rather than just a home, this property offers a lifestyle. $599,000. CALL/TEXT Sue 617-877-4553 Business Opportunity LYNN Condo for Rent WAKEFIELD Condo for Rent W. PEABODY MANGO Realty is offering a great opportunity to acquire a long established active restaurant/bar with common victualer/all alcohol license in a prime down town Lynn location. The owner of this business is retiring after 29 years of success at this location. Loyal customer base. Kitchen facilities updated. Two rest rooms. Seats 92/ Plenty of off-street parking. Documented revenue for both food, liquor and lottery allows you to have a quick return on your investment. Favorable lease terms for this corner location. $200,000. CALL/TEXT Peter 781-820-5690 Condo for Sale LYNN This sun filled apartment will brighten your day. It has a large eat in kitchen that includes refrigerator with a good size living room along with gleaming hardwood floors. This property is in a prime spot for dreamers that want accessibility to Lake Quannapowitt and center of town that includes a great library, restaurants, banks, and major routes. This second floor unit has assigned parking. Good Credit, income/employment verification with references required. No Smoking and No Pets. $2,000. CALL/TEXT Sue 617-877-4553 You will be stunned the very moment you enter into this condo. This spacious unit is like new and has been tastefully renovated with the past 5 years and impeccably maintained since. The large eat in kitchen offers stainless steel appliances, granite countertops. The open concept floor plan is perfect for entertaining Assigned garage space and ample visitor parking are just a few more perks to mention. Easy and low maintenance living. this is true value and convenience at its best. This fantastic W Peabody location is ideal for commuters boasting access to Rte 1 and I 95 and is just minutes away from the North Shore Mall. Condo has a function room, a beautiful pool, tennis courts and more. No Pets, No Smoking, This will not last. Great credit score and references required.$3,000. CALL/TEXT Sue 617-877-4553 C NTONTRACT UNDE NDER CT CONTRAC UNDER CONTRACT UNDER

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