MassBudget: FAQ on automatic income tax rate cut

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Automatic Income Tax Rate Cuts: Frequently Asked Questions The Governor recently announced the need to cut funding for school transportation, job training, health care, and other investments that support and strengthen our people and our economy. One of the reasons for these cuts was the anticipated triggering (which became official today) of an automatic tax cut caused by a twelve year old law.  "While our Commonwealth could be making investments to expand opportunity for all of our children and improve lives in our communities, this automatic tax cut will primarily benefit the wealthy and it will likely force cuts in education, transportation, and other investments in our people and our economy," said Noah Berger, President of MassBudget. This tax cut, which primarily benefits the highest income taxpayers, will cost the Commonwealth $145 million a year. It is part of a series of automatic income tax rate cuts that together will cost the Commonwealth $325 million this fiscal year. The annual cost could grow to over $800 million over the next five years. This could significantly weaken the Commonwealth's ability to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, invest in expanding access to high quality education, and protect access to affordable health care. MassBudget's new fact sheet Automatic Income Tax Rate Cuts: FAQ describes how this automatic tax cut works and examines its likely consequences. This tax cuts has its origins in a series of income tax cuts that began in 1998. Those tax cuts cost the Commonwealth over $3 billion a year and, in the years since, we have seen deep cuts in education, local aid, and other important public services (see chart above).  The primary beneficiaries of the automatic tax cut will be the very highest income households (see chart below), who already pay a smaller share of their income toward state and local taxes than do other households. 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

MassBudget

Hockomock League boys soccer awards

Franklin senior midfielder Tim LaRowe has been named the third annual HockomockSports.com Boys Soccer Player of the year. LaRowe was also selected as a Hockomock League All Star, EMass All Star and named an All-State player by the EMSCA. 

LaRowe was a big reason why the Panthers were able to claim their fourth straight Hockomock League Kelley-Rex Division title. He scored four goals and had four assists on the season, but his affect on the game went far beyond the stat sheet. 

"Statistics don't really tell the story of how valuable Tim was to our team," Franklin head coach Fran Bositis said. "He was clearly an outstanding leader, someone who his teammates looked up to and responded to. He was like having a coach on the field, he was our organizer offensively and defensively.

Hockomock Sports photo of Tim LaRowe

Hockomock Sports First XI

F - Andrew Allen, King Philip
F - Damian Kozak, Canton
F - Kyle Lameiras, Attleboro
M - Devante Teixeira, Foxboro
M - Tim LaRowe, Franklin
M - Matt Rodrigues, Attleboro
M - Joe Morrison, Foxboro
D - Jeff Melo, Foxboro
D - Ben LaBelle, Franklin
D - Chris Romero, Oliver Ames
G - Jason Ross, Attleboro

The complete listing of awards for Boys Soccer can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2014-hockomocksportscom-boys-soccer-awards

Blackstone River Theatre - FREE Holiday Craft Fair & Festival Saturday!

THANK YOU! This year's Solstice Fest was our biggest yet... stay tuned for more on the 2015 festival set for June 20th... COMING SOON TO BRT!                     Ongoing   Zumba with April Hilliker on Mondays, 6:30 PM NO CLASSES 12/22 OR 12/29       Saturday, December 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE!  7th annual BRT HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR & FESTIVAL 26 artisans and crafters and live continuous music! Sunday, December 7 2 PM and 5 PM shows! BOTH SHOWS ARE COMPLETELY SOLD OUT... THANK YOU!   3rd annual IRISH DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR featuring TIR NA NOG IRISH DANCE Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 PM AND  Sunday, Dec. 14, 7 PM $18 adv / $20.00 day of show BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION!   Quick Links... BRT Website     BRT Classes       Directions to BRT Tickets often available at door but to ensure a seat CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 401-725-9272 Please understand that when a show is SOLD OUT, it truly is! We must adhere to fire codes and it truly is not possible to fit "just one more"... especially when we have had several people ask to do the same! If a show at BRT has an advance price & a day-of-show price it means: If you pre-pay OR call in your reservation any time before the show date, you get the advance price. If you show up at the door with no reservations OR call in your reservations on the same day as the show, you will pay the day-of show-price. NOTE for prepaid tickets or if reservations have been made but not pre-paid: If you reduce the number of tickets requested or paid for at the box office on the night of the performance, that ticket must still be paid for! BRT requires 24 hour notice for cancellations or you will be charged for all seats reserved. Dear Steve, What an amazing SOLD OUT Homecoming Concert Saturday... And we are very pleased to say that BOTH SHOWS of the TIR NA NOG IRISH DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR on this Sunday have already sold out as well! But we have a great event for you this Saturday.... BRT's 7th annual HOLIDAY FAIR AND CRAFT FESTIVAL SHOP LOCALLY AND SUPPORT BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE WHILE YOU DO IT... and it is FREE. Don't forget to LIKE us on Facebook to get late-breaking news and really expensive gifts. Well, not that last one but definitely the first part... Please share what we do with your friends! www.facebook.com/pages/Blackstone-River-Theatre/165592431396    Hope to see you soon... Russell Gusetti, Executive Director   Blackstone River Theatre's 7th annual CRAFT FAIR AND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Blackstone River Theatre invites YOU to our 7th annual Craft Fair and Holiday Festival. Please come out and support BRT programming as well as area craft vendors, artisans and home-based businesses while you do your holiday shopping locally! We will have 26 vendors on site and the event will also feature continuous live music by members of Pendragon, The Broad Street Fiddlers, and The Swamp Meadow Victorian Carolers plus raffle prizes, a bake sale table, refreshments and more. Door prizes will be raffled off from each vendor with the raffle proceeds to benefit BRT's programming. Think out of the box (store!)   Event Info Saturday, December 6, 9:00 A.M. to 3 P.M. FREE EVENT! at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I.  www.riverfolk.org BOTH SHOWS ALREADY SOLD OUT! IRISH DANCE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR     Event Info Sunday, December 7, 2 P.M. and 5 P.M. BOTH SHOWS ALREADY SOLD OUT! at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I.  www.riverfolk.org BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Blackstone River Theatre will present our 7th annual Christmas Celebration featuring Aubrey Atwater, Erika Damiani, Elwood Donnelly, Bob Drouin, Kevin Doyle, Russell Gusetti, Josh Kane, The Miller Family, Mary Lee Partington, Torrin Ryan, and the Swamp Meadow Victorian Carolers. Audiences can expect the unexpected - familiar and unfamiliar songs, high energy clogging and step dancing, ancient carols, spoken word, jokes and more - as musicians and dancers perform in varied combinations or join together on beautiful Christmas and winter-themed pieces.   Event Info Saturday, December 13, 8 P.M. AND Sunday, December 14, 7:00 P.M. $18.00 advance / $20.00 day of show Sponsored in part by Navigant Credit Union at Blackstone River Theatre 549 Broad Street, Cumberland, R.I. Call 401-725-9272 for reservations  www.riverfolk.org

Forward email to a friend! Blackstone River Theatre | 549 Broad Street | Cumberland | RI | 02864

Jane's Frames Events - Holiday Stroll - Dec4

Holiday Stroll Downtown Franklin Dec 4, 2014, 4pm - 7 pm Dear Steve, Stop in to Jane's Frames during the   Holiday Stroll Thursday, 4- 8 pm Meet Ann Williams of Pour Richards Wine & Spirits while you enjoy some sampling from her line, stick around to listen to Jamie Barrett performing from 6pm-7pm.       See the new line of Gifts and Home Decor, including Puzzles, Jewelry, Greeting Cards, Handmade Table Runners, unique clocks, Original Artwork and more.        Check out the Special Pricing on prints as we offer some fantastic deals beginning at $2.00!!      We are looking forward to seeing you! Sincerely, Jane Curran Jane's Frames

Forward this email Jane's Frames | 11 East Central Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: Holiday Stroll, funding OPEB

A Holiday Stroll will kick off Thursday evening at Dean College with carolers providing the festive background music for a tree-lighting ceremony. 

The ceremony starts at 4 p.m. on the Dean College campus, 99 Main St., with the historic Dean Hall serving as the backdrop. The stroll then moves into the downtown, where more than 30 local businesses will provide entertainment, food and shopping until 7 p.m. for the hundreds of revelers expected to attend the Franklin Downtown Partnership annual event. 

“The Holiday Stroll is a unique event that we feel really showcases our businesses," said organizer Gregg Chalk. "Our merchants stay open late and invite everyone inside. It’s a great opportunity to discover new businesses and have one-on-one conversations with business owners."

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141204/NEWS/141208603/1994/NEWS

In recent years, Franklin and towns throughout the state have made it a mandate to put away more money for other post-employment benefits, also known as OPEB, which consists mostly of retiree health insurance. 

Franklin has an $89 million unfunded liability that is continuing to grow. To date, town officials have saved about $1.2 million in a stabilization account, but the creation of a trust would give them more options to invest the money in hopes of shrinking the liability. 

"If you establish a trust, you are allowed by law to invest in a much broader way, including equities," said Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting. "This is happening across the commonwealth." 

The trust will be made up of five members, including Nutting and two residents appointed by the council.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141204/NEWS/141208523/1994/NEWS

Live reporting: Legislation and closing

I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee did look at the RFP responses for the Pond St facility
one submittal came in late and was disqualified


J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 14-84: Approval of Amendment to Solid Waste Disposal Contract
motion to approve, second, passed 5-0

negotiation of tip fee reduction from ~74 to ~64
will allow for avoiding a raise in the trash fees in the future
the other communities need to agree, the big one needed is Worcester
taking advantage of timing with the market

2. Resolution 14-85: Acceptance of Gift – Council on Aging
motion to approve, second, passed 5-0


3. Resolution 14-86: Approval and Adoption of OPEB Trust Agreement
motion to approve, second, passed 5-0

establishment of the trust could allow for a broader range of investment choices with higher return rates
5 members, Town Administrator, Comptroller, School Business Administrator and two citizens appointed by the Council
The Treasurer will invest the funds and report to the trust on the performance

Pfeffer - only one community has funded this (Wellseley)
I fear that the State would some how come along and say they'll fund it in some way and gather up the fund as they exist around the communities

Nutting - I look at that differently, the legislature needs to change the law for the future employees
not only are people living longer but health control costs are going up
this is a benefit that needs to fade into history
the problem is going to get bigger and bigger, this is a step to stem the tide


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Introduce Judy Lezard,

Reminder on the Holiday Stroll Thursday 4:00

Thanks to the DPW and Chairman Vallee for the lights on the Common, additional trees added this year

The "All call for missing persons" was a success, they found the person walking on 495

Budgets being put together by dept heads and we'll get into budget season soon


L. OLD BUSINESS
none

M. NEW BUSINESS
none

N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mercer, the lights on the common look fantastic

P. ADJOURN

Live reporting: Franklin TV

G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Back Bay Restaurant Group TR, LLC dba Joe’s American Bar and Grill – Change of Manager
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0


H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
- Cable TV

Ken Norman, Peter Fasciano





You can find out more about Franklin TV on their webpage  http://franklin.tv/

old studio at Depot Plaza was 600 sq ft
the new studio located at 23 Hutchinson St is

added a second ADA ramp to make it more accessible

community room available to other non-profits

kitchen built into the facility is designed for TV so it can broadcast a cooking show for example

small studio and larger studio available

everything produced is now high-definition

fiber connections between the municipal building and Hutchinson St

donated $164,000 to equip the new studio at the High School

operating about $23K per month

2011 did 197 locally produced programs, \last year (2013) there were 423 programs

Franklin TV provides all the resources for technical and production
compared to regular public access charters

everyone has a right to high quality programming

40-50% of the day is devoted to community bulletin board messages

looking to upgrade the Council Chamber to HDTV as well as upgrade the streaming service

construct a new FM radio station (obtained a low band license last year)

WFPR.FM 102.9
coverage in Franklin and A grade coverage for 10 miles around

Nutting:
a public service video is in development to tout Franklin's highlights
negotiate the renewal with Verizon

Fasciano
if they site the tower during the summer, could be online by the Fall 2015

we have an obligation to provide a minimum of 8 hours of local program daily, while broadcasting 24 hours we should exceed the minimum

Norman
if cable subscribers leave Comcast or Verizon, it is a concern for out future funding

Mercer
thanks to you for all you have done to help with the High School

Fasciano
the larger studio is two story, events can be staged that couldn't be done in the 'normal' studios
allows to work in multiple studios

looking forward to working on the kitchen to develop cooking programs

Mass General Hospital has a legacy grant to produce a series, so looking at other sources of revenue that could be using the studio and equipment

the radio station could be a good source of info during future emergency situations

Live reporting: Town Council - Dec 3, 2014

Present: Padu;a, Mercer, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams
Absent:  Kelly, Feldman


A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 1, 2014; October 15, 2014; November 5, 2014; November 19, 2014

B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin Matters.

C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none

D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none

E. APPOINTMENTS
Council on Aging -

David M. Cargill
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0
Lester Quan
motion to approve, seconded, passed 5-0

F. HEARINGS
none

Friends of Franklin Library - Meeting Agenda - Dec 3, 2014

FOFL Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Meeting time: 7PM
Meeting place: Franklin Library, Community Room

• Welcome and introductions

• Public Comments

• Library Director

• Library Board of Directors

• Acceptance of minutes from last (November) meeting

• Treasurer’s report

• Committee updates
o Membership

o Outreach – Facebook/Twitter
 Content for next newsletter
 Web site

o Downtown Partnership
 Holiday Stroll December 4, 4-7PM


• Continuing items

o Update on FoFL offer to buy 20 chairs for the ground floor “quiet room.”

o Scholarship 2015 – subcommittee
 Suggestions for a new essay question

o FoFL Bulletin board content, monthly themes

o Working with other town groups – subcommittee?

o Memorandum of Understanding – subcommittee needed to review BOD version (not yet received)

o By-Laws review and update – subcommittee (need volunteers)

o Creating a read-only “minutes” book to keep on file at the library


• New Items
o Fundraising 2015

o Supporting other town groups
• Downtown Partnership “12 Days of Donating” food for the Franklin Food Pantry (details at http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/12/12-days-of-donating-kicks-off-today.html

• The Heather Pierson Quartet will bring their popular Charlie Brown Christmas show to Circle of Friends Coffeehouse in Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.

• The Franklin pantry is also getting gearing up to distribute Christmas bags, to be handed out on Dec. 17. Instead of turkeys, clients will be given hams, Weiss said.

• Claire Griffin has 50 works of art on display at the Norfolk Public Library for December. There will be an artist’s reception on December 6th from 1 - 3:30 PM.

• “Giving Tree” at Forge Hill YMCA

• Special Election for Town Council on December 16th


o Winter FoFL meetings

o Other

Ben Franklin statue at the Franklin Public Library

MBTA: This weekend: Franklin Line shuttle

Buses replacing all Saturday and Sunday outbound Franklin Line trips between Forge Park and Franklin Stations on December 6-7. Delays of 10-15 minutes may occur.

Due to necessary track work, buses will replace all outbound Franklin Line trains between Forge Park/495 and Franklin/Dean College Stations on Saturday, December 6, 2014, through Sunday, December 7, 2014. 

Regular Franklin Line train service will resume at the start of service on Monday, December 8, 2014. All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities.

Shuttling the following stops:
Franklin
Forge Park / 495

Last updated: Dec 02 2014 11:00 AM

screen grab from DPW Presentation on emergency repairs

The Town of Franklin will take advantage of the scheduled track work to coordinate repairs to the Beaver St connector (sewer line). The work was discussed and approved at the last Town Council meeting.  

The presentation to the Town Council  can be found on the DPW webpage here  http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_DPW/Town_Council_Presentations/Beaver_St_Culvert_presentation.pdf

Hockomock Field Hockey and Volleyball Awards

Hockomock Sports has announced the Field Hockey and Volleyball players of the year, first team, and other awards.

Franklin is represented on the the Field Hockey team by

Maddie Bressler, 1st team
Emily Jeffries, 2nd team
Samantha Jones, 2nd team
Lisa Cropper, Honorable mention

For the full listing of Field Hockey awards, visit this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2014-hockomocksportscom-field-hockey-awards

FHS Panthers

Franklin is represented on the Volleyball team by

Aubrie Kutil, 2nd team 

Dayne McCue, 3rd team

For the full listing of Volleyball awards, visit this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2014-hockomocksportscom-volleyball-awards

"12 Days of Donating"

Help the Franklin Downtown Partnership member businesses and the Franklin Food Elves collect goods for the Franklin Food Pantry. The "12 Days of Donating" collection campaign started Monday!

some of the Franklin Food Elves at the Food Pantry

This year's goal is to meet or exceed last year's record-breaking collection totals -- $6,700 and 7,357 pounds of goods! 

Elves will be collecting in neighborhoods for the next two weeks. You can also donate at these participating locations:

• Auerr, Zajac & Associates, LLC, 29 Dean Ave.
• British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Dr.
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• Drama Kids of Metro West, 19 Dean Ave. (call for drop off schedule)
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Keefe Insurance Agency, 51 West Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 308 West Central St., Suite E
• Yellin & Hyman, P.C., 693 East Central St., Suite 201

Thank you for your support of the Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin Downtown Partnership

This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/12/12-days-of-donating-kicks-off-today.html

Letters, Lines, and Lenses

Claire Griffin has 50 works of art on display at the Norfolk Public Library for December. There will be an artist’s reception on December 6th from 1 - 3:30 PM.

You can view this attached flyer for the show

Lines, Letters and Lenses

Hockomock League girls soccer awards

Hockomock Sports announces the girls soccer awards as voted on by the coaches of the Hockomock League.

The Best XI:

girls soccer Best XI - 2014 (Hockomock Sports photo)

F - Nicole Chretien, North Attleboro
F - Taylor Cogliano, Franklin
M - Lily Sykes, Foxboro
M - Victoria Stowell, Franklin
M - Francesca Calabraro, Oliver Ames
M - Melissa Bongarzone, Mansfield
D - Hailee Duserick, Canton
D - Nicole Ellin, Franklin
D - Molly Shield, Mansfield
D - Delaney Benton, Oliver Ames
G - Dani Lonati, Franklin

HockomockSports.com 2nd XI

G - Kayla Wentworth, Taunton
D - Lindsey Mastaj, Franklin
D - Hannah Kane, North Attleboro
D - Erin Grimes, Attleboro
M - Kaley Pratt, Milford
M - Alexis Stowell, Franklin
M - Jackie Carchedi, Mansfield
M - Hannah Reiter, Mansfield
M - Hana Caster, North Attleboro
F - Bailey Knous, Franklin
F - Kristen Bortolotti, Foxboro


and Player of the Year, Taylor Cogliano

Taylor Cogliano, Player of the Year (Hockomock Sports photo)

For the full write up and all the girls soccer awards, follow this link
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/2014-hockomocksportscom-girls-soccer-awards

SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION - Dec 16

SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION

This election is to fill the vacancy on the Town Council. Even though we have only one candidate running, State Law requires an election be held to elect that position.

DATE: TUESDAY, December 16, 2014
TIME: 6:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
PLACE: NEW FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ON OAK STREET, ALL PRECINCTS

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE: 
November 26, 2014 at 8:00pm at the Town Clerk’s Office, First Floor, 355 East Central Street, Municipal Building. 

Absentee Ballot Information: 
Absentee ballots are available three weeks prior to the election in the Town Clerk’s office. A registered voter who will be unable to vote at the polls on election day due to the following reasons may vote absentee up to 12:00 noon Monday, December 15, 2014.

(1) absence from your city or town during normal polling hours; or
(2) physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place; or
(3) religious belief.

All absentee requests must be made in writing with an original signature (no faxes or e-mails are accepted). If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Deborah L. Pellegri, Town Clerk, at 508-520-4900.

handicap voter booth

voting booths folded down and ready for storage

For additional information on the election and voting process, you can visit the Town Clerk's page here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Clerk/index