Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive Registry of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded history buffs that all hand written documents at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds have been electronically transcribed and are available for viewing and printing. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been in existence for 225 years. During that time, the Registry has gone from the days of scriveners with quill pens to the modern era of computers and advanced document imaging. We are proud of the effort undertaken to transcribe images of handwritten land documents dating back from 1793 to 1900," noted O'Donnell. "With the transcription process complete, we now have all our land documents, approximately 8,000,000, available at our website www.norfolkdeeds.org." O'Donnell further stated, "We are extraordinarily proud that the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds was the first in New England back in 2017 to go through this transcription process. The effort undertaken to transcribe these hard to read land documents represented a special effort by the Registry and its vendor to have an accurate representation of these handwritten land documents. This undertaking has allowed the public to perform historical, genealogical and land record research." The Register added that 12.5 million words of Old English prose written in cursive penmanship were transcribed into readable computer text. It should be noted that while the transcribers made a best effort to translate these hard to read documents, their accuracy is not guaranteed. "These transcribed documents," stated Register O'Donnell, "are not legal documents in and of itself, and are not considered binding on the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds or its employees. It is considered merely a convenient reference for Registry users. For documentation purposes, users should refer to the scanned image of the original document instead of the transcribed image." "It is a wonderful time to take advantage of this technological breakthrough. Genealogy InTime Magazine estimated that 7.93 million Americans are involved in tracking their ancestors," noted O'Donnell. The Register also stated that two-time Pulitzer Prize winning historian David McCullough was fascinated and delighted to learn about the project, writing "... you {Registry} are making a large and important contribution and I send my warmest congratulations." Concluding his remarks, O'Donnell stated, "As Register of Deeds, I take very seriously my responsibility to be the custodian of land document information in Norfolk County. Part of that responsibility is to ensure the accuracy and accessibility of these land documents. Future generations will now be able to read these transcribed images with the goal of ensuring a historically correct record of land documents in Norfolk County." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 SafeUnsubscribe™ shersteve@gmail.com Forward email | Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Makes History Come Alive

Two key MBTA projects delayed with commuter rail impact

On the MBTA front, there are two reports with delays in projects

"The MBTA’s $700 million effort to convert to all-electronic fare collection is behind schedule, a blow to a high-profile project that the agency has cast as a near silver-bullet solution to many of its service problems and pricing limitations. 

Officials declined to specify how long it will now take to implement the fare system, originally scheduled for completion in 2021, nor are they saying exactly what has gone wrong. But the delays apparently involve technology issues with the T’s vendor, as well as difficult policy decisions, such as how to conduct random fare checks that the new system will require."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/05/03/key-mbta-fare-system-delayed/MLo5h5jRYQROLxyhhPypFP/story.html

And earlier last week, there was also a delay announced with the implementation of the new PTC system.

"Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officials are worried the agency will miss a key deadline to install a federally required safety system on the commuter rail, with testing of the long-planned system delayed by an equipment issue. 

The new positive train control system, known as PTC, uses a high-tech network to ensure trains don’t collide. The $459 million project was supposed to be fully installed and operational by the end of next year, but hardware and software problems could threaten that timeline, officials told the MBTA’s governing board Monday. 

The key problem is faulty equipment, built by the international conglomerate Siemens, a subcontractor on the project, that is designed to relay information about train locations and speeds."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/04/29/equipment-problems-hampering-key-safety-project-mbta-commuter-rail/kVFOmAsBpODDQosSiLZ6mL/story.html


How does the automated fare collection system work for commuter rail?

"on the commuter rail, passengers would tap into the system before they board trains and tap out when they reach their destination, so the T can calculate the distance-based fares."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/19/the-mbta-has-million-plan-change-way-you-pay-for-rides/f1QQZDfPHnozcyBGyHSWPI/story.html?p1=Article_Inline_Text_Link

Two key MBTA projects delayed

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Inquiring minds might ask "How do we avoid letting so many teachers go and raise school fees?" The town budget is balanced to meet expected revenue. The only way to increase the expected revenue is for the majority of the voters to agree to do so. 


"PLACING QUESTIONS BEFORE VOTERS
Proposition 2½ questions are placed on an election ballot by vote of the "local
appropriating body," which is defined in towns as the selectboard, not town meeting. In
towns without selectboards, a vote of the town council is required to present a question to
the electorate. In cities, a vote of the city council, with the mayor's approval where
required by law, is needed. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(a).

This is the only way an override or exclusion question may be placed on the ballot. They
may not be placed on the ballot by a town meeting vote or any local initiative procedure
authorized by law. A local initiative procedure, however, may be used as an alternative
method of placing an underride question on the ballot.

The board or council must vote the question exactly as it will appear on the ballot.


ELECTION PROCEDURE
Proposition 2½ questions may be placed on a regular or special municipal election ballot.

Questions may also be placed on the state biennial election ballot. However, those
questions must be submitted to the Secretary of State for certification by the first
Wednesday in August preceding the election. G.L. c. 59, § 21C(i).

The usual laws and procedures relating to municipal elections apply. The municipal clerk
must receive written notice of the question being placed on the ballot at least 35 days
before the date of the election. G.L. c. 54, § 42C. The vote to place a question on the
ballot must take place in sufficient time to meet this advance notice requirement.

A city or town may present Proposition 2½ questions to the voters as many times during
the year as it chooses. The only constraint on the interval between these elections is the
time needed to call and hold each election.

The Office of the Secretary of State is responsible for administering and enforcing
election laws. Specific questions about the application of these laws to Proposition 2½
elections should be directed to the Elections Division of that office at 617-727-2828."



Additional info on the process can be found in the Division of Local Services (DLS) bulletin which is part of the MA Dept of Revenue (DOR). 
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/07/31/prop2.pdf?_ga=2.5588468.630711474.1557137379-1789922467.1514424883

DOR also has a series of short videos to explain the process
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/proposition-2-12-and-tax-rate-process

What is the process for a Prop 2 1/2 ballot question?

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 8, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 8, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_may_8_2019_1.pdf

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of May 8, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda.  The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	April 24, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	None
5. APPOINTMENTS	a. Franklin Cultural District, Roberta DeBaggis Trahan
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer Winery, Farmers Market
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	a. Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, State Representative Jeffrey Roy b. Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Proposal
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Resolution 19-31: Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-31- Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-838: Amendment to the Franklin Town Code at Ch.153 Stormwater Management- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-838- Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-841: Municipal Service Fees- Ten Day Recycling Sticker- 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-841- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Executive Session	None scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Water/sewer line work underway on Dean Ave

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

Sunday, May 5

9:00 -12:00: FPAC 5K and 1 mile Fun Run at THE BLACK BOX ($10/$25)
The first annual Franklin Performing Arts Company Road Race will begin and end at THE BLACK BOX. Along the route, runners will be entertained and encouraged by sidewalk art created by student artists. THE BLACK BOX theater will feature face painting, finish line sign- making for children, and a celebration with live music in the theater lobby. 
Race start time is 10:00 a.m. Race fees: 5K: $25 advance, $35 day-of; Fun Run: $10 advance, $15 day-of.
Runner check-in 9:00. Free activities begin 10:00. 
Register: www.fpaconline.com

10:00 - 2:00: Throwing Seeds mural painting at Franklin Agway (FREE) Come watch farmer and artist Tyler Harris create a mural on Agway's fence as he interprets the phrase “Throwing Seeds”. Tyler grew up in Franklin and is now the manager of a farm in Dartmouth Mass.

12:00 - 2:00: The Art of Canning Pickles at Franklin Agway (FREE)
You can enjoy the taste of summer year round by learning how to preserve vegetables at their peak ripeness. Learn where and when to get your fresh produce at Franklin's local farms as well as how to make your own pickles! Stir & chop, or just watch. Learn the lost culinary art of canning. It's fun and yummy! Outdoor event; weather permitting.

1:30 - 2:15: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Public Library (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

1:30 - 5:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

3:00 - 3:45: NoteAble Blend concert at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) NoteAble Blend, an energetic women's barbershop chorus, will perform an a cappella performance, including a fun and lively description of the four parts of barbershop.

Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Sunday, May 5, 2019

"when you’re picking a school you have to be picking it for more than just sports"

Elizabeth Clark, student and writer for Pantherbook, recently published an interview with Kristi Kirshe.

"Every athlete imagines having successes in high school, college, and eventually the big stage of either professional sports or Olympic sports. For one Panther alumna, she had successes in high school, collegiately, and is now taking the Olympic stage, in a way many wouldn’t expect. 

Kristi Kirshe, FHS Class of 2013, will play for the USA Rugby team. In high school, she was a Gatorade Player of the Year for soccer, and a standout in basketball and lacrosse as well. She went on to play soccer at Williams College, where she was the all-time leading scorer of goals in a season (18), career goals (43), and career points (114). After college, she missed being a competitive athlete and got involved in rugby. I recently got a chance to talk to her about her successes in high school, college, and now her involvement in rugby."

Continue reading the interview with Kristi
https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2019/05/03/fhs-alumni-kristi-kirshe-to-the-olympics/

Kristi Kirshe (US Rugby photo)

Panther TV: Interview with Paul Peri

If you have ever wanted to know a little more about Paul Peri, the principal at Franklin High School, this video will either answer some of your questions, or raise other for you to ask Paul when you see him next.

Thanks Panther TV!




For additional Panther TV videos, check out their page on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC97g5EtUvUnrmRU50srGOew

Franklin Cultural District: Dedication Celebration - May 10

Dear Cultural District Partners,

The Town of Franklin and the Franklin Cultural District Committee are honored to announce the Dedication Celebration of Franklin’s Cultural District. The festivities will begin with a formal Dedication Ceremony at the Franklin Historical Museum on Friday, May 10, at 3:30 PM. The Dedication Ceremony will be followed by a celebration at THE BLACK BOX, which will include light refreshments and entertainment. All are welcome to attend.

We would also like to remind you of our upcoming Partners' Meeting on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be held in the Franklin Public Library community room.

We hope to see you all at these upcoming events.

The Franklin Cultural District Committee

Franklin Cultural District: Dedication Celebration - May 10

Charter School clarifications on Franklin FY 2020 budget impact

The Charter School provides some clarifications on the projected budget impact statements reported by the Town of Franklin and the Public Schools:

"As you may have seen recently in the local print and in social media, BFCCPS has been listed as the main driver of the budget deficit for the Franklin Public School system. Many current and former parents and faculty have shown great support for BFCCPS on social media over the last few weeks. 

Please know that several pieces of information that have been reported are inaccurate. For example, while various articles report 258 new students attending our school next year; only 95 students from Franklin have accepted offers of enrollment for the 2019-2020 school year. As we have 31 grade eight students who will be attending Franklin High School next year, the true impact is only a net of 64 new students attending BFCCPS from the town of Franklin next year. Additionally, articles have repeatedly indicated that our expansion includes a High School offering. We have no plans to expand to grades 9-12. 

When we began our expansion process in 2012, we were intentional in designing our region to have a lessening impact on the town of Franklin. In fact, next year, even with expansion, we will enroll fewer children from the Town of Franklin than before we became a regional school in the 2015-2016 school year."

Continue reading the full write up on the Charter School page
http://bfccps.org/clarification-on-the-impact-of-bfccps-on-the-franklin-public-school-systems-budget/?doing_wp_cron=1556970363.0868589878082275390625

The Town of Franklin has updated their memo that incorrectly reported the expansion would include grades 9-12.  The updated memo can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/fy20_budget_forecast_and_beyond_0.pdf

Per the Charter School the enrollment increase projected for Franklin should be less than shown in the Dept of Local Service Cherry Sheet estimates but until the numbers flow through the State, the budget impact to Franklin is still a significant increase over prior years ('significant' is currently shown at $1M).

DLS Cherry Sheet estimates:

The 'cherry sheet' reflects the local aid coming to Franklin or assessed against Franklin. Chapter 70 is the school aid. There are also lines shown for the charter school ins and outs.

I have filtered on the DLS page to select Franklin and export to create the PDF shown here. You can view the info online
https://dlsgateway.dor.state.ma.us/reports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=CherrySheets.CSbyProgMunis.MuniBudgEst




Bottom line: the school funding calculations provided by the State short change all Franklin students, period. There should not be a charter vs. public school debate. We should be united in getting a more realistic funding formula. Why? Whatever is allocated for the Franklin Public School students will flow to the charter school students, so if there is more for one there will be more for the other. If the public school budget is cut (as it will be this year), the Charter School student will ultimately see that (in some manner - I am not an expert on State funding flows, but from my experience that is what will likely happen).

Horace Mann statue in downtown Franklin, the father of public education

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Saturday, May 4, 2019

Saturday, May 4

9:00 - 5:00: Post-It Note Collage at Franklin Public Library ~ In celebration of ArtWeek 2019, the Youth Services department will be building a Post-It Note Collage! But we need your help! Stop by anytime during the week to help add post-it notes to the wall. What will the final image be?? Only time will tell!!

10:00 - 12:00: Sidewalk Chalk! at the Franklin Town Common (FREE)
Join BFCCPS’s first chalk festival! Watch other artists create masterpieces with vividly colored pastels and join in on creating your own art while we transform the cement on the Franklin Commons into a bright and colorful chalk art display! Parking on Queen St.

11:00 - 11:45: Trowbridge Piano Performance at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) Local musician Dennis Ferguson will perform a selection of works by 20th century women composers on the Museum's antique Trowbridge Piano, with background and details on the composers and compositions.

12:00 - 4:00: Art of Game Design with Jason Davis at Pete's Nerd Emporium (FREE) Jason Davis, the Franklin-based game designer of Davis & Daughters Games, will be giving a talk on his creative process: what it’s like to design games with children and for children and all the difficulty and benefits therein. His talk will be followed by a demo of his game, Heroes & Treasure, a traditional fantasy-styled RPG meant to be played with children as young as 4.

12:00 - 1:30 and 2:00 - 3:30: Around the World in 8 Plays at THE BLACK BOX ($12/$15) Travel around the world and explore forgotten myths and unusual legends in eight fast-paced and hilarious tales! Guided by a band of roaming gypsies, the audience is transported from the ancient Far East, where a hero must kill a giant centipede to save a dragon king, to the Russian countryside, where a poor orphan must defeat three witches who stole his grandfather's eyes. Always quirky, and sometimes bizarre, these eight tales are filled with magic, mystery, and morals. Tickets are $12 student/senior and $15 adult. Tickets: bit.ly/8_plays

12:15 - 1:00: Horace Mann Birthday Celebration at the Franklin Historical Museum (FREE) Join us for a piece of cake and a little history to celebrate Horace Mann's 223rd birthday.

12:30 - 1:30: Orff Percussion Jam at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (FREE)  The Orff Percussion Jam will allow people to use both pitched (xylophones, metallophones, glockenspiels, etc.) and non-pitched instruments (drums, tambourines, shakers, etc) in a unique, multi-layered ensemble that will explore familiar children's songs. For kids 5-12, although 13+ are welcome to join by helping out or playing on the larger instruments. Parking on Queen St.

1:00 - 3:00: “May the 4th be With You” Star Wars Party! at the Franklin Public Library (FREE)  Come celebrate Star Wars Day with us! Put your Jedi skills to the test with out-of-this-world games and crafts! Then refuel with snacks and refreshments straight from the Cantina!

2:00 - 3:00: Drumming Around the World at Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School (FREE)  Drumming Around the World will focus on exploring different cultures and their musical styles through the art of drumming. Participants will learn elementary to intermediate rhythms by ear, participate in drum circles, practice improvisation skills, and learn a little of the history of hand drumming. Parking on Queen St.

2:00 - 3:30: What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner? at Franklin TV (FREE)  Author Ed Iannuccilli draws on his Italian heritage in his book "What Ever Happened to Sunday Dinner?" which is the focus of his ArtWeek lecture. Dr. Ed will share how and why he writes, inspiring the audience to write their own stories of immigration and cultural history.

7:00 - 9:30: The Chestnut Street Revue at First Universalist Society of Franklin (FREE) Join us for an exciting evening of music, featuring a broad range of genres from good old rock and roll to classical guitar. Local bands Critical Mass and Victims of Gravity will get your toes tapping, and Heath Nisbett's classical guitar will elevate your mood! The Universal Singers will entertain you with some uplifting choral arrangements. Michele Kelly will engage us with her beautiful vocals, and Dan Feerick and Jeff Cerrier will perform guitar solos. It's sure to be a fun evening of great music. Gourmet desserts will be available at intermission.

7:00 - 12:00: Party for the Pantry at THE BLACK BOX ($25)
Join us for an evening showcasing four fabulous bands in support of the Franklin Food Pantry! Tickets: www.franklinfoodpantry.org


Download your copy of the full schedule for ArtWeek here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczODN4X2hTdVdobWpWWTlpR19WMFZHZE5JWHVz/view?usp=sharing

Franklin ArtWeek Schedule for Saturday, May 4, 2019

Franklin High School: Chromebook PSA 2019

When the new Franklin High School building opened, approx. 1600 Chromebooks entered the daily life of the students. At approx. $200 each, they are relatively cheap and overtime will provide a better return than standard textbooks.

As with any technical device, the technology is great when it works, and can be frustrating when it doesn't. Taking care of the device is critical to the performance. This Public Service Announcement is a cool reminder of the need for taking care as well as a good showcase for the talented students work in media creation.

There is an annual insurance policy that is well worth purchasing for only $25.

Enjoy! (only 2 and a half minutes)





Chromebook lifecycle:
Chromebooks are issued to the incoming Freshmen class and expected to be used for the four years. The seniors turn in their Chromebooks upon graduation and the units are evaluated for reuse. 

Part of the capital needs for the school district have shifted from book and curriculum purchases to Chromebook replacements and software licenses. The Chromebooks and licenses are more easily kept up to date than hardcover materials.

Chromebooks have gradually expanded to the middle and elementary schools. The units used by those students stay within the buildings. High school students take theirs home to do homework and projects.

Franklin Connections - May Edition - Senior Center Newsletter

Franklin Connections, the May Edition of the Senior Center Newsletter has been posted to the Town of Franklin webpage and is available.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/pages/may19connection.pdf

Franklin Connections - May Edition - Senior Center Newsletter

Franklin Public Library: Pushing Chain - May 7

Pushing Chain is a folk duo scheduled to perform at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 PM.

"Pushing Chain is Boyd Blomberg on guitar and vocals and Adam Moe on fiddle and vocals. The duo recently celebrated 20 years of making music together, as well as the release of their new album, Sorrows Always Swim. Playing approximately 200 shows every year, Boyd and Adam have been doing what they can to spread their brand of folky-tonk roots music far and wide in venues big and small across the United States and Canada."

Franklin Public Library: Pushing Chain - May 7

Check out this video sample of their music



For more music and info visit their webpage  https://www.pushingchain.com/

MassBudget: Modernizing Massachusetts overtime law would protect 435,000 modestly paid workers

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. May 2, 2019 Modernizing Massachusetts overtime law would protect 435,000 modestly paid workers Bringing the Massachusetts overtime law into the 21st century would protect precious time off the job for 435,000 modestly paid, salaried workers in the state. Both the Massachusetts Legislature and the Trump Administration's Department of Labor (DoL) are considering updates to the dollar threshold below which salaried workers gain automatic overtime protection. Bills currently before the Massachusetts Legislature would modernize the state's overtime law, according to a new Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) report, It's About Time: Modernizing the Massachusetts Overtime Law Would Help 435,000 Salaried Workers. Under federal law, salaried workers who make below $455 per week are automatically eligible for overtime pay - 1.5 times their regular rate of pay for the first 40 hours. Not only is this federal threshold below the poverty level for a family of four in Massachusetts, but it is also less than what a worker would make working 40 hours per week at the state's minimum wage - $480 per week. "Many salaried workers in Massachusetts currently have to work long hours without being compensated for overtime," said Jeremy Thompson, Senior Policy Analyst and author of the report. "Weak, outdated, and unclear state and federal overtime laws make it easy for employers to require salaried workers to work overtime without paying them more than if they had worked 40 hours." The Massachusetts proposals would set the salary threshold at twice the state's minimum wage by 2024 and would peg the threshold to inflation so it can keep pace with cost of living changes. The DoL proposes to set the salary threshold based on what the lowest-paid, salaried workers in the lowest-cost region of the country (the South) earn, and it would not peg this threshold to inflation. The DoL proposal would cover 330,000 fewer workers than the Massachusetts bills by 2024.  "When workers give up scarce personal time for their jobs, they deserve to be fairly compensated for that time," said Marie-Frances Rivera, President of MassBudget. "In a high-cost state like Massachusetts, the proposed federal rules would leave hundreds of thousands of salaried workers behind." Read the report here http://massbudget.org/report_window.php?loc=Its-About-Time.html. The Trump DoL proposal is open for public comment through May 21, 2019. Readers who wish to submit comments to the U.S. Department of Labor can click  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/03/22/2019-04514/defining-and-delimiting-the-exemptions-for-executive-administrative-professional-outside-sales-and. 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 mrivera@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try email marketing for free today!