State Primary turnout for Town of Franklin 2nd highest in 20 years

The turnout for State Primary elections in the Town of Franklin has varied considerably since 2006. 

The chart depicts the official results from the Town Clerk (via the published annual reports) with the total votes cast and the percent of the registered voters for that period.

Why a varied turnout? 

These are primary elections to determine who is on the ballot. Are there competitive State level races? Some years more so than others. 

Is there lack of engagement?

4 of the 5 top 5 turnouts occured in the most recent 4 elections, so that would seem to say there is an improvement. 

General rule for election turnout for Town of Franklin for period from 2002 to current:

• 20% (plus or minus) for local elections
• 40% (plus or minus) for override or debt exclusion elections
• 60% (plus or minus) for the State elections in November
• 80% (plus or minus) for the Federal elections in November

Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments for Franklin, MA

June 12, 2026 Town Council Approves FY27 Operating Budget and Capital Investments The Town Council approved the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) operating budget, establishing the Town's financial blueprint and funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. Please read the short, two-page FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary of key investments and highlights of the budget process: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF). The FY27 budget review process began with the Finance Committee conducting several budget hearings totaling more than 17 hours of review and discussion. Throughout the process, committee members worked closely with Town and School officials to evaluate departmental requests, review financial projections, and develop recommendations for the Town Council. The Franklin School Committee and Town Council have met jointly twice since the election, showing voters that collaboration is at the center of the work plan for the legislative session. Many members have been also attending their respective meetings and working very closely together through this budget season.  The FY27 approved budget does not include any proposals for an override, tax increase or other new rate increases to balance the budget. The budget also does not include any proposed reduction to key town departments, including the Franklin Public Schools (FPS), Fire Department, Police Department or Public Works, Senior Center or Library.  These approvals represent important milestones in advancing Franklin's operational, capital, public safety, and community preservation priorities for FY27. With the budget now approved, Town departments will move forward with implementing the programs, services, and investments outlined in the fiscal year plan. The FY27 budget reflects a collaborative effort among Town Councilors, Finance Committee members, School Committee members, Town and School staff, and department leaders to support the services, infrastructure, and community investments that residents rely on while maintaining a commitment to responsible financial planning. Check out the two-page budget snapshot and summary: FY27 Budget Snapshot and Summary (PDF) Take a Closer Look: FY27 Budget Archive  Explore Town budget archives dating back to 2016: Franklin Budget Archive Center  View it on website

Download the Budget Snapshot - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-0-Fy6oXvJioIZLebkniaZ8Jl3MqVFo/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV: Impact!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/10/2026 

It has begun. The erosion of community media is happening – and accelerating – in zip codes here and there – in cities and towns great and small (especially small.) It’s pernicious march is on the move across Massachusetts and many other states. Community Media Centers are working harder than ever to improve and expand their local services while facing shrinking budgets due to cable cord-cutting.

Some services are mandated by state law. Some by federal law. We are obligated by the state to cover local government meetings. Next year we’ll also be required by the FCC to add closed caption services to our programming. These and all the other programs we offer are services for which there are no public funds. We’re supported by cable company access fees. As our working budget shrinks we will eventually be forced to do less work – to reduce our level of service – somehow.

Some community media facilities are already downsizing their studios and staff – or merging with other media centers, or worse – closing. Some are seeking additional financial support from towns whose tax bases are already stretched and struggling to maintain municipal infrastructure and services.

Hadley, MA, an idyllic town with around 5,300 residents, just held its annal town meeting where citizens had to consider and vote on a range of tax override options from painful to very painful. Yet, they approved $40 thousand dollars as a one-year stipend to support Hadley Media. That’s about $8 dollars per capita for annual community media support – voted by a wide majority with little dissent. That’s one for the win column – for now.

Belmont Media is moving – distributing their facility footprint to a smaller space in the town’s new library – and to the middle school and high school – and selling off much of their studio equipment. It’s a smart reconfiguration that will help them maintain services where most relevant.

Here in Franklin we’ve long prepared for this difficult time of deficit spending. We’re working every dollar we have, continuing to actually expand our services while carefully managing our operational spend and cash reserves. Our positive impact on Franklin remains as strong as ever – while we also brace for impact.

And – as always –

Thank you for watching. 

Thanks for listening to wfpr●fm,

and staying informed at Franklin●news.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

FY 2027 Budget Narrative: Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)

From the Town Administrator's FY 2027 Budget narrative, each department's story is worth sharing.

General Purpose

The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)'s mission is to plan and implement comprehensive policies and initiatives that work to fulfill the community development and land use-related goals of the Town and its residents. DPCD works to administer and implement the goals identified in Franklin's 2025 Master Plan. The Department works in all areas of planning and community development, and is responsible for traditional land-use related activities such as updating the Town’s plans, and amending and creating zoning bylaws.

Core Functions

● Provides helpful and timely customer service to both internal stakeholders and the general public who call for a variety of questions and public records requests.

● Support of Town Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Provide staff support to several boards, commissions and committees, including the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Design Review Commission, Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, and the Technical Review Committee.

● Provides project guidance and information to applicants, prospective applicants, abutters and other interested parties.

● Works closely with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission on related projects.

● Produces zoning bylaw amendments in response to community needs, particularly those identified in the Town's Master Plan, and to state and federal requirements.

● In recent years DPCD has worked on dozens of projects in all areas of planning and community development, including comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, economic development, open space preservation, wetlands protection, natural hazard mitigation, brownfields redevelopment, historic preservation, affordable housing, transit oriented development, and sustainable development including the use of smart growth and low impact development concepts.

Staffing

● One (1) Director of Planning and Community Development
● One (1) Town Planner
● One (1) Permitting Specialist

Strategic Initiatives & Accomplishments

FY26 Accomplishments

● Created a new zoning district for the Crossing Neighborhood District and amended related bylaws.

● Amended a Zoning Bylaw to add a definition for Residential Commercial Kitchens and related regulations.

● Submitted Zoning Bylaw amendments related to MBTA Communities compliance as well as a general cleanup.

● Received a Determination of Conditional Compliance from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the Town's efforts towards complying with the MBTA Communities Act.

● Reapplied for Housing Choice Community Designation

● Applied for and awarded a $250,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for demolition and abatement at 21 Grove Street.

● Submitted grant applications for assistance with updating Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

● Affordable housing: coordinated the resale of four affordable units. Established a new process for resale opportunities, including new forms and a clearer timeline to reduce confusion among applicants.

● Affordable housing: Assisted with ownership transfer of Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Funds (MAHTF) parcel for the Franklin Ridge Senior Housing project.

● Affordable housing: Will be conducting an information session at the Franklin Senior Center to introduce new processes and explain differences in types of affordable housing and how they're administered.

● Design Review Commission: Bylaw and Guidelines review and potential updates. Submitting Community OneStop for Growth grant application for help in producing these updates.

FY27 Initiatives

● Spearhead the implementation of the 2025 Master Plan.
● Draft bylaw amendments related to Wireless Communications Services District to bring in line with federal requirements.
● Create a consolidated local permit application for certain clean energy projects as required by 225 CMR 29.00.
● Oversee next phase of demolition, abatement and remediation efforts of brownfields site at former Nu-Style property, 21 Grove Street.
● Draft a new Hazard Mitigation Plan and submit for approval.
● Amend and develop Zoning Bylaw to encourage growth that will benefit the Town.
● Work to implement the goals and strategies identified in the Master Plan including but not limited to:

○ Work to revitalize Franklin’s Downtown core and adjacent neighborhoods.
○ Expand and enhance the downtown and neighborhoods by prioritizing them for housing development and investments in neighborhood character that include improving infrastructure, amenities, community engagement, and quality of life for residents.
○ Provide guidelines on Franklin character and develop a more clearly defined review process
○ Provide quality arts and cultural resources as a vital part of the creativity and growth of our community.
○ Work to obtain the funding and other resources necessary to implement open space and recreation goals, objectives and actions identified in Plan.

FY27 Requested Budget Highlights

● DPCD is requesting a small increase of $1,000 in our consulting services budget line in anticipation of necessary work related to the Nu-Style brownfields site and to potential Design Review Commission bylaw and guidelines updates.

● DPCD is also requesting a small increase of $500 for its Meetings & Conferences budget line in anticipation of increased attendance at meetings and conferences by the new Director.

FY27 Requested Budget Summary

The Department of Planning and Community Development has an outsized impact on how Franklin grows and develops. With a staff of just three we provide staffing and support to numerous standing and ad hoc committees and boards, we provide accurate information and assistance to numerous residents and stakeholders, including on matters that may not be entirely under the department's purview. We handle affordable housing resale opportunities in house, something a great number of communities find too cumbersome to do themselves and ask the State or other regional entity to handle.

The DPCD Director consistently works with the Downtown Partnership, sits on the GATRA board and on the 495/MetroWest Board of Directors.

The Town Planner sits on MAPC's SouthWest Advisory Planning Committee (SWAP) and on its Council, to which the Director is also the alternate. This requested budget is already

$26,000 less than the FY26 revised budget and further cuts will have a great impact on our ability to serve residents, promote Franklin, and to help Franklin grow in a way that best incorporates the needs of the community.

The DPCD has historically struggled to maintain a full and complete staff, notably a full time position was reduced from the budget in FY26 as part of the override failure.

The PDF of this section - 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZR8U4rEDXfITCrIZ2JEcIm8wJxAkIW6x/view?usp=drive_link

For the full FY 2027 budget narrative -  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8912/FY27-Budget-Narrative-FINAL-1

The complete set of FY 2027 budget information can be found 
https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

Finance Committee completes review of department budgets, gets ready for potential revision Thursday (video)

The Finance Committee spends about 3 hours reviewing details of the FY 2027 budget on Wednesday, April 8. This is the third of 4 sessions this week to review and question the details of the budget.

8 of the 9 members of the committee were present in Council Chambers for this session.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -  

https://www.youtube.com/live/x8Hb_pCl64A?&t=164

Agenda doc including links to the FY 2027 budget 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082026-2221

My full set of notes in one PDF -  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D-RumOpcYkE7SZ_czpSZzW5TKdS9SE3B/view?usp=drive_link

Quick recap:

• Gus Brown, Building Commissioner, up first
• Discussion on the accounting for and if the Maplegate solar permits are in this year or next. It was received this year but may or may not become free cash, it depends upon the budget line item and whether that amount is over or under the budgeted amount
• Gus could use another inspector, it would pay for itself but others do need the resources more; Currently have 1.5 used to have 3 clerical; inspectors have also become administrators, and it reduces some revenue opportunity
• Brutus, DPW up next, slides on his highlights captured with pictures, soon to be an album shared here - The DPW slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/QygUrNZyWASVr6MbA
• Use of pre-buy locked in rates through Norfolk County procurement has been good. Haven't locked in for next year yet due to the recent market gyrations
• Discussion on the creation of Stormwater and the shortage for grounds (2 personnel)
• We have to change something or nothing will change It is clear now why we did ask for an override.
• Next up Police Chief Lynch, level service plus 2, looking to get the SROs back
• Took 23 years to get to the budgeted amount (54) which at that time would have successfully serviced the population at that time
• Hired 44 police officers since 2016 due to retirees and turnover, it should slow down ... The force is younger, hiring is harder, not many want to apply. It is getting more difficult. Only 9 months out of 10 years have the dept been at full staff.
• The mental health clinicians provide great value, post COVID. They see over 800 people a year. The pilot was successful, we looked to expand and with additional grant funds we did. The single best change in law enforcements I have seen in my 30 years
• Next up, Chief Allen, Fire Dept.
• 3rd ambulance still in part time, 40 hours per work
• Would need 4 more to get to 13/shift to staff the ambulance all the time
• During this meeting, there were 2 calls that were serviced by outside and transported to the hospital so those were lost revenue ... The nature of the call would determine the amount of the revenue It is not just the ambulance, it is also the ladder truck
• Definition clarification on level service, the service provided is not necessarily at the same funding required; there is also a level funded budget where the funded
• $ for one year remains the same (and usually services are cut)
• And yes, there is some funkiness with this level service budget as there are things being added back, so is it this year's level service or the desired part of some prior year's service?
• Dispatch Center or the MECC being covered
• Also skipped Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie last night with no explanation given for it
• Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie, both assessments based upon enrollment, not much of a change year to year

So Thursday night, the Finance Committee will use the 3rd Floor Training room for their discussion to be more around a table rather than spread out to help their discussion. Potential revisions coming to the budget, what they are we'll watch and see.

Town Administrator Memorandum: FY27 Budget Model Revision & Revised Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

 February 6, 2026

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

RE: FY27 Budget Model Revision & Revised Five-Year Fiscal Forecast

Attached is the latest draft FY27 budget model, which presents a balanced budget model. All budget documents will be uploaded to the one stop shop town budget website.

Staff have provided a revised FY27 budget model and forecasts from the August 2025 version:

• Town Administrator Memorandum;
• Revised FY27 Control Sheet and Budget;
• Five-Year Fiscal forecast to reflect the proposed baseline FY27 budget.

Executive Analysis

I present a balanced budget model for FY27. This model provides updated revenue assumptions, the requested budget model by the Superintendent, and all department requests, including the restoration of some lost municipal services. Highlights are detailed below.

FY27 Budget Model Revision

The elected officials, town boards/committees and community stakeholders need to begin to strategize a sustainable solution to the structural budget deficit for FY28 and beyond, while analyzing the pros and cons of the decisions that will have to be made in FY27. This model will continue to shift slightly throughout the budget process, but is a very strong foundation going into the FY27 budget season. The model presented tonight will largely mirror my budget submittal as my formal budget proposal under Town Charter requirements in 6-3-1, 6-4-1, and 6-5-1. See dates below.

I have provided a model to give everyone time to strategize a game plan for the future without any department cuts or conversations about property tax increases in FY27. Given the context of two failed overrides within the past 18 months, the proposal tonight does not show the need for a general override or any other tax increase that affects the operating budget.

While the use of one-time funds is far from ideal, I can realistically expect that the town can use $1-2 +/- million a year in free cash in a short term (1-2 years) manner, while a sustainable strategy is decided by the Town Council, School Committee and the community. However, this approach will have an impact on the town and school capital program for FY26 and gets us further behind for future investments to town and school fleet, capital, facilities, fields, and infrastructure.

The model does not impede on Tier 1 capital requests, which were recommended for approval by the Finance Committee. Tier 1 requests are focused on items that were broken and needed to be fixed/replaced, as well as investments in safety gear and technology for police and fire. My recommendation is to hold off on any additional capital funding considerations that have not been recommended by the Finance Committee until after the operating budget is finalized. Any remaining free cash can pay health group deficits or provide additional capital allocations.

Health Care Transition

I have assumed a 14% increase for all school and town employee health care employees based on current enrollment. Group Insurance Commission (GIC) rates and plan design are set in mid-March. Open enrollment is in April. Staff will have definite health care numbers by approximately Memorial Day. The actual data could be under the assumption, or we could be over. We could have surpluses, or deficits, from our existing self-insured health group as we exit that system. Once health care numbers are in, staff can modify a final budget (the weeks of May 25 and June 1st) with a final FY27 budget vote expected on June 10th.

While the budget assumes $8,814,000 million transfer in benefits ($7,980,000 employee health care and $834,000 in Medicare) costs from the schools to the town benefits budget, it is my intention to transfer the figure based on actual subscriber data (as well as assumptions of any future changes in that figure through October 1st, 2026 when school hiring has been largely completed). This number is almost certainly going to shift and we will work with the schools on these assumptions.

Franklin Public Schools - Account 300

This budget model assumes the Superintendent's recommended budget, as presented to the School Committee over the past few weeks. I have provided an Account 300 chart at the bottom of this memo to show the history of requests versus allocations over the past decade.

I give significant credit to Chair Paul Griffith, Vice-Chair Callaghan, Superintendent Giguere, and the former and current School Committees for doing the very challenging work toward stabilizing the School budget over the past two years. Through disciplined collective bargaining strategy, thorough review of operations, many very difficult decisions and public discussions, a long overdue redistricting and a District Improvement Plan (DIP), I feel the Schools are in the most stabilized financial position in my tenure in Franklin. While strategic investments are desired and a game plan is needed for both capital and operating, the District is on a solid foundation for FY27.

Furthermore, the School Committee unanimously voted this past week to transfer school benefits to the municipal budget account 910. I greatly appreciate the collaboration!

Student achievement is excellent and very competitive in Eastern Massachusetts. For High Schools over 1,400 students, Franklin ranks among the best Top 20 high schools in Eastern Massachusetts and is mentioned in the same class as some of the most desired large districts. Franklin is providing an excellent education to students across all grade levels, including multiple Blue Ribbon winning elementary schools, while providing consistently championship level athletics and an overall great experience for kids to thrive and excel.

Continue reading the memorandum - https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/8319/11a-1---MEMO---FY27-Budget-Update---List-of-Changes

Talk Franklin starts with a summer concert recap, then budget & other Town business, before taking time to recoup (audio)

FM #1591 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1591 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the Municipal Building on Monday, November 25, 2025.  

Key topics

• Picked up with summer concert

• New Council, new School Committee, learning curve

• Tax rate hearing Dec 3

• Finance Committee Dec 10

• Council meeting Dec 17, a potpourri 

• January 2026 and the budget cycle brings hard choices to be made

• Cultural events this week and first couple of week of December

• Spend with with family & friends this weekend

The recording runs about  46 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1591-talk-franklin-11-24-25/

--------------

Talk Franklin starts with a summer concert recap,
then budget & other Town business,
before taking time to recoup (audio)

Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Franklin Public Schools page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/ 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/168/Town-Budgets 

School budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-district-budget 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

BTW - Official results of the Override election in 2024 was a difference of 236 votes. The difference narrowed to 196 in the Override vote of 2025.

• 2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/official-certified-results-franklin-ma.html 
• 2025 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/official-override-results-nos-take-it.html 

--------------

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 out. 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!

------------------

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

Massachusetts towns face tax override debates: (ah, Franklin is not alone !!!)

"Across Massachusetts, municipalities are increasingly asking voters to raise their property taxes above a state limit of no more than 2.5 percent a year, with mixed results as local officials grapple with inflation and rising costs for utilities, health insurance, pensions, special education, and other items.

Over the last three years, the number of votes to raise property taxes over the state limit, established in the 1980s under Proposition 2½, has increased sharply, with more than 170 override votes held, according to a Globe review of state data. By comparison, roughly two dozen override votes occurred each year during the six previous years, except in 2018 when there were more than 40."

Subscription required -> https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/11/01/metro/melrose-stoneham-property-tax-overrides/

Communities that sought overrides are scattered across Massachusetts, representing less than half of the state’s 351 municipalities. Many of them held more than one vote

Also reinforcing this point is the MMA Report shared previously

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/explore-mmas-new-report-perfect-storm.html

Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences"

In June, Town officials told us all very clearly that if the override failed, we’d be looking at cuts that would take away services, personnel, and some of the things that contribute to the character of our community. After much debate, voters decided those cuts were an acceptable loss and voted against the override. But now that the cuts are rearing their ugly heads, these same “no” voters are feigning shock and claiming the cuts are political and punitive.

Absolutely no one should be surprised that the reductions they were told were coming are now here. That’s why it’s ridiculous and more than a little hypocritical that some people in town—including Town Council hopeful Jane Callaway-Tripp who came in last in a field of 12 when she last ran—are trying to shirk responsibility for the cuts they voted for going into effect.

This is what “no” voters chose. These are the consequences of their votes. When people like Callaway-Tripp write that town officials need more accountability, I have to wonder why she’s not looking in the mirror. The people who voted for this need to be accountable for their decisions, not falsely playing the victim and accusing everyone else of some sort of conspiracy theory when, in reality, they’re getting exactly what they chose.

I don’t believe for a second that the officers and employees of the Franklin Police Department are using the children of Franklin as political pawns to prove a point. That Halloween party has existed for decades and I believe the department loves putting it on and giving parents and kids a beloved tradition. I’m positive it hurt them to have to cancel this year’s festivities, and they very clearly explained exactly why it happened. They wrote:

“Following the results of the proposition 2.5 override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.”

But, according to Callaway-Tripp, they should’ve given townspeople a chance to reach into their own pockets and fund this themselves. Except her claim ignores the fact that voters had that precise opportunity in June and decided to do the exact opposite.

I hear a lot of talk about the need for audits and accountability if certain folks are elected to the town’s top board, but apparently that accountability is reserved for everyone else who disagrees with them and not themselves. Which tells me all I need to know when casting a vote on Nov. 4.

Please choose your candidates wisely because, even though they don’t want to take responsibility for them now, votes have very real consequences.

 

Aaron Gouveia
Franklin resident

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: "votes have very real consequences"

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPS Police Station Halloween Event not happening this year

FPD HALLOWEEN PARTY

We’ve received several inquiries regarding our annual Halloween Party at the station. Unfortunately, this will be the first time in over two decades that we will not be able to host this party.

Following the results of the proposition 2.5% override the Franklin Police Department lost $250,000 out of our operational budget. This resulted in the elimination of 2 full-time patrol officer positions. With the two openings, two officers from the Community Service Unit/School Resource Officers were reassigned to the patrol division to fill the open vacancies and low staffing. The Community Service Unit was responsible for coordinating this large yearly party. With the reduced CSU staffing, events like this are simply not possible due to staffing restrictions. CSU Officers serve as School Resource Officers and their primary responsibilities are with the Franklin Public Schools. We hope that if staffing levels increase we will be able to throw this party and other community events again.

If you are looking for some festive Halloween activities this weekend. Make sure to check out the Franklin Lions Trunk or Treat this Saturday 4 PM - 6 PM at the Franklin High School.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/17as4UP4Vy/

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks

Governor Maura Healey today (9/04/25) announced a series of immediate measures to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country. 

“Massachusetts has the best health care in the world,” said Governor Healey. “We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.” 

Today, the Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts. 

Governor Healey Announcement

First, at Governor Healey’s direction, the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans all support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Governor Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. 

“We are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we prioritize science and support patients,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “With Governor Healey's leadership and collaboration between DPH and DOI, those who want to get vaccinated will be able to without added cost or confusion because of decisions made at the federal level.” 

“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted – it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility – a promise – we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.” 

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.” 

Second, Governor Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. Last week, it was reported that CVS and Walgreens could not offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, this morning, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Third, under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is also leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs. 

Statements of Support: 

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy): 

“The Commonwealth has a long history of serving as a national leader in health care, especially during moments of federal mismanagement, and this action from Governor Healey is the latest example of that leadership. The House remains committed to ensuring that Massachusetts residents are able to make decisions about their own health care in consultation with their doctor, and without restrictions that are driven by debunked conspiracy theories.” 

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):  

"Vaccines save lives and protect families. Period. The Healey Administration's actions will help ensure federal drama does not affect our access to vaccines that are essential to public health. In Massachusetts, we believe healthcare decisions should be made by you and your provider. If you want a vaccine, you should be able to get one easily. These are the right steps to take, and I applaud Governor Healey and Commissioners Goldstein and Caljouw for taking them." 

Lora Pellegrini, President and CEO, Massachusetts Association of Health Plans: 

“The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans (MAHP) strongly supports Governor Maura Healey’s decisive actions to ensure Massachusetts residents continue to have access to critical preventive vaccines, despite destabilizing federal policy changes that threaten public health. As Massachusetts takes steps to empower the Department of Public Health to set independent vaccine standards, MAHP member plans remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring coverage of evidence-based care. Protecting access to vaccines is central to reducing preventable illness, addressing health disparities, and maintaining the Commonwealth’s reputation for leading with science and equity. MAHP and our member plans stand ready to work with the Healey Administration, providers, and public health leaders to ensure that every Massachusetts resident has access to the immunizations they need to stay healthy.” 

Dr. Sandhya Rao, Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts: 

“We strongly support vaccine access and view it as a critical part of public health and preventive care. We’re proud to work with the Healey administration as part of the Mass. Vaccine Purchasing Advisory Council, and applaud the state’s efforts to protect the health of our communities.”   

Carlene Pavlos, Executive Director, Massachusetts Public Health Alliance:

“The Massachusetts Public Health Alliance is grateful that the commissioner of public health, the governor, and the legislature are taking seriously their responsibility to protect and promote the health and safety of people in Massachusetts. Existing and anticipated federal changes are undermining vaccine access nationwide and posing a genuine threat to the health of Massachusetts residents. The Healey-Driscoll administration’s decision to stand up for science-based public health today will help to mitigate these threats and should serve as a model for other states and regions of the country.” 

Steve Walsh, President and CEO, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association: 

“Vaccines are a fundamental component of public health, and we are grateful that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is taking the necessary steps to ensure they are available to a wide range of Massachusetts residents. This approach will not only prevent sickness and save lives; it will reduce the strains on our hospitals and their dedicated caregivers.” 

Amy Rosenthal, Executive Director, Health Care for All:

"Health Care for All is grateful to the Healey Administration and the insurance plans in Massachusetts, who have worked to ensure all individuals in the state can obtain science-backed, life-saving vaccines. Today’s action makes certain that no one will be denied access to vaccinations due to cost. Health Care for All is proud to call Massachusetts home, a state that is leading the nation in protecting public health."

Patrick Gilligan, CEO, Point32Health: 

“We applaud Governor Healey’s actions to ensure residents of Massachusetts have access to vaccinations including the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines. These actions are critical to maintain the public health of the Commonwealth as well as the health and wellness of our members.” 

Elissa Sherman, President, LeadingAge Massachusetts:

"LeadingAge Massachusetts commends the Healey-Driscoll Administration for taking decisive action to protect vulnerable populations by ensuring access to COVID-19 vaccines for Massachusetts residents. Aging services providers have worked diligently over the years to educate and encourage their workforce to protect themselves and the older adults they serve through vaccination. By sustaining access to these essential vaccines, the Administration is reinforcing a critical public health measure that safeguards vulnerable populations and strengthens the aging services sector."  

Shared from the Press Release ->

https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-announces-immediate-steps-to-ensure-vaccine-availability-in-massachusetts-amid-trump-rfk-rollbacks