“It is our future, so it has to be a priority”

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

"Massachusetts will invest an additional $1.5 billion in K-12 public education over the next seven years after Gov. Charlie Baker signed a funding reform bill, touted by supporters as a generational change, into law Tuesday.

The legislation directs the bulk of new funding toward districts weighed down by cost drivers, aiming to close opportunity gaps that for years have led to disparate educational outcomes across the state.

“We want all of our children to have the same opportunities to achieve,” Senate President Karen Spilka said in an interview later Tuesday during a visit to the Daily News, noting a “persistent” achievement gap in many school districts. “The talent is the same across the state. The opportunities, unfortunately, have not been the same.”

The law comes four years after a commission warned that Massachusetts was underestimating the actual cost of education by $1 billion annually and more than a year after the last attempt to update the system fell short. Now the focus shifts to a different challenge: following through on the commitment to ramp up funding for schools starting next year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191126/baker-signs-15b-ed-funding-bill

Recent posting on Student Opportunity Act
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/massachusetts-legislature-votes-to.html

Governor Baker's press release can be found
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-signs-education-funding-bill-providing-investments-in-public-schools-across-the

The text of the legislation S 2412 can be found
https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S2412

"We know that education drives opportunity"

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

"Massachusetts would invest a new $1.5 billion in its public education system over the next seven years under a long-awaited consensus school finance reform bill that House and Senate leaders rolled out Thursday and expect to hit the Senate floor in two weeks.

State Rep. Alice Pesich, D-Wellesley, and state Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, co-chairs of the Education Committee that has been working for months to develop the legislation, said a focus of the bill is providing resources to low-income students.

“I think it’s fair to say that if this bill passes into law, we will have the strongest and most progressive education funding system in terms of how we reflect the needs of low-income students,” Lewis said. “However, we realize that even with all those changes in the increased Chapter 70 aid that districts will receive, that there’s more that we can and must do to support the needs of all school districts and all students across the state, whether they are in rural districts, suburban districts, Gateway Cities or others.”

The bill, dubbed the Student Opportunity Act and unanimously endorsed Thursday by the Education Committee, would increase Chapter 70 aid to local schools by $1.4 billion, and House Speaker Robert DeLeo said it does not involve plans for additional taxes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190919/lawmakers-unveil-15b-seven-year-education-bill

Below, please find links to information regarding the Student Opportunity Act:

Student Opportunity Act Overview

https://karenspilka.com/s/Student-Opportunity-Act-PowerPoint.pdf

 

Student Opportunity Act Fact Sheet

https://karenspilka.com/s/Student-Oppoortunity-Act-Fact-Sheet.pdf

 

Student Opportunity Act Question & Answer

https://karenspilka.com/s/Student-Opportunity-Act-QA.pdf

Student Opportunity Act Joint Announcement

https://karenspilka.com/s/Joint-Announcement-on-Student-Opportunity-Act.pdf

Student Opportunity Act Bill Text: Senate Bill 2348

https://karenspilka.com/s/Student-Opportunity-Act-Bill-Text.pdf

"We know that education drives opportunity" (Joint Committee on Education photo)

Learn more about the I-90 Allston Project’s Impacts on MetroWest - Thursday, July 18

Commute Times, Cost, Public Tranist, Congestion, Impact on MetroWest

I hope you will join me MassDOT Public Information Meeting I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Date: Thursday, July 18, 2019 Time: 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Location: Framingham City Hall Blumer Room 150 Concord Street, Framingham As your legislator and a long time toll-paying resident of MetroWest, I invite you to join me this Thursday, July 18, to learn more about the state's plan to overhaul a portion of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Allston and its potential impact on our region. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the project will include straightening a portion of Interstate 90 and other changes to accommodate development in Allston/Brighton. We deserve to know more about what this means for our region, our commutes, our public transportation system and, most importantly, how much it is going to cost and who will be expected to pay for it. Your voice is important to help ensure our commutes experience the least amount of disruption. I hope you will join me.  Please contact my office at 617-722-1500 if you have any questions. More info: Allston Multimodal Project Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | 617-722-1500 | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov www.karenspilka.com

Office of Senate President Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 332, Boston, MA 02133 Sent by karen.spilka@masenate.gov in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

In the News: Cultural District celebration; new transit grant program pitched

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

"In the famous words of author Neil Gaiman, “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before.” 

This was the main message Friday at Franklin’s official Cultural District dedication ceremony. And with several speakers sharing the same message, one thing became clear – Franklin residents are always being creative to make the town a brighter place. 

Franklin applied for the status last year after years of building up its programming and making the town a hub for arts and culture."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/franklin-celebrates-cultural-district-status

group photo with new sign at Franklin’s official Cultural District dedication ceremony

"State officials were in Framingham on Friday to pitch a new grant program that’s designed to increase workforce transit options throughout the state. 

“Transit is how we get more people to more places with less environmental impact, which is important as we move into the future,” said Astrid Glynn, rail and transit administrator for the Massachusetts Department of Transporation. 

The discussion was hosted by MassDOT, along with the Westborough-based 495/MetroWest Partnership and the Framingham-based MetroWest Regional Transit authority. About 50 people, mainly from area businesses, attended the forum, which was held at MWRTA headquarters on Blandin Avenue."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/massdot-pitches-new-transit-grant-program

In the News: Robert “Sully” Sullivan; Milford Regional expands; all transportation revenue options are still “on the table”

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

Robert “Sully” Sullivan

"For Jack Lank, president of the United Regional Chamber of Commerce in Plainville, the visual of Robert “Sully” Sullivan, in a red Santa suit and hat patrolling through Franklin in his red convertible, is a lasting memory. Sullivan used to joke that he also had the physique for it, said Lank. 

Sullivan, Franklin’s beloved Santa Claus and co-founder of the Santa Foundation, died Monday at Whittier Hospital in Westborough. He was 70. 

“It’s a tremendous loss to the community, and a tremendous loss for all the families that he has helped over the years,” said Lank, who worked with Sullivan on his Santa Foundation for 10 years, calling him a “town icon.” 

“He was one of the kindest individuals you would ever meet, and he never said no,” said Lank.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190426/franklin-town-icon-dies-at-70

Santa Foundation

Milford Regional expands in Franklin

"Things have gotten a little easier for Franklin-area residents who use services and physicians at Milford Regional Medical Center. 

The Milford-based hospital opened a new building at 1280 West Central St. in Franklin earlier this month. 

“Franklin is a huge, important part of our service area,” said Teri McDonald, vice president of public relations, marketing and communications at Milford Regional Medical Center. ”(The new building is) going to be a great improvement for the area.” 

The location consolidates four medical practices previously scattered throughout Franklin, expands the hospital’s diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, and adds an urgent care center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190426/franklin-gets-centralized-milford-regional-medical-center-service


all transportation revenue options are still “on the table”

"Expanding road tolls across Massachusetts and to the state’s borders could be a way to generate new revenue to address growing transportation woes, Senate President Karen Spilka said Thursday. 

In remarks at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast Thursday, Spilka, an Ashland Democrat, told business leaders that tolls similar to those along Interstate 90 deserve consideration for other places. 

“Simply put, and I put this out there, if tolls are a good idea for my district, my region, I believe we should explore the possibility of expanded tolling, including possibly at our borders,” Spilka said. “Our best ideas won’t matter if we can’t find a way to make a 21st century transportation infrastructure a reality — and find a way to pay for it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190425/spilka-more-tolled-roads-deserve-consideration

In the News: School budget cuts move forward; Commuters want State to improve their commute

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

School budget cuts move forward

"Even after a $100,000 reprieve, 13 teachers will likely lose their jobs and several fees will increase next year at Franklin Public Schools due to a townwide budget crunch caused by rising costs associated with municipal services and charter school expansion. 

The School Committee on Tuesday night voted to adopt a revised fiscal 2020 school budget of $64.6 million, down about $2.2 million from an original proposal of $66.8 million that the board agreed on last month. 

The revision comes after news of the town incurring a structural deficit entering fiscal 2020, which begins July 1. Superintendent Sara Ahern had announced earlier this month that the district needed to cut about $2.3 million from its budget due to the crisis, but that number was trimmed when the town agreed to add $100,000 after factoring in a proposed increase in state aid by the state House of Representatives and the sale of library bonds. 

Staffing cuts approved include eight faculty positions in grades seven and eight, two sixth-grade teaching positions and three elementary teaching positions. Other adjustments include raising the transportation fee by $35, increasing athletic fees by $25 and adding a $150 parking fee for high school students."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/franklin-school-board-oks-22m-in-cuts-to-budget

In the News: School budget cuts move forward

Commuters want State to improve their commute

"Workers are fed up with their commutes, according to a recent statewide poll of registered voters. 

Of the 1,200 participants, those with the longest commutes report the frustration has led them to consider changing jobs or leaving the region, according to the report prepared by The MassINC Polling Group. Sixty-six percent say there’s an urgent need to improve the state’s transportation system. 

“The levels of frustration we are seeing in this poll suggest a significant portion of workers are reaching a breaking point when it comes to their commutes,” said Steve Koczela, president of MassINC Polling, in a statement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190424/report-mass-commuters-want-action-on-traffic-choked-roads-unreliable-transit

Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan - available for public comment

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. You can review the plan and provide feedback by clicking the link below.

2018 Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan

https://massdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index.html?appid=c80930586c474a3486d391a850007694

To realize the potential for everyday biking in Massachusetts and underscore MassDOT’s commitment to safety, MassDOT is releasing a new Statewide Bicycle Transportation Plan to make biking in Massachusetts a safe, comfortable, and convenient option for everyday travel.

As part of the Bike Plan, MassDOT developed the Municipal Resource Guide for Bikeability in recognition of the important role the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts will play. Created for municipal staff, elected officials, community members, and anyone interested in biking, the Resource Guide introduces core concepts to enhance community bikeability and directs readers to additional resources for more detailed information. 

The public comment period for the draft Bicycle Plan is open until January 31, 2019.

https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/10/31/18_08_31_MRGBiking.pdf

This was shared from the Mass.gov page
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/bicycle-plan

The bike lane markings painted as part of the Downtown Improvement
project that returned Main St to 2-way travel

In the News: NationalGrid negotiations resume Dec 26; vehicles sold in MA required to be electric by 2040

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

"The calendar for the next two weeks is creating some interesting interplay between a benefit bill for locked-out workers, Christmas and the end of the 2017-2018 session, and contract talks between National Grid and its 1,200 locked-out natural gas workers. 

Lawmakers on Friday agreed to the details of a bill extending unemployment benefits for locked-out workers and it appears they may take enactment votes to send that bill to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk on Monday, Christmas Eve. 

Meantime, National Grid has been saying for days that it hoped to strike a deal with two employee unions by Christmas. However, a company spokeswoman on Saturday confirmed to the News Service that after seven consecutive weekdays of bargaining, the next session won’t be held until Wednesday, Dec. 26. 

And in another new wrinkle, the unions and the company issued a rare joint statement Friday night that suggested some optimism about a potential deal and markedly contrasted with the snippy statements that both sides have regularly issued after unsuccessful talks."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/national-grid-union-hope-to-end-impasse-by-friday

"Ready or not, Massachusetts is speeding headlong into a brave new transportation world. 

It may not include flying cars, but state leaders are looking to help pave the way for self-driving cars, an all-electric car future, a transportation grid resilient to climate change and a planned “reinvention” of the commuter rail system serving metropolitan Boston. 

Among the recommendations laid out in a hefty, two-volume report released this month by a state commission on the future of transportation in Massachusetts is for the state to set a goal “that all new cars, light duty trucks, and buses sold in Massachusetts will be electric by 2040.” 

It’s part of a wider blueprint to create what the commission called “a 21st-century mobility infrastructure” that will help the state and its cities and towns both manage and make the most of emerging changes in transportation technology and behavior."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181223/brave-new-world-for-mass-transportation

In case you missed the post shared here last week:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/focused-on-big-picture-on-what-and-why.html

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf 

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

focused “on the big picture on the what and the why” and was “less specific on the how”

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

"A regional market-based program to reduce carbon emissions from transportation and a goal that all new cars, light trucks and buses sold in Massachusetts be electric by 2040 are among the recommendations in a two-volume, 237-page state report rolled out Friday afternoon. 

The report, released by the Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state should prepare for potential changes in transportation over the next two decades. 

Many of the ideas, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said, respond to “the twin transportation challenges of the 21st century” - climate change and congestion. 

“Whether today or in the future, we simply must move more people in fewer vehicles if we are serious about reducing congestion and greenhouse gas pollution from the transportation sector,” she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181216/state-unveils-carbon-emissions-reduction-plan

Visit the Commission page  
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/commission-on-the-future-of-transportation

Report - Volume 1:
Choices for Stewardship: Recommendations to Meet the Transportation Future
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume1_1.pdf

Report - Volume 2:
Choices for Stewardship: Background Books – Facts, Trends, and Issues
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/12/14/FOTCVolume2.pdf

Commission on the Future of Transportation, recommends 18 ways the state
should prepare for potential changes in transportation

MassBudget: Sunday's op-ed on transportation investment

Co-written by our senior policy analyst

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. In case you missed Sunday's op-ed in the Metro West Daily News and several other syndicated newspapers, we paired with Chris Dempsey, Director of Transportation for Massachusetts to examine whether the Commonwealth's planned transportation investments with available funds for the next five years are sufficient for building and repairing a modern transportation system to support our growing economy and those who live and work here. Below is an excerpt of the op-ed: Dempsey and Baxandall: Coming up short on transportation By Phineas Baxandall and Chris Dempsey Want a peek at Massachusetts' transportation system five years from now? The state's recently approved Capital Investment Plan (CIP) provides that blueprint, spelling out how much money is set aside through 2023 for specific bridges, roads, public transit, and airports. The $17.3 billion plan says a lot about where we will be improving Massachusetts transportation - and also what will be missing. Although Massachusetts is poised to make much-needed investments that help rebuild, repair, and revitalize essential components of the commonwealth's transportation network, the CIP is simply not sufficient to build a modern transportation system that supports our economy and the needs of all who live and work here. The CIP looks at three broad categories of investments: fix, upgrade, and expand. Together these make up 89 percent of CIP spending, while the remainder is allocated to local roadway repairs and planning overhead.  Read the full op-ed to learn how transportation investments are broken down. 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 it free today

In the News: MBTA on suicide alert; transportation and carbon emissions

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

"THE ISSUE: Since July, trains have struck and killed 11 people in Massachusetts. THE IMPACT: The MBTA is working with suicide prevention organizations and other partners to identify ways to reduce accidental deaths and suicides on its tracks. 

A recent surge in the number of suicides and accidental deaths on Massachusetts train tracks has transit officials and suicide prevention advocates searching for answers. 

“I can’t tell you why there’s been this increase on the railways,” said Steve Mongeau, executive director of the suicide-prevention organization Samaritans. “One of the challenges in the suicide prevention arena is there has not been a significant amount of research done specifically on railways.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171020/mbta-focuses-on-suicide-prevention

MBTA commuter rail at Franklin/Dean Station

"THE ISSUE: Transportation is the state’s largest source of carbon emissions. THE IMPACT: State leaders are soliciting input on strategies to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. 

In the face of President Donald Trump’s proposals to loosen environmental protections, Massachusetts leaders are doubling down on the state’s commitment to fight climate change. 

The state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Department of Transportation plan to hold a series of listening sessions across the state to solicit public input on environmental issues such as reducing carbon emissions from vehicles and making the state’s transportation infrastructure more resilient in the face of climate change. The listening tour will feature sessions on Oct. 31 in Boston, Nov. 2 in Worcester, Nov. 6 in Amherst and Nov. 9 in Brockton."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20171020/state-leaders-seek-ideas-on-reducing-vehicle-emissions

North South Rail Link Meeting in Franklin, MA - Oct 4

The North South Rail Link (NSRL) Working Group Chairman, former Governor Michael S. Dukakis along with State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, will host a NSRL meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA.

The public is welcome to attend this free event to learn more about the proposed NSRL project and ask important questions about this innovative rail initiative.

Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis will discuss the 21st century transportation solution for our area. The North/South Rail Link (NSRL) is a proposed 2.8-mile-long tunnel connecting Boston’s North and South Stations.

“The NSRL is one of the single most important investments in public transportation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said former Governor Michael S. Dukakis. “It is critically important that we connect those two stations to dramatically improve not only the commuter rail but regional rail channeling. I look forward to working with Representative Roy and his colleagues to make this happen.”

“The NSRL will close a major hole in the core of our state’s public and private transportation systems and improve efficiency, mobility, and capacity throughout Massachusetts, New England, and the Northeast Corridor,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin). “It will make commuting more convenient and accessible to all, and reduce the associated environmental impacts. It would also expand economic development for Franklin area residents through improved access to skilled workers, jobs, affordable housing, and new opportunities for much needed transit-oriented development.”

Led by Gov. Dukakis, the NSRL Working Group has been meeting for the past two years to promote this critically important and worthwhile rail infrastructure project that would be a tremendous benefit for all those who live, work, visit and do business in our area which hosts two commuter rail stations. At the Franklin meeting, he will lead a town hall discussion of the project with a panel of experts.

The construction of the NSRL would result in a reduction in commute times, consequently attracting public transit riders; it would improve air quality by eliminating approximately 55,000 cars off local and regional roadways daily alleviating highway congestion and decreasing carbon emissions; and it would also expand economic development.

North South Rail Link (NSRL)

You can learn more about the project at http://www.northsouthraillink.org/and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc

DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 7:00pm (Free and Open to the Public)
LOCATION: Franklin Historical Museum, 80 W. Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
HOSTED BY: Former Governor Michael S. Dukakis and State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
MORE INFO: Please visit, http://www.northsouthraillink.org/ and view a short video of the plan at https://youtu.be/Ca1yTUf7mnc to learn more about this project.

MassBudget: How vulnerable is Massachusetts transportation to federal cuts?

A new report from MassBudget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. How Vulnerable is MA Transportation to Federal Spending Cuts? A high-quality transportation system is important for our quality of life and a strong economy. Our state and federal governments work together to fund the construction and maintenance of our roads, bridges, rails, and public transit systems. In the coming months Congress is expected to debate proposals that could destabilize this partnership. MassBudget's new fact sheet examines the extent to which the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and transit agencies across the state rely on federal sources of revenue for their operations and capital investment. It describes the grants most vulnerable to near-term budget cuts and how larger sums of federal transportation funding could face cuts after 2020. Most federal transportation funding to Massachusetts is more vulnerable to budget cuts in the longer term than the short term. Most immediately, federal cuts could eliminate or curtail some programs that have awarded grants to Massachusetts in the past for transportation improvements and expansions, especially for public transit and rail. Over the longer term, the study finds a lack of sustainable revenue for the federal transportation trust fund imperils the larger federal support provided for Massachusetts investment in highways, transit and other construction and repair projects.     To read the full report, click here (LINK). 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