House Approves $7M for Cultural Facilities Fund

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NORTH ADAMS – The House of Representatives voted Thursday to allocate $7 million to the Cultural Facilities Fund through supplemental budget that closes the books on fiscal 2007, according to state Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams. "The Cultural Facilities Fund has provided monies for the Berkshire Athenaeum, the Berkshire Museum, Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and Hancock Shaker Village Inc.," said Bosley. "These cultural organizations expose the residents of Massachusetts to many cultural activities, such as music, art, theater and film. They also draw many people from outside our border, bolstering our tourism industry.” Dan Hunter, executive director of the Massachusetts Advocates for the Arts, Sciences and Humanities,said, "The additional $7 million for the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund will grow our economy, create jobs and strengthen our cities and towns — it is an investment in our cultural and historic legacy as well as in our economic future." On behalf of the statewide cultural community, MAASH thanks Speaker Sal DiMasi, Rep. Dan Bosley, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and the entire Berkshire delegation for their vision and leadership," he continued. "Today, we made this fund whole, and are hopeful that other venues will be able to benefit," said Bosley. "We owe Speaker DiMasi a debt of gratitude for understanding that these cultural facilities are important and valued economic engines in our economy."
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program

DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
 
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
 
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
 
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
 
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
 
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
 
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