MassBudget: Businesses Avoid $1.4 Billion in 2019 Tax Amid Decades-Long Decline in Corporate Income Tax Share

New MassBudget Report Analyzes the State of Corporate Taxes in the Commonwealth

Businesses Avoid $1.4 Billion in 2019 Tax Amid Decades-Long Decline in Corporate Income Tax Share Despite rising corporate profits, taxes on those profits deliver smaller share of MA tax total Over the past 40 years, revenue collected from corporate excise and related taxes has dropped by a third as a percentage of total state tax revenue in Massachusetts, according to the latest report from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget). At the same time, the report finds, corporations across the nation are claiming an ever-growing share of all the income generated in the U.S. According to the report, Rising Profits, Falling Tax Shares: Fixing What's Broken, multiple factors have contributed to the long-term decline in the share of state taxes provided by corporate income taxes. The tax rate on most corporate income in Massachusetts was reduced from 9.5 percent to 8 percent between 2009 and 2012. Growth in the number and cost of state special business tax breaks also has played a role, as have increasingly aggressive tax avoidance efforts by corporations. Key report findings include:  During the last decade, Massachusetts corporate income and related taxes delivered an average of 10.6 percent of total state tax collections, compared to an average of 16 percent in the 1980s; Businesses would have contributed another $1.4 billion in taxes to the Commonwealth in FY 2019 had Massachusetts' corporate excise tax collections remained at the share of total taxes they provided throughout the 1980s (about 16 percent of the total); Massachusetts corporations are seeing a reduction in their annual federal tax bills of around $4 billion due to the 2017 Tax Cut and Jobs Act;  Massachusetts is in the bottom fifth of all states in terms of the share of total state and local taxes paid by businesses "At a time when profits are soaring, taxes on those profits should not be delivering a smaller slice of our total tax pie. Kids, commuters and communities across the state need profitable corporations doing business here in Massachusetts to step up and do more, not less," said Marie-Frances Rivera, President of MassBudget. Interested in learning about state-level policy options that would help restore the share of state taxes collected through taxing corporate income? Read the full Rising Profits, Falling Tax Shares report, click here.   http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Rising%20Profits%20Falling%20Tax%20Shares.html Other reports from our series on corporate taxes have been flagged on our website here.  http://massbudget.org/taxes.php 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 1 STATE STREET, SUITE 1250 BOSTON, MA 02109

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 1 State Street, Suite 1250, Boston, MA 02109 Sent by kwise@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Reminds Residents About Toys for Tots Drive

Press Release - Register O'Donnell Reminds Residents About Toys for Tots Drive

Dedham, MA - Register O'Donnell noted, "This is the 14th year the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been proud to sponsor its U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots drive. The response we have had to the drive year after year tells me that the true spirit of the holidays is based on giving. We have witnessed firsthand the many acts of kindness and Christmas spirit as numerous people, ranging from Registry employees, title examiners, attorneys and the general public, have dropped off toys for those less fortunate." This year marks the 72nd anniversary of Toys for Tots. The program was established in 1947 when the wife of a Marine major wanted to donate a Raggedy Ann doll for Christmas, but couldn't find an organization to take it. "Since that time 566 million gifts have been donated including 18 million toys last year," noted the Register. The Toys for Tots program operates in 800 cities and towns throughout all 50 states. The Toys for Tots drives annually has 40,000 people involved in the drive, ranging from Marines to volunteers. Donations of unwrapped new toys and games can be brought directly to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds building located at 649 High St. in Dedham Center from now until Noon, on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. A marked donation bin will be set-up in the lobby which is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm. Register O'Donnell concluded "We all have the power to make Christmas something special. Giving to the Toys for Tots truly represents the best of the holiday season." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. 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 at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. 2019 Annual Toys for Tots Drive This year's drive is on-going and will end next Wednesday, December 11th at noon time.  Please consider dropping a toy off in the Toys for Tots box in the Registry's Main Lobby, thank you! email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-461-6116 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

How Do I Take the 2020 Census? (video)

This Public Service Announcement lets us know about the different modes of responding to the census. Prepared by the 2020 US Census.

For more about the 2020 Census  https://2020census.gov/en.html

YouTube video link:  https://youtu.be/bcE5wXH17Os

SimpleRecycling clothing and more cancelled today - Dec 3

SimpleRecycling clothing and more cancelled today

Due to inclement weather Simple Recycling has cancelled all of today's routes. We will continue our regular route as scheduled tomorrow. 

Any resident who chooses to leave their bag out from today, may go www.simplerecycling.com to report a missed pickup. We will retrieve their bags at our earliest convenience. 

SimpleRecycling clothing and more cancelled today - Dec 3

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA

December 4, 2019

6:00 PM

Announcements:
This meeting may be recorded by audio or video


Discussion:
1 - Plastic Bag Ban Proposal



The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/events/234913


Prior EDC meetings

• October 23, 2019 meeting (audio recording and notes)
• Quick Summary Aug 14 (audio recording)
• June 12, 2019 meeting (audio recording)

 
 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

Town of Franklin: Online Payments, Permits and Licensing Center

Town of Franklin Online Payments, Permits, and Licensing Center

The Town of Franklin website is a great resource for information and can save you time and a trip! Click on the "Payments & Permits" icon on our homepage to find links to our online payment portal, our online licensing center, forms, documents and more.

Or go directly ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/files

 

Town of Franklin: Online Payments, Permits and Licensing Center

Franklin Residents: Town Offices to Open at 10:00 AM - Dec 3, 2019

Town Offices Open at 10:00 AM

Good Morning

Due to the continued snow storm, Franklin Town Offices and School Administration Offices will open at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Please drive safely.
 

Franklin Residents: Town Offices to Open at 10:00 AM - Dec 3, 2019

FHS' Casey, Guiliano, Hawkins named as 2019 Hockomock League Girls Cross Country All Stars

HockomockSports.com has announced the official 2019 Hockomock League Girls Cross Country All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

• Abby Hassman, Foxboro

Hockomock League All Stars

• Sydney Hawkins, Franklin
• Sarah Guiliano, Franklin
• Caitlyn Casey, Franklin

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-girls-cross-country-all-stars/ 

FHS' Casey, Guiliano, Hawkins named as 2019 Hockomock League Girls Cross Country All Stars

 

FHS' Brogan, Calitri, Harrington, Walmsley named 2019 Hockomock League Boys Cross Country All Stars

HockomockSports.com has announced the official 2019 Hockomock League Boys Cross Country All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.
Hockomock League MVP

• Michael Griffin, King Philip

Hockomock League All Stars

• Tyler Brogan, Franklin
• Nicholas Calitri, Franklin
• Declan Walmsley, Franklin
• Cam Harrington, Franklin

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-boys-cross-country-all-stars/

FHS' Brogan, Calitri, Harrington, Walmsley named 2019 Hockomock League Boys Cross Country All Stars

“it is with regret that we have closed the Firehouse Subs permanently"

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

"Fans of Firehouse Subs in Franklin Village Plaza will need to look elsewhere for a sandwich fix now that the shop is closed.

Customers this week were met with papered-over windows, a blank spot above the door where the shop’s sign was hanging, and a typed note on the door informing them of the shop’s permanent closure.

It is unclear when the shop shut its doors. Word was still spreading among customers as of Monday, with expressions of surprise shared on social media.

John MacLennan, of Plainville, said he noticed the sub shop was closed over the Thanksgiving holiday. The shop was still open as recently as Nov. 25."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191202/franklin-firehouse-subs-closes/1

Firehouse Subs

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Tuesday December 3, 2019

We have been monitoring the storm closely and have been in contact with our DPW department, who has been working long hours on snow removal and road treatment during this long duration event.

Due to the snowfall overnight and forecast for accumulating snow to last to mid-morning and continued snow showers until noon, the Franklin Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 3, 2019.

Hockey practice this morning will also be cancelled.

The district and school offices will open at 10:00 AM.

Please take extra care to stay safe.


Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: School Closed Due to Weather 12/3/19

Best Buddies: Inclusion is everywhere.

'Friendship is the Light of Life' As Best Buddies has grown across the world over the last 30 years, so has our annual Leadership Conference. This year, international guests from 13 different countries made the trek to Indiana University in July. With attendees from Germany to Kenya to Haiti, we show that inclusion knows no bounds, and we hope you'll help us continue to prove this point in celebration of #GivingTuesday, the world's biggest day of giving.  Two first-time attendees were Chloe Wong and Sandy Chow, a Chapter President and Ambassador from Hong Kong. The pair endured 17-hour flights just to be in the company of others who believe in inclusion as much as they do. If you ask either of them, they won't hesitate to tell you it was all worth it. As Chloe put it: "I was honored to be a part of the Leadership Conference with my Best Buddy, Sandy. It was a dream come true, and I was amazed to see Sandy's growth at the conference. She finished her very first speech in English and made friends from all over the world. The Leadership Conference gave us both the confidence to be ourselves. Best Buddies makes us better, and it's taught me that friendship is the light of life." Each year, people like Sandy and Chloe are truly transformed by the Leadership Conference. It shines a light on people's abilities and empowers leaders to be themselves. But you don't have to look halfway around the world to find people who need these opportunities. You probably don't even have to leave your neighborhood. In every country, every state, and every single city across the world, there are Chloes and Sandys who are just waiting to be given a chance. For #GivingTuesday, we're asking you to be a spark in your community. More than $50,000 are now being matched across the country, so there's no better time to ignite inclusion with us.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). bestbuddies.org/giving-tuesday

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

 

FTC Consumer Alerts: Top tips for avoiding scams at the holidays

Top tips for avoiding scams at the holidays by Cristina Miranda, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Now that the holiday shopping season is in full swing, scammers are shopping too, looking for people to separate from their money.  We already gave you some of the FTC's tips for happy holiday shopping, but here are some tips to help you outsmart those bah-humbug scammers and donate safely. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/12/top-tips-avoiding-scams-holidays?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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Franklin Public Schools - Decision on schools delay or whatever to be made in AM

December 2, 2019

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We continue to follow the weather forecast carefully. Current predictions call for snow picking up overnight and continuing into the morning hours. There is some uncertainty in the storm’s intensity and timing, which could reduce snow totals.

Therefore, a decision about a delayed school day or cancellation will not be made until the early morning hours. Notification is usually sent between 5:00 and 5:30 AM.

Sincerely,

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools - Decision on schools delay or whatever to be made in AM

Franklin Public Schools: No Afterschool/Evening Activities for Monday Dec 2, 2019 due to the weather

Monday, December 2, 2019 - 1:00 PM

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We continue to monitor weather conditions and the forecast calls for snow to continue in our area through the afternoon and into the evening with falling temperatures.

As a result of the forecast, all afternoon and evening activities for Franklin Public Schools will be cancelled today, Monday, December 2, 2019.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Public Schools: No Afterschool/Evening Activities for Monday Dec 2, 2019 due to the weather

Franklin Schools - Opening on time Monday, Dec 2

Monday, December 2, 2019

Dear Franklin Families and Faculty/Staff,

We have been monitoring weather conditions and the forecast for today very carefully. Additionally, we have been communicating with both DPW and Facilities regarding the treatment of the roads and snow removal around our schools. Based on the current conditions, Franklin Public Schools will open on time on Monday, December 2, 2019.

Given that some sidewalks may be slippery, emergency busing will be in effect in the morning and students walking or waiting along routes will be offered rides by our drivers.

Sincerely,

The Franklin Public Schools

Franklin Schools - Opening on time Monday, Dec 2

FHS' Bonnet-Eymard, Jackson named to 2019 Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

HockomockSports.com has announced the official 2019 Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP

• Taylor Harris, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars

• Allyson Bonnet-Eymard, Franklin
• Bridget Jackson, Franklin

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-volleyball-all-stars/ 

FHS' Bonnet-Eymard, Jackson named to 2019 Hockomock League Volleyball All Stars

 

FHS' Paterson, Faro named 2019 Hockomock League Golf All Stars

HockomockSports.com has announced the official 2019 Hockomock League Golf All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league


Hockomock League MVP 

• Chris Lavoie, Canton

Hockomock League All Stars

• Jack Paterson, Franklin
• Quinten Faro, Franklin

For the complete listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-golf-all-stars/

FHS' Paterson, Faro named 2019 Hockomock League Golf All Stars

Register O’Donnell Promotes Protection Against Real Estate Fraud

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell today reminded Norfolk County homeowners of a free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Registry of Deeds to protect county property owners against fraud.

“The Federal Bureau of Investigation, (F.B.I.),” noted Register O’Donnell, “continues to assign resources to combat property/deed and mortgage fraud. Many jurisdictions across the country have reported unscrupulous individuals recording fraudulent land documents making it appear they own another person’s home or property. Fortunately, we have not seen this type of crime take place in Norfolk County. My intent here is not to upset county property owners but to make sure my office is out front helping consumers protect their home.”

Any owner of real property in the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County can join the approximately 1,100 homeowners already utilizing the service by signing up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge by doing the following: Go to the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org, and click on the Consumer Notification Service Get Consumer “Alerts” button to complete the initial registration. From there, follow the remaining sign-up instructions.

Once you have signed up for the service, each subscriber will be able to input two names, individual or business, and the corresponding city or town in Norfolk County for monitoring. They can monitor their real estate records for such activities as changes in deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, non-mortgage liens, Homesteads or other land documents that might be recorded against the property. O’Donnell stated, “The process to sign-up for the service is user friendly and will only take a few minutes of your time. While the program will not prevent the fraud, it will allow residents to find out about it in a more timely manner.”

If a document is recorded against one of the names inputted for monitoring, the subscriber will be alerted via email, usually within 24 hours. The person can check the Registry’s on-line land research records at www.norfolkresearch.org as an option. If a subscriber believes a fraudulent land record has been recorded against their property, they should then immediately contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. After talking with a Registry employee, the subscriber will be given a list of public safety referrals by the Registry.

Register O’Donnell concluded, “Our core mission here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is to make sure the recording of land documents is accomplished in a secure, accurate and accessible manner. I also want to be proactive in taking any and all steps to minimize the effects of fraudulent activity related to land document recordings. The Registry’s Consumer Notification Service provides a level of protection to the program’s subscribers against dishonest individuals who commit real estate or land document fraud. After all, the biggest asset most of us have is our home. I urge people to sign up for this free program.”

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 O’Donnell Promotes Protection Against Real Estate Fraud

FPAC presents The Nutcracker - Dec 7 & 8

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will kick off December with the holiday classic: The Nutcracker, presented December 7 and 8 at the Franklin High School Auditorium. Experience all the festive magic and colorful splendor of The Nutcracker as FPAC stages its cherished annual production of the holiday classic with live orchestra, special guest artists, and more than 100 area dancers. 

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season - a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. The world-famous ballet, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with a professional production at a reasonable price.

Tickets are available at www.FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370

FPAC presents The Nutcracker - Dec 7 & 8

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 4, 2019

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. 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.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None

6. HEARINGS
Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/12-4-19_memo_tax_rate_hearing.pdf
 
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. 99 Restaurants of Boston, change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Ownership Interest, 847 West Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- None

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-80: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-80 - Majority Vote (5))

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-81: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-81 - Majority Vote (5))

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-82: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-82 - Majority Vote (5))

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-83: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-83 - Majority Vote (5))

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-84: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library, $10,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-84 - Majority Vote (5))

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-85: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Senior Center, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-85 - Majority Vote (5))

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-86: Town Council 2020 Meeting Calendar (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-86 - Majority Vote (5))

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-87: Appropriation of Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-87 - Majority Vote (5))

10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-88: Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility Fee Study Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-88 - Majority Vote (5))

10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153 Stormwater Management - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw 19-846 to a 2nd Reading - Majority Vote (5))

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled 

ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-4-town-council-meeting

in PDF form
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/12-4-19_tc_full_agenda.pdf

rain garden at Parmenter managing the storm water when it rains

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery

"Looking for a Christmas tree this year?

Come on over to Lyon Landscape Nursery located on 250 Bent street starting Friday (11/29) at 8 AM to get your own locally grown tree. Trees under 8’ are $55, over 8’ $75."

We stopped by on Saturday to walk the rows of tree to pick out a nice one for our house.

Choose and cut your own Christmas tree at Lyon Landscape Nursery (Lyon Nursery Facebook photo)

Info shared from Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2793680260645052&set=gm.2461858754084136&type=3&theater

"Unprecedented changes in all aspects of society will be required to avoid the worst effects of climate change"

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

"Massachusetts is trending toward its long-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, but the effort to reduce global emissions is failing, according to a new United Nations report.

“The summary findings are bleak,” the UN reported in the 10th edition of its emissions gap report. “Countries collectively failed to stop the growth in global GHG emissions, meaning that deeper and faster cuts are now required.”

The report, prepared by scientists who assessed “all available information,” concluded that greenhouse gas emissions have risen at a rate of 1.5% per year in the last decade, and total greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high in 2018. Emissions from energy use and industry grew 2% in 2018.

The UN said there’s a growing political focus on “the climate crisis” in several countries, driven in part by protests, and that “technologies for rapid and cost-effective emission reductions have improved significantly.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191201/un-reports-bleak-findings-on-global-greenhouse-gas-emissions

"The annual Sustainable Development Goals Report provides an overview of the world’s implementation efforts to date, highlighting areas of progress and areas where more action needs to be taken to ensure no one is left behind.

Four years since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, the 2019 Report notes progress in some areas, such as on extreme poverty reduction, widespread immunization, decrease in child mortality rates and increase in people’s access to electricity, but warns that global response has not been ambitious enough, leaving the most vulnerable people and countries to suffer the most."

From the UN page on the SDG Report 2019 
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/progress-report/

The report itself can be found in sections or downloaded as a PDF from here
https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2019/

"Unprecedented changes in all aspects of society will be required to avoid the worst effects of climate change"

Franklin Police "Fill a Cruiser" toy drive a success

"To say that today’s Fill a Cruiser Toy Drive was successful would be an MASSIVE understatement. We stopped counting after filling 8 cruisers.

To the people who saw our posts online and showed up with presents and to those who donated after shopping at Marshall’s, we can’t thank you enough! We definitely exceeded all expectations today. Our classroom is going to be out of commission for awhile!"

"Come have your photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Franklin Police Department! Pictures are free with an unwrapped gift for our community toy drive."

Follow the event on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/577070339523257/