MassBudget: Tools to understand the MA state budget proposals

Online tools that make it easy to understand and compare FY 2018 budget proposals

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Tools for Understanding State Budget Proposals  Tomorrow the Governor will kick off state budget season by releasing a detailed Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget proposal. The Governor's proposal begins an important process of determining what we as a Commonwealth hope to do together through our government, and detailing how we will pay for those things. Key subsequent steps in the process: In April, the House will debate and approve its FY 2018 budget proposal. In May, the Senate does the same. In June, a joint House/Senate conference committee reconciles differences between these two budgets. The final budget plan, which requires the Governor's signature, will ideally be completed by July 1st, the beginning of FY 2018. Since the state budget is often the most important policy document of the year, our team at MassBudget works hard to produce the following resources to helping you stay informed and engaged in the public debate. We hope you find them useful! Budget Monitors Shortly after each major budget release, we produce a written Budget Monitor that analyzes major proposals across a range of key areas (e.g. education, transportation, health care, revenue). As soon as they're written, we send Monitors out to our email list and post them on our website. Here is our FY 2018 Budget Preview, which lays out major fiscal challenges entering the upcoming fiscal year. And here is a link to our Budget Resources page which includes our Monitors from previous fiscal years.   Budget Browser  Our Budget Browser, which we will update shortly after release of the Governor's FY 2018 spending proposals, is a user-friendly online tool where you can track all state spending back to FY 2001. You can drill down to individual programs (called line items) or look at clusters of programs that support similar activities (e.g. Child Welfare). You can adjust for inflation so that comparisons over time make sense, and you can generate your own tables and graphs. Each line item of the Browser has a "Proposals" tab, where you can compare each of the FY 2018 proposals as they are released. Please go here to learn more about the Budget Browser.   Children's Budget and Jobs and Workforce Budget These two web tools are similar to the Budget Browser in that they track state funding for programs in these areas--state programs related to children and state programs that support jobs and workforce training. But they go an important step further by also including written program descriptions and links to other useful resources for more detail. These tools are also updated during the budget season.                       Taxes We also have resources on our website that look specifically at Massachusetts taxes. Among these resources, we recently published a paper that looks at special interest tax breaks which cost the state $1 billion in 2017, and another that looks at the economic effects of tax reforms that would generate revenue to invest in education and transportation.                                                    Finally, do not hesitate to reach out directly to any of our analysts, who are the true experts behind each of these great resources. You'll find contact information and their respective research areas on our website's staff page. 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

Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Reminder: Franklin Art Association - Meeting - Feb 1

Adam O’Day

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by Adam O’Day, a contemporary multimedia artist working from studios in Abington and Medford.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

Multimedia Painting, Hadley Street by Adam O'Day

"some in the Legislature want to see the law curtailed"

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

"Voters on Election Day chose to legalize recreational marijuana by a seven-point majority. But now the ultimate fate of the vote is in the Legislature's hands. 

Given some of the bills filed by the deadline last Friday, it could change dramatically. 

Over the next two years, legislators will have the option of signing into law more than 30 bills related to legal pot. The proposals range wildly, from repealing the law entirely to expunging every offense related to the drug. 

Fifteen bills filed by state Sen. Jason Lewis dominated the news cycle on the Friday filing deadline. But the breadth of proposals introduced for this next legislative session suggest that the law voters ratified and the one we end up following could be very different."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170125/medical-marijuana-changes-could-be-coming

Sunrise Montessori School: Preschool & Kindergarten Open House

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House
Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11am to 1pm
Sunrise Montessori School
31 Hayward St.
Franklin

Free event. The public is welcome to learn about our Montessori preschool and kindergarten programs.

Website: www.MySunriseMontessori.com

Contact: Karen Roeber, Director at 508-541-8010 or Director@MySunriseMontessori.com

Preschool & Kindergarten Open House - Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 11am to 1pm

Entertainment choices for Franklin this weekend - Jan 28-29, 2017

There are several entertainment choices for Franklin this weekend:

• The Electric Youth have two performances on Saturday at THE BLACK BOX
• Peter Mulvey appears with Pamela Means at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse Saturday night.
• Sari Gruber, soprano and Cameron Stowe, piano perform for LiveARTS on Sunday
• Irina Fainkichen, violinist and Irina Kotlyar, pianist perform at THE BLACK BOX also on Sunday

Franklin cultural arts choices for the weekend of Jan 28-29, 2017

Related posts on the individual performances can be found here

• Electric Youth

http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/electric-youth-2017-debuts-two-shows-at.html

• Peter Mulvey/Pamela Means

http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/circle-of-friends-peter-mulvey-january.html

• Sara Guber/Cameron Stowe

http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/livearts-concert-update-gruber-and.html

• Irina Fainkichen/ Irina Kotlyar

http://www.franklinculturaldistrict.org/2017/01/captivating-artists-performing-romantic.html

FHS Girls basketball wins

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 42 @ Canton, 46 – Final

– Canton held Franklin to its lowest scoring output of the season, limiting the Panthers to 30 points to three quarters. The Bulldogs trailed 30-26 heading into the final frame before winning the fourth 20-12. It marks Canton’s first win over Franklin in over a decade. “Beating a team like Franklin is a tall order,” Canton head coach Ryan Gordy said. “We needed to execute and play with mental toughness every possession. We grew up as a team tonight.” Canton junior Tony Harris scored a game-high 15 points and hauled in six rebounds while sophomore Devin Foster had 12 points and four rebounds.

Girls Basketball = Canton, 30 @ Franklin, 54 – Final

– Franklin had three players reach double figures in a double-digit win over visiting Canton. Carli Koffinke led all scorers with a game-high 16 points while Ali Brigham and Bea Bondhus each chipped in with 10 points in the win. Canton sophomore Julia Hamilton scored a team-high 11 points for the Bulldogs.

Gymnastics = Franklin, 121.6 @ Oliver Ames, 136.15 – Final


For all the results around the Hockomock League on Tuesday
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-012417/

via the Twitterverse

via @CoachMacCreery  https://twitter.com/CoachMacCreery/status/824052361169670144

Good team win over Canton tonight 54-30. Won 4 of last 5. Keep the focus on improving.

— Franklin Girls Bball (@fhsgvbasketball) January 25, 2017

[Boys Winter Varsity Basketball] Canton HS defeats Franklin HS, 46 to 42.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 25, 2017

Varsity upset by Canton 46-42. Get the next one boys.

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) January 25, 2017

And we've gone final here at Franklin with the Panthers getting the 54-30 victory! #HardWorkPaysOff @HockomockSports @FHSSports

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 25, 2017

Franklin with a 36-23 lead heading into Q4. @FHSSports @HockomockSports pic.twitter.com/2zWZ0zyKPR

— CoachMac (@CoachMacCreery) January 25, 2017

JV beat Canton 60-39. Good job boys!

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) January 24, 2017

Freshmen beat Canton 77-33. Great team win!

— FHS Boys Basketball (@fhsboysbball) January 24, 2017

[Girls Winter Varsity Gymnastics] Oliver Ames HS defeats Franklin HS, 136 to 121.

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) January 25, 2017

So proud of this team!! It's a win for us every time!! pic.twitter.com/t7NuKiavzK

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 25, 2017

10 Brick Wall Tips for Genealogists

Everyone needs a little help and encouragement to jump-start the research, especially on hard-to-solve cases. Marian will present 10 brick wall tips that will help every genealogist look at their research challenges in a fresh way. 

This presentation, by Marian Pierre-Louis of Fieldstone Historic Research, will bring you the momentum you need to get your family history research back on track.

During the library building project, the Franklin Public Library Genealogy Club will meet at the Franklin Historical Museum, 80 West Central Street.

When: Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 6:30 PM

Franklin Historical Museum on a sunny day

For additional info about the Historical Museum

http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/

For additional info about the Franklin Library

http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

For additional info about the Genealogy Club

http://vbuchanio.wixsite.com/franklingenclub

"We just want people to know that everything's open for business"

"Though the busy season at the Franklin State Forest has passed, state officials are reminding area residents that the property remains open during the winter. 

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation put out a notice this month to promote the winter recreational use of the 843-acre forest. Park Supervisor William "Tom" Ashton said that there are many ways that locals make use of the land, even after snow has fallen. 

"During the wintertime, there are activities like snowshoeing and hiking," he said, adding that cross-country skiing and fat tire snow biking are other options. "We want to let people know that, 'Hey, we're still here - we have a beautiful park with a lot of wonderful scenery.'" 

The notice highlights the forest's pine trees as being especially scenic when they are blanketed in new snow."

Continue reading the article online
http://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20170116/franklin-state-forest-remains-open

• The park hiking map

http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dcr/parks/trails/franklin.pdf

My wife and I took a walk on a recent Sunday. We started from the SNETT and then took a side trail into the State Forest to pick up the old logging trail in the forest that ended up at the water tower. It was a good walk.

winter forest land

look up once in a while, quite a view

old logging road

remnants of trees come in odd shapes

and yes, in New England forests you will find stone walls

In the News: superintendent search forum; heroin arrests made

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

"The school district has scheduled a public forum with its superintendent candidates as it continues its search for a new leader. 

The event - scheduled to take place at the Franklin Municipal Building on Monday, Jan. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. - will give participants a chance to meet the finalists: Blackstone-Millville Assistant Superintendent David Thomson, Chelmsford Assistant Superintendent Linda Hirsch and Weymouth Assistant Superintendent Susan Kustka. 

Each of the candidates, according to the district, will be available for 30 minutes to answer questions and listen to comments from the public. 

"Hopefully, we'll get productive feedback from that event," said School Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170124/franklin-public-to-meet-schools-chief-hopefuls

Vice Chair Anne Bergen, Chair Kevin O'Malley and Denise Schultz at the School Committee meeting Tuesday

"Three men were arraigned in Wrentham District Court Tuesday on heroin distribution charges stemming from a Monday night arrest in Franklin. 

Johan Olea, 27, of 128 Empire St., Lynn, pleaded not guilty to charges of distributing a class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug law, driving with a suspended license and being present where heroin is kept. He had a $250 cash bail imposed on him by Judge Emogene Johnson Smith. 

Jugeily Luciano-Mateo, 30, of 285 Rathbun St., Woonsocket, Rhode Island, pleaded not guilty to distributing a class A drug and conspiracy to violate drug law. He was held without bail on a separate charge of being a fugitive from justice on a court warrant. 

Sterlin Almanzar, 26, of Providence, Rhode Island, pleaded not guilty to charges of distributing a class A drug, conspiracy to violate drug law and being present where heroin is kept. He was released on personal recognizance."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170124/franklin-three-charged-with-heroin-distribution

Reminder - What not to flush!

Franklin DPW posted this reminder to Facebook!

swiffers that have clogged up sewer pumping stations

For additional info on what not to flush!
http://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/help-us-keep-our-sewer-system-running-smoothly-learn-what-not-flush

Real Time Reporting: Action items through Closing

3. Discussion Only Items
none

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

b. I recommend approval of the FHS Program of Study as presented.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

c. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1.060.00 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

d. I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,991.58 from O’Connor Portraiture, Inc. for supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

e. I recommend approval of the request for Parmenter & JFK Chorus students to travel to the Veteran’s Auditorium in Providence, RI for a concert.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0

f. I recommend approval of the request for FHS Music students to travel to Washington, D.C. for a music festival on April 19 through April 22, 2018 as detailed.
recommend to approve, seconded, passed 7-0



5. Information Matters
Superintendent’s Report
family science night March 16, student run evening of STEM, etc. open to families of K-8 students (6:00 -8:00 PM at FHS)

piloting a peer coaching program, team of teachers did a walk through of elementary schools, and saw the value of seeing peer to peer evaluation around instruction

how do you take proficient teachers and move them to exemplary? have provided coaches for struggling teachers before, this extends that effort

educator round table with teachers from around the district
a lack of resources doesn't stop the innovation within the district that doesn't cost anything


School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• a. Superintendent Search
• reminder, Jan 30th Superintendent forum, 3 candidates
• looking for community input
• b. Community Engagement
• another edition of newsletter coming
• coffee scheduled for Feb 1 at Franklin TV at 7:00 PM
• looking to get the School Committee website to be easier to use, will bring update ideas to the budget sub-committee for discussion
• budget sub-committee
• reports from the rest of the committee, what are the goals for the next budget; due for the next School Committee workshop meeting 1/31/17 (3rd floor training room); create priority blueprint for school district implementation
• meeting with the Town budget subcommittee on Feb 1, 5:30 PM (RM 205) discussion on the capital recommendations, Feb 14 to go before FinCom, and then before the Town Council  (TBD)

motion to adjourn

Real Time Reporting: FHS Athletics update

Tuned into the School Committee late. Time enough to catch the update on FHS athletics by new athletic Director Tom Angelo.

2. Guests/Presentations
b. FHS Athletics Update – Tom Angelo

FHS Athletics - January 2017 from Franklin Matters

6 basketball teams: varsity, junior varsity and freshman each for boys and girls.

FHS athletic director Tom Angelo providing an update on athletics to School Committee #schcom0124 pic.twitter.com/uYXnqU7kMR

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 25, 2017

moving many items to online, including online ticket sales

big Twitter user (as you have seen as I have shared)

"Franklin is lucky to have 3 turf fields"

gym floor being re-done during the summer, there were issues with the original install this is being done by the builder at no cost to Franklin

Turf Fields being replaced as part of the Town facilities planning, they have been putting funds aside for several years in anticipation of the replacements.

Athletic program 1/3 covered by funds, 2/3s covered by fees. Still in budget process and no decisions made yet. #schcom0124 pic.twitter.com/Qxi7ERohul

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 25, 2017

MIAA app touted tonight
Great way to get schedules for all the FHS sports teams#schcom0124 pic.twitter.com/JHbWwSilOo

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 25, 2017

will have need for additional coaches to help manage the proper numbers (athletes to coach ratio)

there are non-cut sports during most seasons

https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824045257390260227

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_23.html

Real TIme Reporting: FHS Update; Program of Studies

(sharing the doc that I would have shared earlier had I not been late)

2. Guests/Presentations
a. FHS Update / Program of Study / Alumni Survey – Paul Peri and Bill Klement

https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/824051052345487361

Franklin High School - update 1/24/2017 from Franklin Matters

FHS 2017-18 Program of Studies from Franklin Matters

Full agenda for the School Committee meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-jan_23.html

Free Narcan and CPR (‘Hands Only’) Training Session - Feb 15

The S.A.F.E. Coalition, in association with the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department and BAMSI (Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc.) will present a Free Narcan and CPR (‘Hands Only’) Training Session on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA. 

The public is invited.

‘Drop-In’ Narcan Training Session

The ‘Drop-In’ Narcan Training Session will be ongoing from 4:00-8:00 pm with no reservation necessary. Narcan will be distributed at no charge after the training session.

“Overdose deaths caused by heroin and synthetic opioids have reached an all-time high. Naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, has been proven to save lives by reversing the effects of opioids. Anyone with minimal training can learn how to administer naloxone and save the life of an individual experiencing an opioid-related overdose.”

T.J. Lynch

Chief of Police, Franklin

“Generic Narcan (naloxone), an opioid antagonist, is perhaps the one most critical drugs in combatting overdose with heroin, fentanyl and other illicit opioids. Without this drug, untold numbers of lives, far in excess of those already lost, would have not been given the chance to battle Substance Use Disorder. It is critical that ‘Narcan’ become widely available during this prolonged and growing epidemic until we can stem the deaths associated with these opioids.”

Jordan E. Warnick, Ph.D.

Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Associate Dean (Ret.)

University of Maryland School of Medicine, Secretary, S.A.F.E.

"Providing Narcan is an important step in combating the opioid epidemic that is raging in our community. Life-saving Narcan grants overdose victims another chance to find recovery" 

Jim Derick

President, S.A.F.E.

Franklin Fire Dept Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA

CPR Training Session

The CPR Training Session is a ‘Hands-Only’ session and will be offered at 4:00 pm, 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm. REGISTRATION is essential for the CPR training – send an email to info@safecoalitionma.com with your name and session time. Information of certificate programs will be available.

“In an emergency that causes a loss of breathing or lose their pulse, whether it is drug-related or not, the availability of CPR can be critical. Waiting for an ambulance and trained medical personnel may not be an option. You can make a difference!”


The S.A.F.E. Coalition provides this and other sessions to provide education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Abuse Disorder, their families and friends. For more information please contact the S.A.F.E. Coalition at 508-488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.com

http://safecoalitionma.com/

Opera for Kids: Little Red Riding Hood - Sunday, February 5

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will present Opera for Kids: Little Red Riding Hood on Sunday, February 5, at 2:30 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

This special program is a presentation of FPAC’s Family Concert Series and is offered free to the community. A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are geared toward children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. The performances introduce audiences of all ages to music of many genres and feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging, entertaining and interactive way.

Set to the masterful music of American composer Seymour Barab, Little Red Riding Hood is an operatic adaptation of the children’s fairy tale classic and brings the beloved story to life. Engaging audiences of all ages, the opera is under 45 minutes in length and is in rhymed verse. 

The performance features sopranos Mariko Matsumura and Shauna Martin as Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother, along with lyric baritone Thomas Gareau as the wolf. Pianist Synthia Sture will accompany the vocalists.

A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Shauna Martin received her master’s degree in Opera from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Music degree from Brandon University. Her performances include a wide variety of operatic and musical theater roles in works by classical as well as contemporary composers. Shauna is a founding member of the popular children's show Opera Night in Canada and has performed with Canada’s regional orchestras and on CBC Radio. 

A native of Tokyo, Japan, Mariko Matsumura received her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with high honors from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Longy School of Music. Mariko's performance credits include Messiah, Aida, Hansel and Gretl, Der Rosenkavalier, The Magic Flute and numerous premiere performances throughout the Boston area. She has performed with Lorelei Ensemble, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, Jyugoya Ensemble, Chorus Boston, Setegaya Women’s Chorus and Opera Unmet. 

A graduate of The Boston Conservatory with a BM in Vocal Performance and an MM in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance, Thomas Gareau has performed a wide variety of repertoire, from jazz to musical theater to opera and oratorio. As a regular and soloist with the Boston Choral Ensemble, he performed in the memorable production of Thomas Tallis’ Spem in alium at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross as part of the Boston Early Music Festival. Other notable engagements include Odyssey Opera’s debut concert production of Wagner’s Rienzi at Jordan Hall. Thomas has appeared in numerous solo recitals performing standard repertoire and unearthing lesser known art songs and arias. 
 

Little Red Riding Hood (1881) by Carl Larsson (via wikipedia.org/)

FPAC’s 2017 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com and www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.