Senate President Spilka: Progressive tax relief, celebrating Juneteenth + Pride Month, and more!

Plus news from the district & around the state

Updates from Beacon Hill & MetroWest Delivering tax relief for residents who need it most. Dear Friends – June has been quite the month.   We passed progressive tax relief, spent joyful hours celebrating pride with our LGBTQ+ community, and commemorated freedom for all at Juneteenth events around MetroWest. To top it off, our local farmers' markets are in full swing—one of my favorite summer activities. Our work on Beacon Hill has been truly historic. The tax relief package that the Senate unanimously passed will reduce income inequality, make Massachusetts more competitive nationally, and lessen the crippling impact of rising prices, inflation, and economic uncertainty. It delivers relief for workers, families, and elderly residents who are bearing the brunt of the rising costs of healthcare, housing, education, and basic goods. It is permanent, progressive, smart, and sustainable tax relief for the people who need it most. It was an equally exciting month in MetroWest. My team and I joined Juneteenth celebrations in several of our communities, cut ribbons on educational and public safety facilities, and visited the MetroWest Visitors Bureau to discuss our incredible region—something I could talk about forever. As always, my office is available if you need assistance or wish to share your opinion. You can email me at karen.spilka@masenate.gov or call 617-722-1500. And if you see me by the tomatoes at one of our local farmers' markets—don't hesitate to say hello. Warm regards, Speaking to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum I had the privilege of speaking to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce this month, and my message to them was: there's no place like home. We have everything we need here to create a thriving, multiracial, diverse and welcoming Commonwealth that can be the envy of the other states. But we must tackle head-on the challenge facing the rest of the nation – that of shoring up and expanding our middle class. By expanding access to the middle class, we can help the people who do some of our most important jobs – like home health aides, child care providers, and human service workers, among others – achieve the American dream. That's why I'm proud the Senate has focused on the fundamentals, like access to housing, health care and higher education, among many other things, in our Fiscal Year 2024 budget and our recent tax relief package. Tax Relief for Residents On June 15, the Senate unanimously passed a $590 million tax relief bill which delivers support to low- and middle-income earners and chips away at the headwinds that threaten Massachusetts' competitiveness. Focusing on providing relief to residents across Massachusetts while upholding fiscal responsibility, the Senate's tax relief package will provide relief to renters, seniors, and parents struggling with high early education costs while also increasing much-needed housing production. As I have said from the outset, tax relief should go to the workers, families, and elderly residents of the Commonwealth who need it most. LEARN MORE Juneteenth: Liberty and Justice for all Americans Three years after the Senate voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday, I am thrilled to see it being celebrated around MetroWest and all around the country. This day reminds us that none of us are free until we are all free, and that it is incumbent on us to do the work of dismantling systemic racism in Massachusetts and nationwide.  Juneteenth is a celebration of all Americans finally being truly free - and a reminder of the important work that lies ahead. I am immensely grateful to my colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate who work to uplift Black voices and strive to create a more equitable society for all. From outdoor painting, to live music, to book recommendations and great food, MetroWest was full of lively Juneteenth celebrations this year! Thanks to the many community organizations who stepped up, including Ashland Residents for Equity and Action, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network in Framingham, and organizations in Natick, including Natick for Black Lives Matter, Spark Kindness, and others. Celebrating Pride It was a joy to celebrate Pride in MetroWest and at the State House alongside friends and leaders. We rejoiced in our diverse identities and unity as a Commonwealth, and stood firm in our commitment to equity and protecting the rights of our LGBTQ+ community. Making Massachusetts a place for everyone is not just a moral imperative—it is our competitive advantage. To LGBTQ+ folks and their allies around the country who are facing renewed discrimination, I say, come to Massachusetts! I am especially proud of how residents of MetroWest cities and towns have come together to celebrate love, diversity, and equality with local Pride celebrations. Our communities must be places where everyone can live authentically and thrive. Photos are of Pride celebrations in Hopkinton, where I was joined by Congressman Jim McGovern, Framingham, and Ashland.

July 4th Celebration - Scheduled for Saturday, July 1, 2023

The Franklin July 4th Coalition is made up of community volunteers.  Our sole mission is to preserve the annual celebrations for the town of Franklin.  We hope you come and enjoy yourselves.   

We rely entirely on fundraising events and donations to provide the fireworks, music and  events.  

We need your help.  A small tax deductible donation will help us reach our fundraising goal and allow us to keep the celebration an exciting town wide event.

Saturday, July 1

12:00pm - Franklin's 4th of July - Carnival

Carnival Hours:  12PM - 10PM

MEGAPASS: 12PM - 10PM

Wristbands: 12PM - 5PM

12:00pm - Blues Festival - Ed Peabody (live music)

1:45pm - Blues Festival - Neal & the Vipers (live music)

3:30pm - Blues Festival - Mikey Junior (live music)

5:15pm - Blues Festival - Mike Crandall (live music)

7:00pm - Blue Festival - Bruce Katz (live music)

8:45pm - Blues Festival - Sugar Ray & the Bluetones (live music)

10:00pm - Fireworks

Food booths (Open during carnival hours)

Pizza, hotdogs, water, ice cream Franklin Democrat Town Committee

Soda, ice cream sandwiches Franklin July 4th Coalition

Fried doughs, French fries Franklin Rod & Gun Club

Corn dogs, nachos, root beer floats         Republican Town Committee

Lemonade, yogurt parfait         Temple Etz Chaim

Visit the page for updates and to donate -> https://www.franklin4th.com/

Franklin's July 4th Coalition has a great line up for 2023

From the February audio archives, you may have missed it then, catch up with them now

FM #938 - Our Franklin SEPAC discussion can create the adjacent possible

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/our-franklin-sepac-discussion-can.html

FM #941 - Talking about the Master Plan Committee with Glenn Jones

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/talking-about-master-plan-committee.html

FM #944 - Chief McLaughlin acknowledges so many accomplishments and is proud of this dept   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/with-time-to-reflect-chief-mclaughlin.html

You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/

Franklin Matters Radio podcast page

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

This will collect all the Franklin Matters posts with information on the Town of Franklin Biennial Election scheduled for Nov 7, 2023. 

The most recent items will be on the top of the list with the older items below.

Official Results for the Town of Franklin Biennial Election - Nov 7, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/official-results-for-town-of-franklin.html

Town of Franklin Biennial Election Unofficial Results - Nov 7, 2023 (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/town-of-franklin-biennial-election.html

Town of Franklin: UNOFFICIAL Biennial Election Results - Nov 7, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/town-of-franklin-unofficial-biennial.html

Please vote today, the polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. This local election determines how Franklin's dollars are spent

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/please-vote-today-polls-are-open-from-6.html

Reminder: Candidate interviews for the Franklin (MA) Election - Nov 7, 2023 via Franklin TV & Radio

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/reminder-candidate-interviews-for.html

Candidate Interview summary table of links for video, audio & transcript

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidates-interviews-for-franklin-ma.html

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/candidate-interview-glenn-jones.html

Candidate Interview: Glenn Jones, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-glenn-jones.html

Candidate Interview: Ted Cormier-Leger, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-ted-cormier-leger_30.html

Candidate Interview: Ted Cormier-Leger, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-ted-cormier-leger.html

Candidate Interview: Tom Mercer, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-tom-mercer_01076325183.html

Candidate Interview: Melanie Hamblen, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-melanie-hamblen_01233692691.html

Candidate Interview: Robert Dellorco, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-robert-dellorco_01703168133.html

Candidate Interview: Cobi Frongillo, incumbent candidate for Town Council (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-cobi-frongillo_0377528088.html

Candidate Interview: Ruthann O'Sullivan, candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-ruthann-osullivan.html

Candidate Interview: KP Sompally, candidate for School Committee (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-kp-sompally.html

Franklin Observer Candidate Night video available for replay

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-tv-candidate-night-video.html

Tri-County election results

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/tri-county-election-results-school.html

Tri-County election information summary

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/tri-county-election-information-for.html

Tri-County Superintendent Karen MaGuire talks with Anne Bergen about the Tri-County School Building Special Election (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/superintendent-karen-mcguire-talks-with.html

Candidate Interview: Robert Dellorco, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-robert-dellorco.html

Candidate Interview: Tom Mercer, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-tom-mercer.html

Candidate Interview: Cobi Frongillo, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-cobi-frongillo.html

Candidate Interview: Melanie Hamblen, incumbent candidate for Town Council (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-melanie-hamblen.html 

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello walks us through voting process for the Oct 24 Tri-County Election, then for the Nov 7 Biennial Election (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-town-clerk-nancy-danello-walks.html

Informative video on Tri-County new building (5 mins, video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/informative-video-on-tri-county-new.html

Candidate Interview: Jay Mello, candidate for Planning Board (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-jay-mello-candidate_13.html

Candidate Interview: Chris Stickney, candidate for Planning Board (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-chris-stickney_13.html

Candidate Interview: Jay Mello, candidate for Planning Board (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-jay-mello-candidate.html

Candidate Interview: Chris Stickney, candidate for Planning Board (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-chris-stickney.html

Watch to the Tri-County New Building Information Session - 10/03/23 (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/watch-to-tri-county-new-building.html

Candidate Interview: Dave McNeill, incumbent candidate for School Committee (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-mcneill_01568713897.html

Candidate Interview: Dave Callaghan, incumbent candidate for School Committee (audio)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-callaghan_01611857304.html

Candidate Interview: Charles Bailey, candidate for Town Council (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-charles-bailey_01037729821.html

Watch to the Tri-County New Building Information Session - 10/03/23 (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/watch-to-tri-county-new-building.html

Candidate Interview: Dave McNeill, incumbent candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-mcneill.html

Candidate Interview: Dave Callaghan, incumbent candidate for School Committee (video)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-dave-callaghan.html

Candidate Interview: Charles Bailey, candidate for Town Council (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/candidate-interview-charles-bailey.html

Town Clerk releases important info on Tri-County Election Oct 24, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/franklin-town-clerk-releases-important.html

Tri-County Info session held at Franklin Library 10/03/23 (audio)   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/listen-to-tri-county-new-building.html

Final reminder on question to ask of each candidate (includes 'final' list of candidates) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/final-reminder-what-is-one-question.html

What is the ONE question you would ask of each candidate?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/what-is-one-question-would-you-ask-of.html

Town of Franklin, MA: election candidates updated as of Aug 23, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/town-of-franklin-ma-election-candidates.html

Busy day yields an updated Nomination Paper listing as of August 14, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/want-to-track-whos-taken-nomination_15.html

Updated Nomination paper listing as of August 8, 2023

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/want-to-track-whos-taken-nomination.html

Track who has taken out Nomination papers weekly - as of 08/03/23

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/want-to-track-whos-taken-papers-for.html

Franklin School Committee Member Dave McNeill pulled papers to seek reelection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-school-committee-member-dave.html

Reminder: Nomination papers available Aug 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/biennial-town-election-for-seats-with-2.html

Nomination papers available August 1

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/nomination-papers-will-be-available-in.html

Franklin Election Collection - 2023