3rd Annual Drink Pink for the Cure! - May 31

Connecting good friends with great wine! Never Drink Ordinary! Drink Pink! is almost here... Sunday, May 31 2-5 PM             Once a year, we combine our passion for dry rose wines with our passion for eradicating cancer to host Drink Pink for the Cure! I cannot think of a more important cause, or a more personal one. Literally every person I know has been touched by cancer. Let's help to change that. We will have tons of dry rose, plus some reds and whites for the uninitiated! Privateer Rum will be making fabulous (pink!) cocktails. Whole Foods is contributing cheese and fruit. The Snappy Dogs ladies will be here in the parking lot. We'll have some raffle items. We'll have a boatload of fun. We will also make a difference. Every penny of your $20 ticket is a direct contribution to Making Strides, and Pour Richard's will also donate a percentage of our profits from sales. Your $20 ticket includes a Riedel crystal wine glass, etched with 'Drink Pink for the Cure'. Please consider attending this event and bringing friends.   Tickets now available in-store, or click HERE to purchase online. Never Drink Ordinary! -Ann and John Please share this email with friends who are enthusiastic about great wine, beer, and spirits. (Keeping all the good stuff for yourself is bad karma.)

Forward this email Pour Richard's Wine and Spirits | 14 Grove Street | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: drug arrests, drug problem, Cultural Festival fund raiser

Five people were arrested last week as part of a month-long investigation into a local heroin distribution organization, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s office said Friday. 

Nathan Freeman, 36, of Franklin, pleaded not guilty at his Wrentham District Court arraignment Monday to possession with intent to distribute a Class A substance; possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance (marijuana) and possession to distribute a Class A substance (Suboxone). 

Freeman was indicted in Norfolk Superior Court on April 29 on different heroin and marijuana distribution charges, officials said, and a judge revoked his bail on that case and ordered him held without bail for 90 days. He will be arraigned June 3 in Superior Court.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150516/NEWS/150517024/1994/NEWS

A group of Town Council members met privately with the police chief on Thursday to discuss what actions the department is taking in response to the state's opioid epidemic. 

The meeting followed the arrests last week of three men and two women who were allegedly part of a local heroin distribution organization. 

As a result of the meeting, the department added information on its website about opioid overdoses, including a YouTube video on risk factors and a state report on response strategies. 

Also, Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian was asked to brief the council next Wednesday on further measures the department will pursue.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150516/NEWS/150517023/1994/NEWS

A group of local businesses and artists holds a kick-off event tonight to raise money for a weeklong summer arts festival in the downtown. 

The fundraiser starts at 8 p.m. at the Franklin Performing Arts company's 200-seat theater, The Black Box, at 15 West Central St. Tickets are $18. 

Festival organizers will provide more details about the event, slated from July 29 to Aug. 2, and a jazz trio is set to perform.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150516/NEWS/150517025/1994/NEWS

Franklin Cultural Festival - arts happen here!

For more info on Franklin's first Cultural Festival check here
http://www.franklinsculturalfestival.org/2015/05/franklin-cultural-festival-kick-off.html

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 5/15/15 - THU 5/21/15

FRI 5/15   6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
FRI 5/15   8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena
FRI 5/15  8pm   Night of Jazz - Ben Whiting Quintet at The Black Box

SAT 5/16   9am-12pm   Downtown Franklin Beautification - sign up to help
SAT 5/16   9am-4pm   Book Sale at Franklin Public Library, live music by Betty Kushner at 9am and Emma Newton at 11:30am
SAT 5/16   10am   Healthy Kids Day at Patriot Place hosted by Hockomock YMCA
SAT 5/16   6pm-7:30pm   Let’s Bowl Away Cancer - Relay For Life Fundraiser at Ficco’s Bowladrome
SAT 5/16   8pm   Kick off for the Franklin Cultural Festival at The Black Box

SUN 5/17   8am-1pm   HMEA’s 14th Annual Independence 5K Run and Walk, Roll and Stroll, 50 Constitution Blvd., Franklin
SUN 5/17   9am-12pm   Bag Sale at Franklin Public Library. Fill up a paper bag for only $5.

WED 5/20   6-8pm   Kindergarten Info Night at Helen Keller School

THU 5/21   4-5pm   Lego Club at Franklin Public Library  
THU 5/21   6-8pm   Kindergarten Info Night at Davis Thayer School
THU 5/21   6:30-8:30pm   Open Mic Night at The Cake Bar. Acoustic and a cappella performers welcome.
THU 5/21   7-8:30pm   Local singer and songwriter spotlight at The Black Box

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Franklin Letter Carriers’ Food Drive a Record-breaking Success

Postal workers deliver 4.5 tons of food to the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin letter carriers collected more than 9,229 pounds of food from area residents and delivered it to the Franklin Food Pantry on May 9 in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. The amount is more than double last year’s record of 4,585 pounds of food that was donated by residents and picked up by postal workers during normal mail rounds.

The record 9,229 pounds of food was more than double last year’s tally of 4,585 pounds.

Stamp Out Hunger is a nationwide effort organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) that provides food to local food banks and pantries that would otherwise be faced with depleted stocks during the summer months. The food drive is the nation’s largest single-day drive, collecting almost 73 million pounds of food last year.

“We were completely overwhelmed by the amount of food and household necessities we received this year,” said Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “The generosity of this community and the outpouring of support are truly heartwarming. We are so thankful for the hard work of the postal carriers, the kindness of our neighbors, and the help of so many volunteers on that day. Many people in our community were engaged in making this effort such a success.”

Franklin letter carrier Rich Maloney organized this year’s record-breaking Stamp Out Hunger food drive, part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers

Part of the success of this year’s drive was due to yellow Stamp Out Hunger bags that were placed in residents’ mailboxes as a reminder to put out their food donations. The postal workers were thrilled to see the impact that resulted – double the amount of donations over last year.

Postmaster Mike Catalano and wife Lauren came out to the event to show support and lend a hand in unloading the trucks. “We are really honored to be a part of such a worthwhile cause,” said Catalano. “I was so proud to see our trucks arrive overflowing with food donations. The letter carriers gladly worked twice as hard this year to help families in need in Franklin. What a great community to be a part of.” Catalano said that Franklin letter carrier and Stamp Out Hunger coordinator Rich Maloney was instrumental in organizing such a successful drive this year.

Erin Lynch, Franklin Food Pantry executive director, and Mike Catalano, Franklin Postmaster, lend a hand in the Stamp Out Hunger food drive for the Franklin Food Pantry

During Saturday’s food drive, the fleet of mail trucks was greeted by dozens of Pantry volunteers who unloaded the trucks, weighed the bags, sorted items and stacked them on shelves. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive helps replenish the Pantry’s inventory that has been depleted of its donations received during its busiest time of the year, the November/December holiday season.

The Franklin Food Pantry, established in 1987, provides immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners, schools, churches and community members. For more information, or to make a donation, visit franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Franklin Cultural Festival Kick-off fundraiser - May 16

We're very excited about both the quantity and the quality of the many varied artists and exhibits we'll experience in July. Of course, these events come with costs associated with it so we're holding the Franklin Cultural Festival Kick-off fundraiser this Saturday night May 16 at 8:00 PM at THE BLACK BOX. 

We hope you'll attend and support our festival. Tickets are $18. Join us for desserts from The Cake Bar, we'll have a cash bar as well. 

We'll be providing more details about the festival, you'll see snippets of some of the performances, we'll have a jazz trio provide some music. So come see good friends and patrons of the arts. 

You can purchase tickets by going to THE BLACK BOX website, www.theblackboxonline.com. Tickets will be available at the door. 

If you cannot attend please consider a donation. You can donate by clicking on our Go Fund Me site www.GoFundMe.com/tx62gs 

Thank you for your interest and support. We look forward to seeing you this Saturday!


The Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee

Franklin Library: Book Sale May 16 - 17

This is the weekend for the monthly Franklin Library Book Sale. The standard schedule applies; books for sale on Saturday from 9:00 - 4:00 PM. Books by the bag for sale on Sunday from 9:00 AM to noon.

Music by Betty Kushner from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Saturday to help set the book buying spirit!

Library Book Sale - May 16-17

this was shared from the Library webpage here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/05/library-book-sale.html

YMCA Bernon Family Branch presents Red Triangle Award to Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin Food Pantry, A Tweet you were mentioned in got favorited!   Hockomock Area YMCA @HockomockYMCA Bill Chouinard presents YMCA Bernon Family Branch Red Triangle Award to @FranklinFoodPan #partner #strongcommunity pic.twitter.com/eSHTnUvjRQ 04:36 PM - 13 May 15

Bill Chouinard presents YMCA Bernon Family Branch Red Triangle Award to @FranklinFoodPan #partner #strongcommunity pic.twitter.com/eSHTnUvjRQ

— Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) May 13, 2015

In the News: Fahey retires, Kurtz hired as Veterans Services Agent

For nearly all of his working life, Bob Fahey has been paid very little to make other people's lives richer. 

Whether counseling students with mental health issues or assisting struggling veterans, Fahey, 88, maintained one guiding philosophy: "Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” 

This month Fahey retired as the town's veterans’ services officer after 14 years in the post. And though he'd say he never worked a day of those 14 years, many in the town would politely disagree with him. 

Since 2001, Fahey has dedicated himself to “making sure that those who have served our country are not forgotten or left uncared for,” as his boss, Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, put it in a letter thanking him for his commitment.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150515/NEWS/150517576/1994/NEWS

Franklin Senior Center serves as the center point for veterans services

The town has hired Dale Kurtz, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, as its new veterans’ services officer. 

Kurtz, of Franklin, replaces long-time veterans’ services officer Bob Fahey, who retired this month after 14 years in the post. He will also work part-time in Avon. 

Kurtz enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 and was later admitted to West Point. He graduated in 1973, leaving the service five years later as a captain. 

In 2011, Kurtz started volunteering as Fahey’s assistant before taking a position as the veterans’ services advocate for Norfolk County.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150515/NEWS/150517579/1994/NEWS

For additonal information on veterans services, check the webage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/Veteran's%20Services

Noodle Company event to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry - May 18

Hello All -  the Noodle Company is opening in Franklin and invites friends of Franklin Food Pantry to come try them out this coming Monday, May 18th.  

Please use the link below to register and feel free to share with friends. 

Proceeds from meals purchased that day will go to the pantry, up to $1,000. 

Thank you! 

http://events.noodles.com/register/Franklin518 

Noddles and Company, Franklin, MA

-Erin 

Erin LynchExecutive Director 
Franklin Food Pantry43 West Central StreetPO Box 116, Franklin MA 02038508-528-3115 ext. 3 Federal tax ID # 04-3272663www.franklinfoodpantry.org

Franklin Library: A weird MA evening with Jeff Bellanger

Jeff Belanger will be talking at the Franklin Library on Thursday, May 14th at 6:30pm

Jeff Belanger - a weird MA evening

For more about Jeff you can visit his webpage   http://www.jeffbelanger.com/

Library Sign - Jeff Bellanger

Kindergarten Information Night at Kennedy and Parmenter Schools

Tonight is the first of several nights where the local elementary schools will host an information night for kindergarten.


What is a Kindergarten Information Night?

"This an opportunity for a brief tour of the school and a presentation by the principal and kindergarten team to introduce you to the building, the routines, the curriculum and the expectations for your student."

• J.F. Kennedy Elementary - May 14th @6pm
• Parmenter Elementary - May 14th @6pm
• Helen Keller Elementary - May 20th @6pm
• Davis Thayer Elementary - May 21st @6pm
• Oak Street Elementary - May 27th @6pm
• Jefferson Elementary - May 28th @6pm

Parmenter School sign with Kindergarten information noght
and Memorial Day program schedule

Note: given the apparent disconnect in the starting times, I would go with the sign info and worse case you'll be early (as opposed to having missed something).

MassBudget: Analyzing the SWM Budget for FY 2016

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Analyzing the Senate Ways & Means Budget for FY 2016 Yesterday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee (SWM) released its budget proposal for FY 2016, modestly increasing education programs above levels in the Governor's and House budgets (read our full Budget Monitor HERE). The SWM proposal follows the Governor and the House in increasing funding to fight substance abuse and in modestly increasing local aid. The budget also provides new funding to the Department of Revenue that will strengthen its capacity to ensure that companies pursuing complex tax evasion strategies pay their fair share.  Like proposals by the Governor and the House, the SWM budget relies heavily on temporary strategies to balance the budget:   The budget proposals by the Governor, the House, and the Senate are all shaped by fiscal challenges that date back to the late 1990s: after cutting the income tax by over $3 billion dollars between 1998 and 2002 we have experienced deep cuts in areas like higher education, local aid, and public health. Meanwhile, the highest income residents in the Commonwealth pay a substantially smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than do the other 99%. If the tax system were reformed so that the highest income 1% of taxpayers paid roughly the same share of their income in taxes as everyone else, that would raise about $2 billion that could be invested in our people, our communities and our economy. For our full analysis of the Senate Ways & Means proposal, please click HERE.  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

Both Franklin Lacrosse Teams Clinch their Third Straight Kelley-Rex Division Titles

From Hockomock Sports we find that the FHS boys and girls lacrosse teams won their 3rd straight Kelly-Rex Division titles with their wins against Milford on Wednesday.

Boys Lacrosse

Milford, 2 @ Franklin, 17 - Final - Franklin clinches its third straight Kelley-Rex division title with the win and first outright title since 2013.

FHS Panthers

Girls Lacrosse

Franklin, 20 @ Milford, 3 - Final - 15 different players scored for the Panthers and Tracy Pisani, Rebecca Allen, Maddie Egan and Dana Lewandowski each scored their first goals of the season. With the win, Franklin clinched its third straight Kelley-Rex division title outright and fourth straight overall.

Baseball

Franklin, 1 @ Taunton, 3 - Final - For the second straight start, Jared Jorge pitched six innings for the win, scattering five hits and allowing just one run. Jorge once again helped his cause at the plate with two hits and two runs, Zach MacLean had a sacrifice fly and Max Bowden had an RBI hit. Bowden picked up his fourth save of the season, pitching a scoreless seventh inning.

Softball

Taunton, 2 @ Franklin, 3 - Final - Trailing 2-1 in the fifth inning, Franklin senior Sabrina LoMonaco hit a two-run home run to lift the Panthers. LoMonaco picked up the win in the circle for Franklin as well, striking out five in a complete game effort. Olivia DiGiacomo singled and eventually scored to give Franklin a 1-0 lead through two innings. Taunton tied the game in the top of the third off an RBI double from Jordan Wade. A single from Meghan Navarro scored Kelly Reading to give Taunton a 2-1 lead in the top of the fifth.

Girls Tennis

Franklin, 3 @ Taunton, 2 - Final


For all the results of Hockomock League action on Wednesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-051315

Downtown Project: Update #3

The contractor is finishing up placing drainage structures in the Downtown this week. 

They are also working in front of Dean College on drainage. Next week they will begin to bring on another crew and start reclaiming at the intersection of Pleasant and Main Street and work toward Dean College. 

They are still planning to bring in a small crew to install street light bases in about 50 locations.  They anticipate they can install four or five light bases a day so it will take 2 to 3 weeks once they begin. 

If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director, Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or my office at 508-520-4949.

it is quiet on Main St early in the morning

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Healthy Futures Food Drive At The Hockomock Area YMCA Will Conclude At Healthy Kids Day On Saturday May 16

Please join the Hockomock Area YMCA and support local food pantries this week. The reality is that one in nine people in eastern Massachusetts is at risk for food insecurity. As an organization that is committed to social responsibility, the YMCA is in the final stages of their annual Healthy Futures Food Drive. 

Healthy Futures Food Drive

The community is encouraged to participate and be there for our neighbors and our community. On Saturday, May 16 at the free community event Healthy Kids Day®, held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Patriot Place in Foxborough, the Franklin Food Pantry will have their mobile pantry truck and challenge the community to fill it with healthy food items. 

Healthy Kids Day aligns perfectly with the Hockomck Y’s Healthy Futures initiative, an innovative program committed to reducing inactivity and poor nutrition. Free activities for families will be held at NRG Plaza, located outside The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon. As an alternative to attending the event, donation boxes are also available in the lobbies of the YMCA branches in Franklin, Foxboro, and North Attleboro through Friday, May 15. 

The following items are suggested because food pantry partners in the 15 communities the Hockomock Y is privileged to serve often don’t have resources to consistently provide healthier options: 

• Cereal (lower sugar) 
• Mac & Cheese (whole grain) 
• Hearty Soups (ex. lentil, minestrone, vegetable, black bean; lower sodium) 
• Pasta Sauce 
• Canned Vegetables (lower sodium) 
• Canned Fruit (in juice) 
• Oatmeal 
• Pasta, Brown Rice (whole grain) 
• Canned Beans 
• Baked Beans, Turkey Chili 
• Peanut Butter, Sun Butter 
• White Tuna 
• Spices 
• Nuts, Seeds (ex. almond, sunflower) 
• 100% Juices 
• Water Bottles 
• Olive or Canola Oil
• Paper Goods 
• Personal Hygiene Items 
• Food for Restricted Diets (ex. gluten or nut free) 
• Pet Food / Pet Products 
• Supermarket Gift Cards (give directly to Y staff) 

For more information on Healthy Kids Day, please visit hockymca.org. To donate at the branches, please visit a Hockomock Y branch at 300 Elmwood Street in North Attleboro, 67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, or 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin. 


About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Franklin Library: Native American culture

Eagle Bear from the Southwest Dancers will do a presentation about Native American culture through stories, songs and demonstrations. Scheduled for 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 13th at the Franklin Public Library.

Native American Culture

This was shared from the Library page 
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/05/native-american-culture.html

THE BLACK BOX To Feature Jazz, Cabaret And Local Artist Series In May

THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s new theater, music, and event venue, presents a dynamic lineup of live music entertainment in May. Events are slated to feature the Ben Whiting Quintet, BLACK BOX Cabaret, and a Local Artist Series inaugural performance. THE BLACK BOX, the home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), is located at 15 West Central Street.

The Ben Whiting Quintet

BLACK BOX Jazz presents the Ben Whiting Quintet on Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. Known for his sweet, robust sound, communicative phrasing and stylistic versatility, baritone sax player Ben Whiting is quickly making a name for himself on the Boston music scene, where he can be heard at premiere venues including Ryles, Scullers, Berklee Performance Center, The Beat Hotel, The Beehive, Top of the Hub, and Hard Rock Cafe. Ben regularly performs with the renowned Greg Hopkins' Big Band and Nonet, Omar Thomas Large Ensemble, Alex Lee-Clark 8tet, Kenny Hadley Big Band, Beantown Swing Orchestra, Eguie Castrillo and his Orchestra, and many more. The Berklee trained Whiting has also traveled internationally with The Artie Shaw Big Band. Presenting a swinging evening of original compositions and jazz standards, Ben will be joined at THE BLACK BOX by guitarist Carl Eisman, pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Rob Taylor and drummer Oscar Suchanek.

THE BLACK BOX launches a Local Artist Series on Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m., shining a spotlight on this region's bright musical talent. Local singers and songwriters share the stage and tell the stories behind their music for this special evening hosted by WMRC's Ray Auger. The inaugural performance will feature acoustic sets by Ken Barney, Gay Barboza, Chris Ross and Kate Russo, all 2015 WMRC Local Music Award nominees honored among the best area musicians and recognized for their creativity and contribution to the Greater Milford music scene.

On Friday, May 29 at 8 p.m., BLACK BOX Cabaret spotlights the vocal stylings of talented FPAC alumni performers. Accompanied by the Acme Rhythm Section, entertainment is presented in an intimate night-club atmosphere. BLACK BOX Cabaret is sponsored by The Milford National Bank and Trust. 

Ticket prices are $18 (adult) and $15 (student/senior) for the Ben Whiting Quintet, $15 for the Local Artist Series, and $15 (adult) and $12 (student/senior) for BLACK BOX Cabaret. A cash bar is available for all music series events. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Franklin tops Attleboro in the tennis and track

From Hockomock Sports we find that Franklin topped Attleboro in the tennis and track matches on Tuesday.

FHS Panthers

Girls Tennis

Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 - Final

Boys Tennis

Franklin, 5 @ Attleboro, 0 - Final

Boys Track

Franklin, 65 @ Attleboro, 71 - Final

Girls Track

Franklin, 91 @ Attleboro, 44 - Final


For all the Hockomock Sports results from Tuesday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/hockomock-schedule-scoreboard-051215

Senate Ways and Means Releases FY 2016 Budget Recommendations

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today announced a $38.01 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016. The budget makes strategic, targeted investments in a variety of areas to create new opportunities, strengthen networks of support and encourage overall economic growth for individuals, families and communities across the Commonwealth.

"These budget line items are more than just numbers," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen Spilka. "They reflect shared Senate values and our commitment to foster upward economic mobility and greater equality for all residents. Our goal is to lift all families and lay the foundation for shared prosperity."

"This year's budget makes strategic targeted investments in education and economic development that will undoubtedly strengthen the Commonwealth's economy, while also providing critical aid to our most vulnerable populations," said Senator Sal DiDomenico, Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "It has been a pleasure working alongside Chairwoman Spilka, and I am proud of the important investments that we have made to keep the Commonwealth moving forward."

"Congratulations to Senator Spilka and the members of the Committee on Ways and Means for producing a budget that is fiscally responsible while making targeted investments in education, workforce training and economic development to help working families across Massachusetts," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg. "This budget will continue our position as leader in these areas and also takes care of our most vulnerable residents. I look forward to a spirited debate."

The FY 2016 budget includes $38.01B in total spending, an increase of 3.1% over FY 2015 spending, and invests in key areas of local aid, education, economic development and services for vulnerable and under-served populations.

The budget reflects the Senate's continued commitment to local aid for cities and towns.

·         $4.51B for Chapter 70 education aid, allowing for a minimum increase of $25 per pupil and bringing school districts closer to their target spending through 50% effort reduction.
·         $979.8M for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) for community investments in education, public safety, roads and bridges and health care.
·         $271.6M to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker for the 4^th straight year.
·         $7.5M for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and $5M for Local Tourist Councils.
·         $12M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

In addition to Chapter 70 education aid and the Special Education Circuit Breaker, the budget invests in education at all levels: from early education to college to workforce development.

·         $17.9M total increase for Department of Early Education and Care accounts, including $12M to reduce the waitlist for childcare services and $14.8M for the Children's Trust Fund Healthy Families program.
·         $1.5M for the STEM Pipeline Fund.
·         $1.5M for the Massachusetts Computing Attainment Network (MassCAN) initiative.
·         $2.8M for the Connecting Activities public-private partnership that links high school students with hands-on learning opportunities, mentoring and job placement.
·         $12.5M increase for State Universities and Community Colleges and $19.3M increase for the University of Massachusetts.

The budget targets economic development and workforce training initiatives to create opportunities and connect people of all income levels with the skills they need to join the workforce and secure good, well-paying jobs. The budget makes investments and establishes new initiatives to help low-income families become self-sufficient, get the unemployed and long-term unemployed back to work and support sectors of the economy that drive economic growth.

Investments and initiatives to promote self-sufficiency among low-income individuals and families and recipients of Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) support include:

• $12.1M for the Employment Services Program to help individuals find jobs and resolve barriers to employment, including skills training and job search assistance.
• $5M for the Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Program.
• An increase to the clothing allowance for needy families to $200 per child, the highest in the history of this stipend.
• A new $1M Family Well-Being Plan pilot program to promote educational and employment opportunities for participants exempt from the DTA work requirement.

Efforts to help the unemployed and underemployed update their skills and find jobs include:

• $2M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to train unemployed and low-wage workers for high demand industries.
• $1.2M for a new Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) grant program to specifically target the long-term unemployed through partnerships with community colleges to provide training and internship opportunities.
• $11.5M for the Youth-At-Risk Summer Jobs program.

The budget supports the sectors of the Massachusetts economy that drive economic growth, targeting investments in the innovation and knowledge-based economy.

• $15M for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center out of the consolidated net surplus.
• $3M for the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.
• $1.5M for the Big Data Innovation and Workforce Fund.

• $1.5M for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership and $945K for a Precision Manufacturing Program.

• $750K for Regional Economic Development Grants.

In addition, the budget invests in populations that are often under-served, funding services for the homeless, individuals struggling with substance abuse and the disabled.

The budget invests in the full spectrum of homelessness prevention and housing support services to strengthen links to permanent housing solutions, including:

·         $154.9M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters.
·         $85.4M for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program to fund between 600 and 750 new rental assistance vouchers.
·         $44.7M for Homeless Individuals Assistance.
·         $4.5M for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program, the rental assistance program for people with disabilities.
·         $2M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth.
·         A new $7M reserve to fund flexible short-term assistance to divert homeless families, or families at risk of becoming homeless, from shelters to stable housing.

This budget continues the Senate's mission to break the cycle of addiction through investments in substance abuse prevention, recovery and treatment, including:

• $10M for the Substance Abuse Trust Fund to fund a range of treatment services, including detoxification, clinical stabilization, transitional support, residential services and outpatient treatment.
• $5M for more than 150 new clinical stabilization beds.
• $1.5M for grants to school districts to hire mental health and substance abuse counselors.
• $3.1M for Recovery High Schools, including $1M to establish two new schools.
• A new Municipal Naloxone Bulk Purchase Program to allow municipalities to purchase the lifesaving overdose reversal drug commonly referred to as Narcan at discounted rates.

The budget also invests in tools and resources to help individuals with disabilities to be as self-sufficient, independent and productive as possible in their communities, including skills and job training, housing and support services. In a new Senate initiative, the budget provides $250K for the Department of Developmental Disabilities to identify best practices, provide training for direct care staff and collect data to meet the needs of aging individuals with disabilities.

The budget also invests in services for at-risk youth, seniors and veterans, public health and mental health programs and innovative ways to improve access to justice and reduce recidivism.

screen grab of  Senate Ways and Means web page

Senators can file amendments to the Senate Ways and Means recommendations until Thursday at 5 p.m. The full Senate will then debate the Fiscal Year 2016 budget in formal session beginning Tuesday, May 19^th. The full FY 2016 Senate Ways and Means Budget Recommendations are available on the Massachusetts legislature's website: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/FY2016/Senate.