Examining the Proposal to Increase and Reform the EITC

MassBudget factsheet examines the current proposal for the state's Earned Income Tax Credit

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. MassBudget Fact Sheet Examines Proposal to Reform and Increase the Earned Income Tax Credit The state's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) aims to improve the economic security of lower income working families by increasing their after-tax earnings. A growing body of research has found that raising the incomes of lower-income families provides benefits through the life-cycle: improving the health of children and mothers; boosting school performance; and increasing long-term earnings. MassBudget's updated fact sheet "Massachusetts' Earned Income Tax Credit and the Current Proposal for Increase and Reform" examines a proposal from the Senate Ways and Means Committee to reform and increase the state EITC. The Senate proposal would increase the value of the EITC provided by the Commonwealth to 28 percent of the federal EITC benefit, up from 23 percent today.  It would also change the way the EITC is calculated for people who have income in Massachusetts but are not full-year residents.  Currently those households receive a pro-rated share of EITC benefits based on the share or their income that is earned in Massachusetts.  The new proposal would prorate the benefit based on the amount of time the household lives in Massachusetts.  The largest effect of this change would be that people who are full- time residents of another state but earn income in Massachusetts would no longer be able to receive the Massachusetts EITC (those taxpayers are often able to receive a state EITC in the state where they are residents - if that state has a state EITC).     MassBudget's factsheet on the EITC explains the benefits for families with different incomes and numbers of children under the current program, provides estimates of the number of current beneficiaries, and describes the cost of the new proposal and how it is paid for. The fact sheet also provides an overview of research on the effects of the EITC on families and children. You can read the new fact sheet (HERE). For information on how many people receive the EITC in each town, see (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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

"I think this is the wrong way to do it"

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

"The Town Council at its meeting this week called for more transparency and better tracking in the maintenance of town buildings. 

The council expressed those concerns to Deputy Director of Public Facilities Marco Brancato, who was at the Wednesday session to request approval for a new preventative maintenance program. 

Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the effort would take inventory of public buildings and equipment and put that information into a software program. The program would then set up a maintenance schedule and help identify problem areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160714/franklin-councilors-raise-maintenance-concerns


Additional information on actions that were taken at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday can be found on the Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0245C10A-000F8513

Franklin Municipal Building, site of  the Town Council meetings

Franklin Library Book Sale - July 16-17

The Library is now in it's temporary location while construction takes place and the monthly Library Book Sale is scheduled for Saturday (July 16) from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM and the Bag Sale on Sunday (July 17) from 9:00 AM to Noon.




This was shared from the official Town of Franklin page
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/0244E15B-000F8513

Franklin Public Library operates from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle

"if the councilors did not feel local government was broken, they should not fix it"

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

"The Town Council will be seeking more information about amending Franklin's charter. 

Councilors asked Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting Wednesday night to gather information about past charter reviews, with the intention of possibly convening a new group to do so. 

Nutting spoke about the ways in which the charter had changed in the past, beginning when Franklin moved to a city form of government in 1978. Since that time, he said, reviews have taken place in 1995 and 2010."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160713/franklin-could-review-charter

In case you missed the Jeff Nutting letter as part of the meeting agenda, you can find it here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Council/July%2013,%202016/Memo%20to%20Council%20Charter.pdf

The full agenda and documents released can be found here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/024507A7-000F8513

Franklin Municipal Building

Are you a parent of a child in Franklin, MA that needs community service hours?

Jim Schultz , Shari Feldman and 5 others posted in All about Franklin .       Jim Schultz July 13 at 10:46am   Are you a parent of a child in Franklin, MA that is 15 years or older? Do you find yourself scrambling to help your child fulfill service hours at school every year? If you answered yes to both of these questions, the Franklin Cultural Festival has a solution for you! We are looking for a handful of volunteers during the dates of July 27th though July 30th. In particular, the Saturday July 30th date at the Black Box Theater to help with the two stages of entertainment AND Taste of Franklin. Your child would have the opportunity to fulfill their ENTIRE years worth of service hours by volunteering with the festival for just one day! If you are interested, please contact us at the following email address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them here in this thread. Should you be concerned about the validity of the opportunity, I will be happy to provide you with the contact information of a town official at Town Hall that can verify this as a legitimate opportunity for your child to earn service hours and the benefits as well as supervision that will accompany the days worth of volunteer work.   Like Comment             Facebook             Jim Schultz July 13 at 10:46am Are you a parent of a child in Franklin, MA that is 15 years or older? Do you find yourself scrambling to help your child fulfill service hours at school every year? If you answered yes to both of these questions, the Franklin Cultural Festival has a solution for you! We are looking for a handful of volunteers during the dates of July 27th though July 30th. In particular, the Saturday July 30th date at THE BLACK BOX to help with the two stages of entertainment AND Taste of Franklin. Your child would have the opportunity to fulfill their ENTIRE years worth of service hours by volunteering with the festival for just one day! If you are interested, please contact us at the following email address: franklinculturaldistrict@gmail.com If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them here in this thread. Should you be concerned about the validity of the opportunity, I will be happy to provide you with the contact information of a town official at Town Hall that can verify this as a legitimate opportunity for your child to earn service hours and the benefits as well as supervision that will accompany the days worth of volunteer work. Like Comment         View on Facebook     Edit Email Settings                 Franklin Cultural Festival

#ShopFranklin - Supporting Small Business: Let's all celebrate Jennifer Leggee Garcia's birthday week!

Sarah Mabardy , Terri Rieke Frank and 4 others posted in #ShopFranklin - Supporting Small Business .       Sarah Mabardy July 12 at 7:07pm   Let's all celebrate Jennifer Leggee Garcia's birthday week by checking her out this week on FranklinTV's #shopFranklin - Supporting Small Business episode featuring Elizabeth's Bagels. Check here for times..... http://www.franklin.tv/programguide.pdf And find out why people go to the emergency room so often on Sunday mornings! Let's all celebrate Jennifer Leggee Garcia 's birthday week by checking her out this week on Franklin...   Like Comment             Facebook             Sarah Mabardy July 12 at 7:07pm Let's all celebrate Jennifer Leggee Garcia's birthday week by checking her out this week on FranklinTV's #shopFranklin - Supporting Small Business episode featuring Elizabeth's Bagels. Check here for times..... http://www.franklin.tv/programguide.pdf And find out why people go to the emergency room so often on Sunday mornings! Let's all celebrate Jennifer Leggee Garcia's birthday week by checking her out this week on Franklin... Like Comment         View on Facebook     Edit Email Settings

Concerts on the Common: Sharon Concert Band

• Sharon Concert Band
• Elaine Kessler Story Teller - Children's Program

concerts on the common - Wednesday at 6:00 PM

Income Growth and Gateway Cities

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. New study shows incomes of typical households in Gateway Cities haven't grown with the economy Since 1979 incomes of typical households in Gateway Cities have barely grown, while our overall state economy has grown significantly. This is part of a broader pattern we have seen in the national economy over the past four decades: economic growth isn't translating into strong income growth for most households. In the decades after World War the incomes of low, middle, and high-income households grew at roughly the same rate. But not in recent decades. While economic growth has led to average income growing 69 percent in Massachusetts since 1979, that average hides what has been happening for most families: median income (the income of the household at the midpoint of the income distribution) rose less than one percent a year while incomes for the highest income one percent of households increased almost seven times as rapidly, rising 4.5 percent a year. MassBudget's new report "Income Growth and Gateway Cities: What Happened, and Is there a Path Back to Broadly Shared Prosperity?" shows how this pattern played out in Gateway Cities where median incomes grew even less than in the rest of the state - and in some cases declined (adjusting for inflation).  The report also looks at policies that contributed to creating an economy where wages are no longer growing with productivity and at some strategies that could push back against that trend. Commonwealth magazine is running a version of the paper as an article in their new summer issue. Read the new MassBudget study (HERE) You can also read MassBudget's recent factsheet on "The Effects of Skewed Growth on Household Incomes" (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 Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Leadership Changes at Franklin Art Association

This is my last President’s letter! Soon the new board will take on the responsibilities of running the FAA. I have been privileged to be a part of this group, and have really enjoyed working with our previous board (Kathe, Tina, Paul and Hannah)! They were always available for board meetings, and helped to keep the FAA on course. Hannah will stay on as Corresponding Secretary, thankfully, and will help steer the new board when questions arise. Thank you Hannah!

The new board:

• President: Diane Padula-O’Neill
• Vice President: Joanne Willoughby
• Treasurer: Peg Munson
• Secretary: Bob Kalinosky

Franklin Art Association

We had a great end of year picnic in Susan Plume’s beautiful back yard. Great food, good conversation, and terrific weather helped to make it a banner day. The group made a video to send along to Daydre Hamilton to raise her spirits during her recent illness. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Looking forward to a great year ahead! Our first meeting of the fall will be September 7th.

Hope to see you at the Franklin Cultural Festival on July 27 - 30. Check out the website at www.franklinsculturalfestival.org, and the
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/franklinculturalfestival.

Sue Sheridan


For the complete newsletter check here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczd1hFZGdxN1NXTjZIR3NFVHNfTkNab2NycjMw/view?usp=sharing

For more information please visit the FAA web site at www.franklinart.org or Facebook page www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc

You can make TWO CALLS about Energy Omnibus Bill

Dear intrepid, hardworking pipeline fighters!

We are so close to something truly historic!  Over a week ago, the Senate passed S2400, its version of the energy omnibus bill, setting the stage for conference committee negotiations with the House to send a final bill to the governor.  Though the House Bill, H4385, was a solid starting point, the Senate bill significantly improves the House's version in a few key ways:

1. It increases the amount of offshore wind energy that utility companies must purchase from 1200 megawatts to 2000 megawatts.

2.  It doubles the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), the rate at which utility companies MUST increasingly buy from renewable energy sources.

3.  It outright BANS the pipeline tax from being used against ratepayers by the Department of Public Utilities in the future.

4.  It provides for the decommissioning of the Pilgrim nuclear power plant.

We need these provisions.  They are absolutely essential to securing the clean energy future for which we have been fighting for so long.  We can't stop now!

The House and Senate have named Senator Ben Downing, Senator Marc Pacheco, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brian Dempsey, Representative Tom Golden and Representative Brad Jones to a conference committee which will negotiate the two bills.

Call your representative and ask them to speak to Speaker DeLeo and the conferees about standing up for these priorities, especially if your representative signed the Kulik letter (see the highlighted column in the attached document below).  This was the letter in which nearly 100 state reps said they were against the pipeline and pipeline tax. This is their last chance to push their leadership and stand up for what they believe in.

While our House delegation needs pushing, our Senate leaders also need support to remain strong in negotiations. Call your senator and ask them to speak with Senator Downing about standing firm on the Senate's hard-won priorities.

Please contact legislative leadership to ask them to include these policies in the final bill.  If speaking to a House rep, ask them to speak to Speaker Deleo in particular.  If talking to a Senator, ask them to speak with Senator Downing.

House Switchboard: (617) 722-2000
Senate Switchboard: (617) 722-1276

Look up your state representative or senator here.
Additional phone extension information can be found here.

As I said, we are so close to something truly historic! But we need every last bit of effort we can muster to win. Now is the time to stand up and make your voice heard. PLEASE MAKE THE TWO CALLS! 

I know so many of us are deeply focused on the People over Pipelines March, but please find a few moments to call--the timing is truly critical--and please let me know when you have! 

This where the rubber meets the road, folks--the last PUSH WHICH COULD KILL THE PIPELINE!! 

Gratefully,
Carolyn

USE THIS CALL SCRIPT:

Dear Representative/Senator:

Thank you for working to advance comprehensive energy legislation, H4377 and S2400.  I am calling to ask you to push for a strong final clean energy bill.  Here are my priorities regarding the legislation:

1.  I oppose the "pipeline tax," and urge you to protect ratepayers and our environment by prohibiting subsidies for new gas pipelines, as the Senate has done.

2. I support procurement of 2000 megawatts of offshore wind. I am pleased both chambers have chosen to support offshore wind, and urge you to go big so we can have economies of scale!

3. I support doubling the Renewable Portfolio Standard to 2%, which will increase the amount of electricity utility companies have to purchase from renewable sources.

4. I support provisions within the House energy bill which would require the repair of all gas leaks during road projects (including "grade 3" or non-hazardous leaks), and support provisions within the Senate energy bill related to collective bargaining for these repairs.

5. I support decommissioning planning and financing for Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.

Franklin residents honored at YMCA Annual neeting

At Lake Pearl in Wrentham on May 18th, volunteers, members, and community leaders of the Hockomock Area YMCA came together to celebrate the Annual Meeting. At this meeting, many outstanding members and partners of the Y accepted awards honoring their commitment and service to the YMCA and the community.

Brian Earley, chairman of the Y’s Board of Directors presented the Chairman’s Award to the Robbins Family of Franklin. The Chairman’s Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and passion working with the Hockomock Area YMCA to improve the quality of life in our community. As Brian Earley mentioned in his presentation of the Chairman’s Award, “Terry and her family have been instrumental in helping us impact children and families in our Bernon Family Branch.” 

The Robbins Family has long been a partner of the Y, even in 2003 when Terry Robbins joined the steering committee for the “Shaping Our Futures Together” capital campaign. This campaign transformed into the Bernon Family Branch. From there, the Lee W. Robbins Gymnasium was dedicated in 2004 in memory of Terry’s late husband, and Terry and her sons, Jason and Robbie, have been active in philanthropic work through the Robbins Family Charitable Fund. 

Additionally, in January of this year the Robbins Family dedicated the Robbins Family Kids Gym at the Franklin Y. On accepting the Chairman’s Award, Robbie Robbins expressed gratitude on behalf of his family, saying “Thank you once again for recognizing our family. We’re all part of this team, the local community, and we thank you, everyone in the YMCA for your continued service going forward.”

Annual Red Triangle Awards were presented, recognizing individuals or organizations for their partnership with and support of the Hockomock Area YMCA and their help in meeting the changing needs of the community. On behalf of the Bernon Family Branch, a Red Triangle Award was presented to State Representative Jeff Roy of the 10th Norfolk District of Massachusetts. Representative Roy was fundamental in the creation of the S.A.F.E. Coalition, a group that aims to assist those who struggle with substance abuse. The coalition comes together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms, according to the group’s mission statement. 

On receiving the award, Representative Roy remarked, “They [The Hockomock Area YMCA] reach out, it goes under the radar, nobody knows that they’re reaching out and helping these people and they’ve done it time after time and I’m so grateful to have developed a relationship to be a part of this YMCA team.”

Youth of the Year Awards were also presented at the Annual Meeting. Youth of the Year Awards recognize youth members of the YMCA who positively affect the Y and the community. One honoree was Samantha Bellavance, of the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin, who has been a member of the Y almost her entire life. Active in the Y’s Leaders Club, Samantha has spent an astonishing 2,000 hours performing community service. 

She is also active in the School’s Out program, where she is a group leader for the before and after school child care at the Y. According to Nate Packert of the Bernon Family Branch, “Throughout her Senior Leaders journey, she has shown what it means to be a leader among leaders through hard work and dedication to the club.” Samantha is headed to the University of New England for ocean studies and marine affairs, but not until after she works as a YMCA camp counselor this summer.

• About the 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.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they 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.

“CA Robbins Family, Ed Hurley, Brian Earley”:  The Robbins Family received the YMCA’s prestigious Chairman’s Award.  Pictured in the back row are (from left to right) Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley, Robbie Robbins, Terry Robbins, Donna Robbins, Jason Robbins and Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley.  James Robbins (left) and Mary Jane Robbins are in the front row

“RTA Jeff Roy, Hurley, Ross, Earley, Poirier, Barrows”:  Pictured with State Representative and Franklin YMCA Red Triangle Award winner Jeff Roy (left center) are (from left to right) Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley, State Senator Richard Ross, Hockomock Area YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Brian Earley, and State Representatives Betty Poirier and Jay Barrows.

“YotY Sam Bellavance, mother, sister”:  Pictured with the Franklin Y’s Youth of the Year Samantha Bellavance (center) are Sam’s mother, Anne Marie Bellavance (left), and sister, Emily Bellavance

Chess Group - July 16 - 2:00 PM

Chess Group will meet again at the Franklin Library on Saturday, July 16

The library is operating in its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle while renovations are underway 

Backpack collection underway

Help us collect backpacks and supplies!

Suggested Supplies:

*Spiral Notebooks *Pencils *Erasers *Calculators *Crayons *Markers *Pocket Folders *Pencil Bag *Rulers *Highlighters *Scissors *Binders *Colored Markers *Glue Sticks *Pens *Loose Leaf Paper

• Backpack Drive July 11-August 21, 2016

Made possible by the Bernon Family YMCA, Franklin Elk’s Lodge and the Franklin Public School District. We will be collecting supplies and backpacks through the month of July and August at the participating locations listed below. We are looking for the suggested school supplies as well as backpacks.

Supply Drop off locations:

• Bernon Family YMCA
• Franklin Municipal Building
• Remington Middle School
• Franklin Elks Lodge
• Jefferson Elementary School

Are you or someone you know in need of a backpack? Please contact Michelle Branche at 774-235-2766 or michellebr@hockymca.org to request your backpack today!

backpack drive

In the News: police recognition, zoning bylaw changes

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

"While most departments received hand-made drawings from kids or coffee from friendly visitors, law enforcement officials in Franklin were given some rather unique gifts, according to Deputy Chief James Mill. 

One resident dropped off a stained glass police badge with a blue line across it, Mill said, and another presented officers with a crucifix said to be blessed by a pope. 

“It was quite overwhelming. ... We’ve always had great support in the community,” Mill said. “We consider ourselves fortunate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160711/communities-rally-behind-area-police-following-attack-in-dallas

"If all goes well, the town may implement new "limited site plan" rules by the end of summer. 

The change, which was first brought up to the Town Council in June, would allow additions, alterations and improvements to existing structures with less information than would be needed in a full site plan. 

Two local boards are scheduled to take up the matter this week. The Planning Board had the change up for a public hearing on its Monday night agenda, while the Town Council will discuss it at its Wednesday meeting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160712/franklin-zoning-change-for-site-plans-in-works

While the new location for Aubuchon Hardware is used as an example of the benefit, the construction on the plaza across the street where Ficco's and the former Kegan auto dealership is located is waiting on this change according to word on the street.

Aubuchon Hardware relocated from two locations in Franklin to this one location in Horace Mann Plaza