Rausch Report: Looking back and Forging Ahead - (December 2023)

Your monthly Beacon Hill update from Senator Becca Rausch. 

View this email in your browser As we near the end of the year, I'm taking this moment to look back at everything we've accomplished together. From one-on-one conversations with constituents to district events and advancing legislation, it has been a busy and fulfilling year.   This year has also been challenging. We've witnessed a rise in hate crimes and antisemitism, continued attacks on reproductive health care across the country, and an increase in climate-related disasters. These challenges, however, fuel my commitment to this work, our communities, and the Commonwealth. It's an honor to serve you in the State Senate, and I will continue working hard for you and your families on Beacon Hill.   This month's Rausch Report includes a look back on a successful 2023 and a look forward to the work still ahead, a roundup of district events, a snapshot of upcoming community happenings, and more.  For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to call me and my team at (617) 722-1555, email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov, or attend upcoming office hours. We are here to help.    Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season and good things to come in the new year. Yours in service,     Senator Becca Rausch    On the legislative front, my team and I have accomplished a lot this year for our constituents, our communities, and the Commonwealth:  Local and statewide funding wins: I'm proud to have secured millions of dollars in the FY 2024 budget for local and statewide initiatives, including funding for the continued implementation of a universal mental health screening program for students in grades 7 and 9 in Franklin, Town Common playground upgrades in Bellingham, fire department improvements in Norfolk and Plainville, a sustainability coordinator in Medfield, and much more. I am particularly proud of securing full funding for the Hey Sam mental youth text line, highest-ever funding of $350,000 for the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, and similarly highest-ever funding of $2.5 million for civics education for Massachusetts students.   Legislative wins: The legislative process is moving along and bills are beginning to progress through their respective committees. I filed more than 60 bills this term and all but 3 of them have had their hearings already. My legislative portfolio covers reproductive care, personal and public health, climate action and environmental justice, election reform, education, good governance, and more.   Committees must take some type of action on all bills timely filed this session by February 7, 2024, so we anticipate an increase in floor votes and activity in both the Senate and House chambers in the months ahead. You can track the status of a bill moving through the legislative process here. (Find some handy instructions here, under "how to track bills").  The Senate has already advanced some critical bills this term, such as tax relief, pay equity, and increasing health care access to pharmaceuticals, PrEP, and disposable menstrual products. This is in addition to our $56 billion annual budget and the recently finalized 2023 close-out budget, which funded collective bargaining agreements, special education tuition rate increases, disaster relief for municipalities impacted by storms and natural disasters that occurred in 2023, and more.  Committee Progress: I was also reappointed by the Senate President to serve as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Working collaboratively with my House co-chair, we've done initial assessments on more than 350 bills and held 10 hearings on topics such as plastics and waste management, environmental justice, air and water quality, animals, parks and open spaces, climate change, and waterways, oceans, and wetlands. In addition to this significant body of work, the Committee has been out in the field, touring Boston Harbor to advance discussions about preserving and protecting our harbors, coastlines, and waterways, and visiting Revere, Lynn, and Marblehead to bring focus to coastal resiliency, remediation, and carbon sequestration.  Caucus Leadership: I am honored to serve as an at-large board member of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll met with members of the Women's Caucus this week to discuss the Caucus's strategic priorities to uplift and support women and girls in the Commonwealth.   Hate Crimes Task Force: I was recently appointed to the Hate Crimes Task Force and attended my first meeting this week. The Task Force's collective work to combat identity-based hatred and bigotry is profoundly important, and I am proud to be part of it.   Looking ahead: We have more work to do in 2024. My team and I continue to shepherd our bills through the legislative process with the goal of enacting good law and strong policy across a multitude of issues. Also, as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, I am eager to continue my strong partnership with my House co-chair as we move through next level reviews and assessments of the hundreds of bills under our jurisdiction, utilizing the lenses of climate action and environmental justice.  Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 215 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133                    This  newsletter was shortened for publication here. To view the full set of content, please visit this link ->   https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-17626353?e=0c2c9810fe

Franklin Fire schedules a free hands only CPR class for Jan 16, 2024 - register now!

Franklin Fire (@FranklinMAfire) posted on Thu, Dec 21, 2023:

We are offering a free hands only CPR class on January 16, 2024.  

Registration is required as there are only a limited amount of spots available:  https://t.co/XZfrphxPOc

 

LINK TO SIGN UP ->  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945ACAF2EAAF9C25-46898760-hands

Shared from -> https://t.co/ZbazYVNdzE

Franklin Fire schedules a free hands only CPR class for Jan 16, 2024 - register now!

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter break extends to Jan 2, 2024

Franklin Public Schools, MA (@FranklinPSNews) posted Fri, Dec 22, 2023:

All Franklin Public Schools will be CLOSED December 25th- 29th, 2023 (Winter Break) through January 1st, 2024 (New Year's Day). 

Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. https://t.co/Sej13NRHFQ

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1738288737501549030

Franklin Public Schools, MA: Winter break extends to Jan 2, 2024

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 22, 2023 to December 28, 2023

Friday, December 22

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

Saturday, December 23

8:00am Girls Scout Cookies 4 Sale (outside King St Dunkin Donuts)

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)  

10:00am Train Town Franklin; Part 2  (Franklin Historical Museum)

10:30am Pancakes and Pajamas! (and Jamie Barrett) (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm Piano Steve (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

Sunday, December 24  Christmas Eve

10:00am Christmas Eve Services (New England Chapel)

Monday, December 25  Christmas Day

Tuesday, December 26

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Scott Martell Magic Show (Franklin Public Library)

Wednesday, December 27

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Music at the Blissful! A Fun Family Concert! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Buildwave Family Night! (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, December 28

8:00am Gingerbread Character Scavenger Hunt! (Franklin Public Library)

10:30am Interactive Puppet Storytime! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Open Mic Night (67 Degrees Brewing)

-----------------

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

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

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

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 

Franklin's Event Outlook: Dec 22, 2023 to December 28, 2023

Franklin Police open a YouTube Channel (video)

Franklin Police Dept. adds a YouTube channel to their communication tools. The first video shares some of the events during the storm on Monday, December 18, 2023.

"This is a short 6 minute video capturing some of the storm on December 18, 2023"

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wxx0stMFD4Y

Franklin Police now open a YouTube Channel (video)

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The DPW shares an Elm Street Bridge update:

"Elm Street Bridge Update!!!  

So some folks wondering why bridge was closed and when it will reopen??? In layman's terms, the Elm Street bridge is a very old granite block bridge that was constructed in the late 1800s. MassDOT and Franklin Public Works keeps a keen I on it.  

When the Charles River raises to a certain level, as measured by the red and yellow marker on the side of the bridge (see photo below), we might recommend closure for safety as the velocity of the water in the river might undermine the footings of the bridge which could cause a bridge failure, i.e. the bridge could collapse!  

Before we reopen the bridge, the footings need to be inspected by the MassDOT dive team. They were out there today, even though the level of the Charles River has dropped by more then a foot, the velocity of water is still to swift for them to safely inspect. So we have to wait a little longer. 

Going out on limb here, but feeling pretty confident that the inspection will turn out positive. It is very well constructed old bridge that has seen a lot of floods over the years! As they say, they "don't build like that anymore"! 

On a side note, it was a 1977 Pontiac that made jump, not a 1978!"

"It was a 1977 Pontiac"

The update was shared from -> (click through for larger images of each photo) https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3580143848922282/

And if you missed the original post to reference the Pontiac, the photo is shared here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1551606135109407/posts/3578933692376631/

"Unless you own a 78 Pontiac Trans AM, I would seek an alternate route"

Sign up for the Prenatal Feeding Course 101 - Jan 17, 2024

Expecting a little one? Join our feeding course where we will cover it all to help set you up with a solid foundation for your feeding journey.

New VIRTUAL Breastfeeding 101 Dates plus $20 SAVINGS ON AN INITIAL CONSULT

1.5 hour virtual group course for ONLY $85 covering important feeding information to help set up you and your family for a solid foundation on your feeding journey.

Limited space! Sign up today! Follow link, click prenatal 101 to get your spot -> https://linktr.ee/latchedatfirstsight

Insurance should reimburse and a detailed receipt will be given upon course.

Please email dd@latchedatfirstsight.com for more information

Sign up for the Prenatal Feeding Course 101 - Jan 17, 2024

Visit our website www.latchedatfirstsight.com

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 8, 2024 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Subcommittee

January 8, 2024 - 6:00 PM

Municipal Building - 3rd floor Training Room

Agenda

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Finalize Goals

● In Person Event Planning

● Monthly Communication Planning

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_community_relations_sub_committee_agenda.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 8, 2024 - 6 PM

Franklin Health Dept: December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month (video)

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive about three years. 

To learn more about the basics, prevention, treatment, and more visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY1qi3bf-Os

December is National AIDS/HIV Awareness Month

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Dec 22, 2023

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

8:00 am Santa On The Common 2023

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

9:30 am Frank's Musings: Israel

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

11:00 am Senior Connection: Shannon Nesbitt

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Taquitos

12:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Telemedicine

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 11 - Kemp Harris

5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady

10:00 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21

12:30 pm Arts Advocacy: How-Tos

1:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Dec 20, 2023. This was their last meeting of the calendar year. Several key items of business were closed out, recognition was given to Ken Norman for his service on Board of Assessors and other committees, and many wishes for happy holidays, new year, etc. were extended.

The Council will begin work on January 3, 2024 with a session that includes setting goals and objectives for the next two years.

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
• Police Dept - $559,000
• Sewer projects - $500,000
• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
• SAFE Coalition - $100,000
• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
• ARPA Direct funds announced for
• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road
• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 
• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0

Town Council agenda and supporting documents ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link

Additional photos of the recognition ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/kRuMhZWFWMazjjfG6

TED-Ed summarizes the climate challenge better than Ted & I have done with Making Sense of Climate

TED-Ed (@TED_ED) posted  Sun, Dec 17, 2023:

"The impacts of climate change are growing, but so are the world's attempts to stop them.

This TED documentary examines the rapid revolution underway — and the real possibility of a better future for all:  https://t.co/5F9Nw03n64"

Shared from -> https://x.com/TED_ED/status/1736423522962972883

Direct link to YouTube for video -> https://youtu.be/oF7UMeVQxHk

TED-Ed  summarizes the climate challenge better than Ted & I have done with Making Sense of Climate

FHS boys basketball and girls & boys swim teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Dec 20, 2023. 

Boys Basketball = Franklin, 73 @ Foxboro, 38 – Final

Girls Basketball = Foxboro, 60 @ Franklin, 43 – Final

 Click here for a Recap and Photo Gallery from this game. (subscription required)

Boys Hockey = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

Canton 4 Franklin 3.  Panthers drop a tough one to a talented Bulldog team.  Gs Anthony Lampasona 2 and Hager.  Pope Francis up next

https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1737643189287489604

Girls Hockey = Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 4 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

Lady Panthers drop a tough 4-2 loss to a gritty MOA team.

https://twitter.com/FHSGirlsPuck/status/1737663511898050860

Boys Swimming = Franklin, 46 @ Taunton, 23 – Final

Girls Swimming = Franklin, 58 @ Taunton, 34 – Final

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-20-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Town of Franklin, MA (@TOFranklinMA) posted on Wed, Dec 20, 2023:

Town of Franklin, MA: Dog Park closed Thursday, Dec 21 for tree work

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1737503449565089869

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval

****   LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given  that the Town of Franklin Historical Commission will hold a Public Hearing, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 6:30PM regarding a demolition request application for the property at 240 East Central Street, Franklin MA

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Historical Museum

80 West Central Street, Franklin

****

 

HEARING DATE Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Please reach out with any questions.

Thank you,

Mary Olsson, Vice chair

Franklin Historical Commission

Franklin Historical Commission: Legal Notice - Demolition request for approval