Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 1/26/18 - THU 2/1/18

FRIDAY 1/26/18
9am   Winter Concert (3, 4 and 5 grade) @ Oak Street Elementary
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
11:30am   Mommy and Me Fitness (ages 3-8) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm

SATURDAY 1/27/18
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10am-12pm   Franklin Town Government 101 @ Franklin Public Library
10am   Animal Tales (ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Book Character Costume Party @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   First Book Club Meeting at the Farm @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Wine Tasting (fundraiser for FHS All Night Party) @ Franklin Liquors
8pm   Circle of Friends Coffeehouse: Seth Glier @ FUSF

SUNDAY 1/28/18
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Breakfast @ Franklin Rod and Gun Club
1-4pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Fundraiser @ Pour Richard’s
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
2-4pm   Chess Group @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   The Black Box Classical Series: Irina Fainkichen and Irina Kotlyar @ The Black Box
6pm   SCREENAGERS @ New England Chapel

MONDAY 1/29/18
10am   Free Storytime (all ages) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Elementary Strings and Choir Concert @ Horace Mann MS

TUESDAY 1/30/18
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Three TED Talks @ Franklin Senior Center
6pm   Elementary Band Concert @ Horace Mann MS
6:30pm   Relay For Life (Western Norfolk County) Kick Off Party @ Cole’s Tavern
6:30pm   Wine Glass Painting (Valentine’s Day Special) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
7pm   Guided Meditation for Stress Relief with Suzi Purcell @ Franklin Public Library
7:30pm   The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra - Open Rehearsal @ FHS

WEDNESDAY 1/31/18
10am   Animal Tales (for ages 2.5-5) @ Fairmount Fruit Farm
10am   Roulette Fun @ Franklin Senior Center
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Christian Zen Weekly Meditation @ McMahon Guest House (1061 Upper Union Street)

THURSDAY 2/1/18
8:30am   FDP General Meeting @ Dean College (Campanella Board Room)
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time (ages 0-18 months) @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Cultural Connections @ Franklin Historical Museum
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA 

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Jane Curran Announces Retirement; Jane’s Frames for Sale

After 23 years owning and operating Jane’s Frames in downtown Franklin, Jane Curran is happy to announce her retirement and plans to sell her shop, located at 11 East Central St. The store will be open for business through March 30.

Curran is retiring from the custom framing business to concentrate on creating her own artwork and to spend more time with her nine grandchildren, and she admits she will miss her daily interactions with her customers.

“I have learned so much from all the people I’ve interacted with,” Curran says of her more than 6,000 customers. “I live vicariously through their travels, their adventures.”

Curran doesn’t intend to take it easy in her retirement. She already has plans to teach Zentangle classes and work on various art projects, and she looks forward to exploring new ways to express her creativity.

“I opened Jane’s Frames as a way to do my art, but I have no time to do my art,” she says, laughing. “And now I want to spend time with my husband, travel, and enjoy my grandchildren while they’re still young.”

Jane Curran Announces Retirement; Jane’s Frames for Sale

Jane’s Frames originally opened on Main Street, moving to its present location in the historic Cataldo Building on East Central Street in 2002. While busy with custom framing projects, Curran also co-founded the Franklin Downtown Partnership, a non-profit organization working to revitalize the downtown area.

Curran channeled her creativity and energy into helping create events such as the Harvest Festival, the Strawberry Stroll, and the Holiday Stroll. She organized community art projects and progressive dinners, volunteered each year with beautification efforts, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness and draw residents and visitors to downtown Franklin.

Along with her Partnership work, Curran also has been an active member of the Professional Picture Framers Association, the Franklin Art Association, the Stony Brook Camera Club and other community groups, all interests she hopes to keep up with after selling her store.

Curran is currently accepting offers for her business, which includes 1,700 square feet of showroom and workshop space plus inventory. Interested parties should contact Eileen Mason at (508) 330-4234.

For more information, contact Jane Curran at (508) 528-3256 or email her at janesframes60@gmail.com. Visit her website, janesframes.com, to learn more about her framing, art for sale, photo restoration and classes.

"focuses on making sure the student’s time in athletics is also a learning experience"

In the arena of "Where are they now?" Christopher Schmidt, former vice principal at FHS is doing well as Athletic Director at Nipmuc Regional HS. 

Has it already been three years?  From the Milford Daily News and Twitter 

"Only three years into the job, Nipmuc Regional High School Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt has gained statewide recognition for his morale and achievements. 

Schmidt was awarded the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors’ Association (MSSADA) Theodore “Ted” Damko Award because of his clear dedication to student athletics, and overall attitude, according to Principal John Clements. 

The Damko Award is granted to athletic directors in Massachusetts that have been on the job for three to five years. There are awards for each individual district, and an overall state winner, which Schmidt was named. 

“When Chris joined us, one of things we recognized about him is how passionate he is about being an athletic director,” Clements said. “He just hit the ground running. He’s had so much impact not only with success on the field, but more importantly in the pride behind Nipmuc Athletics.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/nipmuc-high-ad-wins-statewide-award

#NipmucPride is excited to announce that Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt has been selected for state-wide recognition as the recipient of the MA Secondary School Athletic Directors’ Association Theodore “Ted” Damko Award.” Congratulations Mr. Schmidt! pic.twitter.com/JYmptqa0IC

— Mendon-Upton RSD (@MendonUptonRSD) January 22, 2018

Nipmuc Regional HS Athletic Director Christopher Schmidt

Sports Classes Begin February 5

Badminton & Volleyball Coming Your Way This Spring

Franklin Public Schools           Lifelong Learning Institute Presents Sports For Spring 2018 Badminton  - Beginning Feb. 7  Get ready to rally! Badminton is a racquet sport that can be played by either two people (singles) or four people (doubles).  Unlike other racquet sports, badminton involves hitting a shuttlecock - a cone-shaped projectile that moves differently than a ball. Able to reach much higher speeds than a ball, the shuttlecock makes for a fast-paced game - making badminton the ideal sport for those who like to be kept on their toes.  Register online Intermediate Coed Volleyball Beginning Feb. 5, Volleyball is back  and better than ever! This 14 week course will provide a strong foundation in the basics of volleyball. The mechanics of passing, setting, and spiking will be the focus, as well as the importance of good positioning. A fun, competitive time is guaranteed for all!   Register online Advanced Coed Volleyball Beginning February 6, Volleyball is back!  An open, fun and competitive environment for experienced volleyball players. Players are expected to have experience at the high school team, college or club league level. Yankee league rating of C or higher is recommended. This is NOT a class for novices or occasional recreational players. Players must have good ball control skills, court awareness and technique.   Register online Contact Brenda Reed, Director Lifelong Community Learning 508-613-1480 LCL@franklinps.net  www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com

FPS- LifeLong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by lcl@franklinps.net in collaboration with Try it free today

FBRTC's January Fundraiser at Pour Richard's - Jan 28

The SNETT trail is one of the hidden gems in Franklin. Regular readers will recognize that I walk there frequently. I always find it amazing to stop and think about how the trail was built. The Franklin section is relatively flat. There is one section after Spring St where there was blasting done at some point to cut through a stone ridge. The cut was done many years ago and not like the pristine cuts we are familiar with along the major interstate highways.

The Bellingham section, between Prospect St and Center St is more amazing as you find yourself elevated well above the surrounding terrain. Stop and think about how they did that? That would have been done in the days of horse or donkey draw carts with hand tools, picks and shovels. That was a whole lot of earth to move to lay out the train line.

I don't forget those nameless workers as I walk and enjoy what they have prepared for us to enjoy years later. You can have an easier time helping the Rail Trail Committee continue its work to improve upon the existing trail conditions.

"Join us for our annual FUNdraiser at Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits on Sunday, January 28, 1-4 PM.
Tickets are $10/person.

Pour Richard's will be offering beer and wine tastings. We will have snacks, door prizes, and live entertainment by pianist Patrick Durkin (2-3 PM). 

Come learn more about the trail and Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

All proceeds from the tickets are 100% donation to the FBRTC and Pour Richard's is donating portion of the proceeds from event sales. Stock up for the Super Bowl!"

Find the Rail Trail FUNdraising event on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/events/1989907701294771/

town line marker as you return to Franklin from Bellingham

a section of the Bellingham stretch, off to the left of this photo is where you really see the land drop off

the section cut out of the rocks in Franklin can be wet as it is a low point
but there is almost always a dry path on the side

new sign for the trail entrance along Spring St in Franklin

For more information about the Rail Trail visit their webpage
http://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/

In the News: election day registration proposed; GIC decision being reviewed

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

"Beginning next year, Massachusetts voters would be able to register to vote on the same day they cast their ballots, under a new proposal from Secretary of State William Galvin. 

Galvin announced Thursday that he is proposing legislation that would allow Massachusetts residents who are otherwise eligible to vote to go to their local polling place on Election Day, complete a registration form, and vote immediately afterward. Current law requires voters to be registered at least 20 days before an election in which they plan to vote. 

“Election Day registration has been shown to be one of the simplest and more effective ways of increasing voter participation, with administrative costs much lower than many other proposals to do the same thing, because it combines the act of registration and voting,” Galvin said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/galvin-proposes-same-day-voter-registration-in-mass

"The Group Insurance Commission, relenting to days of withering criticism over its decision to limit health plan offerings to nearly 450,000 state employees and retirees, plans to reconsider that plan when it meets next week. 

The GIC has a meeting scheduled for next Thursday when it was supposed to consider benefit design within the three providers -- UniCare, Neighborhood Health and Health New England -- that were selected to sell plans through the agency after a procurement process. 

The agency now says it will put a motion for reconsideration of the 8-5 vote held Jan. 18 on its agenda for the Feb. 1 meeting. 

At the meeting last Thursday, the GIC voted to eliminate three of the six insurance carriers that offer coverage to the nearly 450,000 state employees and retirees. The change eliminates Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Fallon Community Health and Tufts Health Plan as carriers, and would save the state an estimated $20.8 million next year."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180125/group-insurance-commission-relents-on-state-employee-health-plan-changes

FPAC’s Free Family Concert Series presents the New England Percussion Ensemble

Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual free Family Concert Series continues this season with the New England Percussion Ensemble on Sunday, February 4 at 1 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. 

A treasured FPAC tradition for more than two decades, Family Concert Series events are especially geared to children in length and format and provide young audiences with a fun introduction to the world of live music. Offered free to the public, the special concerts feature talented, professional musicians in an engaging and entertaining way.

The New England Percussion Ensemble specializes in presenting creative and energetic audience-interactive enrichment programs to youngsters. Featuring professional percussionist/educators, the ensemble has presented programs for more than 20 years, blending elements of information, performance, and hands-on participation. 

Their “Language of the Ancients” program is a journey through time, explored with imagination, inventiveness, and creativity, to discover the many melodic, rhythmic, and tonal possibilities of percussion. An audience hands-on ensemble concludes the program.

FPAC’s 2018 Family Concert Series is sponsored by Berry Insurance. For more information, call (508) 528-3370 or visit www.FPAConline.com or www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com.

New England Percussion Ensemble

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) Receives $50,000 from Middlesex Savings Bank

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) today announced it received a $50,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank. The support will allow FEF to increase the level of funding for next year’s grant program for Franklin Public Schools.

FEF distributes funds to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants. All Franklin Public School staff members are eligible to submit creative, innovative ideas for programs or activities that would not traditionally be funded by tax dollars. To see a list of programs FEF has funded over the years, visit www.franklined.org/grants.

“This extremely generous donation by Middlesex Savings Bank will allow us to fund even more innovative programs in Franklin Public Schools next year” said Lisa Brady, FEF President. “Fundraising by nonprofit education foundations gets tougher every year, and this donation from Middlesex Savings Bank supports FEF’s financial stability to be a reliable source of funding for innovative educational programs developed by our very talented Franklin educators.”

“Middlesex Savings Bank has great respect for the education foundations in our community,” said Michael McAuliffe, President and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank. “They work hard to support projects and programs that foster learning and creativity. We hope these donations will make their jobs easier this year and are excited to see their existing academic programs flourish or new ones come to life.”


About Franklin Education Foundation

Franklin Education Foundation

Founded in 1997, FEF consists of a diverse group of individuals from many segments of the Franklin community. Members include community leaders, local organizations, educational institutions, business and industry, and families. Each member of FEF supports the Foundation’s fundamental goal of providing a forum and means of achieving academic excellence for the school children in Franklin Public Schools. Since its inception, FEF has raised over $350,000 which has been distributed to Franklin Public Schools in the form of special grants.

About Middlesex Savings Bank

Middlesex Savings Bank

Founded in 1835 and headquartered in Natick, Mass., Middlesex Savings Bank has been right there with its community for nearly 200 years. The Bank takes a customer-first focus when it comes to offering products, technology, and an unparalleled level of customer service. Middlesex Savings Bank provides funds to local nonprofits and organizations through corporate giving and community sponsorship, as well as through its philanthropic arm – the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation. The FDIC and DIF insured bank has 30 branch offices located in 25 communities – Acton, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Boxborough, Concord, Framingham, Franklin, Groton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Littleton, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, and Westford. For more information, please visit www.middlesexbank.com, www.facebook.com/connectwithmsb and www.twitter.com/middlesexbank.

Reminder: Claflin Hill Symphony schedules open rehearsal at FHS on Tuesday, Jan 30

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra visits Franklin on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 for an Open Rehearsal at 7:30 PM in the Franklin High School Auditorium.

The rehearsal, which is hosted by the Franklin Public School Music Department, is open to ALL Franklin Public School Students and ALL residents of Franklin.

During this first ever visit to Franklin by the CHSO, they will be rehearsing for their “Russian Romance” concert program that will take place on Saturday evening, February 3, 2018 in the Milford Town Hall Grand Ballroom.

The orchestra is performing Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade” – a lush, colorful and epic orchestral “Tone Poem” based on the “Tales of 1001 Arabian Nights.” In the story and depicted by the music, the Princess Scheherazade begins a story-telling series to her husband, the King, in order to forestall him having her executed after their wedding night, as had been his frequent custom. The King becomes so enthralled by the on-going tales, which included Sinbad the Sailor and Ali Baba, that he keeps her alive night after night to hear the next installment! Rimsky-Korsakov’s magnificent orchestral score is a big feature for solo violin, which will be performed by the CHSO’s phenomenal Concertmaster, Angel Valchinov.

Also on the program and set to rehearse on that night in Franklin is Sergei Rachmaninoff’s gorgeous and popular "Piano Concerto No. 2". This features Beth Surapine on piano, who has performed frequently with the CHSO and throughout the Milford/Franklin region for the past two decades,

Entrance to the open rehearsal is FREE ADMISSION, and attendees will also receive a voucher for a Special Discount Ticket for the concert that week, to hear the finished product of what they experienced at the rehearsal.

“We’re very excited to visit Franklin for this open rehearsal,” said Paul Surapine, Founding Executive and Artistic Director of Claflin Hill. “Many of our musicians have had ongoing and strong ties to Franklin, including myself, and a significant number of Franklin Public School Music Faculty past and present are permanent members of the CHSO. Additionally, Franklin accounts for more members of the Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies than any other community throughout the entire region, which is a strong endorsement of the music education program in progress in Franklin for the last twenty years. We’d like to thank CHSO Violinist and Franklin Public Schools Music Director Diane Plouffe for her invitation to come to her community. We hope it will be an interesting and educational experience for the music students and entertaining for all who attend.”

For more information on all upcoming Claflin Hill concerts and events, visit www.claflinhill.com

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, located in Milford, MA, is a powerful regional musical force. Through passionate performances presented by masterful musicians, the CHSO plays a leading role in the cultural enrichment and vitality of Central Massachusetts and MetroWest communities. The CHSO sponsors a remarkable outreach program that helps youth perfect their musical talents and build long-lasting appreciation for music.

Claflin Hill Symphony To Visit Franklin for Open Rehearsal - Jan 30

FHS boys hockey, gymnastics, and wrestling teams post wins on Wednesday

Via HockomockSports and Twitter we share the results of the FHS sports action on Wednesday, Jan 24, 2018


Boys Hockey = Foxboro, 1 @ Franklin, 6 – Final
– Foxboro trailed by just two goals after two periods but Franklin put the game away with three third period goals. CJ Spillane, TJ Durkin, Dan Magazu, Shane McCaffrey, Joe Lizotte and Scott Elliot each scored once for the Panthers while Josh Bertumen scored for Foxboro in the second period.

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 vs. Westwood, 3 – Final

Gymnastics = King Philip, 127.90 @ Franklin, 133.15 – Final
– Franklin junior Mia Lizotte won the All Around with a 35.75 while teammate Liz Traphagen took second with a 34.3 to help the Panthers beat King Philip. Franklin results: Vault – Lizotte 9.35, Traphagen 8.6, Lexi Lupien 8.3, Rachel Cyr 8.2; Bars – Lizotte 8.5, Sadie Rondeau 8.1, Traphagen 7.9, Katelyn Guidi 6.0; Beam – Lizzote/Traphagen 8.7, Rondeau 8.5, Lupien 7.9; Floor – Lizotte 9.2, Traphagen 9.1, Rondeau 8.3, Lupien 7.8.


Wrestling = Mansfield, 21 @ Franklin, 43 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the match recap:

"In the end, Franklin walked away with a comfortable 22-point win and at least a share of the its second straight Kelley-Rex division dual meet title, but this was anything but an easy Wednesday night on the mat for the perennial Hockomock League power. 

Mansfield came into the gym with a ton of energy, looking to clinch its first league title and avenge last year’s big loss in the Albertini Gym. The Hornets battled from the start, but the experience of the still undefeated Panthers proved to be too much, as they sealed a 43-21 victory. 

“Mansfield came in ready to wrestle us and we kind of weren’t,” said Franklin coach Carmine Colace. “Last year was a reversal, we went over to their place and we crushed them. We were ready to wrestle them…this year was the other way around. They came out and wrestled us hard. It was a lot closer than the score indicated.” 

Jake Carlucci got the meet off to a great start for the Panthers with a pin at 106 pounds and a quick six points. Franklin would get pins in three of the first four matches, but it was not straightforward for the Panthers."

Continue reading the match recap
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-wrestling-outlast-mansfield-in-title-showdown/

A photo gallery of the wrestling match can be found
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/20172018/Winter-2017-2018/Franklin-Mansfield-Wrestling-1-24-18/

For all the results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-24-18/

Jake Carlucci opened the night with a pin for the Panthers, but Franklin was forced to battle in every match to win the dual meet against Mansfield. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

6-1 win over Foxboro. Hardhat to Sheehan #Chief pic.twitter.com/AxVD31pKzt

— Franklin Hockey (@FHS_Puck) January 25, 2018

Franklin 6 Foxboro 1 Hat to goalie Sheehan. G’s from Spillane, Durkin, Magazu, McCaffrey, Lizzotte and Elliot. @FHSSports @MyHockeyLive @MassHSHockey @In_The_Slot @BGlobeSports @HockomockSports @MetroWestSports

— Coach Spillane (@FHS_PuckCoach) January 25, 2018

43-21 win over a solid Mansfield team. Pins from Jake Carlucci, Bakalars, Jordan Carlucci, and Downing. 🥇🤼‍♂️ simply epic

— Franklin Wrestling (@FHSWrestle) January 25, 2018

FHS 133.15 - KP 127.90. So proud of this team and the growth we’ve shown; having gone from only winning one match up all season last year to being contenders this season has been an exiting journey for this team. So thankful to be part of it!! @FHSSports @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/NKloKYz6nF

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 25, 2018

MassBudget: A first take on the Governor's budget

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. A First Take on the Governor's Budget The budget proposed by the Governor today has some bright spots, including an increase in the earned income tax credit that will improve the economic security of lower income working families, and additional resources aimed at reducing opioid misuse and expanding prevention efforts. The budget does not, however, propose significant new investments to strengthen our economy and expand opportunity such as by improving our local schools, making higher education substantially more affordable or fixing our roads and public transportation systems. MassBudget will publish a detailed examination of this budget next week. Based on our first look, these are a few of the more significant elements proposed by the Governor's budget: Education Increases Chapter 70 local aid for education by $103.6 million or 2.2 percent. Also proposes an additional $15 million for districts that recently enrolled Puerto Rican or US Virgin Islands students. Provides essentially level funding for Early Education and Care, after accounting for inflation. The nominal increase is $13.9 million, or 2.4 percent, over the current FY 2018 budget. Leaves total higher education funding essentially flat once accounting for inflation. Direct support for the University of Massachusetts, State University, and Community College campuses increases by $13.9 million (1.4 percent), but this is insufficient to keep up with inflation. The budget adds $7.1 million to the MASSGrant program, which the administration describes as the amount needed to cover "all unmet need for students to cover tuition and fees at the Commonwealth's 15 community colleges." This $7.1 million represents a doubling of state scholarship funding for community colleges, but it is not clear if this is intended to make community college more affordable while holding enrollment constant, or to increase access to community college, or a combination of both. MassHealth and Health Reform Aims to hold down MassHealth costs with two significant initiatives: Approximately 140,000 adults (without disabilities) with incomes between 100 to 138 percent of the federal poverty level would lose MassHealth coverage, and would instead be eligible for subsidized commercial health insurance on the Health Connector. The Administration anticipates this change would generate $60 million net in FY 2019 and $120 million annually thereafter because of the federal subsidies available for commercial insurance for low-income people under the Affordable Care Act. It is not clear, however, how this shift will affect cost-sharing and premiums for these low-income adults. The Governor, does, however, intend to expand dental coverage for some of these individuals. The Governor proposes two initiatives to reign in pharmaceutical costs: one to improve the state's ability to negotiate prices with drug manufacturers; and an exclusion of specific high-cost medications from the MassHealth formulary. This latter proposal still requires federal approval. Mental Health and Public Health Continues the commitment to increased services for behavioral health and funding to address the state's opioid crisis. The Governor's budget proposes an increase in funding for adult mental health services, to expand treatment at the community level for adults with serious mental health needs. The Governor's budget also proposes increased funding for treatment and prevention of substance misuse, including increased funding for treatment and prevention within the Department of Public Health. Disability services Increases funding for the Turning 22 Program slightly, from a combined $37.3 million to $39.1 million, or about 4.9 percent. The Turning 22 Program funds services for eligible young adults with disabilities who have graduated from special education and includes funding across three different departments. Increases funding for Autism Omnibus Services, which provides services to people with autism spectrum disorders by 36 percent, from $13.3 million to $18.1 million. Housing Provides $2.7 million to implement the Housing Choice program, which encourages cities and towns to increase housing development, and increases the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program by $4.7 million. According to documents accompanying the budget, this increase would allow the state to create more than 200 additional supportive housing vouchers for low-income renters. Local Aid Unrestricted General Local Aid would increase to $1.099 billion, a $37.2 million (3.5 percent) increase, which is less than FY 2017's 3.9 percent increase of $39.9 million. Revenue Expands the state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to increase the amount by which it matches the federal EITC from 23 to 30 percent of the federal amount. This is a refundable tax credit for low-income workers to increase the after-tax rewards from work. It is available to tax filers with earned income and provides benefits primarily to workers with children. The new federal tax law would erode the increase in value of the EITC over time by using a slower growth factor for inflation. A body of research has shown that in addition to encouraging people to work, the EITC improves health outcomes for mothers and children, boosts children's academic performance, and improves their future earning potential. By increasing Massachusetts's state match rate of this federal program, the Commonwealth would be on par with New York's match, but below other states such as Vermont, New Jersey, and California. The proposed increase would begin January 1, 2019. The cost will be about $65 million per year, beginning in 2020, when people pay their 2019 income taxes. Extends the state's 5 percent room occupancy tax paid by hotels and motels to include short-term housing rentals, including those rented on online platforms such as Airbnb. This is similar to the Governor's previous proposals in earlier years. It would apply only to rooms rented 150 or more nights per year and is estimated to generate $13 million in additional state revenue. Localities would also be empowered to charge their own tax of up to 6 percent (6.5 percent for Boston). Companies like Airbnb would be able to enter voluntary agreements to collect these taxes on behalf of the state. For more information on Airbnb and Massachusetts state taxes, see MassBudget's July 2016 fact sheet. 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 MassBudget: A first take on the Governor's budget