MassBudget: What's the actual state cost of MassHealth?

What is the Actual State Cost of MassHealth? This year, the MassHealth program (the name for Massachusetts' Medicaid program) will provide health insurance for 1.9 million residents: children in low-income households; low-wage workers; elders in nursing homes; people with disabilities; and others with very low incomes who cannot afford insurance. This is more than one-quarter of the Commonwealth's population, including close to one-half of all children. Not surprisingly, such a significant program represents a large share of the state's budget. But how much? MassBudget's new fact sheet, "What is the Actual State Cost of Mass Health in 2018?," explains that since Medicaid is a partnership between state and federal governments, much of this essential health care coverage is actually paid for by the federal government. The Governor's proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget includes approximately $16.6 billion for MassHealth. This total (or "gross" amount) is approximately 37 percent of total state budget appropriations. The federal government then reimburses Massachusetts for more than half of this spending. After receiving these reimbursements, the state's net cost for MassHealth is $8.0 billion, 24 percent of the total net budget. To read the full MassBudget fact sheet on the actual cost of MassHealth, click here (LINK). #   #   # 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

FHS boys and girls track teams top KP in close meets

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Tuesday, May 16.

Softball = Franklin, 3 @ Mansfield, 4 – Final

– Mansfield scored two runs in the third, added two more in the fourth and never trailed in a close win over Franklin. Marissa Staffier knocked in a pair of runs in the third, bringing home Megan Letendre (double) and Mady Bendanillo (single). In the fourth, Letendre and Bendanillo – who both had two hits on the day – had RBI singles to cap the Hornets’ scoring. Sarah Cahill struck out three while allowing 10 hits in the win. Franklin freshman Anna Balkus went 3-for-3 while Alyssa DaSilva and Alexx Niss (two-run triple)each had two hits for the Panthers.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 2 @ Mansfield, 3 – Final

– Franklin won both doubles matches but Mansfield swept singles play to earn the win. For Franklin, James Johnston and Derek Wu won 6-2, 6-3 at first doubles and Tyler DiPalma and Rahul Hosdurg prevailed with a 6-4, 6-2 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Mansfield, 3 @ Franklin, 2 – Final

– Mansfield earned two wins in singles play and one more in doubles to defeat Franklin on the road. Junior Sarah Doyle won 6-1, 6-1 at second singles and sophomore Elizabeth Elsner took a 6-2, 6-2 decision at third singles. Mansfield’s first doubles team of Chloe Peters and Tessa Garufi won 6-0, 6-0. Franklin’s Hannah Sweeney won 6-2, 6-2 at first singles and the team of Jillian McLaughlin and Alexa Katsaros won 6-4, 2-6, 10-4 at second doubles.

Boys Track = Franklin, 71.33 @ King Philip, 64.67 – Final

Girls Track = Franklin, 71 @ King Philip, 65 – Final

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-051617/

FHS Panthers

FHS girls outdoor T&F are your 2017 KELLEY REX CHAMPS 🎉🎉🎉 congrats on an amazing 5-0 season girls! 🏃‍♀️💕

— Franklin Girls T&F (@FHS_girlsXC) May 16, 2017

“We can’t give up hope right now”

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

"Hours after police search dogs may have picked up a scent in the search for a missing 20-year-old Franklin man, the community came together Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil in support of his family. 

Police said a bloodhound had tracked a scent for Michael Doherty, a junior at Duke University, into Bellingham and asked people in the Maple Street area, by way of an automated phone call, to check their backyards or sheds for any sign of the missing man. Authorities said they would be bringing in additional dogs to further explore the trail. 

Other than that, there was little progress announced. 

The search on Tuesday continued until dark, authorities said, and investigative efforts will be ongoing. Police said they are not prepared to say when the search would be called off, or when efforts would shift from rescue to recovery. About 50 searchers, including the civilian Massachusetts Rescue and Recovery Canine Unit, took part."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170516/candlelight-vigil-for-missing-franklin-man

Facebook image

Senate Ways and Means Releases FY 2018 Budget Recommendations

The Senate Committee on Ways and Means today (Tuesday - May 16)  announced a $40.79 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The budget recommends targeted investments in a variety of areas to sustain and advance our shared prosperity and future growth, directing resources to programs and services essential for children, families and communities.

“This budget focuses on the fundamentals: education, health and human services, and housing,” said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “The Committee is clear-eyed about the fiscal environment in which we release our recommendations, but we stand firm in our belief that money invested in securing hope and opportunity for our people is money well spent. As we face unsteady times, we must be prepared to act responsibly. But we must never lose sight of the fact that our fortunes rise and fall together, and that taking care of each other is a core Massachusetts value.”

“This Senate budget makes strategic investments in the Commonwealth’s most critical programs and services, while still working within the context of our fiscal realities,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett), Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “As the chair of the Senate Kids First working group, I am particularly pleased with the targeted investments and wide range of supports we included for children and their families. I am proud to have once again worked with Chairwoman Spilka to craft a sustainable and compassionate budget that both reflects the shared priorities of the Senate and addresses the pressing needs of communities throughout the Commonwealth.”

“Once again, we face a very challenging budget year. Our revenues are inadequate to meet many needs and commitments in education, transportation, and housing, among other critical areas” said Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), Assistant Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Chairwoman Spilka and her team have listened to senators and advocates. With compassion and innovative ideas, they worked hard to reconcile those needs with our current resources.”

The FY 2018 budget includes $40.79B in total spending, an increase of 3.3% over FY 2017 estimated spending, and invests in key areas related to local aid, education, health and human services, housing and workforce development. The Committee’s budget recommendations limit the use of one-time revenue sources and protect the state’s Stabilization Fund.

In line with the Senate’s Kids First framework to invest in our children, the Committee directs funding to high quality education for everyone, from children at birth to adults making midlife career transitions.

• $4.76B in Chapter 70 education funding, including a minimum increase of $30 per pupil aid, 85% effort reduction to bring school districts closer to their target spending and steps to implement the Foundation Budget Review Commission’s recommendations for health care and special education costs.

• $545.1M for community colleges and universities and $529.5M for the University of Massachusetts, to support lifelong learning and workforce development initiatives at our state higher education institutions.
• $293.7M to fully fund the Special Education Circuit Breaker for the 6^th year in a row, reimbursing school districts for the high cost of educating students with disabilities.
• $15.1M to expand access to high quality preschool for low income 4 year olds.
• $10M to boost salaries for early educators.

The Committee’s budget takes steps to contain health care costs and invests in health and human services to ensure access to high quality, affordable health care and to support children, seniors, people with disabilities and veterans.

• $143M for a range of substance abuse treatment, intervention and recovery support services.
• $91.4M for mental health services for children and young people, including $3.7M for the Massachusetts Child Psychiatric Access Program and $100K for a new pilot program to increase care coordination and referral resources for children with behavioral health needs.
• $24.2M to fully fund Department of Developmental Services Turning 22 services to help young people with disabilities transition to the adult services system.
• $13.2M for Family Resource Centers, providing an array of services for families across the state, including multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups and early childhood services.
• $3.5M to encourage collaboration among agencies, schools and community partners to strengthen programming for early detection and screening for mental illness in children.

The Committee’s budget invests $464.1M in low income housing and homelessness services, with a focus on preventative and supportive resources to connect people with affordable, stable housing, as well as assistance for those in crisis. In addition to increasing funding, the budget expands access to housing and homelessness prevention resources by increasing the income threshold for rental vouchers, expanding eligibility for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program and increasing the HomeBASE re-housing subsidy cap to better divert families to housing.

• $165.9M for Emergency Assistance Family Shelters.
• $100M for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, providing funding for 350 to 400 new rental assistance vouchers.
• $46.2M for assistance for homeless individuals.
• $32.6M for the HomeBASE diversion and rapid re-housing program.
• $18.5M for RAFT, providing short-term financial assistance to low income families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
• $5.5M for the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide over 100 new rental assistance vouchers for low income people with disabilities.
• $2.5M for housing and supportive services for unaccompanied homeless youth.

The Committee’s budget also makes targeted investments to promote self-sufficiency among low income families and create opportunities for people to develop the skills they need to compete in the workforce and boost our economy.

• $30M for adult basic education services.
• $14.6M for the Department of Transitional Assistance Employment Services Program to help people move toward economic independence and self-sufficiency.
• $12.5M for summer jobs and work-readiness training for at-risk youth.
• $4M for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund.

The Senate Ways and Means budget continues the Senate’s strong partnership with municipalities in directing significant investments to local aid and community services.

• $1.06B for Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA) to support community investments in education, health care, public safety and roads and bridges.
• $83M for Regional Transit Authorities.
• $27.7M for the Board of Library Commissioners, $10.4M for regional library local aid, $9.8M for municipal libraries and $2.3M for technology and automated resources.
• $16.5M for the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support the state-wide creative economy and local arts and culture.
• $14M for local Councils on Aging to strengthen programs and services in senior centers.

Senators can file amendments to the Senate Ways and Means recommendations until Thursday at 5 p.m. The full Senate will then debate the Fiscal Year 2018 budget in formal session beginning Tuesday, May 23^rd. The FY 2018 Senate Ways and Means Budget Recommendations are available on the Massachusetts legislature’s website: https://malegislature.gov/Budget/SenateWaysMeansBudget.

Franklin Public Library: Book Sale - May 20

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The bag sale is Sunday from 9:00 to noon.

Franklin Public Library Book Sale, Saturday, May 20, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This was shared from the Franklin Public Library page
http://franklinpl.blogspot.com/2017/05/franklin-public-library-book-sale.html

FHS girls lacrosse tops Westwood 8-7

From Hockomock Sports, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Monday, May 15. Due to the weather, the baseball and softball games and both the boys and girls tennis matches were all rescheduled.

Boys Lacrosse = Franklin, 11 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 12 – Final (2OT)

– St. John’s rattled off a 5-0 run in the second half to create an 11-7 cushion but the Panthers answered, scoring four straight goals over the final 5:45, capped with a goal from freshman Jake Davis with just seven seconds left to send the game into overtime. The Panthers won the face off at the beginning of each overtime period but couldn’t covert and the Pioneers netted the winner with 1:02 to go in the second overtime. Eric Civetti led Franklin’s offense with seven goals and one assist, Packie Watson scored twice and had one helper and Nitin Chaudhury scored once. Sam Arsenault, Jack Platner and Kyle McEniry had had one assist while Jacob Alexander won 19 face offs.

Girls Lacrosse = Franklin, 8 vs. Westwood, 7 – Final

– Franklin freshman goalie Gianna Cameron made 15 saves and FHS head coach Kristin Igoe Guarino had high praise for her defensive unit, anchored by Dana Lewandowski and Grace McDermott. The win marked the Panthers’ first ever win over Westwood, the defending D1 state champions. Caroline Lounsbury led the offense with three goals, Erin Walsh netted two goals and Annie Walsh recorded a goal and an assist. Jordan Jette had two helpers and Kendall Reardon and Kelsey MacCallum both found the back of the net once.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-051517/

FHS Panthers

FHS Unified Track competes in Hockomock League Championships

Via the Twitterverse, we can share tweets and photos of the FHS Unified Track team at the Hockomock Championship on Monday.

FHS Unified Track competes in Hockomock League Championships

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/tmdO16xlfO

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/AqWo05h0Yw

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/C7Hv2TxNKZ

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

FHS UNIFIED TRACK TEAM competed in today's HOCKOMOCK CHAMPIONSHIP MEET! We are so proud of this OUTSTANDING TEAM! #PantherPride pic.twitter.com/kiZxywygBT

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) May 15, 2017

Horace Mann Middle School - Pour Richard's Fundraiser – Thursday, May 18

Wine/Beer Tasting social event to benefit Horace Mann Middle School PCC. $10 admission for a tasting of several different beers and wines. 

Pour Richard's will also donate a percentage of purchases made that night, and we will have some raffle items - tickets are $1 each.

If you can’t make it to the event, consider doing some shopping for any upcoming Memorial Day parties! 

All purchases made on Thursday, when you show the flyer (see below), will be counted in the purchases for our event. Pour Richard's is located at 14 Grove St. in Franklin.

Any questions? Please contact Terri Attinello at tattinello@msn.com.

FM# 130 - Audio Recording of Horace Mann Statue - May 7, 2017 (audio)

If you missed the unveiling of the Horace Mann Statue on Sunday, May 7, you can listen to the audio recording of the ceremony here.

the Horace Mann statue stands to welcome folks to downtown Franklin

FM #130

This internet radio show or podcast is number 130 in the series for Franklin Matters. This captured the audio recording of the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling held May 7, 2017.

The unveiling ceremony was hosted by the Statue Committee.

The program for the ceremony can be found here:

May 7, 2017 Program

Welcome

Deborah L. Pellegri, Co-Chairman

Introduction of Committee Members:

Charles F. Oteri, Co Chairman

Robert Dellorco, Thomas Mercer

Lisa Piana, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Introduction of Town Councilors:

Matt Kelly, Chairman; Robert Vallee, Vice Chairman;

Judith Pfeffer, Clerk; Andrew Bissanti, Robert Dellorco, Glenn Jones, Thomas Mercer, Peter Padula, Deborah L. Pellegri

Background on Horace Mann:

Jordan Oteri, grade 7

Megan Levesque, grade 7

FSPA

Song:  Horace, Now There was a Mann

Introduction of Robert Shure:

Sculptor/presentation of statue

(statue unveiled)

Remarks by Honored Guests:

Senator Karen Spilka (absent due to injury)

Senator Richard Ross

Representative Jeffrey Roy

Dr. F. Javier Cevallos, Framingham State University

Dr. Paula Rooney, Dean College

Dr. Kevin O’Malley, Franklin School Committee

Introduction of Jamie Barrett

“The City Known as the Town of Franklin”

Closing

Without further ado, here is the recording

-------------

This brings the recording of the Horace Mann Statue Unveiling to a close.

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.

How can you help?

If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.

If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.

Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission

I hope you enjoy!

The photo slideshow of the ceremony can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/05/horace-mann-stature-unveiling-photo.html

The Program booklet can be found here

Police Alert: missing 20 year old, male, last seen in the Phyllis Lane area of Franklin

The Franklin Police is attempting to locate a missing 20 year old, male. His name is Michael Doherty. He was last seen in the Phyllis LN area at approximately 1:30 AM this (Sunday) morning. 

He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt with a Nike symbol, black pants and sneakers. 

He is a white male 5 feet 10 inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. 

We urge you to check the area outside your residence including any sheds or detached buildings and call the Franklin Police at 508 528 1212 if you have any information. 

Please be advised during this time you may see increased public safety presence in the area.

Police Alert: missing 20 year old, male,  last seen in the Phyllis Lane area of Franklin

Shared from Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10154307754095916&id=162770995915

Reporting by Walking Around - Saturday, May 13

After spending most of the week out of Franklin on business, my Saturday morning walk got me caught up on some of what was happening or had happened while I was away. 

Join me as I walk downtown and then out Pleasant St to DelCarte. Starting with some close up photos of the new Horace Mann statue. 

Horace Mann 1

Horace Mann 2

Horace Mann 3

Horace Mann 4

I am impressed by the level of detail shown in the statue. The coat has texture and folds just like a real coat. Amazing work!

the exterior stonework is being applied to the Library addition

mystery dinner theater event coming to Franklin Federated June 10

volunteers from the Franklin Garden Club were hard at work on the grounds
at the Town Common with help from some of the Newcomers Club

new pavement on a section of Pleasant St was completed during the week

the reinstalled playground at DelCarte is open as of Saturday,
so when the rain decides to end it can be used again

while we have been getting a lot of rain, the water level at DelCarte is still way below normal

Register O'Donnell Promotes Protection Against Real Estate Fraud

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Promotes Protection Against Real Estate Fraud Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded residents that approximately 600 homeowners have signed up for the free on-line Consumer Notification Service offered by the Registry to protect Norfolk County property owners against fraud. "The F.B.I. continues to assign resources to combat property and mortgage fraud. Multiple jurisdictions across the country have reported individuals recording fraudulent documents and making it appear like they own another person's home or property. While we have been fortunate that this problem has not revealed itself here in Norfolk County, I want to make sure my office is proactively and vigorously protecting consumers," noted Register O'Donnell. Any owner of real property in the twenty-eight communities comprising Norfolk County can sign-up for the Consumer Notification Service free of charge by doing the following: Go to the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org, and click on the Consumer Notification Service Get Consumer "Alerts" button to complete the initial registration. From there, follow the remaining sign-up instructions. Once you have signed up for the service, each subscriber will be able to input two names, individual or business, and the corresponding city or town in Norfolk County for monitoring. They can monitor their real estate for such activities as changes in deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharge, non-mortgage liens, Homesteads or other land documents that might be recorded against the property. If a document is recorded against one of the names inputted for monitoring, the subscriber will be alerted via email, usually within 24 hours. The person can check the Registry's on-line land research records at www.norfolkresearch.org as an option. If a subscriber believes a fraudulent land record has been recorded against their property, they should then immediately contact the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. After talking with a Registry employee, the subscriber will be given a list of public safety referrals by the Registry. Register O'Donnell concluded, "The core mission of the Registry of Deeds is to record land documents in a secure, accurate and accessible manner. As your Norfolk County Register of Deeds, I also want to be proactive in minimizing the potential for fraudulent activity related to land document recordings. The Consumer Notification Service provides a level of protection to the program's subscribers against unscrupulous individuals who would attempt to commit real estate fraud." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

CANCELED - Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18

Jessica M. Vaughan a Franklin resident, is the Director of Policy Studies for the Center for Immigration Studies and is frequently seen on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and NBC Boston

When: Thursday, May 18 @7:00 PM
Where: Franklin VFW, Pond St

Hosted by Franklin Republican Town Committee


Updated 4:00 PM 5/18/17  The event has been canceled by the hosts (the Franklin Republican Town Committee) with a statement to be available later 

Immigration Discussion with Jessica Vaughan - May 18

Additional info can be found in the flyer embedded below

Town Council - May 10 - Actions Taken

I missed reporting on the Town Council meeting this week as I was away from Franklin on a business trip. The Actions Taken summary provides the high level overview on what was approved. 

• Jeffrey Milne was approved as a member of the Conservation Commission
• Phyllis Smith was approved as a member of the Cultural Council
• The Franklin Food Pantry made a presentation.
• The financial transfers discussed in the Finance Committee April 25 were approved. 
• The water and sewer map extension to allow the new school proposed for relocation to the Mount St/Union St area was denied.
• The bylaw to allow "Brewery, Distillery, or Winery with a Tasting Room" was referred to the Planning Board. After the Planning Board reviews the bylaw, it will come back to the Town Council for two readings before a final decision.

You can review the full listing of Actions Taken in the embedded document

the playground at DelCarte was redone and opened on Saturday