MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill

The Massachusetts Legislature on Thursday passed a wide-ranging $3.76 billion relief package to provide targeted energy assistance, support ongoing transportation needs, and invest in the state’s small businesses, caregivers, health care system, affordable housing, and efforts to fight climate change.

 

“This compromise legislation makes critical investments to ease the financial burden facing individuals and families, puts money back in taxpayers’ pockets and helps prepare our economic landscape for new challenges,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I am proud of the significant investments made to assist residents with rising utility costs, boost affordable housing production, support our health care system, keep our climate goals on track and stabilize the early education and childcare sectors. We also take meaningful steps to ensure a record $3 billion in tax relief payments for taxpayers, the most ever in state history, is paid for. I am grateful to House Speaker Mariano, Chairs Rodrigues, Michlewitz, Lesser and Cusack, their staffs and my colleagues in Senate and House for their work on this legislation. I look forward to seeing it quickly signed into law.”

 

“As Massachusetts continues to experience rising prices and financial uncertainty, I’m proud of the action taken by the Legislature today that will help to ease the financial hardship plaguing the Commonwealth’s economy,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “From vital investments that will provide relief for rising energy costs and boost housing production, to critical support for hospitals and the MBTA, this package allocates significant funding where it is needed most, while promoting economic growth through support for our small businesses and investments in our communities. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and members of the conference committee, as well as Senate President Spilka and our partners in the Senate for the hard work required to get this done.”

 

“The agreement reached by the Senate and House conferees and passed by the Legislature today is a comprehensive relief package that supports our state’s long-term economic health and responsibly closes the books on fiscal year 2022, while positioning us to meet new challenges facing our Commonwealth’s economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership and support, Senators Lesser and O’Connor for their contributions as my fellow conferees, Chair Michlewitz and the House conferees for their partnership, and to my colleagues in the Senate for their input that helped us to finally getting this bill across the finish line. Because of the advocacy of each Senator, this conference committee report reflects our commitment to provide much-needed breathing room for families and individuals facing rising costs and facing the pinch of inflation, while making targeted investments to stimulate sectors of our economy during this uncertain time.”

 

“This well-rounded spending package makes significant, targeted investments into major sectors of the Commonwealth’s economy. Whether it is supporting our distressed hospitals, boosting housing production across the state, providing immediate fiscal relief to the MBTA, or offering much needed fuel assistance to those who need it most, this legislation will help a wide variety of residents and industries across the Commonwealth and make us more competitive with other states” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for their hard work and dedication to getting the final version of this legislation over the finish line.”

 

“Today we put forward a final economic development and tax relief package that will address many of the pressing concerns families face in Massachusetts and empower the modern worker,” said Senator Eric P. Lesser, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “With each passing year, it is getting harder and harder to plant down roots in our state with skyrocketing housing costs, rising inflation, and an economy that is increasingly dependent on innovation and new technology. This legislation helps us meet that moment and empower the worker of the future with significant investments in housing, job training, downtown revitalization, and climate resiliency. I am grateful to my colleagues for working together to craft a final bill that will alleviate those stresses for residents and encourage our Commonwealth to think big about our future.

 

“The Economic Development legislation will provide needed resources in a myriad of policy areas across the Commonwealth,” said Rep. Mark J. Cusack, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Revenue. “These are much-needed funds and investments that will keep Massachusetts with a solid economic foundation. We know people and businesses are still hurting from the pandemic and we take seriously our obligation to improve our collective quality of life, particularly right now.”

 

In addition to $3.76 billion in direct investments, this compromise legislation ensures that the Commonwealth responsibly pays for the historic $3 billion one-time tax relief that will be returned to an estimated three million taxpayers over the coming weeks. Combined, this $6.76 billion in tax relief and direct investments will provide much-needed breathing room for families, small businesses and individuals feeling the pinch of inflation. Notably, the bill closes the books on Fiscal Year 2022 and dedicates $500 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), leaving a balance of $1.74 billion in federal resources for future use.

Appropriations

Over $1.4 billion invested to support health and human services programs, including:

• $350 million for hospitals that have become fiscally strained during the pandemic

• $225 million for rate increases for human service workers and providers

• $200 million for COVID-19 response efforts

• $195 million for nursing facilities and rest homes

• $80 million for Community Health Centers

• $20 million to reduce gun violence and related trauma throughout the Commonwealth, including:

• $3 million for a grant program to support school safety infrastructure improvements

• $2 million to provide behavioral health-related supports and resources in schools to reduce instances of gun violence

• $20 million to bridge impending federal cuts to Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) programs and maintain critical victim service programs

• $17.5 million for reproductive and family planning services

• $14 million for facilities that treat individuals with an alcohol or substance use disorder in the Commonwealth

• $5 million to support harm reduction efforts and services to address substance use disorder in the Commonwealth

• $2.5 million for grants to support the nursing workforce talent pipeline

$540 million invested to support clean energy and climate resiliency initiatives, including:

• $250 million to accelerate and support clean energy initiatives, including:

• $100 million to promote and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, through the MOR- EV program as well as supports for the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure

• $100 million for ports and port infrastructure to support the clean energy economy

• $50 million for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to accelerate the transition to and expansion of renewable energy

$175 million for the conservation and improvement of publicly owned lands and investments in green spaces, with an emphasis on investments in environmental justice communities

• $115 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, including:

• $15 million for planning and implementing water pollution abatement project in watersheds designated as nitrogen sensitive areas

$409.5 million invested to support affordable housing, including:

• $304.5 million to support and boost housing production, including:

• $100 million for the Commonwealth Builder Program to support the production of for-sale, below market housing to expand homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and socially disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately impacted by the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic

• $100 million for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund established to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing

• $100 million to support the production of workforce housing

• $50 million for the Equitable Developers Financing Program to support the development of new housing in certain underserved communities

• $25 million for regional low-threshold housing to support individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability and who struggle with substance use disorder

• $20 million for housing options and additional support services and resources to address the needs of immigrants and refugees

• $10 million for public housing redevelopment

Over $500 million invested to support early education, economic development, workforce development and community support initiatives, including:

• $153 million for small businesses grant relief, including $45M for minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.

• $150 million for early education and care providers through the continuation of the Commonwealth Cares for our Children (C3) stabilization grant program, including $60 million for subsidized providers.

• $112 million to support the MBTA’s ongoing efforts to address the Federal Transportation Administration’s staffing and safety directives

• $100 million for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust fund to offset estimated overpayments made during the course of the pandemic

• $75 million for investments in broadband infrastructure and access across the commonwealth

• $57 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), ensuring relief to families facing rising energy costs.

• $50 million to promote the attainment of debt-free higher education for students pursuing careers in high-demand industries, such as health care, education, and cybersecurity

• $25 million for food security infrastructure grants

• $12 million to support the agricultural and blue economy sectors

• $2.5 million for computer science teacher development 

The bill now goes to the Governor for further consideration.

MA Legislature Enacts Sweeping Economic Development Bill

Boston Globe coverage of the legislation -> (subscription maybe required) https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/03/metro/legislature-sends-38-billion-spending-bill-baker-heres-what-is-isnt-included/

Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5 - registration required

We are excited to announce our Annual Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

The Tri-County Open House is an excellent time for middle school students to get hands-on experience in our career programs. Students will have an opportunity to ask questions of current students and work on an interactive project.

Middle School students and their families are invited to tour both academic and vocational classrooms while visiting the campus. Learn about our award-winning academics, sports, extra-curriculars, and what makes Tri-County unique.

We’ll be serving some delicious refreshments, and you’ll have a chance to win cool prizes! 

Registration Required -> https://tri-county.us/openhouse/

Middle School Students Welcomed at Tri-County Open House - Saturday, Nov 5

Congressman Jake Auchincloss: An Update for Oct 17 - Oct 28

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW OCTOBER 17 - OCTOBER 28 I'm your representative in Congress, and I write to keep you informed. On the Hill Ukraine: Recently, I criticized a letter sent by a group of progressive Democrats that encouraged President Biden to shift his strategy in Ukraine and negotiate directly with Vladimir Putin. The letter is an olive branch to a war criminal who's losing his war. President Biden's current three-pronged strategy in Ukraine is effective, and we should not blink nor pull back. The first initiative has been focused on sanctioning Russia's central bank, industrial base, and oil exports; the second has been military and economic support for Ukraine; and the final initiative has been strengthening and unifying international alliances, particularly in Europe and East Asia. We must sustain bipartisan support for the people of Ukraine as they fight on the front lines of the free world. Make your voice heard → I am working in Congress to sustain bipartisan support for the strategic defeat of Russia in Ukraine. Let me know below if you support this approach. Do you trust President Biden's strategy in Ukraine? Around the Fourth Affordable Housing Forum: I am hosting an Affordable Housing Forum on November 9th from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. The forum will feature special guest Juana B. Matias, HUD New England Regional Administrator, who will moderate two panels about current programs and initiatives to foster the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the district. The first panel will highlight federal HUD programs and the second panel will feature state organizations CHAPA and MassHousing, along with non-profit developer 2Life Communities. Our panelists will present topics on community development, public & multifamily housing, building pro-housing community coalitions, the CommonWealth Builder Program, and examples of successful development of affordable housing. Please RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. My staff will follow up with details, including the name and address of the venue, prior to the event. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. Please feel free to share this event with your family and friends, as it is also free and open to the public. Climate Summit: As I mentioned in my last newsletter, I am hosting a climate summit in Needham to discuss climate change and the clean energy transition on November 10th. This is your reminder to RSVP by November 5 if you plan to attend. You will be added to a waitlist if we reach venue capacity. This event is free and open to the public, so feel free to share this invitation with your family and friends. The Climate Summit will feature three panels of experts that address, respectively, climate policy in Massachusetts; clean energy science & technology; and climate diplomacy.           When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM           Where: Needham, MA (address will be sent a few days in advance to those who RSVP) Supporting the Life Sciences: Recently, I spoke at Mansfield Bio-Incubator's annual open house. Life science talent is everywhere across the state of Massachusetts, but access to the life science ecosystem is not equally distributed. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator is proof that expanding access across the state is critical to continuing our success as the most innovative state in life sciences. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator will continue to play an important role in leveling the life science playing field by providing affordable first-class lab space and a supportive, inclusive culture of innovation. Bellingham High School: I visited Bellingham High School's STEM Week showcase and it was so motivating to see the students' projects. My message to the students was two-fold: first, Congress is committed to funding science, with expanded investments in basic research and STEM workforce development. And second, regardless of what vocation they choose, they should apply the essence of science by bringing a mindset of intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning. Ensuring High-Quality USPS Service: Last week, I met with the Boston Postmaster to discuss constituent concerns about local mail service. In this meeting, I discussed the service delays that some of our district has experienced and brainstormed with the Postmaster on ways to spread the word about employment opportunities in the Postal Service. I am committed to continuing to advocate for high-quality postal service. In Congress, I have consistently supported efforts to improve mail delivery service, including opposing the privatization of the USPS, objecting to proposed slowdowns and rate increases, and calling for the maintenance of six-day mail service and door delivery. I also joined my colleagues in passing the Postal Service Reform Act, which helps ensure the long-term financial stability of the USPS. Sincerely, 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

ARTS MOSAIC - at Dean College, Nov 4 & 5

Enjoy two evenings of select student works and collaborations, integrating dance, theatre, music, film and much more. Join us as we celebrate the diversity of the arts on the Dean College campus.

CONTENT ADVISORY

Some works on our program following intermission include themes that some audience members may find disturbing or triggering. Works may make reference to depression, suicide, sexual assault, and adult situations that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Works may also contain strong language, and/or opinions which do not reflect the views or positions of Dean College. Viewer discretion is advised.

Performance schedule

• Friday, 7:30 PM
• Saturday, 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Purchase your tickets online -> www.dean.edu/mosaic22 

ARTS MOSAIC - at Dean College, Nov 4 & 5

Senator Rausch: Economic Development Update

Everything you need to know to cast your ballot on/before next Tuesday, and a rundown of today's huge legislative win.

View this email in your browser LEGISLATIVE WIN: Today (Nov 3, 2022), the Legislature passed a groundbreaking economic development bill investing $3.76 billion into our workforce, businesses, communities, health care, and statewide economy. This is a massive victory for affordable housing construction, downtown revitalization, hospitals, community health centers, climate initiatives, winter heating assistance, early education, the MBTA and much more. This package also delivers massive tax relief to Massachusetts families – averaging $1,000 for a family of four – making this the largest tax relief program in Massachusetts history. I am proud to share that two of my policy amendments successfully made it into the final package. In collaboration with my Small Business Advisory Council, we're creating a centralized portal to make it easier for small businesses to access financial support. I also passed sorely needed reproductive justice policy, ensuring that miscarriage management, assisted reproductive technology, postpartum care, and midwifery care are eligible for support through the reproductive and family planning services reserve, funded in this bill at $17.5 million. This bill also means big wins for our district! In partnership with my legislative colleagues, I secured $1.53 million in funding for our municipalities, small businesses, and Main Streets, including: $25,000 for streamlining and simplifying fees for small business owners in Wrentham $75,000 for zoning improvements in Wrentham $100,000 for the Investment Development Strategy initiative in Attleboro $100,000 for the Bellforge Arts Center in Medfield $100,000 to support the Town of Sherborn's record digitization $120,000 to replace Dover Center's water mains to improve the town's business district $150,000 for the establishment of a business development collaborative in North Attleboro $170,000 for Franklin's Washington Street sidewalk development project $170,000 for Medfield's Downtown Facade Improvement Program $170,000 for crossing improvements on Great Plain Avenue in Needham $170,000 for Millis' Business Improvement District $355,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the Elm Bank Reservation While these victories will be game-changing for our economic future, I am also disappointed that the final bill excluded key longer term tax reforms, including reforms to the estate tax and additional relief measures for parents, renters, and seniors. The bill could and should have delivered those components to you. I will continue to support these changes next term. I am deeply proud to deliver real results for our communities and represent you in our State Senate. I look forward to seeing the many positive impacts of our work in the years to come. Our mailing address is: The Office of Senator Becca Rausch Massachusetts State House, Room 218                         24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02133                        This newsletter was shortened for publication here, to view the full set of content visit this link  https://mailchi.mp/masenate/monthlynewsletter-16650301

Community Relations Subcommittee starts planning for Legislative Forum & discusses other communication efforts (audio)

FM #871 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 871 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 1, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. No remote participation was enabled for this session per their agenda.

Chair Denise Spencer opened the meeting. School Committee members Al Charles and Camile Bernstein, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Marketing Communications Specialist Lily Rivera were also present with me recording the session.

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about 63 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Relations Subcommittee meeting of Nov 1, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-871-school-cmte-community-relations-subcmte-mtg-11-01-22

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Subcommittee agenda

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_11.1.2022.pdf 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ux6z6Z1tM9LZxSbULqzurSMSZXPLPHvd/view?usp=share_link 

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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!

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

Community Relations Subcommittee starts planning for Legislative Forum

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker signs bill curbing step therapy"

"A PATIENT who is stable on a medication then switches insurance plans can no longer be kicked off that medication by their insurer, under a new law Gov. Charlie Baker signed Tuesday that limits the insurance practice of “step therapy.” 

Patient advocacy groups have been trying for years to restrict when insurers can use step therapy, or fail-first therapy, in which the insurance company requires a patient to try a less expensive drug before switching to a more expensive one. After years of negotiations between patient advocates and insurance companies over language, a bill was finally passed during informal legislative sessions last month. Baker signed it Tuesday evening over the objections of some in the insurance industry who worried that it would raise costs. 

“This law puts treatment decisions back in the hands of doctors and patients where it belongs,” said Marc Hymovitz, government relations director in Massachusetts for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, who led the coalition pushing for the bill. “It ensures patients will get the necessary medicine in a timely manner.” 

While earlier versions of the bill would have effectively banned step therapy, this bill allows it but creates a number of exemptions, circumstances under which insurers cannot require step therapy. It also requires timely rulings on appeals when patients believe they were incorrectly denied coverage for a drug. "

Continue reading the article online at CommonWealth Magazine ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health-care/baker-signs-bill-curbing-step-therapy/

 

Direct link to the signed legislation -> https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H4929

CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker signs bill curbing step therapy"

MA Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently, now sent to MA House for their review

The Massachusetts State Senate on Thursday passed two bills to help people with disabilities live independently in Massachusetts. First, An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities takes steps to ensure that people with physical disabilities who rely on wheelchairs are not stranded for long time periods in the event of the breakdown of an in-warranty wheelchair. Second, An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities recognizes supported decision-making as an alternative to guardianship, allowing certain people with disabilities to retain greater decision-making power over their lives.

Having passed the Senate, the bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

"I have fought my entire career to make Massachusetts a more inclusive place for people of all abilities to live, work, and play," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "It is especially fitting that the Senate has passed these bills on the same day that we adjourn in memory of Paul Spooner, a committed and tireless disability rights and inclusion activist working in MetroWest and a dear friend of mine. By helping us move closer to our goal of ensuring that all people have opportunities to live independently, we honor Paul's legacy and make the Massachusetts a more compassionate and accessible Commonwealth. I want to thank the many Senators who worked to ensure the passage of these bills, including Senators Rodrigues, Lovely, Cronin, Moran, and Gomez."

"The passages of these bills today speak volumes of the Senate's long and unwavering commitment to making life better for people with disabilities," said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her steadfast leadership for putting the issues of accessibility and inclusion front and center, ensuring we do what's right for our people, and thank you to Senators Lovely, Cronin, and Moran for your leadership on these critically important bills. Because of our collection today to support wheelchair users and recognize supported decision-making agreements, we have made our Commonwealth stronger and more inclusive."

Expanding Wheelchair Warranties

Wheelchair repair poses substantial problems for people with physical disabilities in Massachusetts. In the event of a wheelchair breaking or otherwise failing to function, it is not uncommon for those who use wheelchair to need to wait for weeks for repairs, including for wheelchairs under warranty. This leaves these individuals stranded at home and unable to go to work, school, medical appointments, grocery shopping, or elsewhere. This creates a crisis for individuals and families and often exacerbates other health conditions. Existing state law does not set any timeline for assessing repairs or require dealers to offer wheelchairs on loan within a fixed time period.

Legislation passed by the Senate today addresses these problems by strengthening consumer protections for those who use wheelchairs. The legislation requires that wheelchair manufacturers, lessors and dealers provide consumers with written notification of the warranty for their wheelchairs, and increases the minimum duration for an express warranty on wheelchairs to two years. If an in-warranty wheelchair stops functioning, the bill requires that manufacturers, lessors, and dealers assess the wheelchair within three days, provide a temporary wheelchair on loan within four days, and cover collateral costs to the user.

"I am so grateful to Senate President Spilka for her commitment to expand consumer protections to support the independence and dignity of our disability community. This bill's passage is an important step forward to protect wheelchair users and their families,"" said Senator John J. Cronin (D-Lunenberg), chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. "The bill implements critical protections in the law to prevent wheelchair users from being stranded in their homes for prolonged periods when their wheelchair or mobility device becomes inoperable."

To enforce these new requirements, the bill authorizes the state attorney general and consumers to commence legal actions against any violation of provisions protecting wheelchair users from unfair and deceptive business practices relating to warranty-fulfillment.

Independent living through supported decision-making agreements

Supported decision-making is an alternative to guardianship for individuals with an intellectual or development disability, dementia, or mental health diagnosis. Unlike in traditional guardianship, where a guardian makes medical, financial, or other life decisions for a person with disabilities, supported decision-making allows an individual with a disability to make his or her own decisions with the support of a designated person or team of trusted supporters. In such an agreement, 'supporters' assist in communicating and understanding decisions but cannot override an individuals' own choices.

"I am incredibly proud that this life-changing legislation has advanced through the Senate," said Senator Joanne B. Lovely (D-Salem), chair of the Senate Committee on Rules. "Supported decision-making agreements maximize the dignity, freedom, and independence of persons with disabilities and provide a proven, cost-effective, and less restrictive alternative to guardianship. Thank you, President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, and the many advocates who worked tirelessly to move this bill forward. Everyone should have the opportunity to be the decision-maker of their own lives, and this legislation will empower many for whom that was not previously possible."

"People with disabilities deserve the freedom to maintain their independence and dignity," said Senator Susan L. Moran (D-Falmouth), chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. "I'm proud to vote for this bill to enable supported decision making for people with disabilities, and take another strong step in supporting residents with disabilities in the Commonwealth."

"I have had the opportunity, as the Senate Chair of Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities to meet with many individuals across our state who are both strong advocates for supported decision-making and could greatly benefit from this bill," said Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), Chair of the Senate Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities. "Supported decision-making is a no brainer that allows individuals, including those with disabilities and elders, to maintain their rights and independence, allowing them to choose one or more trusted advisors to provide assistance in making decisions about their lives. I am thrilled that this legislation is moving forward and I know it will change many lives."

The legislation passed by the Senate today legally recognizes supported decision-making agreements, acknowledges them as a viable alternative to guardianship for some individuals, and establishes guardrails to ensure that these agreements keep an individuals' best interests at heart. In cases where there is evidence of undue influence or coercion, the law renders such decision-making agreements invalid. The legislation permits members of the public, and requires mandated reporters, to petition the Probate and Family court to revoke or suspend a supported decision-making agreement in cases where there is suspicion of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Under the bill, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services will create training on supported decision-making, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will assist in informing students and their families or guardians about supported decision-making as needed.

An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3136

An Act relative to supported decision-making for agreements for certain adults with disabilities

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3132

Senate Passes Legislation to Help People with Disabilities Live Independently

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Nov 4, 2022

•  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein

9:00 am Frank Presents: Mark Lenzi

9:39 am Frank's Musings: Ballot Questions

11:00 am Senior Connection: Other Activities

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli

12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 5

3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7

3:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Healthy Communities

4:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Janice Houlihan

9:30 am Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium

11:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Attleboro 10-24-22

1:30 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

3:00 pm U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

5:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7

5:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Attleboro 10-24-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 10-06-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 10-06-22

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Franklin: Town Council meeting video replay available for Nov 2, 2022

The video of the Town Council meeting Wednesday evening is available for replay on YouTube.  Video Link -> https://youtu.be/CqUQ6OxjMj4

Note: apologies for the intermittent blacking out of the screen early in the meeting. Being addressed to ensure no re-occurrence. 

The agenda and documents for this session can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf

Chief Lynch with the recent accreditation plaque

Public Hearing Notice: 237 Pleasant St (St John's Episcopal & The Community Builders - 64 units)

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public/remote hearing on November 3, 2022 at 7:30pm via Zoom Platform. Please go to

Franklinma.gov to view meeting access under ZBA Agenda.

Time: 7:45PM

Applicant: St. John’s Episcopal Church of Franklin and The Community Builders Inc.

Address of Subject Property: 237 Pleasant Street (Map 267, Lot 009)

Zoning District: SFR III

Petition Type: Comprehensive Permit

Zoning By-Law Sections: N/A

Reason for Denial: Applicant is seeking a building permit to construct a 64 unit multi-family development. The building permit is denied without a Comprehensive Permit from the ZBA. 

An Appeal from the decision of the Board of Appeals may be made by any person aggrieved pursuant to MGL Chap. 40A, Section 17 as amended, within twenty (20) days after the date of the filing of the notice of decision with the City Clerk. All records and files for this project can be viewed in the Building Department on the 1st floor of the Franklin Municipal Building during regular business hours. Franklin Zoning Board of Appeals: (508) 520-4926. Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded the opportunity to be heard. The hearing is accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

Notice shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/legal_notice_237_pleasant_street.pdf

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals/events/339551

St John's affordable housing proposal

FHS volleyball team wins first playoff game to advance

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. We also provide the link to the full set of Hockomock League results below. 

Volleyball =  Division 1 = #29 Beverly, 0 @ #4 Franklin, 3 – Final 

– Franklin dominated the first set and never looked back in a 3-0 sweep (25-8, 25-17, 25-13) over visiting Beverly in the opening round of the state tournament. Freshman Makayla Kuykendall led the offense with 11 kills while junior Taylor Lacerda had nine kills. Sasha Tracey dished out 25 assists and recorded seven digs for the Panthers, who will play the winner of Acton-Boxborough and Wachusett.

The updated Volleyball bracket

http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=6847

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-11-02-22/

FHS Panthers