MassBudget: What the federal tax law means for Massachusetts

And what the Commonwealth can do in response

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Study Finds Federal Tax Changes Primarily Benefit Massachusetts' Highest Income Households, Outlines Potential State Responses Rather than making the kinds of investments in people and communities that could strengthen the economy and expand opportunity, the federal government recently enacted a $1.5 trillion tax cut package that is tilted sharply towards very high income-households and corporations.  The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center's new report finds that in 2019 the average tax cut - including the effects of corporate cuts that eventually flow through to individuals - for the highest-income one percent of Massachusetts households will be $84,720. These tax cuts will likely lead to deep cuts in federal programs that people in Massachusetts rely on, and will make it very unlikely that the federal government will be able to address issues like making higher education affordable, improving public schools, or strengthening our transportation infrastructure. The report also explores a number of specific provisions of the federal tax law that could directly affect state finances because of interactions between our state tax code and the federal code including the following: A gradual erosion of the value of the state Earned Income Tax Credit Extension of 529 college savings plans to subsidize private primary and secondary school tuition Various changes to corporate tax rules that could have positive and negative effects on state tax revenue Read the report 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

In the News: US Attorney comments on enforcement; Justice Dept goes after sanctuary cities

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

"Opioid crimes are his top drug enforcement priority, but U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling told reporters Wednesday that his enforcement of federal marijuana laws could ensnare anyone from an hourly wage employee at a marijuana dispensary to a bank that opens an account for a pot shop. 

During a meeting with reporters at the federal courthouse, Lelling, a recent appointee of President Donald Trump, repeated that he will not rule out bringing criminal cases against participants in the forthcoming state-legal retail marijuana industry. 

“It puts the banks in a bind. I understand that,” Lelling said. Marijuana distribution is unambiguously illegal under federal law and he cannot preemptively rule out anyone for prosecution, he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180124/us-attorney-stands-his-ground-on-pot-prosecution

"The Justice Department ramped up pressure Wednesday on so-called sanctuary cities seeking public safety grant money, warning state and local officials they could be legally forced to prove they are cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The move prompted immediate backlash, with mayors from across the country announcing they would boycott a planned meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon. 

Officials sent letters to roughly two dozen jurisdictions threatening to issue subpoenas if they don’t willingly relinquish documents showing they aren’t withholding information about the citizenship or immigration status of people in custody. The department has repeatedly threatened to deny millions of dollars in important grant money to communities that refuse to comply with a federal statute requiring information-sharing with federal authorities, as part of the Trump administration’s promised crackdown on cities and states that refuse to help enforce U.S. immigration laws. 

Many cities have been openly defiant in the face of the threats, with lawsuits pending in Chicago, Philadelphia and California over whether the administration has overstepped its authority by seeking to withhold grant money."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20180124/mayors-boycott-trump-meeting-after-sanctuary-cities-threat

In the News: timeliness of MBTA updates; Gov Baker's State of MA speech

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

"Dedham Police responded to a truck that struck a bridge on East Street by Endicott Rotary Tuesday morning. 

Police responded at approximately 7 a.m. for a report of a Swift truck striking the MBTA Commuter Rail bridge on East Street. The truck became stuck while attempting to drive under the bridge, though it was not badly damaged and the trains were able to safely cross. 

The Dedham Police updated people using Facebook."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180123/truck-crashes-into-bridge-delaying-franklin-commuter-rail-line

Noteworthy: the article touts the MBTA for keeping folks aware via Twitter. Yet the timeliness of those updates was also captured and is the real issue. The MBTA first tweeted at 9:07 AM for the incident that the police responded to at 7:00 AM. Really?

Update: Franklin Train 703 (8:04 am from South Station) is operating 40-45 minutes behind schedule between Ruggles and Forge Park due to a bridge strike near Dedham.

— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 23, 2018

"Gov. Charlie Baker called for improvements in education, transportation and housing Tuesday in his last state of the state address before seeking a second term in office. 

In the half-hour speech, the Republican said Massachusetts can’t rest on its laurels. 

He said while the state has seen a drop in opioid-related overdose deaths, more needs to be done. 

He also pushed an initiative to create more housing and said the state is working to increase its reliance on renewable energy and improve transportation."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180124/baker-outlines-broad-approach-in-state-of-state-address

The Governor's budget will be available today. This provides the first look at the state funding expected to come Franklin's way for local aid, roads, and schools. The state funding amounts to approx. 30% of the Franklin revenue side of the budget.

The full text of Governor Baker's address can be found online
https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-baker-delivers-third-state-of-the-commonwealth-address

Live reporting: Consent Approval, then to Closing

7. Consent Agenda
a. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from the January 9, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. I recommend approval of Budget Transfers as detailed.
c. All-State Music Festival Recurring Field Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Leighanne Rudsit to take Music Students to Boston Seaport Hotel for the All State Music Festival from March 1 – 3, 2018 as detailed.
d. Hockey Tournament Recurring Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Chris Spillane (Varsity Head Coach) to take the FHS Varsity Hockey Team to Barnstable High School February 21-22, 2018 for a tournament as detailed.
e. I recommend acceptance of five checks totaling $3,799.80 from the Parmenter PCC for field trips as detailed.
f. I recommend acceptance of a check for $32,355.00 from the Franklin Education Foundation for districtwide grants.
g. I recommend acceptance of a check for $625.00 from the JFK PCC for field trips as detailed.
h. I recommend acceptance of a check for $854.55 from All American Publishing for in-house enrichment for the FHS Athletic Department.
i. I recommend acceptance of the donation of a Baritone Horn valued at $300.00 from Paul Sackley for Annie Sullivan Middle School Band.
j. I recommend acceptance of 3 checks totaling $4,825 from Franklin Music Parents for in-house enrichment for districtwide music.

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0



8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Adjournment
motion to adjourn, seconded passed
 

Live reporting: Discussion Only and Information Matters

4. Discussion Only Items
a. School Start Times Advisory Committee Update

56 mostly from parents and community, not enough from other stakeholder groups
looking to add some more dates and time commitment details together and bring back for 2nd February meeting

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports 

Budget - development fact sheet being distributed, capital requests reviewed

Community Relations - couple of meetings since last time including before this meeting; Educator Award program (investigation underway), coffee program (proposed dates evenings and Saturday; also a theme for the meeting - need to finalize locations and then publicize. Web site revision, new version of Schools and School Committee being reviewed; worked align to DIP of communications

Policy - several policies coming to first readings; revised Wellness received to be reviewed before bringing forward; no social media policy for staff currently

Public Schools Advocacy - forum Feb 13 coming up and planning for

Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation

b. School Committee Liaison Reports 

Joint PCC - meeting in Feb

Substance Abuse Task Force - meeting in Feb

School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC] - policy under review (noted above)

MASC - poverty rate low for Franklin


6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items
Valedictorian of FHS 2002 now lecturer at Kings College in Physics
in the 12 years leaving FHS she never had a female science teacher

DIP #3 core values being scheduled
Feb 27 first look at budget, as well as Start TImes apointment

LIve reporting; Discussion Action Items

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – First Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

• BHE – Use of Electronic Communication by School Committee Members  http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BHE%20-%20Use%20of%20Electronic%20Communication%20by%20School%20Committ
• BIA – New School Committee Member Orientation  http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BIA%20-%20NEW%20SCHOOL%20COMMITTEE%20MEMBER%20ORIENTATION.pdf
• BIBA – School Committee Conferences, Conventions and Workshops  http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/CURRENT%20BIBA%20-%20School%20Committee%20Conferences,%20Conventions%20and%20Wo

motion to move to a second reading, seconded, passed 7-0

b. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of the following policy as discussed:
BDF – Advisory Committees to the School Committee
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionB-PolicyBDF.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0


c. Baseball Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Tom Angelo/Zach Brown for the FHS Baseball team to travel to Cooperstown, NY for a tournament with Natick Baseball team/Hall of Fame Tour from April 15-16, 2018 as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionC%20-%20Baseball%20Proposal.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0






d. DECA Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the DECA Trip to Boston on March 8-10, 2018 as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionD%20-%20DECA%20Trip.pdf

 motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0



e. New Coaching Positions
I recommend approval of new coaching positions as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionE%20-%20New%20Coaching%20Positions.pdf

motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 

f. New Revolving Account at FHS for AP Exams
I recommend approval of a new revolving account at FHS for AP Exams as detailed.
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/u1-23-2018%20SC%20Packet/DiscussionActionF%20-%20New%20Revolving%20Account.pdf


motion to approve, seconded, passed 7-0 

Live Reporting - Dr Ahern -Entry Plan Findings

not prescriptive, not answers or solutions, just findings

highlights from the report

visited 160+ classrooms, participated in as much of the school day and events as possible; conducted interviews with multiple folks from different segments of the community; parent forums, community forum, 

loved the student focus groups at all the schools 
(did not participate in a focus group with students at ECDC)

also conducted a data and document review; created a word cloud from the students input

her word "welcoming"

Dr Ahern presenting to the School Committee

word cloud from students

first key strength is the teachers

more strengths of the Franklin School District

2 leadership teams; the School Committee, Superintendent and Central office. The other leadership team is the Central office and district wide leaders.

28 within first 3 years in role of the 37 in this second leadership group

uncovering disconnect, couldn't put into some neat themes and patterns

contemporary teaching in learning

no easy answers, already doing something in these arenas

second major opportunity is in continuity of services

other areas of opportunity

third area of opportunity is consistency across the district
recognize different culture and schools but hat can be common

homework committee an example of working across the district within the framework

challenges to be addressed

budget and enrollment challenge

more details to be found in the report (hopefully to be available soon)

next steps

draft strategy by end of year, use at offsite during summer and bring to School Committee for approval in August

Live Reporting: Middle School SIP Updates

2. Guests / Presentations
a. SIP Program Updates - Middle Schools

middle school intro slide - screen grab

training for Responsive Classroom underway, partially being completed this year, to be finished next year

Feb 8 parent workshop at Horace Mann for "A World of Difference" program for all middle school parents

planning underway for Mental Health Awareness Day (TBD mid-May)

2nd middle school slide

discovered some gaps in program after 10 years of being in the District
important to keep initiatives alive and refreshed

3rd  middle school slide

 curriculum development, professional learning, advisory program

utilizing outside resources to provide additional info for the teachers

writing 2 year, SMART goals, hard to write for this period as it is different from normal shorter time periods

4th middle school slide

all three middle school have same platform for newsletters, in addition to use of other social media tools

survey on how the parent conferences are working to gain feedback

SEL is important, the Mental Health Awareness Day is just once, it would be nice to do more frequently but there are so many demands that doing it more frequently is a real challenge. However, that day did bring about yoga club activities which were not in place before so we are finding ways to do it in smaller bits

sustained health and PE cuts over the years, with SEL needs here, how do we do that?
more reactive than proactive

Live reporting: School Committee - Jan 23, 2018 - Elementary SIP

Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent:  none



1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
no changes
 
b. Citizen’s Comments
no comments

c. FHS Student Representative Comments

• wrestling 17-0
• math and Mock Trial teams succeeding in addition to sports
• rink now at full capacity for student parking
• course selection for next year underway
• jazz concert Wednesday, Jan 24
• DramaFest hosted at FHS soon

d. Superintendent’s Report
article on acts of Kindness at Oak St for State House in Milford Daily News
professional development activities

• Jan 10 civil rights training for all staff
• Jan 25th MASC mid winter meeting focus on computer science and computational thinkning
• Jan 26 half day
• Parent conferences scheduled for  FHS
• another half day on Monday, Feb 5
• World of Difference training coming for middle school teachers
• social emotional learning training, along with school based initiatives

2. Guests / Presentations
a. SIP Program Updates (Elementary/Middle Schools)

Elementary schools PreK to 5
(presentation likely to be available later)

ECDC slide - screen grab

pre-school does a whole child assessment
Jeannine Fitzgerald appearing at ECDC on Monday, Jan 29

Davis Thayer slide - screen grab

created a Trevi Fountain as part of cultural awareness and coins raised from the fountain were donated to the Franklin Food Pantry

during English Language Arts planning realized that math was being left behind so adjustments were being made

working on how to improve summer time reading, previous efforts had been to increase from 55 to 58% so improvement but not much, more to do

Jefferson slide - screen grab

Jefferson Labradors working on "Paws-itive" behavior recognition program

School Council working on improving school arrival and dismissal processes

Keller slide - screen grab

looking at writing as a skill for development across the curriculum; focused work and exciting for the Principal

implementing life sciences standards using the STEMscopes

increasing school culture activities around the Olympics

Kennedy slide - screen grab

incorporating parents into the curriculum with their world or work experiences
Kennedy used an extra room as a 'science lab' still needs to be fully fitted out but the space helps for the intro sessions

peer teacher observations underway within the school and District

Oak St slide - screen grab

planning for school goals and vision along with social emotional learning from the Willima James College pilot; certificate course for four at Oak to be shared further within the district as it completes

communication plan also under development at Oak St via School Council

received 178 responses to recent survey (far more than the 20+ from the prior survey)

joint planning ED Camp with ECDC

Parmenter slide - screen grab

developing and revising curriculum with an Understanding by Design approach

revising school model: who are we? what is our vision? School Council leading this effort

upcoming 3 half day professinal development days with Lesley Univ on SEL

received grant from Y and will be sending backpacks home for the weekends beginning in March

Classical Music Series Concert At THE BLACK BOX - Jan 28

THE BLACK BOX Classical Series presents “Spring Mood” this Sunday, January 28, at 4 p.m., featuring violinist Irina Fainkichen and pianist Irina Kotlyar. The program will include music by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Chausson, and Piazzolla. Tea service will be available in the lobby. A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

violinist Irina Fainkichen

Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina Fainkichen received her bachelor’s degree from the Rachmaninoff Music College (Novgorod, Russia), studied at St. Petersburg State Conservatory under professor A. Kazarina, and graduated from Rubin Academy of Music and Dance (Jerusalem, Israel). She was concertmaster of San Francisco’s Russian Chamber Orchestra for many years, appearing as soloist numerous times. Ms. Fainkichen is a member of Cape Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the New Hampshire Symphony, Lexington Symphony, Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra, Brockton Symphony, and most recently with Broadway on Tour’s Phantom of the Opera at Boston Opera House.

pianist Irina Kotlyar

Born in Kharkov, Ukraine, Irina Kotlyar earned her master’s degree and artistic diploma from the Jerusalem Rubin Music Academy. With Gregory Shifrin, the Kotlyar-Shifrin Piano Duo has won several international prizes and awards, including the Murrey Dranoff International Two Piano Competition in Miami and the First International Duo Piano Competition in Byalistok, Poland. The Duo has performed throughout Israel, Europe, and America, including concerts with the Bavarian Radio Orchestra, New World Orchestra of Miami, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, and Israeli Chamber Orchestra.

Tickets are $15 (adults) and $12 (students/seniors), with optional tea service available for an additional $5. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Franklin Town Government 101 - Jan 27

What makes our town government tick? How can you have your voice heard? How can you get involved? What are the big challenges facing town government this year?

Come to Franklin Town Government 101 to find answers to some of these questions!

WHEN: Saturday, January 27  10 AM to noon (snow date, if library closes, Feb. 3)
WHERE: Franklin Public Library, 118 Main St., Franklin, MA (ground floor meeting room)

PROGRAM: 

10:00 AM Welcome and Introductions

10:10 AM Government and the Potential to do Good
– Dr. Robert Krim, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Framingham State University. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Krim is the Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Management Consortium, a partnership between the City of Boston and the Greater Boston management training and organizational development community. This partnership helped the City to be innovative and efficient and, in particular, helped lower the homicide rate by 50%.

10:40 AM Town and State
– Franklin State Rep. Jeff Roy has previously held positions on the Franklin School Committee and Town Council. He will discuss the rewards (and perils) of getting involved in town government. He will also discuss some of the lessons he has learned about municipal government, as well as providing some perspectives on how state policies and funding help (and sometimes complicate) town government.

11:10 AM Franklin 2018 - the Challenges Ahead 
– a conversation and question and answer period with Town Council representative Tom Mercer and School Committee member Denise Schultz, moderated by Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters.

12:00 Adjourn

Franklin Town Government 101 is sponsored by Franklin in Focus, a citizens’ group supporting more transparent and effective government in Franklin.

Franklin Town Government 101 - Jan 27

You can view the flyer below or here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1tOgqV3qto89-Z5WEq1UOVG3W8jAIfBNR

Insights from the Audit Report 2017

The Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2017 does not have a "Management Letter" this time around. Hence, one can easily say the Town is in the best financial position from a control perspective than ever before.

The Audit Report is a good source of information, not just data.

How much stabilization money do we have?
At the end of 2017, the total was $6.7M a decrease of $1.3M primarily due to the use the purchase of the fire truck and the resurfacing of the turf fields. Both have stabilization accounts where we were saving for this expected purchase. (See the table at the top of page 10 of the printed doc, page 13 of the PDF for details).

How much did the FY 2017 budget change during the year?
You might be surprised to find that we added $3.9M to the budget but that was primarily due to the use of the "free cash" from the prior year. The expenditures for the fire truck and turf fields helped to contribute to this as money from "free cash" was added to what was saved in their respective stabilization accounts to provide the total for each purchase. (See General Fund Budgetary Highlights on page 10 of the printed doc, page 13 of the PDF for details).

How many stabilization funds do we have and what amount is in each?
Other than the agenda doc for each Finance Committee meeting which shows the current total during the fiscal year, this is one place to see that answer. The table also shows the change in funds along with the change in amounts over the years from 2008 to 2017. (See section G. Stabilization Funds on pages 11-12 of the printed doc, page 14-15 of the PDF for details).

How do we get "free cash"?
"Free cash" is neither free nor cash. It comes from two sources. (1) You receive more revenue than you budgeted for (2) you spend less than you budgeted for. You can see this effect in the table on See General Fund Statement of Revenues and Other Sources, Expenditures and Other Uses - Budget and Actual, for the year ended June 30, 2017. According to this, we should have $2.9M 'free cash' to use for FY 2018 which is less than we had available in FY 2017 (recall the $3.9M). (See page 19 of the printed doc, page 22 of the PDF for details).


You can find the audit report on the Town of Franklin webpage as part of the Town Council agenda for the January 24 meeting.
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/2017_audit.pdf

Insights from the Audit Report 2017

Spring 2018 - Exercise and Wellness Classes - Register Now

Franklin Public Schools

Lifelong Learning Institute

Lifelong Community Learning

Presents Exercise and Wellness Classes Beginning February 5


Yoga Classes - AND one is just right for you.

Yoga is back and better than ever! On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays you can take advantage of different types of Yoga .... Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Yoga for Anyone.

Teen Yoga for Girls

Teen Yoga for Girls

This class will empower teenagers to become more self-aware and confident. Through a playful mix of heart-opening poses, thoughtful discussion, meditation and breath work, students will be exposed to the concepts of non-violence, truthfulness, gratitude, moderation, and the cultivation of compassion and joy.


Zumba and Zumba Basics

A fusion of Latin and international music and dance
Zumba is a fun and effective way to tone and sculpt the body with easy to follow dance steps and the principles of interval training! Zumba will make you smile!


Register online  
https://reg.abcsignup.com/view/cal7a.aspx?ek=&ref=&aa=&sid1=&sid2=&as=79&wp=422&tz=&ms=&nav=&cc=&cat1=&cat2=&cat3=&aid=FPSLLI&rf=

Or go to http://franklinlifelonglearning.com/ and navigate to the Spring 2018 classes

“There’s a lot of uncertainty now”

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

"Town Council will discuss an increase in retail marijuana tax at a meeting on Wednesday. The one percent increase would bring the total tax to three percent. 

The original legislation on the ballot in 2016 indicated that the sales tax on recreational marijuana was allowed at two percent. Recent legislation has amended the law, allowing municipalities to tax up to three percent. The motion in front of the town council will confirm or deny the tax increase. 

The state is due to start accepting applications for retail marijuana facilities on April 1, and since Franklin is one of the municipalities that is already zoned and does not have a moratorium, the town likely see a few. 

State Rep. Jeff Roy, D-Franklin, said that anytime revenue can be sought without adding to property taxes is a positive, and will always help town governments."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180122/franklin-council-to-discuss-marijuana-tax-increase

“There’s a lot of uncertainty now” 

The agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting can be found online
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/01/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-jan-24.html

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/january_24_agenda.pdf