Senator Spilka: Work Begins on the FY2017 Budget

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Dear Friend, On Wednesday, December 16, I joined my colleagues in the Legislature's Ways and Means Committees for the state's annual consensus revenue hearing.  As this hearing represents the first step in crafting the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, I'd like to take this time to provide a snapshot of where our economy stands now and the factors that our committee will look at as we consider the future. Strong Recovery Experts and economists confirm that Massachusetts continues along its steady path of economic recovery, largely due to the resiliency we built into our economy before and during the recession.  At the recession's height, from fiscal year 2009 to fiscal year 2011, Massachusetts, like other states, had to cut billions from its budget.  We were able to cut less and rebuild faster than other states, however, thanks to our fiscal management and reserves.  As a result, Massachusetts is among only 14 states with an AA+ bond rating as of spring 2014. Stabilization Fund One of the simplest ways to understand our past preparedness is to examine the Commonwealth's Stabilization Fund, also called the Rainy Day Fund. Before the recession, the Stabilization Fund balance was $2.12B.  To prevent deep cuts to important services in fiscal years 2009 and 2010, withdrawals were made to the Stabilization Fund, leaving it at $670M.  Since then, House Ways and Means Chair Brian Dempsey and I have prioritized rebuilding the fund, resulting in a current balance of $1.25B. Housing For the second year in a row, Massachusetts has reached nearly pre-recession level in new housing units.  Simultaneously, the Massachusetts Housing Price Index has reached pre-recession highs.  While generally this is regarded as a positive sign of economic recovery, it also points to the high cost of living in the Commonwealth-and why some struggle to attain permanent housing without support. Employment Massachusetts has an unemployment rate below the national rate-4.6 per cent here versus 5 per cent nationally-and has remained below the national level since before the economic downturn. For those facing unemployment, however, the Commonwealth remains committed to not letting anyone go it alone.  In the fiscal year 2016 budget, we appropriated $2M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to train unemployed and low-wage workers, and we created a new $1.2M Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) grant program, a partnership with community colleges to specifically target the long-term unemployed and provide them with training and internship opportunities and the chance to fill resume gaps. We continue to work to ensure employment opportunities for all skill levels. Education Inextricably tied to economic opportunity is the ability to access a quality education.  I believe that educational supports must start very early, and continuing education should be available for those who wish or need to change careers as adults. A variety of programs in our fiscal year 2016 budget provided for the educational attainment of all age groups.  We appropriated $12M to reduce the waitlist for childcare services and $18.6M to expand full-day kindergarten programs.  Additionally, we sought to expand not-for-credit vocationally-oriented course offerings by including $1.5M for the Community College Workforce Training Incentive Grant Program.   To help children and families get the mental health services they need so children can focus on learning, I was proud to fully fund all Family Resource Centers, including the important oversight and operations work these programs do.   We also appropriated $11.5M for the Youth At-Risk Summer Jobs program to better prepare them for a life beyond the school walls. Lifting All Families In my first budget as Chair of Senate Ways and Means, I made a commitment to Lift All Families.  Massachusetts has long stood by its commitment to its citizens, resulting in one of the lowest poverty levels in the country.  Since 2005, the Massachusetts poverty rate has been three to four percentage points below the national average.  Regardless, the costs of essentials such as housing can be high for many families.  In the fiscal year 2016 budget, therefore, we preserved eligibility standards for families seeking Emergency Assistance and funded important support services to divert homeless families and families at risk of homelessness from shelters. We also appropriated $2M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth.  As addiction continues to be a scourge with the power to derail individuals and families, we provided $5M in new funding for over 150 post-detox beds.   While I am incredibly proud of what we've accomplished in the past, we must always be looking forward.  As we start work on the Senate's fiscal year 2017 budget, I hope to hear from all of you on the values and priorities you wish to have lifted up.   As always, if you would like additional information or have any concerns or comments, please call my office at (617) 722-1640 or email me at Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov. I wish you and yours a wonderful New Year! Warm Regards, Senator Karen E. Spilka 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk  Office of State Senator Karen E. Spilka Room 212, State House Boston, Massachusetts  02133 Phone: (617) 722-1640 - Fax: (617) 722-1077 http://www.karenspilka.com

Forward this email Senator Karen E. Spilka | Massachusetts State House, Room 212 | Boston | MA | 02133

FHS wrestling wins, hockey loses in Tuesday's action

The FHS wrestling team topped Canton and the hockey team dropped their game vs. Pope Francis in winter sports action on Tuesday, Dec 22. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for providing the results to share.

FHS Panthers

Wrestling

Canton, 12 @ Franklin, 59 – Final

– Canton’s two wins came from Brandon Lentol (160) and Nick Matt (285), his sixth win of the year in just his first season of wrestling.

Boys Hockey

Franklin, 0 @ Pope Francis, 4 – Final



For the other results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-122215/

FHS Boys Basketball tops OA, Girls Basketball loses to OA

The FHS boys basketball team topped Oliver Ames in a close 50-48 game while the girls basketball team dropped a 58-47 decision to OA. Thanks to Hockomock Sports for providing the information to share here

FHS Panthers

Boys Basketball

Franklin, 50 @ Oliver Ames, 48 – Final 

– Kevin Gill scored a turnaround jumper in the paint off an assist from Sam Harrell with just 0.8 seconds left as Franklin completed a big second half comeback. After being down as much as 14, the Panthers rallied for a big third and fourth quarters. Tim Prunier had a team-high 14 points for Franklin. Tim Kelley had a game-high 15 points for Oliver Ames and Dylan Mahoney added 10.

Girls Basketball

Oliver Ames, 58 @ Franklin, 47 – Final 

– Kayla Raymond had a double-double for the Tigers with 15 points and 10 rebounds and Niyera Mitchell added 14 points to pace the Tigers, who outscored Franklin 24-10 in the fourth quarter after trailing by six with four minutes to go. Francesca Calabraro added 10 points and Sam Bamford has six of OA’s 12 steals. Franklin was led by Lauren Rudolph with 10 points and Aubrie Kutil and Margaux Welsh each had seven.

For the rest of the scores from Monday around the Hockomock League
http://www.hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-122115/

Free parking clarified by Franklin Police

From the Franklin Downtown Partnership

The Franklin Police have clarified some guidelines about the covered parking meters downtown. 

While parking is free, the 2-hour maximum is still in effect for each space. The police are monitoring the spaces and will ticket violations. Downtown businesses, please pass this information along to all employees.

If you have questions, please contact Lt. Mark Mannochio, mmannochio@franklinpolice.com or 508-440-2727.

parking meter set up for the holidays

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/12/downtown-free-parking-update.html

Metacomet Land Trust has a new web presence

The Metacomet Land Trust has a new and updated website.  

"Since 1988 Metacomet has worked with landowners, towns and state agencies to permanently protect land. MLT owns more than 350 acres across our member communities, protects another 162 acres through Conservation Restrictions, and has assisted in the conservation of another 900 acres---land that is now town open space, state parks and forests, and state wildlife management areas. 

Follow us @MetacometLandTr on Twitter 

Metacomet proudly serves the communities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Franklin, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Norfolk, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, and Wrentham."

Visit -> http://metacometlandtrust.org/

screen grab of the new Metacomet Land Trust webpage

Follow up on crumb rubber by FOX 25 (video)

FOX25 did a piece on the recent letter by three legislators requesting info on the crumb rubber issue.





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If you missed the letter, that can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/massachusetts-legislators-submit-letter.html

installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now)

Guide to MetroWest

Looking for things to do during the school break that are 'close to home'? Check out the Guide to Metro West just published for 2016.

You can find it here (PDF)
http://www.metrowestvisitors.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/2016-Guide-to-MetroWest.pdf


Or here

partial cover image of the MetroWest Guide

Public Skating Times - Pirelli Arena

Veteran’s Arena, 910 Panther Way, released a schedule of public skating times during school vacation week, Dec. 24 through Jan. 3, 2016.

• Dec. 24: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 25: Closed.
• Dec. 26: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• Dec. 27: from 2 to 3:50 p.m.
• Dec. 28: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 29: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 30: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Dec. 31: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
• Jan. 1: from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.; and from 8 to 9:50 p.m.
• Jan. 2: from 2:30 to 4:20 p.m.
• Jan. 3: from 2 to 3:50 p.m.

Admission costs $5, and rental skates are available for $5 on a first-come, first-served basis. For a list of all the updated daily public skating locations and times, visit fmcicesports.com/public-skating.



This was shared from the Milford Daily News
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151220/NEWS/151229856/1994/NEWS

FHS winter sports compete on a busy Saturday

Saturday was busy with  competition in hockey, indoor track and wrestling for the Franklin High School teams. The boys hockey team won, the girls lost. Both the boys and girls indoor track won their meets. In a quad event at FHS, Franklin went 2-1 in wrestling; beating Salem (NH) and Lawrence but dropping the match to St John's Prep. All the details thanks to Hockomock Sports.

Boys Hockey

Franklin, 4 vs. Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 – Final 

– Alec Gilliatt scored twice, including an empty net goal and Jake Downie and Tyler Oakes also scored for the Panthers.

FHS Panthers

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 3 @ Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake, 4 – Final

Wrestling

Franklin Quad (Franklin) 

– Franklin went 2-1 on the day. After starting with a 41-25 setback to St. John’s Prep, Franklin picked up wins over Salem (NH) 60-14 and closed the day with a 35-26 win over Lawrence.

Indoor Track - Boys

Franklin, 53 vs. King Philip, 47 – Final 

– In a close battle, Franklin was able to pull out the win. Luke Gordon was first in the 300M (39.29), Jimmy Robbins was first in the 1000M (2:48.60) and Ryan Spelman had the best time of all teams in the 1 Mile at 4:40.49. Other first place finishes were Spelman in the 2 Mile (10:53.41) and Michael Bullen in the long jump (18-06.75). King Philip’s Sean Garrity had the best 55M dash performance off all 12 schools, taking first in 6.85. Ethan Dunne was first in the 600M (1:33.09) and the 55M hurdles (8.45), Paul Macrina in the shot put (42-05.00) and a league best high jump performance from Michael Roby (5-08.00).

Indoor Track - Girls

Franklin, 78 vs. King Philip, 22 – Final 

– A sophomore finished first in three different events to pace the Panthers. First place finishes for Franklin included second year athlete Jessica Kroushl in the 55M dash (7.61), the 300M (league-best 43.14 [Franklin freshman Halle Atkinson was second in the league at 43.16]) and the long jump (15-08.50), Meghan Doherty in the 600M (1:42.75), Brittany Robinson in the 1000M (league-best 3:09.44), Ella Gutkowski in the 1 Mile (5:45.04), Carly Rondeau in the 2 Mile (13:00.91) and Beth Neal in the 55M hurdles (9.72) and the high jump (league-best 4-10.00). King Philip’s Jayla Millender was first in the shot put (28-00.00).

For all the results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-121915/

Town Offices closed Dec 24, 25, Schools with half day on the 23rd

The offices for the Town of Franklin will be closed for the holidays, Thursday, Dec 24 and Friday, Dec 25th.

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central St

In addition the schools close with a half day on Wednesday, Dec 23 and re-open on Monday, January 4, 2016.

Parmenter sign

Affordable Housing for 55+ - 37 Grey Wolfe Drive

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Franklin, MA

37 Grey Wolfe Drive

Meadowbrook Heights, An Adult 55+ Community

Located on Grey Wolf Drive (off of Longhill Road) in Franklin, MA

Two Bedroom Town Home Priced @ $174,818

Household Income Limits: 1 Person - $ 48,800 2 Person - $ 55,800 3 Person - $ 62,750

At least one household member must be 55 years of age or older at time of submission.
Approx 1,850 s.f. units. Includes air conditioning and one-car garage. 1st Floor: Kitchen,
Dining Room, Family Room, Master Bedroom with Full Bath, Laundry Room and 2nd
Floor: Bedroom, Bathroom and Loft.

Applications and Information available at the Municipal Building, and at
www.franklin.ma.us Town Administrator’s Page, Affordable Housing. Contact Maxine
(508) 520-4949 or mkinhart@franklin.ma.us.


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/022B14B2-000F8513


An image for 37 is not available via Google but assuming the development is the same, here is one for 95 Grey Wolfe Dr

Town Council meeting Dec 16, 2015

Here is the Storify summary of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Dec 16

For those reading this via email, you may need to go to the Franklin Matters webpage to scroll within the Storify summary for the full report.

Franklin Municipal Building, location for the Town Council meetings

The documents released for this meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html

FHS basketball and hockey teams split their games, both swim teams won on Friday

The Franklin High School winter sports teams split most of the competition on Friday. The boys basketball team beat Attleboro while the girls closed the gap but lost to Attleboro. The boys hockey team lost to Canton while the girls hockey team beat Medway/Ashland. Both the boys and girls swim teams beat Foxboro. The results are shared from Hockomock Sports.

Boys Basketball

Attleboro, 39 @ Franklin, 72 – Final 

– The Panthers amped up their defense in the second half, turning a nine point lead at halftime into a 33 point win. Tim Prunier had a game-high 20 points, Paul Mahon scored 16 points and Connor Goldstein had 11 points. Attleboro’s Jake Dunkley had a team-high 16 points.

Girls Basketball

Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 48 – Final 

– The Panthers battled back to get the Attleboro lead to as few as four points after trailing by as many as 16 in the second half. Aubrie Kutil was the top scorer for Franklin with 14 points and Lauren Rudolph chipped in with 13.

Boys Hockey

Canton, 4 vs. Franklin, 2 – Final 

– Shaun Kirby scored a pair of goals for the Bulldogs, who came back from a goal down twice in the first period. Matt Lazaro and Jim Jenkins each scored in the third period to give the Bulldogs the win at Schneider Arena at Providence College. Adam Assad and Jeremy Miller scored the Franklin goals.

FHS celebrates a goal (Hockomock Sports.com photo)

A full write up of the game played at Providence College can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/kirby-inspires-canton-comeback-win-against-franklin/

Photos from the game can be found here
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20152016/Winter-201516/Canton-Franklin-Hockey-at-PC/

Girls Hockey

Franklin, 4 @ Medway/Ashland, 2 – Final 

– Haley Griffin, Regan Paterson, Marlee Paterson and Kate Cashman each scored in the win for the Panthers.

Boys Swimming

• Franklin, 86 @ Foxboro, 21 – Final

Girls Swimming

• Franklin, 97 @ Foxboro, 40 – Final

The complete set of results from Friday nights action around the Hockomock League can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-121815/

In the News: Dean security changes hands, retention or wetland?

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Campus police officers at Dean College had their last day on the job Friday, as they were replaced by a private security company. 

Michael Carmody, a former Public Safety sergeant, said once the overnight shift ended at 8 a.m., the private security firm, TeamOps, took over.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215815/1994/NEWS

The Town Council may look to review a local bylaw that protects some man-made retention ponds as wetlands. 

The matter came up at Wednesday's council meeting in which DPW Director Robert "Brutus" Cantoreggi proposed an amendment to the bylaw that would enable town workers to perform maintenance on such ponds. 

"The town has over 90 retention ponds that we do maintenance on," he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151218/NEWS/151215812/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 12/18/15 - THU 12/24/15

FRIDAY 12/18/15
9:30-10:30am   Canvas and Coffee at Franklin Art Center

SATURDAY 12/19/15
11am-3pm   Santa and his helpers at Kidz Plaster Zone
1-3pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center: hand paint ceramic cookie plate, ornament and handmade card
7:30pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School

SUNDAY 12/20/15
7:30-10:30am   Weekly Sunday morning breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club, open to public.
1-3pm   Family Paint at the Franklin Art Center
2pm   FPAC Presents ’Tis the Season! at the Franklin High School
2-4pm   Santa at the Learning Express
6:10-7:10pm   Family Skate and Pictures with Santa at the Pirelli Veteran’s Arena

MONDAY 12/21/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

TUESDAY 12/22/15
3:30-5pm   Holiday Workshop at Franklin Art Center

WEDNESDAY 12/23/15
1-3pm   Kids Paint at Franklin Art Center

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

FHS 3rd in the first Wrestling Hock 5

Hockomock Sports has posted its first Hock 5 ranking for Wrestling and it lists Franklin 3rd.

FHS Panthers

3. Franklin (1-1)

Despite the setback against Foxboro on Wednesday, the Panthers will be one of the better teams in Division 1. Once again, they will be the biggest challenge for North Attleboro because they have plenty of talent, including Nick Narducci and Mike Racca.

You can find the full Hock 5 posting here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/hock-5/wrestling/

In the News: deputy Town Administrator, complaints about permit

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

Jamie Hellen, operations assistant to the town manager, is leaving Town Hall to become the deputy town administrator in Franklin. 

Hellen was appointed by Town Manager Norman Khumalo in 2012. He'll work in town until the end of the month. 

During his tenure, Hellen has been involved in many special projects, including planning for the town's 300th Anniversary Celebration and helping with the historical commissions. His day-to-day responsibilities include making sure Khumalo's and the selectmen's priorities are being met, he said.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216196/1994/NEWS

Several townspeople complained Thursday night to the Zoning Board of Appeals about what they claim was a lack of transparency in the town's approval of a group home on Plain Street. 

The board, though, decided to uphold the building commissioner's decision to issue a permit. 

At issue is an eight-bed building - set to house clients of the state Department of Developmental Services - under construction at 21 Plain St. Dave Patterson, a neighbor, had appealed the issuance of the building permit.

Continue reading the article online here (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20151217/NEWS/151216179/1994/NEWS

The next "Let's Laugh Today" in Franklin is on Monday, December 28th

Trade all your holiday stress for laughter (and burn some of those holiday calories!) at LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin on Monday, December 28th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker will give you the gift of laughter!  

Join them in a combination of deep breathing exercises with laughter exercises that oxygenate your body and brain in order to feel more healthy and energetic. No mats or special clothing is needed. There will be chairs set up so you can sit. Laughter Yoga is now being done in 90 different countries!  

Please bring your water bottle because laughing is dehydrating. 

See www.letslaughtoday.com or call 508-660-2223 for more information and other opportunities to laugh.Come and experience the contagiousness of laughter! $5 donation to FUSF/$10 maximum per family.  

Any age and any level of physical ability can participate in this uplifting experience! You can sit or stand. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. If you have any questions, just call 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. New laughers are always welcomed! 

Smiles and Laughter your way,
Linda and Bill Hamaker
www.letslaughtoday.com