MassBudget: Conference Preview - Differences between House and Senate Budgets for FY 2018

Differences between Senate and House budgets for FY 2018

MassBudget Information. Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center Democracy. Conference Preview:  Differences  between House and Senate Budgets for FY 2018 With a Conference Committee of three Representatives and three Senators meeting to meld the proposals of the two branches into a final budget to present to the Governor, we are entering the final stages of the annual budget debate. As MassBudget's new Budget Monitor describes,the House and Senate proposals have a lot in common: both modestly increase funding for K-12 education and both make new investments in early education (although in different ways); both take steps to address the cost increases borne by the state as the result of fewer employees getting health care coverage from their employers; and both increase funding for affordable housing to help reduce homelessness. Both branches also incorporate revenue from the Governor's initiatives to require larger on-line retailers to collect state sales taxes. There are also significant differences that will need to be worked out in conference: the Senate provides more funding for higher education and raises modest amounts of additional revenue by taxing on-line rentals through services such as Airbnb and by changing the way taxes are calculated on hotel rooms booked on-line; the House funding levels are higher than the Senate in several areas including MassHealth and the Municipal Regionalization and Efficiencies Incentive. The Senate also included a proposal that was not in the House budget to begin a process of examining the costs and benefits of tax expenditures. The state loses over a billion dollars a year in revenue as a result of various special business tax breaks that are part of our tax code and not regularly evaluated. In the links below, this Budget Monitor describes all of the major differences between the House and Senate budget proposals in each section of the budget. While the May tax revenue numbers came in a little above projections, overall tax revenue for the year is $439 million below projections with one month to go. The good news is that revenue from income tax withholding has been reasonably strong - and that is a good measure of current economic circumstances. The big drop we saw in April was due mostly to payments with returns when people filed their 2016 taxes. Part of that drop may have been due to taxpayers with significant business and investment income anticipating federal income tax cuts in 2017 and shifting income from 2016 to 2017 (such as by waiting to sell stocks that had increased in value). But while there are some positive signs, tax revenue this year is below projections and there is always the danger that our national economy will weaken. It will be important for the 2018 budget to be as structurally balanced as possible. The budgets enacted by the two branches of the Legislature both rely on over $500 million in temporary solutions. This is considerably more than the amount relied on in the Governor's budget because he had proposed addressing the state costs of fewer employees getting health care coverage from their employers by enacting a permanent assessment on employers who don't meet certain benchmarks for providing coverage. That plan would have raised $300 million in FY 2018 and more in future years. The House and Senate plans would raise only $180 million in FY 2018 and nothing after two years. MassBudget's new Budget Monitor describes the major amendments adopted during the Senate budget debate and examines the differences between the House and Senate proposals. The links below also allow readers to jump quickly to specific sections. Click here to read the full Budget Monitor, "Conference Preview: Differences Between the Senate and House Budgets for FY 2018." Individual sections:  Child Welfare Disability Services Early Education Economic Development Elder Services Environment and Recreation Higher Education Housing Juvenile Justice K-12 Education Law and Public Safety Libraries Local Aid MassHealth and Health Reform Mental Health Other Administrative Other Human Services Pensions Public Health Revenue (tax and non-tax) State Employee Health Insurance Transitional Assistance Transportation Additional Line Item Differences 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

MassBudget

"the work is in the best interests of preserving it"

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

"The town is set to begin herbicide treatment of the ponds at the DelCarte Conservation Property next week as part of an ongoing effort to fight invasive species there. 

According to a town release, the treatment will take place on June 13, depending on weather conditions; rain would delay the process. 

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said it is the beginning of a multi-year process to remove invasive species from the property. 

“We’re excited to finally get going,” he said. “What’s happening is invasive species - mostly plants, but some fish as well - are suffocating the ecosystem there.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170606/franklin-to-remove-invasive-plants-at-delcarte

the floating walk way at DelCarte in the rain recently

Note: the treatment had been scheduled for June 7 but the weather forecast likely changed the date and could change it again.


The prior notification can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/delcarte-invasive-plant-treatment.html

FHS baseball ends playoff run, boys tennis postponed

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Monday, June 5.

Baseball = D1 South

#1 Franklin, 3 vs. #8 Durfee, 15 – Final

Boys Tennis = D1 South

#7 Franklin @ #2 Brookline – Postponed to Tuesday, 6/6 at a time and location to be announced.


For the results around the Hockomock League on Monday
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-060517/

FHS Panthers

8th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour prepares for 11 day trek through the Blackstone Valley - Stopping in Franklin

The 8th Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour, founded by songwriting duo Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards, will be coming this year to the Blackstone Valley – performing 11 free community concerts while traversing the state on foot. Since 2010, Mandeville and Richards have organized now over 100 coffeehouse style concerts which showcase local musicians and artists across the state – creating a quality evening program for all ages and an opportunity for talent young and old to be enjoyed by a listening audience. Venues chosen for these community concerts include public libraries, town parks, and historical properties – and this year all events have been funded through local cultural council grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council program.

The concert at Franklin Public Library will feature local performers “Rhythm & Flow”, Matt Zajac, Jackson Gillman with the MA Walking Troupe to follow. This event is sponsored by the Franklin Cultural Council.

The MWT will lead a group hike Meet at the SNETT crossing (approx 372 Lake St, Bellingham, MA. Arriving 9:30-10am ) and walk the SNETT to Chilson Beach (over shoots the library by 1 mile). 3 miles. approx 2 hours. Alternative: Meet at Chilson Beach (598 Beaver Street, Franklin, MA arriving around 1pm ) – 0.25 mile trail along Eastern Shore of the pond. Parking near the beach.0.25 Miles.

Carrying approximately 40-50 lbs of gear and instruments, the Massachusetts Walking Troupe, including veteran members Mark Kilianski (guitar, banjo) and Amy Alvey (fiddle), will be hiking from concert to concert using the Blackstone Valley’s many recreational trails – Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT), Charles River Bikeway, and trails within DCR’s Riverbend Farm to name a few. In addition to evening concerts, the troupe will also be organizing a series of short group hikes wherein the community will be invited to meet up with the Massachusetts Walking Tour as they travel between towns. 

These public hikes will highlight some of the Blackstone Valley’s recreational hiking trails, routes which appear in local author Marjorie Turner Hollman’s book Easy Walks In Massachusetts. All daily routes and "Easy Walks" are available to view and download at www.masswalkingtour.org.

The Eighth Annual Massachusetts Walking Tour will take place between June 15 and June 24, starting in Webster and ending in Blackstone. All concerts will be from 6-8pm and here is a complete listing of events:

Eighth Annual Massachusetts Walking 
Tour arrives in Franklin - June 23

June 15 – Memorial Beach – Webster MA
June 16 – EN Jenckes General Store – Douglas MA
June 17 – River Bend Farm – Uxbridge MA
June 18 – Kiwanis Beach – Upton MA
June 19 – Hopedale Unitarian Parish – Hopedale MA
June 20 – Milford Senior Center – Milford MA
June 21 – Medway Public Library – Medway MA
June 22 – Bellingham Public Library – Bellingham MA
June 23 – Franklin Public Library – Franklin MA
June 24 – Blackstone Boys and Girls Club – Blackstone MA



For more information on these events or for videos of previous year’s Massachusetts Walking Tours, please visit:
www.masswalkingtour.org

"to what extent are drugs an issue in your community?”

ICYMI: From the Boston Globe West edition on Sunday

"The summer before Cassidy Latham entered Brockton High School in 2013, her sister, who worked at High Point Treatment Center, approached her with a question: Would she be interested in joining a new drug use prevention program there? 

Latham did not have personal or familial experience with drug use, but her sister wanted to have a variety of teenagers participate in the program. Latham had received some drug education in health classes when she attended South Middle School, where she learned about the dangers of drug use and heard from guest speakers who had struggled with addiction. But she and her peers agreed that it wasn’t entirely effective. 

The program Latham joined at High Point took a remarkably different approach: The teens were given cameras and a basic question: “to what extent are drugs an issue in your community?” The camera was the device to help them answer that question."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2017/06/02/photovoice-youths-see-impact-addiction-new-light/uwKRfrboxxeDzmt2C7FZGO/story.html

Addiction is like “having your life locked up. The drugs just take
over, it’s not even you,” wrote the photographer, Cassidy Latham of Brockton, in 2013.

In the News: Strawberry Festival Thursday, woman driver under the influence

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

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership believes its next events - this week’s Strawberry Stroll and October’s Harvest Festival - could be among the biggest in its history. 

Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said Monday that the 15th annual Strawberry Stroll (4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday) has seen record interest. 

“We have over 70 booths; we typically have around 20,” she said. “It kind of caught us by surprise, but it’s a great surprise.” 

Piana attributed the increase to a number of factors, including the end of the downtown streetscape project, new business in town and an enhanced interest in downtown. The new booths, she said, will be manned by local crafters, area schools and the local senior center."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170605/franklin-group-expects-growth-for-downtown-events

 the signature Strawberry Shortcake

"Police on Saturday arrested a Franklin woman who they say was driving under the influence of drugs with 5-year-old child in the car on Interstate 495. 

Hopkinton Police arrested Angela Boucher, 40, on Saturday at noon. 

Police received a 911 call from a concerned driver, prosecutor Kristen Hughes said at Boucher’s Framingham District Court arraignment on Monday. 

“A civilian reported the car was driving erratically,” said Hughes. “The driver appeared to have fallen asleep behind the wheel of the car. When she awoke, she was groggy and continued driving.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required).
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170605/franklin-woman-on-drugs-drove-with-child-in-hopkinton-authorities-say

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 7, 2017

The posted agenda for the Town Council meeting scheduled for June 7, 2017 can be viewed here. 

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

The full PDF for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/june_7_2017_agenda.pdf

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	Approval of Minutes - May 10, 2017 (Motion to approve minutes of May 10, 2017 - majority (5) vote)
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS	This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	1. Electric Youth
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	2. Swearing in of Firefighters James Polito Michael Falter
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS	Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. APPOINTMENTS	FY 18 Annual Appointments - Boards and Committees
F. HEARINGS	Public Hearings - 7:10 PM
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	Franklin Lodge of Elks - Change of Manager
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Safe Coalition
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	1. Resolution 17-31: Transfer of Tax Title Possession Parcels to Different Municipal Purposes (Motion to Move Resolution 17-31 - 2/3 majority (6) vote) 2. Resolution 17-38: Acceptance of Gift - Council on Aging (Motion to Move Resolution 17-38 - majority (5) vote) 3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788: Definitions. Brewery, Distillery or Winery with Tasting Room - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-788 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote) 4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792: Use Regulations for Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-792 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote) 5.Bylaw Amendment 17-791: New Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds - 2nd Reading (Motion to Move 17-791 - Roll Call - majority (5) vote) 6. Resolution 17-35: Expenditure Limits for FY 2018 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, As Provided in G.L. Chapter 44, Section 53E 1/2, As Amended (Motion to Move Resolution 17-35 - majority (5) vote ) 7. Bylaw Amendment 17-794: A Bylaw to amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Adding a New Chapter: Chapter 108 Library Board of Directors - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-794 to a 2nd Reading - majority (5) vote)
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	Town Administrator's Report (provided during meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS	Future Agenda Items  (provided during meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS	Council Comments (provided during meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION	Executive Session
O. Adjourn	Meeting Adjourned

The SAFE Coalition is scheduled for an update to the Town Council during this session

Annie Walsh, Franklin Lacrosse, Player of the Week

"Franklin sophomore Annie Walsh has been selected as the Hockomock Sports .com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for May 29th through June 3rd. Walsh is the 33rd selection for the 2016-2017 school year and the ninth during the spring season. 

She is the first athlete to win Player of the Week two times in one school year after being selected for field hockey in October. She is also the second Franklin girls lacrosse player to be selected this spring, following goalie Gianna Cameron. 

Walsh played a huge role in Franklin’s quarterfinal win over Natick, orchestrating a big second half comeback to hand the Panthers a 18-10 win. Natick held 7-6 lead over the top-seeded Panthers at halftime, but Walsh scored an impressive seven of her nine goals in the second half to lead Franklin back. 

“Annie was clutch for us in our first playoff game against Natick,” said Franklin head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “Her defensive and midfield play was just as important as her finishing on the offensive end! She has worked extremely hard this season and has done a really nice job at getting better and improving with each game.”

Continue reading the write up online
https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-annie-walsh-franklin-lacrosse/

Annie Walsh, Franklin Lacrosse, Player of the Week

FHS baseball wins against Marshfield to advance to play Durfee

Joe Clark, student report for Hockomock Sports .com, provides the recap of the FHS baseball win against Marshfield on Sunday.

"After an eight day break between games, the Franklin baseball team was eager to get back out on the diamond. 

That eagerness showed in the form of early offense, as the top-seeded Panthers scored six runs in the first three innings en route to beating 17th-seeded Marshfield 6-1. 

In the bottom of the first, senior Ryan Hodgkins singled with one out and stole second, then advanced to third on a groundout. Josh Macchi singled into center and scored Hodgkins to give Franklin an early 1-0 lead. 

In the top of the second inning, Marshfield had a runner on first with two outs when Jarred Pellegrino hit what looked to be at least a single into the gap in left center, but a fantastic diving catch by Jake Lyons ended the half inning."

Continue reading the recap online:
https://hockomocksports.com/strong-start-sends-franklin-baseball-past-marshfield/

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Spring-2017/Franklin-Marshfield-Baseball-06-04-17/

Franklin’s Alex Haba throws to first after forcing a Marshfield
runner out at second. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

Register O'Donnell Discusses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Discusses Need to File Mortgage Discharges Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded homeowners about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge after their mortgage has been paid off. The Register stated, "When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title relative to that loan. A discharge is a document (typically one page) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage." O'Donnell further stated, "In many instances, discharges are filed directly by banks or settlement closing attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who then becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded. Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is prudent that the property owner make sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds. One way to check on your title is by accessing the Registry's online records at www.norfolkdeeds.org and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged." The Register further mentioned that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. "Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. In other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending institution. Please remember not having a mortgage discharged will result in a title issue that can impact the sale of one's home," the Register warned. If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265. This government agency can assist the consumer in tracking down contact information for the lending institution that is responsible for the mortgage. When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $76.00. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "After paying off all mortgages on their property, homeowners want the peace of mind that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being diligent and aware of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner assurances that they have clear title to their property. I strongly urge homeowners to make sure their mortgage discharge has been filed with the Registry of Deeds once their mortgage has been paid off. There is no reason to wait." The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM at 781-461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to be done to clear title to a property." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

“Fourth quarter we came to life and made a ballgame out of it"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor at Hockomock Sports .com, provides the game recap for the FHS boys lacrosse loss to Xaverian on Sunday

"For the third year in a row, Franklin and Xaverian met in the Div. 1 South tournament but for the first time in this budding rivalry the Panthers entered Sunday evening’s game at Pisini Field as the favorite against the perennial power. 

Despite the Hawks entering the playoffs with an 8-10 record, Franklin was not taking the Catholic Conference runner-up lightly knowing the pedigree of its opponent and the fact many of the players are also neighbors.. In fact, Franklin coach Lou Verrochi thought that his team may have been too fired up before the playoff opener. 

“I think that they just ratcheted up,” Verrochi said, “and I think they left a lot in the locker room before they even got on the field. Adrenaline-wise, I think it was just flowing so fast and so hard that they sort of had to dial it down.” 

Franklin struggled offensively against the Hawks, going scoreless for more than 16 minutes between the second and fourth quarters, and saw a furious fourth quarter rally run out of time in an 8-7 loss. Junior Eric Civetti led the way for Franklin with four goals, all of them in the fourth, but for large portions of the game he struggled to find space against senior Connor Sullivan."

Continue reading the game recap online
https://hockomocksports.com/late-franklin-boys-lacrosse-rally-falls-short-against-xaverian/


Click here for a photo gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20162017/Spring-2017/Franklin-Xaverian-Boys-Lacrosse-6-4-17/

Franklin midfielder Nitin Chaudhury scored the opening goal in the the playoff loss to Xaverian. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)