New Hampshire is noted for its state liquor stores and no personal income tax. Yet they also have the highest property tax in New England. You have probably been part of a discussion on the pros and cons of what they do versus other states.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has just published their analysis with interesting results. New Hampshire is able to do what it does "in part because of favorable circumstances. States with needier populations or higher costs will likely spend more to provide the same level of services." The report shows ways in which MA and other New England states have needier populations and higher costs.
The report acknowledges that New Hampshire "has also made some policy choices to keep spending low and avoid broad based taxes." So can we do what they did? The report goes on to say that "some choices may be infeasible in the current environment or inappropriate in states with different preferences for public services."
So the bottom line works out to be, if you like MA stay here. If you think you like NH and the way they do things, go there. How NH does what they do doesn't translate well to other states.
FedResBkBoston_neppcrr1101-nhbriefing
This is the report summary. You can find the full report and accompanying tables of supporting figures on the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston website: http://www.bostonfed.org/news/press/2011/pr040711.htm
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the document.
Franklin, MA
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll
Gene Lavanchy, Fox 25 morning News anchor, and New England Patriot Steve Nelson will host the 10th Annual HMEA Independence 5K Walk Run Roll & Stroll on May 22 at EMC, 50 Constitution Blvd, in the Franklin Industrial Park.This video provides a good recap of what the events of the day are like.
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x719609999/HMEA-5K-in-the-Park-is-May-22#ixzz1J1R0ozxz
My recap of 2010 can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/hmea-5k-walk-and-family-fun-day.html
You can register to run, walk, or stroll on the HMEA website http://hmea.org/
Franklin, MA
"always good news to see an increase in state funding"
Milford's Chapter 90 funding would increase from $627,000 in fiscal 2011 to $812,000 in fiscal 2012. Mendon's would increase from $208,000 to $270,000. Upton's would rise from $239,000 to $320,000. Hopedale's would jump from $136,000 to $174,000 while Bellingham's would go from $392,000 to $510,000, according to a spreadsheet on the Department of Transportation website.
Franklin's road funding would grow from $713,000 to $923,000, while Medway's would jump from $318,000 to $413,000. Those are both nearly 30 percent increases that Vallee said would make a dramatic difference.
"I think this year was extraordinary with having the significant, record snowfalls and deterioration of roads," he said. "... There's never enough money for any specific need, but from my standpoint, this is a good use of taxpayer money. It goes directly to infrastructure and I think the increase was needed."
Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1076645343/Towns-in-line-to-get-more-road-repair-funds#ixzz1J1N74J7e
Information on the FY 2012 Budget can be found here:
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/01/fiscal-year-2012-budget-information.html
The Finance Committee will hold their budget hearings on May 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10. Each department will review their budget detail and answer questions on their operations and expenses.
Franklin, MA
Where's the Train? Check "Rail Radio"
Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:
via Commonwealth Conversations: Transportation by Klark Jessen on 4/8/11
MBTA and the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company today announced the launch of an updated "Rail Radio" service. "Rail Radio" provides real-time information about the status of approaching trains on car radios. It is now integrated with commuter rail's Passenger Train Information System, a computerized system that links real-time information from approaching trains to LED monitors at stations."The integration of Rail Radio and PTIS delivers real-time information directly from approaching trains to customers' cars," said MBTA General Manager Richard Davey. "This service gives commuter rail customers more accurate information about when their train will arrive."
The low wattage AM radio service is currently available at more than 80 MBTA commuter rail stations with over 50 parking spaces in Eastern Massachusetts. Customers should check LED monitors at their local stations for the "Rail Radio" frequency in their area.
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Friday, April 8, 2011
Hey Mom, let's make some squishy circuits!
Looking for something to do and entertain the kids? Got play dough?
Stop at Radio Shack for some electrical parts and make some squishy circuits!
What? Watch, it is only a six minute video to get the idea.
For recipes and activities, visit the web site referenced as Anne Marie Thomas finishes her demo: Squishy Circuits
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.
Franklin, MA
Stop at Radio Shack for some electrical parts and make some squishy circuits!
What? Watch, it is only a six minute video to get the idea.
For recipes and activities, visit the web site referenced as Anne Marie Thomas finishes her demo: Squishy Circuits
Note: email subscribers will need to click through to Franklin Matters to view the video.
Franklin, MA
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