State releases first Tax Credit Transparency Report identifying recipients o...

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State releases first Tax Credit Transparency Report identifying recipients of transferable and refundable tax credits

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 6/4/12

The Executive Office for Administration and Finance today released the first-ever Massachusetts Tax Credit Transparency Report compiled by the Department of Revenue based on reports received from the various state agencies that administer thirteen tax credits.

The reporting requirement was proposed by Gov. Deval Patrick and enacted by the Legislature in the FY11 budget. The report identifies receipients of the credits and the amount either received or awarded in calendar 2011.

"The Patrick-Murray Administration continues to build on its record of making government spending more transparent to the public with today's publication of the Tax Credit Report," said A&F Secretary Jay Gonzalez.

"This release, along with other transparency initiatives like the recent launch of 'Open Checkbook' on the state's website gives taxpayers access to information they need and deserve to understand how government funds are being spent and to hold those of us in government accountable for the management of their tax dollars," Gonzalez said.

The credits reported on are the Film Tax Credit, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, Brownfields Tax Credit, Medical Device Company Tax Credit, Dairy Farmer Tax Credit, Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program (with its Investment, Research, User Fee  and Jobs Tax Credits), Economic Development Incentive Program Credit, Certified Housing Development Tax Credit, and Conservation Land Tax Credit. 

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Happy Birthday Minimum Wage

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Minimum Wage: Then and Now Today is the 100th anniversary of the nation's first minimum wage law--a law passed here in Massachusetts. To honor that centennial, MassBudget is releasing a new report showing how many workers would be affected by an increase in the minimum wage--and examining who those workers are. Specifically, we find that raising the minimum wage to $10 would: Directly increase the wages of roughly 325,000 workers currently earning less than $10/hour. Likely increase the wages of 250,000 additional workers currently earning slightly more than $10/hour. To provide a more complete picture of the people who would be affected, the report also includes an interactive tool that lets you analyze the numbers by age, gender, work-type, education, and more. READ WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE MINIMUM WAGE USE THE INTERACTIVE TOOL 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 people, 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

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DPW Construction Plans for 2012

According to the current construction plans for 2012 as posted to the DPW webpage, the following streets will see construction this year:

• East Central Street - Water Main Replacement
• Riverside Drive - Paving
• Evergreen Drive - Paving
• Overlook Drive - Paving
• Greensfield Road - Paving
• Greensfield Lane - Paving
• Grove Street - Waterline Replacement
• Intersection of Miller Street / Green Street - Roadway Realignment and Drainage
• Wyllie Road - Waterline Replacement
• Pyne Circle - Waterline Replacement

• East Street, West Street, Nason Street, Walnut Avenue, Church Avenue,  Crescent Street,  Martin Avenue, Garfield Street, and Charlotte Court - Waterline and Drainage Replacement during 2012 with Pavement and Sidewalks to be completed in 2013

Check the DPW page for updates to this listing
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/Construction_Projects/construction_projects_index

Big Y: Franklin, MA

During my run along RT 140 on Sunday morning, I stopped for some photos to mark the progress on the Big Y.




For those looking for work, the Big Y is hiring!
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/big-y-plans-to-hire-150-plus.html

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - agenda - Jun 5, 2012

The Finance Committee will get the preview for all the financial approvals that the Town Council has on their agenda for Wednesday, Jun 6. If you really want to get a head start on the details about each of the proposals, this is the place to be.



The full agenda for the Town Council meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jun-6.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jun 6, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
May 2, 2012, May 16, 2012

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Franklin School for the Performing Arts

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Disability Commission - Deborah Bean

Joint Appointment of Planning Board Member - Brian Lyra, Jeffrey T. Harris, Douglas Hartnett

Joint Appointment of Member of the Board of Assessors - John Neas

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Senators Spilka and Ross – Budget Update

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-25: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Beaver Court, Mark’s Way and J.R.’S Lane and Order of Taking (Extinguishment) of Related Right-of-Way Over Abutting Town-Owned-Land
2. Resolution 12-41: Appropriation:Roads/Sidewalks/Drainage/Stormwater/Infrastructure
3. Resolution 12-42: Authorization for DPW Garage/Storage Building
4. Resolution 12-43: Authorization to Transfer Funds – Davis Thayer Study
5. Resolution 12-44: Authorization to Transfer Funds – Dam Repairs
6. Resolution 12-45: Establishment of a Senior Center Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
7. Resolution 12-46: Appropriation Senior Center Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
8. Resolution 12-47: Establishment of an Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
9. Resolution 12-48: Appropriation Athletic Fields Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund
10. Resolution 12-49: Establishment of a Fire Truck Stabilization Fund
11. Resolution 12-50: Appropriation Fire Truck Stabilization Fund
12. Bylaw Amendment 12-683: Amendment to Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic-Parking- 2nd Reading
13. Bylaw Amendment 12-684: Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading
14. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-685: Amendment to Chapter 185, §24. Floodplain District – Referral to Planning Board
15. Bylaw Amendment 12-687: Amendment to Chapter 25, Personnel Regulations, Appendix A - Classification Plan and Appendix B – Pay Schedules- 1st Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN

The full set of documents to accompany this agenda can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/060612.pdf

Franklin, MA: Recycling - what, where, how

The DPW has updated the following document on what, where and how to recycle in Franklin, MA.

On a related note, the Recycling Center at Beaver St will no longer accept cash payments as of July 1, 2012. Payments can be made by check, credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard).





You can also find this document on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Recycling/index

In the News: Warren, bath salts

Mass. Dems endorse Elizabeth Warren at state convention

by Bob Salsberg/Associated Press

Lawmakers may ban bath salts in Massachusetts

by Jessica Trufant/Daily News staff

Big Y Plans to Hire 150-plus

Hello,

A friend of yours (shersteve@gmail.com) has sent you the article "Big Y Plans to Hire 150-plus", with the following comments:

This is good news!

If you want to read it, click on the following link: http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/industry-intelligence/id35506/big-y-plans-to-hire-150-plus/

"its time to let your imagination unfold"

The Milford Daily News reported on the Franklin High School graduation yesterday as 387 left the school to tackle their individual futures writing in part:

Valedictorian Susan Mullen will attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the fall. She also thanked the adults for giving her and her classmates the momentum needed to be successful students, and people. 

“By treating us with kindness and respect, all by helping us realize our potential as people, these parents, teachers and coaches have shown us the importance of treating each other well,” she said. 

“These adults have not only propelled us forward toward our goals, but also taught us how we should treat one another and how we have the aptitude to help each other grow and succeed.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1347550345/Franklin-grads-thank-their-elders#ixzz1wdJlMfEW

Trout fishing derby planned at Franklin Rod & Gun Club, June 2

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Trout fishing derby planned at Franklin Rod & Gun Club, June 2

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 6/1/12

The Franklin Rod & Gun Club is holding a trout fishing derby at Uncas Pond, off Florence Street, tomorrow, Saturday, June 1, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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From the Senate Budget and to the Conference Committee

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The Senate Budget for FY 2013 Preparing for the House-Senate Conference Committee At the end of last week, the Senate finalized its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013. MassBudget's Budget Monitor shows: How the Senate proposal would affect each major area of state government, from health care and education to public safety and the environment—including information on tax revenues. How individual amendments shaped the final bill. What differences exist between the Senate and House proposals—and what choices the House-Senate Conference Committee will face. At this point, the Governor, the House, and the Senate have all produced their own budget proposals. The challenge now is to reconcile them. Our Senate Budget Monitor Monitor describes the choices that lie ahead. READ OUR BUDGET MONITOR 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 people, 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

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Hopkinton Networking Group: "Elevator Speech: How to Get to the Next Level."

Hello Everyone,
The agenda for this Friday's Hopkinton Networkers Group (HNG) meeting will be featured by our speaker, Anne Crawford. The facilitator for this week will be Vincent Rocheleau. We will devote the first hour, from 10 to 11 AM to the following agenda: Welcome, Landings, Announcements, New Member Intros, and Needs & Leads. Please arrive early, so we can make every effort to start on time. In the second hour, Anne will talk about "Elevator Speech: How to Get to the Next Level."

Elevator Speech: How to Get to the Next Level

This workshop will cover the three essential steps to help you form a precise "Elevator Speech". Anne will discuss your own personal strengths and help you compile a 30 second introduction that does not sound like a machine talking, but actually reflects who you are and hooks them in the process. Be prepared to bring paper, pen, and an open mind. Remember: The key to your success is in yourself. Anne is just trained to bring it out.

About Anne Crawford:

Anne Crawford is a certified life coach specializing in career transitions. She has run workshops for over 5 years, helping men and women recognize their strengths, find clarity in their visions and achieve manageable goals. She is an expert in understanding human behaviors, what drives our emotions, and what is holding her clients back from the life and careers they deserve. Anne has been published in magazines, newspapers, and loves group and individual one on one coaching. She has spoken at many events and assists Bill Lippincott with the Employment Support group of Norton, MA.

Recap of HNG Meeting of May 18, 2012:

Our 76th meeting of HNG had 14 people, this is seventeen less than the previous meeting, and five signed the New Member list. Barbara McKee was our facilitator. There were four introduction speeches.

We had an impromptu interview workshop because our speaker, Joellyn Schwerdlin, had to cancel because of a personal issue.

Schedule for HNG Meetings:

June 15, 2012 William Lam "Working a Job Fair"
July 6, 2012 Jen Vondenbrink "LinkedIn"
July 20, 2012 Panel Discussion with Heather Cole and Hari Narayanan
August 3, 2012 Patricia Hunt Sinacole "A Practical Guide to Landing a Job in Today's Employment Market"
August 17, 2012 TBD
September 7, 2012 TBD
September 21, 2012 Dorian Mintzer "Here Come the Boomers: New Possibilities for Positive, Creative and
Successful Aging"

General Information:

The networking group meets in Hopkinton, at St. John the Evangelist Church parish hall. The meeting occurs, from 10 to 12 noon, and will meet the first and third Friday of the month. The parish hall has a capacity for 250 people and there is plenty of parking spaces in the parking lot and on the street. Around the perimeter of the parish hall are rooms to allow us to have focused network groups or for any other purpose we need. We chose the first and third Friday to allow everyone to attend the Acton Networking Group or any other networking group, if they wanted, on the Friday we do not meet.

We will maintain our close affiliation with Acton Networkers by using the same list-server to share information between the groups. Any e-mails specific to the Hopkinton Networking Group (HNG) will be indicated in the subject line either by "Hopkinton Networking Group" or "HNG"; this way anyone attending these meetings will know the e-mail is intended for them.

We will follow the following agenda items:
* Welcome
* Landings (with doughnuts)
* Announcements
* New member introductions
* Needs and Leads
* Speaker(s), Workshop, or Focus Group
* Cleanup

For those new members who give their introductions, this is what we would like to know:
* Name
* Skills and Value Statement
* Where have you been?
* Where are you going?
* Your title
* Your target companies
* Geography of search
* Name and e-mail address

If anyone wants to join our team, please let one of us know; we could always use the extra help and input for ideas.

Directions:
Take Rt. 495 North/South and get off Exit 21A. Go through three traffic lights. Colella's Supermarket is on the right at the third traffic light. The first street after the third traffic light is Church Street, take a right turn. The church is on the right. Go around to the left of the parking lot and go into the side entrance of the parish hall.

Depending upon where you live, perhaps you may want to use Mapquest for a more direct route. The address of the church is:
St. John the Evangelist
20 Church Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748

Regards,
Hopkinton Networkers Group (HNG) Coordinators:
Sandra Cipriani sandraopps@comcast.net
Gil Krispien g.krispien@verizon.net
Barbara McKee barb6635@comcast.net
Vincent Rocheleau vrocheleau@hotmail.com
Ralph Sabatino ralphsabatino@ymail.com
Salpi Sarafian ssarafian@rcn.com

Job outlook, slow recovery

Unlike prior recessions, where an upturn could occur quickly with a major company expanding to add thousands of jobs at a time, this will be much slower. The top levels companies are not in a position to make major expansions. In many cases, the top level companies are continuing to cut jobs.  HP announced cutting 25,000 over the next couple of years.


Where will the growth come from? The small and medium businesses. Hence, the slow growth. They will grow over time and add jobs here and there but it will be slow.

The New England Economic Partnership issued its latest forecast for the six-state region today, showing that jobs will grow by an average of 1.3 percent a year through the end of 2016. That means the region’s labor market won’t return to pre-recession levels until 2015. 

A weak housing market and a frequent mismatch between workers’ skills and available jobs will make it tougher for the region’s economy to bounce back from the Great Recession. In Massachusetts, where the economic recovery began in mid-2009, the impending retirement of many baby boomers is also cited as a concern because it could result in a massive shortage of skilled workers.

Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x1347549646/Slow-job-growth-seen-for-Mass-New-England-for-many-years#ixzz1wX5g1PAu


You can find the full report here

http://www.newenglandcouncil.com/assets/NEEP-Spring-2012-Forecasts.pdf

Planet Money confirms the past performance of slow growth with this report
http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2012/06/01/154066379/three-years-of-an-awful-recovery?ft=1&f=93559255

In the News: tornado help, post bail, playground contest, PMC Kids

Franklin area church members helped out after the tornado

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin home invasion suspect posts bail

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

JFK school in Franklin to celebrate win in playground contest

by Matt Tota/Daily News staff

PMC Franklin Kids’ Ride slated, June 10

by TO THE EDITOR

Strawberry Stroll - Jun 7 - Event Map

The Strawberry Stroll will take place o Thursday, June 7 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM all around the downtown Franklin. This map will highlight the members of the Downtown Partnership that are participating in this event

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Strawberry Stroll Map

via Franklin Downtown Partnership by noreply@blogger.com (Franklin Downtown Partnership) on 5/31/12

Please join us on Thursday, June 7, for our Strawberry Stroll! 
You can download and print this map to help you navigate the event. 
Map courtesy of the Franklin Local Town Pages.
2012 Strawberry Stroll Map

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Kids PMC Bake Sale - Saturday

The kids from Ms. Eickmann's class (Keller Elementary) are dedicating their ride to her. Come to the bake sale and support this team. Or you can donate directly through the team page: http://kids.pmc.org/franklin/team/Eickmann's-Energizers.htm

There will be assorted baked goods available. List to come soon!

For those who may be arriving via bicycle, we'll have water, lemonade, and even gatorade available!

Where: 257 Daniels St, Franklin, MA
When: Saturday, Jun 2, 2012 from 9:00 AM to noon


You can visit the Bake Sale event page on Facebook here
http://www.facebook.com/events/241690352597167/

Sens. Spilka, Moore, Ross currently unopposed in fall election

The campaign contest will be in the Norfolk 10th with five candidates in two parties running for the primary Sep 6 to find out who will face off on Nov 8th.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Sens. Spilka, Moore, Ross currently unopposed in fall election

via The Milford Daily News News RSS by Michael Norton/State House News Service on 5/30/12

Senate Democrats, who held a 36-4 advantage over Republicans this session, appear on course to maintain a sizeable majority after the fall elections.

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Franklin Library: Summer Reading Registration

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Summer Reading Registration

via Franklin Public Library by Franklin Public Library on 5/30/12

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Reminder: Norfolk Country Registry of Deeds

Office hours are being held today in the Council Chambers on the 2nd floor of the Municipal Bldg beginning at 10:00 AM

Additional details contained in the flyer shown here:

DCU - paper shredding - Jun 9, 2012

The DCU Credit Union branch located on RT 140 will be holding a personal paper shredding event on Sat Jun 9, 2012. Additional details in the flyer posted here:

Register Today for Summer Programs & More

Online Registration   |   Our Facebook Page   |  Our Website HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA REGISTER FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS: BEGINS TODAY Register for classes and plan your summer activities. We look forward to seeing you in classes this summer! NEW CLASSES! FREE Kids Triathlon Program 7-week program.  May 29-July 12.  Offered at all 3 branches. Participants will have a chance to compete in the New England Kids Triathlon on July 22 at MIT! Kindergarten Readiness Program A great opportunity for your soon-to-be kindergartner make a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten! Summer 1 Session begins June 25. Summer 2 Session begins July 30. Sign up today online or in-branch!    JOIN US FOR SUMMER CAMP! Enhanced Formula for a Super Summer at your Y! Click here to view our full day camps and download registration forms. * NEW Flexible Scheduling Options      * Enhanced Age-Appropriate Curriculum * Increased Communication to Parents * Healthy Lunch Options * NEW Adventure Teen Camps  click here for more info * NEW Horizons Integration Camp click here for more info * And many more exciting opportunities!  Click on your branch for more info on camp:  North Attleboro   Foxboro    Franklin NEW! Click here to view our half day mini camps! Register online or in branch for these half day programs. A variety of half day programs offered in the following departments: Arts & Enrichment Dance Gymnastics Sports Register today! LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA is a twelve week small group strength/fitness program designed for adult cancer patients and survivors who have become de-conditioned or chronically fatigued from their treatment and/or disease. The program is based on curriculum developed by Stanford University and is free to all participants. Informational Brochure The No Cancer Zone - FREE lecture - June 12 New programs starting at all 3 branches in June. Click here for more information. If you or someone you know is a cancer survivor, consider joining us for this wonderfully powerful program! SUMMER IS ON ITS WAY! Outdoor Pool Opening Celebrations Franklin & North Attleboro Branches:  Saturday, June 16th Foxboro Branch:  Saturday, June 23rd New Spier Family Outdoor Aquatics Center! All 3 outdoor pools will be open to members for family swim (+ 1 lap lane) Monday-Friday from 1-7pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:30-6:00pm. New June: Make A Splash Week! Click below for more info: Foxboro            Franklin         North Attleboro Only $25 for 5 days of swimming and safety lessons!  Each 40-minute lesson consists of basic swimming skills, plus covers a safety topic (such as boating, backyard pool safety, etc.) OUR CAUSE IS OUR COMMUNITY Reach Out for Youth & Families Phonathon  Starting Tuesday, dedicated volunteers and staff will be calling, asking for your support of our Y's annual campaign, the Reach Out for Youth & Families Campaign. The phonathon will take place at Dean College.  When you see Dean College on caller ID, it is your Hockomock Area YMCA calling. We look forward to talking with you! To-date, we are 70% to our goal of $650,000. Your gift is appreciated and will make the difference! We are able to work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors, just like Michael:

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