Senator Ross: May 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, May 2016 View this email in your browser Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn State Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) proudly serving the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District. State House Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email:richard.ross@masenate.gov Dear Friends, After months of hearings and meetings with constituents, the Senate passed the FY17 budget unanimously. Now the differences between the House and Senate budgets will be worked out in a conference committee so that a budget is passed before July 1st. This month was also one where we honored the memories of those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. Please read/share my newsletter for a rundown on what is included in the budget as well as what has been happening across my district. Sincerely, SENATE PASSES FY17 BUDGET On Thursday May 26th I voted in support of a $39.558 billion budget for the Fiscal Year 2017. The FY17 budget makes critical investments in areas related to local aid, education, children's health and safety, housing, health and human services, workforce training and economic development, and combating the opioid epidemic, among others.  The budget limits the use of one-time revenue sources and directs $211M to the state's Stabilization Fund, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and this critical safety net for the Commonwealth. The FY17 budget is one that clearly puts the people of the Commonwealth first and I was proud to vote in favor of it. By investing in our cities and towns and our children and families, we are ensuring the long-term success of our constituents and the Commonwealth. The budget we passed, while not perfect, is a fiscally prudent step in the right direction to provide working families with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. The FY17 budget demonstrates a clear commitment to cities and towns across Massachusetts with measures that aim to strengthen local services and build strong and sustainable communities including: $4.63B in Chapter 70 education aid, a $116.1M increase benefiting every school district, including a minimum increase of $55 per pupil and 85% effort reduction. $1.02B for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) for municipal investments in education, public safety, roads and bridges and health care. $281.1M to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker to reimburse school districts for high costs of educating students with disabilities at the full 75% reimbursement rate. The budget also increases funding for health and human services in a range of areas to improve access to high quality health care and enhance services for individuals with disabilities, seniors and other vulnerable groups that are often under-served including: $136.4M for substance abuse prevention and treatment, allowing for 150 new residential treatment beds and other lifesaving programs, and $2M for the Substance Abuse Services Trust Fund supporting detox, clinical stabilization, residential treatment, outpatient treatment and counseling services. $14.1M for local Councils on Aging, increasing the formula grant to $10 per senior per year and strengthening local senior center community programming and services. $13.9M to fully fund Turning 22 Services for the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and $8M for the Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 program to help young people with disabilities transition to the adult services system. Several proposals I supported were adopted by the Senate, such as increases in funding for the Children's Advocacy Center of Bristol County, funding for host communities of correctional facilities, efforts to support people with developmental disabilities, as well as initiatives to tackle veteran homelessness in Massachusetts. Additionally, I successfully advocated for a $2 million increase for regional school transportation funding which will largely benefit students and families in my district, including the King Philip Regional School District and the Dover-Sherborn School District. A Conference Committee will now work out the differences between the Senate budget and the version passed by the House of Representatives in April. Fiscal Year 2017 begins on July 1, 2016.

The newsletter was edited to shorten for publication here, you can view the full newsletter with the following link -->> View this email in your browser                          

"We're really something, and this is our story"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"While the Franklin High School Class of 2016 was asked to look ahead - sometimes as far as 50 years - during its graduation Friday evening, they were also urged to cherish each moment, and not let goals overwhelm their lives. 

Friends, family and well-wishers packed the high school gymnasium (and spilled over into the auditorium) to see the class off during the ceremony. 

Class Vice-President Jeff Wu, the event's first speaker, said that, while many graduation speeches include an anecdote that sums up the seniors, he did not feel that was possible in this case."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160603/new-grads-ponder-future-live-in-moment

scrolling congratulations to the FHS Class of 2016

MassBudget: Conference Preview - Differences Between House & Senate Budgets for FY 2017

What's at stake in each budget area?

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Conference Preview: Differences Between House and Senate Budgets for FY 2017  During three days of budget debate last week the Senate adopted 453 amendments adding $61.3 million to the bottom line of the Ways and Means proposal (about one seventh of one percent). To read MassBudget's full analysis, click HERE. In the end, the House and Senate budgets are very similar. Not only are the budget totals within 0.1 percent of each other (which makes sense since they had essentially the same amount of revenue to work with), but the two proposals are also within half of one percent of each other in every major category. For example, the House proposes 0.2 percent more for Health Care, including slightly larger investments in public health and more support for MassHealth, while the Senate proposes 0.45 percent more for education, including modestly more than the House for local public schools and higher education. Over the next few weeks a House and Senate Conference Committee will work to compromise on these difference and build together a final budget that funds our schools and local services; maintains our roads, bridges, and public transit; keeps our air and water clean; provides supports for those facing difficult challenges; protects our public health; and keeps open our parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and libraries. This Budget Monitor describes the funding and policy differences between the House and Senate in each major area of the budget, and provides links to in-depth descriptions of programs and issues addressed in each budget proposal. The tables near the end of this Monitor also show funding differences between the House and Senate budgets not discussed elsewhere. You can read the new Budget Monitor 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

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MassBudget revenue comparison for FY 2017

2nd Annual Frates' Family Field Day - June 12

Join us for the 2nd Annual Frates' Family Field Day --- on Sunday, June 12th!

It is a great afternoon of family fun --- brought to you by Team Frate Train.

Fantastic music ... potato sack races ... three legged races ... balloon animals ... cotton candy ... inflatable sports games ... face painting ... and of course, the chance to take the ice bucket challenge!

The event takes place at King St. Memorial Park --- from 1pm-4pm.

This is a fun, free event --- catering to those in kindergarten to grade 5. Come have some fun, take the ice bucket challenge --- and help us promote awareness of Pete's story and support ALS research.

http://bit.ly/1t2qRPb


Pete Frates is the 30-year-old former Boston College Division 1 athlete, and creator of the world famous Ice Bucket Challenge, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012. Pete established the FrateTrain ALS Research & Support Fund to provide funding for targeted ALS research and to help support those afflicted with ALS who have not been as fortunate to receive the support he has. ALS research received tremendous recognition over summer 2014 through the widespread “Ice Bucket Challenge.” 

Its purpose was to promote awareness of the disease and to encourage donations to research, the cause received an outpouring of support. With the support of countless celebrities including Jimmy Fallon, Matt Damon, and Taylor Swift, the “Ice Bucket Challenge” was a tremendous success; raising millions of dollars to help find treatments and a cure, as well as raising awareness worldwide about this tragic disease. Team Frate Train is asking you to take the ice bucket challenge with us on June 12th!

To learn more about Pete's story or the ALS Research and Support Fund, please go to:
www.petefrates.com

www.petefrates.com

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 6/3/16 - THU 6/9/16

FRIDAY 6/3/16
9am-12pm   Genealogy Conference at FHS - Trace Your Tree - open to public
12pm-6pm   OPENING - Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
5pm   FHS Graduation at FHS gym/auditorium
6pm-6am(next day)   Relay For Life of Franklin, Bellingham and Wrentham at King Phillip HS in Wrentham
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at the Franklin Art Center
8pm   The Black Box New England Artist Series: The Love Dogs
11pm-5am   FHS All Night Party for Graduates at HMMS

SATURDAY 6/4/16
9:30am-4:30pm   Scrapbooking and Paper Crafts for Everyone at Franklin Public Library (bring your own lunch, pictures, album, scrapbooking materials...)
10am-1pm   Recycling Drive sponsored by Kennedy School PCC and Cub Scout Pack 126 - bring your bottles, cans, electronics, batteries and more to Kennedy School. Contact dkgarber@gmail.com for complete list and more info.
10am-2pm   Rain Garden Training and Demonstration (Franklin residents only - registration required)


SUNDAY 6/5/16
10am-1pm   Open House at Russian School of Mathematics in Franklin (9 Summer Street)
12-2pm   Cub Scouts ‘Open House’ at The Town Common

MONDAY 6/6/16
Mandatory Water Conservation Begins in Franklin - details here

TUESDAY 6/7/16
11am   #shopFranklin - Being Small Business info session at 23 Hutchinson Street. Please RSVP.
1:30pm   Knitting Circle for Adults at Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle)

WEDNESDAY 6/8/16
7pm   #shopFranklin - Being Small Business info session at 23 Hutchinson Street. Please RSVP.

THURSDAY 6/9/16
4-7pm   FDP’s Annual Strawberry Stroll in downtown Franklin
4pm   Lego Club at the Franklin Public Library (25 Kenwood Circle)
5-9pm   SAFE Coalition’s Substance Abuse Drop In Center at St. John’s Episcopal Church (237 Pleasant Street)
7pm   School Committee Coffee Hour at Franklin Cable Access TV (23 Hutchinson Street)

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

FHS boys and girls lacrosse and tennis teams advance in playoffs

Baseball = D1 South

• #9 Franklin, 4 @ #8 Durfee, 6 – Final 

– Franklin took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning but the Hilltoppers climbed back into the game with four in the bottom half and added single runs in the second and third. Offensively, Nick Santucci went 1-3 with an RBI, a walk and a run scored, Brad Jarosz was 2-3, Mike Skaza knocked in a run and both Steve Ferguson and Alex Bissanti scored a run for the Panthers. Sophomore Jake Noviello pitched well in relief for the Panthers, tossing four innings with just one run allowed while striking out five.

Softball = D1 South

• #15 Franklin, 4 vs. #18 Somerset Berkley, 6 – Final (8 inn.)

Boys Lacrosse = D1 South

• #5 Franklin, 17 vs. #12 Bridgewater-Raynham, 2 – Final 

– Austin Kent scored four goals and had three assists for the Panthers, who also got four goals and an assist from Eric Civetti. Chase Tanner added three goals for Franklin and Jake Alexander had two, as well as winning 21-of-23 face-offs.

Girls Lacrosse = D1 East

• #1 Franklin, 11 vs. #8 Newton North, 3 – Final 

– Franklin raced out to a 7-0 lead at half and held the Tigers of Newton North scoreless for the first 35 minutes of the game. Kenzie Pleshaw had four goals to lead Franklin while Julia Jette had one goal three assists, Diana Griffin scored twice and had a pair of assists. Head coach Kristin Igoe credited her defense with a very strong game, led by Sam Jones, who won six draws and two ground balls.

Boys Tennis = D1 South

• #13 Mansfield, 1 @ #4 Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin got a pair of wins in both singles and doubles to advance in the MIAA tournament. Junior Eli Brooks battled back for a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 win at second singles and freshman Dan Barrow won 6-4, 6-2 at third singles. Tom Mancini and James Johnston continued their stellar seasons with a 6-2, 6-1 win at first doubles and Jeremy Gan and Derek Wu won 6-0, 6-1 at second doubles. Mansfield’s Benny Lin won 6-2, 6-2 at first singles.

Girls Tennis = D1 South

• #14 Taunton, 4 vs. #19 Bridgewater-Raynham, 1 – Final

For all the Hockomock results on Thursday
http://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-060216/

FHS Panthers

MBTA: New fares go into effect Friday, July 1

New fares go into effect Friday, July 1. Go to mbta.com to view new fares.

Another MBTA commuter rail train on the way into Boston

Just about to adjust to the new schedule and the new fare structure comes along. What had been a $9.25 one way from Franklin becomes a $10 one way. What was $18.50 round-trip becomes $20. Easier for the conductors to make change.

The full fare card can be found here:

Downtown paving postponed

The Downtown paving has been postponed. The contractor has not had their mix design approved.

MassDOT's district lab has just notified us that the paving operations cannot take place until the mix has been approved. They have the proper test scheduled for Monday but no mix can be placed prior to that.

We'll continue to keep the town informed of the rescheduled dates. The public can use the downtown roadways tonight and businesses will be open.

Via email from Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

"ceremonial groundbreaking Friday morning for an addition to the Franklin Public Library"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"It's really going quite quickly," said Pfeffer. "The area is all fenced in, and they've taken down a couple of trees." 

A number of officials have been invited to the ceremony, including all 10 library building committee members, all the members of the Town Council, the Friends of the Franklin Library, the Franklin Library Association and the town administration. The building committee members will have shovels to take part in the groundbreaking itself. 

The project will construct an addition - which will feature a meeting room and public restrooms - as well as expanding existing spaces within the library and updating the building's heating, air conditioning and sprinkler systems."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160601/franklin-library-addition-set-to-break-ground

the Library is operating normal hours from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle

The presentation showing what the renovation will look like can be found here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/pages/FranklinMA_TownLibraryNews/022B40F2-000F8513.0/LibraryAddition0827.pdf


From the archives:

• The temporary location opens

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/franklin-library-reopens-may-2-at-25.html

• Advance notice of the move to temporary location

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/03/multiple-updates-on-franklin-library.html

Franklin Medway American Legion 5 Miler Reminder - June 25

Saturday June 25th, 2016 at 8 AM Help support our effort to give scholarships to high school students looking at the high cost of secondary education. All profits from this event will go to the Scholarship Funds for Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75. Registration: 7:00 – 7:45am Start Time: 8:00am Start / Finish: Medway High School 88 Summer Street Medway, MA 02053 Run: 5 mile loop on paved roads Entry Fee: $25 $15 High School Students Post race refreshments Prizes awarded by category T-Shirts for entrants Raffle Prizes or download and register by mail

Forward this email American Legion: Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75

Franklin American Legion · 82 West Central St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

Paving Thursday, Brick Sidewalks, Strawberry Stroll in the News

Franklin Downtown Partnership  9 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA  02038 (774) 571-3109   downtown.franklin@yahoo.com Streetscape Project Update #31 Check out the brick sidewalks on Main Street! This week crews are adding an interesting and beautiful design element to the sidewalks on Main Street. Masons are laying bricks in sections of sidewalk. Those sidewalks are open to pedestrians - please come support your downtown businesses! From the town Administrator's office: May 31, 2016 Downtown Project Update #31 Paving to begin: construction will begin paving the binder course on Main Street (between Emmons St and the bridge) on Thursday night this week. Crews will be working from 8:00 pm to 4:00 am. This area includes a small section of Emmons St., Dean Ave. and Depot St. 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 Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949.  Strawberry Stroll News Coverage The following story, written by Mike Gleason, appeared in the Milford Daily News Tuesday night: Franklin: Strawberry stroll set for next week FRANKLIN - The downtown area will mark the start of summer with a "Strawberry Stroll" next week. The stroll - scheduled for Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. - has been an annual Franklin Downtown Partnership event for the past 14 years. Lisa Piana, the partnership's executive director, said the event was something of a local favorite, with a number of residents attending annually to feast on strawberry shortcakes. "We go through dozens of cases of whipped cream and over 100 quarts of strawberries each year," she said, adding that the shortcakes will be served in front of Dean Bank. "It's a fun event to start the summer - what better way to do that than with strawberries?" Piana said turnout for the stroll is typically dependent on the weather, though about 800 to 1,000 shortcakes are served each year. Sweets will not be the only draw for the stroll. There will be sidewalk sales and booths set up at the Main Street parking lot, with giveaways and children's activities. Piana said there will be live entertainment at several venues, with music set to be played at Jane's Frames and a dancing company scheduled at Simon's Furniture. Lemonade and cookies will be available at the Franklin Historical Museum. Though the downtown area is in the midst of a roadwork project, Piana said the stroll should be relatively unaffected by the work. "We have a promise that the sidewalks will be done (for the stroll)," she said. Indeed, she said, this event may be one of the first showcases of the work that has been done. "This is a chance for everyone who has been driving through downtown to see, close up, the streetscape project," she said. "They can see the new lamp posts and the brickwork that has been done." Beyond promoting the downtown area, Piana said, the stroll - like the partnership's holiday tree lighting event - is intended to help foster a small-town feel. "It's like a downtown party - a coming-out for those who have been cooped up all winter," she said. Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN. Franklin Downtown Partnership | downtown.franklin@yahoo.com | 774-571-3109 | franklindowntownpartnership.org Connect with us:

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