Massachusetts News & Current Events

About 67% of firefighters in the United States are volunteers, according to the National Volunteer Fire Council. (automatic6517/Pixabay)

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Volunteer Firefighter Shortage Spurs MA Departments into Action

If you dial 911, it is more than likely a volunteer firefighter will respond to your emergency, but in Massachusetts, there are not enough volunteers…

Advocates for the poor say the Covid pandemic revealed effective tools to reduce poverty in America. (Adobe Stock)

We Know What Works: How Covid Showed Ways to End Poverty

Childhood poverty was cut nearly in half during the Covid pandemic due to expanded federal programs like the child tax credit, and stimulus payments…

According to a 2021 report, about 80% of residents in the mostly immigrant-populated city of Chelsea were deemed essential workers, meaning they had to continue working during the less knowledgeable early days of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

New Internship Program Focused on Immigrant Health

A new internship program is looking to investigate health disparities among Massachusetts' immigrant population. The Immigrant Scholar Internship …

Much like coal and oil, woody biomass is a carbon-burning form of energy production that emits carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)

Massachusetts Helping Turn Tide on Biomass Energy

Clean-energy advocates are hopeful Massachusetts' leadership on fighting biomass pollution will drive change in other states and nations. The Bay …

Home weatherization programs have evolved from placing plastic on windows. Industry leaders say crews analyze many aspects of the structure, including heating and cooling systems, the electrical system, and electric baseload appliances. (Adobe Stock)

In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades

When it comes to "green jobs," installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts …

It's “Make A Will Month": Expert Tips to Save Time, Money

August is "National Make a Will Month," and it's something the experts say too few people have done. They have some tips on saving you and your heirs …

According to a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Foundation study, fewer than half of Massachusetts adults in need of behavioral healthcare received it and feel they're always able to get an appointment. (Adobe Stock)

New Legislation Expands Mental-Health Provisions in MA

Legislation signed into law this month by Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to bring updates long overdue to mental-health services in Massachusetts…

A new report recommends schools increase the number of mental-health professionals on campus. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

Massachusetts Ranks #1 in Child Well-Being

Massachusetts ranks first in the nation for children's well-being, according to the 2022 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation…

In Massachusetts, unpaid restitution can lead to extended probation, detention or placement, civil judgment or interest accrual, and it can prevent record-clearing. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Needs to Reform Youth Restitution Policies

A new report found imposing restitution on youth offenders often leads to higher recidivism rates for kids, pressure on families and further …

CFES Brilliant Pathways and its partners plan to train more than 5,000 College and Career Readiness Advisors over the next 18 months. (Sergii Mostovyi/Adobe Stock)

New England Nonprofit Trains Educators, School Staff in College Advising

By Nick Fouriezos for the Mile Markers newsletter via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Lily Böhlke for Commonweath News Service for the Publ…

More than 60% of people surveyed who said they needed behavioral healthcare during COVID also said the pandemic exacerbated that need. (Adobe Stock)

MA Group: 988 Launch One Step to Shore Up Behavioral Health System

Massachusetts advocates for mental health are raising awareness about the new three-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988. Like 911…

Bayer, which bought Monsanto in 2018, has paid out billions to settle lawsuits over Roundup's association with cancer. (Pixavril/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Stop Using Toxic Pesticides on School Grounds

Environmental and health advocates are calling for a bill to keep toxic pesticides off school grounds before the legislative session concludes at the …

Voter turnout in 2020 broke records in Massachusetts. (Wayne/Adobe Stock)

MA Supreme Judicial Court Rules In Favor of Early Voting, Vote-By-Mail

Despite an attempt by some members of the Massachusetts GOP to block a new voting bill, good-government groups are raising awareness about the new …

In fall of 2021, more than 4,000 students were enrolled in early college programs across the Commonwealth. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Early College Gives MA High School Students Head Start on Degrees

A new report found when high school students enroll in early college programs, it improves the chances they will go on to college after graduation…

Numotion and National Seating and Mobility are the two largest wheelchair manufacturers in the U.S., and critics say a lack of competition can lead to slow repairs. (rudolfgeiger/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Wheelchair Repair Process Needs Improvements

Advocates for people with disabilities are urging the Massachusetts General Court to pass what is known as the Wheelchair Warranty bill, to improve …

In 2020 alone, at least 2.58 billion cubic feet of methane gas leaked into communities and the atmosphere. (romaset/Adobe Stock)

Report: Last Decade Has Seen Too Many Methane Gas Leaks

A new report found in the last decade, there have been nearly 2,600 methane gas pipeline incidents in the U.S. serious enough to require reporting to …

Advocates for and families of children and teens facing mental-health crises say emergency departments are not healthy for kids to stay in for days or weeks. (chrisdorney/Adobe Stock)

Mental-Health Program Provides Alternative to Emergency-Room Boarding

On a given day in Massachusetts, more than 100 children and teenagers are brought to hospital emergency rooms because they're facing a mental-health …

Massachusetts currently does not have Certified Professional Midwives integrated into the health-=care system. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge MA Lawmakers to Bring Maternal-Health Bills Back

Groups that advocate for maternal health in Massachusetts are urging the General Court not to let legislation to increase access to out-of-hospital bi…

Massachusetts is one of 21 states that requires background checks and/or permits to purchase any handgun. (michelmond/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators, Nurses Join Call for Federal Gun Legislation

This Saturday, groups across the country are taking to the streets to call for federal legislation to prevent gun violence, in the wake of the recent …

MA Orgs Push for Increased Voter Access, Fight for ‘Fair Share’

As the state's June 7 filing deadline for primary candidates running in federal races approaches, a growing number of Massachusetts organizations …

For college students or young adults entering the workforce, analysts say short-term insurance plans can help with unexpected injuries or medical events before another plan kicks in. (Adobe Stock)

Preparing for College This Fall? Don't Forget Health Coverage

As graduating seniors in Massachusetts and around the U.S. carve out their immediate future, they are reminded to make health insurance a priority…

Food banks across Massachusetts and the nation have been stretched thin during the pandemic. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Wraparound Services Spotlighted for Community Action Month

May is Community Action Month, and Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts are raising awareness about the wraparound services they provide to low-…

The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a rule classifying

MA Lawmakers, Advocates: Steps Needed to Tackle Ghost Guns

CORRECTION: A previously inaccurately stated ghost guns have no metal parts. (08:40 p.m MST., May. 4, 2022) Groups advocating for gun safety are …

Around 40% of young people who've experienced care will experience homelessness. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

MA Group: Campus-Based Supports Needed for Former Foster Youth

May is National Foster Care Month, and groups that serve foster youths and families say improvements are needed for outcomes and to reduce …

Sheriffs in Massachusetts are responsible for more than half the state's incarcerated population. (Mark Sardella/Flickr)

MA Campaign: Do You Know Who Your Sheriff Is?

Fewer than one in five Bay State voters can correctly name their local sheriff, according to a recent survey. To fill that knowledge gap, the …

Nearly 70% of voters who identify as Independents oppose overturning the decision in Roe v. Wade, according to a January poll by Marquette University Law School. (JP Photography/Adobe Stock)

Groups: MA Should Protect Abortion Patients, Providers From Other States

Groups are calling on Massachusetts to pass legislation protecting patients and providers from other states' restrictive abortion laws in the event th…

Many people going through childbirth have found at-home births to be more positive experiences than hospital-based births. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Needs to Reduce Barriers to Community Births

A new report found care provided in community birth settings, whether at home or in what are known as birth centers, can improve maternal health …

A study from UMass Amherst shows allowing voters to register on Election Day increases turnout for Black and brown voters and first-time voters. (Ajay/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups to Lawmakers: Keep Election-Day Voter Registration in VOTES Act

Massachusetts lawmakers are finalizing the VOTES Act, a bill aimed at increasing access to the ballot box. It includes mail-in voting and extended …

UMass Amherst is the state's largest public university campus and has the most debt. (Wikimedia Commons)

Increased Student Fees to Pay Off MA Campus Debt Raise Alarm

Public higher-ed students, staff and faculty are shedding light on the growing problem of campus debt held by state colleges and universities…

PFAS are used to make many products water-resistant, including raincoats. (Maksim Ksenofontov/Adobe Stock)

Scorecard Ranks Retail, Apparel Companies on PFAS Policies

Groups advocating for an end to the use of Perfluorinated and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," ranked various retail …

A report from Massachusetts' Future of Work Commission recommends investing in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives statewide. (Office of Sen. Eric Lesser)

Report: MA Needs Greater Investment in Workforce Training

A new report finds technology is changing many industries in Massachusetts, and the state needs to upgrade its workforce development capacity to …

According to the Massachusetts Teachers Association, Education Support Professionals make up one-third of the education workforce. (Adobe Stock)

MA Educators: Support Professionals Need Living Wage, Job Security

Labor groups are spotlighting the critical role that education support professionals play in Commonwealth public schools, and they're advocating for …

Research shows students benefit from having a variety of educators with diverse backgrounds. (twinsterphoto/Adobe Stock)

MA Teachers Union Backs Bill to Increase Diversity Among Educators

Groups are pushing for alternatives to the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), which they say can be a barrier to greater teacher …

Eliminating a burdensome retirement benefit pre-funding requirement could save the U.S. Postal Service $5.65 billion per year. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Workers: Postal Service Reform Act First Step to Shore Up Agency

Congress has passed a bill to help shore up the U.S. Postal Service, and it's now on to President Joe Biden for a signature. Amid mail slowdowns…

The 2020 census overlooked 0.24% of the U.S. population, compared with 0.01% in 2010. (Antwon McCullen/Adobe Stock)

Report: Census Undercounted BIPOC Communities, Young Children

A new analysis of the 2020 census finds that Latino, Black and Native American populations were statistically significantly undercounted. …

The labor union 32BJ SEIU's Security Division represents 35,000 officers across the Northeast, including 3,000 in Massachusetts. (32BJ SEIU)

Hospital Security Officers Urge Fellow New England Workers to Organize

CORRECTION: These workers are the first security officers in Rhode Island to join 32BJ SEIU. An earlier version incorrectly stated they were the …

Children from low-income families, kids in foster care, homeless children and those in families receiving public assistance are eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start. (Teran/Adobe Stock)

Program Aims to Provide Trauma-Informed Care Training for Early Educators

A program in Massachusetts aims to provide training on trauma-informed care for early educators. It's called Readying Educators and Developing Young …

Massachusetts residents stood in solidarity with Ukraine last Friday at the State House. (Emma Friedlander)

MA Groups Call for Protections from Deportation for Ukrainian Residents

The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition is among the groups urging the U.S. to take in as many Ukrainian refugees as possible…

Medical aid-in-dying bills have been introduced in 12 states this legislative session. (Aepatt Journey/Adobe Stock)

MA Lawmakers Urge Colleagues to Pass End-of-Life Options Act

According to a new poll, more than half of voters across the nation are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports medical aid in dying…

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority charges $1.70 to ride the bus, and $2.40 to take the subway. (Wikimedia Commons)

Transit Coalition: MBTA Riders Need Low-Income Fare Option

Advocates for equitable public transit are urging the Legislature to take action on free buses and low-income fares. At last week's Massachusetts …

A total of 385 hate crimes were reported in Massachusetts in 2020, and advocates note that's an undercount. (Sam Cheng/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Local Hate-Crime Enforcement Needs Beefing Up

This week marks two years since the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, and the three men convicted for his murder have now been found guilty of …

Boston City Councilors Julia Mejia and Tania Fernandes-Anderson have brought forward a proposal for reparations for Black Bostonians. (Wikimedia Commons)

Boston City Council Considers Reparations Commission

A proposal brought to the Boston City Council would create a commission to study the legacy of slavery and the ongoing inequities Black people face in…

More than half of Massachusetts residents making less than $100,000 a year are somewhat or very worried about affording prescription drugs. (amenic181/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: More Transparency Needed Around Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription-drug costs have skyrocketed in recent years, and a bill before the Massachusetts General Court aims to rein them in. The proposal would …

The final payments for people who receive a 2021 Child Tax Credit will be included in this year's income-tax returns. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

Report: Pandemic Policies Reduce Poverty in Massachusetts

A new report shows financial supports made available in the pandemic have led to a direct reduction in poverty in Massachusetts. From expanded …

Massachusetts has 351 local public health departments, one for each city and town, with budgets that vary widely based on the local tax base. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: State Funding Needed for Local Health Departments

Groups advocating for public health in Massachusetts urged Gov. Charlie Baker and the General Assembly not to cut funding for the Public Health …

Tax preparers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) are guaranteed to be IRS-certified. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax-Prep Help Available for Low-to-Moderate-Income MA Families

With tax season underway, Massachusetts groups are raising awareness about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), an IRS-sponsored …

Wealthier suburbs of Boston have higher vaccination rates for younger children than do poorer areas of the Commonwealth. (Suriyawut/Adobe Stock)

MA Educators, Parents: Schools Need Comprehensive COVID Protection Plan

Parents, educators and school nurses are calling on Gov. Charlie Baker to take steps toward a comprehensive state-run COVID-19 protection plan…

A bill before the General Assembly would mean wood-burning power plants can no longer be categorized as renewable. (Andrei Merkulov/Adobe Stock)

MA Groups: Time is Now to End Biomass Subsidies

Proposed legislation would end subsidies for wood-burning power plants in Massachusetts by removing biomass as an eligible fuel source for the Commonw…

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