Showing posts with label town clerk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town clerk. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello (and her entire team), here are the unofficial election results for Nov 5, 2024 (PDF) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CyG0npCxpd7wSgH3oM1q-aCO-WpjgHN/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024
Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024




Town Council approves Rescission of license transfer, accepts Bogan's Way, welcomes Fire Dept news hires & Police Dept promotions (audio)

FM #1305  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1305 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was absent. 


Quick recap

  • After multiple citizen comments on a variety of topics the Council got to their agenda items

  • Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics

    • Paul Schleicher Jr.

    • Michael Dumican

    • Corey Rafter

    • Steven Osorio

    • Shea Hurley

  • First time to have 60 firefighters on staff, need to keep up with the growing needs of the community. All 60 are licensed paramedics 

  • The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

    • Lieutenant Michael Colecchi 

    • Sergeant Cody Landry

  • Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. Jamie explains quick background on the recession as the "easy" way for the parties to resolve the issues they have, including allowing DaVita's to reapply for a renewal of the license Building code issues need to be resolved to enable the transfer. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)

  • Public hearing on Bogan's way; Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements. Planning did approve acceptance, Continuing to chip away on all the public streets in town Public hearing closed with no comments. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)

  • License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. So moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. Presentation slides ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/4SqkayuitiSFjuzU8 

  • Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24- 63 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-64 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 ,1 absent)

  • Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. After some discussion, when it wasn't really an item for discussion, it is not clear if it is in effect as proposed, or if it is being referred to a subcommittee and/or future agenda for further discussion. Editor's note: there should be a further review and potentially additional changes made to this. It is not a policy that is clearly understood and appreciated by either the Council or the community 

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs just short of 3 hours.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1305-town-council-mtg-10-30-24/




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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNbkQwNvQkA 


The agenda doc can be found here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf 


My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zqgR9Lc2lYE9H3f8WOor2CoM-XPxaUG3/view?usp=drive_link


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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. 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!

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


Fire Dept news hires pose with Town Council
Fire Dept news hires pose with Town Council

Police Dept promotions pose with Town Council
Police Dept promotions pose with Town Council

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024

Town of Franklin
Office of The Town Clerk
 

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for The State Election 11-5-2024


In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:

Monday, October 28th 9:00 AM
Tuesday, October 29th 9:00 AM
Wednesday, October 30th 9:00 AM
Thursday, October 31st 9:00 AM
Friday, November 1st         9:00 AM

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

Saturday, November 2nd    @9:00 AM
Sunday, November 3rd    @9:00 AM - IF NEEDED

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 5th. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024


Sunday, October 27, 2024

1640 voters early ballots cast in the first week in Franklin, MA; tabulators tested on Wednesday

Via Town Clerk Nancy Danello:
"First full week of in person early voting complete!!  
Total of 1,640 voters! The flow was steady with NO lines!!  
Thank you to all of our voters!!"

tabulator testing
tabulator testing

** 
I was able to stop by briefly on Wednesday to observe the set up and some of the execution of the tabulator testing process. Per Dyan Fitzgerald, Deputy Town Clerk, the tabulator testing went well.

For more info on the tabulator testing process, it is basically unchanged since reported on here ->


** 
Additional information on the Town Clerk and election processing can be found on the Town page ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator


Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election

Tabulator Testing for the Presidential election will be held on October 23rd beginning at 9 AM in the Council Chambers.

Please register with Town Clerk's Office if you plan on attending.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/tabulator-testing-presidential-election

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM
Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM

Monday, October 7, 2024

Reminder: Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA

All the in person early voting leading up to the Election, November 5, 2024 will take place in the Town Clerk's office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central St, Franklin.
  • Saturday, October 19 - 9 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, October 20 – 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA
    Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA
    Monday, October 21 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Tuesday, October 22 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday, October 23 - 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Thursday, October 24 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Friday, October 25 -  8 AM - 1 PM
  • Saturday, October 26 - 9 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, October 27 - 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Monday, October 28 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Tuesday, October 29 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday, October 30 - 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Thursday, October 31 -  8 AM - 4 PM
  • Friday, November 1 - 8 AM - 1 PM
Note - there is no early voting on the Sat or Sun Nov 2 & 3. The in person voting will take place next at Franklin High School on Nov 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM.



Friday, October 4, 2024

Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

"In September, local elections clerks received an email that purported to be from a reputable national organization that helps to ensure voting integrity. The message asked clerks to fill out a survey and include their personal cellphones and home addresses.

But the URL behind the sender was not for the cybersecurity group the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center, or EI-ISAC. Instead, it led to a website, electioncrimebureau.com, with an image of a grinning Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO-turned-high-profile-election-denier who continues to believe former president Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

The faux email, say Massachusetts election clerks, is just the latest example of the deluge of threats, interference, misinformation, and burdensome requests coming at them as they approach what many fear will be one of the most daunting elections yet.

Burnout and frustration after the 2020 election and the subsequent storm of misinformation sparked massive turnover within the ranks of local elections officials. Those who stayed faced cybersecurity threats and emails sent by bad actors. The threats come on top of new state laws that boosted access to mail ballots and expanded early voting."
Shared from -> (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/03/metro/election-clerks-2024-threats-massachusetts/

We talked with our Town Clerk Nancy Danello in advance of the September primary and have not scheduled additional time due to the other demands for her attention during this period. Listen to out conversation, much of which still pertains to the November election. The dates for early voting, etc. have changed but available here and on the Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator


Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"
Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

Friday, September 27, 2024

MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
This proposed law would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker, over the course of five years, on the following schedule:
To 64% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2025;
To 73% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2026;
To 82% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2027;
To 91% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2028; and
To 100% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2029.

The proposed law would require employers to continue to pay tipped workers the difference Under the proposed law, if an employer pays its workers an hourly wage that is at least the state minimum wage, the employer would be permitted to administer a “tip pool” that combines all the tips given by customers to tipped workers and distributes them among all the workers, including non-tipped workers.
STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
There are no direct fiscal consequences on the Commonwealth or municipalities because they generally do not employ tipped employees. Nevertheless, this measure will affect proposed state and municipal revenues and expenditures due to impacts on employee and business income and earnings. While those impacts are difficult to project due to the lack of reliable data, increasing the minimum hourly wage of tipped employees will likely increase state income tax collections because employees will earn more in hourly wages from which state income tax is withheld. The impacts on gratuity earnings and gratuity tax reporting are unknown
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth
A YES VOTE would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non- management workers.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers
IN FAVOR: 
Vote Yes for FAIRNESS - 

It’s fair for Workers:
Instead of being paid the current tipped worker wage of just $6.75 an hour, Massachusetts tipped workers deserve the full minimum wage with tips on top. Workers in 7 other states earn a full wage plus tips, and they enjoy
robust tips and growing restaurants where menu prices are comparable to Massachusetts. This law would create greater financial stability and predictability, acknowledging workers’ skills and professionalism.

It’s fair for Employers:
Many Massachusetts small businesses are already paying the full minimum wage plus tips. Big restaurant corporations should do the
same. This would reduce employee turnover and improve service quality.

It’s fair for Consumers:
Big restaurant corporations are not paying their fair share and are forcing consumers to cover their employees’ wages through tips. Tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages paid by large corporations.

Estefania Galvis One Fair Wage 
11 Converse Ave
Malden, MA 02148
813-898-9136

AGAINST: 
This question is funded by a radical group from California.

Tipped employees have made it abundantly clear the way they earn money does not need to be changed. State and Federal law guarantee them the $15 hourly minimum wage with many earning over $40/hr and 90% reporting at least $20/hr. A recent survey also showed that 88% oppose ‘tip pools’ where tips are shared with non-service employees and 90% believe that if tipped wages are eliminated, they will earn less.

Other attempts to implement this have seen catastrophic results. In Washington, D.C., nearly 10% of tipped employees have lost or left their jobs. This follows increases in menu prices, the implementation of 20% ‘service fees’ and a wave of closures.

This would reduce overall wages for servers, increase costs for restaurants and skyrocket the cost of eating out. It will be disastrous with many neighborhood restaurants being forced to close.

Doug Bacon
Former Server and Bartender, Current Restaurant Owner
Committee to Protect Tips 
160 E Main St # 2
Westborough, MA 01581 

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For this information on Ballot Question 5 in one PDF -> 

Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf


Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm


Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato


MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers 

Thursday, September 26, 2024

MA Ballot QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
 
This proposed law would allow persons aged 21 and older to grow, possess, and use certain natural psychedelic substances in certain circumstances. The psychedelic substances allowed would be two substances found in mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocyn) and three substances found in plants (dimethyltryptamine, mescaline, and ibogaine). These substances could be purchased at an approved location for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator. This proposed law would otherwise prohibit any retail sale of natural psychedelic substances. This proposed law would also provide for the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances.

This proposed law would license and regulate facilities offering supervised use of these psychedelic substances and provide for the taxation of proceeds from those facilities’ sales of psychedelic substances. It would also allow persons aged 21 and older to grow these psychedelic substances in a 12-foot by 12-foot area at their home and use these psychedelic substances at their home. This proposed law would authorize persons aged 21 or older to possess up to one gram of psilocybin, one gram of psilocyn, one gram of dimethyltryptamine, 18 grams of mescaline, and 30 grams of ibogaine (“personal use amount”), in addition to whatever they might grow at their home, and to give away up to the personal use amount to a person aged 21 or over.

This proposed law would create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission of five members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would administer the law governing the use and distribution of these psychedelic substances. The Commission would adopt regulations governing licensing qualifications, security, recordkeeping, education and training, health and safety requirements, testing, and age verification. This proposed law would also create a Natural Psychedelic Substances Advisory Board of 20 members appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and Treasurer which would study and make recommendations to the Commission on the regulation and taxation of these psychedelic substances.

This proposed law would allow cities and towns to reasonably restrict the time, place, and manner of the operation of licensed facilities offering psychedelic substances, but cities and towns could not ban those facilities or their provision of these substances.

The proceeds of sales of psychedelic substances at licensed facilities would be subject to the state sales tax and an additional excise tax of 15 percent. In addition, a city or town could impose a separate tax of up to two percent. Revenue received from the additional state excise tax, license application fees, and civil penalties for violations of this proposed law would be deposited in a Natural Psychedelic Substances Regulation Fund and would be used, subject to appropriation, for administration of this proposed law.

Using the psychedelic substances as permitted by this proposed law could not be a basis to deny a person medical care or public assistance, impose discipline by a professional licensing board, or enter adverse orders in child custody cases absent clear and convincing evidence that the activities created an unreasonable danger to the safety of a minor child.

This proposed law would not affect existing laws regarding the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence, or the ability of employers to enforce workplace policies restricting the consumption of these psychedelic substances by employees. This proposed law would allow property owners to prohibit the use, display, growing, processing, or sale of these psychedelic substances on their premises. State and local governments could continue to restrict the possession and use of these psychedelic substances in public buildings or at schools.

This proposed law would take effect on December 15, 2024.
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would allow persons over age 21 to use certain natural psychedelic substances under licensed supervision and to grow and possess limited quantities of those substances in their home, and would create a commission to regulate those substances.
 
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law regarding natural psychedelic substances.
STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
This measure would establish a 15% state excise tax for the sale of natural psychedelic substances, which would be available for spending from a dedicated fund; however, the revenue generating impact is unknown due to the lack of data for the new market being proposed. This measure would also allow for a local tax option that could generate local sales
IN FAVOR: 
Vote YES on 4 to provide safe, regulated access to promising natural psychedelic medicines for treatment-resistant PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Psychedelics will be available in approved therapeutic settings under the supervision of trained and licensed facilitators, NOT sold in stores to take home.

Research from leading medical institutions including Mass General Brigham, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Johns Hopkins shows that psychedelic medicines can be effective treatments for depression and anxiety. In fact, the FDA recently granted psilocybin a “breakthrough therapy” designation.

For many people who are suffering, daily medications and other standard treatments aren’t working. Over 6,000 veterans die by suicide annually, and countless more struggle from service-related trauma. Natural psychedelic medicine can also offer patients with a terminal diagnosis relief from end-of-life anxiety and help them find peace.

That’s why question 4 is supported by doctors, mental health providers, and veteran advocates.

Vote YES to expand mental health options.

Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian, 
Mental Health Counselor (MHC)
Massachusetts for Mental Health Options 
14 Sullivan Street
Boston, MA 02129
781-205-9737


AGAINST: 
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, VETERANS, AND RECOVERY GROUPS URGE NO ON QUESTION 4

Question 4 would decriminalize psychedelics, open for-profit centers, allow for growth in a 12- foot by 12-foot area in homes and distribution statewide. A black market is inevitable with this amount of home growth.
In recent years, driver’s license revocations for drugged driving rose 65% and fatal DUI crashes increased over 50%. With 1 in 3 frequent psychedelic users reporting
driving under the influence of psychedelics
in the past year, this will increase.
The psychedelic ibogaine has life- threatening cardiotoxicity, heart failure can occur days after one dose.
Accidental consumption of edibles is especially
dangerous to children and pets.
The centers aren’t required to be run by medical professionals, cannot provide critical care during adverse reactions, and aren’t prohibited from giving psychedelics to high- risk patients like those with schizophrenia, bipolar illness, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Dr. Anahita Dua
Surgeon, Massachusetts General Hospital 
Associate Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School
Coalition For Safe Communities 
11 Beacon Street, Suite 1125
Boston, MA 02108 

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For this Ballot Question 4 info in one PDF -> 

Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf


Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm


Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato


MA Ballot QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances
MA Ballot QUESTION 4: Limited Legalization and Regulation of Certain Natural Psychedelic Substances

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

MA Ballot QUESTION 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
The proposed law would provide Transportation Network Drivers (“Drivers”) with the right to form unions (“Driver Organizations”) to collectively bargain with Transportation Network Companies (“Companies”)-which are companies that use a digital network to connect riders to drivers for pre-arranged transportation-to create negotiated recommendations concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Drivers would not be required to engage in any union activities. Companies would be allowed to form multi- Company associations to represent them when negotiating with Driver Organizations. The state would supervise the labor activities permitted by the proposed law and would have responsibility for approving or disapproving the negotiated recommendations.
The proposed law would define certain activities by a Company or a Driver Organization to be unfair work practices. The proposed law would establish a hearing process for the state Employment Relations Board (“Board”) to follow when a Company or Driver Organization is charged with an unfair work practice. The proposed law would permit the Board to take action, including awarding compensation to adversely affected Drivers, if it found that an unfair work practice had been committed. The proposed law would provide for an appeal of a Board decision to the state Appeals Court.

This proposed law also would establish a procedure for determining which Drivers are Active Drivers, meaning that they completed more than the median number of rides in the previous six months. The proposed law would establish procedures for the Board to determine that a Driver Organization has signed authorizations from at least five percent of Active Drivers, entitling the Driver organization to a list of Active Drivers; to designate a Driver Organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers based on signed authorizations from at least twenty-five percent of Active Drivers; to resolve disputes over exclusive bargaining status, including through elections; and to decertify a Driver Organization from exclusive bargaining status. A Driver Organization that has been designated the exclusive bargaining representative would have the exclusive right to represent the Drivers and to receive voluntary membership dues deductions.

Once the Board determined that a Driver Organization was the exclusive bargaining representative for all Drivers, the Companies would be required to bargain with that Driver Organization concerning wages, benefits and terms and conditions of work. Once the Driver Organization and Companies reached agreement on wages, benefits, and the terms and conditions of work, that agreement would be voted upon by all Drivers who has completed at least 100 trips the previous quarter. If approved by a majority of votes cast, the recommendations would be submitted to the state Secretary of Labor for approval and if approved, would be effective for three years. The proposed law would establish procedures for the mediation and arbitration if the Driver Organization and Companies failed to reach agreement within a certain period of time. An arbitrator would consider factors set forth in the proposed law, including whether the wages of Drivers would be enough so that Drivers would not need to rely upon any public benefits. The proposed law also sets out procedures for the Secretary of Labor’s review and approval of recommendations negotiated by a Driver Organization and the Companies and for judicial review of the Secretary’s decision.

The proposed law states that neither its provisions, an agreement nor a determination by the Secretary would be able to lessen labor standards established by other laws. If there were any conflict between the proposed law and existing Massachusetts labor relations law, the proposed law would prevail. 
The Board would make rules and regulations as appropriate to effectuate the proposed law.

The proposed law states that, if any of its parts were declared invalid, the other parts would stay in effect.
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
A YES VOTE would provide transportation network drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work.
 
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the ability of transportation network drivers to form unions.

STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
The proposed law has no discernible material fiscal consequences for state and municipal government finances.

IN FAVOR: 
A YES vote will give Massachusetts rideshare drivers, who work for companies
like Uber and Lyft, the option to join a union while also maintaining driver flexibility and independence. The option to join a union is guaranteed for most workers, but rideshare drivers currently don’t have that choice. Vote YES to allow rideshare drivers the option to choose a union.

Roxana Rivera United for Justice
26 West Street, 6th Floor Boston, MA 02111
401-965-3555


AGAINST: 
DRIVERS AND RIDERS URGE NO ON QUESTION 3
Question 3 would RAISE THE PRICES FOR ALL RIDERS, funding union pockets, not drivers’ pockets.

This law gives Politicians the right to set rules with NO accountability and creates a new radical labor category that is inconsistent with federal labor law.
Drivers in Massachusetts ALREADY receive:
Base of $32.50 per hour with yearly increases
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Family Medical Leave
Healthcare Stipend
On-the-Job Injury Insurance
Anti-Discrimination Protections
Domestic Violence Leave
Anti-Retaliation Protections
Appeals Process
Question 3 does not really create bargaining for workers. Drivers will have no control over leadership of the union and will pay significant dues without real representation.

This proposal is not fair to Drivers and allows just 2 ½ percent of drivers to force unionization and leaves many Drivers without a voice.
Vote No on Question 3.

Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Boston, MA
617-553-4115

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Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf


Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm


Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato


MA Ballot QUESTION 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers
MA Ballot QUESTION 3: Unionization for Transportation Network Drivers