Senator Ross: August 2016 State House Update

Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, August 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, Though the State House has been relatively quiet this August, I have been very busy meeting with constituents and listening to your suggestions and concerns following the end of the session. Please read/share my monthly newsletter for information on legislation and constituents, as well as my stance on recent MBTA reform efforts. As always, thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. My constituents are my number one priority. Sincerely, ONGOING REFORMS AT THE MBTA Over a year ago I expressed concerns with the unstable finances of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Since then, I joined Senate Republicans in filing an amendment to the FY16 budget, which led to the creation of the Fiscal Management Control Board (FMCB). The amendment proposed that the board would provide strict oversight of the beleaguered agency. Shortly after it was formed, the FMCB conducted a review of the major problems the MBTA was facing. From that review we learned that the T has an unsustainable operating budget while not preserving its core system and struggling to get projects completed. Not only did they have frequent leadership changes, but they also were found to have weak workplace protocols and lacked customer focus. The most significant finding was that the MBTA was not underfunded, but simply lacked the management and direction needed to effect serious reforms. Fortunately, the Commonwealth endured a calm winter this year, and the MBTA had little to no operating issues caused by recent harsh weather conditions. However, over the past year, the MBTA has been weathering its own storm. As the agency's FMCB finished its first year since it was enacted in 2015, we now have a clear understanding of the extent of reform necessary to transform this part of our transportation system. The Commonwealth has been throwing money into a beast that cannot contain itself. The MBTA has been given various resources and opportunities to get back on track from state contracts to a well-rounded capital budget. The system has had the funding and resources, but has never been able to take advantage of them sufficiently. With a flat lined operating budget the T required no additional funding increases for FY 16. But due to no increase in ridership, the T has yet again turned to a fare increase to make ends meet. Recently, the Legislature passed an amendment that would prohibit MBTA fares from being increased more than once within a two year period as well as being increased more than 7 percent during a two year period. I supported this amendment because I believe the T should not depend on its consumers to be the solution to the issue. The legislation also provides flexibility to the MBTA, rather than have the agency returning to the legislature with new requests. New findings show that the T's money management process contains serious risks. In a recent consultant's review, it was discovered that the MBTA's cash handling procedures were not secure. Doors to the money room where the facility handles nearly $200 million per year were found not alarmed or access controlled – a flaw that the system cannot be willing to risk or ignore under current circumstances. Another major concern the MBTA is facing is the mismanagement and severe underproduction of its pension system. The system loses $89 million a year in assets. The public records bill that I supported made T records public, including details of their disappointing pension fund. After management's frequently failed reforms, Governor Baker recommends it be managed by the state's PRIM system this January. Governor Baker's administration has done a great job when it comes to turning these problems into solutions and giving the MBTA the momentum it needs. They have pushed the T to use state contracts to purchase millions of dollars' worth of goods and services at lower costs. The administration also helped them save money in areas such as supporting the suspension of the Green Line Extension for its redesign, cutting off hundreds of unused wireless devices, and encouraging a digital advertising program to boost revenue. We can only hope to have another mild winter, but this year we need to fully prepare for it. The T expects to double the funds spent on signals, switches, and tracks that are long overdue for replacement. With a focus on operating expenses and performance, any savings need to be invested into its infrastructure and construction so that we can see more projects on time and on budget. It is clear that the MBTA will have to undergo substantial changes. With the T's rising operating expense and plateaued ridership, I hope to see changes in the administrative processes, money management, the pension system, infrastructure and various other problematic issues setting back our transit authority. The hardworking citizens of Massachusetts deserve a reliable, sustainable and consistent transportation system and it is time we follow through with that promise. I toured LINX Camps in Wellesley and presented Joe Kahn, the Founder and Owner, with a citation for being selected as a BostonCentral 2016 Family Favorite Award Winner. Recently, I met with Kirk and Jared Simon, the father-son duo of Simon's Furniture, a wonderful family run business in Franklin. PAY EQUITY BILL A big milestone this August was the signing of the pay equity bill that established in law that men and women performing the same work should be paid equally. The bill was considered one of six major bills the governor hoped to sign before the end of the session. The bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in the payment of wages for comparable work, unless the variation is based on other factors such as seniority, education, training or experience. Originating from the Senate, the bill outlaws businesses from requiring a job applicant to disclose their previous salary information. The now-law cleared the legislature unanimously, as both the House and the Senate hope to change the culture surrounding pay equity and gender equality. While I am happy to hear that the Commonwealth ranks 18th nationally for pay equity, it is still important to recognize that the state's wage gap is expected to persist until 2058. Everyday we are closer in our efforts to closing the wage gap, and this legislation is a big step in that process. Senator Ross Announces Office Hours in September Senator Ross and his staff will be holding office hours at locations throughout the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District to provide constituents with an opportunity to meet Senator Ross and discuss any matters of importance to them. Constituents may contact Senator Ross' office at (617) 722-1555 or by email at richard.ross@masenate.gov to register for a meeting in advance whether in the district or at the State House in Boston.          Tuesday, September 20th Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin 10:00am-11:00am Copyright © 2016 State Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, All rights reserved. This newsletter is a service to the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District and for Informational Purposes only. Our mailing address is: Massachusetts State House 24 Beacon Street, Room 419 Boston, MA 02133 Ph: 617-722-1555 Fax: 617-722-1054 Email: richard.ross@masenate.gov

State Senator Richard J. Ross · State House · Room 520 · Boston, Ma 02212 · USA

This email was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents from Senator Ross, follow this link -->>  The full email contents

Labor Day Sale at Franklin Liquors

Read the Franklin Liquors' Labor Day Sale Newsletter -> http://ow.ly/HvBJ303NdiB

image from Franklin Liquors Labor Day Sale Newsletter

In the News: Charles River Meadowlands, Berry Ins wins award, Charter School opens school year with dogs

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

"A group of volunteers is looking to raise awareness of and help protect the Charles River Meadowlands, which are several pieces of property owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that border the river in multiple places. 

The group is scheduled to hold a workshop on the topic on Sept. 27, at 6 p.m. at Franklin's First Universalist Society on Chestnut Street. 

Alan Earles, who is helping to lead the local effort, said the land is used to help manage the Charles River. 

"About 40 years ago, the Army Corps of Engineers was trying to solve the problem of flooding along the Charles River," he said. "The traditional way to do that was by using dams but, when the '70s came along, they decided to look at alternatives."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160831/franklin-group-looks-to-manage-charles-river-land

"Berry Insurance in Franklin has earned a 2016 Safeco Insurance Make More Happen Award for its community work with Boston Children’s Hospital. 

The award includes a $4,000 donation to Boston Children’s Hospital from Safeco Insurance. Berry Insurance agent Amanda Spittell, and Boston Children’s Hospital also had a story featured on Safeco.com, which awarded the hospital an additional $1,000. For the hospital to win the extra money, at least 50 different individuals had to leave a virtual “cheer” on the Safeco.com story."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160901/berry-insurance-earns-make-more-happen-award

"The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School started its 2016-2017 year this week, using several methods — including a visit from dogs — to smooth the back-to-school process. 

The school resumed session on Tuesday, said spokeswoman Joanne Basile, with a visit from three "Pawsitive Touch Therapy" dogs — a way to calm those who might feel anxious about the new year. 

"We had a few service dogs on hand to help ease the transition," she said, adding that they were well received."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160901/dogs-inspirational-messages-welcome-students-back-to-franklin-charter-school

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School

Facing Addiction Across America (Part 5 and 6 - YouTube series)

"Leave me alone, I am only hurting myself. And it is so far from the truth!"

"Watch Part 5 of our Facing Addiction Across America docuseries with Ryan Hampton & Garrett Hade. Here, they meet both inmates and key leaders at the Chesterfield Correctional Facility in Chesterfield, VA. Hear their stories and their song.

How can you help? Visit our Rally.org page and donate to support the implementation of Facing Addiction’s Action Agenda for real solutions to the addiction crisis in the US. https://rally.org/addictionxamerica"

"Watch Part 6 of our Facing Addiction Across America docuseries with Ryan Hampton and Garrett Hade. Here, the duo continue their road trip by visiting their friend Greg's resting place in Texas. Greg was one of their four friends that died in the span of 6 months.

It can be easy to hear the statistics and forget that they represent someone’s sibling, best friend or parent. Watch and listen to more stories of friends and family affected by the addiction epidemic. 

How can you help? Visit our Rally.org page and donate to support the implementation of Facing Addiction’s Action Agenda for real solutions to the addiction crisis in the US. https://rally.org/addictionxamerica

I'll continue to post a pair of episodes until the series completes. If you want to feel free to find the next in the series by clicking through to YouTube.

You can help support the SAFE Coalition which works to provide support for those of our neighbors who need it.  http://safecoalitionma.com/

S.A.F.E. is a coalition of community partners who have come together to provide support, education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by substance abuse disorder.

Attention student musicians! Audition for the Clafin Hill Youth Symphony!

Greetings, Fellow Musicians and Music Educators! Summer is drawing to a close, too short !!!! and we're getting ready for the next season of Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies. We are holding auditions for new candidates on Sunday, September 18th at MassBay Community College in Framingham.

We have openings in all orchestral and wind ensembles sections, EXCEPT FLUTE, (sorry, we're already over booked for flutes this season, but will be graduating at least 4 this year).

Please forward this to your students and encourage them to consider CHYS. all information is included below, including links to audition sign ups and even some YouTube videos. 

We are in particular need of String Bass, Horns, Trumpets, Low Brass, Bassoons, Percussion and can accommodate new members in ALL orchestral string sections.

OF particular value for your younger students is our Repertory Ensemble under the direction of Dimitar Petkov – an engaging, fun and educational first orchestral experience for 2nd and 3rd year string students.

Thank you and anyone may email me directly at psurapine@claflinhill.org with questions.

Paul Surapine

Sunday, September 18th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies seeks  NEW students for its 3 ensembles. Repertory, Wind Ensemble and Youth Symphony. Auditions will be held on Sunday, September 18th  at MassBay Community College in Framingham, 19 Flagg Rd. Advanced orchestral training in a supportive musical environment. Student registration.   Just click the appropriate link below. NEW string students. NEW brass, woodwind and percussion students. RETURNING string students. RETURNING brass, woodwind and percussion students. ATTENTION STUDENT MUSICIANS! The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies seeks NEW members. Rehearsals  take place at MassBay Community College in Framingham, Sunday afternoons during the school year. Concerts take place at MassBay Community College in Wellesley. ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Orchestra ~ Ages 12-18 ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Symphonic Wind Ensemble ~ Ages 12-18 ¨ Claflin Hill Youth Repertory Ensemble ~ Ages 8-14 §  VERY affordable tuition §  Highest standards of musicality §  Highest level of instructors §  Self-engaged instruction §  Nurturing and supportive environment §  Developing leadership skills More information at www.claflinhill.org.  Email psurapine@claflinhill.org or call 508.478.5924 "Claflin Hill has been my favorite activity in high school. Each Sunday rehearsal has consistently been the highlight of my week." E. D. Claflin Hill Youth Wind Ensemble perform Pilatus: Mountain of Dragons. Claflin Hill Youth Symphony Orchestra performs "Orpheus in the Underworld." The Claflin Hill Youth Symphonies | 508.478.5924| Email | Website STAY CONNECTED:

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, Mail: 54 Claflin Street, Office: 208 Main Street, Suite 112A, Milford, MA 01757 Sent by psurapine@claflinhill.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Fall Fun, Food Planned for Franklin’s Harvest Stroll October 6

Celebrate fall and the completion of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Stroll on Thursday, October 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Partnership is planning exciting new attractions for its 14th annual fall festival, including a hayride, delicious food options, a variety of entertainers, and more games and activities for kids.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Main Street will be closed to car traffic for the event, which also will include participating businesses and activities along Summer, East Central and West Central streets. Join members of the FDP and state and local government at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street to officially mark the revitalization project.

“We have a lot to celebrate this year. The downtown revitalization project is nearly complete and the downtown is more walk-able than ever before. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is excited to invite the community to our fall street festival and showcase the unique offerings of our local businesses,” says Scott Martin, event co-chair.

Organizers expect thousands of visitors to enjoy the party that evening, sampling fall-themed foods and activities, watching talented local artists, discovering shopping specials and learning about helpful community resources at more than 50 booths and locations downtown.

“We invite everyone to come see first-hand the revitalization of our downtown and enjoy the new amenities,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”

There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested community groups to participate in the Harvest Stroll. Booths are free to FDP members and cost $75 for non-members ($150 for non-member food vendors). Registrations are due by September 15. Forms can be found on www.franklindowntownpartnership.org or on the FDP Facebook page. Contact Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org with questions.

Many local businesses are sponsoring this event. 

• Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.
• Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.
• Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental and Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc. are Bronze Sponsors.
• D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Maven Hair Company, Simon’s Furniture and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.

If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109. Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, under the Sponsors tab.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Sep 10 Garnet Rogers at Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Next show is Sep 10th featuring Garnet Rogers. Tom Rush on Sep 24th. View this email in your browser GARNET ROGERS with Shawna Caspi Sep 10th 8PM $20 The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse begins its 27th season on Saturday September 10th with famed Canadian singer Garnet Rogers.  Garnet has established himself as "one of the major  talents of our time". Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "charismatic performer and singer", Garnet is a man with a powerful physical presence and a voice to match. With his "smooth dark baritone" his incredible range, and thoughtful, dramatic phrasing, Garnet is widely considered by fans and critics alike to be one of the finest singers anywhere. His music, like the man himself, is literate, passionate, highly sensitive, with a deep purpose. An optimist at heart, Garnet sings extraordinary songs about people who are not obvious heroes and of the small victories of the everyday.  As memorable as his songs, his over the top humor and lightning-quick wit moves his audience from tears to laughter and back again. Garnet suggests that you bring a non-perishable food item as a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry.  http://www.garnetrogers.com/ Toronto based singer Shawna Caspi will open the show. She sings of love, travel, home, and heart, distilling each experience into a series of vibrant snapshots, colored with humor and grace and arranged with care and craft. Her latest release, Apartments for Lovers, is a solo guitar and voice album that showcases her rich voice and remarkable fingerstyle guitar technique. http://www.shawnacaspi.com/ Don't forget to order tickets for Tom Rush who will be appearing on September 24th. All of his previous shows at Circle of Friends have been sellouts. The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a non-profit organization affiliated with Franklin's First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke free and alcohol free environment at the Society's handicapped accessible Meetinghouse, 262 Chestnut St. in Franklin, and begin at 8:00 PM; doors open at 7:30 PM. Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. Admission is $20. Please call (508)528-2541 or visit http://www.circlefolk.org/ to purchase tickets or for more information.  Upcoming Shows Sep 10      Garnet Rogers with Shawna Caspi Sep 24      An Evening with Tom Rush Oct 15      Jim Henry and Abbie Gardner (Red Molly) Nov 5        Matt Nakoa, Rachael Kilgour, & Kirsten Maxwell Nov 19      The Kennedys

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse · First Universalist Society · 262 Chestnut St · Franklin, MA 02038 · USA

A new edition of The Franklin Connection is available

A new edition of The Franklin Connection has been published on the Town of Franklin web site.

Click the link below to read the latest edition.
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/sept16connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center

For more about the Senior Center, visit their page on the Town of Franklin website
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Senior/index

• You can also get a copy of the Sep 2016 Connection here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczMmN1dEtLVjl5R0k/view?usp=sharing

In the News: back pack drive success, Walgreens recognized

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

"Thanks to a robust backpack donation drive, more than 250 needy students in the area now have the supplies necessary for the new school year. 

The effort - held this summer - was organized by the Hockomock Area YMCA, in partnership with the Franklin Elks and the Franklin School District. Drive leader Michell Branche said 274 backpacks full of supplies were distributed to families in the area. 

Branche said the partnerships helped the drive acquire more supplies than last year's iteration, which garnered 64 backpacks. 

"It certainly grew from last year's total," she said. "We got quite a lot of support from the community ... I thought we could get a couple hundred backpacks. This is perfect."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160830/franklin-ymca-backpack-drive-success

"Area officials, emergency personnel and elected representatives were on hand Tuesday afternoon to recognize the local Walgreens pharmacy for providing access to overdose-counteracting drugs. 

The award, according to Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Rowe, came as the result of a survey of area pharmacies. Undercover visitors, she said, went to the county's 120 pharmacies and provided the results of their trips. The Franklin pharmacy rated highly in providing Narcan, which counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose. 

While the district attorney's office has recognized pharmacies before - for things like vigilance in rooting out forged prescriptions - Rowe said this is the first Narcan-availability award given out."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160830/franklin-walgreens-rates-highly-in-providing-anti-overdose-drugs

Walgreens - at the corner of happy and healthy

Franklin Police sets hiring exam for Nov 5

The Town of Franklin is currently seeking interested and qualified candidates for full-time Police Officer positions.

A great place to live, work and do business! One of the “Best Town’s for Families” The Town of Franklin was named one of Family Circle’s 2007 "Ten Best Towns for Families" in the United States. This honor was bestowed on Franklin and nine other towns and small cities "that offer what parents and children want most - affordable homes, good jobs, top-rated schools, open spaces and a lot less stress".

Franklin is located 28 miles south of Boston, 26 miles north of providence, RI and is bounded by the towns of Medway, Norfolk, Wrentham and Bellingham. The town has a residential population of 33,590 and spans 27.01 square miles.

Franklin Police Dept, 911 Panther Way

Franklin enjoys good transportation networks with Route 140, two exits to Interstate 495, and easy access to major routes such as Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike), Interstate 95, Route 1 and Route 126. In addition to a well integrated roadway system, Franklin is host to two MBTA commuter rail stations, and has fixed route bus service through the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority.
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The mission of the Franklin Police Department is to work collaboratively in partnership with our community to enhance the quality of life in our town, while maintaining order and protecting the people we serve. We will accomplish this mission by providing high quality law enforcement service, doing so with professionalism, honor and integrity.
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The Franklin Police Department currently employs 47 sworn officers, 8 full-time and 4 part-time civilian personnel who provide telecommunication and administrative services.

The essential functions of a Franklin Police Officer are:

• Perform a variety of duties involved in the enforcement of laws and prevention of crimes;
• Control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations;
• Participate in and conduct a variety of criminal investigations;
• Provide a high level of customer service and integrate the community into policing activities;
• Participate in community based police activities and programs; and
• Perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of law enforcement services and activities.

The work of this position involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, and prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of State laws, and local ordinances.

Duties normally consist of routine patrol, preliminary investigation, and traffic regulation and community policing. Patrol officers also may be assigned duties as detective, school resource officer, field training officer, K-9 handler, bicycle patrol, motorcycle patrol, Drug Recognition Expert, etc. The work involves an element of personal danger and the employee must be able to act without direct supervision and to exercise independent judgment in meeting emergencies.

The Franklin Police Department is partnering with Police Exam Solutions to host a police officer entrance exam on Saturday, November 5, 2016. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in beginning a career in law enforcement. The department expects to have several patrol officer positions available in the near future for qualified candidates. For more information and to register, please click the link below.
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Thank you for your interest in the Franklin Police Department.

Registrations accepted online here -->>


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