MassBudget: Analyzing the Legislature's Budget for FY 2016

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing the Legislature's Budget for FY 2016 The Legislature's Fiscal Year 2016 (FY 2016) budget, approved by the House and Senate on Wednesday, makes few major changes in overall funding provided to educate our children, keep our communities safe, protect our most vulnerable, keep our air and water clean, strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life in our communities. Click HERE for our full analysis.  The Governor now has ten days from the enactment of the budget to sign it and veto any outside sections, line items, or portions of line items. The budget then returns to the Legislature, which can either let vetoes stand or override them with a two thirds vote of the House and Senate.   The budget does include several significant new initiatives, including: Increasing the value of the state earned income tax credit from 15% of the federal credit to 23%. This will provide additional income to over 400,000 lower wage workers and their families (click HERE for town-by-town detail). Besides improving lives now by helping parents to pay for necessities like food and clothing for their children, this additional support is also likely to expand opportunity for these children over the long run: there is growing evidence that when the income of a lower income family increases, the children often do better in school and earn more as adults. Providing significant new tools for the administration to improve management at the MBTA. The budget creates a new MBTA Control Board and authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint the Director of the MBTA. The budget also suspends for three years the Taxpayer Protection Act (commonly called the Pacheco Law) that regulates privatization. The law requires that privatization efforts achieve savings by efficiency improvements rather than by reducing pay and benefits for workers (click HERE for more detail). Addressing substance abuse with targeted investments throughout MassHealth, public health and mental health. In particular, new initiatives support first responders and others in the community struggling to address the challenge of opioid addiction. The Legislature's final budget, like the budget proposed by the governor back in March, relies heavily on temporary strategies to balance the budget. It spends $300 million in capital gains tax revenue that would have gone into the Rainy Day Fund under current law. It also counts on $100 million from a tax amnesty and $116 million from putting off paying some of our FY 2016 MassHealth bills into FY 2017. As has been the case for many years, state budget choices are being shaped by fiscal challenges that date back to the late 1990s: after cutting the income tax by over $3 billion dollars between 1998 and 2002 our state has had to make deep cuts in areas like higher education, local aid, and public health. Meanwhile, the highest income residents in the Commonwealth are paying a substantially smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than do the other 99%. If our tax system were reformed so that the highest income 1% of taxpayers paid roughly the same share of their income in taxes as everyone else, that would raise about $2 billion that could be invested in things like making college affordable, improving our transportation systems, and providing all children with the supports they need to thrive. Please click HERE for our full analysis.    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

News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Encouraging Trends in Real Estate Market Citing continued growth in the total dollar volume of real estate sales and the robust gains in the mortgage market in the 2nd quarter, 2015, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell expressed "cautious optimism" that the Norfolk County real estate market is exhibiting several encouraging signs. The Register noted, "During the last quarter (April-June), the total number of deeds recorded rose a modest 4% to 4,745 compared to the same time period in 2014. I am convinced this number would have even been bigger except for the lack of real estate inventory as buyers compete amongst themselves for a limited number of properties." Register O'Donnell went on to say, "The total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by a significant 27% to $2.4 billion and the average sale price of property increased by 24% to $790,659 compared to the same quarter last year. These numbers clearly reflect, that despite the limited number of properties available, Norfolk County continues to be a desirable place to live and work." Another big story was the continued turnaround in the mortgage market. The Register cited the number of mortgages recorded 8,510, a substantial 30% increase from the 2nd quarter of 2014. Total mortgage borrowing for the comparative period was $3.9 billion, a 45% increase. "What these figures show is the continuing improvement in the real estate market and in consumer confidence in the mortgage markets. Such actions can only improve the overall economy," stated Register O'Donnell. One troubling statistic to note was the 69 foreclosure deeds filed in the County during the 2nd quarter, a 77% increase from the same time period in 2014. "This is a result of lending institutions working through a backlog of foreclosures, which were triggered by the housing crisis of 2008 and it's not just affecting Norfolk County, but all areas of Massachusetts. Compounding this data was the modest increase in the number of notice to foreclose recordings, 149 in the 2nd quarter, as compared to 138 during the same time period of last year. Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. These stats are a clear indicator that some of our neighbors are still struggling," said O'Donnell. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice of Foreclosure from a lender. Another option for consumers is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. One remaining positive development gleamed from the past quarter was a 7% increase in the number of Homesteads recorded. Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Overall, I continue to be cautiously optimistic about the Norfolk County real estate market. I am hopeful that we will see an uptick in inventory which will benefit home buyers, particularly first-timers looking to own a starter home or condominium. However, one note of caution is to watch what the Federal Reserve does with interest rates later this year." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us at 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

screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage

In the News: Kulanu Family Fun Festival

On Sunday, July 12, Kulanu is collaborating with Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin and Temple Beth Torah of Holliston to offer Jewish families the opportunity to enjoy the Kulanu Family Fun Festival. 

The Festival will have a bouncy house, face-painting, crafts and "The Bubble Music Man,” who has entertained at hundreds of day care centers, public libraries, schools and children's birthday parties since 2005. 

For the second year in a row The Bernon Family Branch YMCA, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin is hosting the Kulanu Family Fun Festival.

Continue reading the article here
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/article/20150704/NEWS/150709997


Register for the Kulanu Family Fun Festival by Friday, July 10 to get a rate of $5 for the entire family; $10 for families that walk-in. Register at https://jfsofmetrowest.wufoo.com/forms/kulanu-fun-day-07122015/

For questions, contact Kulanu Connector Dawn Doucette-Kaplan by email at ddoucettekaplan@jfsmw.org.

Lewis St Neighborhood - Roadway Improvements

Pavao Construction will be starting the Lewis St. Neighborhood Roadway Improvement Project the week of July 6th, 2015 and will continue through the fall. 

Crocker Ave at Summer St

Work will include drainage and roadway improvements on Lewis Street, Hill Ave, Crocker Ave, Cook Street, and Keough Street.

equipment and work underway on Lewis St

Access to residents will be maintained, but we ask that travelers seek alternate routes during construction.

work on new sidewalks along Uncas Ave

Where is Lewis St?

Off East Central St, opposite Rockland Trust

"I raised an addict - what could I have done differently?"

Patricia Byrne writes:

It has been a very interesting month. I have connected with old high school friends who have active or recovering addicts in their families. I have been contacted by people who are living the nightmare of Addiction as parents, spouses, children and friends of addicts as well as addicts themselves. Many have shared powerful stories of recovery. I have written or spoken the words ‘I am sorry for your loss’ too many times to count, though we really do need to keep counting… Every person we lose leaves a gaping hole in the world. That hole will swallow us all if the tide is not turned. 

I did not intend to start a blog, and I am a bit unsure of where to take it from here. I am, after all, just the Mom of an addict who posted a bit of a hissy fit to her Facebook. I don’t think I can keep tossing out hissy fits, it would get old pretty quickly. I have decided that I will post when something is swirling around in my head enough to make me sit down and write about it, since that’s what happened the first time. It may be a few things in a short amount of time, followed by a lull. We’ll just have to see where this blog leads me. 

This is a new journey and I’m glad for the company of all who would like to walk this path with me. We have certainly walked it alone for far too long. 

Today’s thought: What could I have done differently?

image from Heroin. Stop the Silence. Speak the Truth.

Continue reading her thoughtful post "I raised an addict -what could I have done differently?" 
https://stopthesilencespeakthetruth.wordpress.com/2015/07/10/i-raised-an-addict-what-could-i-have-done-differently/

#opioidFranklin

MetroWest Health Foundation: July News

July 2015 MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey Data Shows Teen Smoking Decline After Tobacco Purchase Age Goes to 21 A new EDC study has shown significant declines in teen smoking after raising the minimum sales age for tobacco to 21. The study, which examines trends in the actual prevalence of smoking associated with raising the minimum sales age, was published online June 12 in the journal Tobacco Control. The research focused on Needham, Massachusetts, which in April 2005 became the first town in the United States to raise the minimum tobacco sales age to 21; no other localities did so until 2012. The study found a significantly greater decline in smoking in Needham when compared to 16 communities west of Boston that maintained a minimum sales age of 18. The study examined data from the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, a biennial census survey of more than 16,000 high school students funded by the MetroWest Health Foundation. The analysis, done in collaboration with researchers at Brown University and Harvard Medical School, found that from 2006 to 2010 teen smoking in Needham dropped from 13 to 7 percent-a significantly greater decline than in the comparison communities where smoking decreased from 15 to 12 percent. This larger decline was consistent for both males and females, whites and nonwhites, and students in grades 10, 11, and 12. Cigarette purchases in stores among current smokers also declined significantly more in Needham than in the comparison communities. Researchers say the findings support local action to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. "Needham is an example for other communities considering policy changes to reduce youth smoking," said Shari Kessel Schneider, who led the study with her EDC colleagues and researchers from Brown University and Harvard Medical School. "Our findings support efforts to raise the minimum sales age as a mechanism for preventing youth access to cigarettes, smoking initiation, and ultimately nicotine addiction." The foundation is also working to extend the Tobacco 21 movement across other MetroWest communities. Through a foundation grant, the Natick Board of Health is working with local public health departments to enact new tobacco regulations and enforcement policies. The following MetroWest communities have already raised the age of minimum purchase to 21:    Needham Dover Sherborn Wellesley Hudson Medway Ashland Wayland Framingham Northborough Southborough Mendon Marlborough Natick New Report Captures 10 Years of Foundation Progress on Adolescent Health Issues The greatest threat to the health of MetroWest adolescents is not illness or chronic disease. It is the consequences of risky behaviors that can lead to injury, disability, social problems and even death. Since the MetroWest Health Foundation was founded, it has had an interest in keeping children and adolescents safe in their communities.  In its first five years of grantmaking, the foundation funded a variety of responsive projects focused on youth, such as self-injury and suicide prevention training for school personnel, a crisis stabilization program for deaf students, and the creation of several wellness centers in schools. Then in 2004, the foundation launched its first major proactive initiative, the Youth Substance Abuse Initiative and in 2008 the foundation reinforced its interest in youth health by establishing adolescent mental health as one of its three priority areas. As an extension of its work in the area of adolescent health, the trustees of the foundation made a commitment in 2006 to conduct the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey every two years for a total of ten years. Based on the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this census survey is now implemented in every middle and high school in the foundation's 25-town region. The survey data provides invaluable insight for schools and communities about the behavior of its adolescents. For the foundation, it has been used to help determine priority areas as well as measure the success of our funding initiatives. As we come to the conclusion of the initial ten-year commitment, it seems like an ideal time to reflect on the foundation's impact in risk behaviors addressed in the health survey. This "report card" looks at data from four areas - bullying, mental health, substance use and sexual behaviors - and discusses the foundation's efforts and impact. In doing so, we do not imply causation but rather seek to explore our contribution to any changes in behaviors. An overall grade is provided for each of the four initiative areas based on the level of improvement in the data at the grantee and regional levels. Progress has been very good in the four areas: Bullying - Significant Improvement Mental Health - In Progress Sexual Behavior - Moderate Improvement Substance Use - Significant Improvement Click here to read the full report. Tools You Can Use: Health Literacy Did you ever forget what your doctor told you once you left the office? Or, didn't really understand all the medical lingo you heard?   More and more of us need help with "health literacy" - defined by the US Department of Health & Human Services as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. It is easy to understand why only 12% of Americans are considered to be health literate. The MetroWest Racial & Ethnic Disparities Workgroup has been working to increase the health literacy of the region. Last fall, the workgroup sponsored a forum on health literacy which highlighted what providers could do to help patients become more literate through tools like "Talk Back" or through the use of patient navigators. Now the workgroup has assembled a list of curated online resources designed to assist both providers and consumers. The site has links to over fifteen websites that offer tools and resources that can better prepare patients for health care visits.    To check out the latest resources from the workgroup, go to the Strengthening the Field section of our website and click on Health Literacy.  MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership is Transforming Patient Care A recent meeting of the Advisory Council for the  MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership highlighted the progress the Partnership is making linking clinical and community services to improve patient care.  The advisory council heard from representatives of Charles River Medical Associates, a large physician group practice participating in the project.  Primary care physicians within this practice are screening older adults for fall risk at 11 sites across MetroWest. Patients that are identified to be at risk for falling are referred to and enrolled in evidence-based programs in the community. These programs include education workshops that reduce the fear of falling (A Matter of Balance), exercise programs to increase strength and balance (Tai Chi) and home safety evaluations to reduce fall hazards in the home.   Community partners provide feedback to Charles River's referral coordinator to keep physicians informed about their patient's progress in community programs. Since March, Charles River has referred 76 patients to the Partnership's programs.  The Partnership is also launching similar initiatives to address pediatric asthma, hypertension, and tobacco use.  The MetroWest Prevention & Wellness Partnership is one of nine projects funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the Prevention & Wellness Trust Fund. These projects will be testing how formal partnerships between clinical providers and community organizations can improve health outcomes and reduce the cost of care.  The MetroWest Health Foundation is providing ten percent matching funds to the MetroWest Partnership, serving Hudson, Marlborough, Northborough and Framingham.  For more information about the MetroWest Prevention and Wellness Partnership, contact Alex DePalo, Project Coordinator, Town of Hudson Health Department, (978) 568-9658.   MetroWest Health Foundation 161 Worcester Road, Suite 202 Framingham, MA 01701 T: 508.879.7625   Info@mwhealth.org

Forward this email MetroWest Health Foundation | 161 Worcester Road | Suite 202 | Framingham | MA | 01701

Zentangle Class Wednesday July 29th at Jane's Frames

This class on July 29th is one of the opening events for the Franklin Cultural Festival

Zentangle Class Join us for the next Zentangle 101 class Wednesday ,  July 29th 6:00-8:30 at Jane's Frames Zentangle is a meditative art form that anyone can do!  No art experience is needed.   . Please RSVP soon as the class  fills up quickly! After you call or e-mail, I will send you additional information about the class.  After 14 months of enjoying the relaxing and inspiring process of creating Zen-tangles,  in June  2012 , I was fortunate enough to attend a  three and a half day long course, along with over 100 attendees from all over the world, in order to become a certified Zentangle teacher. The instructors,  Marie Thomas and Rick Roberts, are the co-founders of Zentangle.   I am so pleased to be a Certified Zentangle Teacher,  and I now am proud to add CZT after my name!  What is Zentangle? Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.  Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages. For more information go to QUICK LINKS on right sidebar. A very Special Thank you goes to my friend Cathy Corcoran, a true Angel on earth, who introduced me to Zentangle 16 months before I became a CZT.. I have been enjoying this relaxing and inspiring process ever since. It was through Cathy's joy of presenting what she loves, generosity of spirit and inspiration that drew me into the world of tangling. I am forever grateful! Joyfully and Thankfully Yours, Jane Curran, CZT Jane's Frames Zentangle Class Relaxing & Eye Opening Quick Links www.zentangle.com www.janesframes.com www.tanglepatters.com A sample of creations from an Zentangle Class of first time tanglers.

Forward this email Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

Star Players and Dean College collaborate on "The Wiz"

The Star Players of Massachusetts and Dean College announced the cast and dates for the production of “The Wiz.” 

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6-8 and 2 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Friedman School, 500 Norton Ave., Taunton, and 7:30 p.m. August 20-22 and 2 p.m. Aug. 22-23 at the Dean College Main Stage Theater, 99 Main St., Franklin.

The Wiz - performed by The Star Players and Dean College

Continue reading here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150710/NEWS/150719495/1994/NEWS

For ticket information and to purchase online, check here   http://starplayersma.org/

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 7/10/15 - THU 7/16/15

FRI 7/10   10:30am   Ecology of Sound - Rainforest Music - Franklin Public Library
FRI 7/10   12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
FRI 7/10   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 7/10   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SAT 7/11   1-3pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center
SAT 7/11   1pm   Little Pig Joins the Band: A Musical Author Visit - Franklin Public Library
SAT 7/11   3pm   Visual Storytelling Workshop for grades 5-12, Franklin Public Library

SUN 7/12   8am-5pm   Fight Hunger! Annual Paintball Challenge to benefit Franklin Food Pantry - (159 Milford St., Upton)

MON 7/13   1pm   Mike the Bubble Man at Franklin Public Library

TUE 7/14   10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten (ages 3-5), Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/14   1pm   Subaru/Leave No Trace - Camping and Hiking Safety, Franklin Public Library
TUE 7/14   7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WED 7/15   10am-6pm   FSPA Open House for Prospective Students and Families
WED 7/15   10:30am   Terrific Toddlers - 18 month to 3 years old, Franklin Public Library
WED 7/15   1pm   Marvelous Marvin Math Blast at Franklin Public Library
WED 7/15   6pm   Concerts on The Common: Sharon Band, Children’s Program: Rob Peters the Bubble Music Man

THU 7/16   10:30am   Story and Craft for ages 3-6 at Franklin Public Library
THU 7/16   1pm   Lego Club for ages 3 to 12, Franklin Public Library
THU 7/16   3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and their Loved Ones at Franklin Senior Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For Franklin Public Library Summer Programs click HERE.


*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com