Fertility Rates: Declined for Younger Women, Increased for Older Women (US Census data)

Demographics is a topic coming up from time to time in discussions around Franklin. What is our population? Why is our school population declining? The US Census stats show that our student population decline is not unique to Franklin.

Stable fertility rates 1990-2019 mask distinct variations by age. Learn more in this America Counts story.

America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers Fertility Rates: Declined for Younger Women, Increased for Older Women Overall fertility trends from 1990 to 2019 were relatively stable, compared to previous decades but varied significantly by age, according to a Census Bureau analysis. The analysis, which looked at Census Bureau and National Center for Health Statistics data, shows fertility rates of women ages 20-24 declined by 43%, while those of women ages 35-39 increased by 67% during the roughly 30-year period. Read More Together, the data paint a compelling picture of how the age at which American women give birth has changed over time. Fertility rates in the United States gradually declined from 1990 to 2019. In 1990, there were about 70.77 births each year for every 1,000 women ages 15-44. By 2019, there were about 58.21 births per 1,000 women in that age group. Continue reading to learn more about: Fertility trends: 1990-2019 Shifting age structures Early 2000s mini birth boom Historical fertility patterns Help us spread the word about America Counts. Share this story on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This You May Be Interested U.S. Births Declined During the Pandemic: Several factors affect the birth rate but the pandemic did have an impact: births declined but began to rise again in March of this year. Learn More About America Counts America Counts tells the stories behind the numbers in a new inviting way. It features stories on various topics such as families, housing, employment, business, education, economy, emergency management, health, population, income and poverty. Contact our Public Information Office for media inquiries or interviews. Don't miss an America Counts story! Subscribe here.

"See how much the typical rental costs are in your town, according to Census data"

"Massachusetts renters ― like the state’s owners ― pay some of the highest housing costs in the nation, according to recent Census data.

Rents in Massachusetts are sixth highest among states, according to the data released last month, with the median renter paying $1,336 per month. That’s an increase from $1,006 in 2010. Lexington had the highest rental costs in the state at $2,431, followed by Brookline at $2,305, and Cambridge at $2,293.

The data, which cover a time period of 2016 to 2020, also offer a snapshot of the share of renters vs. owners. In Massachusetts overall, 33 percent of housing units were occupied by renters. Zooming into the city/town level, Chelsea has the highest share of rental housing, with 69 percent of units occupied by people who rent, followed by Lawrence at 66 percent, Somerville at 62 percent, and Cambridge at 58 percent."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/04/05/metro/charts-see-how-much-typical-rental-costs-are-your-town-according-census-data/ 

table view of Franklin specific data

Map view of Massachusetts data

Map view of Franklin data

Town of Franklin Annual Census due to be returned within 10 days of receipt

The Annual Census mailing from our Town Clerk arrived in  the postal mail last week and is due to be returned within 10 days.

Town of Franklin Annual Census due to be returned within 10 days of receipt

Have you filled out and returned yours yet?

You can put it back into the mail or drop it in the white Town business drop box at the municipal building.

You can put it back into the mail or drop it in the white business box at the municipal building

Women's History Month: March 2022 National Women's History Month traces its roots to March 8, 1857, when women from various New York City factories staged a protest over poor working conditions. The first Women's Day celebration in the United States was in 1909, also in New York City. More than seven decades later, Congress in 1981 established National Women's History Week to be commemorated annually the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month and every year since has passed a resolution (and the president has issued a proclamation) designating March Women's History Month. As we celebrate Women's History Month 2022, we reflect upon advances women have made over the last decade. Women have increased their earnings, education and fields of occupation, and continue to have longer average life spans than men. Below are some Census Bureau stats highlighting these and other changes over the years. We appreciate the public's cooperation in helping us measure America's people, places and economy.  Did You Know? 164.8 million The number of females of all ages in the United States. There were 159.9 million males of all ages. Source: 2019 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates 2 to 1 The approximate ratio of women to men ages 85 and older (4.1 million to 2.2 million) in the United States. Source: 2019 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates 20.7% In 2019, the percentage of women 25 and older with a bachelor's degree as their highest degree; 19.9% of men had a bachelor's degree as their highest degree. Source: 2019 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimates 80.8% Women's median earnings as a percentage of men's median earnings, for full full-time, year-round workers 16 years and older. Source: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates Read More What Is the Gender Wage Gap in Your State? Written by: Megan Wisniewski The gender-based wage gap in the United States has narrowed in recent years, but disparities remain: national median earnings for civilians who worked full-time, year-round in the past 12 months was $53,544 for men compared to $43,394 for women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 American Community Survey (ACS). There are a multitude of factors that may contribute to earnings differences between women and men: age, number of hours worked, presence of children, and education. The types of jobs women and men hold, and the earnings difference among these occupations also contribute to gaps in overall earnings. Read More A new visualization tool depicts the gender-based wage gap at the state level using 2019 ACS and 2019 Puerto Rico Community Survey data. The wage gap data visualization highlights the top occupation and the three top occupations for men and women for each state by count of workers. Gender Pay Gap Visualization Help us spread the word about Census Bureau data! Share this on social media or forward it to a friend. Share This About the Census Bureau We serve as the nation's leading provider of quality data about its people and economy. The Census Bureau is the federal government's largest statistical agency. As the world's premier statistical agency, we are dedicated to making our nation a better place. Policy-makers, businesses, and the public use our data to make informed decisions. Resources for Media For media interviews, please contact the Public Information Office Toll Free at 877-861-2010, 301-763-3030, or pio@census.gov.

The MA pay gap per Census data

Representative Auchincloss on New Congressional Map for District 4

 

 Auchincloss on New Congressional Map

"Our district has always been a powerhouse of talent, work ethic, and civic engagement. That tradition continues."

 

The following statement can be attributed to Congressman Jake Auchincloss in response to the release of the newly proposed Massachusetts Congressional map:

 

"I applaud the work of the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting and the leadership of Co-Chairs Senator Brownsberger and Representative Moran. They made certain this process was transparent and collaborative. The committee listened closely to constituents, tracked the letter and spirit of the law, and made thoughtful decisions."

"Representing a District like ours – rich in economic, geographic, and ideological diversity – gives me a valuable perspective in Washington. The new map preserves that vital diversity. The voters of the Fourth will continue to come from urban, suburban, and farmland communities. They will continue to vote both blue and red. They will continue to commute to both Boston and Providence. And they will continue to have a strong voice advocating for them in the halls of Congress during my tenure.

"Though the basic contours of the Fourth District persist, there is one major change. I am thrilled that all of Fall River will now be in the district. Through my strong partnership with Mayor Paul Coogan, Senator Mike Rodrigues, Representative Carole Fiola, Representative Paul Schmid, and Representative Alan Silvia, I have been working to ensure Fall River builds back better from the pandemic. That work will continue with full force in this Congress and beyond.

"It has been an honor to share representation of Fall River with my friend, Congressman Bill Keating, and I know he'll continue to fight for the new cities and towns he's taking on next term.

"I am excited to hit the campaign trail in the newly drawn Massachusetts Fourth this coming election cycle and I look forward to a continued partnership with state and local leaders in all of the cities and towns I represent. Our district has always been a powerhouse of talent, work ethic, and civic engagement. That tradition continues." 

You can view a copy of the proposed 4th Congressional District map
https://malegislature.gov/StateHouse/MediaGallery/Image/Proposed%20Congressional%20Statewide

New Congressional Map for District 4

CommonWealth Magazine coverage of the proposed map

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/congressional-redistricting-map-unites-fall-river/

Boston Globe coverage of the proposed map

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/01/metro/lawmakers-propose-new-congressional-maps-mass/

MA Senate Passes Redistricting Legislation

Today (10/27/21), the Massachusetts State Senate passed S.2560, An Act establishing senatorial districts. This bill, and the redistricting map it describes, doubles the number of majority-minority Senate districts, from three to six.

This bill divides the Commonwealth into 40 senatorial districts that will be in effect until the next redistricting cycle following the decennial census in 2030. These districts are drawn based on data from the 2020 census.

The efforts to increase majority-minority representation include the strengthening of a Black ‘ability-to-elect’ district in Boston and the creation of a Hispanic ‘ability-to-elect’ district in the Merrimack Valley, along with the creation, strengthening or preservation of four ‘opportunity-to-elect’ districts in the Chelsea area, the Brockton area, Springfield, and Boston.

The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting sought broad public input, holding. 19 public hearings, including hearings in nine different languages. The Committee also held a large number of meetings with advocates and legislators and maintained a website with case law, statistics, and ultimately, draft and final maps.

“This redistricting process will ensure that everyone's voice is heard in the Massachusetts State Senate,” said Massachusetts Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). ‘By listening to residents throughout this process, we have passed a map that fairly and accurately represents the people of Massachusetts. Additionally, these districts will better reflect the diversity of people who call Massachusetts home. I'd like to thank the Joint Committee on Redistricting, the members of the Senate Committee, their staffs, my Senate colleagues, and Senate Chair William Brownsberger for his thoughtful and thorough approach to ensuring equitable representation.”

“I am deeply grateful to the New Democracy Coalition, the Drawing Democracy Coalition and the hundreds of individuals who came forward to help shape the Commonwealth’s legislative districts for the coming 10 years,” stated Senator William N. Brownsberger (D-Belmont), the Senate Chair of the Joint Redistricting Committee. “I believe that with their help we have ended up with a high-quality plan.”

The Special Joint Committee on Redistricting carefully identified and sought to meet its legal obligations under the Equal Protection Clause, the Voting Rights Act, and other relevant law. It also followed traditional redistricting principals, especially emphasizing keeping municipalities whole. In a move hailed by Massachusetts municipalities, the new Senate map reduces the number of towns and cities split between two or more Senate districts from 21 to 11.

The Senate bill will now go the House of Representatives for their approval. Complete details of the Senate map can be found at malegislature.gov/redistricting. 

MA Senate Passes Redistricting Legislation

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

FM #646-647-648 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 646-647-648 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• Part 1 -> covers the opening, citizen comments, appointment/swearing in of new firefighter/paramedic and the update on ARPA funding (~54 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/58eae587-351d-46ca-9e11-8f6c5e6523a4
• Part 2 -> covers the Census 2020 data and the reprecincting presentation and Q&A session (~ 40 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7e79c518-913e-4002-99b9-1ccce36d5b3e
• Part 3 -> covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 52 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c578b0eb-36c0-4d2e-bb40-6ea793864b56

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 20, 2021

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda folder ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-approves-creation-of.html

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.html 

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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 www.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 Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/21/21 (audio)

FM #644 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 644 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of October 20, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• APPOINTMENTS - David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

• PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• American Rescue Plan Act: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

• 2020 Federal Census & Reprecincting Update: Nancy Danello, Acting Town Clerk and Kate Sjoberg, GIS Coordinator -  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf   and  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._reprecincting_maps.pdf

• 10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_21-60_senior_tax.pdf

• 10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_21-61_vets.pdf

• 10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -  Resolution 21-62: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C ½ and Increase in Certain Property Tax Exemptions Pursuant Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-62 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_21-62_property_tax_exemption_vets_0.pdf

 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a92a0c07-06e6-419f-8329-308d8b2576f3

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

ARPA Funding Status ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_arpa_overview_fin_com_town_council.pdf 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

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"

 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation