MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Our State Representative Jeff Roy made the news this week with one of his hearings this week. He had the utilities (NationalGrid, Eversource, etc.) in for a hearing and he raised some questions on the MassSave program. NewsCenter 5 had been running a series on rebate issues with MassSave so it was timely and got some action. There is still more to be done, so if you have MassSave issue, let Jeff know.

"Massachusetts state lawmakers are now demanding answers from the state's utility companies after NewsCenter 5's reporting about ongoing problems at Mass Save.

That's the energy efficiency program the utilities are required by state law to run, paying homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient.

Mass Save is critical to Massachusetts meeting its climate goals, but over the past two years the program has been plagued by long delays in issuing rebates, difficult-to-reach customer service and even bounced checks. Dozens of consumers from across the state have told NewsCenter 5 they can't get adequate explanations about what's slowing their rebates from Mass Save.

The program is funded by billions of dollars paid by utility customers across the state through a surcharge on monthly utility bills. The current three-year Mass Save program is funded at $4 billion."

Continue reading on the NewsCenter 5 page with the video clip ->   https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-lawmakers-demand-answers-utilities-mass-save-delays/45738082

MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Boston Globe: "Billions in state tax refunds to start flowing to taxpayers on Tuesday, officials say"

"THE FIRST CHECKS and direct deposits from a nearly $3 billion pot of excess tax revenue will head back to taxpayers starting on Tuesday when the calendar flips to November, the Baker administration announced Friday.

A spokesperson for the Executive Office of Administration and Finance said money will head out the door under the voter-approved tax cap law known as Chapter 62F, which taxpayers triggered for the first time since 1987 by delivering massive amounts of taxes.

About 3 million taxpayers will receive a refund in the form of a mailed check or a direct deposit worth about 14 percent of what they owed in state personal income tax in 2021, the spokesperson said. The administration plans to distribute the refunds on a rolling basis through December 15. The administration had previously estimated refunds of about 13 percent of income tax liabilities."

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/3b-in-tax-cap-checks-to-start-going-out-tuesday/

Boston Globe coverage ->  (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/28/metro/billions-state-tax-refunds-start-flowing-taxpayers-tuesday-officials-say/

 

Eligible taxpayers will receive their refunds on a rolling basis, Governor Charlie Baker’s office said. LUKE SHARRETT/BLOOMBERG

Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time

Via Governor Baker:

"Stronger-than expected state tax revenues have led to a major surplus for Fiscal Year 2022, and we are pleased to be able to return nearly $3 billion in excess revenue to the taxpayers. Read more http://bit.ly/3RX14ni Estimate your refund http://mass.gov/62frefunds"

Gov Baker's press release -> https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-details-for-return-of-2941-billion-in-excess-tax-revenue-to-taxpayers

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1570807319428210690

CommonWealth Magazine coverage -> https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-presses-forward-with-hefty-tax-cap-refunds/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription maybe required) ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/16/metro/heres-how-much-money-you-could-get-back-through-new-mass-tax-refund/

Gov Baker announces tax rebate coming some time

MA "House proposes $1b in short and long-term tax relief"

"HOUSE LEADERS rolled out a $523.5 million package of permanent tax breaks on Monday that, when combined with $510 million in one-time payments to middle-income residents proposed last week, would yield more than $1 billion in tax relief for Massachusetts residents.

House and Senate officials released a statement saying they were in agreement on the general framework of the permanent tax relief package but not necessarily on the specifics of each tax break. The permanent tax break package, which would take effect in January, echoes many of the same themes originally proposed in a $700 million tax relief package proposed by Gov. Charlie Baker in his January budget proposal, although some of the tax breaks are smaller and Baker’s call for a sharp reduction in the short-term capital gains tax rate is not included."

Continue reading reading the CommonWealth Magazine reporting ->   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/house-proposes-1b-in-short-and-long-term-tax-relief/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription may be required)  ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/11/metro/mass-lawmakers-promise-wide-ranging-500m-tax-relief-plan-offer-broad-strokes-few-details/

MA "House proposes $1b in short and long-term tax relief"

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

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

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 

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

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

Time running out for this order time for rain barrels

Order before midnight on Monday (Sept. 6th)! 

The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)! 

Order before midnight on Monday, September 6, 2021 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, September 15 from 4-6 PM. 

Click here for more information or to order: https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/  (select MA, then Franklin for the specifics)

How to apply for a water conservation rebate:  

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

Shared from DPW's Facebook page ->   https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/4471252746292494/

Help Save The Environment, Use A Rain Barrel.

Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners

You may be entitled to a reduction in the real estate tax you’re required to pay this year!

You may be entitled to a $1,000 tax reduction if you have been continuously domiciled in Massachusetts for 10 years and have owned and occupied a Massachusetts property for 5 years; 

-AND-

You are single,
• Age 70 or older on July 1, 2021,
• Your income last year was $21,393 or less, and
• Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$35, 499 or less.

-OR-
You are married,
• One of you was age 70 or older on July 1, 2021,
• Your income last year was $26,385 or less, and
• Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$38, 034 or less.

If you are over an above limit, you may still be entitled to a $345 tax reduction if you have owned and occupied your Franklin property as your domicile for at least 5 years,

-AND-
Your assets (checking, savings, bonds, etc.) not including your home were
$50,712 or less,
-AND-
You are a surviving spouse; or single 70 or older July 1, 2021,

-OR- 

You are married and one was age 70 or older as of July 1, 2021.

If you think you might qualify and need information or assistance in completing the application, call the Franklin Senior Center; 508 520-4945.

Some widows of veterans may be eligible for a tax exemption.

Please contact:
Veterans’ Services Office at (508) 613-1315

Download a copy of this info

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14TtJd-wUIgFFTv8em8NOIKUcrIGIH09f/view?usp=sharing

Attention Franklin Senior Homeowners

Rain barrel orders available - Water conservation rebates now available

"It's that time of year again! Spring is right around the corner and it's time to consider installing a rain barrel at your home. The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)! 

Order before midnight on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, May 12, from 4-6 PM."

Click here for more information or to order: https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

How to apply for a water conservation rebate:

https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

Shared from Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/3903972679687173/

Rain barrel orders available

Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!

Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!

Interested in installing a rain barrel at your home? The Great American Rain Barrel Company is offering Franklin residents discounted barrels for just $69. 

Residents may then apply for a $50 water conservation rebate from the DPW for a total cost of only $19 (rebates are limited to two per household)! 

Order before midnight, Thursday, April 30 and pick up at the DPW Admin Office (257 Fisher St, Franklin) on Wednesday, May 6, from 4-6 PM.


Click here for more information or to order. 
https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/

Apply for a water conservation rebate here
https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

Franklin residents: Time to Order Your Rain Barrel!

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/time-order-your-rain-barrel-0

2018 Woodstove Change Out - Rebates Available

It's back! Change out your wood-stove now!

Dear Friend of MassCEC,      The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, is excited to announce the launch of the 2018 Wood Stove Change-Out Program! Any Massachusetts resident or business currently operating a non-EPA-certified wood stove or fireplace insert is eligible for a rebate of up to $1,750 when replacing an existing stove with an eligible model. Those that meet certain income requirements are eligible for rebates of up to $3,250. If you own an old wood stove and would like to replace it with a new, low-emission EPA-certified wood or pellet stove, visit MassCEC's website to find out more. You will need to contact a local stove professional who will confirm that your old stove is eligible and submit a rebate application on your behalf after installing your new stove. Act now to make sure you don't miss the August 28th application deadline! Thank you for your interest in the Commonwealth Woodstove Change-Out Program. Warm Regards,   The MassCEC Woodstove Team Phone:  617-315-9300 | Email: woodstoves@masscec.com Click here to find a local stove professional! Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn YouTube Flickr Massachusetts Clean Energy Center   Grow the state's clean energy industry while helping to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate goals. Copyright © 2017 Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 63 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor Boston, MA 02110 Phone: 617-315-9300 Fax: 617-315-9356

Water Conservation Rebates Now Available

How to get your Rebate!

1. Toilets: Check the EPA WaterSense Water Efficient Product List for qualifying toilet.  Choose "Tank-Type Toilets" under Product Category and hit Search to see all qualifying toilets or select your specific Brand Name and Model Name and hit Search.

  Washers: Check the List of Energy Star Certified Washers for qualifying washers.  Select any washer with an Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.7 or less.

  Rain Barrels: Rain barrel must have a minimum capacity of 50 gallons, and can be found at your local hardware store.

2. Purchase and install a qualifying toilet, clothes washer or rain barrel on or after June 1, 2016.
3. Fill in the Rebate Application (attachments at bottom of this page) and submit to DPW within 90 days of purchase.  Applicant must be the owner of the property and a Water Department account holder in good standing.
4. If approved, a check and voucher to dispose of the old washer and/or toilet(s) at the Franklin Recycling Center will be sent right to your home!
5. See the Rebate Applications (attachments at bottom of this page) for the full listing of rebate rules.

EPA water sense

You’ll save more than just money!

• High efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water than standard washers. 
• By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent—that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings every year!
• High efficiency washers also use less overall energy so cost savings may be seen on both your water/sewer and electricity bills!

This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available

• Clothes washer rebate application

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/washer_rebate_application.pdf

• Toilet rebate application

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/toilet_rebate_application.pdf

• Rain barrel rebate application

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/rain_barrel_rebate_application.pdf

Water Conservation Rebate Program

As I explore the newly revised Town of Franklin webpages, I am finding some interesting stuff. I remember hearing at a Town Council meeting that this was coming but then never heard that it was here. Oh well, better late than never!

residential use of water

Did you know the average Franklin family spends $800 per year in water and sewer costs?  

But you can save over $200 annually by upgrading your home with WaterSense® labeled products and ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances. 

Toilets and clothes washers account for approximately 45% of water used inside your home. So the Town of Franklin would like to help you on your way to saving money by providing a rebate for replacing those old water hog toilets and clothes washers with new high efficiency models!

Rain Barrel Rebates Now Available!!  Rain barrels are yet another way to save money while saving water!  Rain barrels collect rain water from you home's downnspouts and hold it for use to water your lawns, flowers and gardens. Just 1/4 inch of rainfall on a typical roof will fill 50 gallon rain barrel.  A full rain barrel can water a 200 square foot garden. Learn more about rain barrels here!

A rebate of $50 is available for each toilet and clothes washer replaced (limit two toilets and one washer per household) and each rain barrel installed (limit two per household), for a total rebate of up to $250!  In addition, the Town will waive the disposal fee for your old toilet or washer at the Franklin Recycling Center, for an additional savings of $15 per item!

How to get your Rebate!

1. Toilets: Check the EPA WaterSense Water Efficient Product List for qualifying toilet.  Choose "Tank-Type Toilets" under Product Category and hit Search to see all qualifying toilets or select your specific Brand Name and Model Name and hit Search.

  Washers: Check the List of Energy Star Certified Washers for qualifying washers.  Select any washer with an Integrated Water Factor (IWF) of 3.7 or less.

  Rain Barrels: Rain barrel must have a minimum capacity of 50 gallons, and can be found at your local hardware store.

2. Purchase and install a qualifying toilet, clothes washer or rain barrel on or after June 1, 2016.
3. Fill in the Rebate Application (attachments at bottom of this page) and submit to DPW within 90 days of purchase.  Applicant must be the owner of the property and a Water Department account holder in good standing.
4. If approved, a check and voucher to dispose of the old washer and/or toilet(s) at the Franklin Recycling Center will be sent right to your home!
5. See the Rebate Applications (attachments at bottom of this page) for the full listing of rebate rules.

Water Sense

You’ll save more than just money!

• High efficiency clothes washers use up to 55% less water than standard washers. 
• By replacing old, inefficient toilets with WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent—that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings every year!
• High efficiency washers also use less overall energy so cost savings may be seen on both your water/sewer and electricity bills!

The rebate forms can be found on the TOF page from which this was shared

http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/water-conservation-rebates-now-available