In the News: MA FY 2020 budget late; FHS Hagen didn't miss day of school

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

"State lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Baker will head into another new fiscal year on Monday without an annual budget in place.

While most states around the country have wrapped up annual budget deliberations, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate here have been unable to bridge disagreements over pieces of their nearly $43 billion spending bills.

The bills take different approaches to school aid, prescription drug price controls, a tuition and fee freeze at the University of Massachusetts and aid to the struggling nursing home industry, among other issues.

Negotiators are deliberating privately and have not disclosed what’s holding up an on-time agreement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190630/state-budget-talks-spill-into-new-fiscal-year

https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate

"Six years ago, when the Daily News interviewed Lauren Hagen after she completed 13 years of public schooling without being absent for a single day, she appeared to issue a challenge to her younger brother Michael, then a sixth-grader.

“Even though a lot of people think it’s crazy, he should really push for it, because it’s such a great accomplishment and a great way to end your public school career,” Lauren said at the time.

Michael not only accepted his sister’s challenge, he fulfilled it.

From kindergarten through his senior year, also at Franklin High, Michael Hagen never missed a day."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190629/franklins-michael-hagen-never-missed-day-of-school

MA State Senate Passes FY 2020 Budget

After adding $74.4 million in additional funding to its original proposal during three days of deliberations, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $42.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2020. The final budget makes targeted investments in education, transportation and mental health services, among other priorities.

"I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Senate for their kindness, thoughtfulness, willingness to work collaboratively, and commitment to service during this entire budget process," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Together, we worked hard to produce a fiscally responsible budget that reflects our Senate values."

"I am proud of the collaborative process that the Senate employed this week, my first budget debate as Chair. Through robust debate, we made further investments across several key areas including substance use treatment and supports, civics education, security upgrades at non-profits, and suicide prevention," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Through respectful and thoughtful deliberation, and under the leadership of Senate President Spilka, the Senate has passed a budget that reflects our commitment to ensuring equity and boldly moving Massachusetts forward. Thank you to my colleagues in the Senate for their many steps passionate advocacy over the course of our debate."

The most notable area of investment is in K-12 public education funding. The Senate budget funds Chapter 70 at $5.176B, an increase of $268.4M over FY 2019. This funding level is the largest year-over-year increase in public education funding in 20 years, and also represents a significant down payment to fully fund the recommendations of the Foundation Budget Review Commission (FBRC) through focusing on school districts with the most pressing costs related to low-income students in economically disadvantaged communities, employee health benefits, special education, and English language learners. This level of investment also allows for a minimum aid increase of at least $30 per pupil over FY 2019 for every school district across the state, as well as 100% effort reduction to bring all school districts to their target local contribution.

Education funding also gets a boost through $345 million to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker and reimburse school districts for the cost of educating students with disabilities at the statutorily required 75% reimbursement rate; $75.8 million to reimburse school districts for regional school transportation costs, including an additional $2 million added through the amendment process; and $100 million to reimburse school districts for costs incurred when students leave to attend charter schools. Funding for public higher education includes $558 million for the University of Massachusetts, $293.2 million for the state's fifteen community colleges, and $274 million for the nine state universities.

"After a week of productive and substantive debate and discussion with my Senate colleagues, I am more confident than ever that the Senate's budget for Fiscal Year 2020 will meaningfully address many of the Commonwealth's greatest collective needs," said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "I'm especially pleased that this budget makes substantial new investments in education, reflecting the Senate's longstanding commitment to supporting public education and laying the groundwork for the Massachusetts Legislature to update the Commonwealth's school funding formula and ensure that every school district is adequately and equitably funded."

The Senate budget funds MassHealth at a total of $16.55 billion to maintain access to affordable health care coverage for over 1.8 million people and ensure comprehensive care for children, seniors and low income residents. Cost containment measures included providing MassHealth with additional tools to tackle the rapidly growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs by permitting the Secretary of Health and Human Services to directly negotiate for rebates or cost effective payment arrangements with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The budget also explores new and creative cost savings initiatives for MassHealth to purchase prescription drugs and requires greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers. The budget also includes $10 million for a new behavioral health outreach, access and support trust fund to support a loan forgiveness initiative for behavioral health workers and a general public awareness campaign to further the Senate's priority to increase access to mental health care.

"This Senate budget reflects our strong commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable health care, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to receive a quality education, and expanding access to behavioral health services," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "As our state continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, I'm especially proud that this budget makes strong investments in mental health treatment and harm reduction initiatives to ensure more resources for families and their loved ones. I want to sincerely thank Chair Rodrigues and Senate President Spilka for their leadership, hard work, and collaboration during this process and for facilitating a thoughtful and efficient debate."

The Senate's budget includes a total of $42.8B in spending, a 3.2% increase over the Fiscal Year 2019 General Appropriations Act. The FY 2020 budget reduces reliance on the use of one-time revenue sources and directs $268M to the Stabilization Fund to continue to build the Commonwealth's financial safety net.

"This budget was the product of bipartisan input, debate, and adoption. It recognizes important Senate priorities such as public education, aid for cities and towns, health care, senior care, transportation, substance abuse and more while creating opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce government costs," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester). "We deposit more than $260 million into the Stabilization Fund, provide tools for MassHealth to pursue savings, probe the MBTA pension problem, respond to the growing skilled nursing home crisis, and we take steps to foster greater economic prosperity for all; this is a bold budget that avoids broad-based tax hikes and adheres to principles of fiscal discipline"

Additional education investments include:

· $2.5M for the Early Colleges program to allow students to earn college credits and get a head start on the transition to college, with $815K added on the floor
· $2M for grants offered through the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative to support high school students with intellectual disabilities ages 18–22 with access to higher education opportunities
· $12M for grants to the Head Start program to maintain access to early education services for low-income families
· $7.5M for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to expand access to preschool in underserved areas
· $6.5M for Youth-At-Risk Matching grants, including support for YWCAs, YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs, after adding $1.9M on the floor
· $2.5M for Rural School Aid , after adding $1M on the floor

Additional health care investments include:

· $150.2M for a range of substance abuse treatment and intervention services, including $3.5M in new funding to open five new recovery centers
· $5M for investments in the substance use disorder workforce, including training on medication management, medication-assisted treatment and treatment of co-occurring disorders
· $93.4M for children's mental health services, including $3.9M for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatric Access Program (MCPAP) and $675K for MCPAP for Moms to address mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum women
· $16.5M for Family Resource Centers to expand to new communities and meet increased demand for services
· $489M for Adult Support Services, including assisted outpatient programming and comprehensive care coordination among health care providers
· $25M to fully fund Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 services to help young people with disabilities transition to adulthood
· $5M for the coordination of a comprehensive statewide strategy, in partnership with municipalities, public health harm reduction organizations and other stakeholders, to promote existing harm reduction efforts and community-based harm reduction services
· $1M for the Healthy Relationship grants program to support teen dating violence prevention efforts, after adding $850K on the floor

The Senate's budget invests in programs and policies to educate, train, and prepare Massachusetts workers in order to provide them with opportunities to grow and succeed. Opportunity investments include:

· $38.5M for adult basic education services to improve access to skills and tools necessary to join the workforce
· $15.6M for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth, after adding $1.2M on the floor
· $7M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to connect unemployed and under-employed workers with higher paying jobs
· $2.5M for the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Innovation Institute
· $2.5M for the Precision Manufacturing Program
· $2M for Small Business Technical Assistance grants
· $2M for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership
· $1M for Regional Economic Development Organizations to support economic growth in all regions of the state

The Senate's budget maintains the Senate's commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable housing, investing in low-income housing and homelessness services and supports. 

Housing investments include:

· $178.7M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters, after adding $800K on the floor
· $110M for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
· $48.3M for assistance for homeless individuals
· $30.8M for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing programs
· $21M for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), including $3M to continue expanding eligibility for individuals in need, including persons with disabilities, seniors, unaccompanied youth, after adding $1M on the floor
· $8M for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) providing rental assistance to people with disabilities and $2.7M for grants to improve or create accessible affordable housing units
· $7.5M for rental subsidies to help those suffering from mental health find or maintain stable housing, after adding $1M on the floor
· $5M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth
· $2.9M for the Home and Healthy Good program, including $500K for a new housing program to support those experiencing homelessness who also have complex medical and behavioral health needs.

The FY 2020 budget furthers regional equity and supports cities and towns by directing significant resources to local and regional aid. This includes increased funding for Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to $90.5M and ties future funding to inflation, while incentivizing RTAs to adopt best practices to ensure that commuters, students, seniors and people with disabilities are able to rely on public transportation to access jobs, education and opportunity. In addition to traditional local aid, the Senate's budget increases payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for state-owned land to $30M. PILOT funding has been a beneficial source of local aid that provides cities and towns with additional resources to support core public services. 

Local investments include:

· $1.129B for unrestricted general government aid to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges
· $29.1M for the Board of Library Commissioners, $11.5M for regional library local aid, $9.9M for municipal libraries and $3.3M for technology and automated resources
· $18M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support local arts, culture and creative economy initiatives, after adding $1M on the floor
· $18.1M for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers in communities across the state, after adding $1.4M on the floor
· $11M for Shannon Grants, which are distributed to municipalities for youth gang violence prevention, after adding $2M on the floor

A Conference Committee will now convene to reconcile the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives in April. Fiscal Year 2020 begins on July 1, 2019.

For more on the Senate budget visit their web page
https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateDebate

MassBudget: SWM Committee's FY 2020 budget follows Governor's in revenue, includes slightly more education funding

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. May 16, 2019 Senate Ways and Means Committee's FY 2020 budget follows Governor's in revenue, includes slightly more education funding The Senate Ways and Means (SWM) Committee's Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget proposal goes further in boosting K-12 education funding than other proposals this budget cycle. But, constrained by the lack of substantial, new revenue, the Committee had to propose less funding or relatively small increases in other areas such as child care assistance for low-income families, elder services, and other areas, as discussed in MassBudget's analysis. The SWM budget proposal includes a more comprehensive approach to reforming the public K-12 education funding formula than the Governor and House proposals. However, funding levels in the SWM budget are still somewhat less than the most comprehensive plans being debated currently by policymakers. Updating the funding formula can help ensure that students across Massachusetts, particularly disadvantaged kids, receive a high-quality education. Further, the SWM Committee proposes to fund the Attorney General's Fair Labor Division (FLD) at $4.5 million, which is 8 percent less in total funding than FY 2001 (adjusting for inflation), but is 17 percent less when adjusted for job growth in Massachusetts since then. The FLD enforces the state's wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, and earned sick time. This funding decrease could weaken many of the increased worker protections and benefits passed in recent years. Regarding revenue, the SWM Committee included many of the new tax proposals first presented in the Governor's FY 2020 budget. (The House, by contrast, includes only the Sales Tax Modernization proposal.) These include a new tax on opioid manufacturers and another on vaping products. Unlike the Governor, the SWM Committee directs these new revenues to off-budget funds dedicated to combating and treating addiction, rather than to the General Fund from which most budgetary appropriations are made.  Like the House and Governor, the SWM budget also relies on pre-existing sources that recently have begun generating revenue (like taxes on marijuana sales and "Airbnb rentals"). While inclusion of these various types of additional revenue may appear to boost the Commonwealth's ability to invest in a range of priorities, in fact, the new revenues would mostly serve to back-fill substantial anticipated revenue losses from several already-scheduled tax cuts. These cuts - along with other, non-tax revenue losses - will impact state collections in FY 2020 and beyond. As is true of the House budget, most additional revenue in the SWM budget comes from a variety of consumption taxes, which hit low-income earners the hardest, and will make the state's tax system more upside-down than it already is. Read the full report here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Analyzing-the-Senate-Ways-and-Means-Budget-for-FY-2020.html. Read about the House budget proposal here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Analyzing-the-House-Budget-for-FY-2020.html. 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 mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today! The full set of details associated with the Senate Ways and Means budget for FY 2020 can be found online https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudget Senate Ways and Means budget proposal for FY 2020

“It is a statement of the Senate’s priorities and our values and what we hold dear”

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

"Senate leaders unveiled a $42.7 billion fiscal year 2020 budget proposal on Tuesday, virtually mirroring the total spending figure in the House’s budget approved last week but embracing additional revenues the other chamber avoided. 

The Senate Ways and Means Committee’s proposal calls for a 3.1 percent increase in spending over last year’s budget, including what lawmakers describe as a “historic” boost in public education funding, new initiatives to improve mental health and a University of Massachusetts tuition freeze. Those efforts are buoyed by new taxes on opioid manufacturers and vaping products, two ideas backed by Gov. Charlie Baker but eschewed in the House budget. 

“Each line item, each number, is much more than just a number,” said Senate President Karen Spilka in a briefing about the budget. “It is a statement of the Senate’s priorities and our values and what we hold dear.” 

The Ways and Means Committee favorably reported the budget proposal by a voice vote at a Tuesday executive session. Senators can file amendments until noon on Friday and the full chamber will launch its annual string of formal sessions to debate the budget starting on May 21."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190507/senate-budget-boosts-education-mental-health-spending

The full set of details associated with the Senate Ways and Means budget for FY 2020 can be found online https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudget

Senate Ways and Means budget proposal for FY 2020

“I do think it’s important that we’re involving the public as much as possible”

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

"The Senate working group formed to take a deep dive into tax policy and recommend ways to modernize and update the tax code will hold closed meetings, according to its chairman. 

Sen. Adam Hinds of Pittsfield, who also co-chairs the Joint Committee on Revenue, told the News Service that the working group will hold six regional hearings to take public testimony but will keep its monthly business meetings closed in an effort to facilitate “honest conversation” among group members. 

“It’s my inclination to do it this way,” said Hinds, who has described the group’s charge as modernizing and simplifying the state tax code by recommending legislative changes for consideration in the 2021-2022 legislative session. 

The group’s first meeting is set for 2 p.m. on May 15 in the Senate Reading Room. Its members include a former lieutenant governor and revenue commissioner, representatives of big businesses and labor unions, and several appointees who favor changes to boost revenue and make taxes fairer for low-income workers."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190506/state-senate-to-lead-closed-meetings-on-tax-policy-changes-to-facilitate-honest-conversation

From the archives, the original announcement of the Senate Revenue Working Group  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/04/senate-president-spilka-chair-hinds.html

Senate President Karen Spilka announces the members of the
Senate Revenue Working Group, chaired by Senator Adam Hinds

Senate President Spilka, Chair Hinds Announce Members Of Revenue Working Group & Convene First Meeting

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate announced the members of its Revenue Working Group during a press conference in the newly renovated Reading Room, adjacent to the historic Senate Chamber in the State House. Immediately after the press event the Revenue Working Group convened its first meeting.

Chaired by State Senator Adam G. Hinds (D- Pittsfield), who serves as the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Revenue, the establishment of the Senate Revenue Working Group fulfills a vision first outlined by Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D- Ashland) during her inaugural address to Senate members on January 2, 2019.

“I am excited to be working with Senator Adam Hinds and the many distinguished members of the Revenue Working Group to take a close and comprehensive look at how our tax code is structured in Massachusetts,” said Senate President Spilka. “With all of the changes to how we live and work these days, it is important to see what is working, what is outdated, where we can improve, and how we can create a revenue system for the Commonwealth that is fair and functional for all of us. I am confident that we will find a way to continue to provide for the economic vibrancy of Massachusetts while allowing us to care for each other and fund our priorities.”

The Revenue Working Group is charged with assessing the existing Massachusetts revenue system and exploring ways to update and improve it, with the primary goal of ensuring the Commonwealth’s system of revenue collection generates sufficient funds in a predictable, sustainable and fair manner while contributing to a vibrant and competitive economy and ensuring taxpayer accountability.

As outlined by the Senate President, the Revenue Working Group is a part of the existing robust dialogue on the state’s current revenue system and tax policy on Beacon Hill, and will operate as a parallel effort with the Joint Committee on Revenue. Information gathered by the Working Group will help inform decisions made by Senator Hinds in his capacity as co-chair of the Committee during this legislative session, and will be available to Revenue Committee members and staff.

The Working Group will meet throughout the 2019-2020 legislative session, convene public forums in various locations across the state and recommend policy changes for future consideration by the Massachusetts Legislature. Legislative recommendations are not expected to be filed for consideration until 2021. The ongoing efforts of the Working Group throughout 2019-2020 is not expected to hinder legislative and policy decisions that may come before the House of Representatives and Senate during this legislative session.

“The members announced today are a deliberately inclusive, bipartisan and talented group representing business leaders and workers, non-governmental leaders and grassroots advocates, professors and tax attorneys,” said Senator Hinds. “Each brings a unique perspective and a lot of experience to the Working Group that I believe will ensure any recommendations that result from our efforts will be capable of gaining wide acceptance. My hope is that at the conclusion of our review of the tax code, the Working Group will make recommendations that are positive for working families and small businesses, and support economic growth and vital government investments in Massachusetts.”

The 21 members of the Senate Revenue Working Group announced were:

• Senator Adam G. Hinds, Chair, Senate Revenue Working Group
• Senator William Brownsberger (D- Belmont), Senate Vice Chair of the Committee on Revenue
• Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Council AFL-CIO
• JD Chesloff, Executive Director, Mass Business Roundtable
• Nancy Creed, President, Springfield Regional Chamber
• Peter Enrich, Professor of Law, Northeastern University School of Law
• Deb Fastino, Executive Director, Coalition for Social Justice
• Senator Ryan Fattman (R- Sutton), Member, Joint Committee on Revenue
• Christina Fisher, Executive Director for Massachusetts and the Northeast, TechNet
• Hilary Bacon Gabrieli, Tax Policy Attorney
• Harris Gruman, Executive Director of the SEIU Massachusetts State Council
• Beth Huang, Director, Massachusetts Voter Table
• Eileen McAnneny, President, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation
• Tim Murray, President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Amy Pitter, President & CEO, Massachusetts Society of CPAs
• John Regan, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
• Mayor Dan Rivera, City of Lawrence
• Marie-Frances Rivera, President, Massachusetts Budget & Policy Center
• James E. Rooney, President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
• David E. Sullivan, Attorney
• Steven A. Tolman, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO

It is the tradition of the Massachusetts Senate to, at times, establish working groups, independent of the Joint Committee process, to conduct robust assessments of key policy areas. This session, at the direction of President Spilka, the Senate is also convening working groups on Transportation and Mental Health.

Senate President Karen Spilka announces the members of the
Senate Revenue Working Group, chaired by Senator Adam Hinds

In the News: Keller-Sullivan sprinkler work underway; Gender "X" bill moving in MA Senate

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

Keller-Sullivan sprinkler problem fixed again

"It is often iterated at this time of year that April showers bring May flowers. But at the Helen Keller-Annie Sullivan school complex, the experience has been given new meaning this month: “Showers” coming from a burst sprinkler head on April 3 are bringing new rugs, cabinetry and paint jobs to several elementary classrooms. 

Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern recently told the School Committee that repairs to the classrooms would be undertaken this week during spring break, and students will be returning to mostly fixed-up classrooms. 

On April 3, nine Helen Keller School classrooms were damaged by water after a sprinkler head on the second floor burst late in the afternoon, Ahern reported at the School Committee’s April 9 meeting. Classes were temporarily displaced as the rooms were sealed off for the remainder of that week. 

“Water damaged materials including carpets, drywalls and cabinets were removed,” Ahern said, noting that over the weekend of April 6 and April 7, Servicemaster worked late hours “in order to ensure that all rooms had been properly mitigated.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190418/fixes-under-way-after-water-damage-at-franklin-school

This is the third sprinkler incident at the Keller-Sullivan complex 
2017 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/they-did-remarkable-job.html
2014 = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/asms-keller-status-update.html

Keller - Sullivan Schools

"Spilka’s ‘Gender X’ bill moving in Senate"

"The Senate plans next week to take up legislation that has become a signature priority for Senate President Karen Spilka, a bill that would allow an adult to change state identification records to reflect a gender of “X.” 

The so-called “Gender X” bill would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to make a third, gender-neutral option available to applicants for a license or learner’s permit and would allow anyone over 18, an emancipated minor or the parents of a minor to request a change in the sex listed on someone’s birth certificate to male, female or X. 

“This bill is very special to me,” said Spilka, D-Ashland, earlier this month during an interview on WGBH radio. 

The Senate president got involved after receiving a letter from a constituent from Natick who was feeling stress as they prepared to decide which box to check on their driving learner’s permit. Spilka has since grown close to the family while working on this bill, and almost pushed it across the finish line last year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190418/spilkas-gender-x-bill-moving-in-senate

In the News: Gov Baker to accept raise; Sen Spilka is Senate President; Rep DeLeo returns to lead House

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

"Gov. Charlie Baker plans to accept his $34,000 pay raise and a new $65,000 housing stipend. 

The housing allowance is a first for a Massachusetts governor after the Legislature, in its first act of the two-year session in 2017, voted through a package of pay raises for public officials, including the governor, that included a stipend for housing. 

The law states that a governor “shall receive $65,000 annually for expenses related to housing,” and the allowance was intended by lawmakers to make the office of governor a more attractive position and to eliminate any barriers to running, such as finances or geography."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/baker-will-pocket-raise-housing-stipend

For more about Governor Baker, visit his page 
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-governor

The Governor starts the MA Budget cycle by delivering his budget Jan 25

"Senate President Karen Spilka presented a “bold” and “urgent” agenda for her first full two-year term Wednesday, saying the Legislature keenly needs new ideas on how to tackle the state’s crumbling infrastructure, adequately fund education and expand affordable housing. 

“We need to be bold and look out of the box for ways to fix these problems. It’s been left unaddressed for too long,” said Spilka, D-Ashland, outside the chambers. “Massachusetts has a chance to be a leader in all these areas." 

Spilka, who turns 66 on Jan. 11, was formally re-elected as Senate president, as the historic body began its 191st session. On a roll call vote, Spilka received 33 votes to Gloucester Republican Sen. Bruce Tarr’s six. When voting was completed, Tarr moved that it be the “sense of the Senate” that Spilka’s election as Senate president be declared unanimous."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/spilka-sworn-in-for-first-full-term-as-senate-president

"For the sixth time, the Massachusetts House picked Winthrop Democrat Robert DeLeo, already the longest continuously serving speaker in state history, to lead the chamber for the new two-year session that began Wednesday. 

DeLeo, who was elected on a 119-31 party line vote with House Republicans instead backing Minority Leader Bradley Jones, said in his remarks to his colleagues that it’s important to have fresh voices in the House and new ideas will be welcomed as lawmakers get to work to address the needs facing the state. 

“No one’s rights will be infringed upon here in Massachusetts,” he said. 

Eight Democrats, including four new lawmakers who took their seats for the first time Wednesday, broke with their colleagues by voting “present” instead of supporting either DeLeo or Jones for speaker."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190102/secret-vote-for-speaker-squashed

MA Senate Ends 2017-2018 Session

Senate passes initiatives to increase financial literacy, shore up pipeline safety, and provide increased funding for line of duty benefits

The Massachusetts State Senate closed out the 2017–2018 legislative session today with action on a number of bills, spanning issues such as public safety, education, and consumer data protection, among other things. The Senate also passed a supplemental budget designed to address time-sensitive funding needs.

"I am proud of the work the Senate has done this session, and its commitment to working on important issues up to very last day," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka. "I would like to thank each and everyone in the Senate for their insight, willingness to collaborate, and dedication to the people of the Commonwealth as we continue to move Massachusetts forward."

In response to public safety concerns raised by the Merrimack Valley gas fires, the Senate enacted legislation that requires all utilities to engage a professional engineer to review utility work plans. This follows a bill, signed by the Governor yesterday, that extends unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for workers locked out by National Grid for 26 weeks, or until the lockout ends, whichever comes first.

The Senate approved final passage of a consumer data protection bill, known as the 'Equifax' bill, that helps consumers protect their private information through free security freezes, free credit monitoring when a credit reporting agency is breached, and requiring prior consent from an agency to access a consumer's report, as well an explanation for the disclosure.

To better serve the needs of our students, the Senate passed a bill that allows for the establishment of standards for students in kindergarten through grade 12 on personal financial literacy. The bill also permits educational institutions to incorporate personal financial literacy standards into existing mathematics, social science, technology, business, or other curricula. The Senate also passed an initiative that improves governance and oversight of educational collaboratives and allows them to provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities over the age of 22 in certain circumstances.

The Senate acted to end gender discrimination in disability insurance, bringing it into line with insurance provided by employers and subject to federal nondiscrimination law. It also passed a supplemental budget to provide sufficient funding to cover line of duty benefits for the year.

The end-of-session activity follows the recent passage of a new law designed to regulate and tax short-term rentals, while creating a framework in which this innovative industry segment can grow.

Bills passed by both the House and Senate will be sent to the Governor, who has ten days to sign them into law. The next legislative session begins tomorrow, January 2, 2018


The MA Senate End of Session Report
https://malegislature.gov/cc/Reports/senate-session-2017-2018.pdf

For more information on the MA Senate
https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Senate

For more information on the MA House of Representatives
https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/House

MA Senate Ends 2017-2018 Session

In the News: Warren, Diehl debate again; Baker, Warren with leads in poll

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

"Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and her Republican challenger, state Rep. Geoff Diehl, faced off in their final debate Tuesday, challenging each other on everything from the caravans of migrants making their way to the southern U.S. border to the GOP-led tax cut. 

Warren tried to tie Diehl to the policies of President Donald Trump, who remains unpopular in Massachusetts, saying he failed to push back against Trump at key moments, including when he launched his presidential campaign by calling Mexicans rapists and murderers. 

Warren said Diehl “has Donald Trump’s back” no matter how ugly the rhetoric."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181030/warren-gops-diehl-clash-in-final-debate-of-campaign

"Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Gov. Charlie Baker appear to be cruising toward re-election, but voters in Massachusetts are less enthusiastic about a potential Warren bid for the White House, according to a new poll out Monday, a week before the election. 

Voters also appear to be leaning against the fiercely fought ballot question that would impose nurse staffing ratios in Massachusetts hospitals, with almost 59 percent now saying they plan to vote against Question 1. 

With Warren and Baker gearing up for their final televised debates this week, the two incumbents lead their races by 21 and 39 points respectively, according to the Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181030/poll-shows-baker-warren-with-big-leads-but-white-house-run-less-popular

Election Information for Nov 2018

In the News: Medicare for all; US Senate candidates review positions

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

“Medicare for all” is a popular phrase that Massachusetts residents have heard often in recent years. 

The idea to create a single, tax-funded health insurance plan for all Massachusetts residents - also known as “single-payer” - is supported by some of the state’s leading political figures, including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Gonzalez. 

“I’m a former health insurance CEO who thinks we should get rid of health insurance companies,” Gonzalez said during a recent interview with Wicked Local. 

The Democratic nominee previously served as chairman of the Massachusetts Health Connector, the state-based health exchange. He left to become president and CEO of CeltiCare Health, a subsidiary of Centene Corp., a publicly traded health insurer that reported 2017 net earnings of more than $800 million, according to federal filings."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181026/medicare-for-all-empty-promise

"The three U.S. Senate candidates talked with reporters and editors from the Telegram and Gazette, the Daily News and other GateHouse publications Thursday to state their cases, appearing before the editorial board for wide-ranging discussions on issues including immigration, student loan debt and health care. 

“It’s this fundamental question about how people see government, and what is the role of elected representatives,” said Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren, 69, describing the race she faces as well as races around the country. 

Independent candidate and entrepreneur Shiva Ayyadurai, 54, kicked off the day and did not pull any punches - name-calling, criticizing any unfavorable or counter-narrative media coverage as “beyond fake news ... invisible news,” and saying racism and collusion were responsible for everything from keeping him off the debate stage to the failure of immigration reform and the high price of prescription drugs."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181026/massachusetts-us-senate-candidates-share-their-policy-positions


Warren campaign page https://elizabethwarren.com/

Diehl campaign page https://diehlforsenate.com/

Ayyadurai campaign page:   https://shiva4senate.com/

The Franklin Town Clerk page with additional information
http://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk

Additional info can be found in the 2018 Election Collection
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/election-collection-2018.html

Election Information for Nov 2018