Friday, February 3, 2017

MassBudget: Analyzing the Governor's budget proposal



MassBudget  Information.
  Participation.
 Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center  Democracy.



Analyzing the Governor's Budget

The budget proposed last week by the Governor for the fiscal year beginning in July includes proposals that strengthen the capacity of the state's MassHealth program to meet the healthcare needs of people in Massachusetts and address fiscal challenges caused by a decline in private-sector employees receiving health insurance from their employers. This decline has led to increasing enrollment in MassHealth and thus growing state costs. 

MassBudget's new BudgetMonitor parses the details of Gov. Baker's various spending and revenue initiatives, including a $2,000 per-employee assessment on employers who don't meet certain benchmarks for providing health coverageWhile the budget contains several other revenue and savings proposals, the health care strategies are the major reasons the Governor is able to propose a budget that significantly reduces reliance on temporary revenue and savings to achieve balance.
The Governor's budget proposal includes expanded supports for behavioral health and substance misuse, including allowing treatment of civilly-committed men at facilities other than MCI-Bridgewater, increased support for mental health services in the corrections system, and across-departmental initiatives to combat harms caused by opioid misuse. The Governor also proposes to increase significantly funding for services for young people with developmental disabilities in the year they turn 22 and lose eligibility for school-funded services. The proposal again includes an initiative that the Governor brought forward last year that would reduce benefits for certain low-income families receiving Transitional Assistance for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by changing the way disability insurance benefits are counted in the formula for determining TAFDC payments.

In addition, the Governor's budget proposes several modest reforms to update our tax system, including: taxing some short-term room rentals; requiring additional online retailers to collect sales taxes; and having credit card companies remit sales taxes to the Commonwealth more quickly.

As with past budget proposals, the Governor's FY 2018 budget does not propose significant new funding to make progress on some of the big challenges our Commonwealth faces, such as expanding early education; making higher education more affordable; improving schools in all of our communities; or fixing our transportation infrastructure.

Check out the Budget Monitor examination of the Governor's proposals for major state programs in greater detail. Links from the Table of Contents allow readers to jump quickly to specific sections. Each section also provides links to our on-line budget tools including our Budget Browser (which provides funding information for every account in the state budget going back to FY 2001) and, where applicable, to our Children's Budget and Jobs and Workforce Budget.

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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Sent by nberger@massbudget.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact
Gov Baker's budget proposal press release

and the direct link to the Governor's budget



In the News: Franklin Public Radio born; Anne-Marie Weaver in lead role

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"At 10:29 exactly Thursday morning, a new sound hit the Franklin airwaves. 
Franklin TV Executive Director Peter Fasciano, sitting in a small shelter on Forge Hill, struck a few keys on a laptop, cueing a brief announcement about a new radio station and its mission. With that, the programming switched to music, and 102.9 FM WFPR - Franklin Public Radio - was born. 
This marked the culmination of a multi-year process, Fasciano said, with the first steps taken back in 2012. Efforts accelerated last summer, with the public access station working with federal agencies and local boards to approve the antenna's location and prepare for broadcasting."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170202/new-radio-station-launches-in-franklin

the radio tower was placed only a few days ago
the radio tower was put into place on January 17, 2017 (Photo via @wknorman)


"The Walpole Footlighters are warming up winter at their playhouse at 2 Scout Road in East Walpole, where they have been rehearsing for their next production, "Don't Dress for Dinner". 
In the cast of this comedy is Franklin's Anne-Marie Weaver. 
The show will be performed weekends from Feb. 3 through 19. This is the second production of the Walpole Footlighters 2016-2017 season, their 92nd in continuous operation. 
Weaver plays the role of Jacqueline, who creates much of the hilarity in this frenzied farce. Weaver returned to the Footlighters stage in 2014 in the Ken Ludwig comedy "Fox on the Fairway" after a 12-year hiatus. Her first role at Footlighters was as the grieving daughter in "Graceland," which was followed by parts in "6 Rms Riv Vu," "Sweet Charity," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and as the trouble-making maid in "Angel Street."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170202/franklin-actress-appearing-in-footlighters-dont-dress-for-dinner

Valentine Wine Tasting - Franklin Liquors - Feb 7

February 7 at 7pm

Host: Shanley Snydeman

At this tasting we will explore wines that will be great to pair on Valentines Day.
A mix of types and styles to get you ready for the big day.

Let's taste and explore.

About Shanley
Shanley is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. She holds degrees in Culinary Arts from Johnson and Wales and Bachelors in Hospitality Management from Endicott College. 
She is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and has over a decade of experience working with the wine programs of such restaurants as Legal Sea Foods, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse and Gibbet Hill Grill. In her spare time she enjoys snowboarding, sailing and hockey.

Register at this link
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/events/236822859/

http://www.franklinliquors.com/
http://www.franklinliquors.com/

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Free Narcan and CPR (‘Hands Only’) Training Session - Feb 15

The S.A.F.E. Coalition, in association with the Franklin Fire Department, Franklin Police Department and BAMSI (Brockton Area Multi-Services Inc.) will present a Free Narcan and CPR (‘Hands Only’) Training Session on Wednesday February 15, 2017 at 4:00 – 8:00 pm at the Franklin Fire Department Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA. 

The public is invited.


‘Drop-In’ Narcan Training Session


The ‘Drop-In’ Narcan Training Session will be ongoing from 4:00-8:00 pm with no reservation necessary. Narcan will be distributed at no charge after the training session.


“Overdose deaths caused by heroin and synthetic opioids have reached an all-time high. Naloxone, commonly referred to by the brand name Narcan, has been proven to save lives by reversing the effects of opioids. Anyone with minimal training can learn how to administer naloxone and save the life of an individual experiencing an opioid-related overdose.”
T.J. Lynch
Chief of Police, Franklin


“Generic Narcan (naloxone), an opioid antagonist, is perhaps the one most critical drugs in combatting overdose with heroin, fentanyl and other illicit opioids. Without this drug, untold numbers of lives, far in excess of those already lost, would have not been given the chance to battle Substance Use Disorder. It is critical that ‘Narcan’ become widely available during this prolonged and growing epidemic until we can stem the deaths associated with these opioids.”
Jordan E. Warnick, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Associate Dean (Ret.)
University of Maryland School of Medicine, Secretary, S.A.F.E.


"Providing Narcan is an important step in combating the opioid epidemic that is raging in our community. Life-saving Narcan grants overdose victims another chance to find recovery" 
Jim Derick
President, S.A.F.E.


Franklin Fire Dept Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA
Franklin Fire Dept Headquarters, 40 West Central Street, Franklin MA


CPR Training Session


The CPR Training Session is a ‘Hands-Only’ session and will be offered at 4:00 pm, 5:15 pm and 6:30 pm. REGISTRATION is essential for the CPR training – send an email to info@safecoalitionma.com with your name and session time. Information of certificate programs will be available.

“In an emergency that causes a loss of breathing or lose their pulse, whether it is drug-related or not, the availability of CPR can be critical. Waiting for an ambulance and trained medical personnel may not be an option. You can make a difference!”


The S.A.F.E. Coalition provides this and other sessions to provide education, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for those affected by Substance Abuse Disorder, their families and friends. For more information please contact the S.A.F.E. Coalition at 508-488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.com

http://safecoalitionma.com/
http://safecoalitionma.com/



Franklin Police Department Promotions: Smith, Guarino, Bussey, Grover, West

The introductions made by Chief Lynch:

 
L to R: Bussey, Smith, Grover, West, Guarino
L to R: Bussey, Smith, Grover, West, Guarino


Daniel E. Smith = Promotion to Sergeant



Officer Smith has been with the Franklin Police Department for the past 16 years. He is a graduate of the 1997, 4th MPOC Norwood Academy. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Salem State College and received his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College in 1999. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician,a member of the Franklin Police Honor Guard and is a certified motorcycle instructor. He currently works as a School Resource Officer for the Department.
After a rigorous selection process that included a test,internal and external interview panels, Danny has been selected to serve as the newest Sergeant in the Operations Division. Danny has excellent communication skills,is highly organized and has the ability to lead by example. We expect great things from him during his upcoming assignment. 
Danny is married to wife Amy and they have two children; Tim and Hannah. 
It gives me great pleasure to recognize Sergeant Daniel Smith.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdHJweFg4bVZhRUU


Paul R. Guarino = Promotion to Community Service Officer



Paul is a 12 year veteran of the Franklin Police Department. He graduated from the 44th MPOC, Plymouth Academy in 2004. He holds an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Massasoit Community College. Paul is a United States Military Veteran having served honorably with the United States Army. 
During his time with the Franklin Police Paul has received numerous letters of commendation as well as the Franklin Police Life Saving Award and Honorable Service Award. Paul was the former Police Explorer program coordinator and serves on the departments' Honor Guard. He is a certified Field Training Officer and is currently assigned as the departments Domestic Violence coordinator. 
Paul is married to his wife Elise. 
Paul has all the necessary skills required to succeed as the newest Community Services Officer. It gives me great pleasure to recognize Paul Guarino as the newest member of the Community Services Division.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczdXpaV2Zrd1h2U3c

Jonathon Bussey = Promotion to Detective



Jonathon is a lifelong Franklin resident and has been employed by the Franklin Police Department for the past 11years. Jon graduated from the gth MPOC,Weymouth Police Academy in 2005. During the past 11 years Jon was assigned to the departments patrol division. Jon is a certified Field Training Officer, a mountain bike officer and a member of the Franklin Police Honor Guard. Jon has been awarded the departments Life Saving Award and has received numerous letters of commendation and recognition. 
Outside of the deportment Jon is a football coach,having coached at Assumption College, Tri-County High School and he currently coaches at Medway High School. Jon has an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts. We expect great things from Jon. 
Please join me in congratulating him on his well deserved promotion to Detective.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczOHlKSXpWeGNHVHc


Richard H Grover = Promotion to Detective



Officer Grover is a lifelong Franklin resident. He is a 1995 graduate of the 17th MPOC, Plymouth Academy, and a United sates Navy Veteran, having served honorably with the United States Navy during Operation Desert Storm and then with National Guard; 772nd Military Police Unit in Taunton MA. He received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Massachusetts Bay Community College in 1999 and is currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Science Degree program with Southern New Hampshire University. 
Officer Grover has served as President of the Franklin Police Patrol Officers Union and has been instrumental in organizing and planning many community based events; to include the annual Senior Dinner, the Halloween Celebration, our annual toy and clothing drives. He is also a member of the departments Honor Guard and serves as our Veteran liaison Officer. Rick also serves as a certified Accident Reconstructionist. 
Rick has two children Bridie and Shea. 
After a rigorous selection process; it give me great pleasure to announce that Rick has been selected to serve as a Detective within the Specialized Services Division. We expect great things from him during his upcoming assignment.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczYmplSURoUWd0eE0


Lieutenant Jim West = Operations Division Commander



Lieutenant James West began his law enforcement career at an early age. During high school he joined the Law Enforcement Explorer Program with the United States Customs Service at Logan Airport in Boston. After high school he joined the U.S. Army Reserves where he graduated as Distinguished Honor Graduate of Infantry Basic Training. After basic training he became a Winthrop Auxiliary Police Officer and he worked as a Boston Special Police Officer. He became a Reserve Officer in Winthrop in 1996 and in 1998 Jim was hired as a full time officer there and went to the 9th MPOC at the Norwood Police Academy. 
In 2001 Jim transferred to the Franklin Police Department. Jim was promoted to Sergeant in 2004 and was a patrol sergeant for 12 years until recently becoming Administrative Sergeant for the past six months. During his tenure at the Franklin PD Jim has been a motorcycle officer, firearms and Taser instructor, and was instrumental in starting the honor guard and youth explorer post. Jim is a member of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council where he is a SWAT operator, element leader and search and rescue manager. Jim was in charge of a group of one of the first SWAT teams called to Boston after the Boston Marathon Bombings and to Watertown to assist in the search for the suspect. 
Jim is also the lead Staff Instructor at the Boylston Police Academy where he leads a staff of drill instructors who have helped train hundreds of new and veteran officers.  
During his career Jim has been awarded many citations and awards including the SWAT Medal of Valor, two Combat Crosses, and the life saving award to name a few. 
Jim has an associates degree in criminal justice from Western New England College and he is currently working toward his Bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University. 
Jim is married to his wife Lisa and he has two children, Robbie and Krista. 
It is my pleasure to introduce our Operations Division Commander, Lieutenant Jim West.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0wjbnXDBhczcEdXdzFBVG1jeDA

FHS teams post wins across the board in basketball, wrestling and hockey

From Hockomock Sports we share the results of Wednesday's FHS sports teams. We add some details and photos via Twitter. 

You can follow FHS Sports vis this list of Twitter accounts (if you see I have missed one, please let me know) https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports


Boys Basketball = Franklin, 80 @ Sharon, 57 – Final
– Franklin scored 26 points in the first quarter and never looked back, hitting the 80 point mark for the second game in a row. Junior Paul Mahon dropped a game-high 18 points while senior Josh Macchi chipped in with 16 points for the Panthers. Sharon junior Malik Lorquet had 13 points and 10 rebounds and senior Ben Stamm added 10 points for the Eagles.

Girls Basketball = Sharon, 34 @ Franklin, 76 – Final
– The Panthers had four players reach double figures in points led by Carli Koffinke’s 15. Ali Brigham added 12, Margaux Welsh had 11, and Bea Bondhus scored 10 for the Panthers. Sharon freshman Telishya Herbert, a recent varsity call-up, led the Eagles with eight points.

Boys hockey = King Philip, 1 @ Franklin, 3 – Final

Girls Hockey = Franklin, 7 vs. Dover-Sherborn/Hopkinton, 3 – Final

Wrestling = Franklin, 45 @ King Philip, 18 – Final
– Franklin clinched the Kelley-Rex title outright, its first since 2014 and the program’s 17th Hockomock title with a win at KP.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-020117/

B V ICE - Franklin vs. KP IS UNDERWAY! Senior Night here at Veterans Arena.
B V ICE - Franklin vs. KP IS UNDERWAY! Senior Night here at Veterans Arena via @FHSSports 

















Dean College will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream

The School of the Arts at Dean College will perform A Midsummer Night's Dream, beginning Wednesday, February 22, 2017 through Sunday, February 26, 2017.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is perhaps the best loved of Shakespeare's plays. It brings together the realms of the mortal and immortal, colliding in a wood outside Athens, and from there the enchantment begins. Simple and engaging on the surface, it is none the less a highly original and sophisticated work, where love is capricious as the wind, and where a mischievous imp named Puck plays with fate as merrily as a baby with a toy.

You won't want to miss our talented students perform in this well-loved play!

The Dean College production of A Midsummer Night's Dream will take place in the Main Stage in the Campus Center at Dean College, 99 Main Street, Franklin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

General admission is $22, Seniors $12 and Children $7.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.dean.edu/boxoffice.


Dean College, Main St Franklin
Dean College, Main St Franklin

Senator Ross: January 2017 State House Update



Senator Richard J. Ross, State House Update, January 2017
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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,

The legislature is back for the 2017-2018 session. Each respective office has filed their bills for the year and the State House is busy as legislators look for co-sponsorship on their proposed legislation.

In this month's newsletter you can find information regarding the recreation marijuana six-month delay, a brief overview of Governor Baker's proposed FY18 budget and updates pertaining to local grants.

I am once again hosting Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Seminars across the district. The full schedule can be found below.

As always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. It's an honor to serve you.


Sincerely,
Goals for the 2017-2018 Legislative Session

January 4th marked the beginning of the 2017-2018 Legislative Session where my colleagues and I were sworn in to the Massachusetts State Senate. This is my fourth consecutive term in which I have had the privilege of serving the people of the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District.

During this legislative session, I will continue to focus on the priorities of my district such as local aid, education funding, public safety, and economic development, while striving to maintain a cost effective and transparent government.

The first thing my colleagues and I will be working to fix is the new recreational marijuana law. It is important that we carry out this process properly and address the serious public health and safety issues that were not sufficiently covered in the ballot language.

One of the new issues that I plan to spearhead this term will be legislation to stop the act of patent trolling, which has had an extremely detrimental effect on many businesses in my district and across the Commonwealth.

Because the voice of my constituents is so important to doing my job, I encourage you to reach out to my office and attend district office hours so that I can better understand the areas of our state government that need attention. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you.

Copyright © 2017 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




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The newsletter was shortened for publication here, to read the full copy follow this link  View this email in your browser




"This is a first step"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The Town Council held a public hearing on new recreational marijuana zoning rules, and opted to move the matter forward to another reading. 
The council at its Wednesday night meeting considered a series of five zoning bylaw amendments, meant to govern where recreational marijuana buildings and businesses could be placed in town. It approved a first reading of the changes that night, with a final vote to come at a subsequent council meeting. 
If approved, the amendments would keep such facilities in the local industrial parks, at least temporarily. 
Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said recreational marijuana facilities would be allowed in the same areas where medicinal operations can exist. The changes, he said, also require a special permit for both medicinal and recreational buildings."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170201/franklin-council-moves-forward-on-marijuana-regs


My notes from this section of the Town Council meeting recorded no citizens comments and very little discussion among the Council during the public hearing for this first reading. At this point, this is a non-controversial item.
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/live-reporting-public-hearing-on.html

The Council did take action to move the five items together to a second reading
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Police Chief Lynch introducing the five police department members that were recognized with  promotions during the Town Council meeting Feb 1, 2017
Police Chief Lynch introducing the five police department members that were recognized with
promotions during the Town Council meeting Feb 1, 2017

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Live reporting: to closing


K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
condolences for D Baker family
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Dellorco - SAFE Colation would like to make an update on programs done and planned
Feb 28 for future work shop
M. COUNCIL COMMENTSPellegri - condolences for D Baker family
also for Rappa family, was prior Treasurer
Horace Mann Status unveiling - May 7

Padula - same

Mercer - same
grand re-opening of Senior Center 2/26, 11-2PM


Vallee - same

Jones - same
Franklin Radio starts broadcasting a limited schedule

Dellorco - condolences for Baker and Rappa families

Bissanti - same

Pfeffer - same
Franklin Police Dept - list of ovedoses in 2016, 2017 on the website; 58 overdoes, 9 deaths, epidemic still going on
something should be done to help the couple living in their car in Franklin

Kelly - same condolences
revisions being requested for Council schedule
N. EXECUTIVE SESSIONnot required 
O. ADJOURN     - motion to adjourn, seconded, pass 9-0