FHS Theatre Company scheduled to perform "Get Smart" - June 9 & 10

Still don't have your tickets to Get Smart? 

Skip to the front of the line! https://t.co/GkV08Sqe60 

Shared from ->  https://twitter.com/FranklinHSDrama/status/1662232161372479490

FHS Theatre Company scheduled to perform "Get Smart" - June 9 & 10

Congressman Auchincloss: An update covering the last 2 weeks

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your Representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Michelle, Teddy, Grace and I are thrilled to welcome Audrey to the family. On the Hill Update on the Debt Ceiling: The United States has always paid its bills on time, and Congress must ensure it continues to. Default would be devastating to the economy broadly and to retirement accounts in particular. It would also undercut American influence globally. Last week, I joined my Democratic colleagues in the House to sign a discharge petition that would allow for a vote on a clean debt ceiling increase. It would end the game of chicken that is threatening the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, and convincing a handful of moderate Republicans to join remains the best option. More likely, at the time of writing, is that President Biden and Speaker McCarthy negotiate a deal that Congress then votes on. Economic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party: Last week, I participated in a hearing on economic competition with China. I spoke about the need to ensure high-quality math education, promote basic research, and improve our business and investment environment. Our economic competitiveness agenda should not aim for heavy-handed industrial policy, but rather to invest in the basics of education, science, infrastructure, and streamlined government. If we can execute, then we need not fear China's hold on the economic future. We will build it ourselves. Asserting Congressional Authority: I recently spoke on the House floor about my bipartisan bill, the Power of the Mint Act. The Federal Reserve and the Treasury have been considering issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), a crypto proposal. My bill pumps the brakes and makes it clear that any administration would need congressional approval to mint a CBDC. Pharmacy Benefit Managers Hearing: This week, I spoke about lowering prescription drug prices at the House Oversight Committee's hearing on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). PBMs are the middlemen of prescription drugs. I outlined how Congress must enact comprehensive reform aimed at PBMs to meaningfully lower costs for American families and support community pharmacists. Piecemeal legislation would just squeeze the balloon, when the objective must be to pop the gross-to-net bubble. Affordable Housing: The cost of housing is the biggest problem facing Massachusetts. I sat down with the North Star Reporter to discuss my approach. On the federal level, I am working to support supply-side solutions that expand the availability of housing, particularly through the low-income housing tax credit. We must build all types of housing, including single family, multi-family, mixed use, and accessory dwelling units. This all-of-the-above approach will drive down housing costs across the market and provide much needed relief to homebuyers. Make your voice heard → Do you think building more housing is a priority? Do you support building more housing? Around the Fourth Congressional Art Competition: Congratulations to Angela Nie of Newton North High School for winning this year's Congressional Art Competition. Scores of students and parents gathered at the Attleboro Arts Museum to view each others' work and to celebrate the judges' top picks. Angela's painting was selected from more than 60 pieces of local artwork that were submitted for this year's competition and will be featured for one year in the U.S. Capitol building. This year, the judging panel included Mim Brooks Fawcett of the Attleboro Arts Museum, Seline Smith of the New Art Center in Newton, and Robin Wessman, a painter from Sharon. Brookline's AAPI Heritage Day: I celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Brookline's First Annual AAPI Heritage Day. Teddy and I enjoye`d seeing dance, puppet shows, and more. Our country is made stronger through the contributions and experiences of the AAPI community. Especially in an era of tension with the Chinese Communist Party, we must not allow competition overseas to incite bigotry at home. Academy Night: I am hosting a Virtual Military Service Academy Night on June 5th from 7:00PM to 8:15PM. My staff and I, along with representatives from the five United States Service Academies, will provide information on the Congressional nomination process and what it's like to attend a U.S. Service Academy. If you are interested in joining, please register here. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

"The Cellar" by 67 Degrees Brewing Readies for the Summer at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

As microbrewery 67 Degrees Brewing proudly serves the growing crowds at The Cellar by 67 Degrees, the first outdoor beer garden to serve the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets readies for a busy summer. The Franklin-based brewery has a multi-year commitment with Simon Properties to operate the beer garden, which features a retro-fitted shipping container that’s pouring craft brews for shoppers from near and far.

The Cellar pours nine of 67 Degrees’ own beers, two beers from nearby breweries, and three wines from La Cantina Winery. Customers can enjoy its new tropical sour ale “Carmen Says…” Berliner Weiss, which brings banana, mango, and pineapple flavors to Bay State beer lovers, while favorites “Retriever” Golden Ale and “Route 140” New England IPA grow their reputation as crowd-pleasers.

As it prepares for Memorial Day Weekend and unofficial kick-off of summer, The Cellar will host a regular rotation of programming and games to satisfy the growing crowds. In its ongoing effort to support its surrounding community, The Cellar will host its first ever “Pups and Pints”, a puppy adoption open house on May 27. Held in collaboration with Dedham’s Schultz’s Guest House, a portion of beer sales proceeds will benefit the non-profit dog rescue shelter.

One of the fastest growing microbreweries in Massachusetts, 67 Degrees uses local ingredients and time-honored brewing techniques in their craft. The Cellar operates from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., from Sunday-Thursday and 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Entirely operated by 67 Degrees Brewing staff, the beer garden is located in the center of the shopping complex on Patriot Court. It includes ample parking, accessible facilities, and dining options for all. Interviews with 67 Degrees Brewing are available upon request.

Continue reading the press release online ->  https://massbrewbros.com/the-cellar-by-67-degrees-brewing-readies-for-summer-at-wrentham-village-premium-outlets/

"The Cellar" by 67 Degrees Brewing Readies for the Summer at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets

FHS boys lacrosse top Wakefield on Friday, finish regular season at 17 wins & 1 loss

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 18 @ Wakefield, 6 – Final

That’s a wrap… Panthers finish up the regular season with a big win and a record of 17-1. Ain’t done yet boys… #onegoal 

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1662251576541544448

Consigli: 5G, 2A

Sacchetti: 2G, 5A

Davis: 1G, 5A

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSLax/status/1662220811183456256

Panthers finish up the regular season with a big win and a record of 17-1.

T-shirts! T-Shirts! We have Celebrate with Pride T-shirts for sale!!!

We have Celebrate with Pride T-shirts! On the left, a unisex size XL; on the right a tapered cut 2XL. You can get a t-shirt free with each donation of $25 or more! Where can you find us? Our June Monthly Meeting:  6/1, 6:30pm-8:30pm at the Franklin Library Bellforge Pride:  6/10, 12:00pm-7:00pm at the Bellforge Arts Center Franklin Farmer's Market:  6/16 and 6/23, 2:00pm-6:00pm on the Franklin Town Common Game Night, 6/20, 6:00pm-8:00pm at the Franklin Library At these events you may pay with cash or use our Givebutter site Want your shirt delivered? Please donate $25 on our Givebutter and include the size, cut, and your contact info. What sizes do we have? Unisex:  S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 4XL Tapered: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL Youth:  XS, S, M, L, XL Any questions?  E-mail us at franklinlgbtqalliance@gmail.com and we would love to help. ... And of course you can get them at Celebrate with Pride on June 25th! If you are not on our e-mail list to receive our newsletter, sign up with this form. View this email in your browser.

Franklin LBGTQ Alliance 903 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA 02038, USA

DPW Reminder - Curbside Trash Pick-up: one day delay for the entire week due to Memorial Day

Reminder for next week's curbside trash pick-up (May 29th - June 2nd)! If your regular collection day is Monday, it will now be on Tuesday. 

One day delay for the entire week. Friday's collection will be on Saturday June 3rd.

Thank you.

Franklin DPW

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/dpw-reminder-curbside-trash-pick-one-day-delay-entire-week-due-memorial-day

DPW Reminder - Curbside Trash Pick-up: one day delay for the entire week due to Memorial Day

NOAA predicts a near-normal 2023 Atlantic hurricane season

"The Atlantic hurricane season will bring an average number of ocean storms and hurricanes this year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) said on Thursday.

Noaa forecasters estimate 12 to 17 named storms of which five to nine of those will develop into hurricanes and one to four will become major hurricanes during the 1 June to 30 November season.

The guidance came as experts considered the possible impacts this year of the El Niño weather system, which can dampen hurricane activity, and increasingly warm ocean temperatures, which can make storms more powerful.

“What it boils down to is: which is going to win or do they just cancel each other out and you end up with a near-normal season?” said Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. “I respect them both.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/25/hurricane-season-2023-average-number-storms-predicted-el-nino

The NOAA press release ->

"NOAA forecasters with the Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, predict near-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic this year. NOAA’s outlook for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

NOAA is forecasting a range of 12 to 17 total named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher). Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 1 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges."

https://www.noaa.gov/news-release/2023-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook 

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook.  (Image credit: NOAA)

The Guardian: "PFAS levels in ground and air could be higher than expected, research suggests"

"Background levels of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in the ground and air may be much higher than previously thought, federal testing of spatially random soil samples from across New Hampshire suggests.

The analysis found high levels of PFAS in all 100 shallow soil samples, which were taken from undisturbed land not close to known polluters. The chemicals are thought to largely have gotten there through the air, and the study, along with recent EU research, suggests similar levels of soil and air contamination throughout the world.

The findings are “pretty disturbing” and raise fresh questions about contamination of food and water, said Mindi Messmer, a former New Hampshire state representative who advocates for stronger PFAS bans.

“However it got here, it’s there and it is widespread,” she added. “It’s the fault of decades of regulatory inaction.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required) ->

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/26/pfas-ground-air-pollution-study

Studies have found rain to contain high PFAS levels. Photograph: Joe Portlock/Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited/Getty Images

Franklin Municipal Building & Library CLOSURE - May 29, 2023 for Memorial Day

The Franklin Municipal Building and Library will be CLOSED on Monday, May 29, 2023 in observance of Memorial Day. They will reopen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-municipal-building-closure-may-29th-2023  and -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/library-closed-memorial-day

Franklin Municipal Building  CLOSURE - May 29, 2023 for Memorial Day

Library closed for Memorial Day

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 26, 2023 to June 2, 2023

Music & food truck choices for our local brewery and winery are available this weekend leading to the Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday. Town buildings are closed for the holiday. This is one of the weeks where the trash & recycling pickup schedule is offset by one day due to the holiday. (Monday will get picked up Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday, etc...).

Tuesday head to THE BLACK BOX for the second movie in the three part series piloting a return of movies downtown. Cinema Zeotrope will be showing "If Beale Street Could Talk." Yes, #artshappenhere in Franklin!

Friday, May 26

8:00am - Love Letter - art display (during open hours) (Franklin Public Library)

9:00am - Memorial Day Breakfast (Franklin Senior Center)

4:30pm - Yarii's Kitchen (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - Carolyn Rae & the Rumors (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

6:00pm - AK Cody (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

Saturday, May 27

8:00am - Love Letter - art display (during open hours) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

11:00am - Yoga in the Taproom   (67 Degrees Brewery)

2:00pm - Pups & Pints @ The Cellar  (67 Degrees Brewery - Wrentham Village Mall))

4:00pm - The Fourtet (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, May 28

8:00am - Love Letter - art display (during open hours) (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day

10:30am - Memorial Day Parade (starts at Dean College, ends at Town Common)

12:00pm - Memorial Day Ceremony (on war memorial side of Town Common)

Tuesday, May 30

8:00am - Love Letter - art display

7:00pm - Cinema Zeotrope: "If Beale Street Could Talk" (donation suggested) (THE BLACK BOX)

Wednesday, May 31

8:00am - Love Letter - art display

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group)

Thursday, June 1

First Day of LGBTQ+ Pride Month

8:00am - Love Letter - art display

6:30pm - Franklin LGBTQ Alliance - monthly meeting

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin's Event Outlook: May 26, 2023 to June 2, 2023

MA Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

The Massachusetts Senate approved on Thursday a $55.9 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Following a robust, spirited, and engaging debate process, the Senate approved 478 amendments, adding $82.2 million in spending to the budget. As the Commonwealth continues to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate’s budget prioritizes upholding fiscal discipline and responsibility, and supports the long-term economic health of the state. The Senate budget delivers historic levels of investment in education, housing, regional transportation, health care, workforce development, climate preparedness, and much more, while centering equity and opportunity as part of a broader, more comprehensive strategy to make Massachusetts more affordable, inclusive, and competitive.

“I am so proud that this chamber voted resoundingly for a transformative budget built on the simple principle that our success as a Commonwealth is tied to the success of every single person who calls Massachusetts home,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Massachusetts will be competitive so long as people from all over the world can come here to fulfill their dreams – whether by going back to school, advancing their career, starting a business, or finding affordable housing and child care to raise a family. At a time when our world-class educational institutions are more needed now than ever, this budget adds a new chapter in Massachusetts’ storied tradition of making education accessible to all through our Student Opportunity Plan. I want to thank Chair Rodrigues, Vice Chair Friedman, Assistant Vice Chair Comerford, the Committee and all my Senate colleagues for their thoughtful and collaborative work on this budget.”

“In my five years as Chair of Ways and Means, I’ve never experienced a smoother or more democratic process than the Fiscal Year 2024 budget the Senate just approved here today,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The chamber focused on an overarching goal to meet (and in many cases exceed) the pressing needs of our communities, and the Commonwealth at large. This budget is a forward-thinking and responsive proposal that greatly facilitates our long-term economic health and expands access to opportunities to reinvigorate and reinvest in our workforce economy, lessen the wealth-income divide, and empower our communities as we build an inclusive post-pandemic future that equitably benefits all. Focusing on shared priorities and upholding fiscal responsibility, the Senate specifically targeted investments collectively in education, transportation, local aid, health care, housing assistance, workforce development, greatly strengthened the social service safety net. The Commonwealth’s economic foundation is now positioned to deftly deflect ongoing challenges and weather future uncertainty. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate, especially my colleagues on the Committee, whose advocacy, collaboration, and dedication helped to inform and shape this comprehensive budget plan. A special heartfelt thank you to the Ways and Means staff, whose diligent work over the last several months was largely responsible for producing this budget, their tireless efforts did not go unnoticed! Lastly, a huge and sincere thank you to Senate President Spilka for her resolute and compassionate leadership as we work together to rebuild our economy and bolster our state’s long-term economic health.”

“I am proud of the Senate’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which builds off prior fiscal year investments to deliver a comprehensive, impactful set of services and programs for the residents of the Commonwealth,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I am particularly proud of the provisions that safeguard preventive health care services like cancer screenings and access to medications for chronic conditions, in the wake of a partisan federal court ruling that threatens access to these important, life-saving health care services. In Massachusetts, we will continue to protect access to commonsense health care for all our residents.”

“Historic investment in food security and the Commonwealth's food system. Record investment in regional transit authorities. Transformative levels of higher education funding,” said Senator Joanne Comerford (D-Northampton), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “I am proud of the many ways that this budget rises to meet the need of the Commonwealth’s people while strategically stoking opportunity and growth, maximizing equity, tackling pressing challenges, and seizing the promise of our time. Thank you to Senate President Karen Spilka and Chair Michael Rodrigues for their leadership in crafting this compassionate and responsible budget proposal.”

The Committee’s budget recommends a total of $55.8 billion in spending, a $3.4 billion increase over the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Budget. This spending recommendation is based on a tax revenue estimate of $40.41 billion for FY24, representing 1.6 per cent growth with an additional $1 billion from the new Fair Share surtax, as agreed upon during the Consensus Revenue process in January.

Remaining vigilant about the current fiscal environment, the Committee’s FY24 budget adheres to sound fiscal discipline and builds up available reserves for the state’s Stabilization Fund. The fund has grown to a record high of $7.16 billion and is projected to close FY24 at $9.07 billion. ensuring that the Commonwealth continues to have the means to uphold fiscal responsibility during a time of ongoing economic volatility.

The Senate’s FY24 budget also sets aside $575 million to pay for a progressive tax relief package that will center equity and chip away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts competitiveness. This tax package will be discussed and debated following the conclusion of the FY24 budget process.

Fair Share Investments

Consistent with the consensus revenue agreement reached with the Administration and House in January, the Senate’s FY24 budget includes $1 billion in revenues generated from the Fair Share ballot initiative voters approved in November 2022, which established a new surtax of 4 per cent on annual income above $1 million and invests these new public dollars to improve the state’s education and transportation sectors.

To safeguard this new source of revenue, the Senate’s FY24 budget also establishes an Education and Transportation Fund to account for these Fair Share funds in an open and transparent manner. This will ensure the public is visibly informed about how much revenue is collected from the new surtax and how much of this revenue is being dedicated to improving public education and transportation systems in accordance with the ballot initiative.

Notable Fair Share Education investments include: 

• $125 million for Higher Education Capital Funding, focused on reducing backlog of deferred maintenance projects
• $100 million for Financial Aid Expansion to expand financial aid programs for in-state students attending state universities through MASSGrant Plus, bringing the total proposal for this program to $275 million, more than doubling the amount of scholarship funding provided by the state just two fiscal years prior
• $100 million for Massachusetts School Building Authority Capital Supports for cities, towns and school districts experiencing extraordinary school project costs impacted by post-COVID inflationary pressures
• $30 million for Student Support Services to ensure students in the Commonwealth have success on the post-secondary level through wraparound supports, bringing the total program investment to $44 million
• $25 million to reduce the waiting list for the income-eligible child care assistance program, which will create approximately 2,200 new slots for children
• $25 million for capital investments in early education and care programs to build capacity and ensure the ability of programs to safely accommodate additional slots
• $20 million for Mass Reconnect, as a first step toward free community college in the Commonwealth for those aged 25 and older
• $20 million for a Free Community College Program for nursing students as a pilot to support a high-need workforce area and build toward universal free community college in the fall of 2024
• $15 million for Free Community College Implementation Supports to collect necessary data, develop best practices, and build capacity for free community college in the fall of 2024
• $15 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which empowers school districts to expand prekindergarten and preschool opportunities through public-private partnerships; this funding is on top of an additional $15 million in non-Fair Share funding for this initiative
• $15 million to expand upon the Senate-championed program that supports early education and care staff members with paying for their own personal child care
• $10 million for Early College and Innovation Pathways

 

Notable Transportation investments include:

• $190 million for MBTA Capital Investments for critical capital resources for both the subway and commuter rail systems
• $100 million for Regional Transit Funding and Grants, which will exclusively be used to support the work of the Regional Transit Authorities that serve the Commonwealth, more than doubling the total funding for RTAs to $194 million, including:
• $56 million to be distributed to RTAs for operating assistance, with special attention paid to those RTAs with historically low state operating assistance
• $25 million for an innovation grant program for transportation providers across the Commonwealth for initiatives such as electrification, infrastructure, capital investments, new and innovative service delivery models, expanded service hours or weekend service, rural connectivity, and connectivity improvements across regional transit authority service areas
• $15 million for fare-free pilot program grants to provide six months of fare-free RTA service across the Commonwealth
• $4 million through the Community Transit Grant Program to support expanded mobility options for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income individuals
• $100 million in supplemental aid for roads and bridges, half of which will be expended consistent with the Chapter 90 program, while the other half will be spent with a focus on the total mileage of participating municipalities
• $50 million for a reserve to provide matching funds for transportation projects that are eligible for federal funds, which will help the state better compete for increased federal transportation funding made available by the Biden Administration
• $50 million for Highway Bridge Preservation, to ensure that consistent funds are provided to make sure that critical infrastructure does not fall into disrepair
• $5 million for MBTA Means-Tested Fares, which will cover initial exploration of the feasibility of implementing a means-tested fare program at the MBTA
• $5 million for Water Transportation, which will cover one-time expenses for a pilot program covering operational assistance for ferry services

Education

The Senate Ways and Means FY24 budget proposal takes the first step toward implementing the Senate’s Student Opportunity Plan by making high-quality education more accessible and by making record investments to support students across the full breadth of the Commonwealth’s education system, from Massachusetts’ youngest learners to adults re-entering higher education. 

Recognizing that investments in our early education and care system support the underlying economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth, the Senate’s budget makes a historic $1.5 billion investment in early education and care. This is the largest-ever proposed annual appropriation for early education and care in Massachusetts history. For context, this area of the budget has increased by more than 77 percent (more than $660 million) over the budget from three fiscal years prior. The FY24 budget will maintain operational support for providers, support the early education and care workforce, and prioritize accessibility and affordability throughout our early education and care system.

Notably, this will be the first fiscal year in which the annual state budget includes a full year of funding for C3 grants, signaling a historic commitment to maintain this crucial lifeline for our early education and care sector. Funded at $475 million, this program, which is open to all early education and care providers, provides monthly payments to programs throughout Massachusetts. These grants, which are received by 88% of early education and care programs in the Commonwealth, have empowered programs to raise salaries, to hire additional staff, to maintain their enrollment levels, and to avoid tuition increases. Without the continuation of these grants, 751 providers (which serve over 15,000 children) have indicated that they would have to close their doors.

Other notable funding includes:

• $45 million for the center-based childcare rate reserve for reimbursement rates for subsidized care, including:
• $20 million in line-item appropriations, and
• $25 million in expected leftover funds from Fiscal Year 2023
• $30 million for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which empowers school districts to expand prekindergarten and preschool opportunities through public-private partnerships. This is double the amount that was appropriated for this initiative in FY23.
• $25 million in new funding to reduce the waiting list for income-eligible child care assistance program, which will create approximately 2,200 new slots for children
• $25 million in new funding for capital investments in early education and care programs to build capacity and ensure the ability of programs to safely accommodate additional slots
• $17.5 million for grants to Head Start programs, which provide crucial early education and child care services to low-income families
• $15 million, an increase of $5 million over FY23, to assist early education and care staff members with paying for their own personal child care
• $10 million for professional development and higher education opportunities for early educators, to assist with recruitment and retention challenges in the workforce
• $5 million, an increase of $1.5 million over FY23, for mental health consultation services in early education and care programs
• In addition to these appropriations, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget includes a policy section that will allow subsidized early education and care programs to provide child care discounts to their own staff members.

For K-12 education, the Senate commits once again to fully funding and implementing the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) by FY 2027, investing $6.59 billion in Chapter 70 funding, an increase of $604 million over FY 2023, as well as doubling minimum Chapter 70 aid from $30 to $60 per pupil. This investment ensures that the state remains on schedule to fully implement the Student Opportunity Act by FY2027 and ensures that all school districts are equipped with the resources to deliver high quality educational opportunities to their students.

In addition to these record investments in early education and public K-12 education, the Committee’s budget expands pathways to affordable public higher education for all by building capacity for free community college for all students in Fall 2024. Laying the groundwork for this momentous change to make higher education more accessible, the Senate budget includes $275 million for the scholarship reserve, $55 million to accelerate and build up capacity to support free community college across all campuses by fall of 2024, and $40 million for free community college programs for students aged 25 or older and for students pursuing degrees in nursing starting in the fall of 2023, thereby addressing a critical need felt across the state.

The Committee’s budget also welcomes students regardless of their race, national origin, citizenship, or immigration status, making clear that all high school students who attend for three years and graduate from a Massachusetts high school are eligible to receive in-state tuition at our public institutions of higher education.

Other education investments include:

• $503.8 million for the special education circuit breaker
• $230.3 million for charter school reimbursements
• $97.1 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, representing a 90% reimbursement rate
• $15 million for Rural School Aid supports
• $15 million for Early College programs and $12.6 million for the state’s Dual Enrollment initiative, both of which provide high school students with increased opportunities for post-graduate success
• $5 million to support implementation of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Higher Education law, including:
• $3 million for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment initiative to help high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 access higher education opportunities, and
• $2 million for the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Trust Fund
• $2.5 million for the Civics Education Trust Fund, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process, to promote civics education and civic engagement throughout the Commonwealth.
• $2 million for the Genocide Education Trust Fund, continuing our commitment to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide.
• $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the Department of Higher Education to support Hunger-Free Campuses for both two- and four-year public institutions of higher education and minority serving institutions

Health, Mental Health & Family Care

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $19.93 billion, providing more than 2.3 million people with continued access to affordable, accessible, and comprehensive health care services. Other health investments include:

• $2.9 billion for a range of services and focused supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• $597.7 million for Department of Mental Health adult support services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers.
• $582 million for nursing facility Medicaid rates, including:
• $112 million in additional base rate payments to maintain competitive wages in the Commonwealth’s nursing facility workforce
• $213.3 million for a complete range of substance use disorder treatment and intervention services to support these individuals and their families
• $119.8 million for children’s mental health services, after an increase of $500K through the amendment process for the establishment of Behavioral Health Pilot Program for K-12 Schools
• $71.2 million for domestic violence prevention services
• $42.9 million for Early Intervention services, ensuring supports remain accessible and available to infants and young toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities
• $33.8 million for Family Resource Centers to grow and improve the mental health resources and programming available to families
• $26.3 million for grants to local Councils on Aging to increase assistance per elder to $14 from $12 in FY 2023
• $25 million for emergency department diversion initiatives for children, adolescents, and adults
• $21.5 million for family and adolescent health, including:
• $9.2 million for comprehensive family planning services, and
• $6.7 million to enhance federal Title X family planning funding
• $20 million to recapitalize the Behavioral Health, Access, Outreach and Support Trust Fund to support targeted behavioral health initiatives
• $19.2 million to support student behavioral health services at the University of Massachusetts, state universities, community colleges, K-12 schools and early education centers
• $15 million for grants to support local and regional boards of health, continuing our efforts to build upon the successful State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) Program
• $12.8 million for Elder Nutrition Meals on Wheels, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process
• $6 million for Social Emotional Learning Grants to help K-12 schools bolster social emotional learning supports for students, including $1 million to provide mental health screenings for K-12 students
• $5 million for Children Advocacy Centers to improve the critical supports available to children that have been neglected or sexually abused
• $4.6 million for the Office of the Child Advocate
• $3.8 million for the Massachusetts Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma
• $2 million for grants for improvements in reproductive health access, infrastructure, and safety
• $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the Public University Health Center Sexual and Reproductive Health Preparation Fund for the purpose of reimbursements to public universities for abortion medications
• $1 million, adopted through the amendment process, for the development, expansion and operation of freestanding birth centers and support for community-based maternal health services

The Senate’s FY24 budget codifies into law the federal Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) provisions that protect access to preventive services. By enshrining the ACA protections into state law, insurance carriers across the Commonwealth will be required to provide coverage for preventive services without imposing cost-sharing such as co-pays and deductibles. With this vital step, the Senate is protecting access to preventive health care services for millions of our residents, including screenings for cancer, diabetes, HIV, and depression, as well as preventive medications such as statins, immunizations, and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV), and further protecting the rights and freedoms of residents to make their own health care choices without federal interference.

Through the amendment process, the Senate also took a crucial step toward expanding access to reproductive health by allowing pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraceptives. 

Expanding & Protecting Opportunities

The Senate remains committed to continuing an equitable recovery, expanding opportunity, and supporting the state’s long-term economic health. To that end, the Committee’s budget includes a record investment in the annual child’s clothing allowance, providing $450 per child for eligible families to buy clothes for the upcoming school year. The budget also includes a 10 per cent increase to Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) benefit levels compared to June 2023 to help families move out of deep poverty.

Economic opportunity investments include:

• $444.7 million for Transitional Assistance to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and $201.4 million for Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) to provide the necessary support as caseloads increase and to continue the Deep Poverty increases
• $60 million for adult basic education services to improve access to skills necessary to join the workforce
• $36 million for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program, after an increase of $1 million through the amendment process
• $20 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
• $21 million in Healthy Incentives Programs to maintain access to healthy food options for households in need
• $15 million for a Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program to provide economic support to communities disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system
• $15.4 million for Career Technical Institutes to increase our skilled worker population and provide residents access to career technical training opportunities
• $5.8 million for the Innovation Pathways program to continue to connect students to trainings and post-secondary opportunities in the industry sector with a focus on STEM fields
• $5 million for community foundations to provide emergency economic relief to historically underserved populations
• $5 million for the Secure Jobs Connect Program, providing job placement resources and assistance for homeless individuals
• $2.5 million for the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Innovation Fund, including $1.5 million to further partnerships with community colleges and state universities to provide cybersecurity workforce training to students and cybersecurity services to municipalities, non-profits, and small businesses
• $600,000 through the amendment process for the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, which will provide municipalities with technical assistance to promote compact, walkable downtowns that have a vibrant mix of commercial and residential uses, cultural and recreational amenities, and access to public transportation.

Housing

As the Senate puts in motion plans to make the Commonwealth  more inclusive, home affordability remains on the top of residents’ minds. To that end, the Senate’s FY24 budget makes a historic $1.05 billion investment in housing, dedicating resources programs that support housing stability, residential assistance, and homelessness assistance.

The budget prioritizes relief for families and individuals who continue to face challenges brought on by the pandemic and financial insecurity, including $324 million for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters and $195 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), which will provide rental assistance that a household can receive at $7,000. Other housing investments include:

$200 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), including $20.4 million in funds carried forward from FY 2023, creating more than 750 new vouchers and allowing the program to move to a payment standard with a benefit of 110% of the federal small-area fair market rental price, significantly broadening housing options for those served by the program

• $110.8 million for assistance for homeless individuals
• $107 million for assistance to local housing authorities
• $39.6 million for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs, bolstering assistance under this program to two years with a per household maximum benefit of $20,000
• $26 million for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), including $9.1 million in funds carried forward from FY 2023. This funding increase will create 250 new vouchers and will pair with $2.5 million for grants to improve or create accessible housing units. Both programs will also benefit from the inclusion of project-based vouchers in AHVP, which will stimulate the building of new deeply affordable and accessible homes
• $7.6 million for sponsor-based supportive permanent housing
• $6.4 million for the Home and Healthy for Good re-housing and supportive services program, including:
• $250,000 for homeless LGBTQ youth
• $500,000 through the amendment process for a matched savings, coaching, and support program for first-generation, first-time homebuyers across the Commonwealth

 

In addition to these record supports, the budget makes permanent a COVID-era renter protection that slows down the court process in eviction proceedings when the tenant has a pending rental assistance application. 

Community Support

The Committee’s budget – in addition to funding traditional accounts like Chapter 70 education aid – further demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to state-local partnerships, dedicating meaningful resources that touch all regions and meet the needs of communities across the Commonwealth. This includes $1.27 billion in funding for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), an increase of $39.4 million over FY 2023, to support additional resources for cities and towns. In addition to traditional sources of local aid, the Committee’s budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $51.5 million, an increase of $6.5 million over FY 2023. PILOT funding is a vital source of supplemental local aid for cities and towns working to protect and improve access to essential services and programs during recovery from the pandemic. Other local investments include:

• $194 million for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support regional public transportation systems, including $100 million from Fair Share funds to support our RTAs that help to connect all regions of our Commonwealth.
• $47.3 million for libraries, including $16.7 million for regional library local aid, after an increase of $750,000 through the amendment process, $17.6 million for municipal libraries and $6.2 million for technology and automated resource networks.
• $25 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives.

The FY24 Senate Budget will soon be available on the Massachusetts legislature’s website: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2024/SenateBudget. 

A conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile differences between the versions of the budget passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

MA Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Fiscal Year 2024 Budget