Rep. Roy speaking with instructor Bob Vozzella and Superintendent Steve Dockrey at Tri-County’s new advanced manufacturing site.

State and federal officials will join representatives from local manufacturing companies at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School on Friday, March 27, for a roundtable discussion about the state of the advanced manufacturing industry and its ever-growing need for skilled workers.

The roundtable, hosted by Tri-County administrators, Representative John Fernandes (D-Milford), and Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin), will begin at 8:45 a.m. in the school’s library.

U.S. Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III and Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash are among the officials who will be in attendance. They will be joined by representatives from the 495/MetroWest Partnership, MassDevelopment, and National Grid. Manufacturers from all of Tri-County’s 11 sending towns will also be in attendance.

“As you know, manufacturing is vitally important to the Massachusetts economy,” said Representative Roy. “It is the sixth largest employment sector here, and is helping to lead us out of the recession. In Massachusetts, manufacturing contributes to more than 10 percent of gross state product (GSP). Currently there are 7,680 manufacturing establishments in Massachusetts that employ more than 275,000 residents. Over the next five years, manufacturing establishments are expected to expand their employment by an estimated 65 percent. In order to sustain this growth, we need to help by developing a strong nexus between educational and training opportunities and the specialized worker skills required by these companies to ultimately succeed.”

This will be the third roundtable held at Tri-County in just over a year. Previous meetings focused on addressing the skilled labor shortage in Massachusetts. This year’s event will focus on progress made since those roundtables and the work that still needs to be done.
“The Tri-County manufacturing roundtables have been very successful. It is a great opportunity to bring manufacturers, educators, and legislators together to address the anomaly of manufacturing in Massachusetts – plenty of good jobs exist, but manufacturers can’t find enough appropriately-trained people to fill them,” said Representative Fernandes, Founder and Chairman of the Joint Bi-Partisan Legislative Manufacturing Caucus. “With collaborative efforts like these, we are beginning to see concrete solutions take shape.”

Tri-County used recommendations from the previous roundtables to purchase manufacturing equipment in fall 2014. The CNC Toolroom Vertical Machining Center and the CNC Toolroom Turning Center were purchased through the FY14 Vocational Opportunity Challenge (VOC) Grant.

Shortly after purchasing the equipment, Tri-County partnered with the Wentworth Institute of Technology. In January, the college launched its first class in Tri-County’s newly renovated advanced manufacturing facility. Instructor Bob Vozzella said some of his students drive more than an hour to take the 15-week Machine Tool Setup and Operation course.

The new equipment will also be used by the high school’s Engineering Technology Program. The program uses a hands-on exploratory approach with state-of-the-art technologies and tools to introduce students to various engineering concepts. This machinery will allow the instructors to implement advanced manufacturing concepts as part of their curriculum.

“The equipment will not be idle during the day, since the Engineering students will be trained to use code to design and create parts for projects. Our robotics team at times will need to create unique parts, and having this equipment will be invaluable. These two machines are of the highest industry standard, and will offer one more career pathway for students in the Engineering program,” said Jean George, Tri-County’s Vocational Coordinator.

While the two machines are a good start, the school hopes to add more equipment and expand its operations.

“Hopefully, the roundtable will allow Tri-County to highlight how much we have accomplished with two new machines in a short period of time,” said Tri-County Superintendent-Director Stephen Dockray. “Our goal is to partner with the state and local manufacturing firms to provide a high quality Advanced Manufacturing Program and begin to provide the skilled labor force that is so badly needed.”

As part of a story on State symbol’s, Channel 5’s Chronicle came to Franklin to learn more about the origins of the bill to make the ladybug the State insect. You can view the clip from the show by clicking on the image below:

Chronicle segment on State polka, insect and tartan.

Last year marked the 40th anniversary of the Franklin 2nd Grade class that passed Legislation to make the Ladybug the official state bug of the Commonwealth. And a few weeks ago, the Franklin legislative delegation presented their commemorative Ladybug to the town for this occasion.

Rep. Roy participated in the segment to remind everyone that they can play a direct role in their government and to honor the work of the students from 40 years ago.

After a summer of touring and festivals, the ladybug sponsored by Franklin’s State Legislative delegation has found a new home. And where better than the home of Franklin’s government.

On Tuesday, February 10, 2015, Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland) and Senator Richard J. Ross (R-Wrentham) will be hosting a ceremony delivering the delegation’s ladybug to town officials. They will also commemorate the 40^th anniversary of the class project that successfully traversed the legislative process and made the Ladybug the official bug of the Commonwealth.

In 1974 Ms. Pamela Johnson’s second grade class from the Kennedy School in Franklin was learning about the Legislative process when they decided that they would like to make a difference and try their hand at legislating. Since Massachusetts already had an official state bird, tree and fish, they decided that the State needed an official bug. Ms. Johnson’s class pooled its resources and with the direction of their State Representative worked through the committee process, visited legislators, lobbied on the bill’s behalf and ultimately passed the bill that made the Ladybug the official Bug of the Commonwealth.

“Forty years ago, that second grade class got the ultimate civics lesson and had a direct hand in legislating,” said Representative Jeffrey Roy.  “For one of the students in the class — former Rep James Vallee — it sowed the seeds for a 19 year run on Beacon Hill. I am thrilled to honor and recognize that class today, and hope that this ladybug will be a reminder to everyone who visits Town Hall that they can play a direct role in their government.”

“The ladybug story is a shining example of how an idea can be translated into law,” said Senator Spilka. “I hope that the Franklin delegation’s ladybug will be a constant symbol of the power of civic engagement, encouraging more people in our community to get involved in the political process and make their voices heard.”

“We truly live in a remarkable state when citizens, no matter what age, have the ability to impact the legislative process,” said Senator Ross. “Forty years later, this testament remains true, and it is a privilege to recognize the success of the Kennedy School with this ladybug that will reside in Franklin Town Hall for generations to come.”

The brief ceremony will take place on February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Municipal Building. 355 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038. Any questions can be directed to Christopher Yancich at 617-722-2400 or by email at Christopher.Yancich@MAhouse.gov

State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) announced today that constituent office hours will be held in Medway and Franklin for the Month of February on the following days:

Medway – Saturday, February 7th 10:00-11:00AM, Muffin House Café, 116 Main Street Medway, MA 02053

Franklin – Thursday, February 26th, 8:30-9:30AM, Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street Franklin, MA 02038

Christopher Yancich, his legislative aide, will be accompanying him.

All office hours are open to any residents of Franklin and Medway who may have questions or concerns that they wish to bring to his attention. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary. He looks forward to hearing from you.

He also invites all constituents to call him at his State House office at (617) 722-2400, stop by Room 134 in the State House, or email him by clicking here.

On Tuesday, January 10, 2015 Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D – Franklin) hosted a Life Sciences Development Meeting in Franklin, MA. Local biotechnology companies, Franklin town officials and members of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center joined the discussion about the opportunities within the Life Sciences Industry, the potential for future development within the region and what Franklin has already done to successfully attract and retain life science companies.

Cornerstones of Life Sciences Industry range from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to diagnostics and biotechnology. Thanks to its world-class academic institutions and medical centers, its talented and innovated workforce and its industry-sector leading companies, Massachusetts has firmly established itself as a global leader in the Life Sciences and has fully committed the state’s economic well-being to the development and advancement of these Industries.

“Franklin has positioned itself well to attract life science businesses to the area,” said Representative Roy “In 2014 its BioReady ranking was elevated from Gold to Platinum signifying Franklin’s readiness to work with biotechnology companies interested in locating in the area. On top of that, it has great schools and reasonable housing prices, making it a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Franklin has been the perfect community for growing my start up business to the point of having close to a hundred employees,” said Dr. Gregory Chiklis, President and CEO of Franklin’s ZeptoMetrix Corporation. “It has been due to the support and resources available to me in Franklin that we have been able to grow ZeptoMetrix.”

“The Life Sciences are the fastest growing industry sectors in Massachusetts,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the agency charged with implementing the state’s ten-year, $1 billion Life Sciences Initiative. “All regions across the state and workers at all skill levels are benefiting as the life sciences ecosystem continues to grow and thrive. We are excited about Representative Roy’s efforts to bring leaders together to discuss strategies for regional life sciences growth in and around Franklin, and we look forward to a continued partnership in those efforts.”

“I am very excited that Rep. Roy brought together this group of educators, government officials and industry leaders to shine a light on all that Franklin has to offer to biotech and other businesses,” said Attorney Michael Doherty of Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. “I am hopeful that we will be able to encourage businesses to locate to one of our industrial parks in Franklin.” Doherty, Ciechanowski, Dugan & Cannon, P.C. is a firm that represents local business in Franklin and surrounding communities.”

“As Chief Medical Officer of a well-established Boston biotechnology company, I believe that Franklin offers all the attributes and ingredients to create a dynamic and vibrant environment for the development of innovative treatments to address unmet medical needs of patients,” said Dr. Michael Sabolinski, founder of Sabolinski, LLC. “Among these are access to medical centers of excellence, key opinion leaders in multiple therapeutic areas, and experts in clinical research. I look forward to the growth of biotechnology in Franklin, and am excited about the opportunities that the town presents for both start up and well established Companies.”

“It was wonderful that Representative Roy brought the players to the table to help jumpstart Franklin’s efforts in economic development and the life sciences,” said Jeff Nutting, Franklin Town Administrator.

“I would like to thank Rep. Roy for putting together the life sciences meeting. He and our Town Administrator Jeff Nutting are doers and put together an excellent program,” said Robert Vallee, Franklin Town Council’s Chair. “I look forward to getting the entire Town Council involved in the discussion and pursuing this issue as hard as we can.”

“Franklin has done much to attract a higher level of commercial and industrial investment to our industrial areas, including creation of priority development sites and economic development areas, and streamlining of permitting processes for biotechnology uses,” said Bryan Taberner, Franklin’s Director of Planning and Community Development. “The Town currently contains a cluster of life sciences companies, including bio-storage, robotics, medical devices and instrumentation, and biotechnology. I look forward to working with Representative Roy to attract additional life science companies to this great community.”

“What sets Franklin apart from many communities is the collaboration and commitment of all stakeholders,” said Maureen Sabolinski, Superintendent of Schools “Our elected and town officials work in concert with business and higher education to meet the needs of our community members and always strive to improve all public services. The shared sense of community enables stakeholder to establish a shared vision and mission.”

With Massachusetts as a foundation, Franklin’s attractiveness for business development has created a unique opportunity to provide positive economic growth, help advance the development of the Life Sciences and benefit the global community.

Much has been said over the years about the business climate in Massachusetts. In the legislature, we have worked hard on economic development here, and it’s good to see that it has paid off.

Forbes magazine has ranked Massachusetts 13th in its list of the Best States for Business in 2014. You can read the details by clicking here. The ranking measures six vital categories for businesses: costs, labor supply, regulatory environment, current economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life.

The Milford Daily News ran an editorial on the topic and noted that for decades, critics have “been telling the world that Massachusetts is a terrible place to do business, doing incalculable damage to the state’s reputation and its economy.” But, as the editorial noted, a “more realistic appraisal of our state comes from those outside it, especially those who aren’t looking for political advantage within the state or special favors from its government.” And that’s where Forbes magazine comes in; giving Massachusetts a respectable showing at number 13, with the top score in New England.

In the legislature, we are committed to doing what is necessary to continue to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We still have a lot of work to do, but it’s good to see that we are headed in the right direction. Let’s keep it up.

Franklin Food Pantry Director Erin Lynch on a training run with Representative Jeff Roy.

The Third Annual Turkey Trot 5K Family Fun Run will take place on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27th. The lollipop course will begin and end at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS Church) at 91 Jordan Road in Franklin. Sponsored by the Feed the Need organization located in Hull, MA, the race is open to runners and walkers of all ages, featuring medals for best overall, first, second and third and for men, women and children by age category. A free raffle and continental breakfast will follow the race.

Feed the Need races started back in 2003 to support food pantries and shed light on hunger issues in local communities. The first such race took place here in Franklin in 2005, an idea of the LDS Church to help give back.“The race was renamed the Franklin Turkey Trot and began taking place on Thanksgiving morning three years ago when my son Hayden asked if he could plan the race as his Eagle Scout project – it has really hit its stride since,” remarked Krystal Whitmore, Director of the Franklin Turkey Trot.

“We are inspired by the fantastic turnout for the Franklin race. It is wonderful to see something so simple create this great sense of community bonding and giving back on the holiday of Thanksgiving.” Erin Lynch, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry agrees, “When people come out on this special holiday to get involved it shows a uniting and protecting of our community – our larger family – from the threat of hunger. We are grateful to Feed the Need for spearheading the race and raising awareness.”

Erin has been preparing to run this year’s race for several weeks with Franklin’s State Representative Jeffrey Roy. “Representative Roy and I decided to run the race in 2014 to bring more attention to the aspect of building sustainable solutions to end hunger. Jeff has been a huge supporter of our role in the Healthy Futures Franklin initiative, a collaboration launched by the Hockomock Area YMCA. We are all working together to improve the health of the community, and increasing access to nutritious food is a critical step.”

“Franklin is a town that prides itself in connecting with one another in the face of adversity,” said Representative Jeffrey Roy “On the issue of hunger, Franklin Food Pantry is at the heart of a collaborative network of organizations, individuals and volunteers who partner throughout the year to make food and healthy, life changing programs available to our neighbors. The Franklin Turkey Trot is one of those events where it all comes together and I would like to thank Erin Lynch for issuing me the challenge several months ago to join her in healthy living and training to run this year.”

Entry Fee for the Turkey Trot $20 or 20 cans of food (or box of personal toiletries). To participate in the Turkey Trot, please pre-register online by clicking here. Register in person at LDS Church on Wednesday night, November 26th, 7-9pm or on race day, 6:45-7:45am. The first 100 participants to pick up their race bibs on Wednesday night will receive a T-shirt.

As part of the mission to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, the Franklin Food Pantry has increased the amount of fresh produce offered, resulting in a 43% increase in households returning on a regular basis for their fruits and vegetables. From June through October the pantry hosts a weekly Healthy Futures Market, where families receive produce as well as cooking demonstrations and healthy recipes courtesy of Cooking Matters. Also implemented this year was the new Healthy Futures™ shelf, which offers healthy alternatives such as Gluten-Free, Low Sodium, Low Sugar, and Whole Grain options for each family to choose from.

Other ways to donate:

To make a donation to the Franklin Food Pantry, please visit The Pantry located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140. Donations are accepted during business hours, Tuesday-Friday, 9:00am -1:00pm and on Saturdays from 9:00-11:30am. Non-perishables may be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door, or monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038.

About Feed the Need

Feed the Need is a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting education and awareness of local hunger issues by sponsoring physical activities and events.

About Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization FEIN #04-327663. Established in 1987, the mission of the Franklin Food Pantry is to provide immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions, by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners and the community at large. The Franklin Food Pantry currently serves more than 600 households throughout the local community; distributing more than 186,000 pounds of food and provisions annually. Families receive monthly food supplies; weekly produce and bread; and special seasonal items of holiday meal packages and school supplies. Please visit the website by clicking here, and like Franklin Food Pantry on Facebook by clicking here, or call 508-528-3115.

It was an exciting 2014 election with many open races on the ballot. The turnout was impressive at 60 percent, and voters had an opportunity to let their voices be heard.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a second term in the House of Representatives. I look forward to working with Governor Baker and the rest of my colleagues on Beacon Hill to continue to make Massachusetts a great place to live, work and raise a family.

I thank you for expressing your confidence in me through your vote and look forward to working with you again over the next two years.

You can view pictures from the day by clicking here.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the right of candidates to solicit signatures on nomination papers at supermarkets located on private property. Steven Glovsky sought to solicit signatures for his nomination to the second district seat on the Governor’s Council on the sidewalk immediately outside the entrance to a supermarket owned by Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Inc. in Westwood, MA.

The court observed that in many rural and suburban communities, the local supermarket may serve as one of the few places in which an individual soliciting signatures would be able to approach members of the public in large numbers. From the standpoint of a signature gatherer, there could hardly be a more ideal or efficient spot to conduct one’s business than the single entrance and exit of a supermarket or giant grocery store.

The court went on to say that to deprive the candidate of access to the public where the assorted products have been consolidated under a single roof could “substantially impair” the fundamental rights protected by art. 9 of the Massachusetts Constitution. The supermarket invites the public at large to shop at its property and offers numerous amenities to attract a significant number of people with diverse needs and interests.

You can read the details of the case by clicking here.

Focuses on Reforms and Enhancing Support for Commonwealth’s Most Vulnerable Citizens

Rep. Roy joined his colleagues in the Legislatures to pass a $36.5 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) focused on economic growth and increased government accountability and oversight.

The spending plan makes important investments in local aid, education, and human services including substance abuse treatment and prevention and mental health care. Building on a responsible yet proactive approach to combatting the recession, the Legislature’s budget contains multiple measures to achieve sustainable economic growth and provide essential services that support the Commonwealth’s citizens.

“This budget reflects and extends the fiscally-prudent, targeted and inventive initiatives that have led to Massachusetts’ recent economic growth,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). “The Legislature continues to invest in key areas like education and local aid that strengthen towns and businesses and benefit residents. We propose strong measures to care for the state’s most vulnerable residents, including increased resources for DCF and funding to improve mental health and substance abuse programs. I thank Senate President Murray, the conferees and my colleagues in the Legislature for their thoughtful work.”

“This budget addresses a number of concerns that have arisen in Massachusetts over the past year,” said Rep. Roy. “At the same time, we have been successful in providing some increases in local aid, education, and public safety matters. It was also great to see that some of the local needs in Franklin and Medway were part of the final budget.”

The FY15 budget includes two amendments filed by Rep. Roy which sought $60,000 for the installation and operation of solar powered school zone safety lights in Franklin and $22,000 in funding for a hydraulic analysis of the dam in Choate Park in Medway.

This budget enhances the Commonwealth’s partnerships with cities and towns through numerous funding streams including $945.8 million to Unrestricted General Government Aid (UGGA), a $25.5 million increase from FY14 and $4.4 billion for Chapter 70, a record funding level. The spending plan provides $257.5 million for the Special Education Circuit Break, ensuring full funding for the third consecutive year and $70.3 million for Regional School Transportation to reimburse municipalities at 90 percent, marking the highest rate in the program’s history.

In addition to educational investments through local aid, this year’s budget extends Massachusetts ongoing commitment to strengthening its educational systems to foster equality and provide residents with a competitive edge. The budget allocates $15 million to expand access to early education and funds a grant program at $9.1 million to support Early Head Start and Head Start programs. The budget also prioritizes higher education through investments in state universities, community colleges and the University of Massachusetts and includes $519 million for UMass which will enable a freeze in tuition and fees for the second year. In addition, the budget dedicates money to implement the STEM Starter Academy, an initiative created in the FY14 budget aimed at strengthening and expanding STEM programming in community colleges.

This year’s budget emphasizes the importance of enhanced fiscal predictability and sustainable investments, a practice that has raised Massachusetts bond rating to AA+, the highest in the state’s history. In an extension of this fiscal prudence, the spending plan makes the lowest draw from the Stabilization Fund in four years and contributes about $1.79 billion to Massachusetts’ unfunded pension liability to accelerate the timetable for full funding. Additional economic development measures include:

•  Codifies the Massachusetts Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Advisory Council;
• Travel and tourism is one of the state’s largest industries, generating almost $17 billion in travel related expenditures and supporting 124,700 in-state jobs. The budget allocates $18 million for the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and$7.5 million in regional tourism funding to promote statewide initiatives and increased international travel;
• Supports the Massachusetts Cultural Council with $12 million in funding;
• Provides $18.8 million for local libraries, representing an increase of $2.4 million from the previous fiscal year;
• Establishes a process for all in-state and out-of-state direct shippers to receive a direct wine shipper’s license from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) and allows for the collection of state taxes; and,
• Provides $2 million for the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership that will benefit programs designed to assist small and mid-sized manufacturers.

To heighten accountability and streamline operations, the budget establishes the Massachusetts Office of Information Technology (MOIT) to be administered by a Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Commonwealth. The CIO will be responsible for supervising all IT services of state agencies and will review any proposed IT expenditure costing more than $200,000. The Massachusetts Health Connector Authority will be considered a state agency for the purposes of MOIT oversight.

This budget reflects the Legislature’s pledge to combat the alarming rise in mental health problems and substance addiction. It allocates almost $18 million in new spending to help combat substance addiction including $10 million for the Substance Abuse Services Trust Fund to provide substance abuse services to an additional 10,000 individuals in need of treatment. The spending plan also includes the following investments in substance abuse services and treatment:

• Creates a multi-year grant program at $5 million to fund mental health and substance abuse counselors within schools;
• Increases funding for specialty courts, including drug courts, to $3 million;
• Places addiction specialists in the Brockton, Plymouth and Quincy courts;
• Funds training and purchase of Nasal Narcan™;
• Creates a voluntary accreditation program for sober homes; and,
• Provides additional funding for the Prescription Monitoring Program to prevent the over-prescription of medications.

To improve quality of care for people suffering from mental illness, the budget provides $10 million for the expansion of community-based placements for at least 100 discharge-ready patients in the Department of Mental Health system, while maintaining sheltered workshops for those individuals who wish to remain in a residential setting. It also creates a Behavioral and Mental Health Special task Force to identify impediments to the delivery of comprehensive treatment.

The budget includes numerous additional health and human services provisions including $60 million in MassHealth investments and:

• $47.5 million for nursing homes to reduce the gap between Medicaid payments and uncompensated care;
• $35 million for Disproportionate Share Hospitals;
• $3 million in funds for employments programs for clients of the Department of Developmental Services;
• Requires the implementation of a hearing process for long-term facilities before there is any intent to close;
• Creates a legislative and executive working group to examine and make recommendations concerning Bridgewater State Hospital; and,
• Maintains 45 beds at Taunton State Hospital and funds the opening of two additional wings at Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital.

Building on the continued leadership in reforming and strengthening the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the budget provides $185.6 million to reduce social worker caseloads. It also includes initiatives to improve communications, IT and record keeping practices, and ensure initial medical screenings of all children entering DCF care within 72 hours. Background checks will now be required for all current and future foster parents. Individuals will be precluded from becoming foster parents if convicted of serious crimes, including those involving violence or sexual in nature.

The budget also:

• Provides $65 million for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program and permits for unexpended FY14 funds to carry forward, allowing hundreds of new families to access safe and permanent housing;
• Expands the Veterans Motor Vehicle Excise Exemption to include leased cars;
• Places a moratorium on the issuance of a Chapter 91 tidelands license permitting the development of rail lines or rail facilities for the transportation of ethanol to storage or blending facilities in the cities of Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, Everett, Somerville and East Boston until January 1, 2017;
• Establishes a permanent commission on the future of metropolitan area beaches;
• Establishes a memorial to honor Massachusetts Iraq and Afghanistan Fallen Heroes; and,
• Reestablishes the Water Supply Protection Program to promote the safety and purity of the Commonwealth’s water supplies and the protection of watershed lands.

To get more detail and review the actual budget, click here.