Sen. Karen Spilka

FRAMINGHAM, MA - In an effort to protect municipalities concerned about negative impacts from a bill to expand gaming in the Commonwealth, Senator Karen Spilka, (who represents Framingham and other area towns in the Massachusetts 2nd Middlesex & Norfolk districts), filed amendments today with the Senate Clerk's Office to strengthen safeguards and provide additional protections for surrounding communities.

"The legislature has debated and voted on expanded gambling in Massachusetts for several years now, and this year it looks closer to becoming a reality than ever before," said Spilka. "Throughout this entire process, my main priority has always been to protect and support my district’s residents, communities, neighborhoods, and local businesses. I have filed these amendments to ...[read more]

Dancers from the Nancy Kelly Dance Studio pose for a picture before the 2011 Natick 4th of July parade.

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Many residents of Framingham got up early this morning to take a short drive over the town line to Natick.

Some got up early just to make sure they had a good spot to watch Natick's Annual 4th of July Parade -- and others to get ready to be in it.

As a town, we should thank our neighbors to the east for putting together a first-class, traditional, all-American Independence Day parade -- and for being unselfish enough to include Framingham performers, musicians, politicians, classic car owners, fire engines as well as parade watchers.

Most of the images below are of people from Framingham, we have many, many more photos and videos of parade participants from ...[read more]

Map of Massachusetts Congressional Districts (2011)

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Following the results of the 2010 Census, the State of Massachusetts is losing one congressional district. District lines need to be redrawn to reduce the total from ten districts to nine.

The current legislators representing Framingham; State Sen. Karen Spilka, (D-Ashland), a Member of the Special Joint Committee on Redistricting, along with State Reps. Tom Sannicandro (D-Ashland),  and State Rep. Chris Walsh (D-Framingham), US Rep. Ed Markey (MA-7th), and several other other MA legislators will be holding a public forum to discuss redistricting, Saturday, June 18, 2011, ...[read more]

FRAMINGHAM, MA - (PRESS RELEASE) Today, the Senate adopted Senator Karen Spilka's (D-Ashland) amendment 'Gift of Life' to the Senate budget, which creates an income tax deduction for citizens of Massachusetts who donate an organ, while living, to another human being.

'Gift of Life' will allow living organ donors a state income tax deduction of up to $10,000 in related expenses that include travel expenses, lodging expenses, and lost wages that are incurred by the donor and related to his or her organ donation that are not reimbursed in any way.

"It is vital to ensure that living donors do not incur financial loss for their altruistic organ donation" Stated Senator Spilka. "This legislation will ...[read more]

FRAMINGHAM, MA - Office Depot is hosting a special Super Seniors Expo this Wednesday, May 5th, from 10 to 3 at its location in Shoppers World, Rt. 9W, Framingham.

State Senator Karen Spilka and State Rep. Pam Richardson, the Callahan Senior Center, Soar 55 and other area organizations will be on hand.

This will also be a great chance to learn about area businesses that offer products and services that 50+ seniors may find useful at home, work, or business. About 25 businesses will offer information about organizing, downsizing, assisted living options, errands, homecare services, mortgages, longterm care insurance, volunteering, and more.

Free coffee and refreshments will be available, including a complimentary brunch by John Harvard’s Brew House.

Free PC Checkups and certificates for $5 worth of free shredding services will be offered, as well as raffles, giveaways, and coupons.

There will be vendors and store staff there to answer questions, and make recommendations on products and services to help you use your computers, printers, cameras, phones, and other items to get the most out of them.

This event is free. Come and bring a friend. All welcome.

For further information, call the Framingham Office Depot store at 508-620-5570.

###