What's It Worth: A New MassBudget Report On The Minimum Wage

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What's it Worth: The Minimum Wage  Over the last four decades, workers earning the minimum wage in Massachusetts have seen a significant decline in the real value of their wages. In What's It Worth? The Value of the Minimum Wage in Massachusetts, we find that: Today's minimum wage is 24% lower than it was in 1968 (adjusted for inflation).   The gap between what minimum wage workers earn and what other workers earn has grown substantially over time--especially at the top of the income spectrum. Without some adjustment, the real value of the minimum wage is projected to fall below $7.00 by the end of this decade.   "What's It Worth" also includes an interactive tool that allows you to compare various options for adjusting the minimum wage--and even to design your own proposal. READ WHAT'S IT WORTH USE THE ONLINE TOOL TO COMPARE OPTIONS MassBudget provides independent research and analysis of state budget and tax policies--with particular attention to the effects on low- and moderate-income people.

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Current readership statistics

Occasionally I am asked, what is the readership for Franklin Matters? This is not something I focus on. The numbers tend to be quite dependent upon a variety of factors beyond my control. I prefer to focus on providing good content and letting the rest happen.

You have helped in this area. You have found what you wanted here. Usually spending a good bit of time reading here. And over time (as shown by the charts below) have continued to spread the word about what you find here.

You have four options to follow what matters in Franklin

1. the daily update via email
2. the weekly update via email
3. visit the website regularly
4. follow us on Facebook

You can sign up for the each email listing or follow us on Facebook here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html


And as I frequently have said on the audio version:

• If you like what you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like what you find here, please let me know. It is through this feedback process that I can continue to provide good content that meets your needs.

Note: 
This website was "born" in November 2007. Right after the election. All posts on the Franklin election and the override (earlier in May) were to my personal website - Steve's 2 Cents.

The readership for Jan-Feb-Mar of this year already exceeds all of the first full year 2008!

Year			Page Loads	Unique Visits	First Time Visits	Returning Visits
2012			23,029	17,566	14,433	3,133
2011			67,814	48,020	37,004	11,016
2010			63,307	42,461	31,121	11,340
2009			41,845	28,131	20,016	8,115
2008			22,574	15,243	9,730	5,513
2007			1,816	1,085	511	574

Note: 2012 covers only Jan-Feb-Mar

Attention Franklin runners

For Franklin area runners, there are at least three local opportunities to run and help a good cause coming up.  Mark your calendar for the following!




1 - Franklin & Bellingham Citizens Rail Trail Committee - 2nd Annual Road Race - May 12
http://franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63&Itemid=62


2 - 11th Annual Independence 5K Run/Walk to benefit the HMEA - May 20th
http://www.hmea.org/events.html


3 - 4th Annual Parmenter Run for All Ages 5K - Jun 10th
http://www.active.com/running/franklin-ma/4th-annual-parmenter-run-for-all-ages-2012

In the News - officers honored, case delayed

Franklin officers honored for their actions

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Dean College campus beating case put off until next month

by Alison McCall/Daily News staff

Franklin Cultural Council - Grant winners for 2012

Franklin Matters correspondent Ken Norman provides the following information:

The Franklin Cultural Council had their annual awards ceremony at the Historical Museum on Sunday. Twenty-one organizations representing twenty-seven programs were the recipients of the grants for 2012.


Franklin Cultural Council - Awards 2012


Franklin musician and artist, Kai Olsson



Dennis Ferguson, conductor of the Prolatio Singers



Ken graciously provided both photos. For additional photos from the event, there are a bunch that have been posted to the Franklin Historical Museum Facebook page

In the News - gun sales, A Cut Above, pastel arts, cross walk

Police differed on whether the increases are noteworthy. Police chiefs in Franklin and Medway, for example, said they noticed no spikes in licensing activity recently. 

Wrentham Police Lt. Michael Robillard said he seems busier with gun permits lately. His department issued 60 Class A licenses last year, up from 46 in 2010, state records show.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x777660137/Got-guns-Sales-permits-shoot-up#ixzz1qsKUUHOQ

Should a high school student from the area get her prom-style hair and nails done at A Cut Above in downtown Franklin, the salon will offer her a dress, free of charge. 

“Myself and the stylists that work here, we were all talking about the expense of the prom,” A Cut Above owner Pam Smith said, noting that prom hair and nails can cost $80 or more. “Really, between us we had quite a few dresses hanging in our closets.”

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x140150387/Such-a-deal-in-Franklin-Dressed-and-tressed#ixzz1qsKqAwo1

Look at her luminous scenes of Downtown Crossing or the Hotel Lenox rising into the Boston night and you’ll know why. 

The Franklin resident earned her place in the selective society by showing a portfolio that included vibrant pastels from a series she calls “Reflections of the City’’ that bathe Newbury Street in brilliant colors.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x140150102/Franklin-artist-has-a-passion-for-pastels#ixzz1qsL87TSG

Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ scheduled on town common

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 4, 2012

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
January 4, Regular Session; March 21, Executive Session

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Verizon, Comcast, and Franklin Matters

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS

E. APPOINTMENTS

F. HEARINGS

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Gary B. McCarraher – Fire Chief

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 12-11: Appropriation 2012 Enterprise Funds Capital
2. Resolution 12-22: Appropriation 2012 Capital Improvement Plan
3. Bylaw Amendment 12-681:Amendment to Chapter 4, Administration of Government - 1st Reading
4. Bylaw Amendment 12-682:Amendment to Chapter 110, Licenses and Permits, Designation of Issuing Authority - 1st Reading
5. Bylaw Amendment 12-680:Amendment to Chapter 82, Appendix A, List of Service Fee Rates – 2nd Reading

K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

L. OLD BUSINESS

M. NEW BUSINESS

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required

P. ADJOURN


The full set of documents for this meeting can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2012%20docs/031212.pdf

Photo essay: Bren Bataclan shows his work in Franklin

Another gray, overcast Saturday for Franklin. This one had some snow flurries for a while early in the morning. Fortunately, nothing stuck around long.



It was a good time to get inside and mingle among some folks interested in the art of Bren Bataclan.



Having participated in other art shows, I was most impressed by Bren. He went out of his way to greet anyone who came to the show.



Lingering to talk about what he does, how he does it.



He willing posed for a picture of his hand. If you look closely, it appears to be tinted blue as if some of the paint he was using he couldn't completely wash off. Actually, it is from his new jeans. Wiping his hands on his jeans is picking up the blue dye.



I think his work is easily approachable. He simplifies the world he shares. Others agree at least to the extent that he sold four or five works during the show. The red dot indicates this large work is sold. Actually before the afternoon ended, the two smaller ones partially caught here also sold.



It was a happy Bren and Linda Kabat posing for a picture as the show closed.

While some of Bren's works have sold, his work will still be on display through April at the Franklin Art Center. If you have a chance to stop by, please do so.

Additional info on Bren can be found on his website  http://www.bataclan.com/

Related post:  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/bren-bataclan-art-show.html



Disclosure: my daughter Allison is one of the part-time art instructors for the Franklin Art Center. I have met Ian and Linda a few times and we share a mutual interest in art and developing a community.

Curbside Chronicle: Apr-Jun 2012

The Curb Side Chronicle for Apr-Jun 2012 as published by the Franklin, MA Dept of Public Works


Curb Side Chronicle April-June 2012


The Chronicle can be found on the Franklin website
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0187FC40-000F8513.0/Curbside%20Chronicle-April-June.pdf

Beaver St: Recycling Center

The Recycle Center's "seasonal hours"

Begin Tuesday April 3rd

12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

As noted on the Franklin, MA website

http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0187FC40-000F8513

View Larger Map

Bren Bataclan: Art Show

Bren Bataclan is coming to Franklin Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. He will be showing some of his work at the Franklin Art Center.

Bataclan, a Cambridge based artist, was recognized by Couric for his “Smile Boston Project. The project involves the artist leaving his cartoon inspired paintings for people to take for “free”. Attatched to each painting is a note saying, “ This painting is yours if you promise to smile at random people more often.” He founded the project in the summer of 2003 and has since gone worldwide. 

The town of Franklin has been honored to have Bataclan paint murals in our elementary schools. Bataclan has also been featured in The Smithsonian Magazine, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, and The Chicago Tribune to name a few. His solo show at the Franklin Art Center will debuting his new painting style and his new Baha series. These paintings are a more figurative and narrative series of work. “Baha” portrays the heroism, resilience and compassion of the Filipino people who have dealt with the recent floods in the Philippines. “Baha” is Bren’s most extensive and quite possibly his most important show to date. The exhibit will also feature Bren’s regular, whimsical characters along with some new ones. Bren will be donating a portion of the sale of his work to help the Filipino people.

For additional information you can visit the Art Center Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/events/347387778632732/

Or their website http://franklinartcenter.com/

Or Bren's own website http://www.bataclan.com/


Image of Bren borrowed from the above links

Reminder: Earth Hour - 8:30 PM

Friendly reminder that Earth Hour occurs at 8:30 PM Saturday evening. Turn off your lights and join millions around the world.




Video summary can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/03/earth-hour-sat-33112-beginning-at-830.html

Additional info on Earth Hour can be found here
http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html

Franklin Art Association to meet, April 4

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Franklin Art Association to meet, April 4

via Wicked Local Franklin News RSS by GateHouse Media, Inc. on 3/30/12

The Franklin Art Association will host a meeting on Wednesday, April 4, from 6:30-9 p.m., at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Wicked Local Franklin News RSS using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Marijuana tax stamps still on sale even though law up in smoke

An oddity creates an opportunity for collectors!

 

 

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

 

 

Marijuana tax stamps still on sale even though law up in smoke

via Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue by Robert Bliss on 3/30/12

A Massachusetts newspaper reported this week that two men arrested for possession of five pounds of marijuana had also run afoul of state tax law.

The story went on to quote from the law ... which was all well and good except the law was thrown out in a Supreme Judicial Court case settled in 1998, Commissioner of Revenue v. Mullins. In ruling against the Commonwealth, the SJC said the law was aimed at drug dealers and amounted to a double jeopardy penalty since it imposed a high rate of taxation, had a deterrent purpose, was clearly conditioned on the commission of a crime, and bore no logical relationship to legal possession.

Some background is in order. in 1993, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Massachusetts Controlled Substance Tax which authorized DOR to print tax stamps for controlled substances such as marijuana. Even though the SJC ruling made the law moot, it has not been repealed. The law set a tax rate of $3.50 per gram or $99.20 per ounce of controlled substance.

After the SJC decision, DOR kept the stamps, which are purple and about the size of a postage stamp.

Indeed, since the law first took effect, DOR has earned about $2,500 from the stamps which sell for $3.50 each, with most of those sales registered after the SJC decision.

Who is buying a stamp that has no valid legal purpose, given the SJC decision? Stamp collectors. Some purchasers sell the stamps as collectibles on web-based auction sales sites for as much as $20.

If you'd like to order your collectible, gag gift or stocking stuffer -- and folks, supplies are running low, so act now since DOR will not re-order the useless stamps once they are gone -- you can obtain them by downloading DOR form CST-1, Marijuana and Controlled Substances Stamp order form and mailing it to DOR at the address listed on the form.

We can't make this stuff up.

 

 

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to Commonwealth Conversations: Revenue using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

 

 

Earth Hour: Sat 3/31/12 beginning at 8:30 PM

This Saturday evening turn off the non-essentials lights for an hour. Join with millions around the world in Earth Hour!




For more on Earth Hour visit the US website here  http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html