"Help the MBTA set our service priorities"
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MBTA Survey |
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
The Conference Committee has reached an agreement and filed a report to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2016 budget. The agreement appropriates $38.14B in state spending. The Conference Report also includes language preventing the use of state funds or tax expenditures for the 2024 Olympics, the creation of a finance control board and a 3 year suspension, for the MBTA, of the statute that governs the privatization of the functions of state entities, an increase to 23% for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) effective January 1, 2016 and no changes to the income tax.
“I am proud that this budget begins the process of bringing meaningful reforms to the MBTA, to ensure that the system failures brought on by the storms during the winter of 2015 will not be repeated,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D- Haverhill, Chairman House Committee on Ways and Means). “I would also like to highlight that this budget found a way to prioritize funding to make significant investments to protect and expand services for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens especially clients of the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Mental Health.”
“This report is a reflection of the priorities of both the House and Senate and while we may be a few days into the new fiscal year, it demonstrates our ability to work together on complex issues to reach the compromises needed for results,” added Dempsey. “I would like to congratulate my fellow conferees Representatives Kulik and Smola and Senators DiDomenico and deMacedo for their hard work on the Conference Committee. I would also like to extend an additional thank you and congratulations to my co-chair Senator Karen Spilka on the successful completion on her first budget conference committee as Chair of Senate Ways and Means.”
“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement on a final budget that lays the foundation for shared prosperity and economic growth,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is terrific news for Massachusetts families. I’m especially proud of the increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit, an incredibly effective way to lift working families out of poverty and a step toward addressing income inequality in our communities. "
"We strengthen pathways to educational opportunity at all levels, from early education to K-12 to college to workforce development. The budget also invests significantly in homelessness prevention, initiatives to tackle the opioid addiction crisis and innovative ways to increase access to justice. To improve public transit we have given Governor Baker the tools he needs to get the MBTA back on track. We have protected riders from excessive fare increases and kept our commitment to financial investments in the T.”
“Thank you to Senator DiDomenico, Senator deMacedo, Representative Kulik and Representative Smola for your hard work and assistance throughout this process. Thank you also to my House counterpart Chairman Dempsey for his partnership in creating a budget that reflects the priorities of both chambers. My goal when I became Chair of Senate Ways and Means this year was to lift all families through the budget process. This final budget accomplishes that goal,” said Spilka.
Franklin senior Zane Byrne was an important part of a Franklin team that made it all the way to the D1 South Sectional Semifinals this season. Byrne batted .299 on the season with 23 hits, seven doubles and a home run. He knocked in 21 runs, scored eight times himself and had three sac flies this season. On the mound, Byrne went 6-2 with a 2.23 ERA, 26 strikeouts in 50.1 innings, issued 17 total walks and had three complete games.
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FHS Panthers |
Franklin junior Nick Santucci was a cornerstone in Franklin's run in the D1 South Sectional tournament. Santucci was one of the best in the entire Hockomock for the second half. On the season, Santucci batted .367 with 22 runs batted in, 11 stolen bases, 29 total hits and 20 runs scored. Santucci also hit a pair of home runs this season. On the mound, Santucci had a 2.33 ERA with four strikeouts and a save for the Panthers.
Franklin senior Anthony Chaiton got it done at the plate, in the field and on the mound for the Panthers this season. Offensively, Chaiton had 31 hits for a .367 average and knocked in 19 runs. He had 11 stolen bases to go with six doubles and a triple while scoring 17 runs. On the mound, Chaiton compiled a 4-2 record in 42.2 innings, striking out a team-high 53 batters while issuing just 17 walks. He finished with a 3.12 ERA this season.
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Hello. This is Gary Premo, with the Franklin Police Department, calling with an important traffic update.
Repairs have been completed, and Forest Street is REOPENED to through traffic.
Thank you for your patience. Have a GREAT day. Good bye.
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• Dacey’s Market
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Franklin Municipal Building |
Police Chief Stephan Semerjian reports that the Franklin Police and Fire Departments collaborated with High School students to create a public service announcement about safely disposing of syringe needles.
The video stresses that if anyone finds a sharp in the community, they should not pick it up, and instead immediately alert police. The PSA reminds residents to: STOP. DON'T TOUCH. CALL 911.
During a minute-and-a-half video, a group of students are on a playground when one girl notices a needle in the mulch. Curious, she reaches to pick it up, but a friend interjects before she can, "Stop, don't touch that!" he says. "It's a sharp, it can hurt you."
After calling 911, students standby until Franklin police and fire arrive on scene. An officer uses rubber gloves to pick up the syringe and properly secure it in a sharps container.
"Glad you guys called us," says Sergeant Christopher Spillane. "If someone accidentally got pricked with this, they could get hurt, or even worse, they could get sick."
Firefighter Charles Bailey explains that the person who used the needle could have hepatitis or HIV, which could be transmitted to a person if he or she is pricked. So, it's important that community members never touch a a syringe they find on the ground.
"The high school students did a great job collaborating with local public safety officials to create this important public service announcement," Chief Semerjian said. "Together, we can help ensure our community stays safe."
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Franklin Police Station - 911 Panther Way |
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MA DPH webpage |
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2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration |
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MA DPH webpage |
- Anna and Elsa from FROZEN
- Jamie Barrett (Franklin's own)
- Flippo the Clown
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2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration |
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Franklin Matters archives go back almost every day through to 2008 |
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2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration |
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MA DPH webpage |
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Franklin Public Library - 118 Main St |
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2015 Franklin 4th of July Celebration |