"consider more stringent regulations for the panels"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town may consider stricter zoning requirements for solar panels after a local resident brought his concerns to the Town Council. 

Resident Michael Swetz raised the matter during the public comment segment of a recent council meeting, saying he was motivated by a possible 40-panel solar installation on Prospect Street. 

According to Swetz, current laws regard the panels as benign, and do not impose much in the way of regulations on them. 

"Under the zoning ordinance, they're an auxiliary building," he said. "Right now, ground-based solar panels can be put in your backyard like a garden shed, with no screening requirements or safety requirements."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161010/franklin-may-consider-harsher-solar-rules

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

The statement by Michael Swetz during the Citizens Comment portion of the Town Council meeting on Oct 5 can be viewed here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html

Jason, Brittany & Braydyn's Fire Fund

"Would it be possible for you to share the link below for a Franklin family who lost their home on Beaver street to a fire? 

The family does not have a place to live. They have a kindergartner at Davis Thayer and are expecting a daughter in February.

Their son is in my son's class at Davis Thayer."

Jason, Brittany & Braydyn's Fire Fund

You can donate via GoFundMe -->> https://www.gofundme.com/2pwt6xys

“Increased trust leads to being able to manage better in a lot of ways”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts leads the nation in a lot of things, but transparency isn’t one of them. When news start-up MuckRock published a ranking of government transparency in all 50 states based on how long each took to respond to public records requests in 2015, Massachusetts placed 49th. Only Hawaii lagged behind the commonwealth. MuckRock found Massachusetts hands down little punishment for public records violations and slaps on huge fees for information. The upside, though, is that recent pushback could spark some change in the law. 

Because of social media and the internet, demand for public records has increased over the years. With that, demand for records to be online and easily available has grown. While recent laws aimed at making public records easier to obtain will affect everyone, they are mainly targeted at the state level. At the town level, though, transparency can also be a problem, cropping up at selectmen and other municipal meetings across the region. If you ask Hopkinton's Chris Bullock, though, just putting numbers online isn't enough. Though many municipalities in MetroWest and the Milford area have their records online, Bullock said they need more context."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/transparency-changing-municipal-relationship-with-public

screen grab of part of Franklin's 2014 data in ClearGov (note: 2014 is only year currently available)

• For some of Franklin's data in the ClearGov view

http://www.cleargov.com/massachusetts/norfolk/city/franklin/2014

• Boston is working on CityScore which summarizes the city operations in key performance metrics.

https://www.boston.gov/cityscore

• More about the dashboard can be found here

http://www.cityofboston.gov/mayorsdashboard/

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County It was a split decision when it came to 3rd quarter real estate data (July-September 2016) in Norfolk County, according to Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell. The Register noted that while real estate sales were flat, the lending market continued to boom thanks to continuing low interest rates. O'Donnell stated, "Overall, Norfolk County is holding its own in terms of real estate sales. A total of 5,295 property transactions were recorded in the county during the 3rd quarter, representing a 1% reduction from the same period in 2015. However, total real estate volume, both residential and commercial, for the quarter came in at $2.9 billion, a 21% increase compared to last year's numbers. The average sales price, including both residential and commercial quarter 3 was $808,198, a solid 25% increase year over year. It should be noted the total sales and average sales numbers were impacted by a $205 million dollar sale of Westwood Station that took place in mid-August." "The lending market," noted O'Donnell, "was the real silver lining story. The total number of mortgages recorded was 9,717, a solid 21% increase from the previous year. In addition, total mortgage financing finished at $4.65 billion for the quarter, a 34% increase from last year's 3rd quarter 2015. Clearly, consumers and businessmen are taking advantage of continuing low interest rates to pay for new home purchases, home improvements, education expenses and expansion of business. More than anything, these robust lending figures tell us the eastern Massachusetts economy remains vibrant." While there is no question the local economy remains on solid footing, some of our neighbors continue to face economic challenges. "The 3rd quarter saw 83 foreclosure deeds recorded , a sobering 34% increase year over year. More encouraging was the reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process. A total of 201 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings were recorded during the 3rd quarter period compared to 238 for the 3rd quarter 2015. While one foreclosure filing is one too many, hopefully this trend in reduced filings will continue," stated O'Donnell. O'Donnell went on to list the ways the Registry of Deeds can help those facing a foreclosure. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds 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 to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. I would urge those facing issues paying a mortgage to avail themselves of these excellent programs," stated Register O'Donnell. On another consumer note, Homestead recordings were flat during the 3rd quarter. A total of 3,710 Homesteads were recorded versus 3,700 during the same time period in 2015. Register O'Donnell reiterated the importance of filing a Homestead, "A Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I encourage homeowners to continue to avail themselves of this important consumer protection tool." In conclusion Register O'Donnell stated, "While the Norfolk County real estate sales figures were flat for the 3rd quarter 2016, I am glad there was no significant drop-off. What was really encouraging were the solid numbers seen in lending activity. One note, however, the Federal Reserve is again considering raising interest rates before year's end. We will need to watch this carefully to see how it affects real estate activity." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter and instagram @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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Register O'Donnell Reports Increased Lending in Norfolk County

In the News: Women's Success Network meeting, legalizing recreational marijuana ballot question

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Women’s Success Network will welcome S. Brent Harding from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Franklin Country Club, 672 E. Central St. 

Harding will explore the color of red and its symbolism and power to generate feelings, self-esteem and action. Her hands-on activity will give participants the opportunity to complete a personal mission statement that will help provide the roadmap to their vision both personally and professionally. 

Harding is the founder of the Wealth Warrior broadcast, a weekly Internet show, dedicated to helping people achieve financial freedom and generational prosperity through financial literacy and focused action. She has also been featured in the Boston Business Journal, Women’s Business Journal and The Urban News magazine. 

To register: wsninc.org. Registration must be completed by Oct. 25.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/womens-success-network-to-welcome-s-brent-harding

"Legalizing recreational marijuana will fall on to voters this November, but trying to parse the conflicting rhetoric of opponents and proponents for ballot Question 4 can be difficult for even close followers of the proposal. 

Some say marijuana is a gateway drug, others say it can actually help opioid addicts get clean. Some say it causes brain damage, but others say the claims in those studies are unfounded. With the two sides directly contradicting each other it begs the question - how safe is marijuana? But even within the addiction community, opposing schools of thought date back much longer than Colorado's 2012 legalization of recreational pot. 

Miriam Boeri is an associate professor of sociology at Bentley University. She focuses on drug addiction and has worked closely with heroin and methamphetamine addicts. She favors marijuana legalization and feels it has potential to limit the number of new addicts. In April 2015, she published a piece in Newsweek with the declarative headline "Marijuana is not, repeat not, a gateway drug."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161009/is-pot-is-addictive-battle-smolders-around-ballot-question

Recap of the Town Council meeting - Oct 5

The key moment to take away from the Town Council meeting could be found in the section where the Historical Commission provided an update on the work their interns did during the summer. Mary Olsson introduced Allison Anderson, one of the two interns. Both interns have had training in curation and management of historical artifacts.

Franklin is effectively sitting upon a treasure trove of historical items, the value of which is hard to determine as the inventory and caring processes had been put together by volunteers. Now the volunteers have done well for what they had, but many weaknesses were highlighted and a part time curator would be very worthwhile. The summer project effectively set up a framework for future work to build upon. There needs to be a continued investment in people and supplies.

Now that the Historical Commission has a better understanding of what is required, as well as the Town Council, it would not be surprising to see a proposal for a part time curator during the budget cycle.

In other key items, the Town Council referred a set of bylaws to the Planning Board. These items would establish a 'country store' zone to enable the Hillside Nursery to expand their operations on Washington St. After the Planning Board does their public hearing and makes revisions (if necessary), the items come back to the Town Council for public hearings (and possible revisions) before being voted on.

In the Citizen Comment, Michael Swetz Jr, 3 Kara-Lyn Drive detailed the ground installation of a solar panel grid that is apparently being governed by the shed bylaw. The lack of proper guidance in the shed bylaw for such an installation is creating a safety hazard. You can find a copy of the text presented with photos here http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/present-permitting-for-residential.html




The notes reported live during the meeting can be found here:

• Live reporting: Legislation through to Closing
• Live reporting: Historical Commission update
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Oct 5, 2016

The published agenda for the meeting can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/10/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-oct-5.html

new crosswalk being added on Pleasant St to enable access to the DelCarte property
and foster walking on the newly installed sidewalk

Oak St PCC fund raiser with Papa Gino's - Oct 13

The Oak St PCC is holding a fund raiser with Papa Gino's on Thursday, October 13 from 4:00 to 9:00 PM.

Papa Gino's

Bring in a copy of the flyer shown here to ensure that Oak St PCC will get 20% of the proceeds from the evening.

The Papa Gino's in the Franklin Village Plaza will honor this deal.

In the News: Hope Bus visits Oct 20, Real ID coming to MA

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hope Bus will visit three of Dean Bank’s four branches in October and November. 

Due to parking limitations in downtown Franklin, staff and resources from the bus will be moved inside the main office branch, 21 Main St., Franklin, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20. The bus itself will be parked throughout the work day on Nov. 2 at the bank’s branch at 411 Pulaski Blvd., Bellingham, and at its branch in the Park n’ Shop Plaza, 8 Main St., Blackstone, on Nov. 16. 

The Hope Bus is a mobile resource vehicle that offers free information and resources related to breast cancer. Staff will be present throughout the day to answer questions, provide confidential guidance to those affected by breast cancer and direct visitors to the proper avenues of support if interested."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161008/gloria-gemma-hope-bus-to-visit-dean-bank-locations

Dean Bank, 21 Main St Franklin

For more info about the Hope Bus
http://www.gloriagemma.org/the-hope-bus

"The ability of Massachusetts residents to access certain federal buildings and airplane departure gates in future years could depend on the success of a $62.2 million contract with a Colorado company hired to revamp the state's three-decade-old driver's license software system. 

After the Massachusetts Department of Transportation authorized the state to move forward with Fast Enterprises on Thursday, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said the new software package could support the state's plans for licenses that comply with the federal REAL ID law. 

Pollack said the computer system allows the registry to issue driver's licenses and provides information to law enforcement."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161008/state-agrees-to-62-million-software-for-real-id-licenses

For more info about Read ID
https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions

FHS girls soccer and volleyball posts wins on Friday

From Hockomock Sports we share the FHS fall sports results from Friday, Oct 7

*** Football = Franklin, 13 @ King Philip, 35 – Final

1st Quarter: (KP) Shane Frommer 62 yard punt return, XP good.
2nd Quarter: (KP) S. Frommer 15 yard rush, XP good.
3rd Quarter: (KP) S. Frommer 11 yard rush, XP good; (KP) Brendan Lydon 1 yard rush, XP good; (F) Jacob Wolowacki 1 yard rush, XP good.
4th Quarter: (KP) B. Lydon 5 yard pass to Brett Mazur, XP good; (F) J. Wolowacki 3 yard rush, XP no good.

*** Boys soccer = Stoughton, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– Franklin built a two goal lead in the first half but the Black Knights stormed back with three unanswered goals to grab the win. Farley Asmath and Nitin Chaudury netted goals off assists from Liam Kapples to put the hosts up 2-0. Stoughton answered as Noah Schulze scored on a free kick from 30 yards out and then tied the game before the break on Tyler Melo’s strike from outside the area. The Black Knights netted the game-winner with Melo finishing off a cross from Jordan Asnes. Stoughton head coach Aaron Salter said, “It was an excellent team performance today from every player.” Salter had specific praise for his back line as well as Melo and junior Brian Peoples.

*** Girls Soccer = Franklin, 4 @ Stoughton, 0 – Final

– Meghan Doherty, Miranda Smith, Sara Yelle and Molly Duncan scored the goals for the Panthers, while Calen Frongillo has a pair of assists and Emily Mastaj and Nadia Havens each had one.

FHS Panthers

*** Volleyball = Stoughton, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

– Lauren McGrath helped set Franklin up for victory, notching 33 assists along with seven digs and three aces to lead the Panthers. Erin Skidmore had 15 kills and 11 digs, Maddie Kuzio had 21 digs and three aces, Lindsay McGowan contributed with seven kills, four digs, three aces and Meaghan Maguire finished with eight blocks and five kills for Franklin. For Stoughton, Riley Bagley had 43 digs while Val Whalen added 17 kills and sophomore Molly Turner had 20 assists.


For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-100716/

Tri-County School Committee Honors Founding Member With ‘Emeritus’ Title

Franklin resident Robert J. Rappa was recently voted “Chairman Emeritus” by the Tri-County Regional School Committee in recognition of his decades-long commitment to the district.

Mr. Rappa, a member of the School Committee since the building first opened in 1977, announced plans to step down from his post this past spring after 40 years of dedicated service to the students of Tri-County. He was also a member of the Building Committee prior to construction of the school.

In a unanimous vote on September 21, the School Committee awarded Mr. Rappa the title of “Chairman Emeritus”, thereby ensuring that he maintains his ties to the school in perpetuity.

Founding School Committee members Robert J. Rappa, of Franklin,
and Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole, pose for photo

In October 2015, the School Committee renamed the high school’s main office conference room in honor of Rappa and fellow founding School Committee member Louis E. (Ted) Hoegler, of Walpole. They continue to support Tri-County graduates with the Hoegler Rappa Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Rappa has made countless contributions to the Franklin community. He worked as the Town of Franklin’s Treasurer-Collector for many years before moving on to Keefe Insurance Agency, where he worked for 38 years. Mr. Rappa was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Dean Cooperative Bank.

"it is incumbent on you to make yourself as competitive as possible”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"State officials joined students at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School for a Mass Insight kickoff event on Sept. 30. 

In attendance were state Reps. John Fernandes, D-Milford; Elizabeth Poirier, R-North Attleborough; and Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, and state Sens. Richard Ross, R-Wrentham; and Karen Spilka, D-Ashland. They joined nearly 200 advanced placement and pre-advanced placement students to kick off the program, which is aimed at increasing participation and performance in Tri-County’s AP courses. 

Addressing the audience, Spilka praised the students for taking on a challenging course load. 

“This is a big challenge, but it is really well worth it,” said Spilka. “Our 21st-century workforce depends on you; it is as simple as that.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161007/tri-county-regional-hosts-mass-insight-kickoff-event

Tri-County Regional Voc Tech

In the News: Franklinites play in King Richards Faire, Ballot Question 4 to be debated

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Every year, come September and October, Franklinites Jamie Dellorco and Frank Dixon take on double lives. 

Five days a week, Dixon is a purchasing agent at Boston Medical Center, and Dellorco is a professional actress based in New York. But on autumn weekends, they become their alter egos and exist somewhere in the medieval period. 

The two are seasoned members of the cast at King Richard’s Faire, a popular fall tradition that plays out on several wooded acres in Carver. 

“There, I’m Heyo, the court jester,” says Dixon, who has been living his medieval half-life for about 23 years – 21 of them as HRM King Richard’s chief fool."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161007/medieval-life-for-them-two-from-franklin-are-principals-at-king-richards-faire

"The first of two debates on key ballot questions is scheduled Thursday at Regis College, featuring lawmakers on both sides of Question 4, which asks voters to decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana. 

The debate on Oct. 13 is free and open to the public, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Student Center Lounge at Regis. 

State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, will speak in favor of passing Question 4, while state Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, will argue against passage of the question on the Nov. 8 ballot. 

Questions will be posed by attorney Carmenelisa Perez-Kudzma, Regis College's Legal Studies Program director, and Rick Holmes, opinion editor of the MetroWest Daily News. Kelley Tuthill, vice president of public relations and communications at Regis, will moderate the debate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161007/regis-hosts-debate-thursday-on-question-4-legalizing-pot

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Abbie Gardner and Jim Henry Oct 15

Oct 15 Abbie Gardner and Jim Henry Nov 5  Three rising stars -              Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell View this email in your browser Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Abbie Gardner and Jim Henry Oct 15 Abbie Gardner and Jim Henry October 15th 8PM $20 Abbie and Jim have both appeared at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse many times, but not together. You loved Abbie when she performed at the coffeehouse as a part of Red Molly.  Jim has appeared with Tracy Grammer, Eliza Gilkyson, and his own band The Surly Temple. This will be a magical night and we hope you can join us.   Abbie Gardner, the fiery Dobro player with an infectious smile has been touring with Americana darlings Red Molly for the past eleven years. After gracing stages from Denver to Denmark, from Australia to Austin, the band decided to take an indefinite hiatus in 2015, so Abbie is striking out on her own!  No stranger to solo performing, she has three CDs to draw from, each with award-winning songs.  Tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, ride the back of her by-now familiar, formidable slide guitar licks. She channels Lucinda and Bonnie, but remains pure Abbie.  "With a confidence that can only be earned, Gardner bursts out with a national steel guitar and a ballsy blues on the opening cut "Break It Slow." It's an unprecedented romp, fully of gnarly guitar lines and lyrics reminiscent of Lucinda Williams or Bonnie Raitt.." – Eli Peterson, Twangville Jim Henry is an American folk singer/songwriter and world-class multi-instrumentalist. At center stage, whether as a solo artist or leading a band, Jim delivers his finely crafted original songs with a smooth, rich baritone voice and engaging story telling and humor. As a sideman, on a variety of electric or acoustic guitars, or on mandolin or dobro, Jim can render emotional sensitivity in one moment then tear into a rock or country solo with such fire it's hard to catch your breath. He is a master of adding whatever is needed at any musical moment. He has produced, recorded, played and traveled the world with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paula Cole, Shawn Colvin, Alison Krauss, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Los Lobos, Alseep at the Wheel, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, The Weepies, Deb Talan, Eliza Gilkyson, Tracy Grammer, Susan Werner, The Boxcar Lilies...the list goes on and on. Here is a video of them together. "Sad Farewell" Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner double dobro duo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTRmr9qfeO4 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Nov 5     Three rising stars - Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, and Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19   The Kennedys Dec 3      Ellis Paul Dec 10    A Celtic Christmas with Robbie O'Connell and Rose Clancy

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 10/7/16 - THU 10/13/16

FRIDAY 10/7/16
10:30am   Knitting Circle for Adults @ Franklin Public Library (all skill levels welcome)
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market @ The Town Common
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked @ Franklin Art Center
8pm   The Mark Poniatowski Situation  @ The Black Box

SATURDAY 10/8/16
1-4pm   Open Auditions for Holiday Performances at The Black Box
8pm   The Daybreak’s with special guest Copilot @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 10/9/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast returns to Franklin Rod and Gun Club - open to public

MONDAY 10/10/16  Columbus Day - no school
10am   Papier-mache pumpkins @ Franklin Art Center
11am-6pm   Disney Silhouette Artist @ Franklin Art Center - reserve your spot
4pm   Krafty Mondays (ages 6-12) @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 10/11/16
7pm   Yankee Quilters Guild Meeting @ St. John Episcopal Church
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting @ Franklin YMCA. Public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 10/12/16
1-3pm   Family Paint @ Franklin Art Center
1pm   Magician Tommy James Halloween Safety Magic Show @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Creative Writing Group at Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers Monthly Meeting @ ‘3’ Restaurant. Prospective members welcome.
7:30pm   The East - original play @ Dean College

THURSDAY 10/13/16
8:30-9:30am   Rep Roy Office Hours @ Franklin Senior Center
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition;s Substance Abuse Drop-In Center opened @ St. John’s Episcopal Church
5-7pm   Preschool Fair hosted by Franklin MOMs Club @ Bellingham Public Library
7pm   Bagels and Wine Tasting @ Franklin Liquors
7:30pm   The East - original play @ Dean College

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

MassBudget: Cost of special business tax breaks nearly tripled since 1996

MassBudget report examines growth of special business tax breaks

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The cost of special business tax breaks has nearly tripled since 1996  A new study by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) shows that the cost to the state from special business tax break spending has nearly tripled, even after adjusting for inflation, from $370 million in 1996 to over $1 billion anticipated in this fiscal year. The Commonwealth forgoes a large amount of potential revenue each year through spending on business tax breaks aimed at supporting economic development in Massachusetts. Although less often a focus of budget debates, spending on these tax breaks is no different in its bottom-line effect than direct spending through the state budget: law makers must offset each dollar from these special breaks with reductions to other public programs or increases to other forms of taxes. The MassBudget report finds that the cost of special business tax breaks began to climb rapidly starting 20 years ago with incentives for the mutual fund industry, manufacturers, and others including the film industry and life sciences companies. And yet, despite the findings of a 2012 report from a state special commission that called for studying their effectiveness, most state business tax breaks have not faced a thorough examination. Back in 2011, the Massachusetts Legislature established a Tax Expenditure Commission to "study carefully for the first time the various exemptions, deductions and credits in the Massachusetts tax code, and to recommend methods for measuring and reviewing their effectiveness." The Commission recommended an overall reduction in the number and cost of these special tax breaks. It also recommended: identifying the clear purpose of each special business tax break; creating clear metrics to gauge their impact; conducting a regular rolling review of whether to let these programs expire; and spelling out clear rules about when the Commonwealth would "clawback" forgone revenues from businesses that fail to deliver the jobs or other kinds of economic development for which the given tax break was originally awarded. Most of these recommendations have yet to be implemented. MassBudget's new report tracks and explains the growth of special business tax break spending, and how it has resulted primarily from three major, industry-specific tax breaks including  for manufacturing companies, mutual fund companies, and tax breaks for movie production companies. The report examines these and a number of other recent tax breaks for businesses in Massachusetts. Read the new report here (LINK). 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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today