“A cyberattack on one or more motor vehicles has enormous potential safety consequences"

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

"For months, an automobile manufacturer-backed opposition campaign has argued that a proposal to increase access to vehicle telematic data would expose drivers and the public to both safety and privacy risks. Now, they have a new ally in their effort to get a Massachusetts ballot question shot down: the federal government. 

At the request of state lawmakers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) waded into debate on a potential update to Massachusetts law this week, writing that the initiative petition as written would require remote access to vehicle functions “that may potentially pose an unreasonable risk to safety.” 

“Two of the most important (cybersecurity) techniques -- logical and physical isolation of vehicle control systems from external connections, and controlling access to firmware that executes vehicle functions -- may be rendered impossible by the provisions of this ballot initiative,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens wrote to state legislators. “The ballot initiative requires vehicle manufacturers to redesign their vehicles in a manner that necessarily introduces cybersecurity risks, and to do so in a timeframe that makes design, proof, and implementation of any meaningful countermeasure effectively impossible.” 

The chairs of the Legislature’s Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, Rep. Tackey Chan and Sen. Paul Feeney, asked the NHTSA to weigh in on the impacts of the ballot question. The question is headed to the Nov. 3 ballot in part because lawmakers opted against stepping in and passing an alternative bill."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/vehicle-repair-proposal-carries-safety-risks-fed-agency-says?rssfeed=true

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 23, 2020, unanimously passed legislation that will help lead to better care and treatment for individuals suffering from stroke.

"The Senate made it a priority this session to ensure our residents have adequate and equitable access to health care options, and this bill builds upon the hard work we have accomplished," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Time is a critical factor when seeking treatment for stroke patients and this potentially live-saving bill would better prepare our health care system so that we are doing it safely and efficiently."

"In Massachusetts, stroke is the fifth leading cause of death, claiming 2,370 lives per year, according to the most recent data from the Department of Public Health (DPH), stated Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. "Getting patients with strokes quickly to the appropriate hospital is critical to giving patients the best chance to survive. This bill will give DPH the tools to help EMS crews and hospitals work together to create a system where patients are given the highest opportunity to get the lifesaving care they need.  This bill received the strong support of the Public Health Committee, and I hope it can get to the Governor and be signed into law before the end of this session."

"Stroke is a chronic, deadly, and destructive disease that demands action from policymakers," said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).  "What is particularly troubling is that in many cases the death and disability is largely preventable.  We must act now to implement necessary reforms so that our loved ones can receive the very best care and treatment.  The things we can do now through this bill are pretty simple and reflect what many medical professionals agree are necessary to modernize our system of care.  Lives are simply more important than the bottom line of any business or desire to maintain the status quo."

"Stroke continues to take a terrible toll on its victims and their loved ones across the state and the nation; it continues to be a leading cause of death," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R -Gloucester).  "Combating the impacts of stroke depends significantly on a timely response with effective measures, and this legislation creates a framework for that to happen."

The bill, An Act to Prevent Death and Disability from Stroke, would:

• Direct the Department of Public Health (DPH) and regional EMS councils to annually review protocols to ensure stroke patients are transported to care facilities best equipped to treat them;
• Directs DPH to publicize regulations that create statewide standard pre-hospital care protocols and statewide criteria for designating hospitals in a tiered system;
• Requires DPH to publicly post, and annually update, a designated list of stroke facilities on its website; and
• Establishes a Stroke Advisory Task Force to assist with data oversight, program management and advice regarding the stroke system of care in the Commonwealth

 A stroke is caused by a disruption of blood supply to the brain. While stroke can cause disability or death, identifying the signs and getting immediate treatment can help reduce the long-term effects. Signs and symptoms may include face drooping, arm weakness and difficulty speaking.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 140,000 Americans die each year of stroke. A 2017 survey of Massachusetts adults 35 and older, 3.5 percent of reported suffering from stroke.

The legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Legislation to Enhance Stroke Care System

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Bill allows amending of alcohol licenses for outdoor services

On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to further allow communities and restaurants flexibility during the public health crisis.

The bill, An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Restaurants and other Establishments due to COVID-19, ensures local municipalities maintain flexibility in authorizing restaurants to provide food and alcohol service in expanded outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 emergency through November 1, 2020. This flexibility is currently provided through an executive order issued by the Governor and passage of this law will ensure this practice continues.

"The Senate will remain focused on helping our restaurants and small businesses by lifting barriers as we move forward in this unprecedented public health crisis," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "This bill will help give our restaurant industry another option as they safely welcome their customers back and recuperate from challenges posed by COVID-19."

"This bill will allow restaurants to promote social distancing practices, safely serve more customers and maximize their revenue during perhaps the most challenging economic time in memory for the industry," said Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I applaud Senator Feeney for his leadership in advocating Senate passage of this bill and for his ongoing efforts to urgently address challenges faced by restaurants during this public health crisis."

"The Covid-19 pandemic and resulting mitigation efforts have dramatically affected many industries throughout the Commonwealth. The restaurant industry has been particularly hard hit, said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "From local entrepreneurs and chefs, to wait staff, bartenders and other employees, the effect on working people has been significant. We have tried to identify ways in the Senate, working with our local restaurant owners, to mitigate some of the hardships that this industry is facing. It was clear to me that we could take this simple step to cut the bureaucracy involved in serving alcohol on a patio or sidewalk outside the restaurant and offer diners a safer experience as they return to dining out. This is a simple, effective and common-sense move that has been embraced by restaurant owners and municipalities, while keeping workers and diners as safe as possible."

"Massachusetts has more than 16,000 restaurants that employ thousands of people and serve millions of meals, and their survival is threatened by the measures necessary to protect public health due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With projections that as many as 1 in 5 of these businesses may not ever reopen, we must find and provide practical measures that help them through this difficult time," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R -Gloucester). "This legislation will help them capitalize on a desperately needed revenue opportunity with a simple but powerful change in regulatory requirements."

  

The legislation is the latest in a series of bills supported by the Senate during the Coronavirus Pandemic which aim to support businesses while social distancing remains encouraged. The bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Bill to Support Restaurants During COVID-19

Senate Passes Bill to Update Credit Union Regulation

Senate Passes Bill to Update Credit Union Regulation

Bill Aims to modernize financial regulation in Massachusetts

On Monday, July 20, 2020, the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to streamline regulation of credit unions. In assigning new duties and offering appropriate flexibility to credit unions, the bill ends uncertainty over when and where credits should be considered as legally distinct from banks – some regulations continue to be common to both, while others only affect one group or the other. In a major change, credit union fees would be required to be consistent with banking fees.

The bill, An Act Modernizing the Credit Union Laws, also makes reforms to adjust the industry to the reality of remote work. For instance, the bill ensures that applications for loans may be done electronically and repeals now out-of-date regulations on advertisements and telephone-based customer service. The bill further makes headway into the digital age by updating and expanding online standards as well as critical privacy protections which are guaranteed to the customers of credit unions.

"I am thrilled to see this bill advance today as it an example of the Senate's efforts to improve access to our financial institutions," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I would like to thank my colleagues for elevating this important issue and ensuring its swift passage." 

"Credit Unions provide a vital service in our communities yet the laws that govern them have not significantly changed in thirty years," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  "After several years of working towards a fair resolution, this bill will modernize these laws and allow credit unions to adapt to a financial landscape that has shifted dramatically over the last three decades.  Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senator Eldridge for his dedicated work on this legislation."

"I was very proud to file this legislation this session, given how many of my constituents rely upon credit unions, and how credit unions give back to their customers, and the communities that they are located in," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Eldridge (D-Acton) . "I want to thank the Joint Committee on Financial Services, co-chaired by Senator Jim Welch for reporting the bill favorably, and to Senate Ways and Means Chairman Mike Rodrigues and his staff for prioritizing the legislation. Chairman Rodrigues is a long-time champion of credit unions.  The modernization of credit unions will allow for a more logical and organized system that will better serve the residents of Massachusetts."

"This bill provides much needed modernization to the Credit Union laws and will help to streamline operations in the financial services industry." said Senator James T. Welch (D-West Springfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Financial Services. "I am glad to see legislation passed as a result of several groups and advocates working together to find a balance of all interests."

Much of the bill focuses on the appropriate balance between giving credit unions greater financial, technological, and regulatory flexibility, while also maintaining oversight and consumer protection. Credit unions are for the first time given the option to hire outside consultants to determine interest rates. While keeping regulations in place that ensure that Massachusetts credit unions are majority local, the bill allows them to take on a larger geographic role with mortgage loans on properties in nearby states. The Commissioner of Banks and the Commissioner of Administration and Finance are both given roles in oversight of credit unions.

Having passed the Senate, the bill now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Bill to Update Credit Union Regulation

Franklin events today!

Catch the show outdoor at THE BLACK BOX, stop by the Farmers Market, visit the yard sale at Franklin Federated Church, and enjoy the Concerts on the Town Common - all today.

• Farmers Market - noon to 6:00 PM

• Concerts on the Common = Friday, July 24

5 - 6:30 PM = "Pub Kings"
6:30 - 8:00 PM = "Frank Padula Band"
8:15 PM - Movie Night = "Toy Story #4"

• Franklin Federated Church Sidewalk sale info

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/sidewalk-sale-franklin-federated-church.html

• THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series 

Ali Funkhouser! Sponsored by Dean Bank. RESCHEDULED to Friday, July 24!
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/the-black-box-ali-funkhouser-i-only.html

Franklin events today!

Reopening Update to the Community from Dr. Sara Ahern - July 23, 2020

July 23, 2020

Dear Franklin Families:

We hope that you are having a good summer. We also recognize that it looks and feels quite different amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thinking of you at this time and hope that you find some relaxing moments amidst the worries and uncertainty you are facing. This update is quite long and contains the following information:

1. Update on the reopening of schools in the fall
2. A Save the Date note regarding upcoming Family Virtual “Chats” to learn more about reopening of school plans and opportunity to provide important input
3. Reminders about online registration, bus transportation for the fall, and summer food services
4. A budget update

Update on the Reopening of Schools in the Fall
We acknowledge that this is a time of anxiety and fear for all - students, faculty/staff, and families. We are in a fluid situation with new health information and guidance from multiple agencies (DESE, CDC, MA DPH) emerging regularly. We aim to provide certainty with what we know at this time but recognize that it is subject to change, and we don’t yet have all the answers.

New guidance from DESE and other agencies is emerging regularly, beginning with the initial guidance issued on June 25, 2020. At this time, the FPS Reopening Taskforce of nearly 60 individuals is working on a Reopening Plan. A preliminary plan will be submitted to DESE on July 31st, and then a Comprehensive Opening Plan will be submitted in early to mid-August. Our taskforce is a large group of administrators, teachers/counselors, FEA representatives, community reps (Facilities, SRO, school physician, and Health department), parents/guardians, and two School Committee representatives.

The plan will address health and safety requirements as well as three different student learning models:

1. In-person instruction
This model involves students attending in-person instruction following health and safety protocols defined by the CDC and DESE. Student desks would be arranged in rows, all facing the same way. Where possible, individuals would maintain 6 feet of physical distance and 3 feet of distance would be the minimum. Among other safety procedures, mask wearing would be in effect and handwashing/hand sanitizing protocols would be implemented. Staff and students would experience training on new practices.

2. Hybrid instruction
This model involves separating students into cohorts so that approximately 50% of students would attend school on certain days and approximately 50% of students would attend school on the alternative days. Cleaning and disinfecting would occur in between attendance of the different cohorts. When students are not present in school, they would be engaged in remote learning. Remote learning for the 2020-2021 school year is expected to be more robust than what students experienced in the spring.

Continue reading the update in the full PDF version linked/displayed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y619J2kdNoWKTyN5rqmDofDRwPWs8xcl/view?usp=sharing

Nexamp Shared Solar Farm Information Session Scheduled

Franklin residents,

Please find an informational letter regarding a shared community solar farm attached here: 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/nexamp_signed_letter.pdf

"We're excited to let you know that residents of the Town of Franklin are eligible to subscribe to a new local shared community solar farm that is being built by Nexamp and going live in Summer 2021. Nexamp will be hosting online information sessions on August 25th and August 26th for all Franklin residents to learn more about how you can tap into these solar farms to reduce your electric bill.

The solar farm, located on Spring Street in Franklin, will add more than a 6.3 MW of renewable energy to National Grid's electricity grid, or enough electricity to power more than 800 homes. This community solar farm falls under Massachusetts' community solar program, which allows residents to subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and go solar without rooftop panels.

Subscribers receive credits on their National Grid electric bill for the energy produced by their solar farm share. Nexamp normally provides these credits at a 12.5% discount but, through a special agreement with the Town of Franklin, Nexamp is offering a special discount rate of 15% to Franklin residents, meaning subscribers can save even more on their annual electricity costs.

There's no upfront cost and no long-term commitment - you can cancel your community solar share with no penalties.

Nexamp and Franklin have worked together to ensure that a portion of the farm has been reserved for Franklin residents. Openings are on a first-come, first-served basis until October 15th. To learn more or to subscribe right now, please visit solar.nexamp.com/Franklin or call Nexamp at 800-945-5124.

You can also join Nexamp at one of the upcoming information sessions to learn more about the program and the special offer for Franklin residents. Each session runs for about 30 minutes and includes a program overview followed by a time of interactive Q&A.

Tuesday, August 25 7:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84925478387

Wednesday, August 26 1:00 pm  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85976472137

You can quickly and easily register for either session by visiting the links above. having you join us."

solar farm installation at Mount St Mary's Abbey in progress in July 2013