FM #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the K-1Survey Results review (approx 2 hour and 12 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's reopening status update at which point public comments on the K-1 and re-opening status through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 50 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 12, 2021. 

 

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWpsbGJS

 

 

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-jan-12-2021-meeting.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"  

 

FM #433 School Comm Mtg - P1 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)

FM #434 School Comm Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee and Central Office personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder of the Committee was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the three hour meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the K-1Survey Results review (approx 2 hour and 12 minutes)
• Second - picks up from the Superintendent's reopening status update at which point public comments on the K-1 and re-opening status through to the end of the public meeting as they entered Executive Session (not to return to public meeting) (approx 50 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Jan 12, 2021. 

 

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB4KSXBS

 

--------------

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan.html

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-12-2021-school-committee-packet

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/school-committee-jan-12-2021-meeting.html

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
 
How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

 

FM #434 School Comm Mtg - P2 of 2 - 01/12/21 (audio)

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Quick Recap:

• While this was the last of the 'listening sessions' the bulk of the meeting time was spent presenting an overview of housing in Franklin. The presentation was insightful and will be shared when made available.
  
• Housing is one of the the key issues Franklin faces. The discussion will include the data points of this presentation, the demographics from the School study, the Market Study done by MAPC (from which these 'listening sessions' were started), and the realities of the post-pandemic world ahead of us. Keeping civil discourse with multiple threads and trying times will be a challenge but the end goal is required. Franklin needs to determine what it's housing goals will be.
  

For the time being photos of the slides shared during the meeting are all that is available. The doc is not part of the meeting agenda, nor if it has since been posted to the Town page, I have not found it. Once I do, I will share. Photos can be found in one folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KwjXyPtwuadMHsCF8

The audio of the meeting will be shared soon.

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0113&src=typeahead_click

• Swivel seat to do listening session starting now. #edc0113
• Chair Melanie Hamblen opens meeting, runs thru the protocol statement as normal. #edc0113 Frongillo new member to subcommittee (replacing Chandler). Jones and Bissanti complete the 4 Council membership. Jamie touts the grant process deadline Friday
• #edc0113 Economic Development legislation on Gov Baker's desk for approval. Bryan Taverner to review presentation on housing for Franklin.
• #edc0113 housing slides and population slides (can't share all, will find doc to share - eventually)
• More slides #edc0113
• Getting to discussion on the legislation, not yet signed by Gov Baker; zoning change would be simple majority for Franklin 5 not the current 6 votes required. #edc0113 tenants right to purchase would be interesting for/if Franklin if chosen
• After Council comments, question raised on how do you address the small business side and get better rents as many of them are too high. If the business can't afford, that would affect the residents affordability too. #edc0113
• Could use a 'maker' or incubator type space for start ups, does require land/building owner to be willing to participate. #edc0113 new growth not likely to happen if affordability is mandated to be part of it, takes away their profit. Could renovate existing space
• Residential complex downtown was all presold, to downsizers. Condo folks do want to walk to the restaurants downtown. Not much downtown now in pandemic. #edc0113 supply chain issues due to COVID, development in another Community shd be done now but due to supply issues
• Inclusionary zoning was introduced for cities like Boston to invent development of private residence/condos Franklin at this time and foreseeable is not a good fit for this, numbers also speak to no rush to do something as we should be good thru 2030 #edc0113
• Low income units are in shortage here and all other Communities around the state. Affordable housing is a higher market rate than low income, two separate needs, can't confuse them #edc0113 terms are important. Work force housing is another slice of affordability
• "the rent for an affordable apartment is not really affordable" #edc0113 need to keep terms separate in that 'affordable' is a state housing designation and not to be confused with what 'affordable' is when used an adjective that is relative to each individual circumstance
• Consensus is to get the housing plan done, there are many problems and that may require multiple solutions to address. Need to define the problems (or problems), agree on terms to be used, and then continue the discussion. #edc0113 motion to adjourn, via roll call 4-0
• That's all for tonight, been a long one. Time for a walk and fresh air. Catch you next time #edc0113 

EDC 'Listening Session' - Jan 13, 2021 - Recap - Franklin's housing discussion starts

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - Jan 15, 2021

Hello Everyone!

 

           

 

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

"I Have A Dream" Speech August 28, 1963

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_nvqRqTiKk 

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar -https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day/2020-07-07

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Looking for something fun to do next week? Join our Favorite Franklinite, Steve Sherlock for "Franklin Matters Q & A" on Thursday Jan. 21st at 1 pm. Hear what is going on in town.  Bring your questions!

Tips

Gentle chair yoga - 18 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2ECAAIyg44 

Paul Eugene - Low impact dance fitness - 28 minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45isK-1K89w 

Rainbow Meditation - guided imagery for healing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tI4LFzKrk0 

Music

Most iconic classical masterpieces - over 3 hours of music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7jjo8UICjQ 

Tuvan Throat Singing - Alash - TEDx talk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V76psBrEypg 

Resonant Chamber" by animusic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNZBSZD16cY 

Just for Fun

Boston Dynamics Robot dances to "Do You Love Me"

Do You Love Me? - YouTube 

Hungarian Shadow Dancing Troupe - this will tug your heartstrings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j58fHlAmoQ0  

Painted by Chinese Artists, Dai Dudu, Li Tiezi and Zhang An, oil on canvas, 2006.

This painting is truly remarkable. Even more amazing though, is that the canvas has been computerized. When you run your cursor over the people.

The program tells you who they are - every single one of them.

If you click on the person you obtain the individual's life history.

http://cliptank.com/PeopleofInfluencePainting.htm 

The Shadow with Orson Welles - "The Hospital Murders" 8/14/1938 full episode

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-scB7ndNUVQ 

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - Special Delivery to Cowpens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAc7fsEeQbQ 

A compilation of President Ronald Reagan's Humor

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTIfGFJqLko 

Kindness Matters

People who will restore your faith in humanity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omr6FzY-1sk 

The origins of the Kindness rocks project

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK8iHsDXGvQ 

Upcoming Events email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend unless noted otherwise.

*Monday Jan. 18th - CLOSED

*Tuesday Jan. 19th at 5pm - Quarantini Time a virtual, social, cocktail hour.

*Tuesday Jan. 19th at 1pm - Low Vision Group- email mgunderson@franklinma.gov 

*Wed. Jan. 20th at 1pm - Writers Group - Call to sign up

*Thursday Jan. 21st at 10am- Discussion Group - call to sign up

*Thursday Jan. 21st  at 1pm - Tele Bingo call the Senior Center to play 508-520-4945

*Thursday Jan. 21st at 1pm - Franklin Matters Q & A with Steve Sherlock - email 

adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend

*Friday Jan. 22nd at 11am - Sunshine Zoom - for members with memory loss - 1 hour of 

 games and socialization. Email adoggett@franklinma.gov to attend. VIA ZOOM

*Friday Jan. 22nd at 1pm - Phone Games and Trivia - call to register

Plus Exercise, Yoga, Discussion Groups and more.  Check out our newsletter or online calendar for a full list of all activities available https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-newsletter

*Curbside Cafe - SPECIAL Hot Dogs and Beans order here https://www.franklinma.gov/Curb 

Attached you will find:

1. Donna's fun filled activity pages

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna and I with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting - Jan 20, 2021

Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting

Wednesday, Jan 20, 2021 - 5:30 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

 

• Approval of past minutes (1/14/21)
• Discussion:

1. Outline next steps (including establishing a timeline and preparing a report for school committee)
2. Begin Stage 2: Evaluate Options

 

Full agenda includes connection information https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.20.21.pdf

 

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Sub Committee Meeting - Jan 20, 2021

FHS boys basketball tops KP; boys hockey tops North Attleboro on Friday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

 

Boys Basketball = King Philip, 36 @ Franklin, 62 – Final 

– Franklin set the tone on both ends of the court early and never looked back in a big win over King Philip. The Panthers scored 18 points in the first quarter while limiting the visitors to three points. Senior Andrew Byfield anchored the strong start, scoring 10 of his team-high 16 points in the opening quarter. Franklin took a 33-17 lead into the halftime break. Franklin senior Declan Walmsley added eight of his 13 points in the third quarter. Danny Clancy led the Warriors with 10 points. 

 

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ North Attleboro, 0 – Final 

"Two days after suffering its first loss to King Philip in more than 20 years, and giving up five goals in the process, Franklin coach Anthony Sarno asked for a reaction from his team when they traveled to the New England Sports Village for a non-league matchup with North Attleboro.

Sarno got his wish, as the Panthers scored inside a minute, doubled the lead in the final minute of the second period, and tacked on two more in the third, while also keeping the Rocketeers off the board, skating away with a 4-0 victory.

“We told them on the bus ride home from that KP loss, you guys got outworked and it’s never going to happen again,” Sarno said. “I give them credit, they stepped up. They played the body, they moved the puck pretty well…all-in-all I thought we bounced back in a positive way.”

Continue reading the game recap by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-hockey-bounces-back-with-shutout-of-north-attleboro/

For a photo gallery from this game:  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2020-2021/Winter-2020-2021/North-Attleboro-Franklin-Boys-Hockey-1-15-21/

 

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-01-15-21/ 

 

Franklin senior defenseman Justin Abely looks for an opening to shoot during a 4-0 road win against North Attleboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

"if you believe the epidemiologists, schools do, in fact, bring risk of transmission"

"Over the past 10 months, debates have raged over how to keep the coronavirus in check. What to open? What to close? Where does the virus spread, and where are we relatively safe? Through it all, one kind of space in particular has been the subject of vigorous debate — and, starting a few months into the virus, a kind of unexpected conventional wisdom emerged: that schools were relatively safe. In the midst of the darkness, it brought some welcome light: kids are safe! They can go to school! While other institutions closed, countries around the world — particularly in Europe and the UK — kept their schools open.

And yet, in response to rising rates and a new, more contagious variant, many of those same countries have since closed their school doors. It turns out that, if you believe the epidemiologists, schools do, in fact, bring risk of transmission. How could we ever have thought otherwise? Rachel Cohen has been covering the debates around school closings and openings, most recently at The Intercept. In this week's podcast extra, she tells Brooke about how the school transmission narrative has evolved since the beginning of the pandemic, and how our understanding of the issue came to be so muddled."

Listen to the conversation

https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/otm/episodes/why-press-gets-school-transmission-so-wrong-on-the-media

Articles linked to in Summary

https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2021/01/04/school-reopening-risk-virus/

Twitter profile for reporter Rachel Cohen  https://twitter.com/rmc031

Article at The Intercept:  https://theintercept.com/2021/01/06/school-reopening-studies-covid/ 

Podcast of the conversation

Pantherbook: Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution at FHS

"On Wednesday, January 13, Coronavirus vaccinations were officially administered at Franklin High School. The vaccines, the first of a two-session dosage, were given primarily to frontline medical workers – included were various EMTs, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.

The gym, being the largest space in the school, was utilized to maintain social distancing guidelines while vaccinations were being distributed. Miniature “booths” were set at least six feet apart from one another, with plexiglass shields in front of patients and supervisors at all times. A temperature check was required before entry to the building, along with mandatory mask usage to ensure protection for those who came."

Continue reading the article at Pantherbook:  https://t.co/tzE3PkVGAT

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1350091281817595906

A view of the Franklin High School gym during Wednesday’s COVID vaccinations.  Siddharth Chandra

Sweeping Economic Development Bill Authorizing $627 Million for COVID-19 Recovery Signed into Law

Sweeping Economic Development Bill Authorizing

$627 Million for COVID-19 Recovery Signed into Law

Prioritizes small business relief, support for workers, and housing development

On Wednesday, January 2, 2021, the Massachusetts Legislature passed $627 million in funding for a sweeping economic recovery and development bill which will provide much-needed support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creation of new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law on January 14, 2021.

An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth provides the residents of Massachusetts a COVID-19 relief and recovery package that will provide support to the restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, and those who have been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic, while also creating a Future of Work Commission, establishing protections for student loan borrowers, and ushering in zoning reforms that will encourage housing development in our communities.

"This new law will help stabilize our economy and lead us to a strong economic recovery from this pandemic," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "This legislation provides immediate relief to those sectors of the economy hit hardest by the pandemic, while making key policy changes, particularly in housing, that will fuel future economic growth. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz for his stewardship of this bill and for Chairwoman Ferrante and Representative Wong for their work on the conference committee." 

"I am thrilled this legislation is now law so that we can begin to provide a necessary boost to our economy as it recovers from the dire effects of COVID-19," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Legislature recognizes the need to be bold when addressing the challenges facing restaurant and small business owners, cultural attractions and other key sectors that will keep our economy strong. I am particularly pleased this bill includes the long sought-after housing production reforms that the Senate has supported for years. I want to thank Senators Lesser, Rodrigues and my colleagues for their attention to this critical bill and for acting with urgency to move it forward in the legislative process."

"The economic development bill will help the Commonwealth rebuild from the devastating effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought" said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). "This legislation supports our travel and tourism industry in a number of different ways, especially for our struggling restaurants. It will also encourage the Commonwealth's housing production needs by simplifying zoning laws, encourage job creation in rural areas, and authorizes over $626 million in targeted capital investments that will reach every corner of Massachusetts. I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for their input and hard work on making this bill a reality."

"Tonight, our economic relief package was signed into law by Governor Baker. In a time of crisis for our Commonwealth, the Legislature completed one of the most important economic recovery and investment packages in recent history. With the inclusion of urgently needed small business and restaurant relief, new protections for over 1 million student loan borrowers, and the most progressive and far-reaching housing reform in decades, this legislation will bring needed relief to families, small businesses, and communities hit hardest by COVID-19," stated Senator Eric P. Lesser, Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (D-Longmeadow). I want to thank my fellow Conference Committee members, Senator Michael Rodrigues of Westport and Patrick O'Connor of Weymouth, along with our partners in the House, Conference Co-Chair Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of Boston, Rep. Ann Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester, and Rep. Donald Wong of Saugus. A special thank you as well to Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano for your commitment to this legislation. This new set of laws will help millions of people in our Commonwealth and will chart a course toward a faster, more equitable recovery."

The bill includes the following bonding authorizations and policy changes.

COVID-19 pandemic relief and recovery

Bonding Authorizations

• $30 million for the state's COVID-19 Payroll Protection Program
• $20 million for restaurant COVID-19 recovery grants

Policy Changes

• Limits fees charged by third-party delivery services for restaurants to 15% during the COVID-19 state of emergency; prohibits third-party delivery service companies from reducing rates for delivery drivers or garnishing gratuities as result of the limitation
• Creates a commission to examine and make recommendations on addressing the recovery of the cultural and creative sector, including the arts, humanities and sciences, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Housing

Bonding Authorizations

• $40 million for a program to redevelop blighted buildings
• $50 million for transit-oriented housing developments
• $10 million for climate-resilient affordable housing developments
• $5 million for a Gateway Cities housing program

Policy Changes

• Implements zoning reform to help cities and towns approve smart growth zoning and affordable housing by lowering the required vote threshold for a range of housing-related zoning changes and special permits at the local level from a two-thirds supermajority to a simple majority
• Requires designated MBTA communities to be zoned for at least one district of reasonable size, in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and requires such housing to be suitable for families with children
• Increases the state low-income housing tax credit program cap from $20,000,000 to $40,000,000 

Employee protections, business growth, and equity

Bonding Authorizations

• $35 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation matching grant program to community development financial institutions for small business loans and grants
• $27.7 million for a new Employment Social Enterprise Capital Grant Program
• $20 million for a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation small business grant program
• $14M million for travel and tourism grants
• $10 million for regional and community assistance planning grants

Policy Changes

• Enables, via local option, the creation of tourism destination marketing districts ("TDMDs"), made up of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, for the purpose of generating local revenue dedicated solely for the promotion and marketing of specific regions of the Commonwealth
• Amends the statutory definition of wait staff employee to include a person in a quick service restaurant who prepares or serves food or beverages as part of a team of counter staff
• Provides that the taking of family or medical leave shall not affect an employee's right to accrue vacation time, sick leave, bonuses, advancement, seniority, length-of-service credit or other employment benefits, plans or programs
• Exempts natural hair braiding from the definition of hairdressing, and exempts natural hair braiding from rules and regulations pertaining to aesthetics, barbering, cosmetology, electrolysis, hairdressing and manicuring
• Encourages the PRIM Board to use minority investment managers to manage PRIT Fund assets, where appropriate, and to increase the racial, ethnic, and gender diversity of Fund investments
• Establishes a commission of experts, industry members, academics, and elected officials to research and propose policy solutions that ensure the future and sustainability of local journalism in Massachusetts 

Student protections

• Establishes a Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights regulating the licensing and operation of student loan servicers by the Commissioner of Banks
• Creates a Student Loan Ombudsman within the Office of the Attorney General for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and assisting in the resolution of complaints from student loan borrowers; authorizes the Ombudsman to assist with repayment options, applying for federal loan forgiveness programs, ending wage and tax refund garnishments, resolving billing disputes, and obtaining loan details

Agriculture and rural support

Bonding Authorizations

• $20 million for rural community development and infrastructure grants
• $2 million for an urban agriculture grant program

Policy Changes

• Expands the Food Policy Council to include an expert in healthy soil practices; codifies the definition of 'healthy soils;' gives the Commission for Conservation of Soil and Water the ability to establish a Massachusetts Healthy Soils Program and Fund

Technology and innovation

Bonding Authorizations

• $52 million for the Technology Research and Development and Innovation Fund
• $15 million for lottery IT infrastructure
• $10 million for the expansion of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)
• $5 million for the Massachusetts Broadband Incentive Fund

Policy Changes

• Creates a special commission on the future of work to conduct a comprehensive study relative to the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, global trade, access to new forms of data and the internet of things on the workforce, businesses and economy.
• Clarifies that carsharing platforms may obtain insurance coverage from non-admitted carrier and that carsharing platforms do not need their own insurance-producer or broker licenses to offer or maintain insurance policies for carsharing vehicles or drivers.

Other bonding authorizations include

• $102,304,000 for local economic development projects;
• $12.5 million for the Commonwealth Zoological Corporation;
• $15 million for trial court virtual mediation services;
• $6 million for Massachusetts Cultural Council grants;
• $5 million for Mass Cultural Council public school grants;
• $20 million for Mass Cultural Council cultural facilities grants;
• $15 million for vocational technical school expansion grants; and
• $15 million for higher education workforce grants.