KidsCount: FAQ - Earned Paid Sick Time

EARNED PAID SICK TIME: Frequently Asked Questions A state economy works best for everyone when working people can balance work, family, and life's challenges. Over the past several years a number of cities, and one state, have enacted laws that allow workers to take time off if they are ill or need to care for a sick family member. Without these laws, workers can generally be fired if they miss work because they are sick. Earned Paid Sick Time - Frequently Asked Questions describes how many workers currently have no access to earned paid sick time, what kinds of jobs these workers have, and how these laws work.        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 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108

Senator Karen Spilka: Approaching the Finish Line

July 31, 2014 Dear Steve, The legislature's schedule of formal sessions comes to a close today at midnight, and we're running through the tape at full speed! We will continue to meet regularly in informal sessions to address routine business, but many important controversial matters must be debated and finalized today. I'm pleased to share a few highlights from the week so far in the Senate, and be sure to stay tuned for many more legislative updates after today's final formal session. For more frequent news from the Senate and other details, be sure to follow me on Twitter and "like" my Facebook page. Legislature Passes Capital Bond Bill for State Building Projects Yesterday, the legislature enacted a bill authorizing $1.3 billion in spending for the improvement of state facilities and other building projects across the state. The bill includes funding for accessibility improvements, cultural facilities, school equipment at vocational schools and public library improvements, as well as increases in spending authorizations for state universities and community college campus facilities. I was especially proud to successfully advocate for $14 million in additional funding for MassBay Community College to build a new campus in downtown Framingham, bringing the state's total capital contribution to $36 million for the $59 million campus project. MassBay is a true partner for the MetroWest region, and this additional funding for a new campus is wonderful news for the college and for our ongoing efforts to transform and revitalize downtown Framingham. MassBay will be able to improve and expand educational opportunities for students, and a new campus in the heart of downtown will also provide a significant boost to local businesses in the area. Read more about MassBay's plans for a downtown Framingham campus. Read the full text of the capital bond bill here. Senate Passes Healthy Kids Bill The Senate passed An Act relative to healthy kids, which encourages healthy living by requiring physical education courses in public schools across the Commonwealth. Promoting public health starts with our children, and this bill takes important steps to improve education in the areas of health, wellness and nutrition, while increasing our kids' physical activity. Read the Healthy Kids Act here. Legislature Passes Disabilities Rights Bill Too often, people with intellectual disabilities and their families have little control over major life choices regarding their care and the services they receive. This lack of control inhibits people from fully participating and thriving in their own communities. Their voices deserve to be heard. The Real Lives Bill, passed by the legislature yesterday, changes the conversation about the role disabled individuals should play in their own lives. We are expanding the ability of people to direct their own public funds and empowering them to choose what is best for their unique situations. Legislature Passes Technology Spending Bill The House and Senate passed a multi-year technology bond bill, authorizing up to $1 billion for the improvement of information technology equipment and projects across the state. Innovative technology drives economic growth in Massachusetts, and this bill makes important investments to allow the state to take full advantage of the opportunities that modern technologies offer. These technology upgrades and projects will allow the Commonwealth to better support our schools, public safety, transportation and other government operations, while also increasing internet and technology access state-wide. Highlights include funds for upgrades to the State Police's communication network, a public school broadband access improvement grant program, a system to track diagnosis, treatment and services for individuals with autism and IT improvements at the Department of Transportation. Read the full text of the IT bond bill here. As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please do not hesitate to call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov. Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk http://www.karenspilka.com Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 320, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com/

This message was sent to shersteve@gmail.com from: Senator Karen Spilka | Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov | Office of Karen Spilka | Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka, Room 511-C, State House | Boston, MA 02133

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Dean College Executive Lecture Series Announces World Series Champion Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner as Honored Guest Speaker for Fall 2014

Dean College is honored to host Thomas C. Werner, Chairman of the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, for the Dean College Leadership Institute Executive Lecture Series on September 23, 2014. The Executive Series offers a unique and interactive opportunity for students, alumni, and the local community to interact with today's business leaders. 

Guest speaker Thomas C. Werner, is one of the chief architects behind three World Championships for the Boston Red Sox in 2004, 2007 and 2013, in which the Sox won their first World Series at Fenway Park since 1918. 

"The Red Sox are a New England institution and Mr. Werner has helped build one of the most successful franchises in all of sports," said Dr. Paula Rooney, President of Dean College. "This event is a great opportunity for our students to learn from the management of the Red Sox as Mr. Werner shares many of the keys to his and the team's great achievements." 

Dean College

Before joining the Red Sox ownership group, Mr. Werner was an award-winning television producer behind several network hits including The Cosby Show, Roseanne, and That 70's Show and is a member of the Television Hall of Fame. He became Chairman of the Boston Red Sox in 2002 when his company, Fenway Sports Group, bought the club. He is also chairman of the New England Sports Network, and since 2010, chairman of the Liverpool Football Club of the English Premier League. 

Under Werner's leadership as Chairman of the Boston Red Sox, he oversaw successive improvements to Fenway Park that restored its luster. In 2012, Fenway Park was the first ballpark to celebrate its 100^th anniversary. More importantly, during Werner's tenure, the Boston Red Sox have enjoyed unprecedented success, having advanced to postseason play three straight seasons and six times in seven years for the first time in its history. The pinnacle, of course, was the 2004 World Championship that ended an 86-year drought. Another World Series victory would follow in 2007, and another in 2013. 

Charitably speaking, Werner was instrumental in establishing the Red Sox Foundation, which gives away millions of dollars each year to local programs, and the Home Base Program, which aims at helping military veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. 

Werner has served on a number of Boards, including the White House Fellows Commission. He currently serves on the Crossroads School Board, Board for After School All Stars, and the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Werner also serves on the Board of Major League Baseball Enterprises, Major League Baseball Properties, and the Board of the MLB Network.  In 2013, for his leadership and dedication to the game, Werner received the Dave Winfield Humanitarian Award from the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation. 

The speaking program will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Guidrey Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin, MA on September 23, 2014. The program is FREE and open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited. Click here to register for this event.

Founded in 1865, Dean College is a private, residential college located in Franklin Massachusetts, 45 minutes from Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Dean College offers five baccalaureate degrees in Business; Liberal Arts and Studies; Arts and Entertainment Management; Dance; and Theatre. Dean also offers 15 associate degree programs as well as a robust schedule of part-time continuing and professional education credit and certificate programs throughout the calendar year.

Short cuts - update

When I had posted the pictures of the utility pole short cut I found at the corner of Mount and Summer St, there were a number of comments. One regular reader pointed me to the pole on Winter St. Another pointed out that all the poles are tagged with ownership. I had recalled seeing numbers on them but hadn't about the ownership. They are mostly tagged with owners although some of the acronyms are cryptic and or missing.

Yes, this is indeed a short cut. They left the bottom piece in as well as the top dangling.

Winter St pole - full view

Winter St pole - identification tags

This pole on Summer St will need to be addressed as the construction to re-do the street gets underway this year. The pole is on the section of street that Franklin will do, not the section of street that the state will do as part of the downtown improvement project.

Summer St pole propped upon the  curbing

Summer St pole - limited tagging

If you find other examples of such short cuts in your neighborhood and can taker a picture to share, please send it along.

The prior post on the utility pole short cut can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/utility-short-cut.html

FSPA Summerstage Presents Legally Blonde The Musical -> Aug 7-8

FSPA

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) SummerStage 2014 presents Legally Blonde: The Musical at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7 and Friday, August 8. The annual SummerStage musical theater program casts students in grades 8-12 in the full-length musical production, while students in grades 5-8 will be showcased in an original musical comedy titled Paralegal! The Musical, with one performance on August 8 at 5 p.m. Both productions will be staged at Medway High School, 88 Summer Street.

Legally Blonde: The Musical is a feel-good stage musical adaptation of the smash-hit movie based on the novel by Amanda Brown. With music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach, Legally Blonde is a high energy, campy romantic comedy featuring tongue-in-cheek humor, memorable songs and a winning, upbeat style. The musical tells the story of sorority sister Elle Woods, who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School intent on winning him back. But Elle learns to stay true to herself instead in this hilarious and heart-warming story of transformation and self-discovery. 

Featured roles will be played by Ali Funkhouser (Elle Woods) of Franklin, Jenna McDermott (Margot) of Wrentham, Kylee Rollins (Serena) of N. Attleboro, Lindsey Sparages (Pilar) of Franklin, Aaron Frongillo (Warner) of Franklin, Michael Fajardo (Emmett) of Hopkinton, Katie Gray (Paulette) of Milford, Julie Shapiro (Brooke) of Mansfield, Madison Asgeirsson (Enid) of Franklin, Katherine Waples (Vivienne) of Franklin and Catherine LeClair (Kate) of Franklin. 

In Paralegal! The Musical a clever middle school class takes creative license with a social studies assignment, bringing their demonstration of our legal system to life and the stage with comic song-and-dance style.

Tickets for Legally Blonde are $20 for adults and $18 for students and seniors. Tickets for Paralegal! are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, visit www.fspaonline.com. For more information, call (508) 528-8668.

Franklin Library: Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show

Scott Kepnes will bring his "Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show" to the Franklin Public Library on Wednesday Aug 6th.

The show starts at 3:00 PM

Electric Zany Rock & Roll Science Show

This was re-posted from the Franklin Library website:
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/07/scott-kepnes-electric-zany-rock-roll.html

Concerts on the Common - July 30th

6:00 PM - Electric Youth

Concerts on the Common

Next week - Aug 6th
no concert next week (St Rocco's Festival opens Aug 7th)


Next concert - Aug 13
6:00 PM - Lolly the Clown
6:30 PM - The Leeds

Franklin Ford gets a new look

On my walks around town over the past couple of weeks, I have been observing that Franklin Ford is getting some work done. This week the new look is really coming out.

Franklin Ford - new look

Franklin Ford - new look 2

From June 24th

Franklin Ford under construction 1

Franklin Ford under construction 2

June 6th - they were a 'no name place'

Franklin Ford - no name for the moment

Franklin Ford - no name for the moment 2

The Franklin Food Pantry truck was purchased from Franklin Ford

http://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/2013/10/youll-see-now.html

MA One Stop Career Centers

From the MA.gov blog I find this posting with information on the Career Centers. Franklin has the choice of using one in Attleboro or Milford as they are the closest. When I spent the better part of two years on my job search, I visited Milford and they were a helpful resource.

"Finding a job can be a daunting task that requires a great deal of preparation and commitment. Sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers are here to help residents find the resources they need to launch their careers. Growing businesses can also benefit from the services provided."

MA Career Centers

Continue to read about the services and resources available at the Career Centers here
http://blog.mass.gov/blog/employment/massachusetts-one-stop-career-centers/

To find all the locations of the career centers, they have an interactive map here
http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-services/dcs/find-a-career-center-near-you.html


If you know someone who is looking for work, there will be a Job Search Jam Session held in Hopkinton on Sep 12th. Visit this site to check for information on registration as it becomes available.
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/

Franklin Library: "Once Upon a Time" - Aug 4th, 10:30 AM

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts continues their busy summer schedule with an appearance at the Franklin Library on Monday, Aug 4th at 10:30 AM.

FSPA presents "Once Upon a Time"

*** Electric Youth (EY) will perform free outdoor summer concerts on Wednesday, July 30, from 6-8 p.m. on Franklin Town Common and on Thursday, July 31 from 6:30-8 p.m. on Norfolk Town Hill.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/07/electric-youth-to-perform-free-outdoor.html



This was re-posted from the Franklin Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2014/07/franklin-school-for-performing-arts.html

Are you ready for a photo challenge?

There are lots of gardens in Franklin; both flower and vegetable. 

Take a photo of something growing. Post it or email it to me. Tag with #franklingrows 

I'll collect them and share them all this weekend. Submit the photo by Friday Aug 1 and they'll be shared on Sun Aug 3.

full photo

Instagram cropped version:

Ladybug Spots on the Town Common --- Aug 9-10

You recall earlier this year, the Franklin Cultural Council created the Ladybug Spots Project. The decorated Ladybug Spots are now ready to showcase to one and all.

The showing will be held on the Franklin Town Common Saturday and Sunday, Aug 9 and 10 from noon to 4:00 PM.

Ladybug

Davis Thayer's Ladybug

On the one hand you can combine a visit to the St Rocco's Festival with a visit to the Ladybug Spots. On the other hand, be aware that parking around the Town Common with St Rocco's underway will be challenging.


From the archive on Ladybug Spots

Jan 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/01/community-will-gain-lot-from-it.html

Apr 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/04/cultural-council-open-house-and-awards.html

Jun 2014
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/ladybug-spots-public-art-project.html

Franklin Art Center is moving - Sep 1

This was shared on Facebook and in case some of you that only visit here or only read via email missed that news, I am sharing here....

Franklin Art Center - 391 East Central St

Post by Franklin Matters.

Rep Jeff Roy - July 2014 newsletter

This is our regularly monthly newsletter. If you know anyone who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward a copy of it to them. If you are not yet a subscriber, you can get on our email list by clicking here. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook by clicking the buttons below. Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. House passes gun bill Something remarkable happened at the State House this month. In a country where gun-control proposals usually provoke a harsh backlash from gun-rights advocates, we approved an historic gun violence bill that drew support from both the Gun Owner's Action League ("A great victory for Second Amendment advocates in Massachusetts.") and Stop Handgun Violence ("This is a huge win.").  As reported in the Boston Globe (click here to read the article), with the vote, the state is a leader when it comes to bridging what often seems like an intractable gulf between the two sides. Brian Malte, policy director for the Brady Campaign, said he could not recall such a respectful debate in any other state that has tightened its laws. That is obviously a credit to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who built on the state's strong record on gun control to craft even more sophisticated legislation. As Rep. Roy stated at the beginning of the legislative session, he was committed to figuring out how best to balance the mental health, safety and constitutional issues involved. He understood that we could not do this without respect and empathy for one another's opinions and ideas. It's amazing what can happen when we listen to one another and work together. The bill is currently before a House and Senate conference committee to iron out differences between the two versions of the bill that were passed. It is hoped that a compromise will be reached before the end of the session on Thursday. House passes safe access bill Last week, the House passed the Safe Access bill, balancing the right to access health care with the free speech concerns of those who wish to protest. Prior to the vote, the Judiciary Committee heard very emotional testimony on the proposed bill to address the Supreme Court decision on the Massachusetts buffer zone case. Rep. Roy serves on the Judiciary Committee. Testimony from the hearing noted that the Supreme Court has upheld reasonable buffer zones at polling places, and even maintains one in front of its building in Washington, DC. In that context, the proposed bill would allow protesters to promote their messages, so long as they do not substantially impede access to those who wish to enter a reproductive health center. "It's a delicate balance to craft legislation in this area, but the proposed bill does a good job of maintaining the right to speak and respecting privacy rights," noted Rep. Roy. In addition, he thanked everyone who offered respectful, thoughtful, and personal stories at the Judiciary hearing. You can view the WBZ report on the bill and hearing by clicking here. Massachusetts is the best state Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family, and we aim to keep it that way. And as reported in the Washington Post, that success often starts with a good education. No state lays that groundwork better than Massachusetts. That's according to the Education Week Research Center, a nonpartisan group that measured indicators such as preschool and kindergarten enrollment, high school graduation rates, and higher education attainment. The yearly study also considered family income and parental employment, which are linked to educational achievement. You can read the report by clicking here. Massachusetts again emerged as the top-achieving state, a position it has held since the index was first introduced in 2008. This recognition gives credence to the commitment etched on the exterior of the Boston Public library: "The Commonwealth requires the education of the people as the safeguard of order and liberty." DTA recognition ceremony Rep. Roy attended the Department of Transitional Assistance Client Recognition Ceremony in Framingham. While there, he witnessed the awarding of certificates to several clients who had participated in programs providing them with the basic skills, education, and support services needed to acquire and retain jobs. "It was certainly wonderful to see these people who participated in a government program that helped them help themselves," said Rep. Roy. "With these certificates, they are well-versed in what needs to be done to get employed, and hopefully they will all be back on track in the workforce. This will help them, their children, and their communities." Congratulations to the graduates. Direct shipment of wine to begin soon Beginning in 2015, residents will have the luxury of merely hopping online to order wine from out-of-state vineyards. The Fiscal Year 2015 budget included a provision that allows the direct shipment of wine, something that was prohibited in Massachusetts before July 2014. Massachusetts became the 40th state to authorize these sales. Former Patriot Drew Beldsoe was at the State House in March pushing wine shipment reform (he owns a vineyard in Washington).  Pan Mass Challenge Next weekend, Rep. Roy will ride his 12th Pan Mass Challenge with Phil's Phriends. He is committed to raising funds for cancer research by riding in the 2014 PMC and would love for you to join him. The PMC raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event in the country, $414 million since 1980 and $39 million last year alone! This success is the result of a lot of people riding for, and caring about, a cure. To donate to Rep. Roy's ride, click here. Franklin & Medway make top 100 It was nice to see that Franklin (#47) and Medway (#72) have both made the list of the top 100 communities in Massachusetts. You can read the report by clicking here. To translate "great community" into a quantifiable assessment, GoLocalWorcester went to the data. Their researchers spent hours poring over measures from public sources that help define a great place to live. They gathered and assessed housing prices, tax rates, median household incomes, crime statistics, and school performance on standardized tests in elementary, middle, and high schools. They counted places to go out and have fun, from bars and restaurants, to theaters, historic sites and museums, and golf courses. They even counted libraries. Rep. Roy congratulates both towns and noted that it's an honor an privilege to represent the people in them. Medical marijuana tax bill heard The Revenue Committee heard our bill seeking a local sales tax on medical marijuana last week. Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting joined Rep. Roy to offer testimony at the State House. The town of Dennis was also there seeking similar authorization from the Legislature. The legislation would allow the town to impose a 5 percent local sales tax on the retail and wholesale sale of medical marijuana. The tax would apply to the retail and wholesale sale of the marijuana cultivated in town and sold in another community. The bill was filed after Franklin's Town Council adopted a resolution requesting Rep. Roy to seek authorization from the Legislature allowing it to tax facilities in town. The text of the resolution can be read by clicking here. Channel 22 News from western Mass was very interested in the marijuana sales tax bill because the Franklin growing facility will set to the dispensary in Northampton. You can view its report on the story by clicking here. Magna Carta on display in Boston Thanks to the hard work or our colleague Rep. Cory Atkins of Concord, the Magna Carta will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through September 1. It's one of four of the original documents remaining from 1215 and is one of the seminal documents in the development of limited government, individual rights and liberties, and the rule of law. This is a must see exhibit and joins other historical loans as well as portraits and works of art from the Museum's collection—including the MFA's Sons of Liberty Bowl (1768) by Paul Revere, which is engraved with the words "Magna/Charta" and "Bill of/Rights"—to tell the story of patriots and revolutionaries who fought for freedom in the face of tyranny. The exhibition also includes portraits, marble busts, and historical documents related to several of the Founding Fathers, presidents, and abolitionists, particularly from Massachusetts, who were inspired by the liberties enshrined in Magna Carta. To learn more about the exhibit, click here. follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2014 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you either contacted our office or indicated you wanted to keep updated on the 10th Norfolk District and things going on at the State House. Our mailing address is: State Rep Jeff Roy State House Room 134 Boston, MA 02133 Add us to your address book

In the News: Kmart on RT 109 to close

In the Milford Daily News we find this item of interest to Franklin shoppers:

The Kmart store on Rte. 109 will officially close in October, said Chris Braithwaite, vice president of media relations for Sears Holdings."Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce ongoing expenses," he said.Kmart is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings Corp. and has had presence in Milford for at least 35 years. The store will begin a liquidation sale Aug. 7, he said.

You can continue to read the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140729/NEWS/140726803/1994/NEWS