Congressman Auchincloss: An Update on the period JULY 18 - JULY 29

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW JULY 18 - JULY 29 I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Congressman Auchincloss speaking with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg about improved infrastructure for walking and cycling Modernizing Our Transportation: I recently wrote in Strong Towns about the need to change our approach to transportation. The president recently advocated for a gas tax holiday, which would save drivers only a few dollars over a few months. It also does not address the core problem. We don't need a gas tax holiday. We need a gas tax reset: an overhaul of transportation funding. We must free our infrastructure from the grip of big oil and car-centric planning by handing highways over to the states and redirecting the federal gas tax to support cities and towns' Main Street infrastructure. Americans should not need to own cars to thrive in this century. That requires handing the highways over to the states, and redirecting the federal gas tax to infrastructure for walking, cycling, and transit. President Biden's Visit: Last week, I joined President Biden when he visited Brayton Point in Somerset. Brayton Point is a former coal-fired power plant that is demonstrating the clean energy transition by becoming an offshore wind hub & materials manufacturer. Offshore wind development represents an investment in clean energy, job creation, and meeting the President's climate goals. During his visit, President Biden highlighted how offshore wind will not only contribute to a clean-energy future, but it will also propel job growth and economic development. Clean energy is the fastest growing job sector in America. These jobs pay well and many will not require a college degree. While the Biden Administration and the offshore wind industry are making strides to bring wind energy on the grid, I am working in Congress to advance legislation to promote further development in Massachusetts and across the Eastern Seaboard. Expanding Access to Banking: I introduced the Promoting New and Diverse Depository Institutions Act to advance economic equality in our country. This week, my bill passed the House of Representatives as a standalone bill with bipartisan support after having previously passed as part of a larger package. The bill directs banking regulators to work together to address the challenges that new depository institutions face when applying for a bank charter. The bill specifically asks for a strategic plan that takes into consideration the challenges faced by de novo financial institutions, including minority depository institutions (MDIs) and community development financial institutions (CDFIs). This will help ensure all Americans have access to affordable banking services. Our economy has not always worked for all communities equally and one way to address that is to ensure access to diverse and affordable financial services. These services can help individuals save money and help small businesses raise capital. This bill is a necessary step towards advancing economic equality in our country. Protecting Fundamental Rights: Last week, I voted in favor of two critical pieces of legislation to protect fundamental rights for Americans: the Respect for Marriage Act and the Right to Contraception Act. The Respect for Marriage Act ensures that all Americans have the right to marry whom they love by making marriage equality the law of the land. The Right to Contraception Act ensures states cannot limit access to birth control. I will not allow the Supreme Court and Republican legislators to roll back the clock on progress. I urge the Senate to take up both of these bills and codify these critical and fundamental rights. Make your voice heard → Public transit and improved walkability provide affordable ways for millions of Americans to get around and reduce our decades-long overreliance on cars. This will result in lower costs for commuters, greater access to jobs for Americans, and less pollution of our air and water. Let me know below if you support this transition. Do you support shifting our transportation system away from cars and highways and towards walking, biking and transit? Around the Fourth Local Small Businesses: Last week, I spoke at the One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce in Fall River about the work I am doing in Congress to lower costs. It is critical we invest in our workforce and supply chains, as well as tackle geo-economic drivers of inflation, so small businesses can thrive. We also discussed everything from offshore wind development to the opioid crisis to Medicare. It was truly a pleasure to meet and hear from many of our local leaders and small businesses and I will continue my work in Washington to lower costs for families and businesses at a time when prices are painfully high. Sincerely, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110

Gov Baker sent the climate bill back to Legislature with amendments

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER sent the Legislature’s climate change bill back with amendments that appear to rewrite it significantly, including reinstating the governor’s original call for using $750 million in federal aid to jumpstart clean energy innovation in the state.

The governor’s 19-page letter to the Legislature noted he filed his climate change bill last October but lawmakers waited until recently to send their compromise bill to him, leaving little time for compromise with the legislative session ending Sunday.

“I am returning this bill in a timely manner in hopes of reaching a successful compromise with the Legislature soon,” he wrote."

Continue reading the article online 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/baker-proposes-major-changes-to-climate-change-bill/

Boston Globe coverage (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/29/science/state-climate-legislation-limbo-baker-files-amendments/

Link to amendments returned to House & Senate ->  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5141

Gov. Charlie Baker at a State House press conference. (David L Ryan/Globe Staff )

Can You Recycle This? Take the quiz here

Can You Recycle This? | Educational Recycling Quiz | Recycle Smart MA. (It is a good one, I was not perfect)

Take the quiz here -> https://recyclesmartma.org/quiz/

Can You Recycle This? Take the quiz here

Hat tip to Ray Milici for the link - https://twitter.com/raymilici1199/status/1551768806292348928

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic for Ages 12+ on August 10, 2022

The Franklin Health Department is hosting a free COVID-19 Booster Clinic for ages 12 and up on Wednesday, August 10th from 3-6 PM at the Franklin Senior Center. 

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed.

Register today via the link -> https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/franklin

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic for Ages 12+ on August 10, 2022

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22

FM #832 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 832 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing & Communications Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation at the Municipal Building in Jamie’s office. 

Topics for this session

• This heat wave broke, the drought is continuing 

• Weekly Farmers Market, Concert on the Common, food trucks, movie nights

• Hydrant painting contest by DPW, applications due Aug 12, winner announcement in October

• Friendly 40b

• EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting

• Green community presentation at August Town Council meeting

• 5 year fiscal outlook (not published yet but highlights covered)

• Old South Meeting House

• Davis Thayer deed processing underway, discussion in Fall on how best to use it

The conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-End-of-the-Heat-Wave--Hydrant-Painting--and-the-New-Friendly-40b-Process-e1lrjsg/a-a8ak6mi

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Hydrant painting contest  https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/hydrant-painting-starts-today

40b collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-40b-why-is-town-of-franklin.html

Beaver St collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-beaver-st-interceptor-why-does.html

Franklin for All webpage 

https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22

Franklin's Event Outlook: July 29, 2022 to Aug 4, 2022

It's Friday again and time to get to the Town Common; food and music is always a great combo to enjoy outdoor in the summer time! Thanks to the Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common for making this happen. 

Or visit the Common, and then take in either THE BLACK BOX, 67 Degrees, or La Cantina - plenty of choices for this Friday.

Will Dumbledore be at the Happy Potter Party at the Library? Guess you need to go there to find out!

Friday, July 29

12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams  (67 Degrees Brewery - check hours)

2:00pm - Farmers Market (Town Common)

3:30pm - Concerts on the Common: Ken DoRosario  (Town Common)

4:00pm - Food truck: Pangea Cuisine  (Town Common)

4:30pm - Riana's Plate (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:00pm - Summer Theater: Cabaret (ticketed event) (FSPA at THE BLACK BOX)

6:00pm - AK Cody (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Concerts on the Common: Frank Padula Band   (Town Common)

8:00pm - Movie Night: "Wonder"   (Town Common)

Saturday, July 30

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

11:00am - Yoga (ticketed event) (67 Degrees Brewery)

12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams  (67 Degrees Brewery - check hours)

1:00pm - Harry Potter Party! (Franklin Public Library)

4:00pm - Patrick Durkin (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

6:00pm - Tim Mac Music (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

Sunday, July 31

12:00pm - Art show "Feminine Devine" - Amy Adams  (67 Degrees Brewery - check hours)

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - Pups and Pints (67 Degrees Brewery)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Franklin Unified Basketball Team visited the State House on Thursday

Via Lisa Berger: 

"FHS unified basketball/team mass at the State House!!! What a great day and honor!! Thank you Representative Jeff Roy!"

Via State Representative Jeff Roy:

"It was a treat having the beloved Franklin Unified Basketball Team in the State House yesterday to be honored by the House and Senate for sportsmanship and bringing home the gold medal. The visit included stops in my office, the House and Senate Chambers, and the Gov’s office."

 Via Senator Becca Rausch:

"You all are all stars, @FranklinHS Unified Basketball! It was an honor to welcome these gold medalists and young leaders into the Senate chamber today. Congrats again on your huge victory, and thank you for representing MA at the @specialolyUSA . We are so proud! @TOFranklinMA"

FHS Unified team visited the State House for tour

FHS Unified team visited the House Chambers

Additional photos can be found in the first two tweets

Shared from Twitter - https://twitter.com/lburger81/status/1552750772395311104

and   https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1552963510379872257

and   https://twitter.com/BeccaRauschMA/status/1552762598503899143

Boston Globe: "Jacob Jette takes charge in Franklin’s American Legion championship victory over Leominster"

"The four games leading to the final of the Massachusetts American Legion Senior Baseball Tournament all saw sixth or seventh-inning comebacks. In the championship game, Jacob Jette wouldn’t have it. 

The eventual tournament MVP fired 71 of his 107 pitches for strikes, racking up eight strikeouts in 6 ⅓ innings (he was pulled due to tournament pitch count rules) to earn the 6-2 victory over Leominster for Franklin (20-4) at Milford’s Fino Field. 

“My changeup was working really well,” Jette said. “It’s on and off, but today it was good. I was getting ahead on batters a lot with my curveball, which really helps.” 

Jette (1 for 4) pitched in the high school state championship for Franklin, where he pitched well but Taunton got the win. Coach Tyler Pasquarosa said this game felt like his second chance."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscriptions may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/28/sports/jacob-jette-takes-charge-franklins-american-legion-championship-victory-over-leominster/ 

Via FHS Coach Zach Brown:

"Today was surreal! Watching 3 All-Star teams win Championships all at the same site & seeing each age group & all the families supporting each other was amazing! Franklin=Special Town! Congratulations to the 9u, 10u, 11u& 12u teams that won today! #PantherPride #FranklinStrong"

 https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1552844862076108801

 Boston Globe: "Jacob Jette takes charge in Franklin’s American Legion championship victory over Leominster"Photo by A.J. TRAUB

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Veterans' Home Governance Legislation

The Massachusetts Legislature today passed An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth's veterans' homes which makes key reforms to the governance structure of the state's veterans' homes, ensures that both homes are federally licensed as health care facilities, mandates increased state management, and provides independent oversight and accountability of veterans' homes management. Following the tragedy at the Holyoke Veterans' Home in 2020, which resulted in the COVID-19 related deaths of 78 veterans, the Legislature established the Special Joint Oversight Committee on the veterans' Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak to investigate and make recommendations which resulted in this legislation.

"By taking significant steps to change how our veterans' homes are governed and managed, and by establishing protocols that are designed to identify and correct any examples of mismanagement or inadequate care as quickly as possible, this legislation will help to ensure that a tragedy similar to what occurred at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home will never happen again in Massachusetts," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Leader Wagner, Chairman McMurtry and members of the conference committee, my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for their hard work, and for prioritizing the health and well-being of the Commonwealth's veterans. They deserve nothing less."

"As the daughter of a veteran, I continue to be heartbroken for the families of those who lost their lives to COVID-19 at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I would like to thank Senators Rush, Velis and Tarr for their work on this conference committee, as well as Speaker Mariano and all of the House conferees for their partnership in service of our veterans. This important reform to the governance of veterans' homes in Massachusetts is a major step toward rethinking how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts and ensure that our veterans are connected to their communities."

"I am honored to have led the House's effort to reform the system of governance at the two state-operated veterans' homes, streamline and modernize veterans care, and create a clear chain of command with a new cabinet-level secretary of veterans' services," said Representative Joseph F. Wagner (D-Chicopee), Second Assistant Majority Leader and House lead of the conference committee. "This legislation not only addresses a structurally deficient authority at the homes, but instills a greater level of care for veterans statewide, consistent with our prior action in authorizing $400 million for a new and an additional $200 million for other veterans' housing projects. This report puts emphasis on our commitment to provide veterans the care they deserve, with dignity and honor."

"The tragedy of the state's soldiers' homes did not happen overnight. It was the culmination of years of mismanagement, a lack of oversight, and a plethora of serious structural deficiencies which ultimately cost over one hundred veterans their lives," said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Majority Whip and Senate lead of the conference committee. "The Commonwealth's veterans deserve better. Today, thanks to the efforts of Senate President Karen Spilka, Speaker Mariano, Leader Joe Wagner, and my colleagues on the conference committee, we have created a strong framework to ensure they receive the best a grateful public can offer."

The legislation creates a direct line of authority by creating a Secretary of Veterans' Services position, with a corresponding executive office in the Commonwealth, as the ultimate appointing authority of the superintendents of the two state-operated homes. It also creates a newly constituted 19-member Veterans' Homes Council to advise the Secretary to ensure the health and well-being of veteran residents. The council is tasked with reviewing and approving the local Board of Trustees' nomination for superintendent of their respective home before submitting the final candidate to the Secretary for consideration of appointment.

The legislation also makes the superintendent the administrative head of a state-operated veterans' home, prescribing them with concrete responsibilities. It includes critical qualifications for the role, requiring that the individual selected be a licensed nursing home administrator, and be a veteran or have experience in the management of veterans in a long-term care or nursing home facility. The medical director of each state-operated veterans' home will recommend to the superintendent all medical staff, physicians, and nurses at the respective home for their review for hiring.

"A bill of this magnitude is always a product of collaboration and compromise, and this legislation is no different. I would like to thank Speaker Mariano and Leader Wagner for their steadfast leadership and guidance through this process," said Representative Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "I believe that the compromise reached in this conference committee produced a strong bill that delivers on its original goal of providing a structure to our veterans homes that protects our veterans and gives them the highest quality of care and dignity they've earned and deserve."

"From streamlining the chain of command and clarifying the responsibilities of the superintendent, to elevating the veterans Secretary to cabinet level and expanding the Department of Public Health's role, this legislation contains important improvements for our Commonwealth's veterans' homes," said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "I want to thank my fellow conferees for their work throughout this process and for their commitment to getting a piece of legislation to the Governor's desk this session. At the same time, we know that this work must continue. That is why I am so grateful to Senate President Spilka for appointing me to lead the Senate working group that will oversee implementation of this legislation, identify what we need to improve on further, and continue to work to ensure that the tragedy that took place at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home never happens again."

To further protect the health and safety of residents and staff, the report requires all state-operated veterans' homes be licensed as nursing homes by the Department of Public Health (DPH), a provision that was not previously enforced in state law. It also directs the department to conduct inspections of the homes biannually—and monthly during a declared state of emergency—with a timeframe for when violations must be resolved. Each state-operated veterans' home must apply and maintain certification from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in such programs on behalf of their residents, as well as adhere to federal guidelines for trauma-informed care.

The comprehensive bill also reaffirms the role of the Executive Director of Veterans' Homes and Housing, who will now oversee the Veterans' Home Council as chair, in addition to their other responsibilities. The report goes further in enhancing the care of all veterans in the Commonwealth by creating an Office of the Veteran Advocate, appointed by the Governor, Attorney General and State Auditor, independent of any supervision control by an executive agency, to guarantee veterans residing in the state are always receiving services in a humane and dignified manner. The legislation also establishes the position of ombudsperson for each veterans' home to advocate on behalf of the residents and staff at the home.

"I want to thank my colleagues on this conference committee for their hard work and dedication through this process," said Representative David F. DeCoste (R-Norwell). "I am certain that the mandated improvements in management controls, certifications and medical professional requirements will greatly improve operations in both the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers Homes." 

"We have a solemn obligation to support those who enter harm's way on our behalf in the uniform of our military and our state has a proud legacy of leading this nation in meeting that obligation in offering support for those men and women," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), a member of the bill's conference committee. "I am thankful that the conference committee retained my amendment to require that the Secretary of Veteran's Services be a veteran and a full member of the Governor's cabinet because this will allow the Secretary to faithfully give veterans a voice that they have always deserved. The Holyoke and Chelsea veterans' homes, and any future homes, should be a place of respite, care, and safety where a veteran can live their days with dignity. This bill sets the stage for accountability, a firm chain of command, proper licensure, and experts to make sure that the administration of these homes are modernized and fully committed to those in their care."

In May 2021, the Legislature approved a $600 million bond authorization—with $400 million for the construction of an updated Holyoke Veterans' Home facility and $200 million to increase geographic equity and accessibility for veterans not primarily served by the veterans' homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.

Having been passed by the House and Senate, An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth's veterans' homes now goes to Governor Baker for his signature.

Link to Legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H5106

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Veterans' Home Governance Legislation

Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA) schedules Open House for prospective students & families

The Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA) will hold Open Houses for prospective students and families at 38 Main Street on Tuesday, August 2 from 3-7 PM and Saturday, September 10 from 10 AM - 2 PM!

The community is invited to tour the facilities, observe classes, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance, and drama, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious  study.

Invite a Friend!!

Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA) schedules Open House for prospective students & families

Franklin Families = sign up for Youth Basketball at Downtown Sports this winter!

Youth Basketball Association at Downtown Sports!

Dear Basketball Families,

Downtown Sports would like to welcome you to one of our newest winter offering, the Youth Basketball Association for players in Grades K-4. 

To improve outcomes for players in basketball we surveyed parents, listened to coaches one-on-one, and facilitated focus groups on improving results on the court.

From this collaborative work we created the Youth Basketball Association which we feel can provide an alternative for families looking for more engagement and growth.

Some Highlights of the YBA...

• Program runs from late November to Early March.
• Provides one weekly, weekday Targeted Training Session (Practice) which will be facilitated by a lead coach and supported by your child's head coach. This will always be on the same day and time.
• Game modifications utilized based on best-practice for the grades/grade-spans we service. Ex. Size of Ball, Rim Height.
• Game Times (Saturday's) always at the same time each week.
• Professional Development for our Head and Assistant Coaches and an expectation of teaching the same skills so all players are provided a guaranteed curriculum. 
• Supplemental Training option on Friday afternoons focused on dribbling and/or shooting. 
• A Travel Team Option (Grades 2-3)
• A per hour cost rate that is similar to other area programs which includes a team pinnie and all weekly practices/games.

Our Divisions include:

• Kindergarten Co-ed
• 1st/2nd Boys
• 1st/2nd Girls
• 3rd/4th Boys
• 3rd/4th Girls
• Travel 2nd Boys for players who demonstrate grade-level proficiency in basketball
• Travel 2nd/3rd Girls  for players who demonstrate grade-level proficiency in basketball

To Register, please click here. Once at the page view by category and scroll down to Winter Basketball. 

If you have any other questions regarding this new Winter Basketball Program do not hesitate to reach out to the Coaches at Downtown Sports

Franklin Families = sign up for Youth Basketball at Downtown Sports this winter!

Where is Downtown Sports? 240 Cottage St, Franklin
Visit their webpage -> https://www.downtownsports.net/

Beacon Hill Round up: likely tax rebate coming in some amount/form; MA Senate union debate goes forward

"In a surprise, Baker says taxpayers could receive ‘north of $2.5 billion’ in tax relief under little-known law" 

"With state coffers overflowing, Massachusetts taxpayers could receive nearly $3 billion in tax relief under an obscure 36-year-old law, Governor Charlie Baker’s administration said Thursday, surprising lawmakers just as separate tax relief talks seemed to be reaching a crescendo.

The likelihood of a decades-old law forcing the state to give back billions to taxpayers quickly shook Beacon Hill on the same day data showed the economy had edged closer to, if not officially in, a recession.

It also complicated legislators’ negotiations over a $1 billion package of tax breaks and rebates — a mammoth proposal lawmakers pursued to help ease the pinch of ballooning inflation but were still scrambling to complete before their legislative session ends Sunday night.

How much the state could ultimately hand back to taxpayers is unclear. But Baker said Thursday that the state appears poised to trigger a 1986 voter-passed law that seeks to limit state tax revenue growth to the growth of total wages and salaries in the state."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscriptions may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/28/metro/surprise-baker-says-taxpayers-could-receive-north-25-billion-tax-relief-under-little-known-law/ 

CommonWealth Magazine coverage

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/cap-to-give-north-of-2-5b-in-excess-tax-revenue-back-to-taxpayers/

Mass. Senate president won’t voluntarily recognize staff union effort, doesn’t ‘see a path forward’

Nearly four months after legislative staff in the Massachusetts Senate formally asked President Karen E. Spilka to recognize them as an employee union, Spilka rejected the effort.

“The Senate does not at this time see a path forward for a traditional employer-union relationship in the Senate as we are currently structured,” she wrote in a staff email on Thursday evening.

Staffers expressed dismay at her decision.

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscriptions may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/28/metro/mass-senate-president-wont-voluntarily-recognize-staff-union-effort-doesnt-see-path-forward/

The union responded Senate President Spilka's statement with their own:

MA State House Employee Union (MSHEU) statement

Boston Globe: Drought conditions persists

"The rain has been a no-show and the parching persists. The area of Massachusetts experiencing severe drought conditions has expanded south from the northeastern corner of the state, according to the latest report from the US Drought Monitor.

The monitor released the data Thursday on its website, which said the readings were valid as of Tuesday morning.

Areas experiencing severe drought now include all of Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Norfolk counties as well as parts of Worcester, Bristol, and Plymouth counties. "

Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscriptions may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/28/metro/drier-drier-severe-drought-area-mass-expands/

Also a link to an article with photos showing the effects of the drought around the state  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/07/28/metro/these-photos-show-effect-drought-parts-massachusetts/

 

Selling stuff online? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Selling stuff online? Here's how to avoid a scam Selling stuff online can be a great way to make some extra cash. Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other sites attract a lot of buyers — and scammers. Here are some ways scammers try to cheat you and what to do about it. For more info visit -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/07/selling-stuff-online-heres-how-avoid-scam

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, July 29, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am ArtWeek: John Christoforo

9:00 am Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

10:00 am Physician Focus: Guns and Public Health

11:00 am Senior Connection: Hearing Loss

11:30 am Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Healthy Communities

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad

12:30 pm Sandhya: Donuts

1:00:00 pm Mass Department of Public Health: CO-VID 19

1:30:00 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 6

3:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

4:00 pm Senior Connection: Hearing Loss

4:30 pm FSPA: Spring Concert Show 2

7:00 pm Celebrate With Pride: Pt. 1

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-13-19

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Philip Hulbig

9:30 am Pack 92 Pinewood Derby 2022

11:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v Needham 04-29-22

1:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019

3:30 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

6:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Unified Basketball

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Lacrosse: v Oliver Ames 05-02-22

9:00 pm FHS Varsity Baseball: v Catholic Memorial 04-20-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-30-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals: 06-30-22

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)