Franklin Matters

Thursday, March 4, 2021

"6.1 percent more than it did during the same eight pre-pandemic months of fiscal year 2020"

"TAX COLLECTIONS exceeded the Baker administration’s expectations by $372 million in February and surpassed the total of collections in February 2020, a development that positions the state to end this budget year having collected more tax revenue than it did last year.
The Department of Revenue said it collected $1.874 billion in taxes last month, $359 million, or 23.7 percent, more than what was collected in February 2020 and $372 million or 24.8 percent more than what the department had been expecting."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/state-tax-collections-remain-on-a-roll/

Given this is one of the key factors that Senate President Karen Spilka referenced during the Legislative Forum on Tuesday, this is good news.

New York Times: "a poster child for the idea of climatic 'tipping points'”

"In the Atlantic Ocean, Subtle Shifts Hint at Dramatic Dangers
The warming atmosphere is causing an arm of the powerful Gulf Stream to weaken, some scientists fear."

Follow the link to review this article online at the New York Times. This is one article that is much better viewed with the visuals they use due to the interactive nature of their presentation.

"IT’S ONE OF THE MIGHTIEST RIVERS you will never see, carrying some 30 times more water than all the world’s freshwater rivers combined. In the North Atlantic, one arm of the Gulf Stream breaks toward Iceland, transporting vast amounts of warmth far northward, by one estimate supplying Scandinavia with heat equivalent to 78,000 times its current energy use. Without this current — a heat pump on a planetary scale — scientists believe that great swathes of the world might look quite different."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/03/02/climate/atlantic-ocean-climate-change.html

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Recap of the Legislative Forum - March 2, 2021

Quick Recap:

Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeffrey Roy participated in this 4th annual Forum
Student Opportunity Act funding, SPED reimbursements, social emotional learning and mental health issues were all topics of the session
Oh and yes, getting teachers a priority for vaccine was a key topic especially given the news out of Washington and the buzz among the various legislators around the state, not just those present
As for how much hope there is in the budget and state funding time will tell. Word from the Federal side is good especially with the new administration. Should have more insight over the next several weeks. House and Senate working on timeline to have a normal budget schedule. State is starting in a hole created by use of one time funds from last year. Gov Baker's budget uses more one time funds in his budget, how the House and Senate will work with that remains to be seen

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/FJmNsoLyR2BZtESF8

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #schcom0302

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0302&src=typed_query

School Committee legislative forum on tap next at 6:30 PM agenda and connection info contained in doc https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-2-21-legislative_forum.pdf. #schcom0302 @jeffroy @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA scheduled to participate in this session with Franklin, MA School Committee to help inform the community and answer questions on reopening, vaccine, state funding, and such topics. #schcom0302
Ready to go but is seems they are running late #schcom0302
#schcom0302 Spencer to provide overview of session, statement by Supt Ahern followed by questions of the legislative delegates, and then Q&A for public; 60+ present at start of meeting.
#schcom0302 Superintendent remarks include request to consider 2019 enrollment as the 2020 numbers reflects 'lost' students but it's expected they'll return. @KarenSpilka @BeccaRauschMA and @jeffroy introduced
#schcom0302 starting with Gov Baker's budget, @KarenSpilka acknowledges this forum is a 'rite of spring' albeit it would be better in person, at least we're together.
#schcom0302 use of $3.5B in one time funds last year will be a challenge to make up, $1.6B also from rainy day fund proposed for use this year. 3 mins per speaker interrupts but the other provide their 3 mins each to allow @KarenSpilka to finish. She hopes she won't need it
#schcom0302 there was wisdom in waiting to do the budget last year, it avoided deep cuts. Federal picture looks better, will continue to find out info as the weeks progress. So hopeful for what's coming. Stay tuned will build on the Gov budget.
#schcom0302 she did finish with 40 seconds or so to spare. What about student opportunity act? We are a year behind starting this. @jeffroy takes the lead on this. House to do budget for April, and be closer to traditional time line. Will see how to add to SOA funding
#schcom0302 Jeff - kudos to you for the hard work to do the best under really challenging period. @BeccaRauschMA adds to what was said by Jeff. SOA is key, what are other priorities?
Discussion on timing, turns out it is 3 mins for an answer to a single question, not per person. Ok. #schcom0302 SPED costs went from 22% to 26% from 2008 to 2019, a goodly increase. Reimbursement doesn't make a dent in service costs, hence imbalance.
#schcom0302 SOA did change the enrollment rate for refunding (increases it) but may still not fully cover SPED costs. ?on indigenous peoples day (Columbus Day) @BeccaRauschMA an advocate for this provides an update, it was refiled this year, gathering co-sponship now
#schcom0302 @BeccaRauschMA did file bill to do away with holiday on Columbus and replace with election day. ? Ways to support mental health issues, @KarenSpilka has forum coming up, check webpage for details. https://karenspilka.com/sel
#schcom0302 did also get an earmark for mental health support for her district of which Franklin is part. Also talks of the OSA from 4Q https://www.mass.gov/there-could-be-more-to-the-story
#schcom0302 SOA are working to increase funding for mental health issues, esp during COVID and likely post pandemic. President Biden just advocated for teacher vaccinations, @KarenSpilka also made statement today for priority of teachers. Franklin has capability to deliver
#schcom0302 vaccine program for teachers should be done before students return in person. Can be done locally. BTW up to 70+ for session.
#schcom0302 the message should be clear, both Senate and House want teachers prioritized. @KarenSpilka came to the Senate to change education funding, they are making progress. When I think about the pandemic and the toll on families, we need to get things done, safely
#schcom0302 pushing for clear Communications and better registration process for vaccines. How are things changing, what should the new normal be like? @KarenSpilka
#schcom0302 @BeccaRauschMA touts equality approach to public health. What's next? Community immunity act, to set up for the future so we don't find ourselves here again https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/SD1499
#schcom0302 @jeffroy touting work of legislation to work remotely for the first time in 400 year history of the great and general court. Another hearing next week, pay attention, that's how we work. Link to legislation filed this session https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1
Q on health insurance as it affects budget and rising yearly, how can folks survive with 7,8,9 % increases.
@BeccaRauschMA the question does deserve a solution, @KarenSpilka have done some cost containment over years - clarification on SPED costs mentioned earlier
? On substance abuse and what's being done at legislation? Recognition of it, funding provided to the community groups that are working with the schools to address these needs. #schcom0302 $50K specifically for an anti-vaping program and it was used @BeccaRauschMA
@jeffroy adds that he was glad that the delegation did support the $50K esp in a time when we we're not supposed to be doing earmarks. #schcom0302 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

screen capture of the Zoom session

Community Preservation Committee holds inaugural meeting and organizes

Quick Recap:

Inaugural meeting of committee, sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello, organizational votes conducted by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
Chris Feeley voted as Chair, Dave McNeil voted as Vice-chair, Monique Doyle voted as Clerk; all votes 9-0
After discussion consensus reached to meeting monthly, first Tuesday of month, beginning at 7 PM
Info sessions to be set up with the five standing committees to get background on what's underway and /or planned in those arenas; Training session with Community Preservation Coalition also to be set up

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/bGaSx5eG1VPoQZtB6

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #cpc0302

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpc0302&src=typeahead_click

Community Preservation Committee has its inaugural meeting soon. Here is the agenda with connection info and recommended reading links https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-3-2_cpc_agenda.pdf #cpc0302
Getting ready for real time reporting for the community preservation Committee meeting, followed by the SchComm Legislative Forum at 6:30 tonight. Good info on tap; tune in to watch, or follow the tweets here #cpc0302
Nominations of D McNeil and C Feeley for chair; discussion amongst Committee before vote. #cpc0302
#cpc0302 Feeley voted as Chair, McNeil voted as Vice-chair, via roll call on both counts; monique Doyle nominated and voted as clerk of the committee Via roll call on clerk as well. All votes 9-0
Discussion non next steps being led by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. BTW Town Clerk Nancy Danello swore the members in before this vote for chair, etc started. #cpc0302
#cpc0302 do have time to get organized and up to speed. They want to hear from other of the five represented Committees and get info on their arena, building consensus around 7 PM on 1st Tuesdays going forward
#cpc0302 discussion on recommendation or origination of a project? Usually recommend after getting amongst project to Town Council for their spending approval. May have some (if not most) meetings beginning Apr 6 at Council Chambers
Discussion on date/times for meetings, one vote for the calendar (done differently amongst Committees) once laid out for year. #cpc0302 move to adjourn, passes 9-0 via roll call Meeting ends, a good start!

Community Preservation Committee holds inaugural meeting and organizes

Informative meetings on tap Wednesday

On the Town side

5:00 PM - Board of Health https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda-mar.html

5:45 PM - Economic Development Subcommittee https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/economic-development-subcommittee.html

7:00 PM - Town Council https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-mar-3.html

On the School side

4"30 PM - Budget subcommittee https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/franklin-public-schools-ma-budget-sub.html

Informative meetings on tap Wednesday

wfpr.fm Radio - Broadcasting today

9:00 AM / 12:00 noon / 6:00 PM

Franklin Matters Radio = FM #470 Interview with State Rep Jeff Roy

10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 7:00 PM

Wonderful World of Wine = All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points with Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone

11:00 AM/ 2:00 PM / 8:00 PM

Franklin Matters Radio = FM #476 Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracy

wfpr.fm Radio - Broadcasting today

St Mary's Women's Club: Scholarship for High School Seniors

SCHOLARSHIP Application Requirements:

Open to both male and female students.
Applicant must be a registered member of St. Mary's Parish in Franklin. Preference is given to candidates who have a relative in the Catholic Women's Club.
Applicant must be a graduating from High School in the Spring, 2021 and progressing on to his/her 1st year of study at a 2 or 4-year college/university.
Applicant must submit a completed scholarship application, with required attachments as indicated below, postmarked on or before the application deadline of Friday, April 16, 2021

The Scholarship will be awarded based on the following input:

An essay of why the student is applying for this scholarship.
What are the applicants interests and activities and involvement in the church and their faith?
Two letters of recommendation from a non-family member who can attest to the applicants service in school, the parish, or the community.

Up to 2 Scholarships will be awarded and will be paid to each recipient as 2 installments of $500 each. These payments will be given to the recipient at the start of their 1st semester of studies and upon proof on enrollment in the 2nd semester.