CommonWealth Magazine: Gov Baker signs six bills, more await decision; including the climate change bill

"Baker signs campus sexual assault bill, approves deal affecting craft brewers"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER on Tuesday signed six bills with statewide implications, including a bill to provide more rights and resources to students involved in cases of sexual misconduct on campus and a long-sought after deal between craft brewers and their distributors.

The flurry of action came on myriad bills that landed on the governor’s desk in the final days of the legislative session, which included a marathon all-night session January 5."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/baker-signs-campus-sexual-assault-bill-approves-deal-affecting-craft-brewers/

"Future of food delivery fees up to Gov. Baker"

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER will be the final arbiter of a dispute between restaurants and food delivery apps over how much the apps can charge for providing delivery services.

The economic development bill currently on Baker’s desk would impose a statewide cap on the size of fees that delivery services like GrubHub and Uber Eats can charge to restaurants during the COVID-19 emergency. Restaurants have been pushing for the cap, arguing that high delivery commissions will drive them out of business. But delivery services say if they can’t charge high commissions, they will instead have to charge consumers more or do fewer deliveries, which will then hurt the restaurants."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/future-of-food-delivery-fees-up-to-gov-baker/

"Worries mount over climate change bill"

"Could Gov. Charlie Baker veto the climate change bill?

It seems hard to believe, but several supporters of the sweeping legislation say they are hearing troubling reports coming out of the Baker administration as the clock winds down to the Thursday night deadline.

Some advocates and lawmakers, who asked not to be identified, said they are hearing the governor could possibly veto the bill. “I’m worried,” said one of the people."

Continue reading the article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/worries-mount-over-climate-change-bill-2/

IRS: All taxpayers now eligible for Identity Protection PINs

The Internal Revenue Service today expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities.

The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers' personally identifiable information.

"This is a way to, in essence, lock your tax account, and the IP PIN serves as the key to opening that account," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Electronic returns that do not contain the correct IP PIN will be rejected, and paper returns will go through additional scrutiny for fraud."

The IRS launched the IP PIN program nearly a decade ago to protect confirmed identity theft victims from ongoing tax-related fraud. In recent years, the IRS expanded the program to specific states where taxpayers could voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program. Now, the voluntary program is going nationwide.

About the IP PIN Opt-In Program
Here are a few key things to know about the IP PIN Opt-In program:

  -  This is a voluntary program.
  -  You must pass a rigorous identity verification process.
  -  Spouses and dependents are eligible for an IP PIN if they can verify their identities.
  -  An IP PIN is valid for a calendar year.
  -  You must obtain a new IP PIN each filing season.
  -  The online IP PIN tool is offline between November and mid-January each year.
  -  Correct IP PINs must be entered on electronic and paper tax returns to avoid rejections and delays.
  -  Never share your IP PIN with anyone but your trusted tax provider. The IRS will never call, text or email requesting your IP PIN. Beware of scams to steal your IP PIN.
  -  There currently is no opt-out option but the IRS is working on one for 2022.

How to get an IP PIN
Taxpayers who want an IP PIN for 2021 should go to IRS.gov/IPPIN and use the Get an IP PIN tool. This online process will require taxpayers to verify their identities using the Secure Access authentication process if they do not already have an IRS account. See IRS.gov/SecureAccess for what information you need to be successful. There is no need to file a Form 14039, an Identity Theft Affidavit, to opt into the program

Once taxpayers have authenticated their identities, their 2021 IP PIN immediately will be revealed to them. Once in the program, this PIN must be used when prompted by electronic tax returns or entered by hand near the signature line on paper tax returns.

All taxpayers are encouraged to first use the online IP PIN tool to obtain their IP PIN. Taxpayers who cannot verify their identities online do have options.

Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is $72,000 or less may complete Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f15227.pdf), and mail or fax to the IRS. An IRS customer service representative will contact the taxpayer and verify their identities by phone. Taxpayers should have their prior year tax return at hand for the verification process.

Taxpayers who verify their identities through this process will have an IP PIN mailed to them the following tax year. This is for security reasons. Once in the program, the IP PIN will be mailed to these taxpayers each year.

Taxpayers who cannot verify their identities online or by phone and who are ineligible for file Form 15227 can contact the IRS and make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (https://www.irs.gov/help/contact-your-local-irs-office) to verify their identities in person. Taxpayers should bring two forms of identification, including one government-issued picture identification.

Taxpayers who verify their identities through the in-person process will have an IP PIN mailed to them within three weeks. Once in the program, the IP PIN will be mailed to these taxpayers each year.

No change for confirmed identity theft victims
Taxpayers who are confirmed identity theft victims or who have filed an identity theft affidavit because of suspected stolen identity refund fraud will automatically receive an IP PIN via mail once their cases are resolved. Current tax-related identity theft victims who have been receiving IP PINs via mail will experience no change.

See IRS.gov/IPPIN for additional details.

The IRS also encourages tax professionals and employers to share information with taxpayers about the availability of the IP PIN. Tax professionals and employers can print or email Publication 5367 or share IRS social media/e-poster products.  

 

Medicare: What you should know about the COVID-19 vaccines

Continue protecting yourself and others from COVID-19.

What you should know about the COVID-19 vaccines As vaccines become more widely available, it's important to keep taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Limit gatherings with others. Practice social distancing. Wash your hands frequently. Wear a mask in public. Once the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available to you, here's what you should know: You will need 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for it to be effective. When you receive your first dose, make sure to schedule your second dose. Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine, so there will be no cost to you. State governments are handling the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Look for updates from your state and local officials as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups. Visit CDC.gov for additional trustworthy information on the COVID-19 vaccines. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

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Franklin Interact Fund raiser at Chipotle - Jan 20, 2021

"Please bring this flyer or show it on your smartphone or simply mention us to the cashier at Chipotle, 5 Franklin Village Dr, Franklin, MA 02038 on Wed, January 20th, 4 to 8 PM, and 33% of the proceeds will be donated to Rotary Club of Franklin MA Interact Club! 

 

We appreciate your support!! "

 

Shared from Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/723957848435496/permalink/886735002157779/

Franklin Interact Fund raiser at Chipotle - Jan 20, 2021

FM #431 Town Council 'Quarterbacking' - 1/07/21 (audio)

FM #431 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 431 in the series.

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: OK, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

 

Our conversation runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZclszbS

 

--------------
Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/01-06-2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Hazard Mitigation presentation doc  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._hazard_mitigation_presentation_2020_update_presentation_handout.pdf

Hazard Mitigation Plan
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._hazard_mitigation_0.pdf

Beaver St summary document  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._21-02_beaver_street_interceptor.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/town-council-meeting-jan-6-2021-recap.html  

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.
 
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 

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" 

 

Franklin High School Music Achievements - Central Districts recognizes 26 students

26 Franklin High School Music Students were accepted to the Massachusetts Central District Honor Band, Chorus, and Orchestra

Twenty-six members of the Franklin High School music program virtually auditioned and were accepted into the 2021 Massachusetts Central District Honor Ensembles. Twelve of these Franklin High School students received All-State audition recommendations.  

 

Due to the pandemic, the festivals will look a bit different this year. Rather than performing in a large ensemble, those students who received All-State recommendations are invited to perform in a virtual masterclass.  This means that they will perform a solo in front of a virtual audience and receive feedback from a highly respected music educator.  All other Sr. District students will have the opportunity to observe these masterclasses.  
 
Accepted into the Central District Band will be Karah Brandanese - Clarinet, Thomas Bradley - Trombone, Simon Brooks - Tuba, Nipun Goel - Trumpet, Derek Halet - Trumpet, Carley Johnson-Pellegri - Bassoon, Joel Keller - Tuba, Ryan O'Rourke - Euphonium, William Olbrys - Trombone, Prem Pendkar - Alto Saxophone, Lola Richardson - Flute, Anton Sackley - Percussion, Zachary Simms - French Horn.
 
Franklin High School students performing with the Central District Jazz Band will be Colin Manocchio - Trombone and Ian Richardson-Bass.  
 
Selected to perform with the Central District Orchestra is Aadit Bhatia - violin, Christopher Broyles-viola, Shreya Choudury - Violin, Kyle Formato - Cello, Chai Harsha-viola, Jossalyn Mascio - Violin, Grace Newton - Violin, Weylan O'Connell - Bass, Sarayu Vijayanagaram-violin.
 
Accepted into the Central District Chorus is Claire Bauer. 

 

Franklin High School Music Achievements - Central Districts accept 26 students

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 14, 2021

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis 

Subcommittee Meeting

 

January 14, 2021 - 5:30 PM

Virtual Meeting (Link in agenda)

 

MEETING AGENDA

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

 

• Approval of past minutes (12/9/20)
• Discussion:

○    Review and discuss Stage 1/Phase Two data from district (includes staffing considerations, transportation factors, district map, financial considerations, physical distancing factors)
○    Outline next steps

Agenda doc contains the connection info https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_dt_subcom_1.14.21.pdf

Davis Thayer Facilities Analysis Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 14, 2021

Distinguished Service Award from MAEA for FHS' Brenna M. Johnson

Brenna M. Johnson (@johnsonb_ms) tweeted on Mon, Jan 11, 2021:

I am honored to share that I received the Distinguished Service Award from MAEA. This award is born out of the continued support of amazing colleagues, a strong administrative team, and phenomenal students who make going to work each day easy & inspiring. Thank You! @MassArtEd

Shared from Twitter:   https://t.co/Vx7R1ZmC2t

Among the many good things Ms Johnson does for FHS, she is the coordinator of the student Empty Bowls Club. The Empty Bowls Club is working on bowls for this year's fund raising effort. 
 

You can listen to the interview we did last year as they pivoted to do a virtual event instead of the empty bowls dinner. 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html

Distinguished Service Award from MAEA

FHS boys hockey tops King Philip 6-1 on Monday

From HockomockSports.com we share the FHS sports results: 

Boys Hockey = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 6 – Final 

– Franklin scored three times in each half to pick up a key two points in the Kelley-Rex division title race. CJ Jette scored the opening two goals, the first assisted by Justin Magazu and Dom Lampasona, and the second by Patrick Dolan and Will Sheehan. Magazu then scored just before the end of the half on an assist from Justin Abely. Ben Jarosz (JT Dwyer), Declan Lovett (Dylan Marchand), and Ryan Sicchio (Aiden Hunt, Christian Shabbick) scored second half goals for Franklin while Jack Paterson made 27 saves in net. 

 

For other results around the Hockomock League 

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-11-21/  

 

FHS boys hockey tops King Philip 6-1 on Monday

 

Boston Herald gymnastics preview references FHS team

Kat Cornetta (@KatCornetta) tweeted on Mon, Jan 11, 2021:

Happy High School Gymnastics Season! Thank you to all of the coaches who helped me with this year's high school gymnastics preview. Franklin, Masco, Wakefield, BR-WB, Newton boys co-op are on my list to keep an eye on this year. https://t.co/9UTPIAStoB

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/KatCornetta/status/1348668774078164993

Direct link to the Boston Herald article preview of this season's gymnastics teams

https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/01/11/gymnastics-preview/

 

Boston Herald gymnastics preview references FHS team

 

Boston Globe highlights housing changes coming if Gov Baker signs new law

The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) tweeted on Mon, Jan 11, 2021: "New law would require high density housing near T stations https://t.co/cRAFw4Yf7V"

"For years, housing advocates have argued that one of the smartest ways to tackle Greater Boston’s housing crisis is to make cities and towns that are served by the MBTA build more housing near subway and train stations.

Last week, their wish was granted. At least for now.

Tucked into the 101-page economic development bill passed by the Legislature at the end of its session in the wee hours of Jan. 6 was a measure that would require municipalities served by the T to allow denser housing in at least one district near a station. It’s a measure that could eventually create thousands of apartments and condos in Boston-area suburbs, if it gets Governor Charlie Baker’s signature."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/11/business/new-law-would-require-high-density-housing-near-t-stations/ 

Direct link to legislation document awaiting signature

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

The move should be approached cautiously to avoid unintended consequences (like gentrification). This was highlighted at least in 2014 with this Boston Globe article:

"Trains can make neighborhoods, by connecting residents to jobs and enabling an intensity of development that isn’t possible in places where residents are handcuffed to their cars. But trains can also break neighborhoods, because gentrification often comes hitched to the back of a rail car. If a city greets new transit with indifference, the most vulnerable residents around a new station don’t stand a chance of remaining in their neighborhood.

Boston is facing that dynamic because subway-like rail service will soon come to the Fairmount Line. The city is scrambling to find a way to harness the Fairmount’s economic potential without triggering runaway gentrification."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/07/15/making-fairmount-line-gentrification-proof/KB568Ymham1MCS6iY7bPgM/story.html

 

Memory Cafe' TUESDAY, Jan 12 at 2 PM

Hi Everyone,

 

Hopkinton's Our Time Memory Cafe' invites you, your care partner, family, and friends to join us for a virtual sing-along event Tuesday,Jan 12th at 2 PM. Music artist and therapist Linda Lasalle will lead the sing-along while playing a variety of instruments including harp, guitar, and ukulele.

 

Come join us! Sing, dance, and have fun with your friends!

Topic: Sing-along with music artist and music therapist Linda Lasalle

Time: Jan 12, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83868211745?pwd=WU1pb0pxaEU5bFRYZ29QcWVoZXdYUT09

Meeting ID: 838 6821 1745

Passcode: 297469

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

 

Memory Cafe' TUESDAY, Jan 12 at 2 PM

 

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances

 January 20, 2021 - 7:10 PM

Crystal Drive, Woodhaven Drive, Dena Drive, Skyline Drive, Charles Drive, Baron Road, Cobblestone Drive

 

"Pursuant to Chapter 163 of the Legislative Acts of 2011, the Franklin Town Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday evening, January 20, 2021 at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Chambers located on the second floor of the Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA to determine if it is in the public interest to accept the following named roads as public ways:

Crystal Drive;Woodhaven Drive; Dena Drive; Skyline Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 16+88.81, as shown on street acceptance plan;

Charles Drive, from Station 0+00 to Station 12+26.96, as shown on street acceptance plan; Baron Road, from Station 0+00 to Station 28+05.14, as shown on street acceptance plan; Cobblestone Drive; Woodstock Circle"

Shared from the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/legal_notice_-_street_acceptances_crysal_woodhaven_dena_skyline_charles_baron_cobblestone_woodstock.pdf

 

Public Hearing Notice - Street Acceptances - Jan 20, 2021

CommonWealth Magazine: T cuts likely to remain; voter turnout numbers highlight wealth, racial disparities

From CommonWealth Magazine we share two articles of interest for Franklin:

"Most T cuts will stand even with new fed money"

"THE MBTA will receive at least $250 million in federal funding under the latest COVID-19 stimulus package, but agency officials plan to move forward with most of their planned service cuts and direct most of the new money toward the capital budget.

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said Monday that the T expects to get somewhere roughly between $250 million and $300 million in additional support, up to $17 million of which will go toward bumping service back up on high-ridership bus routes and maintaining evening commuter rail service.

Despite calls from activists and lawmakers to change course with the federal aid — plus a $52 million upgrade in the T’s state sales tax revenue outlook — the agency plans otherwise to “proceed with a majority of service changes” that the Fiscal and Management Control Board approved in December, Poftak said."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/most-t-cuts-will-stand-even-with-new-fed-money/

 

"Turnout numbers highlight wealth, racial disparities"

"IN THE WEALTHY towns of Dover, Sudbury, and Carlisle, more than 90 percent of registered voters cast ballots in the November election.  

In the poorer cities of Springfield, Lawrence, and New Bedford, 55 percent of voters or fewer turned out.  

While the presidential election drew record turnout in Massachusetts, voter turnout statistics highlight yet another measure of a tale of two commonwealths, according to a report released Monday by MassVOTE, a nonprofit that seeks to increase voter participation.   

Communities that were educated, white, and wealthy saw the largest voter turnout. Communities that were poor, minority, and less educated saw the lowest number of voters. Initiatives like no-excuse voting by mail that were meant to make it easier to vote did not help those disparities, and may have even exacerbated them, since state statistics show that voters in wealthier communities were more likely to take advantage of mail-in voting. "

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/politics/turnout-numbers-highlight-wealth-racial-disparities/

 

Direct Link to the MassVOTE report  https://4da245b5-2040-4b7c-8d3a-890d1f13e948.filesusr.com/ugd/ba7258_e4676f6437c14017818263705b266b15.pdf

 

MassVOTE is a Non-Partisan Voting Rights & Issue Advocacy Organization

 

 

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 13, 2021

6:30 PM 

Agenda:

1. Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) Sector Specific Relief Grant Program Update.
https://www.empoweringsmallbusiness.org/covid-19-response/sector-specific-relief-grant-program-massachusetts-businesses

2. Business Listening & Networking Session #5: Real Estate, Construction, & Housing.
The members of the EDC will host the third in a series of five Business Listening & Networking Sessions on sectors of the Town’s economy. Anyone is invited to attend and offer public comments.

Agenda doc with connection info: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-1-13_edc_listening_session_agenda_.pdf

Jan 13, 2021 - Business Listening & Networking Session #5