Congressman Auchinclos: An Update on the last 2 weeks in review (7/12/23)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill House Republicans' Tax Plan: Recently, I wrote an op-ed on House Republicans' proposed tax package. Their current plan, a special-interest buffet which will not pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate, is more of the same. Just like they did under Bush and Trump, Republicans want to increase the deficit and help the rich. Instead of more budget-busting tax cuts that hurt the middle class, House Republicans should focus on bipartisan dealmaking. I proposed three opportunities for them to work with House Democrats on a bipartisan tax package. First, we should reward work, not wealth, by taxing rich heirs, through curtailment of the step-up in basis for inherited assets, to expand the earned income tax credit (EITC). Second, the package should encourage corporations to invest in domestic research and development initiatives, instead of shielding overseas income from the standard 15% tax rate agreed to by our European allies. And finally, we should help lift children out of poverty by expanding the Child Tax Credit. You can hear me discuss my op-ed more by listening to my interview on the Julie Mason Show here. Fighting for Reproductive Healthcare: In light of the one year anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, I took to the House floor to speak on my commitment to ensuring reproductive freedom. One in 3 American women are now living in states without access to abortion and have been stripped of a fundamental individual freedom. House Democrats and I are taking action by working to force a floor vote on the Women's Health Protection Act, which would make Roe the law of the land, despite the objections of Speaker McCarthy and the MAGA extremists that hold him politically hostage. Investing in Infrastructure: Last weekend, I discussed the critical investments Congress and the Biden Administration have made over the last two years, as well as the United States' relationship with China, on Fox News Sunday. Specifically, I spoke about infrastructure investments rising above party lines – when I tour infrastructure projects around our district with GOP officials, partisanship isn't relevant. We just want to build bridges, literally. With the help of those investments, now we are. Across our district and across the country, everyone will feel the impact of the transformative investments in infrastructure and energy. You can watch the full interview here. China and Ukraine: I also joined MSNBC to talk about Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's trip to China and my support for Ukraine. I made it clear that the Biden Administration chose the right time to engage with China, with the U.S economy strong and the Chinese economy wilting under high youth unemployment and over-leveraged property markets. With this position of strength comes the authority for a tough message: trade by the rules, or lose markets. I also spoke on CNN about the strong statecraft demonstrated by President Biden & Secretary Yellen. They are standing up to Russia and China on two continents right now. To back them up, Congress should send more aid to Ukraine and support the long-term drivers of economically outcompeting China: education, science, and the rule of law. With regards to Ukraine, I spoke about the importance of providing continued support. Funding for Ukraine has had the highest return on investment for national security dollars in the 21st century. For less money than Americans spend on soft drinks annually, we've cratered Russia's military capacity, strengthened NATO, and made sure China knows the U.S. will support right against might. You can watch the full clip here. Make your voice heard → The Women's Health Protection Act would codify the Roe v. Wade decision into federal law. Do you support that effort? Do you support House Democrats' push to codify Roe? Around the Fourth Social Media Roundtable: I hosted an informative roundtable with educators and pediatric mental health specialists about what Congress can do to address social media's corrosive impact on children's mental health. As one participant said, "I'm ready to hit the panic button." Hearing the expertise and recommendations of these professionals is invaluable as I work in Congress to hold social media giants accountable for their role in the youth mental health crisis. Farm Bill Roundtable: I also held a substantive and wide-ranging discussion about the Farm Bill reauthorization with farmers from across southeastern Massachusetts. My main takeaways were around SNAP benefits, crop insurance, cooperatives, and seasonal employment. I will continue to advocate for the needs of our local farms as the Farm Bill is considered in Congress. Alnylam and Biotech: Two weeks ago, I hosted a town hall with employees of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Norton. This is the century of biology, and Massachusetts should strive to be the capital of cures and jobs. Alnylam is creating both through its life-changing advances in genetic engineering. Our Commonwealth has the opportunity to be a global hub for life-changing advances in genetic engineering and other areas of scientific development, and companies like Alnylam will lead the way. Discussion with the Boston JCRC: I joined the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council for a terrific discussion with leaders from Greater Boston's Jewish community. Ongoing dialogue with Jewish leaders is critical to me as we navigate the issues of antisemitism, social justice, defending democracy, Israel, and more, together. Gillette Stadium: I recently visited Gillette Stadium and met with representatives of the Kraft Sports Group. Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place are premier entertainment and retail destinations for New England, and I am looking forward to our district hosting the 2023 Army-Navy game and the 2026 World Cup. App Challenge: Registration is now open for the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging middle and high school students to learn to code by creating their own applications. The challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education. You can register HERE. Final submissions are due November 1st, 2023. I look forward to seeing your submissions. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School schedules High School Fair - Sep 20

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School is pleased to announce the return of our High School Fair which will be held on September 20 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the BFCCPS Learning Commons located at 500 Financial Park. 

The event is open to 8th grade students both at BFCCPS and from local schools as well. Please note that a parent or guardian must accompany all students for the duration of the event.

Students are invited to pick up brochures and applications, ask about fall open house dates and speak directly with representatives and current students of the schools that will be in attendance.

Families, please submit this form to let us know if you will be attending.  https://forms.gle/C6vXp6XfnQCHAj9R7

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School schedules High School Fair - Sep 20

Shared from the Charter School page -> 

https://www.bfccps.org/apps/events/event.jsp?eREC_ID=3947494&d=2023-09-20&id=0

Register O’Donnell Guest Speaker at the Hyde Park Historical Society - July 20 at 6 PM

Continuing his efforts to bring the Registry of Deeds directly to Norfolk County residents, Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell will be the guest speaker at the Hyde Park Historical Society on Thursday, July 20th, at 6:00 PM.

The Register will give an overview of the Registry, which is the principal office for real property records in Norfolk County, cataloging and housing more than 10 million land documents.

The Town of Hyde Park was once in Norfolk County until it was annexed by Boston in 1912, becoming part of Suffolk County. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds still maintains those Hyde Park land documents dating back to 1793. These records are available to the public via the Registry’s website at www.norfolkdeeds.org or by coming by the Norfolk Registry of Deeds, building across from the gold-domed Norfolk Superior Court in Hyde Park’s neighboring town of Dedham.

The program will include information of use to consumers and homeowners, such as the Homestead Act, mortgage discharges, and the anti-property fraud Consumer Notification Service. For instance, the Registry’s free Consumer Notification Service sends an automated alert to property owners of any registry activity that contains their name in the associated city or town where they live.

The event will conclude with a brief question-and-answer session to address any specific questions attendees may have.

As part of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds community outreach initiative, Register O’Donnell offers this program in an effort to provide information as to the functions and services the Registry of Deeds provides to the residents and businesses of Norfolk County.

The Hyde Park Historical Society is located at 35 Harvard Avenue, Hyde Park, MA. Many historical societies have reached out to the Norfolk Register of Deeds as a result of the "History Comes Alive" project at The Norfolk Registry of Deeds. Historical and genealogical research has been enhanced at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds due to over 450,000 handwritten land documents recorded between 1793 and 1900 being transcribed into easy-to-read text. These images are available to the public via the internet land record research of the Norfolk Registry of Deeds at www.norfolkdeeds.org. For example, you can read the recorded deed of John Adams, second President of the United States, to his son, John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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, and 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.

Register O’Donnell Guest Speaker at the Hyde Park Historical Society - July 20 at 6 PM

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, July 13, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = Thursday

8:00 am Veterans' Call: VA Pension

9:00 am     Commonwealth Heroines: Kai Olsson

10:30 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm     The Only Cure Is Education

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Joe Landry: The Railroad in Franklin

4:30 pm     Frank Presents: James Ginley

5:30 pm     Riffing with the President: Ep 1

6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

7:00 pm     Extended Play Sessions: Acoustic X

8:00 pm Franklin Food Pantry at Edwins: Grand Opening

9:30 pm     Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = Thursday

7:00 am     Public School Event: FHS Jazz Cafe 2023

8:30 am     Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

10:30 am FHS Senior Awards Night 2020

1:00 pm     Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

3:00 pm Tri County Community Meeting 06-15-23

7:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Westwood 06-09-23

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = Thursday

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 06-29-23

12:00 pm OSRP: Public Meeting 06-20-23

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 06-29-23

7:00 pm     Conservation Commission:  LIVE, Chambers  880 5853 5029

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin Cultural District: Concerts on the Common joins the Farmers Market this week, plus more as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, July 12

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin Senior Center)

6:00pm - Smart Phone Photography (Registration Req'd)  (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm - Smart Phone Photography (Registration Req'd)  (Franklin Public Library)

La Cantina Winery

Thursday, July 13

5:00pm - Teen Paint Party (Registration req'd)  (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music)  (La Cantina Winery)

Friday, July 14

2:00pm - Franklin Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm - Thee Taco Dude (food truck) (Franklin Town Common)

3:30pm - Jennifer Tefft (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

5:30pm - Jack Goddard (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Franklin Farmers Market

6:00pm - AK Cody (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Paradise Flyer (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

Saturday, July 15

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - Pangea Cuisines (food truck)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

4:00pm - Dom DeBaggis (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, July 16

7:30am - All you can eat Breakfast (Franklin Rod & Gun Club)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, July 17

6:00pm - Movie Monday "A Man Called Otto" (Franklin Public Library)

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

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

FPS school budget reductions summarized now that the FY 2024 budget for is finalized

As shared by School Committee Chair Denise Spencer.

The Franklin Public School budget reductions in the FY 2024 budget.

Slide 1

FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - positions

Slide 2

FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - services

Slide 3

FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - ESSER grant funding

Slide 4

FPS FY 2024 budget reductions - adjustments

Additional details can be found on the resolution voted on to approve these ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_revised_fy24_budget_vote.pdf

The full set of FY 2024 school budget info can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget

The full set of Town of Franklin FY 2024 budget can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

Note: The Town sets a dollar amount for Franklin schools. The School Committee & School District are responsible for managing the details of operating the school district for that dollar amount.

Shared from Chair Spencer's Facebook posting ->

https://www.facebook.com/groups/723957848435496/posts/1491582888339651/

Where do we go from here? 

Fortunately, the recording of the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer is available. You can listen to see what the plans are to use the Joint Budget Subcommittee meetings to turn the annual five year outlook into a financial model to show what could be required to support all of the needs of the Town for the next several years.

The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1020-fy2024-going-forward-06-27-23

 Note: The Joint Budget Subcommittee is scheduled to meet Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 7 PM. (Agenda and remote participation info will be posted a couple of days before the meeting)

Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 241 - Tom Wark Interview (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 241

Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark interview Tom Wark.

Tom Wark is a prominent figure in the wine industry, known for his work as a wine writer, publicist, and wine marketing expert. He has a deep understanding of the Three Tier system and has made significant contributions to the field.

Tom Wark is the author of the popular wine blog "Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog," which he started in 2004. The blog covers a wide range of topics related to wine, including industry news, wine reviews, and commentary on various wine-related issues. It has gained a loyal following and is recognized as an influential source of information within the wine community.

In addition to his blog, Tom Wark is also the founder and president of Wark Communications, a public relations and marketing agency specializing in the wine industry. His agency helps wineries, wine regions, and wine-related businesses develop effective marketing strategies and reach their target audience.

Tom Wark is known for his passion for wine and his ability to communicate about wine in an accessible and engaging way. He has a unique perspective on the wine industry and is often sought after for his insights and expertise.

We discuss the Three Tier alcohol system in detail. Starting with the history we then touch on how it impacts wine consumers.

Tom has a book you can find on Amazon "Fermenting Change: The Politics, Corruptions and Reform of the Three-Tier System of Alcohol Regulation "

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.com › Tom-W...Tom Wark: books, biography, latest update

You can also find Toms blog here:  https://tomwark.substack.com/

Cheers 

Kim and Mark

Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 241 - Tom Wark Interview (audio)

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-241-t-tom-wark

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 241-Tom Wark Interview-The Three Tier System

State Facts for Students: MA summary via Census.gov

School is out for the summer but learning is really life long. Exploring the data available from Census.gov is worth spending sometime on. 

An email from them arrived in my Inbox and as it touted ice cream caught my eye. 

"What’s your favorite flavor(s) of ice cream? Did you know there were 427 U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert makers in 2020, 23 more than a decade earlier (2010)? 

Students can explore this and other cool data like the total number of kids in the U.S. ages 8 to 14 and the total number of U.S. amusement parks. 

What better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Month than to enjoy a frozen treat while using our State Facts for Students data tool to discover oh-so-sweet stats!"

I did explore the State Facts for Students page to obtain the summary for MA. I would have to go deeper into the data to get the details on how many ice cream makers there are in MA. 

State Facts for Students: MA summary via Census.gov

You can find this data (and more) online at -> https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sis/resources/data-tools/state-facts.html

 

A PDF version of the data is available here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/16YsrqaCocY_TARMCEhVWm11dRL2QJjK9/view?usp=drive_link

National Ice Cream Month

Town of Franklin: Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) and Bike Racks - Invitation to Bid

Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) and Bike Racks

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of installing two Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) systems and five Bicycle Racks in specified locations within the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Systems and Bike Racks

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/rectangular-rapid-flash-beacons-rrfb-and-bike-racks

Town of Franklin: Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons (RRFB) and Bike Racks - Invitation to Bid

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, July 12, 2023

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

• This slot features the audio recording of my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer.   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/going-forward-from-fy-2024-what-is.html

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer point.

• In this episode hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi  interview interview Tom Wark. Tom is a prominent figure in the wine industry, known for his work as a wine writer, publicist, and wine marketing expert. He has a deep understanding of the Three Tier system ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/wonderful-world-of-wine-www-episode-241.html   

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock

Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

• This slot features the What you Need to Know About Stormwater session we conducted in March to prepare for the stormwater fee beginning July 1, 2023  ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/what-you-need-to-know-about-stormwater.html

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am     It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig

8:30 am     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Mary Olsson

10:00 am Commonwealth Heroines: Kai Olsson

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lobstah

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Sandya: Crepes

1:00 pm     Eat Around The World: Peru

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Healthy Pizza Crusts

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 11

3:30 pm     Franklin Disability Expo

4:00 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

5:00 pm Hockomock YMCA: Choose Love Movement

7:30 pm     4th of July 2022: Duppy Conquerors

10:00 pm Drink Responsibly: Craft Roots

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

8:30 am     Public School Event: Remington Spring Music '22

10:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

11:00 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 1

12:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Westwood 06-09-23

2:30 pm     FHS Varsity Softball: v Milford 05-22-23

5:30 pm     FHS Varsity Baseball: State Finals v Taunton 06-18-23

9:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

10:00 pm FHS Graduation 2023

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am Town Council: 06-21-23

12:00 pm OSRP: Public Meeting 06-20-23

2:00 pm Town Council: 06-21-23

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting - July 11 at 7 PM

ranklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Monthly Meeting July 11th at 7pm

View this email in your browser Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, July 11 at 7 PM Hello Tuesday, July 11 is our monthly Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee meeting 7 PM at 67 Degrees Brewing Hope to see you all there! Thanks! The Committee Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Nomination papers will be available in August for the Town Biennial Election In November

Town of Franklin - Biennial Town Election – November 7, 2023

Nomination papers will be available on Tuesday, August 1. 

Must be returned by September 6, 2023 no later than 5:00 PM at the Town Clerk’s Office.

The following seats are open in the Biennial Town Election being held on Tuesday, November 7, 2023:

• Board of Assessors - 2 Seats
• Board of Health - 2 Seats
• Constables - 3 Seats
• Planning Board - 3 Seats
• School Committee - 7 Seats
• Town Council - 9 Seats

View the PDF file with the listing of current elected seat volunteers

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QB4re863UhZV9sYjkNI8jjYt59O4Q8L9/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin - Biennial Town Election – November 7, 2023