Bill To Stabilize Supply of Egg and Pork Products Signed into Law

Bill To Stabilize Supply of Egg and Pork Products Signed into Law

Following action by House and Senate lawmakers earlier this week, a bill to ensure a more secure egg and pork supply chain in the state, was signed into law Wednesday (12/22/2021). The legislation updates Massachusetts' farm animal welfare standards passed by voters in 2016 to align with other states.

"When Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly passed a ballot question guaranteeing animal welfare in 2016, our state had the strongest protections for farm animals in U.S. history," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Since then, national and industry standards have shifted towards even stronger animal welfare and consumer safety protections. With this law, Massachusetts is taking action to prevent cruelty to farm animals and ensure that our state has continued access to eggs that meet the expectations of the Commonwealth's residents. I want to thank House Speaker Mariano, for his collaboration, Senator Lewis for his steadfast focus on this issue, his fellow conferees and their staffs, and the residents of Massachusetts, including animal welfare advocates and egg-producers, for their support for this legislation."

"This law ensures that Massachusetts consumers and small businesses will have continued access to affordable egg and pork products, while also honoring the intent of the animal welfare ballot question," said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). "I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chair Dykema and the other members of the conference committee, as well as my colleagues in the House and Senate, for the hard work that ultimately led to this agreement."

"In 2016, the advocacy of animal welfare groups across the Commonwealth and overwhelming support from voters passed Ballot Question 3 to ensure that the factory farming industry provides more humane standards for pigs, calves and egg-laying hens, representing a historic victory for animal welfare," said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), the lead sponsor of the Senate bill. "Since then, the standard around the country for egg-laying hens has evolved, and Massachusetts is now an outlier, which could threaten our supply of eggs. Fortunately, the egg producers and animal welfare groups have come together to agree on this legislation, ensuring safe and humane conditions for egg-laying hens and affordable eggs for Massachusetts consumers. I appreciate the leadership of the Senate President and the support and guidance of my fellow conferees, Senator Rausch and Senator Tarr, in getting this bill passed."

"Together with my fellow conferees, I am pleased that we reached a comprehensive agreement that makes necessary updates to the voter-approved ballot initiative while reducing the risk of price shocks and disruptions to our food supply as pandemic impacts continue," said Representative Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston), House Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. "I want to thank the Speaker and my colleagues for their steadfast commitment to fighting food insecurity, supporting small businesses, and continuing our leadership on animal welfare at every step of the legislative process."

An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards updates a 2016 law passed by the voters of Massachusetts. It would align Massachusetts' standards to that of other states by:

• Providing detailed cage-free standards that consist of one square foot of usable floor space per hen in multi-tiered aviaries, partially-slatted cage-free housing systems or any other cage-free housing system that provides hens with unfettered access to vertical space so that hens can engage in vital natural behaviors such as perching, scratching, dust bathing and laying eggs in a nest.

• Ensuring protections for various types of egg products. As passed in 2016, the law applied to shell eggs, but not egg products. This legislation would also cover egg products, mirroring legislation passed in other states.

The bill would also enhance market and regulatory certainty by:

• Delaying the effective date of the new standards for pork products to August 15, 2022, to allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) ample time to promulgate, and the industry to comply with, robust regulations. The ballot initiative passed in 2016 required regulations to be promulgated 2 years in advance of the effective date of the act in order to provide adequate time for affected industries to comply. This legislation gives producers not only more time to comply with the new standards but also an additional opportunity to participate in the updated regulatory process.
• Updating authority for promulgating rules and regulations to include both the Attorney General's Office (AGO) and MDAR. As passed in 2016, the law assigns to the Attorney General exclusive authority to promulgate rules and regulations as well as to enforce the law. This legislation would update the regulatory authority so that it's shared between the AGO and MDAR. Enforcement authority would remain exclusively with the AGO. Many states with similar laws include their state department of agriculture in the regulatory process.

An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards is endorsed by New England Brown Egg Council, The Country Hen (a major egg producer in the Commonwealth), United Egg Producers, and the Massachusetts Food Association, which notes that the language in this legislation offers a "readily available solution" to ensure retail-endorsed cage-free standards. The bill also has the support of numerous animal protection organizations, including the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Farm Sanctuary, the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Equality, Animal Outlook, The Humane League, Harvard Law School Animal Law & Policy Program, Mercy for Animals, Compassion in World Farming, and World Animal Protection—all groups that have been working to increase welfare for farm animals for decades.

Text of An Act to upgrade hen welfare and establish uniform cage-free standards can be found at https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S2603

Bill To Stabilize Supply of Egg and Pork Products Signed into Law

National Medical Academy: Nurse Aid Training

National Medical Academy offers the newest medical training program specializing in Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training. CNA classes are a full-fledged course that has been recently licensed by the state, which allows any individual to succeed in the field of health care. 

National Medical Academy

Designed by the industry professionals, the Nurse Aide Training Programs offered by National Medical Academy will mold individuals into health care professionals, particularly directed to the path of nurse assisting – be it in major hospitals, health care centers or assisted living settings. 

In addition to that, National Medical Academy is focused on the system of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training and thus, individuals who want to be involved in the health care industry can now obtain the CNA certification through their Nurse Aide Training Programs. 

National Medical Academy, moreover, encourages individuals to opt for taking up a course as highly needed as Nurse Assistant Training nowadays. There is truthfulness to the fact that the health care industry does not substantially function without the help of certified nurse assistants (CNA). What's more, the United States appears to increase demands for nurse assistants every year and that makes nurse assisting one of the most in demand jobs that there are, not to mention that the compensation is relatively good. 

For additional information, visit the official website of National Medical Academy through the link below:
https://nationalmedicalacademy.com/

Enrollment in our CNA programs are VERY LIMITED to 5 students per class.

Enroll Today before the class is FULL!!!!!

To register for a CPR training - Click Here

"A business built on referrals" (Just ask a neighbor)

 Learn about our Referral Rewards program Click Here

Please think GREEN before printing this or any email.

Manufacturing Caucus hosts Fourth Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony

Plansee USA Company in Franklin, received a Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Fourth Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony at the State House. The company is a leading manufacturer of heat resistant metals. An international, private company with facilities in Europe and the United States, Plansee has seven U.S. production sites employing 1,100 employees. 

In Franklin, Plansee occupies 62,000 square feet and specializes in machining and fabrication of Molybdenum and Tungsten products. Plansee holds more than 2,000 patents worldwide and serves clients from the development of prototypes through the manufacturing of products. Some important Plansee products include shielding for high temperature furnaces, components for x-ray tubes and CT scans and components used for the manufacture of LED chips and transistors. Plansee was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin).

“We recognized 78 manufacturers who have had an impact on our economy, created jobs, and are contributing to the renaissance of manufacturing in our state,” said Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D - Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. "Massachusetts is positioned to be number one in manufacturing in the United States, and these companies are all a large part of our success story. And I am delighted that we had the opportunity to honor them and showcase their innovative and revolutionary manufacturing capabilities and products. Plansee exemplifies the greatness of manufacturing in Massachusetts, and was very deserving of the award. The company has been expanding and growing and offers great career pathways in the Franklin area.”

The Award Ceremony was the state’s Fourth Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony sponsored by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus. Along with Plansee USA, 77 manufacturers were recognized for truly “making it” in Massachusetts. The ceremony honored the manufacturers and showcased their innovative and revolutionary manufacturing capabilities and products. The event included companies who make specialty and custom tools, decorative glass, baby products, marine robotics, gaskets, vacuum and cryogenic equipment, headwear apparel, custom scoliosis and spinal orthotic fabrication, medical devices, plant-based bioplastic products, and even chicken nuggets and fresh milled flour.

Representative Roy, Senator Eric P. Lesser (Co-Chair of the Caucus), Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Michael Kennealy, House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Ms. Brooke Thomson, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Industries of Massachsuetts (AIM) offered remarks at the ceremony.

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes more than 60 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

“Manufacturing is a critical part of our Commonwealth’s innovation economy, and the ‘Made in MA’ companies recognized today show the regional diversity of this sector,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy. “Through programs like the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Program, the Baker-Polito Administration has partnered with the legislature to support and invest in manufacturing across Massachusetts.”

"Whether it's building the components for solar panels, advanced batteries, or cutting-edge medical devices, Massachusetts is home to some of the world's most cutting edge manufacturers. This industry is also growing and desperate for workers, and today's celebration is meant to recognize the companies and organizations hiring and growing in every corner of our Commonwealth." Said Senator Eric P. Lesser (D-1st Hampden & Hampshire Senate District).

Representative Roy with Plansee USA

Plansee Company History

The company under the name of American Electro Metal Corp. was incorporated in the state of Maryland on October 27,1939 by Dr. Paul Schwarzkopf, a pioneer in powder metallurgy and founder of Plansee in Reutte, Austria. Demands in the lighting industry and material developments to support the U.S. Industry during and after WWII contributed to increased business activities with refractory metals. As a result the company changed its name to Schwarzkopf Development Corp in 1955 and established a warehouse and sales cooperation in Holliston, Massachusetts in 1970. 

The company continued to undergo rapid growth which resulted in the investment into machining and fabrication of refractory metals in the 1980s. To enhance the company's focus on high- tech applications, the company changed its name to Schwarzkopf Technologies in 1991. Limited space and further increase in business activities led to the decision to build a new production facility with a square footage of 62,000 in Franklin, Massachusetts in 1996. With the full integration into the Plansee High Performance Materials (HPM) division and as part of a global operating company, Schwarzkopf Technologies changed its name to Plansee USA at the end of 2007.

For more about Plansee USA, visit their web page
https://www.plansee.com/en/about-us/production-sites/usa/plansee-usa.html

Plansee USA in Franklin, MA

Are artificial turf fields safe?

We know that they are functional and allow for exercise and competition for more of the year than a grass field would permit. 

The information on the safety of the rubber beads is conflicting and this revelation is disturbing.

SHOCKER! @USCPSC Depends on #ArtificialTurf Industry Lobbyists for Scientific + Enforcement Guidance @FranklinMatters - @turfgrassforum

Steve Sherlock, You were mentioned in a Tweet!   Turf Grass Forum @turfgrassforum SHOCKER! @USCPSC Depends on #ArtificialTurf Industry Lobbyists for Scientific + Enforcement Guidance tinyurl.com/oe77qgg @FranklinMatters 12:51 PM - 29 Apr 15 Reply to @turfgrassforum Retweet Favorite Twitter, Inc. 1355 Market St., Suite 900 San Francisco, CA 94103

What does the link reveal?

The principal information the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission uses to assess the health effects of synthetic turf is supplied by industry lobbyists, according to internal records released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Emails and other records obtained by PEER in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit detail how these lobbyists are allowed closed-door briefings and other direct contacts with key CPSC staff assigned to investigate their products. 

In response to a PEER filing, the CPSC declared on September 27, 2013 that it had ordered its Office of Compliance and Field Operations to undertake a “review and determination of whether any enforcement action is appropriate” for artificial turf playgrounds containing lead at levels well above legal limits for a children’s product. More than a year later, CPSC would not answer requests for information about the status of that enforcement review. In February of this year, PEER filed a FOIA lawsuit.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.peer.org/news/news-releases/turf-lobbyists-cultivate-consumer-product-safety-commission.html#.VT_fl228DrE.twitter

CommonWealth Magazine: "Electricity supplier gets attack on AG wrong"

"THIS WINTER, residential customers should be wary of competitive electric suppliers taking advantage of rising electric bills to lure new customers. We have all heard the stories of these predatory suppliers, and many of us have experienced their high-pressure sales tactics – on the phone, at the door, through a mailer – promising cheaper electricity.

Unfortunately, these promises are usually scams. In fact, our office found that, over a five-year period, Massachusetts’ individual residential customers on competitive electric supply suffered $426 million in net losses over what they would have paid their utility for basic service. The results are even more severe for low-income customers, who are twice as likely to be targeted and switched to competitive electric supply and pay higher rates on average when they do.

The competitive electric supply industry has never claimed that our office’s calculations of customers’ financial losses are wrong. Indeed, in the November 14 opinion piece, “Unitil settlement proves Healey wrong,” Dan Allegretti on behalf of the Retail Energy Supply Association, makes no attempt to defend the industry’s terrible record. Instead, the industry continues to grasp at straws."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/electricity-supplier-gets-attack-on-ag-wrong 

If you want a low rate, consider the Municipal Aggregation offered through Town of Franklin and Nationalgrid ->  

What is Municipal aggregation? 

Audio with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-208-jamie-hellen-on-municipal.html

Announcement here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2020-09-18_municipal_aggregation_announcement.pdf

Quarterly report -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/franklin-quarterly-aggregation-reports

FM #208 - Jamie Hellen on Municipal Aggregation

Offshore wind policy draws sides and maybe progress

"A LONG-BREWING fight over state energy policy moved into the spotlight on Tuesday as key players laid out their positions in what promises to be an interesting debate over the best way to propel the state’s offshore wind industry into the future. 

The starting point is a bill filed by Gov. Charlie Baker that would steer $750 million in American Rescue Plan Act money into a fund that would invest in new energy technologies, train a new energy workforce, and change the way offshore wind procurements are run in the future."

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/offshore-wind-policy-fight-takes-center-stage/

"Governor Charlie Baker and secretary of energy and environmental affairs Kathleen Theoharides on Tuesday urged the Legislature to pass a plan to make the state more competitive in the offshore wind industry. 

The hourslong hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy was contentious: 90 witnesses, including many supporters and some naysayers, signed on."

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/11/science/baker-urges-state-pass-offshore-wind-investment-help-meet-climate-goals/

"THE LEGISLATURE’S energy committee approved a bill Wednesday evening that would give the state’s Clean Energy Center a major role in the development of the offshore wind industry and tap consumer electricity and natural gas bills to pay for tax credits, grants, and investments to make it happen. 

Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, maneuvered the bill through the panel with 10 House members and one Senate member voting in support, one senator voting no, and four senators and one House member reserving their rights. Sen. Bruce Tarr of Gloucester, a Republican, was the lone no vote."

Continue reading the article online 
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/sweeping-offshore-wind-bill-headed-toward-house/ 

Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington (left) and Rep. Jeffrey Roy of Franklin, the chairs of Legislature's Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

Franklin Public Radio: Election Night - This is big

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 10/31/2021

It’s a big year for casting a big vote for a big field of candidates. Yes, big. We’ve been fortunate to bring the many candidates to the fore thanks to our tireless citizen media and information V.I.P.s, Frank Falvey, Steve Sherlock and Jim Derick. What they do for us – and for Franklin is big.

They are the engine of Local Access TV and Public Radio. They bring their wisdom, energies, and enthusiastic dedication to keep us informed. They believe in this grand experiment of America – in the democracy that we all idealize – that we all believe in – that we cherish and want.

To ‘want’ is a start. To get and keep that ‘want’ requires participation. Ben said it,  “Industry Need not Wish.”  A healthy democracy requires the industry of the many, and your vote matters. You can express your appreciation for our volunteer media V.I.P.’s – and for our candidates – many seeking volunteer positions. They put in their time and industry to make Franklin work. You can help. Vote.

Your vote is big – because it’s local. Local government is where your vote matters most. Your vote is a most joyful obligation and privilege. There are few private, sacred moments in life that are more satisfying than that pause, standing before the ballot box, completed ballot in hand, when you declare your wish and submit your considered choice. It’s a good time. It’s free. Don’t miss out.

Please vote. It’s big.

Tune in to 102.9 wfpr.fm for the election results after the polls close.

And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

For the full TV and radio schedule -> http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Or go to http://franklin.tv/, Select "Past Shows" and then "Live", then "Play" and you'll view what is on the cable channel at that time.

Franklin Public Radio: Election Night - This is big

 

Dean College Announces New Deans For School Of The Arts And Sanders School Of Business

Dean College is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Ingram, Ph.D., as the new dean for the Dean Sanders ’47 School of Business and Patsy Collins Bandes as the new dean for the School of the Arts.

Bill Ingram joins Dean from the University of North Texas Dallas, where he was on the faculty since 2016, most recently serving as the assistant dean for the School of Business. He brings 10 years of experience teaching business and hospitality operations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as over 10 years of professional experience in hotel and restaurant management with Walt Disney World Resort, Loews Hostels and Sky Hotels and Resorts. Ingram holds a Ph.D. in hospitality management from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from the University of North Texas. He is also an alumnus of Texas Tech University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management.

Bill Ingram

As dean of the Sanders School of Business, Ingram will oversee programs in Athletic Coaching and Recreation Management, Business Management, Communications, Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, Marketing, Sport Management and Sports Broadcasting. He is tasked with building the baccalaureate culture and raising the bar for the College’s business programs to stay current with the ever-changing industry.

“My biggest focus is aligning our business programs with what the industry wants and needs, especially in areas of cross concentration, whether that be data analysis, accounting, artificial intelligence or business ethics,” Ingram explained. “I’m also here to create business partnerships locally, maximize the relationships we already have, like with Kraft Sports + Entertainment, and think globally so that our students have opportunities that lead to careers.”

Ingram is also heavily focused on building experiential learning into every area of the Sanders School of Business.

“I want our faculty to be as innovative as possible,” he said. “I want to be able to walk through downtown Franklin and see our students out there working, getting hands-on experience and getting outside of the traditional classroom. The courses they are taking should look very similar to the jobs they’ll be doing once they graduate, so they are prepared for a seamless transition to their careers or graduate work.”

Meanwhile, Patsy Collins Bandes comes to Dean after 18 years with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She first joined the Conservatory as the production stage manager in 2004, joined the theatre and dance faculty in 2006, and served as chair of the Conservatory's Theater Division from 2018 to 2022. As an arts administrator and academic leader with a diverse background in the management of theatre production, Collins Bandes has directed, produced and stage-managed productions for a number of companies, including the Boston Conservatory, North Shore Music Theatre, National Theatre Conservatory, Lizard Head Theatre Company, Intermezzo Chamber Opera, Prometheus Dance, Boston Children’s Chorus and Denver Center Theatre Company, which received a 1998 Tony Award for Excellence in Regional Theatre during her tenure. She holds a B.A. in theatre with an emphasis in directing from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration in dramatic arts from Harvard University Extension School.

Patsy Collins Bandes

 Collins Bandes will oversee the entire School of the Arts at Dean, which includes Bachelor of Arts degree programs in Arts and Entertainment Management, Performance, Production and Design, and Theatre Studies, as well as new Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs in Acting and Musical Theatre. She aims to build on the school’s foundation of holistic education while increasing the visibility of Dean’s arts programs both locally and nationally, as well as building industry-leading inclusive and diverse curriculum and practices.

“In the first semester, my focus really is getting to know the students and the culture and learning what everybody feels like they love and what they feel could change,” Collins Bandes explained. “Another priority is how we can make our performances, our season and our curriculum culturally aware and as diverse and inclusive as possible and actively engage in anti-racist theatre work. Over the course of the year, we’ll be looking at what is working really well and how we can bring some change into our curriculum and productions.”

To accomplish this, Collins Bandes is taking a holistic approach – not only training students to be artists, but to be citizen artists.

“Every student is a unique human being that has something to offer the world,” she said. “I truly believe that the goal of art is to change the world. By training students to be citizen artists, they can each go out and do so. My responsibility as an arts educator and an arts leader is to help students be a better version of who they are, not strip them down and make them into cookie cutter artists. And what’s great about Dean is that the idea of training the whole student and using a holistic approach is already built into The Dean Difference. It is perfect synergy with my own personal philosophy of how we teach theatre and the arts.”

Shared from ->  https://www.dean.edu/news-events/story/dean-college-announces-new-deans-for-school-of-the-arts-and-sanders-school-of-business/

Ben's advice for Franklin

This is the text of a "Letter to the Editor" that I submitted to the Milford Daily News in May 2007. It did not get published that I was ever aware of. Other than the dates, the sentiment applies just as much now as it did in 2007. Oh, and it took a year, but the Town Council has finally appointed the committee referenced here to come up with the Five Year plan. We arrived here over 11 years ago. Yes, we were part of Franklin’s big growth wave. At the time, we came because of the good schools, the affordable housing, the central location to most of the major cities of New England, and especially the rail transportation to Boston. Those reasons are still valid today. Our two daughters have graduated from Franklin High School and are now both in college. Yes, we have two tuition bills to face. But you know, we knew that before we came here. We have planned for this period of our family life for some time. So let’s put the Franklin budget problem in perspective. Many, if not all, of the Finance and Town Council members at one time or another have said that this budget problem was several years in the making. Continuing to draw down the stabilization fund while limiting departmental budget growth in order to balance the budget has created a situation where the slightest change in a single factor sends major cuts through the budget. This year it was reported to be the special education increase mandated by the Commonwealth. Next year, it is likely to be something else that will force further cuts. And oh, by the way, if the override fails this year, another $1 million of our savings will be forced to be spent on unemployment insurance for the town and school personnel laid off. This will leave our savings at only $2 million dollars. Yet, the Finance Committee on April 30th reviewed all the department multi-year capital plans. They commended each department for the level of detail provided to justify what they needed. So where is our multi-year operating plan? When will the Town Council ask the Town Administrator and Finance Committee to lay that out for us? We have an override vote scheduled for May 22, how many more will we need to pass to get out of this mess? “Industry need not wish” is the quote from Ben Franklin visible on the wall plaque in the Franklin Town Council chambers. Ben wrote this in the early 1700’s. In those days, “industry” meant hard work. Hard work meant sweat and labor. If you worked hard, you did not have to wish for something. If you worked hard, you got something for it. The residents of Franklin should ponder this quote. There is much to gain from the insights that Ben had. We can chose to let the Commonwealth of MA fund half our school expenses. We can continue to solicit our loyal legislative contacts for increases in any and all aid possible. We can continue to live as Franklin was just a “little town”. However, danger lies down those roads. While Franklin’s growth in the last decade has started to slow a little due to the current economic conditions, it is here and with us. It will not go away as much as some might wish it too. It is time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. It is time to start paying our own way. It is time to start planning for what the next couple of years budgets will look like. What do we do? The override vote on May 22 needs to be passed. The home of the first public library can not let it close. The birthplace of Horace Mann can not let our own children suffer the education cuts proposed if this override fails. Then the Town Council needs to start working with all parties to provide the Franklin voters a multi year plan. It is possible, it can be done. Their leadership is required. To do otherwise would be fiscally irresponsible. Vote “yes” on May 22. Then let’s get the appropriate folks to work on the multi year operating plan. As Ben said, “Industry need not wish”.

This was originally posted at Steve's 2 Cents on May 20, 2007.

MassBudget: Cost of special business tax breaks nearly tripled since 1996

MassBudget report examines growth of special business tax breaks

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. The cost of special business tax breaks has nearly tripled since 1996  A new study by the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) shows that the cost to the state from special business tax break spending has nearly tripled, even after adjusting for inflation, from $370 million in 1996 to over $1 billion anticipated in this fiscal year. The Commonwealth forgoes a large amount of potential revenue each year through spending on business tax breaks aimed at supporting economic development in Massachusetts. Although less often a focus of budget debates, spending on these tax breaks is no different in its bottom-line effect than direct spending through the state budget: law makers must offset each dollar from these special breaks with reductions to other public programs or increases to other forms of taxes. The MassBudget report finds that the cost of special business tax breaks began to climb rapidly starting 20 years ago with incentives for the mutual fund industry, manufacturers, and others including the film industry and life sciences companies. And yet, despite the findings of a 2012 report from a state special commission that called for studying their effectiveness, most state business tax breaks have not faced a thorough examination. Back in 2011, the Massachusetts Legislature established a Tax Expenditure Commission to "study carefully for the first time the various exemptions, deductions and credits in the Massachusetts tax code, and to recommend methods for measuring and reviewing their effectiveness." The Commission recommended an overall reduction in the number and cost of these special tax breaks. It also recommended: identifying the clear purpose of each special business tax break; creating clear metrics to gauge their impact; conducting a regular rolling review of whether to let these programs expire; and spelling out clear rules about when the Commonwealth would "clawback" forgone revenues from businesses that fail to deliver the jobs or other kinds of economic development for which the given tax break was originally awarded. Most of these recommendations have yet to be implemented. MassBudget's new report tracks and explains the growth of special business tax break spending, and how it has resulted primarily from three major, industry-specific tax breaks including  for manufacturing companies, mutual fund companies, and tax breaks for movie production companies. The report examines these and a number of other recent tax breaks for businesses in Massachusetts. Read the new report here (LINK). The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Industry: RokkSoft partners with VocalEZ

From the PR news wire today, we find out about RokkSoft.

Franklin, MA, February 11, 2009 --(PR.com)-- RokkSoft Solutions Corp has partnered with VocalEZ LLC to expand the distribution of the VocalEZ voice recognition medical dictation transcription service.

VocalEZ wraps an integrated work flow around voice-enabled software and web technologies to provide a simple, cost effective dictation transcription platform that is scalable from a single dictator to a large clinic or integrated hospital system, resulting in cost savings of 50 percent when compared to traditional transcription methods.

RokkSoft will offer the VocalEZ medical dictation transcription system in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to physician practices and medical clinics. Medical practices of all sizes are confronted with escalating costs. Because VocalEZ is a pay-for-use service, administrators are now equipped with a solution that dramatically reduces monthly expenses, without requiring a major capital outlay.

VocalEZ fundamentally changes the way the transcription industry provides clinical documentation by creating significant enhancements and savings through the entire process. This HIPAA-compliant solution delivers more accurate, timely and integrated medical documentation.

VocalEZ has created a solution that allows every physician practice to enjoy the same benefits that had previously only been available to the largest groups and hospitals. By focusing on the needs of this largely overlooked segment of the healthcare market, the partnership with RokkSoft is an indication of the VocalEZ commitment to improved patient care while driving down costs.

###

About RokkSoft

RokkSoft Solutions Corp represents companies that provide medical practices and businesses with industry-changing technology applications to improve productivity and drive down operating costs. These applications are delivered in a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) model to minimize required startup resources and eliminate capital expenditures. This enables clients to quickly realize ongoing cost savings.

For more information, please visit http://www.rokksoft.com.


From PR.Com here

"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy"

Rep. Jeffrey Roy (D- Franklin) visited Pierce Aluminum's manufacturing,
distribution and national headquarters in Franklin to commemorate Manufacturing Day.
Manufacturers from across the country opened their doors on Friday to demonstrate the potential of modern manufacturing, while fostering an interest in manufacturing careers. 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"Manufacturing is the sixth largest employment sector in Massachusetts, and is helping to lead
us out of the recession," noted Rep. Roy after the visit. "My visit with Pierce today, and the
many other manufacturers in the area over the past several months, is part of an effort to support and recognize our manufacturers as leaders in advancing the Commonwealth's economy. The manufacturing of today involves a lot more expertise and training in technology, programming and streamlined production. We need to prepare and train people to work in this vital sector." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"I am proud to say that the Legislature has made thoughtful investments in the state's
manufacturing industry," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, D-Winthrop. "Whether through the gaming law or the 2012 economic development legislation, Massachusetts is increasingly becoming the place for manufacturing jobs. Manufacturing Day is a call to action for legislators, business leaders and employers. I urge you to pursue new ways to incorporate these jobs - for employees of all skill levels - into existing and emerging industries. I believe this is essential in furthering our state's development and will help make Massachusetts a better place to live, work and do business." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

"Manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy," stated Senate President Pro
Temporc Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, Senate Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing
Caucus. "What were once dark, gritty factories, are now high-tech, innovative facilities that
provide good paying jobs to skilled and educated employees. Partnering with manufacturing
leaders to ensure that their companies have the tools and highly trained workforce they need to
grow is an essential component of our strategy for economic growth." 

"In light of very positive competitiveness trends in both domestic and global markets,
Massachusetts manufacturers are experiencing a welcomed and sustained resurgence of business activity that is favorable to our entire state's ongoing recovery," said Rep. John V. Fernandes, DMilford, House Chairman of the Legislature's Manufacturing Caucus. "These large and small sized manufacturing companies often provide meaningful jobs for thousands of new and retrained workers, offer middle-class level wages, and energize regional suppliers and ancillary businesses for long-term growth. We must do what we can to facilitate that growth and develop a strong nexus between educational and training opportunities and the specialized worker skills required by these companies to ultimately succeed." 

Rep Roy at Pierce Aluminum

Manufacturing Day is a national event designed to addresses common misperceptions about
manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to showcase their efforts in a coordinated
fashion. The goal of Manufacturing Day is to begin addressing the national skilled labor shortage that manufacturers face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry. 

In Massachusetts, manufacturing contributes to more than 10 percent of gross state product
(GSP). Currently there are 7,680 manufacturing establishments in Massachusetts that employ
more than 275,000 residents. Over the next five years, manufacturing establishments are
expected to expand their employment by an estimated 65 percent. 

State Senators and Representatives are supported by the Legislature's recently-formed, bipartisan Manufacturing Caucus which serves as a link for legislators cutting across issues that
affect the manufacturing industry. Rep. Roy is a member of that caucus.

For more about Pierce Aluminum visit their website  http://www.piercealuminum.com/


Photos provided by the office of Rep Roy