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Click here it read my Storify summary of the meeting
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Franklin Community Coalition on Opioid Abuse Update
Click here it read my Storify summary of the meeting
Senator Spilka: Legislature Passes Balanced FY16 Budget
Updates Massachusetts' Tax Structure to Support Residents without Raising Taxes or Fees; Reforms the MBTA
The Massachusetts Legislature today enacted a $38.145 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) which emphasizes economic growth, support for residents most in need, and reform of the state's transportation system. The spending plan makes investments in local aid, education, and human services including an acute focus on behavioral health and substance abuse.
Building on a responsible yet proactive approach to bolstering the state's economy, this year's budget increases the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) while maintaining a voter-mandated tax reduction and without implementing new taxes or fees. For low-to-moderate households, EITC will increase to 23 percent on January 1, 2016. Increasing this credit is an effective way to fight stagnant wages and lift working families out of poverty.
"This year's budget features a long-overdue increase of the Earned Income Tax Credit, and I'm thrilled we have taken this substantial step towards addressing income inequality by helping working families in Massachusetts," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). "We've also ensured that taxpayers won't be left on the hook for funding the Olympics, and MBTA riders won't have to pick up the tab for T mismanagement. I want to commend Senator Spilka for a successful first budget which maintains our fiscal health, continues our economic growth, and lifts all families."
"As is customary, the House budget contained a myriad of policy matters, anyone of which could have been debated and voted on during the debate in April," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). "The budget passed overwhelmingly as did the conference committee report today."
"These budget line items are more than just numbers. They represent values, priorities and meaningful tools for people across the Commonwealth," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We invest in the future, strengthening pathways to educational opportunity from early education through college and workforce training. We provide assistance for those struggling with opioid addiction and help people find stable housing solutions. The Earned Income Tax Credit increase is a big step to address rising income inequality and put more money in the pockets of hard-working families. Thank you to Senate President Rosenberg, Senator DiDomenico and Senator deMacedo for your hard work and assistance and to my House counterpart Chairman Dempsey for his partnership throughout this process. My goal when I became Chair of Senate Ways and Means this year was to create a budget to lift all families. This final budget accomplishes that goal."
"This budget takes significant steps to begin to deliver meaningful reform to the MBTA to ensure that the system does not have the shut-downs and delays that were experienced this past winter," said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that this budget maintains fiscal discipline by slowing spending growth but still makes targeted investments to deliver tax relief, combat opioid abuse, prevent homelessness and preserve services for the most vulnerable populations in our state."
"This year's budget makes strategic investments in some of the Commonwealth's most critical services and programs, while still remaining financially responsible," said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Vice Chair Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). "The impact of this budget will be far reaching in providing support for the state's working families by expanding vital initiatives, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, and making crucial investments in early education. I would like to thank Chairwoman Karen Spilka, Chairman Brian Dempsey, and my fellow colleagues on the conference committee for their hard work and contributions to produce a comprehensive final budget that will continue to move our Commonwealth forward."
"In a challenging budget year, the House and Senate have crafted a balanced and responsible spending plan that invests in local schools and communities, addresses the growing crisis in opioid addiction, and brings much needed reforms to the state's management of public transportation," said Representative Stephen Kulik (D- South Deerfield), House Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means. "Our Commonwealth is moving forward to support working families and a stronger economic future, and this budget reflects these priorities."
"Today we've enacted a Fiscal Year 2016 state budget produced in a bi-partisan and collaborative way that invests in important priories without resorting to an income tax increase, and which incorporates the products of Republican Caucus initiatives such as a strong MBTA control board, legislative control over Olympic Games funding, and the elimination of a burdensome financial surcharge for motorists not using headlight in inclement weather," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).
"The Fiscal Year 2016 budget reaffirms the state's commitment to our cities and towns by providing significant increases in local aid, while also protecting the state's hard-working taxpayers by not imposing any new taxes or drawing down from the Stabilization Fund," said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). "The budget also takes many important steps towards reforming the MBTA by providing greater oversight and accountability of the authority's finances and operations, which should result in improved fiscal stability and service reliability at the agency moving forward."
The budget takes immediate steps to address systemic management problems at the MBTA by including a series of reform tools including 3-year suspension of the statute governing the procurement of private services at the MBTA and:
- An MBTA fiscal management and control board within MassDOT that will have the power to implement measures to ensure financial, operational and managerial stability at the MBTA while operating within a unified state transportation network;
- An internal special audit unit within MassDOT to monitor quality, efficiency and integrity of the departments operating and capital programs;
- Streamlined accountability at the MBTA, including providing the Secretary of Transportation authority to appoint a General Manager for the MBTA.
To bolster accountability and transparency within the state's transportation system, the law also increases the size of the MassDOT Board and makes the Secretary of Transportation chair of the Board. These updates follow two transportation reform plans accompanied by major funding increases the Legislature passed in 2009 and in 2013.
The FY16 budget targets the opioid crisis, strengthening behavioral health efforts enacted in last year's budget and the landmark substance addiction law through several targeted investments. Many of the programs focus on co-occurring disorders and finding sustainable ways to aid in both prevention and recovery including:
- $3 million for new clinical stabilization beds to provide for treatment after detoxification;
- A municipal Naloxone bulk purchasing program to authorize the Department of Public Health to buy and distribute this critical intervention to first responders;
- A task force to study the feasibility of a prescription drug disposal program;
- $2.5 million to expand patient access to Vivitrol, a non-narcotic drug that blocks the effect of opiates or alcohol for a period of 30 days;
- $1.5 million to expand opioid prevention grants;
- $3.1 million for a new line item for Recovery High Schools, including $1 million to establish two new programs;
- More than $375 million for Adult Community Mental Health Services, $87 million for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, and an additional $4 million for the Department of Mental Health to annualize and expand community placements to free up beds in the DMH pipeline.
This budget enhances the Commonwealth's partnerships with cities and towns through numerous funding streams including almost $980 million to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $34 million increase from FY15 and $4.5 billion for Chapter 70 (education funding). The spending plan fully funds Special Education Circuit Breaker in order to help districts meet the cost of educating students with disabilities, and provides $59 million to reimburse municipalities for Regional School Transportation costs.
In addition to educational investments through local aid, this year's budget extends Massachusetts ongoing commitment to supporting and strengthening its educational systems to foster equality and provide residents with a competitive edge, including:
- $4 million to increase access to high-quality early education and care (EEC) for the Commonwealth's youngest children through EEC program quality improvements, including support for workforce development and training opportunities for early educators;
- $12 million to serve an additional 2,000+ children on the income-eligible EEC waitlist and support working families;
- $95.6 million for the state's Higher Education Scholarship to help eligible Massachusetts residents cover the cost of college;
- $750,000 for the Community College Workforce Training Incentive Grant Program to expand vocationally-oriented course offerings and support the work of Community Colleges in developing tomorrow's workforce.
This year's budget emphasizes the importance of enhanced fiscal predictability and sustainable investments, a practice that has raised Massachusetts bond rating to AA+, the highest in the state's history. For the first time since 2007, the budget does not withdraw any funds from the Commonwealth's stabilization fund, leaving the balance in excess of $1 billion.
Additional economic development measures include:
- MassCAN: $1.7 million to establish widespread, progressive computer science curriculum in public school through a public-private matching program;
- Talent Pipeline: $1.5 million to encourage young innovators to get a head start on their futures by matching stipends for interns at innovation start-ups, and to provide mentoring opportunities for new entrepreneurs;
- STEM Starter Academy: $4.75 million to promote STEM careers at the Commonwealth's community colleges.
- $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership to address the shortfall of skilled workers and aid small and mid-sized manufacturing companies though technical assistance and consultant support;
- $1.5 million for a Precision Manufacturing Program, designed to increase the skill set of middle-skilled workers;
- $600,000 for Regional Economic Development Grants;
- $2.2 million for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund to train unemployed and low-wage workers for high-demand industries like health care, construction, and education;
- $1.2 million for a new Training Resources and Internship Networks (TRAIN) grant program, a partnership with community colleges to specifically target the long-term unemployed and provide them with training and internship opportunities and the chance to fill resume gaps.
Included in the budget is a provision that protects taxpayer dollars from being spent on the 2024 Olympics, which also includes tax incentives, for the Games if they come to Massachusetts. The provision requires Boston 2024 to formally request funding from the Legislature for any specific project and make their case during a formal hearing.
The budget now goes to the Governor.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Live reporting: Closing
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Diane Blancchard retiring
thanks to the 4th of July Coalition
downtown project updates coming every two weeks
don't be shy to ask questions
Algonquin Gas has resubmitted a new application
Company coming out from MN to work on the DelCarte Playground
L. OLD BUSINESS
anything on the State budget, any surprise there we need to know about
waiting on the Governor to approve or veto in next 10 days
then House has 10 days to override
Pond St closes the 9th
Economic Dev Com scheduled for 6:00 PM next Weds
Pfeffer
- 16 buried by Fr Manning
finding inconsistency in Police reporting
Forever Home Fund Raiser for dogs
Sgt Homes from Stoughton has a drug dog that is also a rescue dog
some one should be suggesting what we should be doing
proposal for funding a dog for the Police
Williams
Franklin does have a dog cross trained in drug and other services
we are also part of the Metro organization with dogs to come at any time
Bissanti
this isn't a knee jerk reaction, this is not a new problem
we need to keep talking about it as it won't go away
M. NEW BUSINESS
awaiting on the RFP responses, have one solar proposal, hoping for some good responses
4th of July fireworks
every year we are the only ones without
got reaction is that it is not a legal expenditure
did have the State fire marshall out and they ruled out all the places where we would have space
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly
downtown construction, Walsh and DPW see of they can better coordinate their plans
the detour was detoured to a detour
thanks to Sgt Riley for stepping up
499 people over a week ago went to the landfill/recycling center
opioid public meeting Aug 12th
Emmons, West and East Central this year - Main St next year
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining Police, Police Sergeants, and Library
motion to move to executive session, via roll call 8-0
Diane Blancchard retiring
thanks to the 4th of July Coalition
downtown project updates coming every two weeks
don't be shy to ask questions
Algonquin Gas has resubmitted a new application
Company coming out from MN to work on the DelCarte Playground
L. OLD BUSINESS
anything on the State budget, any surprise there we need to know about
waiting on the Governor to approve or veto in next 10 days
then House has 10 days to override
Pond St closes the 9th
Economic Dev Com scheduled for 6:00 PM next Weds
Pfeffer
- 16 buried by Fr Manning
finding inconsistency in Police reporting
Forever Home Fund Raiser for dogs
Sgt Homes from Stoughton has a drug dog that is also a rescue dog
some one should be suggesting what we should be doing
proposal for funding a dog for the Police
Williams
Franklin does have a dog cross trained in drug and other services
we are also part of the Metro organization with dogs to come at any time
Bissanti
this isn't a knee jerk reaction, this is not a new problem
we need to keep talking about it as it won't go away
M. NEW BUSINESS
awaiting on the RFP responses, have one solar proposal, hoping for some good responses
4th of July fireworks
every year we are the only ones without
got reaction is that it is not a legal expenditure
did have the State fire marshall out and they ruled out all the places where we would have space
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Kelly
downtown construction, Walsh and DPW see of they can better coordinate their plans
the detour was detoured to a detour
thanks to Sgt Riley for stepping up
499 people over a week ago went to the landfill/recycling center
opioid public meeting Aug 12th
Emmons, West and East Central this year - Main St next year
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
– Collective Bargaining Police, Police Sergeants, and Library
motion to move to executive session, via roll call 8-0
Live reporting: Legislation for action
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 15-46: Appropriation: Water Enterprise – Prior Year Bill – 9/10 Vote
T failed to bill Franklin for two years
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 15-47: Appropriation: Other Post Employment Trust Fund – 2/3 Vote
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
a trust fund has now been established, and voted to invest the funds with the State, this would take the money from the Stabilization Fund, move it to the Trust and increase the return opportunity
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 15-750: Zoning Map Changes from Industrial to General Residential V District in an Area on or Near Dean Ave – Referral to Planning
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
this rezones the last piece of Industrial zone property in downtown Franklin
would start the public process, hearing, etc.
smart growth near the train station
go to the Planning Board and will come back here for a public hearing
Residential 5 abuts the property so it really expands it rather than leaping over
4. Bylaw Amendment 15-748: Amendment to Chapter 128 Peddling and Soliciting – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
modification of hours for solicitation, limits to 7:00 PM or half hour prior to sunset
effectively to daylight hours
Live reporting: Dacey's Market
F. HEARINGS
– Violation of M.G.L. 138 §34: Sale, Delivery or furnishing of an Alcoholic beverage to a person under the age of 21 – 7:10 PM
• Dacey’s MarketChief Semerjian reads the report as found in the agenda document
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2015%20Complete%20With%20Documents/07082015.pdf
Cerel questions Sargent Jason Riley
who was sworn to tell the truth
Riley recaps the story in his own words
Owner disputes the license check as the machine passed the license
they are dependent upon the license
Chief - an out of state license is not valid for those under 30
Cerel puts into the record, the incident of May 23, 2011 where an underage was confirmed
had been the owner at the time in 2011
purchased the scanner after the incident in 2011
what is the use of the false ID? it is a violation
ABCC says you can sell if the machine passes
In 2011, they brought the individual right away
this time we did not hear until 3 days later
Officer Hamilton - sworn in
actually a CT license not a RI, attached to the incident
a fake ID, was not used to purchase
Pfeffer - you get many RI purchases, you don't you think it is odd to get so many, as you are out of the way
Williams - MA licenses, liquor ID or military IDs are the only defense
Cerel - it is only those IDs that are in the statues, there is no defense provided for other licenses
Pfeffer - what was the penalty days held for?
Cerel - not marked, usually 2 years
Bissanti - they put us in a difficult position, the shopkeeper has a stack of fake IDs. I am not advocating underage drinking. The Council has a no tolerance policy
Kelly - this was not a sting
Riley - this was 'the wrong place at the wrong time'
sting operation has very specific bylaw regulations
the second operation is more open for the case by case basis
7 days, 3 to be served with 4 held for 2 years
amend, 4 days, 3 to be held for 2 years
Kelly - he could have brought the employee in, he could have brought additional evidence in, this is not passing the smell test for me
motion to amend to enforce beginning July 16 for 4 days
opportunity to appeal via the ABCC
Live reporting: Sewer Extension
5. Bylaw Amendment 15-749: Amendment to Chapter 139-14 Sewer System Map – 2nd Reading
Don Neilson, representing landowner
spent time with Board of Health agent
property is mostly ledge, and not available for septic
looking to extend force main to Crocker Ave
exact routing to be determined
being recommended by the Town, single family, it is the right thing to do
Live reporting: Franklin Advisory Committee
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
– Franklin Advisory Committee
Larry Benedetto
town headed in proper direction,
no complaints mostly compliments about the helpfulness of the employees
cul-de-sac issue, we are consistent with our neighbors, whether it can be raised to 800' is still open
much discussion with the Master Plan and how to proceed with it
idea of creating new mixed used development
South Franklin, Washington St (among others) would benefit from this possible development
the mom-pop stores that many grew up with will not return
can provide a convenience, create employment and revenue
parking should be left to the determination of the owners
the owner should have some freedom to make their own determination
the developer has the knowledge to make a good decision
South Meeting House
there will be a debate in the coming months about the use of it for future
need to preserve our historical assets
we are encouraged by the report and encourage all to be familiar with the details
site plan review/limited site plan review
decision to allow the Planning Board to proceed seems to have resolved the issue
complaints on 'fast tracking' are problematic, usually it is the applicant who is slowing things down
removal of modulars will enhance and compliment the entrance to the town
the train station
we have a new roof and a paint job, the myriad problems that the T faces will hinder further
possibility of the developer of the Thompson property is a consideration
Council should retain the right to rezone a property
RT 140 rezoning caused an uproar but when all was said and done those impacted profited from the change
property owners should maintain their property
urgent care facility coming in across the street (i.e. new development replacing Ficco's et al)
Amendment to Chapter 185-18
applies to construction of non-conforming properties
coming in future meetings
need to expand the relationship with Dean College
housing
we have a very active housing partnership
we keep seeing 'workforce housing' popping up
our position is that there are adequate measures in place
we need to work on commercial revenue
MBTA property
took property by eminent domain
will be a valuable property, I think we really need to start ringing that bell
I think they can find another place to put a salt barn and some old trailers
Padula
I am in favor of working with Dean, so what do they do for us?
Benedetto
They used to do some free classes, not sure what they are doing now
Live reporting: Town Council - July 8, 2015
Present: Feldman, Padula, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Bissanti, Williams, Dellorco
Absent: Mercer
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 10, 2015, June 11, 2015 Budget Hearings, June 24, 2015
motion to approve, passed 8-0
includes one adjustment to reflect that the motion for the Fire Fighters was made by Padula and seconded by Kelly
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council = Gia Podobinski; Justin Haslett
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Charles River Pollution Control District = Joseph V. Cameron
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Registrar of Voters = Lois D’Amico
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Absent: Mercer
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
June 10, 2015, June 11, 2015 Budget Hearings, June 24, 2015
motion to approve, passed 8-0
includes one adjustment to reflect that the motion for the Fire Fighters was made by Padula and seconded by Kelly
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
– This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
Cultural Council = Gia Podobinski; Justin Haslett
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Charles River Pollution Control District = Joseph V. Cameron
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
Registrar of Voters = Lois D’Amico
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
2015 HockomockSports.com Softball Awards feature 3 players from FHS
The Franklin High School Softball team put three players on the 2015 HockomockSports.com Softball Awards
The full set of Hockomock Awards for softball can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/softball-awards.html
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| FHS Panthers |
Outfield - Erin Hanley, Franklin
Franklin's senior centerfielder was one of the Panthers most consistent performers over the course of the season. At the top of the Franklin lineup, Hanley hit .333 with a team-high of 81 plate appearances. She scored 17 runs, drove in seven and showed some pop to go along with her speed by hitting six doubles and two triples this season. Hanley was also a solid defensive outfielder who reads the game well. She helped Franklin reach the second round of the D1 South tournament.
Bench - Brie Flaherty, Franklin
Flaherty, who was also recognized as a top catcher last year, was a source of power in the Franklin lineup and a leader from behind the plate for the Panthers. The senior hit .314 this season with six doubles, three homers, and 19 RBI. The UMass Dartmouth-commit is one of the top players at arguably the league's deepest position and was chosen as an All-Star by the league's coaches while helping the Panthers reach the second round of the tournament.
Pitching Rotation - Sabrina LoMonaco, Franklin
The Franklin senior had another solid spring in the circle for the Panthers. As Franklin's ace, LoMonaco threw more than 115 innings this season and finished with an 11-8 record and a 1.64 ERA. LoMonaco struck out 106 batters whie walking only 38 and she finished with an imppresive WHIP of 1.16. She was named a league All-Star by the coaches and helped lead the Panthers into the second round of the D1 South sectional.
The full set of Hockomock Awards for softball can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/softball-awards.html
Downtown Project Update # 6
Work will continue with sidewalks and curbing from School to Pleasant Street over the next few weeks.
They anticipate repaving the roadway from the Church to Moore Avenue starting in a few weeks.
Following that they will mill and overlaying portions on Emmons street. Following that work will begin on West Central Street. More information will be available for the next update.
In the meanwhile they will be installing the mast arms for the traffic control at Emmons and West Central and at the Bridge. Further they will continue to install the bases of the street lights.
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
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| curbing work underway along Main St |
Franklin's Concerts on the Common - 2015
July 8 –
- Storyteller Elaine Kessler (children’s program 6-6:30 PM),
- Frank Padula (6:30-8:30 PM)
July 15 –
- Rob Peters the Bubble Music Man (children’s program 6-6:30 PM),
- Sharon Band (6:30-8:30 PM)
July 22 –
- Kizzy the Clown (children’s program 6-6:30 PM),
- Forever Fab (6:30-8:30 PM)
July 29 –
- Electric Youth (6:30-8:30 PM) (Officially opens the Franklin Cultural Festival)
August 5 –
- DJ Mike Rutkowski (6:30-8:30 PM)
August 12 –
- Storyteller Elaine Kessler (children’s program 6-6:30 PM),
- Westwood Swing Band (6:30-8:30 PM)
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| stage at the Town Common |
Senior Center: Memory Cafe on July 16, 2015
On Thursday July 16th from 3:00-4:30 at the Franklin Senior Center we will be hosting a TEA PARTY for this month's Memory Cafe.
All are invited to attend and it is free of charge.
The memory cafe is a place for those with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia to come and socialize with others in a safe and supportive environment. Please wear a straw hat if you have one ladies!
We look forward to seeing you and discussing etiquette from the 1950's and today!
Elaine M. Owens
Companion Caregiver Program Supervisor
Franklin Senior Center
10 Daniel McCahill Highway
Franklin, Mass. 02038
508-520-4945
"It is possible at any age to discover a lifelong desire you never knew you had". ~Robert Brault.
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| Franklin Senior Center |
Franklin Library: The Greg and Axel Show
Greg & Axel present their comedy show today at the Library at 1:00 PM
This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/greg-axel-magic-and-comedy-show.html
This is one of the series of summer events sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Library
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| Franklin Library: The Greg and Axel Show |
This was shared from the Franklin Library page here
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2015/07/greg-axel-magic-and-comedy-show.html
This is one of the series of summer events sponsored by the Friends of the Franklin Library
Franklin Downtown Partnership: Happy Summer and Thank You Sponsors!
When you drive downtown and the lovely red, white and blue blossoms catch your eye, thank the Downtown Partnership (their sponsors and volunteers) for the wonderfulness!
Beautification Chair Eileen Mason and the new Sponsors signs on the downtown bridge.
This was shared from the Downtown Partnership page here
http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2015/06/thank-you-eileen-beautification-sponsors.html
Senator Spilka: Joint Statement on FY16 Budget Conference Report
The Conference Committee has reached an agreement and filed a report to resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of the fiscal year 2016 budget. The agreement appropriates $38.14B in state spending. The Conference Report also includes language preventing the use of state funds or tax expenditures for the 2024 Olympics, the creation of a finance control board and a 3 year suspension, for the MBTA, of the statute that governs the privatization of the functions of state entities, an increase to 23% for the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) effective January 1, 2016 and no changes to the income tax.
“I am proud that this budget begins the process of bringing meaningful reforms to the MBTA, to ensure that the system failures brought on by the storms during the winter of 2015 will not be repeated,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D- Haverhill, Chairman House Committee on Ways and Means). “I would also like to highlight that this budget found a way to prioritize funding to make significant investments to protect and expand services for some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens especially clients of the Department of Developmental Services and the Department of Mental Health.”
“This report is a reflection of the priorities of both the House and Senate and while we may be a few days into the new fiscal year, it demonstrates our ability to work together on complex issues to reach the compromises needed for results,” added Dempsey. “I would like to congratulate my fellow conferees Representatives Kulik and Smola and Senators DiDomenico and deMacedo for their hard work on the Conference Committee. I would also like to extend an additional thank you and congratulations to my co-chair Senator Karen Spilka on the successful completion on her first budget conference committee as Chair of Senate Ways and Means.”
“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement on a final budget that lays the foundation for shared prosperity and economic growth,” said Senate Committee on Ways and Means Chair Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This budget is terrific news for Massachusetts families. I’m especially proud of the increase to the Earned Income Tax Credit, an incredibly effective way to lift working families out of poverty and a step toward addressing income inequality in our communities. "
"We strengthen pathways to educational opportunity at all levels, from early education to K-12 to college to workforce development. The budget also invests significantly in homelessness prevention, initiatives to tackle the opioid addiction crisis and innovative ways to increase access to justice. To improve public transit we have given Governor Baker the tools he needs to get the MBTA back on track. We have protected riders from excessive fare increases and kept our commitment to financial investments in the T.”
“Thank you to Senator DiDomenico, Senator deMacedo, Representative Kulik and Representative Smola for your hard work and assistance throughout this process. Thank you also to my House counterpart Chairman Dempsey for his partnership in creating a budget that reflects the priorities of both chambers. My goal when I became Chair of Senate Ways and Means this year was to lift all families through the budget process. This final budget accomplishes that goal,” said Spilka.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
2015 HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards feature 3 players from FHS
The Franklin High School Baseball team put three players on the 2015 HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards
All the Hockomock League Baseball Awards can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/baseball-awards.html
First Base - Zane Byrne, Franklin
Franklin senior Zane Byrne was an important part of a Franklin team that made it all the way to the D1 South Sectional Semifinals this season. Byrne batted .299 on the season with 23 hits, seven doubles and a home run. He knocked in 21 runs, scored eight times himself and had three sac flies this season. On the mound, Byrne went 6-2 with a 2.23 ERA, 26 strikeouts in 50.1 innings, issued 17 total walks and had three complete games.
Shortstop - Nick Santucci, Franklin
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| FHS Panthers |
Franklin junior Nick Santucci was a cornerstone in Franklin's run in the D1 South Sectional tournament. Santucci was one of the best in the entire Hockomock for the second half. On the season, Santucci batted .367 with 22 runs batted in, 11 stolen bases, 29 total hits and 20 runs scored. Santucci also hit a pair of home runs this season. On the mound, Santucci had a 2.33 ERA with four strikeouts and a save for the Panthers.
Outfield - Anthony Chaiton, Franklin
Franklin senior Anthony Chaiton got it done at the plate, in the field and on the mound for the Panthers this season. Offensively, Chaiton had 31 hits for a .367 average and knocked in 19 runs. He had 11 stolen bases to go with six doubles and a triple while scoring 17 runs. On the mound, Chaiton compiled a 4-2 record in 42.2 innings, striking out a team-high 53 batters while issuing just 17 walks. He finished with a 3.12 ERA this season.
All the Hockomock League Baseball Awards can be found here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/baseball-awards.html
Senator Ross: June 2015 State House Update
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