Sunday, August 14, 2022

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
August 17, 2022 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR 
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely. 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled. 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS 

5. APPOINTMENTS 
a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 
b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 
c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 
d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 
e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 
f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 
g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 
h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 
i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled. 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 
a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 
a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council 
b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 
a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 
b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 
c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 
d. Resolution 22-56: Gift Acceptance - Police Department (Equipment Donation, 3 Drones and Related Equipment) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-56 - Majority Vote) 
e. 22-57: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($800), Fire Dept. ($100), Police Dept. ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-57 - Majority Vote) 
f. Resolution 22-58: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-58 - Majority Vote) 

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS 
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee 
b. Budget Subcommittee 
c. Economic Development Subcommittee 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

15. ADJOURN 

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes 
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 



Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

Annual Report Of The Conservation Commission - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

Franklin Conservation Commission is responsible for promoting and protecting the Town of Franklin’s natural resources, and protecting the Town’s wetlands resources.

The Commission is comprised of seven volunteer residents appointed for three year terms by the Town
 
Administrator. Current Commission members have diverse professional experience related to environmental science, biology, engineering, and project management. Because of their different backgrounds, each commissioner is able to offer a different perspective during the review of applications for a wetland permit that ultimately benefits Franklin.

Franklin has continuously been represented at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions each March, with Commissioners attending classes and workshops and talking with other Commissioners from across the state as well as lawyers, ecologists and engineers active in conservation.

The Department of Planning and Community Development provides administrative and technical support to the Commission.

Permitting of Work within or Adjacent to Wetlands Resources
The majority of the Commission’s attention is directed to administering Massachusetts and Franklin wetland protection laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations require Conservation Commission permits to work in or within 100 feet of a wetland, in the 100 year flood hazard zone, or within 200 feet of a perennial stream.

During FY21 the Conservation Agent reviewed and administratively approved 16 minor buffer zone applications.

During FY21 the Conservation Commission received 32 permit applications to work within areas under their permitting jurisdiction. In addition the Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for previously permitted projects, and granted permit extensions to allow projects to finish. 

Some of the more interesting project applications before the Commission during FY21 include the Maple Hill Subdivision that was approved, the Chilson Park Playground Expansion project that was approved, and the Cottage Street/Cottage Court/Peck Street affordable housing and stream relocation project, which was denied.

DelCarte Conservation Area
The Commission continues to work on the DelCarte Area (aka the Franklin Reservoirs) off of Pleasant Street. There are a series of seven “structures” (six dams that had been originally used for cranberry farming and a stone wall that beavers had dammed) along Miller brook thru the 100+ acre DelCarte Area.

The Commission retained the services of ESS, Inc. to undertake an ecological study to ascertain the flora and fauna viability in the pond and develop a long term management plan. This study, completed in 2015-2016 has given the Town a comprehensive understanding of exactly “what is there” and includes a management plan to help keep the area viable as a true recreational jewel. The first two phases of the plan’s recommendations, the treatment of invasive plant species was undertaken in the spring/summer of 2017-2019. The Town appropriated Capital improvement funds to help implement the next phases of this study in 2019-2020. The pond’s invasive species were treated again throughout the summer of 2021.

The Commission is currently in the process of working with a local boy scout who is proposing adding informational and directional kiosks to the DelCarte area to help hikers better navigate the trails.

The Commission collects application fees for all permits that come before them. These fees paid for, among other things, the studies on the DelCarte recreation area and thus allowed the Commission to truly understand the issues facing the town in maintaining this area for quality recreation.

The Commission plans on holding an Earth Day celebration and clean up at DelCarte on October 16, 2021.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public hearings are being held in the Council Chambers in a hybrid meeting style that residents and applicants can attend in person, or virtually, via Zoom.

There is a whole lot more to the Conservation Commission section of this annual report but the tables and other info were not easily copied for this format. 

Find the remainder of the Conservation Commission report on page  119


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Annual Report Of Franklin Housing Authority - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

Board Members
The following Officers were duly elected at the annual organizational meeting of the Franklin Housing Authority held on April 12, 2021.
  • George A. Danello, Chairman 
  • Christopher K. Feeley, Vice Chairperson 
  • Peter L. Brunelli, Treasurer
  • Diane Padula, Assistant Treasurer 
  • Andrew M. Kepple, Commissioner

FHA Staff
Lisa Audette, Executive Director 
Candice Day, Administrative Assistant 
Carole Blanchard, Office Assistant 
Sean Pope, Maintenance Supervisor 
Frank McAvoy, Maintenance Laborer 
James Brunelli, Groundskeeper/Laborer
Julia Schneiderman, Service Coordinator

Retired Maintenance Supervisor
Mike Gilligan was hired by the Franklin Housing Authority in 1988 to the maintenance department. He worked to climb the ranks and became supervisor of the department where he maintained his position for 29 years before retiring. During Mike’s tenure he honorably served many residents to assure that their housing was in compliance with regulations and safe. Mike headed many renovation projects through the years and trained several staff members to skillfully serve our resident with respect and dignity. We wish Mike long and healthy retirement and thank him for his 33 years of service.

Dealing with COVID-19
As the pandemic reared its’ ugly head in the spring of 2020, Franklin Housing Authority aggressively began cleaning and sterilizing all public areas within our developments for the protection of our residents. While many businesses shut down, we remained in place to support our residents and maintain as much stability as possible during the very frightening and uncharted months of unusual turmoil. While we are not out of danger yet, we see light at the end of the tunnel. Much appreciation to Representative Jeff Roy for providing us with ‘impossible to find’ face coverings for our residents during this time. He played a very crucial part in keeping our resident from contracting or spreading this virus. Thanks to our residents for listening to the Governors’ warnings and guidance during this time. It brought many months of loneliness to many of our seniors but the stamina of their compliance kept us safe. Much thanks to our maintenance department for continuing to respond to emergency work orders throughout the pandemic and maintain the buildings and property in a safe manner. Also, office staff adjusted their schedules and work environment to maintain as much continuity as possible. It has not been easy for any them or their families. Their service is highly commendable. Lastly, the unwavering support of Chairman Danello and the FHA Board Members cannot go unnoticed. Board Members were readily available for any need of the agency and always looking out for the best interest of our staff and residents. Their remarkable awareness and action throughout has demonstrated their commitment to the agency. We are very fortunate.

Modernization of the Franklin Housing Authority Properties
A Contract for Financial Assistance from the Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for the purpose of repairing components of the aged agency for their fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 was awarded to the FHA. Several projects are in the works using this very timely and important funding including support beam repairs, fire alarm system and sewer line replacement.

FHA Property
The Franklin Housing Authority manages 161 units of State Aided Elderly/Disabled Housing, 33 units of low income Family Housing and two, 8-unit Group Homes. Additionally, the Housing Authority is responsible for a four-bedroom congregate facility. This program provides a shared living environment for its residents who maintain private bedrooms. Congregate housing was established for residents who are self-reliant, however may need limited additional support.

Franklin Housing Authority also owns two single family homes and one duplex in Franklin. These properties are reserved for lease to low-income persons and afford these families the opportunity to live in a residential neighborhood for an affordable rent.

Managing Agent for Norfolk Housing Authority Franklin Housing Authority has been contracted to manage the Norfolk Housing Authority. By taking on this agreement, we increase the FHA/NHA housing stock by an additional 84 units of public housing. Norfolk is very close logistically and has been the ‘little brother’ to Franklin for many years. We see this opportunity as a benefit to our new Norfolk residents and financially beneficial to both agencies. We look forward to working at the Norfolk Housing Authority and with the NHA Board Members to maintain the beautiful, safe and affordable housing in the Town of Norfolk.

Special Events Noted with Appreciation
Franklin Rotarians were not able to wow or residents with their service during COVID-19. However, they have not forgotten us and are currently planning to resume the previous event schedule at our agency. Much thanks to the Franklin Rotarians for their continued support.

Special Thanks
The Board of Commissioners, Staff and Residents of the Franklin Housing Authority wish to express their thanks and appreciation to the following:
The Clergy, for continuous support and comfort in the time of need and always.
Chairman Tom Mercer and all of the Franklin Town Council Members, Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and their staff for their continued support and assistance.
Chairman Christopher Vericker and all Franklin’s Municipal Affordable Housing Trust members for having a similar goal as FHA in providing affordable housing to people of lower income.
Council on Aging, Veterans Agent, SHINE Program and Food Pantry for assisting residents with health care concerns and working with the Authority to recognize needs and provide activities, nourishment and specialized services.
Franklin Police Department, Police Chief Lynch and the entire Franklin Police Department for continuous concern, attention and response to the needs of the Authority and its Residents.
Franklin Fire and Rescue, Chief James McLaughlin, Deputy Chief James Klich and Deputy Chief Joseph Barbieri and their Department are always professional and respectful when assisting our residents during a medical time of need.
Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch and Representative Jeffery Roy for their relentless support of the Housing Programs and Bills with the best interest of our town and residents at heart. Also, a huge thank you to Representative Roy for providing our resident with a supply of face covering masks during the pandemic. At the time of need when masks were no where to be found, Rep. Roy came to the rescue.
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for the support of Massachusetts public housing.
Norfolk County Sherriff’s Department and Sherriff Jerome McDermott for including FHA in their inmate community service program, their professionalism during evictions and their support of the Franklin Housing Authority.
Franklin Food Pantry and Executive Director Tina Powderly for the support of the residents of Franklin Housing Authority. Also, much appreciation for placing food pickups in the most convenient places for our residents to manage.
Saint Mary’s Church, Friends of Franklin and Saint Vincent de Paul for supporting our residents during exceptional times of need.

Through the years, the Franklin community and the housing authority find ways to improve the quality of life for our area seniors, disabled persons and low- income families. With the support of the Commissioners and the community, the Franklin Housing Authority continues to be a wonderful, safe and affordable community housing opportunity.

Respectfully submitted,


Lisa M. Audette, 
Executive Director, PHM, MCPPO 
franklinhousing.org


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Franklin.TV: Citizen Frank - Seeking Political Wisdom & Truth!

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/14/2022

There are basic truths. Some are the ones you learn in civics class, and they stick with you. A principle often attributed to Thomas Jefferson is one for me.

“An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.”

With mid-terms looming, and a number of Massachusetts candidates seeking state offices, Frank Falvey is on the phone, chasing down campaign managers and various assigns to arrange appearances and interviews for Franklin●TV and wfpr●fm.

This last decade has set all-time records for national candidates and office holders to engage in gaslighting, deflection, disinformation and bombast in order to garner attention and votes. They want to win in the worst way – and that’s exactly how they do it. Hollywood writers can’t keep up with the antics of the worst.
Frank Falvey
Frank Falvey

However, we in Massachusetts are fortunate to have a robust exchange with candidates through our regional and local media. Interviews, debates, and candidates’ own messages let we the people get to know our officials.

We in Massachusetts also have citizens who volunteer – truth seekers like Frank. His tenet is as Jeffersonian a statement as you may find. ‘Seek Wisdom’.

Frank has labored at this noble endeavor long before I have had the good fortune to know him.

Frank is our modern day Diogenes. As we wade into this election season, check out our weekly program guide for Frank’s interviews with state and local candidates. Let us all be the wiser for watching – as Frank Presents….

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Franklin School Committee - Aug 9, 2022 meeting recording (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday, August 9, 2022. The recording of the meeting is available on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/EIEoOfK_p3A


Note at the time of this posting a couple of the documents that were supposed to be posted after the meeting still are not yet posted to the packet folder.




Saturday, August 13, 2022

Renewable Communities 2022 report and resources

Thank you for joining us to celebrate the release of Renewable Communities 2022. The full report can be found on our website at this link: http://bit.ly/RenewableCommunities2022

We also want to give a special thank you to our panel speakers: Eric Burkman, Lori Timmermann, Brendan Linard, and Kate England. We really appreciate them taking the time to attend today's event and speak about the important initiatives that are taking place in their communities. 


Below are some additional resources for municipal action on clean energy and climate change:


You can also find the speaker presentations at this link if you would like to learn more about their programs or get in contact with the speaker for further information.

Speaker presentations -> https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Hau-pIn-unyhU5LsKTfgRgAkw61IL2g6

Full report on Renewable Communities ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/14n8SGw5dr99t9zC17LsQ50o7FPHD6cKC/view?usp=sharing

Renewable Communities 2022 report and resources
Renewable Communities 2022 report and resources


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Annual Report Of The Charles River Pollution Control District - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

During Fiscal Year 2021, the Charles River Pollution Control District’s (District) regional advanced wastewater treatment facility received and treated approximately 1,693 million gallons (4.63 million gallons per day) of raw wastewater, including 9.6 million gallons of septage from the District’s member and customer towns before discharge to the Charles River.

As part of the District’s infiltration and inflow program, the District inspected the Mine Brook Interceptor Subsystem, which included inspecting 99 manholes, and performing closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) and multi-sensor inspections of 28,400 linear feet of pipe for signs of infiltration and inflow. Repair work is scheduled to be completed during FY 2022.

In late 2015, the District entered into a Power Purchase Agreement to receive net-metering credits from a solar array in Carver, Massachusetts. The array has been online since December 2015 and to- date the District has received over $420,000 in net- metering credits.

The District’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget is 1.9% higher than the previous years’ budget. The District’s FY 2022 budget for operations and maintenance is $3,814,850, while the capital projects budget is $2,262,900. Franklin’s share of the operation and maintenance and capital projects budgets are estimated to be $2,103,960 and $1,272,840, respectively.

For more information on the District please check out our website at https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/.

Respectively submitted

Douglas M. Downing, Chairman (Medway) 
David Formato, Vice Chairman (Franklin) 
Mark Cataldo, Clerk (Franklin)
Michael Callahan (Medway) 
Wolfgang Bauer (Franklin)

Charles River Pollution Control District (CRPCD) Officers:
Elizabeth Taglieri, P.E., Executive Director 
John D. Foster, Treasurer
Barbara Maffeo, Executive Secretary


The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Annual Report of the Purchasing Department - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election. Updated - 08/15/22

Goals
The Purchasing Department is responsible for preserving and protecting the fiscal resources of the  Town. The Purchasing Office assists other departments in procuring quality goods and services in a fair, competitive, and transparent manner, using objective standards for the selection of contractors and vendors, to ensure fair, impartial, and uniform bidding, contract development and awarding procedures. All purchases are made in accordance with Massachusetts State Laws and Town By-Laws.

Procurement Changes
During Fiscal Year 2021, the Purchasing function seamlessly shifted to a remote model in keeping with COVID-19 safety measures. The Department had already instituted distribution of bid documentation through the Town website. In March 2020, the Department began conducting bid openings remotely with plan holders attending openings via Zoom meetings. In October, 2020, the former Chief Procurement Officer, John Bugbee, left the Town of Franklin to pursue an opportunity in a different town. We are grateful to John for his contributions and wish him continued success. I have worked closely with John since 2015 and am excited to continue to provide a high level of service and expertise
to both our internal and external customers.

Objectives
The Purchasing Department promotes fair, prompt, and courteous consideration to all suppliers. The Department is committed to providing those same standards to our internal customers while ensuring their procurement needs are met in a timely manner. Additionally, the Purchasing Department strives to attain the highest ethical standards in all transactions and correspondence.

Respectfully submitted:

Pamela Vickery
Chief Procurement Officer
Town of Franklin

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

Annual Town Report Of The Town Clerk’s Office - FY 2021
Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Franklin Public Schools: The 2022-2023 school bus routes are now available.

The 2022-2023 school bus routes for Franklin Public Schools are now available.

  • Please note that Franklin High School and Horace Mann Middle School students will ride separate buses for the 2022-2023 school year.  
  • Franklin middle school students attending BFCCPS will ride their district middle school bus in the morning, which will stop at ASMS, HMMS or RMS and then continue on to the Charter School.
  • Note that all stop times are approximate;  Students should be waiting outside at the stop at least 5 minutes prior to the bus arrival time.
  • BUS PASSES:  Will be available for pick up at your child's school August 22-26.  Please check with your school for the exact schedule for bus pass pickup.

The 2022-2023 school bus routes are now available.
The 2022-2023 school bus routes are now available.


Congressman Auchincloss: An Update - the last 2 weeks in review (Aug 1 - Aug 12, 2022)


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LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW
AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 12

I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed.


On the Hill

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Inflation Reduction Act: Today, I joined my colleagues in passing the Inflation Reduction Act, which now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law. This law is the biggest climate action in history, by any country. It devotes $369 billion for environmental and clean energy provisions. This could cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 37-41 percent by 2030, putting us within reach of Paris Agreement targets. The Inflation Reduction Act also allows Medicare to directly negotiate drug prices and will extend critical Obamacare subsidies to save 13 million Americans approximately $800 annually on health care premiums.

EPA Regulatory Authority Act: I recently co-led the EPA Regulatory Authority Act with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in response to the Supreme Court's ruling in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The ruling drew into question the EPA's ability to phase out the power sector's use of fossil fuels. Our bill clarifies that the EPA has the authority to shift our energy sources toward clean energy.

Make It in America: I joined my colleagues in passing the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act in the House, which President Biden signed into law this week. This bill will fund basic and applied science, enhance our geo-economic security, and strengthen America's international competitiveness in engineering and technology. Specifically, the CHIPS and Science Act will boost American semiconductor research, development, and production, with the aim of making us a global leader in semiconductor technology. It will also fund the National Science Foundation's efforts to advance cutting-edge science in hubs across the country.

Assault Weapons Ban: I also voted for an assault weapons ban when it passed in the House. As a former Marine, I ate, slept, trained, and patrolled with these weapons for four and a half years – I know that no citizen has the constitutional right to own an assault weapon. I urge the Senate to take up this key piece of legislation to make Americans safer.

Free Trade Can Fight Inflation: Last week, I co-authored an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal with Representative Stephanie Murphy about trade. I called on President Biden to repeal or reduce Trump-era tariffs. Economists across the political spectrum agree that international trade lowers prices and expands choices for consumers and that trade deals open markets for American businesses. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues, including those across the aisle, to reduce costs for American consumers and businesses. We can do this while maintaining labor, environmental, and intellectual property standards in trade deal negotiations.

Make your voice heard → Let me know below if you support this proposal.

Do you support moving away from Trump-era tariffs?

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Around the Fourth

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Small Businesses in Wellesley: Last week, along with representatives from the Charles River Regional Chamber, the Town of Wellesley, and The Swellesley Report, I toured some local small businesses in Wellesley that are providing fantastic service to our community. First, I went to We Rock the Spectrum, which is an indoor playground that was founded to provide a place for children of all ability levels to play and grow together. Next, I stopped by the London Harness, which was the first luggage retailer in the country. Finally, I visited Laughing Monk Cafe, which is a new Thai and sushi restaurant, met the staff, and discussed their expansion from their first location in Boston. I even got to debate parking policy, one of my favorite topics as a city councilor.

Healthy 3 to 10: Last week, I visited summer camps, joined after-school activity groups, and spoke with parents as part of my Healthy 3-10 Initiative. I want to ensure that all kids have access to enrichment activities after school and during the summer to keep them healthfully engaged. Healthy 3-10 focuses on the vital hours between 3 pm and 10 pm when our kids are not in school. This will help children gain confidence and self-efficacy in and out of the classroom.

District Investments: Recently, the House advanced the funding that I requested for our district. These critical funds, much of them directed towards water infrastructure, will empower our cities and towns to guarantee quality municipal services. Investing in infrastructure and getting localities the funds they need to reach their full economic potential will help our District and Commonwealth reach their full potential as a powerhouse of talent and work ethic.

Coffee Meet-Ups Across the District: For the remainder of August I'll be hosting a series of meet-ups at coffee shops and restaurants across the Fourth to meet constituents and hear what's on their mind. To RSVP, or to find out more information, please head to this link: Coffee With Your Congressman.

Sincerely,

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Jake

       

WASHINGTON
15 Independence Avenue SE
1524 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5931

NEWTON
29 Crafts Street
Suite 375
Newton, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 332-3333

ATTLEBORO
8 North Main Steet
Suite 200

Attleboro, MA 02703
Phone: (508) 431-1110


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Senator Rausch: 2022 End of Session Roundup


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Senator Rausch: 2022 End of Session Roundup

Senator Rausch State House Briefing   
Part 2, Chapter 19 (August 12, 2022)   


August has arrived and with it the end of our formal legislative session. My colleagues and I wrapped up debate in the wee hours of Monday, August 1st. We sent landmark legislation on many issues to the Governor's desk over the last couple weeks, including reproductive justice, climate action, mental health care, and more. While I am proud of everything we accomplished, there is still so much work to be done. To be frank, I am particularly disappointed that legislative leadership did not reach an agreement on the economic development bill, which would provide not only tax relief and reform – including a version of my own proposal to put money directly into people's pockets – but also sorely needed small business supports and investments in local projects, childcare, health systems, and housing. More on that below.

In this newsletter, you'll find a roundup of the tail end of the formal legislative session, priority legislative areas for the next formal session, and ways to connect with me and my team. For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook. If you are a constituent and need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me and my team via phone (617-722-1555) or email (becca.rausch@masenate.gov). We are here to help.   

I wish you and your loved ones strength, health, resilience, and joy.     

Yours in service,  
 
Senator Becca Rausch   


SENATOR RAUSCH'S 2022 END OF SESSION ROUNDUP

One and a half years of lawmaking came to a recess at 10:13 a.m. on the morning of August 1st. From now until January, the Legislature will be in recess from its formal sessions, unless we are called back in for a special session (which I very much hope happens so we can pass a compromise economic development bill and send it to the Governor's desk with all its subparts, including bond authorizations). The Senate will continue to gavel in for informal session every 3 days to handle ongoing business, but most bills filed this session are effectively done, whatever the outcome. 

THE WINS: 

Here are some of the bills my colleagues and I passed and sent to the Governor's desk at the end of session, all of which have now been signed into law.
Check out more information about what the Governor did and didn't do with the legislation my colleagues and I sent to his desk. 

Climate and clean energy: The Legislature sent a comprehensive climate action bill back to Governor Baker's desk to jumpstart our Commonweath's green energy transition. This legislation will help Massachusetts achieve its target of net-zero emissions by 2050 through investments in offshore wind and green energy, updating our solar rules, incentivizing electric vehicle use, creating green job training, and so much more. I am thrilled that my Better Buildings amendment, requiring that all buildings over 20,000 square feet report their emissions annually, was included in this landmark bill. This reporting will help us craft solutions to reduce these building emissions going forward. The bill also includes my amendment to start the process of converting our school buses from diesel to electric, important to both personal and planetary health.  

Expanded mental health coverage: The Mental Health ABC Act will address the state's mental health crisis by breaking down barriers to behavioral health care in Massachusetts. It will mandate insurance coverage for annual mental health exams, ensure mental and physical health care are treated equally, and require hospitals to correct policies that discriminate against patients with mental illnesses. It will also create a statewide program to help schools implement mental health services and deal with emergencies to address the youth mental health crisis. 

Legalized sports betting: After many weeks of being stuck in a conference committee to work out a compromise, anyone in Massachusetts at least 21 years old will now be able to legally place a sports wager. The bill also contains numerous consumer protection provisions and measures to address gambling addiction. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will write rules to prohibit deceptive advertising and protect minors. 

Supporting veterans and military families relocating to Massachusetts: The SPEED Act provides career stability for veterans and military families, as well as quality education for their children. The legislation will speed up the professional licensure process for military spouses to ensure they can continue their careers, allow for advanced and virtual enrollment for military children to resolve disruptions in education, provide in-state tuition continuity for military-connected college students, and establish a Purple Star Campus designation to identify public schools that show a major commitment to military families.  

Protecting veterans in long-term care facilities: In response to the Baker Administration's horrific mismanagement of COVID-19 outbreaks in the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes, this bill creates new governance structures and increases oversight in state-run long-term care facilities for veterans. It creates an Office of Veterans Homes and Housing within the executive branch and makes the Department of Veterans Services its own cabinet-level office to give veterans the support and attention they deserve. This law also requires the Department of Public Health to conduct inspections in these facilities twice a year and every 30 days during emergencies.  

Equity in the cannabis industry: This law removes barriers to entrepreneurs of color in the legal cannabis industry and improves the expungement process for individuals' records to reflect now-legal quantities of cannabis. The legislation also creates a trust fund that gives cannabis business owners of color better access to grants and loans and enhances host community agreements to encourage full participation in the regulated cannabis industry. 

Expanding our judicial infrastructure and addressing gun safety: The legislature passed a $164 million bond bill to modernize technology in the judiciary, which included a provision to support gun violence prevention in the wake of the Supreme Court's Bruen decision. I am proud that the law includes my amendment to ensure conversations between survivors of sexual assault and licensed mental health counselors at rape crisis centers will remain confidential.  

Transportation funding for our communities: This legislation authorizes $11.4 billion in bonds for transportation projects across our Commonwealth. I am proud to have secured $10 million in state bond authorizations for transportation projects in our communities. These initiatives include: 

🚶Wrentham - $1.08 million for sidewalk improvements, intersection upgrades on Route 1A and Green Street, and a downtown improvement plan   

🚆 Franklin - $2.42 million to upgrade the Franklin commuter rail station  

🚗 Bellingham - $1.3 million for road drainage improvements  

🚶Medfield - $3 million to replace sidewalks, streets, and a water main 

🚗 Dover - $2.2 million for road improvements 

STILL IN PLAY: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

Last month, the Senate passed a $4.3 billion economic development bill that makes critical investments in our workers, families, businesses, communities, and statewide economy. This bill also secured over $1.7 million in direct funding for our district, as well as an additional $6.75 million in bond authorizations for key projects in our communities. The House and Senate conference committee did not strike an agreement on this urgently needed investment before the close of formal session, a frustrating development for sure. The negotiations continue and I deeply hope we will go back into formal session to vote yes on a compromise economic development package. Updates to come. 

THE LOSSES:

Well, we never get everything, in lawmaking or in life. While I am disappointed that we didn't see complete victories in these issue areas, I promise that I will return to Beacon Hill next session with my sleeves rolled up ready to continue advocating for you and your priorities: 

Strengthening our early education workforce: Massachusetts has the highest early education costs in the nation, and I have personally experienced the serious financial strain of sending our two young children to daycare simultaneously. I was proud to strengthen the Senate's early education bill, but I was disappointed to see the House's inaction, which ultimately killed the bill. Our children and families need and deserve this support, and our Commonwealth's economic success depends on it. Accessible, quality childcare is infrastructure, plain and simple. 

Reducing plastic waste: If we're serious about taking climate action, then we must address all the problem spaces, and that includes plastics reduction. As Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, I spent much of the session tackling the issue of single-use plastics, which clog our landfills, pollute our waterways, and pose a significant public health risk to our communities. Did you know that less than 10% of our plastics actually get recycled, no matter how much we put into the recycle bin? It's true, and plastic production relies on fossil fuels. Next session, I will continue my work in plastics mitigation policy to keep our Commonwealth clean. 

Public health infrastructure improvements: My colleagues and I enacted legislation to significantly boost and improve local public health throughout the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed massive swaths of that bill, sending it back to the Legislature with large-scale changes. With formal sessions concluded, a veto override is no longer possible, meaning this bill will probably need to start over in January. 

Public Lands Protection Act: This legislation would further the long-standing goal of maintaining constitutionally protected public parks, conservation land, forests, watersheds and other natural resource lands. These lands are essential for recreation, water resources, local economies, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This legislation is one of the very first I advanced as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources more than a year ago, so I was particularly disappointed to see this bill die in eleventh hour negotiations between House and Senate conference committee negotiators.  

I AM Act: I voted YES on a landmark bill requiring the state to provide menstrual products free of charge in all schools, shelters, and correctional institutions. This bill would make incredible strides to reduce period poverty in our state, and much of the youth advocacy supporting this legislation was actually spearheaded by high school activists in our district! While this bill was passed unanimously by the Senate, the House did not bring the bill to the floor. 

VICTORIES WITH MUCH MORE WORK AHEAD:

Reproductive Justice: Last month, An Act expanding protections for reproductive rights and gender-affirming care was signed into law. This bill is a significant victory for safeguarding reproductive health and birth care in our Commonwealth in a post-Roe era, and I am proud to have crafted components of the final product. The law includes my proposals to make reproductive health care a personal right and allow people to sue to enforce those rights, my amendment to address birth and abortion care deserts in Massachusetts, and my statutory clarifications on abortions later in pregnancy, which served as a foundation for the compromise between the House and Senate. I am proud of this accomplishment, and I remain as dedicated as ever to the fight for reproductive justice and equity, because this work is still quite far from done. No one in Massachusetts or coming to Massachusetts should ever need worry about whether they will be able to access physical or mental health care related to pregnancy. That worry persists because we still need to provide licensure for at-home midwifery care, create post-miscarriage mental health care, robustly combat so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake women's health centers, ensure full-spectrum sex education, and far more.  

Expanded ballot box access: I am proud that the Governor signed the VOTES Act into law back in June, but we still have a long way to go in expanding voter access. I filed numerous amendments to this bill and will continue pushing for common-sense election reforms, including same-day voter registration, setting minimum ratios for ballot drop boxes, creating paid time off for voting, and allowing voters to permanently sign up for mail voting rather than having to re-enroll every year. I'll also continue to keep a close watch over whether the laws we do have are actually implemented in their entirety (spoiler alert: they haven't been).  


In-Person Office Hours

My team and I love having coffee hours throughout the district (we were last in Wrentham at the Senior Center just a couple weeks back)! Coming up later this month, please join me, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Congressman Auchincloss in Franklin on Thursday, August 25 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM for an in-person coffee hour.
Register here and the location will be emailed to you before the event.  


Virtual Evening Office Hours

 

My team and I host virtual office hours every month. Residents from any part of the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, as well as residents of the Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District (which takes effect in January 2023), are welcome to share their questions and opinions on state issues with me and my team via video chat or phone call.    

Sign up for a 15-minute appointment here.    
    
Upcoming virtual office hours:    

Monday, September 12, 5-6 PM 

Monday, October 3, 5-6 PM 


Our mailing address is:
The Office of Senator Becca Rausch
Massachusetts State House, Room 218
24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133


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