Via the Franklin Food Pantry:
"A huge thank you to State Rep Jeff Roy for his continued support and advocacy for The Pantry. We are so grateful!"
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| State Rep Jeff Roy FY 2024 budget wins for Franklin |
Showing posts with label FY 2024. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FY 2024. Show all posts
Thursday, August 17, 2023
State Rep Jeff Roy FY 2024 budget wins for Franklin
Thursday, August 10, 2023
MA State budget signed, one of the line items cut is "Hey Sam"
"GOV. MAURA HEALEY on Wednesday signed into law her first state budget, setting a different tone than the Republican who held the corner office for the previous eight years.She invited Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano to join her at the signing ceremony, signaling a united front among the top three Democrats on Beacon Hill. It was a departure from past practice under former governor Charlie Baker; Mariano called it a new precedent.Overall, the $56 billion budget gives all three Democrats items they can crow about. Healey trumpeted a measure she initiated to cover “last-dollar funding” so students over age 25 can attend community college for free. She also highlighted a big boost in funding (1 percent of the state budget) for the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the largest increase ever in K-12 school funding, and a 48 percent increase in funds for the state’s emergency shelter program."
Continue reading the article online -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/with-democrats-united-healey-signs-56b-budget/
The Mass Municipal Assoc also provides coverage -> https://www.mma.org/gov-healey-signs-fy24-state-budget/
Boston Globe provides coverage of the signing ->
Via Senator Rausch wasn't pleased with one of the line items cut
"I am pleased that @MassGovernor signed much of the FY24 budget today, but concerned about several significant cuts, incl. complete elimination of funding for Hey Sam, a 100%-successful youth mental health text line, amid an ongoing #mentalhealth crisis. My full statement"
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| Senator Rausch statement on "Hey Sam" |
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
How late is the State budget? Really? What is in the state budget is the more important question!
Just how late was the annual state budget lawmakers sent to Gov. Healey on Monday?
Only three other budgets since FY2000 have been completed later, one of which was in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic upended everything, per @masstaxpayersfd data. #mapoli https://t.co/MjQF0gjlqs
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| What is in the state budget is the more important question! |
Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/ypnCUKs33L
"Less than 24 hours after negotiators inked a compromise on a $56.2 billion annual spending plan, House and Senate lawmakers, with little debate, voted Monday to send the fiscal year 2024 package to Governor Maura Healey.The chambers’ action on the budget legislation, representing a record level of spending, came nearly a month after the July 1 deadline for the start of the new fiscal year.The budget is now in Healey’s hands for the next 10 days, and what happens next remains to be seen. Lawmakers used the governor’s budget proposal as a roadmap in crafting their own, but she could seek to further shape the spending plan, the first of her term in the corner office."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription may be required)
The Conference Committee report on the FY 2024 budget can be found ->
The link to the actual legislation document H 4040 -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4040
The continuation legislation to fund August in lieu of the final budget. Signed by Gov Healey on July 31, 2023 -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H4022
Via MA Senate Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MA_Senate/status/1685851177802403840
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| What is in the state budget is more important - 1 |
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| What is in the state budget is more important - 2 |
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| What is in the state budget is more important - 3 |
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| What is in the state budget is more important - 4 |
Saturday, July 29, 2023
MA budget to the Governor next week finally, maybe??
"After weeks of negotiations and two stopgap spending bills, state House and Senate Democrats announced Friday afternoon that they finally reached an agreement on the state budget for the fiscal year that started July 1.While they did not announce any details, budget leaders said they are confident they will be able to vote on the budget on Monday.“Our respective teams are actively engaged in ironing out the details and working diligently to finalize the agreement,” Senator Michael J. Rodrigues and Representative Aaron Michlewitz, who serve as budget leaders in their respective chambers, said in a statement. “We are confident that the Conference Committee Report will be filed in the coming days, ensuring that both the House and Senate will take up the report on Monday in formal session.”
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/28/metro/massachusetts-house-senate-budget-vote-late/
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| Michael J. Rodrigues, the Senate Ways and Means Chair, speaks to reporters in the Massachusetts State House on August 1, 2022.CARLIN STIEHL FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE |
Friday, July 14, 2023
"This year were the “Tier One” cuts ... "Tier Two" cuts next year will be more severe"
Via School Committee Chair Denise Spencer:
Franklin Public Schools has been ringing the alarm bell for 15+ years.
2020 was going to be the swift kick in the rear, but the covid money came in and served as a band-aid. And for the last three years we've been warning people - the money is running out. I don't see another global pandemic happening anytime soon. There are no more handouts. I can't even say the day is here because we've passed the point of no return.
This year were the “Tier One” cuts (see photos in separate post), as discussed at the budget subcommittee meetings, Finance Committee, Town Council, regularly scheduled School Committee meetings…
Tier Two cuts next year will be more severe (read: think programs such as Music, Arts, Foreign Language, not to mention Sports - freshman, froshman JV, Extracurricular Activities, Small Class Sizes, etc. etc..)
The information is out there. Do some research and spend some time to reflect on what you want your community to be.
If you have questions, you can go back and watch some meetings…
- FRANKLIN TOWN HALL TV - YouTube http://bit.ly/43lBwVE Here you can find recordings of School Committee, Finance Committee, Town Council, Joint Budget, Budget Hearings…
- Franklin Matters: https://www.franklinmatters.org/ Steve does a great job of collecting information and sharing
- Franklin School Committee: https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
Here you can find meeting packets, agendas, budget information and more
I encourage folks to attend the August 2nd Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting.
Linking historical articles that show this is NOT a new problem
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| Going forward from FY 2024, what is sustainable? (audio) |
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
FPS school budget reductions summarized now that the FY 2024 budget for is finalized
As shared by School Committee Chair Denise Spencer.
The Franklin Public School budget reductions in the FY 2024 budget.
Slide 1
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| FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - positions |
Slide 2
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| FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - services |
Slide 3
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| FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - ESSER grant funding |
Slide 4
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| FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - adjustments |
Additional details can be found on the resolution voted on to approve these ->
The full set of FY 2024 school budget info can be found ->
The full set of Town of Franklin FY 2024 budget can be found ->
Note: The Town sets a dollar amount for Franklin schools. The School Committee & School District are responsible for managing the details of operating the school district for that dollar amount.
Shared from Chair Spencer's Facebook posting ->
https://www.facebook.com/groups/723957848435496/posts/1491582888339651/
Where do we go from here?
Fortunately, the recording of the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer is available. You can listen to see what the plans are to use the Joint Budget Subcommittee meetings to turn the annual five year outlook into a financial model to show what could be required to support all of the needs of the Town for the next several years.The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1020-fy2024-going-forward-06-27-23
Note: The Joint Budget Subcommittee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 7 PM. (Agenda and remote participation info will be posted a couple of days before the meeting)
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
From the May audio archives - If you missed it then, you can catch up to it now (audio)
FM #993 - Spend a few minutes with this "must listen" summary from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen on FY 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/franklinites-spend-few-minutes-with.html
FM #1001 - The audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 29, 2023. -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-of-franklin-memorial-day-ceremony.html
FM #1002 - The audio of the Favorite Poem Project Reading held in the Franklin Public Library on Saturday, April 29, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/the-favorite-poem-project-reading-for.html
You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/
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| Franklin Matters Radio podcast page |
Monday, July 3, 2023
Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023
Fiscal Year 2024 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills due August 1, 2023
Notice from the Treasurer/Collector
Fiscal Year 2024 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - First Quarter
Treasurer/Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal Year 2024 first quarter real estate and personal property tax bills. Payment is due by August 1, 2023.
Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (audio)
FM #1012 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1012 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.
Brief recap:
Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting June 13, 2023
Timing on the recording when each segment Starts
Spain trip - approx. 12 minutes
Girls Outdoor Track - approx. 20 minutes
Michelle Kingsland Smith - approx. 29 minutes
Middle School Civics - approx. 42 minutes
Oak St Update - approx. 73 minutes
Discussion Action Items (budget) - approx. 1 hour 56 minutes
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1012-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-06-13-23
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Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf
My notes captured during the meeting (in one PDF file)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2Uwk3QIX9rejAPGl2offT65fqVLCOYf/view?usp=drive_link
Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share
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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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/ or www.franklin.news/
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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023 |
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
The budget, citizen engagement, good things happening, room to improve, and more in this Talk Franklin - 06/08/23 (audio)
FM #1010 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1010 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Topics for this session
Budget
Engagement
Good things happening, room to improve
Nason St, Sculpture Park, Memorial Day
The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1010-talk-franklin-06-08-23
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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin
Town Council agenda for 06/07/23 meeting ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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/ or www.franklin.news/
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"
 |
| The budget, citizen engagement, good things happening, room to improve, and more in this Talk Franklin - 06/08/23 (audio) |
School Committee agonizes over budget cuts, hears an update from Oak St and about the middle school school civics program (video)
The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, June 13 for their penultimate session for this school year. The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay.
Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EVNd_SfjvbY?feature=share
Brief recap:
- Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating senior
- During the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of Champions
- Recognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business Administrator
- Middle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.
- The Oak St Elementary team provided and interactive question and answer update on the happenings and progress within the school this year
- The additional funds from the Town saves some positions but there are still 26.7 positions removed from the budget, 16 of which were enrollment related. The Committee agonized over the cuts, appreciating the effort and thought that went into trying to minimize the impacts of these. One member said as hard as it is this year, we'll look back to this budget next year as a good one. And that is not something to look forward to
Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-13-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet
Meeting agenda doc (includes remote participation info) -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_6-13-23.pdf
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| Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2023 |
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Town Council recognizes Electric Youth, approves annual appointments, authorizes additional funds for School budget (audio)
FM #1009 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1009 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Recognition
Electric Youth 2023 were recognized with a proclamation and provided song for the Council (and audience). They have a pair of 'Bob Voyage' concerts June 16 & 17 at THE BLACK BOX and then leave on their European tour the week after
Appointments
The Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees was approved, there are a few positions still open, some are in process of being filled, some are still looking for candidates
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee recommendations by year end
Public hearings
License corporate formalities
Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling units
The set of zoning bylaws was moved to a second reading with modification to one of the three measures in the set of three. There are three as one covers the bylaw language, one covers the definition, and one covers the use table. The use table received the modification to revert the language to what originated from the EDC Plus committee.
The Town Council in their actions during the April 12, 2023 meeting modified the use table to expand coverage for 'by right' for additional residential zones. The Planning Board did not like the expansion and in turn recommended the 'original' language over the modified. The Town Council after some discussion agreed to the original language and moved that to second reading
Pair of resolutions to adjust the FY 2024 Budget to provide an additional $736K to the schools
Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment
Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24
Folks may recall that at the end of the Finance Committee budget hearings and repeated at the end of the Town Council budget hearings, Town Administrator laid out the plan for providing additional funding for the school budget. The MA Senate passed their version of the State FY 2024 which set into play this "plan b" earlier than Jamie had outlined. The two resolutions passed unanimously. The additional funds restore 8 of the 30 positions targeted to balance the budget. Of the 22 that remain to be cut, some number (I recall it was 16) were going to be cut anyway as the result of declining enrollment. Stay tuned for the School Committee meeting scheduled for June 13 where they will approve the 'final' budget and confirm the number affected
Interesting to note that while most if not all of the Town departments that gave up the funds to enable this transfer were present, only Dave McNeill, the School Committee Budget Subcmte Chair spoke to acknowledge the transfer to increase the school budget and express appreciation for this action. If other members of the School Committee were present virtually, they remained quiet. (They were not in the Council Chambers.)
The recording runs about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 7, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1009-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-07-23
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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?feature=share
Council agenda and documents released for the meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf
My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hc2egjV3zKOqJmIziMKApdR4z24gNMya/view?usp=drive_link
Photos from the meeting -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/KnXuTmSfcwAEXFxe6
The FY 2024 budget document folder ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials
The Franklin TV video replay for https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?feature=share
--------------
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
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/ or www.franklin.news/
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"
 |
| Town Council recognizes Electric Youth, approves annual appointments, authorizes additional funds for School budget (audio) |
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