Massachusetts Senate to review bill stripping Boston City Council of grant approval authority

Massachusetts Senate to review bill stripping Boston City Council of grant approval authority

An “embarrassing” vote by the Boston City Council has led to movement on Beacon Hill, where a bill that would strip the body of its authority to approve public safety grants was referred to a legislative committee for review. State Sen. Nick Collins, a Democrat from South Boston, introduced the bill at an informal Senate … Read more

Boston City Council slammed for ’embarrassing’ vote to block $13M counter-terrorism grant

Boston City Council slammed for ’embarrassing’ vote to block M counter-terrorism grant

A state senator is seeking a change in Massachusetts law that would strip the Boston City Council of its authority to approve public health and safety grants, after the body’s latest “embarrassing” vote to reject $13.3 million in federal counter-terrorism funding. Nick Collins, a South Boston Democrat, filed a bill Friday that would allow that … Read more

Boston City Council approves voting rights for immigrants with ‘legal status’

Boston City Council approves voting rights for immigrants with ‘legal status’

The Boston City Council approved a home rule petition that grants immigrants with “legal status” the ability to vote in local elections, over concerns that the move could jeopardize their path to attaining full citizenship. The 8-4 vote taken Wednesday was described as a largely “symbolic gesture” by Councilor Gabriela Coletta who stated that conversations … Read more