Rausch Report: The Law Days of Summer

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from sunny Beacon Hill, where legislative work continues after the July 31st checkpoint in the legislative cycle. In fact, I presided over the Senate this morning and we advanced several bills during today's session, including engrossing the so-called "hot works" legislation, designed to help prevent work-related accidents involving heat, sparks, or flames capable of initiating fires or explosions. This bill implements the recommendations issued by the Walsh-Kennedy Commission, which was established after a nine-alarm fire, ignited by sparks from unpermitted welding work, claimed the lives of Boston Fire Department Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy. 

Several important bills are in conference committees, where differences in the House and Senate versions of the legislation are negotiated until conferees reach a compromise. Governor Healey signed several other bills into law in recent weeks, including measures to protect immigrants and uphold public safety, improve child welfare, fight book bans, and strengthen abortion access. 

I’m deeply proud to share that the Senate voted unanimously, 40-0, to pass my legislation creating a press shield law for Massachusetts! After roughly 50 years of trying to move forward this critical protection for a free press, this vote was truly historic. Massachusetts is one of just nine states without a press shield law on our books, leaving journalists exposed to government pressure and lawsuits forcing them to reveal their confidential sources. This legislation will safeguard and strengthen our free press and our democracy. 

Back in the district, after the hugely joyful Freedom to Read bill signing ceremony at the first public lending library in the nation, right in the heart of our district in Franklin, and after picking up my next book at the Needham library, I spent a morning with kids and families at the Dover Town Library for a special summer reading event with Blades the Bruin, hosted by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Blades and the kids heard “Hockey in the Wild” read to them by a member of the Dover Library staff, and then Blades and I did a bit of Bruins trivia with these little hockey hopefuls. As a library lover, I want to thank the librarians and staff all across our district and the Commonwealth at large for engaging young people with literary and community-focused events all summer (and year) long.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report for details on upcoming events in the district, legislation the Senate passed, bills the Governor recently signed into law, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Becca Rausch

Continue reading the Rausch Report - https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18254728

July 2026 edition of Franklin First Newsletter is now available

"Stay connected with what's happening in Franklin!

The July 2026 edition of Franklin First Newsletter is now available on the Town website. Catch up on the latest Town news, upcoming events, community highlights, and more.

🔗 Read the full newsletter at the link" https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10518/Franklin-First-Newsletter-July-2026-PDF

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DbdOSDYIOZc/

Senator Becca Rausch provides updates in this issue of "The Rausch Report"

Dear Neighbor,

As with each July in an even numbered year, I’m debating major new business on the Senate floor at a steady pace. In the last three weeks alone, my colleagues and I passed legislation to lower your energy bills, support health care workers, boost local and regional economic development, encourage civic participation, and much more. I also celebrated our nation's 250th anniversary at Needham’s Fourth of July Parade and on the waterfront with the Tall Ships and even caught some of the fantastic FIFA fever, as Massachusetts set the fun-tone for one of the world’s most watched sporting events. 

Back on Beacon Hill, we have a Fiscal Year 2027 budget, signed into law with no vetoes! I’m proud that many of my amendments were included, including $500,000 for priority projects in each town in our district, $1,800,000 for Samaritans and Hey Sam, and $200,000 for the MA Women’s History Center. I also passed policies to establish a reproductive care training program and improve candidate safety and democratic participation by removing full home addresses from the ballots.

We’re moving forward, and we’ve got more on the horizon, including achieving a compromise on a strong environmental bond bill to bolster our commonwealth’s resilience. Stay tuned in the coming weeks and months as the session progresses and we achieve more legislative milestones.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the legislation the Senate passed this month, the bills recently signed into law, details on upcoming events in the district, and more. Stay tuned for next month’s Rausch Report in mid-August, with a recap of what promises to be a busy final week of July.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

 

Senator Becca Rausch  

Continue reading the Rausch Report online -  https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18254378?

The Franklin Connection: The Senior Center newsletter for August is ready for your reading pleasure

You can read the embedded copy here:

Or download the PDF copy here - August 2026 newsletter  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10349/August-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

Jillian let's us in on what's happening at the Senior Center this August 2026 (audio)

FM #1780 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1780 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Jillian Rochat, Activities Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for August 2026

• Nominations for Stella Jeon Silver Spirit Award opens August 3 

• 2 more dates for the summer concerts in August; the 3rd and the 10th

• First Senior Center Art Gallery - Sep 24

• Senior Expo scheduled for Oct 2

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1780-franklin-senior-ctr-august-2026-highlights-07-22-26/

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TO sign up for the Senior Center Art Gallery contact Jillian Rochet at  508-528-4945 or via email at jrochat@franklinma.gov 

Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

August 2026 newsletter -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/10349/August-2026-Newsletter?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 it!

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

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

June 2026 edition of Franklin First is ready for your reading pleasure

Check out the latest edition here: https://buff.ly/XOyH4nG

"The June 2026 edition of Franklin First has arrived!

Stay connected with what's happening in Franklin! This month's newsletter is packed with Town news, community updates, summer events, important reminders and more.

 Check out the latest edition here: https://buff.ly/XOyH4nG"

This month’s Rausch Report recaps legislative activity, Pride Month, Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, & more

Dear Neighbor,

The State House in June is jam packed with people and activity, and not just because of the Scottish tourists. Earlier today, I presided over the Senate session, moving legislation forward and also welcoming a terrific group of Brownie Scouts from Milford to the chamber. (More on their visit within the link below.)

With the rapidly approaching July 31 deadline for major new business to come to the floor, the Senate passed bills this month to strengthen child welfare protections, support teachers, restrict dangerous chemicals, and make primary health care more affordable. I secured $750,000 in additional funding for special projects and initiatives in schools all across our district in the Fair Share supplemental budget (on top of $140 million in regular budget funds). And I’m proud to have been named to the conference committee for the Mass Ready Act, the most significant climate and environmental protection legislation in a generation.

June has also brought many joyful celebrations. We honored Commonwealth Heroines and Latino Educators, and hosted the Commonwealth’s first (but surely not the last) Pride Month Awards. We raised the Pride Flag outside the State House on the 3rd, then the Juneteenth Flag on the 18th. It was my privilege to celebrate both Pride Month and Juneteenth at events on Beacon Hill and in the district, featuring music, speeches, and inspirational young leaders.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the legislation the Senate recently passed, the bills on the Governor’s desk and the laws she signed, a recap of Pride Month and Juneteenth celebrations, details on upcoming July events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch 

Continue reading this edition of Senator Rausch's report newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18253648

Last Franklin School Committee Newsletter to close out the 2025-2026 School Year

The final Franklin School Committee Newsletter for the 2025-2026 school year is out now!

We wish you a happy and safe Summer.

Read the Newsletter Here: https://aptg.co/C4XTbJ

Now Available: May 2026 Franklin First Newsletter

The May 2026 edition of the Franklin First Newsletter is now available!

Now Available: May 2026 Franklin First Newsletter

Explore updates, highlights, and important information from Town departments. Stay informed and connected with what’s going on in Franklin.

Read: Franklin First Newsletter: May 2026 (PDF)

View it on website   https://www.franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/147

View the PDF version embedded here:

This Rausch Report touts the FY27 budget, the PROTECT Act, events around the District & more

Dear Neighbor,

Greetings from Beacon Hill! I hope you had a peaceful and meaningful Memorial Day weekend and are enjoying these last few days of May. Last week, the Senate passed a $63.4 billion budget that invests in our towns and cities, boosts public education, promotes affordability, and advances our shared values.  

Rausch Report

Over three long days of debate, during which we considered more than a thousand amendments, we unanimously passed a budget that spends our tax dollars wisely and responsibly. I’m proud to have secured $500,000 for priority projects in every town in our district, as well as numerous statewide amendments that boost our investments in civics education, women’s history, environmental protection, and more, as well as an amendment to advance democracy by enhancing candidate safety.

May is also Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. I was pleased to continue my annual social media tradition of uplifting Jewish Americans with a connection to Massachusetts. I was also honored to join my fellow lawmakers in passing the PROTECT Act to limit cooperation between ICE and state and local law enforcement, recognizing our state’s history of immigration while enhancing safety, security, and democracy for us all.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about the FY27 budget and the PROTECT Act, a recap of the ways we celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month, details on upcoming June events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

Senator Becca Rausch

Continue reading this edition of the Rausch Report

https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18253446?

Senator Rausch Speaks About Candidate Safety - FY27 Budget

Video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agZTnjThYAs

You can sign up to get the Franklin Cultural District Newsletter once a week on Wednesday*

You can sign up to get the Franklin Cultural
District Newsletter once a week on Wednesday

via the Franklin Cultural District

"Another week of arts, culture, community, and creativity in Franklin! 

From local events and exhibitions to live performances, markets, and community happenings — explore what’s happening throughout the Franklin Cultural District this week and support the people and places that help make our community vibrant. 

Sign up for our weekly Eblast in the link in our profile!"    https://www.instagram.com/franklinculture/

Shared from = https://www.instagram.com/p/DY1vvJ3FQy9/

* If you signed up for the Cultural District newsletter once a week on Wednesday, AND the Franklin Matters Weekly newsletter on Sunday, you'd get the 2 of the most important emails once a week. The only one more important (Franklin.News) arrives in your inbox daily. You have a good choice!

Catch up with on the latest news via the School Committee Newsletter !!!

Via the Franklin School Committee:

"The latest Franklin School Committee Newsletter is out now! 

Read updates on schools, budgets, transportation & upcoming events in May. 

Read the school Committee Newsletter here: https://aptg.co/NZVhGY"

Now Available: Franklin First Newsletter — April 2026

View this in your browser

April 30, 2026 Now Available: Franklin First Newsletter — April 2026 The latest edition of the Franklin First Newsletter (April 2026) is now available! Explore updates, highlights, and important information from Town departments. Stay informed and connected with what’s going on in Franklin. Read: Franklin First Newsletter: April 2026 (PDF) View it on website

Or view the embedded PDF here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z3UP3XpLSTV0maZDwGu1ZhfDNP2DYtjb/view?usp=sharing

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here. Did you miss any of these items?

The April 2026 Franklin School Committee Newsletter is here

"Your April School Committee Newsletter is here! 

Stay informed & connected.

Read the entire Newsletter here:  https://aptg.co/xtRgLb"

Franklin First Newsletter: January–March 2026 for Franklin, MA

Explore updates, highlights, and important information from Town departments.

Stay informed and connected with what's going on in Franklin.

Read: Franklin First Newsletter: January-March 2026 (PDF)

or - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8928/Franklin-First-Newsletter-January-March-2026-PDF

Rausch Report: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More - 03/27/26

Dear Neighbor,

March always brings both warmth and renewal outdoors, with spring finally here, and a similar burst of activity on Beacon Hill and in our district. As we have done for several years now, my team and I have so enjoyed celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting amazing women leaders across our district. I also spoke with a group of young girls at a leadership program that teaches resilience, confidence, and inclusivity – values the world needs deeply these days.  

Rausch Report

Heading outside, I had the awesome privilege and absolute pleasure as Senate Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee to buckle up snowshoes, trek out into the woods with MassWildlife scientists, and snuggle a bear cub! Don’t try this without the scientists, folks. (Scroll down for more details and some can’t-miss photos!) Monitoring the health of our native black bear population is part of our state government’s ongoing conservation and wildlife protection efforts, work that my Committee oversees. 

Relatedly, and back inside, the Senate took steps to further support animal welfare, passing an omnibus bill that protects animals from abuse and neglect while also supporting responsible pet owners. As a pet owner myself, I’m glad this bill will end the puppy mill to pet store pipeline in the Commonwealth and further restrict animal testing for consumer products. (We had some special Senate guests the day of the debate!) 

Amid these and other things to celebrate are the ever-present and very real fears and concerns about the state of our country, ongoing wars, and geopolitics. These are difficult times, and the impacts of global and national decisions are felt by so many in our communities. My colleagues and I at the state government level continue to push back on the treacheries of Trump as much as we can, within the scopes of our roles and the limits of our state and federal constitutions. To that end, many of my pro-democracy bills are now under consideration in Ways and Means, and I late-filed a suite of five anti-ICE bills earlier this year. One day at a time, we keep going, and keep trying our best do the next right thing.

Read on in this month’s Rausch Report to learn more about recent legislation passed by the Senate, a recap of Women’s History Month recognitions, details on my upcoming annual Youth Summit and April events in the district, and more.

For real-time updates, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.     

Yours in service, 

 
Senator Becca Rausch  

Continue reading the full set of content in this Rausch Report   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-18252427

Jillian & Amanda share the event highlights for April 2026 at the Franklin Senior Center (audio)

FM #1699 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1699 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Activities Coordinator Jillian Rochat and Amanda Rabbitt, Supportive Day Program & Special Projects Coordinator. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

 

We talk about 

• All the key event highlights for April 2026

• Senior Center closed on Friday, April 3 for professional development - tax return schedules will be maintained

• Senior Center closed Monday, April 20 for Patriot’s Day

• Teaser for “Eat Around the World” on Friday, May 1

The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. 

The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1699-franklin-senior-ctr-april-2026-highlights-03-18-26/

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Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging 

April 2026 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8756/April-2026?bidId= 

The newsletter archive page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/585/Connection-Newsletter 

Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false 

Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945

 

My Active Center -> https://myactivecenter.com/ 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 it!

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

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