Roy & Hellen testify on H.2108 to enable Town of Franklin to publish legal notices by alternative means to save money

On Tuesday, June 20, State Rep Jeff Roy and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen testified on a local home rule petition to save the Town of Franklin approx. $40-50K per year by not sending legal notices to the newspaper. Legal notices are posted to the Town website, residents (and others) can subscribe to receive them. Newspapers have been declining in publication. The savings will not significant are substantial.

Roy & Hellen testify on H.2108

The testimony submitted by Rep Roy

"Representative Carol A. Fiola, Chair

Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Room 236

Boston, MA 01233

Senator Jacob R. Oliveira, Chair

Chair Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government Room 416-B

Boston, MA 01233

RE: H. 2108, “An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings”.

Dear Chair Fiola and Chair Oliveira:

I respectively request that H. 2108 - “An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings” be released favorably from committee.

The proposed unanimous home rule petition would authorize Franklin to post statutorily required legal notices through means other than print newspaper. The language is modeled after Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022 which authorized the town of Acton to use similar alternative methods of notice for public hearings.

Franklin is well known for its robust community engagement. Citizens are active and regularly consume many forms of media connected to the current events of the town. For instance, the town has over 5,000 email subscribers, multiple sources of social media, cable access through Franklin TV, civic news services such as Franklin Matters and the Franklin Observer as well as the town’s official website. In addition, notices would be posted by the Town Clerk on the bulletin board as well and over time would be expanded to other bulletin boards in heavily frequented areas around town. Since 2017 the town has spent $200,000 publishing meeting notices in print newspapers despite fewer and fewer people reading or subscribing to local print media. With so many readily available alternatives a savings of $40,000-50,000 a year would mean a great deal to the town budget.

As State Representative for Franklin, I can attest to the commitment of Town’s officials to ensuring that town business is conducted in an upfront and transparent way. Franklin has been recognized by the Massachusetts Municipal Association for its transparent approach to public meeting accessibility, especially during the pandemic. The town takes its responsibility to promote civic engagement very seriously and is always looking for new and better ways to inform its citizenry. I have no doubt that as technology continues to expand, Franklin will continue to innovate and expand their notice capabilities. For these reasons, I believe the request to eliminate one small facet of the notice requirement can be accommodated without negative impact.

Thus, I urge your favorable action on H. 2108 and thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns."

Full text in PDF form ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XeFmQk1DWeTcSPOta_SrvsauZAlbp30N/view?usp=drive_link

Testimony submitted by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

Re: Testimony on House 2108, An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings

Dear Chair Fiola and Chair Oliveiro:

On behalf of the Franklin Town Council, I am submitting testimony on behalf of the House 2108, An Act authorizing the city known as the town of Franklin to utilize alternative methods for notice of public hearings. I request a favorable report from the Joint Committee and passage of this home rule legislation. The legislation approved and submitted by the Franklin Town Council was modeled after Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022.

In a unanimous decision, 9-0, the Franklin Town Council petitions the General Court with this home rule legislation to allow the Town to post statutory required legal advertisements through means other than through a print newspaper. As you know, cities and towns are required by statute to file (certain) public hearing and legal notices via a print newspaper publication of general circulation. A few examples of required hearing notifications in print newspapers include conservation, certain financial or property hearings, certain licensing hearings, land use permitting, and tree hearings, among many more. As technology and accessibility to government officials has evolved, advanced, and expanded significantly, the Town believes we can communicate in greater effectiveness to our citizens through electronic and in-person methods, while saving taxpayers significant resources each year from publishing legal advertisements in print newspapers.

Since 2017, the Town of Franklin has cumulatively spent over $200,000 to publish legal ads in print newspapers. That total would have been higher if not due to the two COVID years of 2020 and 2021. The Town is not convinced it’s seeing a significant return on that financial investment with greater attendance, participation or awareness of public hearings through print newspapers. It’s an exceptionally rare situation to have a citizen arrive at any public meeting and suggest they saw the public notification in the print newspaper. Occasionally, this may be the case, and I fully understand this will affect a small portion of the citizens in town. But learning about public hearings via a print newspaper is far from the norm and further fades each year.

The overwhelming number of citizens, including most senior citizens, receive their town news, legal notifications and updates from the Town’s various electronic and in-person sources. The Town has over 5,000 subscribers to various email lists on how citizens stay in touch with local news, hearings, meetings, announcements and public hearing notifications. That content is also published on town authorized social media channels. Specifically for legal public hearing advertisements, the town has nearly 855 subscribers on the “Legal Ads” email subscription list and is a free service for everyone.

Notifications of hearings can also be found on local cable access, the town website, and are often published by local, third party civic news sources in Franklin Matters and the Franklin Observer.

If this legislation is approved, the Town would use this email subscription service as the predominant legal notification method for all state required public hearing notifications. We would facilitate a policy for the entire organization. The Town would also dedicate a bulletin board in the Town Clerk’s Office to post hearing notices. As time evolves, I could even envision numerous posting areas of high visibility or foot traffic. And of course the notices would all be posted on the town website as we currently do.

Furthermore, the Town would also work closely with our local cable access station, Franklin TV, to post legal ads throughout regular programming. They reserve a fair amount of air space for local town news, hearings, meeting notices and also have an archive of all town meetings on YouTube called “Franklin Town Hall TV.” The methods the town has used to inform citizens of hearings have been effective and we would like to continue them without having the additional cost or responsibility to post those same notices in a print newspaper of general circulation. In tightening budget times, saving $40-$50,000 a year on legal ads would be beneficial to the town budget to either reinvest in other civic engagement projects, or in other areas in need of investment.

Franklin is well respected for its transparent publication of information, meetings, hearings, outreach, and communication. The Town has been recognized by the MMA and many other communities for our comprehensive approach to transparency and public meeting accessibility, notably during the pandemic, by meeting citizens where they are consuming content rather than asking them to find antiquated locations for notifications. I rarely hear complaints about the public not knowing about an issue, meeting or a hearing. As Representative Roy and Senator Rausch know well, citizens in Franklin are extremely well informed of when critical meetings, hearings or events are being held in the community.

At the end of the day, with print newspapers in a slow decline and public attention turning into purely electronic and in person forms of communication, it may not be that far off in the future when many other municipalities will be looking for a similar exemption from being required to post certain legal ads in a local print newspaper. Similar to Chapter 369 of the Acts of 2022, many communities will be facing a reality that there is no print newspaper option to suffice this legal requirement, or other communities will simply this legal requirement not the most cost effective use of public spending. This legislation could serve as an additional test case of how to develop better policy on this future trend.

On behalf of the Town Council, I greatly appreciate the time of the Joint Committee to hear this bill. We thank you for your attention to this legislation and urge a favorable report from the committee. I am happy to discuss the legislation with any member of the committee or the legislative committee staff.

Full text in PDF form ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KsMK4jewlbsuK2cmGgnl6TPCdY0h9jkd/view?usp=drive_link 

The H.2108 legislation text can be found -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H2108

Link to the hearing testimony -> https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4561 Rep Roy and Hellen appear approximately 10 minutes into the hearing video

CommonWealth Magazine: "Split-in-two committee to hold dueling hearings this week"

"Those interested in testifying on bills dealing with offshore wind and energy storage may have to do double-duty this week.

The feuding House and Senate chairs of the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee are splitting the panel in half, with the House members taking testimony on bills dealing with offshore wind and energy storage on Thursday and Senate members holding their own “parallel hearing” on the same bills on Friday.

The two feuders – Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin and Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington – both say they are acting on principle in a fight about the rules that govern their legislative committee.

Roy said his concerns trace to the end of the legislative session last year, when Barrett used the powers provided under the rules to control which bills were released from committee. He said action on major energy legislation was delayed and hundreds of other bills were blocked, which means they ended up with the label “ought not to pass.”

Barrett said he is refusing to engage in any legislative business with Roy until the House chair either agrees to new rules or abides by the rules that were in force last year, which require the consent of both chairs to schedule a hearing or an executive session where legislation is acted on."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/split-in-two-committee-to-hold-dueling-hearings-this-week-2/ 

The golden dome of the State House. (Photo by Andy Metzger)

Legislative Forum hears of limited help from state funding for school budget issue (audio)

FM #970 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 970 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the 5th Annual Franklin, MA School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, April 10, 2023.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: School Committee members, key guests, and the public were in person in the Lecture Hall at Franklin High School. Others participated virtually via the Zoom webinar set up.

Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy participated in this 5th annual Forum

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are included in the show notes. The recording runs about an hour and forty-five minutes, so let’s listen to the Legislative Forum held April 10, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-970-fps-legislative-forum-04-10-23

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Agenda doc  https://franklinps.net/district/events/93796

My notes  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oUmnGWn3v7UrVk-2xU1aXisoca6aB07x/view?usp=share_link 

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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"

Legislative Forum hears of limited help from state funding for school budget issue (audio)

5th Annual Legislative Forum scheduled for April 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM

The Franklin School Committee's 5th Annual Legislative Forum is set for April 10th at 6:30pm!  @BeccaRauschMA  &  @jeffroy  will address the challenges facing districts across the state, with a focus on Franklin. 

Learn more here:  https://franklinps.net/district/events/93796

5th Annual Legislative Forum scheduled for April 10, 2023 at 6:30 PM

Applause Gelato cut their ribbon Thursday, opens Saturday, Apr 8 from noon to 4 PM

Applause, the new gelato and one of a kind gift shop, held their ribbon cutting on Thursday with a small but distinguished invitation only event. The official opening will be Saturday afternoon from noon to 4 PM.

Announced during the brief ribbon cutting the hours will be limited initially and as May/June bring more college students home from school, the hours are expected to expand.

Some photos from the ribbon cutting are shared here and additional photos are collected in an album as well.  Album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/hwwX825KGVgrKHy6A

Raye Lynn Mercer cut the ribbon assisted by  Marcie DiChiara and State Rep Jeff Roy

State Rep Jeff Roy presented a proclamation from the MA House

L - R: State Rep Jeff Roy, Marcie DiChara, Raye Lynn Mercer, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

The menu board lists the available gelato flavors

The gelato flavors are ready to be served on Saturday

School Budget hearing Tuesday, March 28 at 7 PM - what we know, what we don't know

What we know: The Superintendent's recommended budget is asking for $2.8M more than last year. The Town only has about $3.2M in new growth forecasted. If the schools got their increase, then the remaining $.4M would be spread among the remaining Town functions: police, fire, DPW, Library, Senior Center, etc. So the $2,8M ask is not likely to be fully funded. 

What we don't know: How will the School budget be funded? Where will the funds come from? There is a Legislative Forum scheduled for April 10 but respectfully, we can't count on additional help from the State. 

The revised school funding formula, the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) already did that by keeping Franklin (and a few other communities) as 'held harmless.' What that means is that the old formula provided more funds to Franklin than the new one would. We benefited greatly during our growth periods of the 90's and 00's under the old formula. Now that our enrollment is in decline, rather than take away the excess of what the formula should give us (currently $11M) they are holding us harmless. 

We can thank our legislative delegation Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for this action. In addition to keeping us 'harmless' they did see that we could still benefit from state funding for our two biggest drivers of cost; Special Education Circuit breaker and transportation. 

For additional information on the complexity of transportation, Worcester School Committee member Tracy Novick writes:

"This piece about Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan discussing a home rule petition on transportation led me to tweet out this thread this morning, as it appears that two things are being confused. 

First, student transportation doesn't count towards net school spending in any district. Net school spending is specifically defined in 603 CMR 10.06, and it's standard: there isn't a difference between a regional and a municipal school district. There's a handful of things it doesn't include--crossing guards and building rentals are two others--and that's the case for every district.

What is different between municipal and regional district transportation is state reimbursement. Regional districts, under MGL Ch. 71, sec. 16C, have a requirement as to whom they furnish transportation and it is state reimbursed:

...the commonwealth shall reimburse such district to the full extent of the amounts expended for such transportation, subject to appropriation; provided, however, that no reimbursement for transportation between school and home shall be made on account of any pupil who resides less than one and one-half miles from the school of attendance, measured by a commonly traveled route.

The required transportation is reimbursed by the state, generally at about 75%, though this year it is projected to be 90%. "

Continue reading Tracy's piece here -> 

http://who-cester.blogspot.com/2023/03/a-note-on-transportation-reimbursements.html

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-28-23docx.pdf

The FY 2024 budget documents arranged in sections ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2024-budget

School Budget hearing Tuesday, March 28 at 7 PM

5th Annual Legislative Forum scheduled - Monday, April 10, 2023

You're invited to join us for our 5th Annual Legislative Forum on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 PM in the Franklin High School Lecture Hall and via Zoom.

Our state legislators will be updating the Franklin community on important issues specifically related to education. Topics will include:

• The growing need for school-provided social services
• FY24 State budget
• The Student Opportunity Act
• Unfunded and underfunded state and federal education mandates
• Educator wellness and workforce elasticity amid the national teacher shortage
• Special Education funding

An opportunity for Q & A will be available for participants. We hope you will join us. 

For remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/legislative_forum_4_10_23.pdf

or visit the event page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/events/93796

5th Annual Legislative Forum scheduled - Monday, April 10, 2023

Franklin Public Schools hosts "Legislative Forum" on April 10, 2023

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Legislative Forum

Monday, April 10, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Franklin High School - Lecture Hall

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

 

● Legislative Forum

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/agenda/legislative-forum

Franklin Public Schools hosts "Legislative Forum" on April 10, 2023

Boston Globe Editorial: "Seizing home equity over unpaid taxes is unfair to homeowners"

State Representative Jeff Roy has co-sponsored legislation to avoid this and is mentioned in the article. 

"After Deborah Foss fell behind on property taxes on her two-unit house in New Bedford, the city sold her debt to an outside company, which pursued the $30,000 the retired grandmother owed.

But rather than simply recouping the debt, according to her lawyers, Foss fell victim to an overly punitive state law that cost her the entire house, valued at $241,600 — far more than was needed to settle her debt — and left her temporarily homeless last winter.

Massachusetts is one of a dozen states that allows a practice critics refer to as “home equity theft.” If a home is foreclosed on due to unpaid property taxes, the municipality — or a company that buys the tax debt — can sell the home and keep the profit, even if the sale price is more than the taxpayer owes.

The system often disproportionately and unfairly punishes elderly homeowners. Of course, people need to pay taxes. Municipalities should be allowed to recoup the costs they incur in collecting those taxes if a homeowner is delinquent, including by seizing a home."

Continue reading the Editorial by the Boston Globe (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/12/opinion/seizing-home-equity-over-unpaid-taxes-is-unfair-homeowners/

Read the PDF version of the editorial here -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fjTngwbzsrnpJHduQiXzMjh84N1fEYvk/view?usp=share_link

BOSTON GLOBE; BAURKA/CANDY1812/ADOBE

CommonWealth Magazine: "Region’s aging nuclear power plants drawing interest"

"Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, a Democrat who chairs the Legislature’s Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, is a big supporter of offshore wind and solar. But he, too, sees a need for nuclear power plants. 

Roy, who toured the Seabrook and Millstone plants last year, said he intends to file legislation shortly that would allow the Healey administration to pursue the purchase of electricity generated by Millstone. 

He acknowledges the concerns about nuclear waste, but says the plant already exists so it makes sense to take advantage of its emission-free power to help address climate change. “It would be a shame if we didn’t at least take a look at it,” he said."

Continue reading the article ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/regions-aging-nuclear-power-plants-drawing-interest-2/

And via https://twitter.com/MassPolProfMo/status/1616406108263878657  it is insightful to "follow the money"

"New Englanders are wearing tank tops and shorts in January and @massfiscal  is hosting a climate change denial summit. See any connection?" 

Read money about who is funding these folks   - >   https://www.masspoliticsprofs.org/2023/01/20/massachusetts-fiscal-alliance-brings-kochs-circus-to-town/ 

Listen to the recent "Making Sense of Climate" episode here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/making-sense-of-climate-ted-i-start.html

 

Millstone Nuclear Station

Representative Jeff Roy reports on his recent trade mission to San Miguel, Azores, and Lisbon, Portugal

Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) joined several Massachusetts legislative officials on a trade mission to San Miguel, Azores, and Lisbon, Portugal, to meet officials and discuss issues of importance to both sides, including economic development, educational partnerships, maritime security, and green energy initiatives. While there, Roy met with Portuguese and United States officials to discuss these issues of mutual interest.

Rep Jeff Roy and what else but wind turbines in the background!

The visit included meetings with Azores President Jose Manuel Boleiero, Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, U.S. Consul to the Azores Margaret Campbell, historian José de Almeida Mello (chief librarian of the Ponta Delgada Municipal Library and the cultural attaché of Ponta Delgada City Hall), Catolica Rector Isabel Capeloa Gil, Pouguese Secretary of Internationalization Bernardo Ivo Cruz, and U.S. Ambassador Randi Charon Levine. It also included stops at the Nonagon Technology Park, the University of the Azores, Católica University, the Palacio das Necessidades, FLAD, the Jose do Canto Palace and Gardens, Palacio Sant Ana, Santo Christopher Sanctuary, and Hassamaim Synagogue.

“Massachusetts and Portugal are great friends and I was honored to travel with the delegation to foster and strengthen the ties between the our state and the Portuguese nation,” said Rep. Roy. “Our talks focused on shared common democratic values and concerns, international relations, energy, education, and the Inflation Reduction Act which was passed in August 2022. Portugal is a gateway to Europe and it is essential to have cooperation between the countries on the two sides of the Atlantic.”

Augusto Athayde, Count of Albuquerque, commented that it is important “to develop and strengthen the good and prosperous relationship between the Azores and Portugal and the USA, and especially with Massachusetts, where so many Azorean families have set and organized their lives, and therefore by doing so, promoted the development of links between both our great countries.”

Rep Roy poses with the group

While there, the delegation also experienced some of the local culture and landmarks including traditional folkloric dance, a traditional fado dinner, the Sanctuary at Fatima, the Monastery at Batalha, and the historic towns of Nazare and Obidos.

No taxpayer funds were expended on the trip and each member of the delegation personally paid for the costs of the flights, accommodations, and meals.

Jeff

Jeffrey N Roy

State Representative (Franklin & Medway)

Chair - Joint Committee on Higher Education

State House - Room 43

617-722-2030

Additional photos Rep Roy shared of the trip can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wb8vwCJEMsHS2bhe6

Museum of Science: "Visit the Mass Clean Energy Center's Wind Turbine Testing Center" (video)

Rep Jeff Roy talked about his visit to the wind turbine blade testing facility in our recent episode of "Making Sense of Climate" series.  The Museum of Science produced this video about the visit and work being on wind power technology.

"In the case of #climatechange, the evidence is compelling: climate change is increasingly affecting the Northeast. Climate change threatens the Earth, social connectedness, infrastructure, and our public health. To combat it, Massachusetts must continue to invest and enact evidence-based policies that protect Massachusetts and our region from climate change.

This past July, Massachusetts passed An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind, a landmark climate bill that expands clean energy and sets ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With cooperation and innovation from the government, academic, industry and public sectors, the green economy in Massachusetts will positively impact citizens for generations to come. 

The Museum of Science is grateful to the Mass Clean Energy Council and the Wind Turbine Testing Center in Charlestown for hosting us at their facility to learn more about this industry. And, thank you to Jennifer Dalosio CEO of the Mass Clean Energy Center, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Representative Jeff Roy, and Representative Dan Ryan for speaking to the legislation and what offshore wind means for their districts and for the future #STEM workforce in Massachusetts.  

Among the world's largest science centers, the Museum of Science engages millions of people each year to the wonders of science and technology through interactive exhibitions, digital programs, giant screen productions, and preK – 8 EiE® STEM curricula through the William and Charlotte Bloomberg Science Education Center. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic experiences as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. Around the world, the Museum is known for digital experiences such as Mission: Mars launching in 2022 on Roblox, and traveling exhibitions such as the Science Behind Pixar." 

Learn more at https://www.mos.org/

Video link -> https://youtu.be/XzsN9jcZjc8

Making Sense of Climate episode -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/hear-about-green-banking-and-more-in.html

The Codcast: "Lawmakers walk tightrope on wind power contracts" (audio)

"The Legislature’s energy experts say it makes sense to penalize CommonWealth Wind and Mayflower Wind if they default on their recently approved power purchase contracts, but the lawmakers don’t want the penalties to include a ban on participation in an upcoming offshore wind procurement.

The House and Senate chairs of the Legislature’s Utilities, Telecommunications, and Energy Committee say the state needs to walk a fine line between penalizing the companies but not penalizing itself. "

Continue reading the article at CommonWealth Magazine 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/podcast/lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on-wind-power-contracts/

Listen to the podcast episode here -> https://on.soundcloud.com/qsmnM

CommonWealth Magazine · Lawmakers walk tightrope on wind power contracts

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

Representative Roy addresses MassSave payment delays with WCVB Channel 5

Representative Jeffrey N. Roy sat down with WCVB Channel 5’s Ben Simmoneau to talk about problems with Mass Save and the long delays and missing payments due to customers seeking rebates toward new heating units. Ben leads the station’s nationally recognized consumer reporting franchise, “Ben Has Your Back.”

The complete report involving Mass Save can be viewed at https://youtu.be/fe9nhZJ-_VI or https://www.wcvb.com/article/ben-has-your-back-mass-save-payment-delays-heating/41823743.

MassSave is an initiative sponsored by Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, including The Berkshire Gas Company, Blackstone Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid, and Unitil. The sponsors of MassSave work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to provide a wide range of services, incentives, trainings, and information promoting energy efficiency that help residents and businesses manage energy use and related costs.

NewsCenter 5 took the complaints about processing delays to Rep. Roy as the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. Rep. Roy has also heard similar complaints directly and has been working with the utilities to make improvements in the service.

"It’s absolutely not satisfactory for there to be long delays in the delivery of payments," Roy said. "A reasonable amount of time to get these rebates is six to eight weeks. Beyond that is unreasonable."

At the start of the year, the state's utilities — which run MassSave — restructured the program with the state’s approval, slashing many rebates for natural gas, oil or propane while increasing money for electric heat and implementing new energy savings programs. The goal is to move homes away from heating directly with fossil fuels and toward what will soon hopefully be a greener electric grid.

Rep. Roy says the utilities blamed those changes for some of the delays. MassSave processes 100,000 rebate submissions every year, which requires a number of due diligence checks. Roy noted that helping folks get their rebates from MassSave is important for our climate change efforts.

But the processing delays are not the only problem. The two customers included in the report both had difficulty getting answers about their checks because of the complex relationship between MassSave and the utilities who actually funnel the money to the program.

Rep. Roy says if delays and communication do not improve, the state will force the utilities to fix it.

"There should be an easy way for you to get information," Roy said. "I don't care whether it's an email or a website, there should be an ombudsman available to address that."

After NewsCenter 5 got involved, both customers got their full rebates right away. MassSave blamed part of the delay on missing information on their applications, but also said both checks were held up by various processing issues.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.

Representative Roy addresses MassSave payment delays with WCVB Channel 5

State Representative Jeff Roy: Election Day reminder & November newsletter

View this email in your browser Asking for your vote Our election is coming up tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov 8) and I am once again asking for your vote. I would like to finish the work that I have started and continue to serve our communities on Beacon Hill. Since 2013, I have been part of the legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. This portfolio includes several bills where I led the efforts on the House floor, including: the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022; the Genocide Education Act in 2021; the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021; legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022; legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021; legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019; legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015; legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013. I have also worked hard to bring millions of dollars to Franklin and Medway for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. The work has also involved helping thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies. The video below highlights why I do this job and why I am again asking for your vote. Serving the citizens of Franklin and Medway in the Massachusetts House of Representatives continues to be a great honor and privilege. To confront the challenges we face, our community needs leadership and collaboration. We need commitment, perseverance and empathy. And we need someone with the experience and the know-how of governing. Franklin and Medway deserve nothing less. We can continue this work together. Your vote tomorrow will allow us to do so. Jeff Copyright (C) 2022 State Rep Jeff Roy. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 43 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, please follow this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/b2505e5fde67/march-2021-newsletter-7417221?e=6ead984465

Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2022 endorsements for his re-election campaign

Maura Healey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). “Representative Roy is a passionate advocate who stands for our values and gets things done for Franklin and Medway,” said Healey. “We’ve worked together on many of the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts residents, including the recently passed clean energy and offshore wind bill, and I look forward to continuing to deliver results together. I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”

In addition to Healey, Roy has been endorsed by Franklin Firefighters Local 2637, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 103), Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Sierra Club, 350 Mass Action, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and SEIU Local 509. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones; and Franklin Town Councilors Deborah Pellegri, Melanie Hamblen, Ted Cormier-Leger, Cobi Frongillo, and Patrick Sheridan.

“Chair Roy was central to the passage of the 2021 Roadmap Bill, one of the strongest climate laws in the US,” said Casey Bowers from the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund. “He also crafted the House’s offshore wind bill which will ensure the industry takes off in Massachusetts and provides the clean energy we need to reach our roadmap targets. We're grateful for his leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”

"Representative Roy has quickly become a climate champion for Massachusetts," said Mimi Locke, Political Committee Chair for the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. "As House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, he stewarded the Massachusetts 2022 climate bill into law. The bill will significantly build out our clean energy industries while minimizing ratepayer impact and creating new, good clean energy jobs."

350 Mass Action’s Political Director, Cabell Eames stated: "It is with great pleasure that 350 Mass Action proudly endorses Representative Roy for the 10th Norfolk district.

Representative Roy has delivered expansive progress as the chair of the Telecommunications, Utility, and Energy committee, proving that the Commonwealth is ready to be a leader in driving solutions that invigorate our economy at scale and insure a better life for Massachusetts residents in the face of climate change."

“SEIU 509 is proud to endorse Jeff Roy for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk,” said Peter MacKinnon, President of SEIU 509. “Representative Roy is committed to leveling the playing field for every resident of the Commonwealth - from fighting for affordable higher education to championing job growth and creation across our sectors. We look forward to working with him on policies that will continue to uplift our members and the communities they serve.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman stated: “The Massachusetts AFL- CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your campaign for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District. We are proud to support candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement. I would like to congratulate you on earning the endorsement of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and our nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth. We look forward to advocating on your behalf and working together to create a brighter future for working people in Massachusetts.”

In his letter announcing the local endorsement, Franklin Union President, Brian Hamann, stated: "The Professional Firefighters of Franklin feel very fortunate to have a friend of your stature representing the 10th Norfolk district. Since your election in 2012 you have stood by our side through triumph and tragedy. Your unwavering commitment to the fire service and our members has been evident.”

In announcing the state level endorsement, PFFM President Richard D. MacKinnon Jr. stated: “During your career as an elected official, you have prioritized the relationships you hold with the firefighters of your district. You understand our issues and are an effective advocate for us on Beacon Hill. We look forward to your next term in office and continued leadership for firefighters.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."

Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:

• Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;

• Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;

• Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;

• Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;

• Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;

• Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;

• Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and

• Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.

He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.

Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.

Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2022 endorsements for his re-election campaign