Senator Ross: March 2015 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, March 2015 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, Spring is finally here, and with that the end of weeks of severe winter weather.This past month, my colleagues in the state senate and I have been busy touring the Commonwealth, listening to the concerns of not only our constituents, but those who live outside of our districts as well. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for information on internship opportunities, critical legislative matters being discussed on Beacon Hill, as well as upcoming office hours during the month of April. As always, please feel free to reach out to my office directly to let me know what your priorities are. Sincerely, SENATE COMMONWEALTH CONVERSATIONS TOUR This past month, members of the Massachusetts State Senate participated in a statewide tour of senate districts. This Commonwealth Conversations Tour aimed to reach out to local residents, businesses and organizations to listen to their needs and concerns with the hope that it will foster more civic engagement and help each senator learn more about issues outside of our own districts. On Monday, March 2nd, I joined my colleagues in listening to the concerns of the residents of MetroWest. The tour began at Plainridge Park Casino to discuss issues impacting economic development in the region and concluded with an open public forum at Newton North High School. I attended several of these tours across Massachusetts, which were were an exciting opportunity for the Senate to engage in a meaningful discourse with our constituents, local officials, and business leaders on the issues they care about. We heard about issues pertaining to transportation, education, jobs, the economy, and the environment. It was great to also hear from those outside of our district to gain a better understanding of priorities across the Commonwealth. This is just the beginning of a Senate session with a renewed dedication to listening to the people of the Commonwealth. As budget debates begin, I encourage my constituents to continue reaching out to my office. For a recap on Commonwealth Conversations, visit the MA Senate website here. SOUP FOR HEAT On Saturday, March 7th, roughly a hundred people gathered at the Larson Senior Center in Attleboro for the 11th annual Soup for H.E.A.T. fundraiser. Helping With Energy Assistance Together (H.E.A.T.), who sponsored the event, is an organization that assists those in need of a little financial help during the cold winter months. This winter especially has impacted many of my constituents, from rate increases to severe winter storms, many people have not been able to catch a break. Just last year, H.E.A.T. gave out nearly $12,000 in emergency heating funds to Attleboro residents, demonstrating how much of a difference this organization and this great event in the community makes. This year, the turnout could not have been better and as always, it was a ton of fun. All of the soups were donated, and I was happy serve alongside my colleague Senator Jim Timilty. If you would like to send a donation, you can mail it to H.E.A.T., P.O. Box 4104, Attleboro, MA, 02703. METROWEST HUMAN SERVICES BREAKFAST I appreciated meeting with human services workers and hearing about their essential life-saving programs at the 13th annual MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition Legislative Breakfast in Natick. From opiate addiction to homelessness, crucial policy issues impacting the Commonwealth and its' residents remained the focal point, as well as the importance of giving back. Having recently been appointed to the Senate Special Committee on Opioid Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Options, an extension of the Senate Special Committee on Drug Abuse and Treatment Options, tackling the drug problem in Massachusetts has been a major priority of mine. In light of serious budget shortfalls impacting the Commonwealth and with pertinent FY16 budget discussions underway, it is vital that these programs are properly funded and considered. Thank you to all who work in human services and for all you provide to our communities across the state. FOCUSING ON THE BUDGET As a member of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, I applaud Governor Baker's FY16 budget proposal; a common sense, responsible budget that makes significant increases to local aid without raising taxes or dipping into the state's Rainy Day Fund. The proposal, filed earlier this month, recommends a $34 million increase in unrestricted local aid, $105 million for Chapter 70 school aid, and the restoration of FY15 budget levels for the METCO program. Additionally, Governor Baker filed accompanying legislation that would also double the Earned Income Tax Credit up to 30% of the federal credit over three years, which will go a long way for working families across the Commonwealth. Given the recent budget deficit and fiscal challenges facing the state, it is crucial that our cities and towns are not negatively impacted and I believe this proposal has the interest of the people at heart. I agree with the Governor that the Commonwealth must not turn its' back on our cities and towns. We must do all that we can to return funding to the local level and keep our agreement in not short changing municipalities with cuts to local aid and UGGA. This is just the beginning when it comes to the budget process, but I once again praise Governor Baker for his positive and responsible recommendations. GETTING THE MBTA BACK ON TRACK Massachusetts faces serious challenges when it comes to transportation, particularly with the MBTA, but the problems do not stem solely from a lack of funding, and raising taxes is not the answer. The failures, specifically pertaining to the MBTA, stem from a history of mismanagement as well as a lack of sufficient oversight measures from the Legislature. In February, Senate Republicans put forward legislation to financially stabilize the MBTA by creating a seven-member Finance Control Board that would gain immediate control of the MBTA's finances. The board would first establish a plan to correct historical inefficiencies, and put the transit system back into full service operation as soon as possible. This is by no means the only solution, but we cannot continue to throw money at a problem and expect it go away. The Legislature's answer to addressing the state's transportation needs cannot be to simply burden our constituents with more taxes and fare increases. The Legislature's answer should be a holistic, all-of-the-above approach. Complex problems require complex solutions. To read the entire op-ed, please click here. Congratulations to Real Living Realty Group for the opening of their new office in Franklin (left) and to all of the winners of the Wellesley Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Recognition Awards (right). SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES I am currently seeking interns in my State House office for the summer, all interested college students are encouraged to apply. The summer is exciting time to intern on Beacon Hill. From speaker seminars to legislative debates, interning in my office presents an excellent opportunity to experience the workings of state government and I am looking for driven, professional individuals who are capable of taking on real challenges daily. Intern duties include drafting correspondence with constituents, gathering news clips, legislative research, general administrative tasks, as well as attending formal Senate sessions and public hearings. Internships are unpaid, but present an opportunity to learn about the legislative process. My staff and I will work with students to gain credit where applicable. If a college student is interested, they are encouraged to send their resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to Richard.Ross@masenate.gov. The Needham Legislative Delegation sat down with the League of Women Voters to chat about our legislative priorities. (left) White Ribbon Day 2015 at the State House, working together to end violence against women with Rep Jeff Roy. (right) HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING The Community VNA Hospice and Palliative Care in Attleboro is seeking volunteers to assist terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers can provide support in a variety of ways, including visiting clients, offering transportation to medical appointments, running errands, and providing respite for caregivers. The Administrative Offices also needs volunteers to help with medical record filing and assist with mailings. No experience is required. This program  is a great opportunity to give back to those in our community and help provide some extra help to a fantastic organization. The 20 hour training program will be held May 5th through May 26th. Sessions will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00am-12:00pm at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. Pre-registration is required by April 15, 2015, so be sure to call (508)222-0118 or (800)220-0110 to secure a spot. For more information, you can also visit www.communityvna.com. Congratulations to Cori Farrow of North Attleboro who received first place for the 2015 Massachusetts Safe Jobs for Youth Poster Contest. (left) "Reach Out For Youth & Families" Breakfast  celebrating the great work the YMCA has and continues to do for children and families across the Commonwealth with Attleboro's Mayor Kevin Dumas. (right) THE JOINT RULES: WHY THE DEBATE IS SO IMPORTANT Currently, the Massachusetts House and Senate are in the midst of a conversation about the joint rules that govern the flow of bills in the legislature. To increase government efficiency and responsiveness, the Senate is hoping to get bills moved through joint committees and back to the chamber they were proposed in more quickly. Often bills that are filed in January of the first year of a legislative session will not move out of a joint committee until the following year. Because there are more House members than Senators, the House effectively controls how and when a bill will move through each committee. To remedy this, the Senate is proposing a simple change, to allow House or Senate members to send bills, with a majority vote of their members, to the chamber of origin. House members vote on House bills, Senate members vote on Senate bills. The simple change could allow for more bills to be considered and voted on. For more information on the Joint Rules and a simple breakdown, visit Senate President Stan Rosenberg's website here. Pleased to be the guest Quiz Master for the Battle of the Books at Hill-Roberts Elementary School in Attleboro. (left) Congratulations to Andrew Bejian, Brendan Chambers, and William Gallagher, the newest Eagle Scouts of Troop 10 in Needham. (right) SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINARS Over the past few months, I have joined other area legislators in hosting informational seminars on the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit across the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District with Brian Lynch of the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The Senior Circuit Breaker is a tax credit for senior citizens whose property payments account for more than 10% of their annual income. Eligible seniors will receive a dollar credit on their Massachusetts tax return for every dollar that their total property tax, water, and sewer bills exceed 10% of their income. A maximum of $1050 credit is available. Additionally, if the taxpayer has not claimed the tax credit in the past, (s)he may claim it for the previous three years. To be eligible, taxpayers, aged 65 years or older, must own or rent their residence in Massachusetts, and have an annual income of: $56,000 or less for a single filer; $70,000 or less for a head of household; and $84,000 or less for joint filers. If a taxpayer's property is assessed at $691,000, (s) he is not eligible for the tax credit. In 2013 the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit provided $83 million in credits to nearly 69,000 taxpayers. If you have any questions about the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit before April 15th, please call my office at (617)722-1555 or visit the Massachusetts Department of Revenue website at http://www.mass.gov/dor/. Happy to meet with students and families of the Wayland public schools to discuss the impact the METCO program has had on their daily lives. (left) MetroWest Libraries Legislative Breakfast at the Franklin Public Library. Thank you to all MetroWest libraries for all you offer and provide to our communities.(right)   View entire message

...

"they want to get better and that’s all I can ask for.”

It felt more like the end of the winter season than the start of spring with piles of snow lining Pisini Field and a cold wind whipping through, but Needham and Franklin opened the girls’ lacrosse season with a battle of two teams with aspirations of making noise in the, presumably, much warmer month of June. 

It was the visiting Rockets that would get the season off to a perfect start by dominating draw controls (21-5) and getting hat tricks from three players, including five goals from Kailey Conry,  to pull out a 15-9 victory. 

“We didn’t have the ball enough,” said Franklin coach Kristin Igoe Guarino. “I think it would have been a much closer game or we could have won if we had just won five more draws. We didn’t possess the ball as much as they did.”

Senior Emily Jeffries (4) scored a hat trick but it wasn't enough, as Franklin fell to Needham in the season opener on Wednesday. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Read the full article at Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/rockets-prove-too-much-for-franklin-in-season-opener 

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Announces Filing of Registry of Deeds Legislation Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today announced the filing of House Bill 1493, a cost saving measure which, if enacted, would remove the requirement that Registries must store original registered land documents at their facilities. Register O'Donnell noted, "The current practice of scanning these documents on-line along with being microfilmed would be continued but the requirement to keep original documents on-site would be removed. That document would go back to the homeowner or their designee." Register O'Donnell added, "Due to current state law, several Registries of Deeds offices in the Commonwealth are facing a storage crisis when it comes to fulfilling their obligation to retain hard copies of documents relating to registered land. Elimination of this requirement would result in future tax dollars being saved since Registries of Deeds will not feel compelled to find greater office space to house an ever expanding number of registered land documents. "The security and accessibility of registered land documents would be retained by utilizing scanned image and microfilm technology, processes that are already in place at Registries of Deeds across the Commonwealth. A copy of each document is housed off-site in a secure storage facility and available to be retrieved in the event a catastrophic event takes place at the Registry," noted the Register. With these steps taken, the documents would be available for viewing on-line by consumers. If an individual wants a printed copy it will cost them $1 per page. Most deeds are 2 pages. For those utilizing registry services often, they can continue to purchase an on-line printing account. The Register stated that House Bill 1493 will in no way affect the process of recording registered land documents. The legislation has been endorsed by the Massachusetts Register of Deeds and the Assistant Register of Deeds Association. There is no visible opposition to this legislation. In conclusion, O'Donnell stated, "I want to express my appreciation to the Norfolk County legislative delegation, and in particular lead sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), for their support of this important legislation. The legislation is an excellent example of county and state government officials working together to identify best practices and reduce the burden on taxpayers." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com @NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

From Pantherbook: Hollywood Nights, R-word, Science Night

A quick recap of three articles recently posted to Pantherbook worthy of sharing here:

Say goodbye to Lovefest and hello to Hollywood Nights, a collection of skits to be performed by FHS theatre students on April 8 and 9. 

The traditional Lovefest, an annual skit-based production, was scrapped this year due to a number of reasons, ranging from snow days to administration’s desire for a more serious play

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/ae/2015/03/18/hollywood-nights-takes-lovefests-place/

pantherbook logo

A great many words that have had relevant meaning in society have fallen out of favor but none so much as the R-word. 

The students of Best Buddies have been advocating a campaign to end the use of this word. One of the advisors of Best Buddies, Mrs. Connolly, made claims that some videos supporting this campaign would be released, but no date of release has been revealed. 

While it has had a purposeful meaning in medicine, the phrasing has been changed and along with it, the connotation of the R-word. The word has degraded to an insult and slang instead of a medicinal term.

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/student-life/2015/03/19/spread-the-word-to-end-the-word-2/

On Thursday, March 13th – Franklin High School’s Science National Honors Society (SNHS) chapter hosted an exposition of intro-level science experiments and demonstrations for Franklin’s elementary and middle school students. Students and their parents toured Thursday’s “Science Night” in throngs, enjoying the night’s demonstrations and activities with smiles of wonder and fascination. 

Serenaded by string instruments as they ascended up to the second and third floors, participants were directed to the four science classrooms where the event took place. Heading towards the biology lab with his parent, one younger participant compared the string ensemble to “an orchestra”.

Continue reading the article here
http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2015/03/29/science-national-honors-society-hosting-of-science-night-a-huge-success/

Concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline - Apr 2, 7:30 PM

I want you to know that concerned Franklinites are meeting this Thursday, April 2, to discuss concerns with the Spectra Atlantic Bridge Pipeline.  

The meeting is at the First Universalist Society of Franklin, 262 Chestnut St. at 7:30PM.

The informational meeting on the Atlantic Bridge Pipeline had been held at Keller School on Monday, March 16.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/03/what-is-story-about-pipeline-coming.html

sign truck parked outside the informational meeting at Keller Elementary

A new pipeline passing through Franklin is both unnecessary and a bad idea. An informational meeting will be held at FUSF Church (262 Chestnut St) Thursday April 2nd, 7:30pm. Please attend and become informed.

The details outlined in this posting: 7 Reasons to Oppose New Gas Pipelines in MA will be among the topics discussed on Thursday.

Is sexting "a teenage mistake"?

The Milford Daily News reports on a new bill filed by Representative Jeff Roy to change the way the state would charge teenagers for sexting.

Roy’s bill would branch sexting off into a new category of crime for people under the age of 18, one treated as civil offense or misdemeanor with repercussions ranging from a diversion program to a fine 

An important change, Roy said, is the teen would not be required to register with the sex offender registry. 

The Franklin Democrat began studying the laws on sexting after receiving a call from a concerned local police officer. 

“He said that when they have an incident of sexting among teenagers, they are faced with either charging them with possession of child porn or doing nothing,” Roy said. “(The officer) acknowledged that sexting is a problem that can lead to some damaging consequences. He said, ‘We hate to do nothing, but to charge kids with child pornography has life-altering consequences."

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150331/NEWS/150339622/1994/NEWS

Two big events in April 2015 open to the Public

First:

The American Red Cross Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 8, 12:45 pm - 8:00pm

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
91 Jordan Road
Franklin, MA

Also

New England Family History Conference (nefamilyhistory.com)
Saturday, April 11, 10:00am - 3:00pm 

Admission is free 

 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 

91 Jordan Road 

Franklin, MA

Walking around Franklin (photo essay)

As the snow recedes, the sidewalks are visible and useable. Signs of spring were noticed on Sunday afternoon's walk but still hidden in the light snow on Saturday morning's walk.

Saturday

The FEF Trivia Bee is scheduled for April 8

as snow recedes we find the casualties of winter

the snow makes interesting shapes as it melts

almost ready for kids to play on!

sign replaced (finally) at the Library

 Sunday

the hockey nets are about to go under

signs of spring

Spring Lake (along Washington St) is starting to lose its ice cover

the Community Gardens are still resting under snow

this tree is starting to bud!

Housing Trust - affordable property available

The Housing Trust has another property available for those who meet the affordable housing guidelines. This property is located at 93 Brandywine Road.

Details on the property and affordable guidelines contained in this flyer





Contact Maxine Kinheart (508-520-4949) for more information.


Where is 93 Brandywine Road?




You can also find the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczU0U3U2hTT3JBZTg/view?usp=sharing

or on the Franklin webpage here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0205C73F-000F8513

Spolidoro, Martin, Pisani recognized for FHS Girls Basketball

Franklin High School was represented by Jillian Spolidoro (1st team), Lexi Martin (2nd team) and Traci Pisani (Defensive team) when Hockomock Sports announced the awards for girls basketball for the 2014-2015 season.

Hockomock Sports girls basketball first team (HockomockSports.com photo)

You can find the complete listing of awards for the Hockomock League girls basketball here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/girls-basketball-awards.html

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 1, 2015

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
February 4, 2015, March 4, 2015, March 18, 2015, March 18, 2015 – Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Purple Heart Town

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Transfer of Liquor License – Jimmy D’s d/b/a the GBU

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

Gary McCarraher – Ping 4 Alert
Melanson Heath, FY 14 Audit

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

1. Resolution 15-13: Appropriation: Town Administration – Insurance Recovery Account
2. Resolution 15-14: Appropriation: Capital FY 15 – Diesel Asphalt Hot Box

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents released for this agenda can be found here:
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/040115.pdf

Giese, Reno, Prunier recognized for FHS boys basketball

Hockomock Sports announced their boys basketball award winners this week. 

HockomockSports .com first team boys basketball (HockomockSports.com photo)

Marcus Giese was named to the First Team. Dylan Reno was named to the second team. Tim Prunier was named to the third team.

Defender of the Year - Dylan Reno

Dylan Reno was named Defender of the Year. Marcus Giese joined him on the Defensive Team.

For all the HockomockSports.com awards for Boys Basketball Check here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/boys-basketball-awards.html

American Red Cross Blood Drive - Thursday April 2 from 2pm - 7pm

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Franklin Country Club, Thursday, April 2 from 2pm - 7pm. 

American Red Cross blood drive screen grab

Open to the public. 

Email: kemlinger@franklincc.com or call Kevin to make an appointment at 508-528-6110 ext. 224


Additional information on dontaing blood can be found on the Red Cross webpage   http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood

You can also schedule your blood donation appointmen via  the webpage
http://www.redcrossblood.org/rcbmobile/drive/chooseDonationTime.jsp

Enter "02038" and select "Franklin Country Club"

Slavery in Franklin?

Slavery in Franklin? Records show that there were in fact men and women of color owned as property, not only in the South, but throughout New England and by prominent Franklin families in the late 1700's and early 1800's. 

Susan Elliott's informative exhibit, with details about slaves in our town is now on display at the museum. 

Learn about a man named Ceasar owned by the Pond family. Extensive research was done in preparation for this revealing exhibit.

image from Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page

The Franklin Historical Museum is open on Saturday from 10:00 to 1:00 and Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. (In warmer months, it will also oopen On Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 PM)

For more information about the Historical Museum and its exhibts, you can vis them on the web   http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

or on Facebook    https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038?fref=ts

The best visit is in person 80 West Central St

Franklin Historical Mueum on a sunny day

Franklin Downtown Partnership Meeting: Thurs, April 2nd - Streetscape Presentation

Franklin Downtown Partnership

General Meeting

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Thursday, April 2nd

8:30 AM

Dean College Campus Center

Golder Room

Coffee will be served

Downtown Streetscape Project presentation

Construction will begin in April...so come and learn about the details!

For background info on the streetscape project, there are several links available on the Downtown Partnership page here 
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/downtown-project.html