Sunday, July 3, 2022

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy receives John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award

The Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) presented State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) with the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester on May 20th.  The award ceremony was part of MassMEP’s  ‘Manufacturing Your Future i4.0,’ an event for Massachusetts manufacturers to come together and take a deep dive through the components of Industry 4.0, along with a view of SMART Manufacturing, and the chance to learn about the importance of building a roadmap in I4.0 to remain competitive and see direct impacts to the bottom line. 

Representative Roy received the award in recognition of his dedication to and support of Massachusetts Manufacturing.  Currently the House Chairperson of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, he is also the House-Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts.   
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy
 
“I was honored, humbled, and deeply touched to be the recipient of the Jack Healy Award from MassMEP,” said Representative Roy.  “Under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, Massachusetts has assembled an unparalleled support system and is fully committed to a thriving manufacturing sector. I have been delighted to play a small role in the efforts to help companies make it in Massachusetts and look forward to seeing more moving here.” 
 
 “No one deserves this award more than Representative Roy,” said Dennis Leonard, Chairman of the Board, MassMEP.  Representative Roy’s efforts have fostered innovation and created opportunities for economic growth in Massachusetts. He has been a steadfast supporter of the MassMEP, requesting funding for the program every year. We as a manufacturing community are in a better place because of him.”

L-R: Rep Roy, Mark Schmit of NIST and Tom Andrellos of MassMEP
L-R: Rep Roy, Mark Schmit of NIST and Tom Andrellos of MassMEP

In 2016, MassMEP created the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award to recognize excellence within manufacturing companies and honor individual manufacturing leaders who are shaping the future of global manufacturing. This award is in honor of MassMEP's former President and leader, John "Jack" Healy. Jack was the leader of MassMEP from 1997-2016. During his tenure he changed the way manufacturing is perceived and was often referred to as the "Voice of Manufacturing." His role with MassMEP and his passion for the industry were the catalysts in shaping the direction of manufacturing in Massachusetts. 
  
Past recipients of the John “Jack” Healy Leadership Award include Speaker Robert DeLeo and Congressman Jim McGovern. 

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if you haven't subscribed for the daily email, please do so, and tell your friends & neighbors too!
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Senator Rausch: June Beacon Hill Roundup

The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of contents visit this link ->  https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-16319594?e=0c2c9810fe


June Beacon Hill Roundup


Senator Rausch State House Briefing   
Part 2, Chapter 17 (June 30, 2022)   


In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent actions, and particularly the Dobbs decision, it is no exaggeration to say that we are living in dark times for our country, our federal government, and the rule of law. As a woman, a mother, a Jew, someone who has been pregnant and given birth, a scholar in reproductive justice and the law, and someone who genuinely cares about the survival of our democracy, I feel the impacts of these decisions in every fiber of my being. The Supreme Court has engaged in drastic, unprecedented, and extremist judicial activism that moves our country decades back in time.  

 
State legislatures across the country must act. Now. Indeed, state governments have never been more important. I remain fervently committed to protecting broad-spectrum reproductive health care access and delivery in our Commonwealth, regardless of residency. State governments are our last line of defense. With a month to go in the legislative session, I will keep fighting to advance the urgently needed policies to protect your rights. 

In this newsletter, you’ll find my statement about the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, a celebration of pride and Juneteenth, a legislative update, and a roundup of some district events. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.   

I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.     

Yours in service,  
 
Senator Becca Rausch   



Virtual Evening Office Hours

Senator Rausch: June Beacon Hill Roundup 

My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.    

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.    
    
Upcoming virtual office hours:    

Monday, July 11, 5-6 PM 

Monday, August 1, 5-6 PM 


Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133

One day delay in the normal trash/recycle schedule for the 4th of July week

With the 4th of July falling on Monday, there will be a one day delay in the normal trash/recycle pickup schedule. If your schedule is normally on Monday, then it is Tuesday, if Tuesday, it is now Wednesday, and so forth.

If you accidentally tossed the new 2022-2023 curbside flyer from Waste Management (which picks up per contract from the Town of Franklin DPW), you can download a copy here  ->

Note the next one day delay in the normal schedule will be in September for Labor Day.

Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters
Franklin trash and recycle bins or totters

Saturday, July 2, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Saturday, July 2, 2022 - 2nd Annual Blues Festival - No fireworks

Saturday, July 2

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open (WRIST BANDS 12-5 - save $ buy the wristband/card online -> https://www.franklin4th.com/)

12:00pm - 4th July: Padula Trio Plus One (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

2:00pm - 4th July: Neal & The Vipers (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

4:00pm - 4th July: Ed Peabody and the Big Blue Thang (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

6:00pm - 4th July: Mike Crandall Bandblues (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

8:00pm - 4th July: Sugar Ray & The Bluetones (2nd Annual Franklin Blues Festival)

10:00pm - 4th July: fireworks CANCELED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER



4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

"Pharaoh's Fury" returns
"Pharaoh's Fury" returns



MMA: "Online maps illustrate progress of gas leak repair program"

"Massachusetts has one of the oldest natural gas systems in the country, with around 22% of the pipes under the ground considered “leakprone” in 2020, according to HEET, a Cambridge-based nonprofit dedicated to cutting emissions.

In 2014, Massachusetts created the Gas System Enhancement Program as a way for its six investor-owned natural gas distribution companies to accelerate the replacement of this leaking infrastructure by 2039.

Now, the public can view the location and estimated cost of each new planned gas pipe replacement project using pipe replacement maps created by HEET. Also available is HEET’s annually updated map of gas leaks across Massachusetts, along with estimated emissions."

Continue reading the article online at Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

The Home Energy Efficiency Team (HEET)'s gas leak map ->  https://heet.org/gas-leaks/gas-leak-maps/

This link should drop you directly to the interactive Franklin section of the map ->

If the link doesn't drop you directly to Franklin, start here and search for Franklin ->  https://heet.org/gas-leaks/gas-leak-maps/

HEET's gas leak map focused on Franklin
HEET's gas leak map focused on Franklin

Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

Summertime is a good time for outdoor performing arts. And when the location is the Waterplace Park in Providence for a performance by Trinity Rep, put it on the calendar! 

"Meet the cast of "La Mancha!" This Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote" is part of Teatro en el Verano, produced by @rilatinoarts in association with Trinity Rep. It features local Latinx artists, and is completely free to attend.

"Don Quixote" runs at La Galería del Pueblo in Central Falls July 15 - 24, with a special performance on the Waterplace Park  in Providence on July 28. 
For more information, visit trinityrep.com/lamancha."
Complete press release and performance schedule

(Yes, there is nothing wrong with Central Falls but the schedule for the Providence performance is better for me.)

Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"
Spanish/English bilingual adaptation of "Don Quixote"

New England Muzzle awards contain a local interest

"A Boston mayor who trampled on a religious group’s right to freedom of expression. A Worcester city manager who trampled on the public’s right to know about police misconduct. A New Hampshire state legislator who trampled on teachers’ rights by demanding that they take a “loyalty oath” promising not to teach their students about racism.

These are just a few of the winners of the 2022 New England Muzzle Awards."

The former Worcester city manager (Augustus) is now the Chancellor at Dean College. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/dean-college-announces-elmore-as.html


New England Muzzle awards contain a local interest
New England Muzzle awards contain a local interest

Friday, July 1, 2022

4th of July Celebration - schedule for Friday, July 1, 2022

Friday, July 1

6:00pm - 4th July: Rides and food booths open

7:00pm - 4th July: Duppy Conquerors (the quintessential testimonial to Bob Marley's spirit and his music)



4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

yes, a Ferris wheel
yes, a Ferris wheel


Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday

With the forecast currently for thunderstorms on Saturday, if that holds up, it is possible the fireworks will be canceled. The decision needs to be made by 2 PM on Friday.  Stay tuned to the Celebration page for an update.

The good weather Thursday got the 4th of July Celebration off to a good start. Hopefully, that will hold for Friday and then after the storms pass on Saturday, allow for good weather on Sunday and Monday.

Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday
Stay tuned for word on Fireworks for Saturday

4th of July Coalition home page   https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin July 4th Coalition

c/o Dean Bank

P.O. Box 307

Franklin, MA 02038


Download a copy of the recent Franklin 4th July mailer with the complete schedule of events  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sALIW_iu5PT84eQ_p3kUCncZaUnJB0NM/view?usp=sharing

CommonWealth Magazine: "State sets carbon targets for 2025, 2030"

 
"Hours after the Supreme Court dealt a devastating blow to the national climate effort, Massachusetts released an aggressive new blueprint that speeds up efforts to slash emissions by electrifying buildings and vehicles and transitioning the electricity supply rapidly from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. 
The new plan offers a detailed path for what the state must achieve by 2025 and 2030, presenting a vision for accelerating climate action in Massachusetts. 
“The Clean Energy and Climate Plan is a comprehensive and balanced plan that will serve as a guide for Massachusetts as we work to achieve ambitious emissions goals and reach Net Zero in 2050 in an equitable and affordable manner,” Governor Charlie Baker said in a statement."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article






CommonWealth Magazine also provides coverage on the updated net zero plan


Ted McIntyre and I have a series on "Making Sense of Climate." As it is based upon how the state is doing on meeting goals of the roadmap, this new update will be part of future discussions. You can listen to the prior episodes here

CommonWealth Magazine: "State sets carbon targets for 2025, 2030"
CommonWealth Magazine: "State sets carbon targets for 2025, 2030"

Attention Franklin: The curbside pickup schedule for the new fiscal year beginning July is in the mail

If you accidentally tossed it out, you can get a download a copy to keep handy from here ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t0rZzPPIsgdN3EgGRAT6e3Y1RSxKArnN/view?usp=sharing

For example, with the 4th of July falling on Monday, next week will be a one day delay in the normal trash/recycling schedule. If normally Monday, now Tuesday and so forth...

Additional info can be found on the Recycling & Solid Waste page


https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t0rZzPPIsgdN3EgGRAT6e3Y1RSxKArnN/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t0rZzPPIsgdN3EgGRAT6e3Y1RSxKArnN/view?usp=sharing


MA Senate sends multiple legislative items to the House for their consideration

Please find four press releases related to legislation passed by the Massachusetts State Senate today. All the legislation referenced now goes to the House for their consideration.

Criminal Justice Bills: Civil Asset Forfeiture, Juvenile Diversion, Juvenile Bail

DCF Bills_Safeguards4Children, Foster Parents Bill of Rights

PrEP

Archaic Laws

Boston Globe coverage on the archaic law legislation (subscription maybe required)

MA Senate sends multiple legislative items to the House for their consideration
MA Senate sends multiple legislative items to the House for their consideration

MA Attorney General asks DPU to dismiss request for 'renewable' natural gas

Via Priya (https://twitter.com/priyainmasswho is a clean energy attorney @CLF  Massachusetts, we share the following Twitter thread:

"Good news: @MassAGO has asked the Department of Public Utilities to dismiss Liberty Gas’ request for approval to receive so-called “renewable” natural gas (aka biomethane, yet another dangerous, polluting fuel) for the next 20 years. A thread: 1/6 #MAPoli

Right now, the DPU is considering what the role of gas companies will be in our clean energy future, which requires utility companies to present plans for their energy supply. (Spoiler: an ideal plan doesn’t include any climate-damaging, polluting fuels: just clean energy). 2/6

 

Much to no one’s surprise, utility companies presented plans that were fancy pretenses for business as usual. Liberty Gas was one of these companies, and like others, its plan relied heavily on using biomethane in its fuel mix. 3/6

 

According to @MassAGO, the DPU can’t approve Liberty’s request while it’s still investigating the “future of gas” And, by requesting DPU’s approval WHILE the investigation is happening, Liberty is trying to bypass thorough review of biomethane’s impacts. 4/6

 

We agree with the AG. Reality check: Biomethane used for home heating still pollutes our climate while clogging and dirtying our air. This isn’t a climate solution, this is a cover for maintaining the status quo. 5/6

 

Now, we wait to see what the DPU will do. Utility companies’ claims, especially regarding biomethane, are highly doubtful. And it won’t help MA reach our climate goals which, at this point, is a matter of our lives. Stay tuned for what the department decides. 6/6"


The thread can be found in the ThreadReader App

or at the start of the Twitter thread -> https://twitter.com/priyainmass/status/1542140059436064768