In the News: Franklin's Liberatore on top team; Governor will let Legislature deal with marijuana sales tax

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"A student cybersecurity team from MassBay Community College placed fourth at the National Cyber League 2016 Competition. The seven-member student team from MassBay, called the Segfault, was ranked fourth out of 144 teams nationwide, and included a Franklin resident. 

The team consisted of Andrew Liberatore, of Franklin, as well as Paul Buonopane, David Dew, Chester Moses, Timothy Ferguson, Corey Skinner and Fred Dolan. 

The students have been working together since the beginning of the fall 2016 semester and have competed in the preseason, regular season and postseason of the National Cyber League competition. The competition is held online in a cloud-based environment, where students compete to solve real problems. The MassBay team was given problems to solve that replicate what it might face in the real world if its company fell victim to hackers. The team dissected the problems to find solutions, which included downloading files, decryption to view passwords and analyzing information on the attack."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/massbay-community-college-places-fourth-in-cyber-league-competition

http://www.massbay.edu/

"Gov. Charlie Baker couldn't quite bring himself on Monday to say he would support a higher tax rate on retail marijuana sales, but he didn't rule it out either. 

"I'm going to let the Legislature kick this one around a little, " Baker said during his monthly appearance on WGBH's "Boston Public Radio" show. "No, no, no, no," he added as clarification when host Jim Braude brought up a possible veto threat. 

Several prominent Democrats, including Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, have been open with their belief that the 3.75 percent retail sales tax on pot is too low, and will be up for debate when the Legislature considers changes in the new year to the legalization law that went into effect last Thursday. 

The ballot law stipulated a 3.75 percent excise tax on marijuana that would be added to the state's 6.25 percent sales tax, effectively taxing pot at 10 percent to start. Cities and towns have the ability to add an additional sales tax of up to 2 percent on top of that."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161220/baker-leaving-pot-tax-debate-to-legislature-for-now

Note: The Franklin Town Council takes up the measure that would add 2% for the local portion of the tax at the meeting scheduled for Weds, Dec 21.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-122116.html

In the News: no sales tax holiday, MA Olympians to RIO

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Shoppers in Massachusetts can forget about saving a few dollars on that new television or furniture set. 

Legislative leaders say there will be no sales tax holiday in the Bay State this summer. 

Senate President Stan Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo blame the state's tenuous fiscal situation, which has prompted belt-tightening throughout state government."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160718/lawmakers-rule-out-summer-sales-tax-holiday

"This August, the world will gather once more to watch as some of the greatest athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Massachusetts boasts 11 Olympians on Team USA - including a Paralympian - plus a torch-bearer who have called this state home at one time or another. 

Meet the athletes below and check out coverage of some of the Wicked Local athletes we’ve followed through the years. Find all the athletes’ full profiles at TeamUSA.org!"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160715/meet-11-massachusetts-athletes-who-will-compete-in-rio-2016-olympics

Team USA

MassBudget: Info on Proposed Corporate Tax Break Expansion

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Single Sales Factor Tax Break: Has It Worked?  The Governor's budget proposal will reportedly include the expansion of a corporate tax break called Single Sales Factor apportionment. The Single Sales Factor Tax Break: Has It Worked? describes how this tax break works, the evidence on whether it is effective, and its cost. Massachusetts has been providing this tax break to manufacturing companies, defense contractors, and mutual fund companies since the 1990s. There is no evidence that it has had a positive effect on job creation or the strength of our state economy. Studies of states with Single Sales Factor have found that this costly tax break for manufacturers has not led them to retain more manufacturing jobs. The Governor's proposal to expand this tax break would extend it to all multi-state corporations. The existing Single Sales Factor tax break costs the state over $200 million a year. The proposed expansion, when fully phased in, is estimated to cost an additional $67 million. While the Governor's budget reportedly proposes paying for part of this cost by reforming the state's film tax credit, ultimately the proposal to spend $67 million to expand this tax credit should be weighed against other potential investments such as making college more affordable, expanding access to early education, improving our schools, or fixing our transportation infrastructure. For the full factsheet click HERE. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

screen grab MassBudget - single sales factor

In the News: Tri-County Adult Ed, tax free weekend

Registration is now open for the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s fall 2015 continuing education courses. 

Course offerings include basic cake decorating, how to start a profitable business, Social Media 101, archery, Kripalu yoga and a three-course home improvement course. 

The school also offers industry certification courses that include electrical apprentice training, plumbing apprentice training, OSHA 30 Hour training and ServSafe certification.

Tri-County Adult Education

Course and registration info here
https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/categorySearch.cfm?category=1

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807505/1994/NEWS

Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday morning signed into law the bill suspending the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for most purchases that weekend. 

"This tax-free weekend is not only an opportunity to save a few dollars for consumers, but it's also an opportunity for people to buy local and keep more business here in the Commonwealth," Baker said, citing a Retailers Association of Massachusetts report that showed the sale tax holiday boosts retail by over $100 million. 

The sales tax will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500.

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150807938/1994/NEWS

"tax-free online purchases are unfair for local business"

When you purchase something from Amazon beginning Nov 1, you'll notice that you will have to pay a MA sales tax when you checkout.

"It's something we needed in Massachusetts because our Main Street businesses and local businesses have been at a disadvantage," said state Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin. 

Roy said tax-free online purchases are unfair for local business that must pay the state sales tax. 

"If somebody goes into a local store, they can effectively use it as a showroom, look at the items, talk to store owners, learn about the qualities of the merchandise, and then they can leave the store and order it online, and they will save 6.25 percent," he said. "I am glad to see it has finally been fixed."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825427174/Local-reps-applaud-sales-tax-collection-from-Amazon#ixzz2jU9crwmX

You can do something about the Technology Tax!

"Tech Tax" Hits Massachusetts AND WILL IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS, TAKE ACTION NOW! Massachusetts now has the highest and most aggressive technology tax in the nation at 6.25%. This is one time that being ranked #1 is not a good thing for anyone.This tax impacts many areas of information technology, including website development, software use and development just to mention a few. It also applies to installing virus scanning software, Microsoft office software and much more where you will be taxed for software and labor.    Effective July 31, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue is applying sales and use tax (6.25%) to previously untaxed computer/software services. Known colloquially as the "tech tax," these new taxable services include: the installation of computer systems (including servers, PCs, switches, firewalls, routers, etc), the planning, consulting, or designing of computer systems, and the installation, modification, or adaptation of most software. This new tax on technological services was written into the legislature "An Act Relative to Transportation Finance," sections 48 and 49.  Unfairly targeting the information technology industry, and completely unrelated to transportation finance, this new "tech tax" legislature is poorly written, poorly timed, and, as many argue, too reminiscent of previously failed attempts in this state to impose sales tax on services. Not to mention it has a potentially crippling effect on small businesses in Massachusetts. We are working with our state representatives and local groups to petition the State to repeal, revise, or postpone this tax. The Mass High Tech Council has teamed up with The Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation to further push for a repeal. There are also several blogs devoted to cataloging the repeal progress, including No Tech Tax and Repeal The IT Service Tax. We recommend visiting both of those pages to join the repeal movement. How the New "Tech Tax" Affects You    The DOR has issued guidelines and a FAQ explaining the new taxable services vs. nontaxable services. Please look at this to determine how you will be impacted. This means that any computer/software services performed after July 31, 2013 and falling under the new taxable definitions set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue will carry sales tax. What You Can Do???    We understand the impact that this service tax will have on your business as well as many of our Chamber members. If you wish to join us in a repeal effort, we recommend any of the following: Contact your local state representative: Senate President Therese Murray, State House Suite 332 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1500 Fax: 617-248-3840 Email: Therese.Murray@masenate.gov Senator James Timilty, State House Room 507 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617 722-1222 Fax: 617-722-1056 Email: James.Timilty@masenate.gov  Senator Richard Ross, State House  Room 520 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: Richard.Ross@masenate.gov  Senator Karen Spilka, State House Room 320   Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1640 Fax: 617-722-1077 Email: Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov  Senator Kevin Kuros, State House  Room 443  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2460 Fax: 617-722-2353 Email: Kevin.Kuros@mahouse.gov  Senator Richard Moore, State House   Room 111  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-1420 Fax: 617-722-1944 Email: Richard.Moore@masenate.gov  Representative Elizabeth Poirier, State House  State House  Room 124  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2100 Fax: 617-626-0108 Email: Elizabeth.Poirier@mahouse.gov  Representative Paul Heroux Room 236  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2430 Fax: 617-626-0335 Email: Paul.Heroux@mahouse.gov  Representative Jeffrey Roy  Room 134  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2400 Fax: 617-626-0279 Email: Jeffrey.Roy@mahouse.gov  Representative Steven Howitt Room 237   Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2305 Fax: 617-626-0211 Email: steven.howitt@mahouse.gov  Representative F. Jay Barrows Room 542  Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2488 Fax: 617-722-2390 Email: F.JayBarrows@mahouse.gov  Representative Daniel Winslow Room 33 Boston, MA 02133 Phone: 617-722-2060 Fax: 617-626-0296 Email: Daniel.Winslow@mahouse.gov  Sign the online petition at http://www.change.org/petitions/massachusetts-state-legislature-repeal-the-tax-on-it-services Send your comments and concerns directly to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at: rulesandregs@dor.state.ma.us Thank You for your support. Jack Lank President The United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Forward email The United Regional Chamber of Commerce | 42 Union Street | Attleboro | MA | 02703

"6.25 percent charge on various IT activities"

Technical help is going to get a little harder to provide in MA due to a new tax law that became effective on July 31.

Cara Mulcahy, who owns the Franklin web site design firm Avenir Services, said the tax does not affect the services she currently offers. She said, though, it would discourage her from providing new services. 

"My concern is that it's so vague that it could affect me down the road," she said. "It's prohibiting me from expanding my services." 

Mulcahy, of Wrentham, said she feared that if she were to send her customers a bill with a "tax" line item, they could take their business to New Hampshire firms, which do not have to charge a tax.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x853699007/Local-business-owners-speak-out-against-IT-tax#ixzz2bBP2NjeB

In the News: sales tax, juvenile court

State Senate OKs tax holiday for Aug. 10-11

The state Senate voted today to authorize a sales tax holiday for Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 and 11.

The sale tax holiday is estimated to cost the government $20 million. So while the savings may get distributed to anyone who buys a key item this weekend, those same folks shouldn't complain if one of their pet projects doesn't get funded.

Senate agrees to increase age of juvenile court jurisdiction

The Massachusetts Senate Tuesday passed legislation that increased the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 years old to 18 years old, according to a press release from state Sen. Karen Spilka’s office.

Both of these measure require Gov Patrick's approval

Franklin Liquors: Father's Day Wine Tasting/Gift Ideas and Sale Items

Franklin Liquors Home Page      Fine Cigars In Stock        We Sell ALL MA Lottery   Father's Day Newsletter   Dear Stephen,  This Newsletter Is All About Dads! On Friday 6-14 5-8PM Join Us For A Free In Store Wine Tasting.  Stop In and Try Wines That Will Make Great Gift Ideas. Many Items That Dads Love Are In Stock Some Ideas Listed. Also You Can View Some Of Our Sale Items.   Happy Father's Day!    In this newsletter:  Social Media Information Upcoming Tastings/Classes Sale Items&Gift Ideas Wine Tasting Details 6-14 5-8PM Everyday Wine Tasting Everyday Wine Discount Store News-Mark CSW Wine Education/Tasting Room    Franklin Liquors Family Owned Since 1978   Franklin Liquors 363 East Central St 508-528-7338 Hours: Mon-Thurs 9:00AM-9:00PM Fri&Sat 9:00AM-9:00PM Sunday 12:00PM (STATE LAW)-6PM Check In Specials For Foursquare And Facebook    NEW WAY TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER Text FRANKLIN To 22828 New Mobile Website From Your SmartPhone http://www.franklinliquors.com     In Store Tastings Friday June 14th 5-8PM "Wines For Dad"   Saturday June 22nd 3:30-5:30 Goose Island Beer Tasting    Friday June 28th 5:30-7:30PM Stlto Wines Coming Fall 2013 3 Franklin Adult Education Classes..details soon! Port Wine Class Whoopie Pie Wine Pairing Garden Farms Wine Pairing   Father's Day Sale Items & Gift Ideas   Starts 6-12-13 Ends 6-19-13 Beer 30PKS Coors Light $21.99 Coors $21.99 24PKS Bud&Bud Light Bottles $17.99 Amstel Light Can or Bottle $23.99 Heineken Can Or Bottle $23.99 Heineken Light Can or Bottle $23.99 12PKS Mike's $13.99 Smirnoff $13.99 Modelo $13.99 Dos Equis $12.99   Wine   1.5L Bella Sera Chianti  $10.99 Red Guitar Sangria $10.99 Barefoot Wines $11.99 750ml    Cline Cashmere $12.99 Domaine Carneros Pinot Noir $29.99 Peirano Red Shorts Red $9.99 Buehler Estate Cabernet 2003 $35.99 Silverado Reserve Cabernet 1997 $99.99 Mondavi Reserve Cabernet 1999 $119.00 A-Z Night&Day $17.99 Shingleback Shiraz $19.99 Montes Alpha Syrah $18.99    Antinori Tignanello $99.99    Cameron Hughes Lot 373 $9.99    White Oak Syrah $24.99    Mosby Lucca $10.99    Chateau De La Cour D'Argent 2010 $17.99    BV Georges De Latour $99.99    Divining Rod Cabernet $19.99    Grayson Cellars Cabernet $9.99    Obsidian Ridge Cabernet $26.99    Simi Cabernet $19.99    Cono Sur Carmenere $7.99    Adelsheim Chardonnay $19.99    EOS Chardonnay $10.99    Simi Chardonnay $14.99    Bazan Malbec $12.99    Changala Malbec $15.99    EOS Petite Sirah $11.99    Hybrid Petite Sirah $9.99    Mosby Pinot Grigio $12.99    Hybrid Pinot Grigio $11.99    Jargon Pinot Noir $9.99    Windrun Pinot Noir $15.99    Stlto Prosecco $10.99    Groth Sauvignon Blanc $19.99    Chocolate Box Shiraz $19.99    Crios Torrontes $12.99    Orin Swift Saldo $29.99              Liquor     Tequila Jose Cuervo Black  750ml $21.99 Cabo Wabo $39.99 Kah Tequilas In Stock! Vodka Svedka 1.75L $19.99 Ketel One 1.75L $39.99 Godiva 750ml $27.99 Skyy 1.75L $23.99 V-One 750ml $24.99 Rum Captain Morgan 1.75L $29.99 Gin Tanqueray 1.75L $34.99  Whiskey/Scotch Jack Daniels 1.75L $42.99 Jack Daniels Honey 1.75L $42.99 Southern Comfort 1.75L $28.99 Southern Comfort Pepper 1.75L $28.99 Dewars 1.75L $36.99 Johnnie Walker Red,Black,Gold,Double Black AND Blue All In Stock! Macallan 12Year Old 750ml $49.99 Cordials Courvoisier 750ml $26.99      Many More In Store Specials! Gift Ideas Sangria Wines Ed Hardy Red&White Skinny Girl Red Guitar Carlo Rossi Franzia Arbor Mist    Gift Certificates Jose Cuervo Premade Margaritas    Rose Wines From: Italy France USA Many Summer Beers In Stock   Single Malts & Scotch Cigars Our Humidor Is Stocked! Dads Day Off Pinot Noir 750ml $9.99 Red Sox Wines    750ml's $9.99 Budweiser Steins 2000,2001,2006,2007,2008,2010,2012    Wine Tasting Friday 6-14 5-8PM Wines For Dad  Cameron Hughes Wines   About Cameron Hughes Wines Cameron Hughes is an American négociant that makes, imports, and distributes ultra-premium wine under five wine labels; The Lot Series Hughes Wellman Cameron Hughes California Greenlip Zin Your Face The wines are nationally distributed and carried in chains, grocery, broad market (fine wine and liquor shops), on premise (restaurants and hotels) and online. The company was founded by Cameron Hughes and Jessica Kogan in 2001 for one simple reason - to bring truly exceptional wine to the market at real world prices. They do this by partnering with the finest growers and wineries in the world and delivering consistently high quality wines and the highest degree of service to customers. The result is Cameron Hughes is one the most trusted wine brands in the industry, receiving high praise from wine experts and consumers like. Published critical acclaim for the company comes from the Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator,Robert Parker, Jr., Wall Street Journal, Food & Wine, New York Times, Rachel Ray, Oprah Magazine, and more. In 2012, Cameron Hughes was nominated for "Innovator of the Year" by the Wine Enthusiast. We Are Excited To Bring Back These Wines! Christine Will "Taste" And Educate You On Some GREAT WINES!    Website http://chwine.com/    Lot 340 Chardonnay Dramatically marked by ripe stone fruits,marmalade,citrus flowers and quinine. The texture is succulent with interwined fruit flavors and lively acid on the palate. Appellation:Santa Maria Valley 750ml $14.99       Lot 373 French Meritage IGP Pays d'Oc Meritage (France) Cassis, olive and lush blue/black fruit aromatics gently touched with toasty-mocha oak. Offers cassis, olive and lush blue/black fruit aromatics gently touched with toasty-mocha oak. The palate is classically built with pure fruit flavors nimbly entwined with fine grained tannins. Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 63%, Merlot 19%, Malbec 18% Production: 3,200  750ml $ 9.99 Lot 391 California Field Blend lavishly constructed; a melange of lush blue/black fruit flavors with aromatics of creme de cassis and raspberry liqueur. Ripe texture and pure fruit deftly mesh in a lovely mouthfeel. Appellation: California 100% Grape: Zinfandel %, Petite Sirah, Syrah Production: 4500 Cases 750ml $14.99          Lot 356 Chalk Hill Merlot Deep, dark and dense with aromas of black cherry, cassis and spice. Lush on the palate with layers of black fruit, hazelnut and cocoa. Production: 7400 Cases 750ml $22.99 Lot 400 Cabernet Sauvignon Gorgeous aromas of kirsch liqueur, crushed blue/black berries and graphite are framed with sweet toasty oak. On the palate dense texture and perfectly rich fruit (Rutherford and Oakville) contrasts nicely with the fresh impact of mountain minerality (Atlas Peak). Crushed plum, violets and white flowers vie for attention all supported by ripe, mouth-coating tannins. Superb length and penetrating fruit are focused and intense with tremendous persistence and balance. Appellation: Napa Valley 63%, Oakville 16%, Atlas Peak 13%, Rutherford 8% Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 100% Production: 3000 Cases 750ml $29.99    Everyday Discount 6 Bottles 10% Off 12 Bottles 20% Off You Can Mix Any 750mls     Daily We Have Wines To Try In Store Wine Dispenser   Save  10-20% on 750ml wines   We offer an EVERYDAY discount on 750ml wines. Save 10% on 6 and 20% on 12 bottles.  You can mix or match!  BEST Wine discount and selection around!   Certified Specialist Of Wine On Staff   In May Mark Was Certified By The Society Of Wine Educators Looking For A Wine Class/Tasting?? Our Wine Room Seats 6-30    Contact Us For A Fun/Educational Wine Tasting Event 508-528-7338

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