News Briefs

Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program FY 2019

Mayor Brian Arrigo is pleased to announce the City of Revere will be accepting applications on July 1 for the Senior Citizen Work-Off Abatement Program Fiscal Year 2019. This program provides the opportunity for 50 seniors to work for a $750 property tax abatement and another 50 seniors to work for a $500 water bill credit.

The program will offer qualified seniors the opportunity to contribute 68 hours throughout various city departments for Property Tax abatements or 45.5 hours for water bill credits.

“The Work-Off Abatement helps provide a break for residents that need it most,” said Mayor Arrigo. “I understand this program is a modest relief. This year’s implementation of the Senior Tax Exemption will provide further support to benefit a wider range of seniors in our community.”

In order to qualify for the program, Revere residents must be at least 60 years of age, assessed owner of the property, and income shall not exceed $45,000 for individual applicants or exceed $55,000 for married applicants. Residents will be required to provide a copy of ONE of the following: birth certificate, driver’s license or passport.

In the event more than 100 applicants apply for the Senior Abatement Program, a public lottery shall be conducted on August 21st at 1:00 p.m. (tentative date).

Applications will be available at the Mayor’s Office or Assessor’s office on Monday July 2, and online at revere.org/FY19-senior-work-off-program

Mayor Arrigo and the Assessor Department will hold a series of workshops on Thursday July 12th & July 19th at 11:00 AM at the Rossetti- Cowan Senior Center, 25 Winthrop Ave., to help qualified seniors apply for the program and the Senior Tax Exemption.

The deadline for submission of the completed application is August 1, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.

 

AIRPORT NOISE LINE

The Airport Noise Line is available for residents who feel that there is more noise from aircraft than is normal. Residents are urged to call 617-561-3333 anytime.

 

Mass. Legislature announces comprehensive proposal

The Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate announced a legislative proposal to raise the minimum wage; create a framework for paid family and medical leave for most workers; phase out time-and-a-half pay on Sundays; and establish a permanent sales tax holiday.

The legislation is based on months of negotiations with stakeholders sponsoring proposed ballot questions for the November 2018 election. It is scheduled to come to the House and Senate floors on Wednesday.

“This compromise strikes the right balance of empowering employees, supporting our hardworking residents and ensuring that businesses can continue to provide good, steady jobs,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I sincerely thank the stakeholders who came to the table and the legislators who brokered this compromise.”

“I thank Speaker DeLeo and Chairman Brodeur for proposing a strong compromise bill that will be beneficial to consumers, employees, as well as small business owners,” said State Rep. RoseLee Vincent.  “I believe the legislation enacted by the House and Senate strikes a good balance for all parties, and I was happy to cast my vote in support.”

Among other initiatives, this legislative proposal does the following:

  • Creates a permanent sales tax holiday, beginning in 2019;
  •  Increases the minimum wage to $15 over the next five years;
  •  Increases the tip wage to $6.75 over the next five years;
  • Phases out premium pay on Sundays and holidays over the next five years;
  • Establishes a Department of Family and Medical Leave within the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development;
  • Creates a framework for family leave of 12 weeks; family leave for the care of a service member of 26 weeks; and medical leave for up to 20 weeks; and
  • Exempts small businesses from financial contribution to the paid family and medical leave fund.

The proposal leaves the sales tax unchanged, and does not impose a teen sub-minimum wage.

 

RBC RECOGNIZES COMFORT INN

The Revere Beautification Committee (RBC) has presented the Comfort Inn with this year’s first Business Beautification Award.  Anyone driving by will instantly see why this business was chosen to be recognized.  The grounds are always kept in immaculate condition and every available area for planting has been filled with lovely, colorful flowers and bushes.

The Inn has recently added an outdoor patio with a fire pit in which customers can sit and enjoy themselves.  This area is also filled with lovely flowers and graceful grasses that sway in the wind; a lovely way to unwind after a day of work or travel.  All of the landscaping work has been and continues to be done by Martorelli Landscaping.

The RBC also recognizes the Comfort Inn for being the business responsible for working with the City of Revere and the RBC to beautify Bell Circle a few years ago.  In addition to sponsoring the circle, the Inn has provided the maintenance of the area year-round.  This partnership demonstrates that a collaboration between the City, a business and a non-profit can produce excellent results.  Kudos to the Comfort Inn for providing an example for other businesses to follow.

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