Attention Franklin: Coronavirus Information Portals

Town of Franklin portal:

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

Franklin Public Schools portal:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/pages/franklin-public-schools-covid-19-closure-information-portal

Concerts on the Common - July 31

July 31:
Jamie Barrett 6:00 - 7:00pm,
FSPA Students and Alumni in Concert 7:15 - 8:15pm

TOMORROW NIGHT- Friday, July 31, 2020 @ 6:00 P.M. Jamie Barrett: LIVE on the Town Common! We’ll be socially distanced and wearing masks! Hope to see you there! @mrjamiebarrett @MusicWithMrJHB @JeffersonLabs @RMS_Remdawgs @DT_Bobcats @FranklinPSNews @FCC02038 @franklinculture pic.twitter.com/Wk4s2bwZl0

— Jamie Barrett (@mrjamiebarrett) July 30, 2020

Download your copy of the flyer for 2020
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_X9VPn3EhcBgOljQQFJgqqWun7qnyzFX/view?usp=sharing

Concerts on the Common - July 31

Senate President Spilka Announces Local Aid and Chapter 70 Funding Commitment for Fiscal Year 2021

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) announced today that the Senate, House and Administration agreed to an unrestricted local aid and chapter 70 funding commitment that provides a baseline amount for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21). This commitment will provide certainty and critical support for municipalities and school districts as they finalize their budgets.

"The Senate actively pushed for this joint agreement so that our cities and towns can be clear-eyed about their fiscal situations as we all navigate very uncertain times," stated Senate President Spilka. "Our cities and towns make up the fabric of our communities, and our schools are the foundation of the future success of our children and our Commonwealth. We must do all we can to provide certainty, stability and support to these critical components of our state, and so I am very pleased that we were able to come to an agreement on this funding."

For FY21, the Administration and leaders in the House and Senate have committed to no less than the FY20 level of funding for unrestricted general government aid (UGGA) and chapter 70 education aid. Additionally, there is a commitment to Chapter 70 increases for inflation and enrollment that will keep all school districts at foundation, under the law as it existed for FY20, providing an additional $107M in aid over FY20.

This increase comes in addition to approximately $450M in new federal supports for K-12 schools to assist with educating students during the pandemic. These funds include:

• $194M for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Grants through the Title I formula;
• $16M for ESSER Discretionary Funds;
• $25M for Remote Learning Technology Grants;
• $202M for School Reopening Funds;
• Up to $15M for Competitive Federal Funds.

Information on local aid and Chapter 70 amounts for each municipality can be found at this link (Opens an Excel file = https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?c=lDF7oMaPKXpkYvev9V-fVahWL0QWnGCCAfCDz1Bns_w&d=DwMFaQ&e=&m=zUIGsaHf11V2dfIqZ374YqE-tde0pcGkKJVZObGzVOs&r=IikRZ5s8j06v5jXX4O4ah_QXdxxfq4cBELNwZP5oafo&s=0DvpXriyidzIkeiMsPbaKIUGTfWNCcNP5ZtIsYaBQaw&u=https-3A__mass.us11.list-2Dmanage.com_track_click-3Fu-3D0e9e2209abd5f7062568d9a19-26id-3D3f18d7afb6-26e-3Dbde6e71845.

Despite the almost unprecedented fiscal climate, the amount of state and federal aid allocated thus far ensures the Senate, House and Administration can continue prioritizing significant investments in Massachusetts students.

Senate President Spilka, along with her counterparts in the Administration and House, remains committed to implementing the Student Opportunity Act. As state leaders work towards finalizing an FY21 budget, the ability to provide increased investments for school districts and municipalities will be evaluated. 


FRANKLIN

• Chapter 70 = 28,416,161
• Unrestricted Local Aid = 2,623,839

Senate President Spilka Announces Local Aid and Chapter 70 Funding Commitment for Fiscal Year 2021

Franklin Public Library: August 2020 Newsletter

Franklin Public Library August 2020 Newsletter

Curbside Pickup Update
We're making changes to our curbside pickup so that you can pick up your items comfortably in all kinds of weather! Starting today at 10AM, curbside pickup will be in the vestibule of our new entrance at the top of the ramp! You'll be able to grab your items from this spot going forward! As a reminder, pickup is from 10AM-4:30PM!

Adult Programs
Franklin Public Library Book Club, Tuesday, August 25, 7:00 p.m.
The book for discussion is The Water Dancer, by Ta-Nehisi Coates.            

"Young Hiram Walker was born into bondage--and lost his mother and all memory of her when he was a child--but he is also gifted with a mysterious power. Hiram almost drowns when he crashes a carriage into a river, but is saved from the depths by a force he doesn't understand, a blue light that lifts him up and lands him a mile away. This strange brush with death forces a new urgency on Hiram's private rebellion. Spurred on by his improvised plantation family, Thena, his chosen mother, a woman of few words and many secrets, and Sophia, a young woman fighting her own war even as she and Hiram fall in love, he becomes determined to escape the only home he's ever known. 

So begins an unexpected journey into the covert war on slavery that takes Hiram from the corrupt grandeur of Virginia's proud plantations to desperate guerrilla cells in the wilderness, from the coffin of the deep South to dangerously utopic movements in the North. Even as he's enlisted in the underground war between slavers and the enslaved, all Hiram wants is to return to the Walker Plantation to free the family he left behind--but to do so, he must first master his magical gift and reconstruct the story of his greatest loss. 

This is a bracingly original vision of the world of slavery, written with the narrative force of a great adventure. Driven by the author's bold imagination and striking ability to bring readers deep into the interior lives of his brilliantly rendered characters, The Water Dancer is the story of America's oldest struggle--the struggle to tell the truth--from one of our most exciting thinkers and beautiful writers"-- Provided by publisher.

A limited number of copies of the book will be available for checkout. For more information, please contact Assistant Library Director Kim Shipala at kshipala@minlib.net . To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEscuqupjgoGd0XAfQuUAIIChGwkzLwWWsx .

Weekly Facebook Live Events for Kids!
Wake Up Wiggles! Mondays 9:15AM
Tummy Time for Babies! Tuesdays @9:30AM
          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!
Zoom Cool Cruisers! (Music and movement!) Tuesdays @4:00PM
          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Cool Cruisers!
Tummy Time for Babies! Thursdays @9:30AM
          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Tummy Time!
Bookworm Bounce! Thursdays @4:00PM

Happy Feet! Friday, August 14 @10:30AM
REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Please email Miss Bree at bcomeau@minlib.net for information.

Ideal for children ages 2-4

Let's play some music and get those feet moving! Join us for an introductory class into creative movement using very basic ballet moves. From stretching our arms and legs, to skipping, pointing our toes, twirling in place and gentle jumps, we will have fun learning to move to the music while building coordination and confidence.

Toe Jam Puppet Band Virtual Visit!, August 8

Activated Story Theatre Virtual Visit!, August 12

Princess Picnic Virtual Visit, Saturday, August 15, 10:30 a.m.
JOIN US AS WE VIRTUALLY WELCOME A ROYAL PRINCESS FOR A CELEBRATION FULL OF SINGING AND DANCING!
https://www.facebook.com/events/271693900735048/

Zoomtastic Book Club for Kids! Wednesday, August 12 @1:00PM **ideal for grades 3-5!** 
Kids in grades 3-5! Join us for a special zoom book club! We'll be reading a book together, and will meet for 4 lunchtime discussion sessions as we work our way through the book!
Register your child be emailing Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net
 
Kids Cooking Classes! Wednesdays, August 5 & August 19 @1:00PM
          email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for Kids Cooking Classes! **adult supervision required!**

Summer Wrap-Up Virtual Family Dance Party! Friday, August 21 @5:00PM
         email Miss Caleigh at ckeating@minlib.net to register for the Dance Party!

Hodgepodge Hide & Seek! Saturday, August 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where in Franklin is Mr. Vinny and his Giant Puppet? Join the fun for the last Social Distancing Seek and Find of the summer!
Follow the clues posted in the Facebook event and try to spot Mr. Vinny from your vehicle!

Read more  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/franklin-public-library-august-2020-newsletter

Franklin Public Library: August 2020 Newsletter

“This is going to make us a lot more efficient and effective"

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

July 22 was a historic day for the Fire Department, as nearly a dozen members sat before a small crowd in front of the fire headquarters downtown, crisply attired in their dark blue uniforms, every button and badge polished to a mirror finish, every glove and mask fresh and white as newly fallen snow.

It was the kind of occasion that merited bringing out the fire engines to frame the scene, each one as polished and neat and proud as the gathered department members.

On this day, 11 longtime members of the Franklin fire corps took steps up the ladder of their careers — four became the department’s first-ever battalion chiefs, four rose to the rank of fire captain, and three took on the responsibilities of fire lieutenant.

“I’m confident they are going to do a great job,” said Fire Chief James McLaughlin before each group of new officers was sworn in. “This is a historic day for Franklin fire.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200730/at-franklin-fire-slew-of-changes-as-department-leaves-civil-service?rssfeed=true

Audio of the Fire Dept ceremony
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department.html

Program and photos of the event:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-fire-department-promotional.html

after the ceremony

before the ceremony

Senate Passes Bill to Limit the Use of Step Therapy

Senate Passes Bill to Limit the Use of Step Therapy

Today (7/30/20), the Massachusetts State Senate passed legislation to limit the use of step therapy, or 'fail-first' protocols that too often direct patients to cheaper medications rather than those more suitable to treat their condition, The bill, An Act relative to step therapy and patient safety, gives health care providers more leverage in determining the most effective treatment options for patients, saving patients expensive and painful regimens on medications they know to be ineffective or harmful.

This bill builds on the Senate's ongoing commitment to creating a more affordable, accessible, and patient-centered health care system for all. The Senate has already passed legislation this session to address rising prescription drug prices, increase access to mental health services, protect patients and enhance quality care. The step therapy legislation expands on this progress.

"From the outset of the session, the Senate has prioritized life-saving patient reforms that will improve treatment outcomes for all residents," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "I am proud to add limiting the use of step therapy to our long list of health care accomplishments as it will help shift the balance of care back in the direction of the patient. I want to thank Senators Cyr and Friedman for elevating this important issue." 

"Providing the right treatment and therapies at the right time to people with cancer and debilitating diseases is all too important and critical during this extremely challenging time as is ensuring the wellbeing of patients in need," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "With the passage of this bill today, the Senate is taking a vital step forward to providing guardrails around the use of step therapy and ensuring patient safety. I applaud Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership, Senator Cyr, Senator Friedman and others for their hard work and advocacy to move this critical legislation forward that puts patients first."

"Patients with complicated illnesses should be receiving the medications that their doctors know they need—not repeatedly taking medications that they know to be ineffective just to help insurers save on costs," said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Recovery, who sponsored the legislation. "Step therapy is a shortsighted practice that puts patients at unnecessary risk; it takes lower costs today in exchange for more harm, more hospitalizations, and more spending in the very near future. I'm proud that the Senate took action to arrest this practice in Massachusetts." 

"This bill takes an important step toward placing treatment decisions back in the hands of the health care provider and patient by limiting opportunities for insurance companies to force a patient to fail on certain medications before they can access the one most suitable for their needs," said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. "While we must continue to address the high cost of drugs, we cannot do it at the expense of patients, and cost can never be the primary determinant of whether a patient has to suffer needlessly before they can access the medication that is most effective for treating their condition."

 "Too often, patients whose symptoms leave them weak and fatigued find that the regimen of medicine that they need is withheld and they instead are put on a path of pharmaceuticals which are at best less expensive but at worst ineffective in overcoming their illness. This so-called fail-first then try again approach leaves people and their families feeling desperate and uncared for," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R - Gloucester).

Step therapy serves as a cost-saving mechanism that can limit a patient's ability to access the medication that is most suitable for treating their condition. Insurers that utilize step therapy protocols require medical providers to prescribe lower-cost medications to patients first, and only grant approval for alternative medications when the cheaper options have failed to improve a patient's condition. In practice, this results in insurers effectively choosing medications for the patient, even in cases where their providers have recommended an alternative. When patients change insurers, they are often forced to start at the beginning of the step therapy protocol again, which results in wasteful health care expenditures, lost time for patients, and potentially devastating health care impacts on the patient.

Step therapy is not limited to specific disease states. It affects patients across the healthcare spectrum, with particularly dramatic impacts on the Allergy and Asthma, Antipsychotic, Arthritis, Cancer, Coronary Artery, Depression, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson's patient communities. 

As such, the bill would establish guardrails to protect patients in circumstances in which following step therapy protocols are counterproductive or harmful. It would require MassHealth and private insurers to grant exemptions to step therapy protocols in cases where the protocol-required cost-effective drug is likely to cause harm, is expected to be ineffective, has been tried by the patient previously, is not in the best interest of the patient, or adopting it in concert with the patient's existing medications would cause harm. Upon granting exemptions, MassHealth and private insurers would be required to provide coverage for the drug recommended by the patient's provider.  

The bill would provide patients subject to step therapy sequences with an accessible exception request process whenever coverage is restricted. The legislation establishes enumerates specific timelines for insurers to review requests and grant exceptions, and in cases where interruptions in the patient's medication schedule puts them at considerable risk, the turnaround time is faster. If an exception to step therapy is denied, the decision can be appealed. 

In addition, the bill takes several steps to enhance transparency. Under the bill, insurers would be required to file annual reports to the Division of Insurance (DOI) detailing the number of step therapy exception requests received, the number of requests denied, and the reasons for denial. This additional data is expected to keep insurers from chronically denying exception requests or making deceptive cases for keeping patients adhered to step protocols when they have requested otherwise.

The bill would also commit DOI resources to overseeing the implementation of step therapy reforms, with particular attention to cost-effectiveness and continuum of care for patients requesting exceptions. The DOI would be required to deliver biannual reports to the Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. 

If passed, Massachusetts would join 28 other states in curbing unfair step therapy practices. The bill, An Act relative to step therapy and patient safety, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

Senate Passes Bill to Limit the Use of Step Therapy

Senate Passes Genocide Education Bill

SENATE PASSES GENOCIDE EDUCATION BILL

Establishes the Genocide Education Trust Fund to educate students on the history of genocide.

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday, July 30, 2020, passed An Act concerning genocide education to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide and to promote the teaching of human rights issues.

"To forge a more just future, our next generation must be educated on the tragic history of the Holocaust and other instances of genocide," stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The importance of this bill cannot be overstated, and I say this as a Jewish woman and the daughter of a World War II veteran who helped liberate the victims of Nazi concentration camps. I am very thankful to Senators Rodrigues, Lewis and Creem for their advocacy on this issue and my colleagues for their unanimous support."

"Seventy-five years after the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp, we, as a society, continue to grapple with the root causes of hatred and discrimination. With the passage of this bill today, we take a critically important step to ensuring our students are educated on the Holocaust, the grave mistakes of the past, and stand ready to root out the injustices of the future," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "As the forces of fake news, division, and ignorance continue to march on, I applaud Senate President Spilka and my colleagues in the Senate for standing up to say that we will never forget the lessons of the past. I also thank my constituent, Dr. Ron Weisberger, and the advocates for their urgent efforts to ensure we use the power of education to address hate, broaden public awareness, and shape our collective future."

According to a 2018 article in the New York Times, 31% of Americans and 41% of millennials believe 2 million Jews or fewer were murdered in the Holocaust while 41% of Americans and 66% of millennials do not know what Auschwitz is. This bill would establish a Genocide Education Trust Fund to promote and educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide. Funds in this trust would be used to encourage the instruction of middle and high school students on the history of genocide and ensure the development of curricular materials, as well as to provide professional development training to assist educators in the teaching of genocide.

"It is shocking how many young people today have never heard of the Auschwitz concentration camp, the Holocaust, or other heinous genocides perpetrated in the past," said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "This important legislation will ensure that more students understand the history of genocide so that it never happens again. I'm grateful to Senator Rodrigues for championing this legislation and to all of the educators and advocates who have worked to see this bill passed."

"Students need to be educated about the causes of genocide if we are to ensure that history is not repeated," said Majority Leader Senator Cynthia Stone Creem (D-Newton).  "Learning about the paths that various societies and cultures have taken—from bigotry and hatred all the way to expulsion and genocide—will help future generations avoid this tragedy."

"As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, genocide education legislation is personal for me," said Senator Becca Rausch (D – Needham). "We are in a difficult moment in this country, as our nation and our Commonwealth grapple with significant upticks in blatant demonstrations of hate. Hate leads to devastation and destruction. We combat hate and ignorance with education and meaningful dialogue. I am proud and grateful that the Senate passed the genocide education bill today, and particularly grateful to Senator Rodrigues for his leadership and compassion."

"We congratulate Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and our partners in government for coming together to ensure that students in our state will learn invaluable lessons about the consequences of hate and bigotry, from the most painful parts of our history," said Aaron Agulnek, Director of Government Affairs for the Jewish Community Relations Council. "We cannot simply say 'Never Again' if we do not also commit to educating the next generation by giving them the resources they need to recognize and stand up to injustice before it takes root."

"We appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka, Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, and their legislative colleagues for taking a critical step toward ensuring that Massachusetts public school students receive Holocaust and genocide education prior to high school graduation," said Robert Trestan, ADL New England Regional Director. "The need for Holocaust and genocide education in K-12 schools could not be more urgent. Massachusetts now has an opportunity to use the power of education to address hate through this essential initiative for Holocaust and genocide education in the Commonwealth."

The bill requires each school district to annually file a description of their lesson plan and programs related to genocide education with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The bill also establishes a competitive grant program that schools and districts can apply to for additional programming support.

An Act concerning genocide education now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Passes Genocide Education Bill