Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 Massachusetts House Passes Bill to Remove Outdated and Offensive Terms in General Laws Bill removes out-of-date and offensive terms related to persons with disabilities B OSTON — Wednesday, November 5, 2025 — The Massachusetts House of Representatives today passed a bill that removes outdated and off ensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities. The language in the bill removes all variations of outdated terms such as “handicapped,” “disabled,” and the “r-word.” The bill replaces these terms with current terminology such as “person with a disability.” “As lawmakers, we know that words matter,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This legislation is our latest eff ort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices. I would like to thank Representatives Livingstone, Finn and Garballey for their work on this important legislation.” “Removing out-of-date and off ensive language from the Massachusetts General Laws to describe people with disabilities is an important step in ensuring that our values are also refl ected in our statutes,” said Representative Jay D. Livingstone (D-Boston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. “As legislators, it is our job to help make sure that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities feel included, accepted and embraced for who they are, and this is an important step in doing so.” “Updating our laws to reflect dignity and respect is more than symbolic, it’s about ensuring every person in Massachusetts is seen and valued,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Words matter, and by removing outdated and harmful language, we’re reaffi rming our commitment to inclusion and equality. I want to thank Speaker Mariano and Chair Michlewitz for their continued leadership in making sure our laws refl ect the values of today’s Commonwealth.” “I am pleased that this legislation appears fi nally ready to head to the Governor’s desk. While we as a society have done a much better job of assisting and caring for some of the neediest, the language of in our laws has not kept up. This legislation goes a long way to matching our legal words to our public actions,” said Representative Jeff rey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop). Last year, the Massachusetts Legislature renamed the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) as MassAbility, a change that defi nes the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities live independently. The name change refl ects the intention to empower individuals living with disabilities and move away from outdated terminology as the offi ce undergoes broad changes towards a more expansive model for disability employment services and independent living. The bill passed the House of Representatives 154-0 and now moves back to the Senate for further consideration. Christmas Stockings for Our Veterans T he Revere Veteran’s Service Offi ce and the RossettiCowan Senior Center are combining their resources to get knitted Christmas Stockings for local veterans. We are asking for new (please) 4-ply and at least 4 oz. skeins of Red, Green or White Yarn. These stocking are to be knitted or crocheted by volunteers from the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center. All donations can be dropped off at the Revere Veteran’s Service Offi ce at 249R Broadway Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., or the Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center at 25 Winthrop Avenue 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Any questions, please call 781-286-8119. Also, if you would like to be part of this program, and knit one, two or three stockings, you are so welcome to do so. We encourage any artistic Christmas Holiday schemes that will personalize this gift for a deserving veteran. This small gift from our community will mean so much to someone that has given so much and may have so little. The Revere Veteran’s Service Offi ce is here for our veterans, and thanks you for your generosity in helping us serve them throughout the year Thank you, Danny Hernandez, VSO, City of Revere RevereTV Spotlight f you haven’t followed RevereTV on all of your social media outlets, now is the time to do so to stay “In the Loop.” This is a play on words for the studio’s weekly public service announcement that is recorded in at least four languages. RTV often partners up with departments within City Hall to get the latest information out about events and community resources. The most recent announcement currently posted and also playing in between I programming on all television channels is an annual event for Thanksgiving. Watch “In the Loop” to hear more about how Mass Badge, in partnership with the City of Revere and the Revere Police Department, is hosting their 12th Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner! Join them for a complimentary meal with family and friends at Casa Lucia on Tuesday, November 25, from 5 to 8 p.m. No RSVP is required — just go and enjoy the festivities! For more information, feel free to reach out using the contact numbers provided at the bottom of the fl yer in these videos. Free rides are also available to and from the event. Simply contact Patriot Taxi. Keep tuned in to RevereTV to stay “In The Loop.” Although Thanksgiving is coming up soon, RTV is still airing coverage of some recent community events celebrating Halloween. Barktoberfest 2025 is an annual event organized by Revere Parks and Recreation with a variety of activities and treats meant to be completely dog-friendly. This year, local pet vendors were on site with giveaways, and many attendees had their pets participate in wearing fun costumes! You can watch Barktoberfest coverage on RTV’s YouTube page or in between programming on television. RevereTV | SEE Page 4
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