How to save money heating your home this winter

How to save money heating your home this winter by Colleen Tressler Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC The days are getting cooler — in fact, some parts of the U.S. have already seen snow. Experts report it's going to be an expensive winter to heat your home, but there are things you can do now to cut your energy costs. Read more ->  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/11/how-save-money-heating-your-home-winter?utm_source=govdelivery

How to save money heating your home this winter

The Guardian: "COVID cases are surging in Europe. America is in denial about what lies in store for it"

"It’s deja vu, yet again. The pandemic first hit Europe in March 2020, and Americans were in denial, thinking it wouldn’t happen here. Then, later in the year, the Alpha variant wave took hold in the United Kingdom and the United States was unprepared. This recurred with Delta in the summer of 2021. 

Now, in the fall of 2021, Europe is the outlier continent on the rise with COVID, with approximately 350 cases per 100,000 people and many countries are soaring to new records. This not only involves eastern and central Europe, where there are some countries with low vaccination rates (such as Georgia, only 24% fully vaccinated) and caseloads as high as 160/100,000 (Slovenia), but also western Europe, such as Austria, Belgium, Ireland and several others. 

Indeed, in Germany, leading virologist Christian Drosten recently warned their death toll could be doubled if more aggressive mitigation and vaccination strategies were not quickly adopted.

.... 

We are already seeing signs that the US is destined to succumb to more COVID spread, with more than three weeks sitting at a plateau of ~75,000 new cases per day, now there’s been a 10% rise in the past week. We are miles from any semblance of COVID containment, facing winter and the increased reliance of being indoors with inadequate ventilation and air filtration, along with the imminent holiday gatherings."

Continue reading the article online (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/nov/12/covid-cases-surging-europe-america-denial

MA COVID-19 deaths in 2021 are rising again 

Register O'Donnell Announces 2021 Holiday Food Drive November 22 through December 29

Register O'Donnell Announces 2021 Holiday Food Drive

November 22 through December 29

Noting that some Norfolk County families are more worried about putting food on the table this holiday season, Register of Deeds William O'Donnell is asking people to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Monday, November 22 and running through Friday, December 29, 2021.
 
"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a destination place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county that are truly hurting. Just looking at our monthly foreclosure numbers, we at the Registry of Deeds can see firsthand how people are being adversely impacted. Misfortune can strike anyone in a number of ways, from a job loss to a medical catastrophe to an elderly person on a fixed income."
 
Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 1 out of every 10 households in Massachusetts is considered food insecure. Furthermore 1 out of every 7 children in the state is also considered food insecure.   In fiscal year 2017 Project Bread received more than 28,000 calls for food assistance.
 
Register O'Donnell noted. "As we near the holiday season, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel and also food bills are higher with kids home during school vacation.  Let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may be in need of our help."
 
Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries and paper products.
 
If you can't get to the Registry to drop off food, you can check their website.at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community. "Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell.
 
To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.
 
The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. 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 at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.
 

2021 Holiday Food Drive  November 22 through December 29

Franklin's Event Outlook: Nov 12 - Nov 18, 2021

A wet Friday in the forecast with a light listing of events this weekend.  FHS students perform Mamma Mia this weekend. The Big Band Brunch returns to THE BLACK BOX on Sunday. St Mary's Women's Faith Formation group meets and the annual pie sale takes orders after all the masses this weekend.

This 'seeming to never end' pandemic has caused the cancelation of the Art Wall reception on Sunday at the First Universalist Church. A new outbreak among that community has set artist Chris Blue Lamb Toubeau back for the 2nd time. You may recall her art display was scheduled for a show at FUSF back in March of 2020 when the COVID-19 shutdown hit. And now it has done it again.

Friday, November 12
7:00pm - FHS presents "Mama Mia!"

Saturday, November 13
Thanksgiving Pie Sale at St Mary's after all Masses
9:30am - St Mary's Women's Faith Formation
10:00am - Historical Museum (always free)
2:00pm - FHS presents "Mama Mia!"
3:00pm - New England Chapel - Open House
7:00pm - FHS presents "Mama Mia!"

Sunday, November 14
Thanksgiving Pie Sale at St Mary's after all Masses
11:30am - CANCELED - Art Wall Reception
11:45am - Kenny Hadley Big Band Brunch
1:00pm - Historical Museum (always free)

Find the full calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district calendar is found   https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Recap: Town Council reorganizes (sort of); hears about open meeting law, etc. appoints 4 to Cultural Council; closes with Executive Session

Quick Recap:

• Town Clerk Nancy Danello sworn in (2nd time, first time on election night), then she swears in the Town Council
• Council reorganizes by nomination and vote to retain Mercer, Dellorco, and Jones as Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk respectfully; so while they have officially re-organized, there is no change in the leadership at this time
• Appointments of four individuals to Cultural Council approved
• Overview of Open Meeting, Law, Ethics, etc. provided by Attny Mark Cerel. As many times as I have seen this overview (8 times, I think?), it is good to review, something different catches my attention each time.
• Council entered Executive Session to discuss the latest on the Prospect St property situation and did not return to open session

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter. I participated in the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1110

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1110&src=typeahead_click 

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

• getting ready for the Town Council meeting to begin shortly - agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html…  #tc1110
• Motion to nominate Mercer as Chair, seconded, approved 9-0; motion to nominate Dellorco as Vice-Chair; seconded, approved 9-0 motion to nominate Jones, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1110
• motion to adopt procedure manual -> ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURE MANUAL: Resolution 21-67       https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3._21-67_adoption_of_council_procedures.pdf…  #tc1110  subcommittee will review and propose revisions possible  -  seconded, passes 9-0
• meeting protocol statement read by Chair Mercer; meeting options, Zoom, cable Verizon/Comcast, and live stream - Citizen comments; Rev Juncker and Rabbi Alpert step forward to make Interfaith Council as they did at #schCom1109 meeting  #tc1110
• statement on #LoveFranklin can be found -> https://franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html…  #tc1110 (BTW - I am a signer of this statement, one of the 365 community members)
• J Callaway-Tripp after an atrocious election, congratulations, I hope you do wonderful things #tc1110
• approval of minutes from 10/06/21 meeting, motion, seconded, passes 9-0  #tc1110
• APPOINTMENTS a. Franklin Cultural Council: Venus Senjam - motion, seconded, passes 9-0  #tc1110 Cormier-Leger, Frongillo, Jones - thanks to these candidates, good candidates
• APPOINTMENTS b. Franklin Cultural Council: Patrick Kinner#tc1110 - motion, seconded, passes 9-0 c. Franklin Cultural Council: Shelley Green - motion, seconded, passes 9-0d. Franklin Cultural Council: Jacob Juncker - motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• LICENSE TRANSACTIONS a. Residence Inn Boston Franklin, License Modification, Change of Manager, Officers/Directors/ LLC Managers & Change of ownership Interest, 4 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• License modification -> b. Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw's, License Modification, Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• license modification - c. 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a The Ninety-Nine, License Modification, Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, 847 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038  #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• Farmers Market license - D. La Cantina Winery Company, Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038 #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0 3rd time for the Market at Fairmount Fruit Farm (11/20/21)
• Presentation: Open Meeting Law, Public Records, Ethics and Conducting a Public Meeting - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney Memo - > https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ft8UZqacUKK2AT_rieHgQl4NFNR0-Xu/view?usp=sharing…  Presentation Doc - >   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15KP9W1fQTC5rOiiO_OBi6HFZv_PHtG0t/view?usp=sharing…  #tc1110
• starting with page 11 of the presentation doc - this is the short story version - each of these topics could take more time to review thoroughly #tc1110 applicable for open meeting law when a quorum is together;
• in open meeting law, public has right to be present but not an absolute right to participate, subject to the chair of the public body; there are consequences for enforcement #tc1110 no blanket immunity for speech, potential liability for any comments if derogatory, threatening
• shifting to public records law - includes all forms of documents including electronic  - the document itself is the public record regardless of the device it located on; i.e. a personal device. #tc1110 there are town business email accounts for Town Council/School Committee …
• to help with the separation of the town business and personal business. There are public records officers defined within Municipal operations, most requests are from outside for some other purpose - we don't have a lot of requests as the website is so stocked with docs. #tc1110
• the easiest answer; if you are thinking about posting it, don't; #tc1110 shifting to ethics - this is a criminal statue  - Town Council members are considered "municipal employees" and covered by all "statutory prohibitions and restrictions"
• identify the potential conflict sooner than later and recuse yourself at the outset. #tc1110 Ethics Commission can be helpful and then be an investigator and hearing leading to decisions for civil and criminal as required
• next up - conducting public hearings - #tc1110 differences in liability between legislative role (most resolutions) and administrative (i.e. alcohol license or violations) - be careful about what you do
• a. Resolution 21-65: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 - $18,500.22 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-65 - Majority Vote) - motion, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1110
• b. Resolution 21-66: Gift Acceptance: Veterans Service Department ($3,295.00) and Fire Department ($965.00) (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-66- Majority Vote) #tc1110 motion, seconded, passes 9-0
• Town Administrator's Report - thanks and congratulations to the successful candidates; cafe will be closed at Senior Center, deep cleaning to be done, also expanding tax workoff to include the cafe; #tc1110  Nov 18, at FHS auditorium also Zoom feature
• future agenda items; accessory dwelling units for Economic Development; Civil discourse pledge should be taken up; Housing Authority coming Nov 17 as the feature presentation; #tc1110 Councilor Comments - grade 6 youth football game coming this weekend, best wishes
• need to leaf pickup to assist other seniors to help them with taking the leaves to the transfer station/Beaver St #tc1110 vandalism at FHS bathrooms, work closely with Superintendent and their staff, etc. incidents are taken seriously. dealing with minors and legal process …
• mental health related issues, a lot of grief and difficulty out there today, not completely surprised. #tc1110 Frongillo touting talk on Mon on "Strong Towns" (info to be shared later) 9:30 AM
• thanks to the voters; Pellegri tapping on to the Chandler comments about the vandalism; has suggestions on how to stop it; #tc1110 Jones touting Mamma Mia performances this weekend (Fir/Sat) (see the community calendar for details)
• Thanks to the voters, awesome to see all the folks come out; wish the veterans the best; Nov 18 is an important event, #tc1110 good story on an issue raised last night, SAFE Coalition has a plan underway for the individual today; congratulate all the newly elected
• thanks also to all those who stepped up to run, even if they were not successful, there are other opportunities to stay involved #tc1110 do need to enter Executive Session - prospect St - not to return to open meeting ; vote to enter, vote via roll call - passes 9-0

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

Town Clerk Nancy Danello sworn in by justice of the peace

More Perfect Union - WFPR: 037 - Sara Ahern (audio)

"In this episode, the group is joined by Franklin's Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sara Ahern, to discuss the her time here as a superintendent during COVID, the actions made to handle the pandemic, and the work the schools are doing towards the future."

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/81c4c010-f22a-4859-9160-4baf0228d7f8

The 'regular group' = Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Natalia Linos, and Jeff Roy host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States. 

For other episodes of More Perfect Union visit ->

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9tb3JlLXBlcmZlY3QtdW5pb24uY2FwdGl2YXRlLmZtL3Jzc2ZlZWQ?

You can subscribe to this podcast in most podcast apps by searching for "More Perfect Union - WFPR"

More Perfect Union - WFPR: 037 - Sara Ahern (audio)

FHS field hockey top Winchester to advance to final four

Via @HockomockSports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS fall sports playoff action on Thursday, Nov 11, 2021  

Field Hockey - Division 1 = #5 Winchester, 1 @ #4 Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Kaitlyn Carney scored twice and freshmen Haley Wernig and Raena Crandall each scored once, as Franklin beat Winchester to advance to the Div. 1 Final Four. It is Franklin’s first-ever state semifinal appearance. 

Carney opened the scoring late in the first quarter on a penalty stroke and then doubled the lead with a blast from a corner, assisted by Kendall Jones. Wernig made it 3-0 Franklin in the third quarter by forcing a turnover and then scoring from a tight angle. After the Sachems got one back in the fourth, Crandall popped up at the back post for a near instant response and restored the three-goal cushion. 

Franklin will face the winner of No. 1 Andover and No. 8 Shrewsbury at a date and time to be determined for a spot in the state title game. 

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-11-21

"HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!! 

First Franklin FH Team to win a Sectional Title!!  

I am so proud of this team!! Total Team Effort in the WIN!  Everyone contributed both on & off the field!! I am so excited that we have PRACTICE tomorrow!!! 

On to the SEMI-FINALS!!"  

 https://twitter.com/FHS_FH_02038/status/1458990763514155106

FHS field hockey top Winchester to advance to final four

FM #655 - Finance Committee Mtg - 11/10/21 (audio)

FM #655 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 655 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the seven Finance Committee members present were in the Municipal Building along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about 29 minutes.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the Finance Committee meeting Nov 10, 2021

 

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c3c9189c-91ac-4510-856e-de5712479fc5

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

Finance Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html

 

My notes captured during the meeting -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-finance-committee-hears-of-fy.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

FM #655 - Finance Committee Mtg - 11/10/21 (audio)

Event Invitation: UNO Bellingham FBRTC Fundraiser - Nov 18

Please consider ordering out or dining in at the UNO Pizzeria & Grill Bellingham on November 18th to support the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. 

You need to print out the flyer/ticket.

Here is some additional information:

• UNO will donate up to 25% of ticketed sales – includes alcohol sales! (fine print – excludes any coupons, tax and gratuity)
• Tickets are valid ALL DAY, from 11:30 AM to close!
• If you can’t print the ticket or forget yours, please let the host or the server know asap, they will provide you with one. You MUST ASK for the ticket.
• Tickets are valid for dine-in or takeout

Event Invitation: UNO Bellingham FBRTC Fundraiser - Nov 18 (Print this)

Or go to https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/event/uno-bellingham-fundraiser-november-18/ to print this flyer to bring for the fund raiser

Opioid deaths: "1,613 people have died in opioid overdoses in Mass. this year"

"Opioid overdoses continued to claim the lives of hundreds of Massachusetts residents in 2021. In the first nine months of this year 1,613 residents have died, a 1 percent increase over the same period in 2020, according to data released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Health.

The semiannual report suggests the crisis may be stabilizing after a 5 percent spike in deaths in 2020, when the effects of the pandemic erased the state’s progress in combating illicit opioid use. The annual number of opioid-related deaths peaked at 2,110 in 2016, declined slightly over the next three years, and rose to 2,106 in 2020.

Information gathered from emergency medical services providers around the state also point to a leveling-off. The percentage of EMS trips that were related to opioid use, including nonfatal overdoses, changed little from June 2019 to June 2021, hovering at just over 2 percent."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/10/metro/1613-have-died-opioid-overdoses-massachusetts-this-year/

Critical Conversations, an event on mental health and substance abuse co-sponsored by Franklin Public Schools and the SAFE Coalition, is scheduled for Nov 18  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-public-schools-ma-announces.html

It was 2104 for the 2020 calendar year.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/community-acknowledgement-of-2104-lost.html

It was 2104 for the 2020 calendar year

‘The pandemic is not over’

"Massachusetts coronavirus case numbers have lurched upward in recent days, in a worrisome development that experts say underlines the need for people to get vaccinated and to take precautions such as wearing masks in indoor public spaces.

Case numbers began rising from rock-bottom levels in early July, hit a peak in mid-September, and then declined until early this month. But in the past week or so, they began to rise again. The seven-day average of reported cases was 1,182 on Nov. 3. A week later, as of Nov. 10, it had jumped to 1,481. "

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/11/11/nation/mass-covid-19-cases-rise-sending-worrisome-signal/

Chart compiled from data provided at MA.gov ->  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/archive-of-covid-19-cases-in-massachusetts#october-2021-

 

‘The pandemic is not over’

CommonWealth Magazine: "Senate passes ARPA spending bill"

 

AFTER WADING THROUGH ours of debate and considering hundreds of amendments, the Senate late Wednesday night unanimously approved a $3.82 billion package to steer special federal relief funds and surplus state budget revenues into virtually every corner of the state.

All three Senate Republicans, who unsuccessfully sought to double the amount of unemployment relief for businesses and implement a two-week state sales tax holiday in the bill, joined Democrats to vote 38-0 in favor of the massive spending proposal (S 2564) that carves up about half of the state’s American Rescue Plan Act relief funding.

Now the arguably harder part — negotiating a final bill between the two branches after the House and Senate versions diverged on many specifics — begins. The one caveat is that there are billions more dollars still in reserve, which could make reaching agreement easier.

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/senate-passes-arpa-spending-bill/

MA Senate press releases

1 -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/senate-prioritizes-veterans-services-in.html

2 -  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/ma-senate-passes-american-rescue-plan.html

Senate Prioritizes Veterans’ Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Senate Prioritizes Veterans' Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Financial support for veterans' services expanded during Senate debate

 The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday (11/10/2021) passed a $3.82 billion blueprint to invest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to meet the urgent needs of the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery. The bill includes increased investments for veteran services and supports that target housing security, transportation, and mental and behavioral health care, among other areas.

"For too many veterans, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented physical, mental and financial challenges," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Reaffirming our commitment to veterans is an important piece of this legislation's broader goal of ensuring an equitable COVID-19 recovery and reimagining our future. I am truly grateful to the many veterans who have given so much for the security of our nation, including Senators Velis, Rush, and Cronin, and I am proud to live in a state where so many of us have worked to build the best veterans' services in the nation, including with these investments. I'd like to thank Senator Rodrigues for his leadership of the ARPA process, as well as Senators Velis, Rush, and Moore for their contributions to this legislation and their steadfast commitment to serving veterans in our Commonwealth." 

"As we continue to build our post-pandemic future, we must recognize our veterans who made sure that future was possible," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that our Senate ARPA spending plan includes measures to strengthen housing security, transportation services, and food distribution for veterans, while also ensuring proper recognition for Massachusetts service men and women who died in the line of duty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Moore, Rush, and Velis for their diligent work to support our cherished veterans."

Many of the provisions strengthening veterans' services were passed as amendments on An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs (S. 2564). The Senate's ARPA plan would invest $150 million in supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population. Priority for permanent supportive housing would be given to veterans, along with individuals and families who are chronically homeless, experiencing behavioral health or substance misuse needs, survivors of domestic violence, involved in the foster care system, or seniors. An amendment proposed by Senator Rush and adopted directs $20 million be invested in supportive housing for veterans located across the state in areas not primarily served by either the Chelsea or Holyoke Soldiers' Homes.

"Veterans who have served this nation and have been willing to give their life for our freedom deserve a place to call home," said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Thank you to the Senate President and Ways and Means Chair for their leadership to ensure all our Veterans have that home."

Senator Velis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, contributed two additional amendments relevant to veterans. The first of these allocates $500,000 to newly created transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts in order to reduce regional inequities and provide services to veterans across the state. The second explicitly ensures that the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty can be awarded to service men and women who have died as a result of training accidents while in the line of duty. 

"As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Veterans throughout our communities and the importance of recognizing those who have served our nation," said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Extending the Medal of Liberty to those who died as a result of a training accident will ensure that we are properly honoring the sacrifices that those service members and their families have endured. Additionally, the critical funding allocated to our Commonwealth's Veteran Treatment Courts will resolve the transportation barriers that keep Veterans from participating in this valuable program and getting the help they need. I am grateful to the Senate President and the Chairman of Ways and Means for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts is the premiere state for our Veterans and their families. These important amendments are a continued step in that direction."

An amendment offered by Senator Michael O. Moore extends $1 million of state financial support to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for 'empowerment centers' which distribute food services to veterans in need in Worcester County.

"The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces are true heroes, and we should be doing everything in our power to make their transition back to civilian life as easy as possible," said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). "Through their programs, events and other resources the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation has become a leader when it comes to providing services for our veterans. Because of this I am both grateful and proud that we were able to allocate funding for them so that they can continue to provide exceptional service for our service members." 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.