Page 18 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 18, 2025 Conference Center in Boston. Doors open for networking and refreshments at 8 a.m. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Register at: https://events.humanitix. com/civil-rights-ma BAN USE OF CELL PHONES Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 50 - Report No. 28 July 7-11, 2025 Copyright © 2025 Beacon Hill Roll Call. All Rights Reserved. By Bob Katzen T HE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ votes on proposed amendments to the $60.9 billion fi scal 2026 state budget for the fi scal year that began July 1, 2025, which Gov. Maura Healey signed into law on July 4. There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. $350,000 FOR YWCA (S 3) Senate 39-0 approved an amendment that would increase funding for YWCAs across the state by $350,000 (from $650,000 to $1 million). Amendment supporters said the amendment would provide critical funding to support the YWCA’s programs that serve at-risk girls and young women throughout the state. They argued that these funds will help the YWCA expand outreach efforts, in addition to mental health professionals and social workers, and strengthen essential programming. “I sponsored [the] amendment as I have seen fi rsthand the transformative impact the YWCA has on the lives of young women and girls,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Robyn Kennedy (D-Worcester). “At a time when adolescent girls are facing alarming rates of violence, mental health struggles and social pressure, we must invest in the support systems that uplift and empower them.” (A “Yes” vote is for the additional $350,000.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ly verifi ed pregnancy. $700,000 FOR YMCA (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would increase funding for YMCAs across the stateby $700,000 (from $1.8 million to $2.5 million.) Amendment supporters said the amendment will support YMCA programs that address the well-being and social-emotional health of at-risk youth. They argued that funding will go directly to all 28 YMCAs and 700 service locations across Massachusetts to serve and support more low-income youth in mental health and social-emotional learning programs. They noted that funding will also go towards scholarships for middle-income families who do not qualify for subsidies and support summer jobs for youth and teens. “Social-emotional learning helps our young people feel more connected to their peers and their community,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Joan Lovely (D-Salem). “This funding is vital to upholding the good this program does for our young people, assisting them in living full, healthy and happy lives, regardless of their background.” A “Yes” vote is for the additional $700,000.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes PREGNANCY AID (S 3) Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that supporters say would ensure consistency between existing state law and budgetary language regarding eligibility for cash assistance from the Department of Transitional Assistance throughout a medical“Cash assistance helps pregnant people access prenatal care and meet basic needs like housing and food security during all stages of pregnancy, improving maternal and infant health outcomes,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “Also implemented in more than a dozen other states, this policy uplifts both moms and babies while reducing overall health care costs. It’s a winwin.” (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment.) Sen. Brendan Crighton Yes ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL DON’T MISS THIS CIVIL RIGHTS EVENT - Federal policy shifts are testing protections for immigrants, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and others—even in states like Massachusetts. As fundamental rights face new threats, what can be done at all levels of government to safeguard vulnerable communities? Join advocates, experts and leaders for a timely forum on the future of civil rights in Massachusetts hosted by MASSterList and the State House News Service on July 28 at the MCLE IN SCHOOLS (S 2549) – The Education Committee has recommended passage of a bill which would ban student use of cell phones and other personal electronic devices during classes. The measure would require all public schools and districts in Massachusetts to implement, by the start of the 2026-2027 school year, policies for student use of these devices on school grounds and during school-sponsored activities. The policy may include exceptions for school and student health and safety; students with disabilities; student time spent off campus traveling to or from other learning opportunities; multilingual learners; permission from a teacher or other staff member; emergencies; and any other reasonable exception. The policy must include methods for parents and students to be able to contact one another during the school day if necessary; enforcement provisions; and may diff er for students in different grade levels. Supporters say that students perform better academically when they are not distracted by cell phones and other personal devices during school hours. They cite one study that links cell phone use with increased stress, anxiety and depression; poorer sleep; and decreased self-esteem. They note that another study showed that students not using their cell phones wrote down 62 percent more in their notes, were able to recall more detailed information and scored a full letter grade and a half higher on their tests. They note that less time on screens encourages face to face interactions which can help increase meaningful relationships with peers, develop emotional intelligence, create more of a community within a school and lead to less bullying. Education Committee Senate chair Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester) said he expects the bill to be up in the Senate for debate and a vote by the end of July. “There are a myriad of negative effects linked to the growing issue of student cell phone usage at school and in the classroom, including diminished academic performance, poorer mental health, worse relationship building and social skills, reduced safety during emergencies, and more,” said Lewis. “According to Pew Research, 72 percent of high school teachers fi nd cell phones a ‘major problem’ in the classroom; and numerous studies have shown the many benefi ts to student learning and growth by removing cell phones from their educational environment.” Lewis continued, “We have growing support for action from teachers, students, advocates and state leaders such as Gov. Healey, Senate President Spilka and Attorney General Campbell, and I am very hopeful to see quick movement on this bill as it continues through the legislative process.” BEACON | SEE PAGE 19
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