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Governor's Council on Latino Empowerment Vice Chair Gladys Vega (right) speaks to reporters after the council's first meeting. Gov. Maura Healey announced members of the 40-person council on Tuesday, saying they would "break down systemic barriers and expand access opportunity by prioritizing education, job training, entrepreneurship and affordability." [Sam Doran/SHNS]
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. April 10
School Comm. Legislative Forum agenda
6:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. Apr. 11
10:00am
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
7:00pm
Franklin Cultural Coucil agenda
7:00pm
7:00pm
Weds Apr 12
Charles River Pollution Control agenda
3:00pm
7:00pm
Thurs. Apr 13
Cultural District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
By the time Gov. Maura Healey hits her 100th day in office Friday, she could have on her desk a bill executing her pledge to create a standalone housing secretariat as well as a clearer sense of where fellow Democrats in the House stand on her spending and tax relief ideas. The week ahead is poised to feature milestones across state government and a new sense of movement after lawmakers took a slumbering start to the 2023-2024 term. Days after the final Ways and Means hearing on Healey's $55.5 billion fiscal 2024 budget, House Democrats will roll out their rewrite of the annual spending plan, which traditionally then hits the chamber floor for debate on hundreds of amendments the week following the April school vacation. Speaker Ron Mariano has already said the House will unveil its own tax relief package "just before" the budget that is expected to be released Wednesday, but his team is keeping the plan -- including not just policy details but also basic logistics like when the House will vote on tax relief -- shrouded in darkness heading into next week. Mariano's office declined to answer questions Friday about whether the promised tax package will be a standalone bill or part of the budget, when it will be revealed to the public and when the House will be asked to vote on the topic. The Revenue Committee, which heard testimony on Healey's nearly $1 billion tax relief and reform proposal (H 42), has not opened any poll on advancing a rewrite of the bill, according to co-chair Sen. Susan Moran's office. That might indicate that House Democrats are preparing to weave some of those measures into their budget, or that the timeline Mariano forecast might shift. Revenue Committee Co-chair Rep. Mark Cusack did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
Another Healey priority, separating the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into two standalone departments, is on track to win final approval from lawmakers. Her reorganization plan (H 43) earned a favorable review from the State Administration Committee, and co-chair Sen. Nick Collins signaled that he expects a Senate vote Thursday, which could only happen after the House tackles it first. If lawmakers prone to procrastination send that along to the governor -- and perhaps a $350 million local road repair funding bill that already cleared both branches -- it would represent only the second major piece of legislation they've completed one-eighth of the way through the two-year session. Another early-term priority for House Speaker Ron Mariano enters the spotlight Monday when the Elder Affairs Committee hears testimony on an omnibus long-term care reform bill (H 648 / S 379) he put on the top of his to-do list. More than three months of Gov. Charlie Baker holdovers running the MBTA comes to an end Monday with the first day of new General Manager Phillip Eng, who pledged to turn around the ailing system but urged patience from riders. Eng will aim to hit the ground running, but it could still be some time before a noticeable improvement to service that's been weakened by cuts, persistent slow zones and staff shortages. Meanwhile, Healey is running more than a month late on her promise to create and hire a new transportation safety chief position within her first 60 days. And the Health Policy Commission plans to vote on next year's target for health care cost growths, all as some policymakers question whether that approach is still useful.
Sunday, April 9, 2023
REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE: Jon Keller talks with Craig Sandler of the State House News Service and Lisa Kashinsky of Politico Massachusetts about Beacon Hill's tax cut debate, Gov. Healey's first 100 days, and Auditor DiZoglio's push to audit the Legislature. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
BPD COMMISSIONER ON 5: Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox is on "On The Record" talking about his strategies to fight violent crime in the city, community outreach, and preparations for major events like the upcoming Boston Marathon. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
WIND CABLE-LAYING: Starting on or about April 9 and continuing through July as the weather allows, work to lay the middle section of the cable that will connect to the Vineyard Wind offshore wind project will be underway. The tug Finn Falgou will tow the cable barge Ulisse to the work area to begin the work. Vineyard Wind said that support vessels Mena C and Martin P will be in charge of "anchor handling" and other vessels "will be operating around the activities as safety vessels to monitor traffic and facilitate the safe movement of fishing vessels, recreational craft, or other transiting vessels, around the work sites and project vessels." The work zone begins off of Chappaquiddick's Cape Poge, continues south, jogs to the east through Muskeget Channel and then returns westward as it extends toward the wind farm's lease area about 14 miles south of Martha's Vineyard. Vineyard Wind released an advisory and map related to the work, including a chart of the work zone and information for mariners. (Sunday)
Monday, April 10, 2023
ELDER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: With the state's elderly population growing and its care system strained, bills dealing with the long-term care sector are on the agenda for a Joint Committee on Elder Affairs hybrid hearing. The hearing features three pairs of House-Senate bills, each filed by the panel's chairs, Rep. Stanley and Sen. Jehlen. That includes an omnibus 26-page bill (H 648 / S 379) aimed at tackling many issues long-term care facilities and their residents face with new infection management and financial reporting requirements as well as incentives and tuition reimbursement to attract workers. Speaker Mariano said the legislation is near the top of his list of priorities for the 2023-2024 session. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
HOUSE, SENATE MEET: House and Senate meet in informal sessions. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate Chambers | House Livestream | Senate Livestream)
FINAL BUDGET HEARING: Joint Ways and Means Committee invites the general public and interest groups to provide input on Gov. Healey's $55.5 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2024. The final planned budget hearing typically features testimony from any invited groups that were not able to participate in earlier hearings and will be opened up for public testimony as well. The State House hearing will conclude the budget hearing series in the same place it began on March 7. (Monday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)
CANNABIS MARKET PARTICIPATION: Market Participation Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets. The agenda calls for discussion of and a vote on unspecified recommendations. The CAB makes non-binding recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission. (Monday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Rep. Cusack and Sen. Moran convene the Revenue Committee for a public hearing on five constitutional amendments. The agenda includes proposals dealing with income surtax expenditures, agricultural and horticultural lands, requiring a supermajority vote for the utilization of rainy day funds, and capping the state income tax. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 and virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
RAYNHAM PARK HEARING: Mass. Gaming Commission holds a public hearing to gather public input on Raynham Park's application for a sports betting license. The former dog track and current simulcast center is seeking to take bets in person and via a mobile partnership with Caesar's. (Monday, 11 a.m., Notice and Access Info)
MEL KING REMEMBRANCE: Boston Mayor Wu and City Council President Flynn participate in a wreath-laying in memory of Boston activist and former state representative Mel King, who died last month at 94. The event will also include a brief speaking program, during which Wu will read a proclamation declaring Tuesday, April 11 as a citywide day of remembrance for King. (Monday, 12 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
DISABILITY WORKFORCE SUPPORTS: Workforce Supports Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets to elect a chair and discuss its goals for fiscal 2023. The subcommittee is tasked with "analyz[ing] initiatives that address the workforce crisis for people who provide services to individuals with disabilities." Attendees can register via Zoom or livestream the meeting on the Legislature's website. (Monday, 12 p.m., Virtual)
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds public hearings on bills affecting individual communities and a Sen. Gobi bill aimed at helping people struggling with crumbling concrete foundations. The local bills address land conservation, dredging efforts, and fertilizer applications in the town of Orleans. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 and Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
HEALEY, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll meet privately with legislative leaders. A media availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's Office)
MEL KING WAKE: Public viewing and visitation is held for the late Mel King, a longtime Boston activist and former state representative who died March 28 at the age of 94. Opportunity for "witnesses from the community" from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Monday, 4 p.m., Union United Methodist Church, 485 Columbus Ave., Boston)
RACING SEASON BEGINS: Horse racing season begins at Plainridge Park Race Track. The standardbred track at Plainridge Park Casino has been the only venue to host any type of live horse racing in Massachusetts since Suffolk Downs ran its last race in June 2019. The Gaming Commission last year got an application for 2023 racing at a yet-to-be approved or built thoroughbred track in Hardwick, but laid it aside amid a seesaw battle at the local level. The town selectmen voted unanimously in October to reject the plan for a racetrack at the proposed location, but later reversed their decision. When the location was approved on a 2-1 vote, local residents gathered enough signatures to challenge it. Previous attempts to revive thoroughbred racing in Massachusetts have either fallen apart before becoming reality or have hinged, the developers said, on being allowed to host other forms of gambling on-site. Now that sports betting is legal in Massachusetts, any licensed horse track is eligible to seek a betting license. Through August, live racing is held each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a post time of 4 p.m. Post time moves to 2 p.m. for September, and Friday racing is added for October and November. The season also includes the Sunday, July 23 Spirit of Massachusetts. (Monday, 4 p.m., Plainridge Park, 301 Washington St., Plainville)
SEN. BOOKER AT TUFTS: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker discusses his career in politics, experiences in the U.S. Senate, food policy and criminal justice reform. The discussion is part of the Solomont Speaker Series event hosted by the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University. Members of the media may reach out to robin.smyton@tufts.edu for access. (Monday, 5 p.m., LL08 Auditorium, Barnum Hall, Tufts, Somerville, Register for in-person attendance | Zoom)
NEW MBTA BOSS STARTS: The Phillip Eng era at the MBTA officially begins Monday when Gov. Healey's pick to turn around the ailing system kicks off his first day as general manager. Eng is a longtime transportation executive and engineer who spent four years as president of the Long Island Rail Road commuter rail network. In his introductory press conference on March 27, Eng said "the status quo is not acceptable" at the T and pledged to win back riders. (Monday)
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
INCLUSIVE STRATEGIES IN REAL ESTATE: NAIOP Massachusetts holds panel discussion on advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in commercial real estate. Speakers "will share their strategies and actions to create and sustain an inclusive industry -- from hiring, investment, development, programming, and more." Colliers executive vice president Jeanne Pinado moderates the panel, joined by Leslie Cohen, chief operating officer of The Davis Companies; Doug Manz, partner and chief investment officer at The HYM Investment Group; Taidgh McClory, founder and social impact entrepreneur with T.H. McClory, LLC; and Andi Simpson, senior vice president of Samuels & Associates. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Studio G, 125 High St., Boston | Registration)
HEALEY AT NEC: Gov. Healey addresses business leaders at a breakfast hosted by the New England Council, where she may discuss topics on the mind of employers like tax reform and relief, labor shortages and population outflows. Media are asked to RSVP by email to eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Seaport Hotel, Plaza Ballroom, One Seaport Lane, Boston)
WAGERING VENDOR HEARING: Mass. Gaming Commission holds a public hearing on a set of regulations related to the licensing and registration of sports wagering vendors, and the necessary forms they must complete. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Notice and Access Info)
CITIZENS' LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR: Senate President Spilka hosts the 85th annual Citizens' Legislative Seminar. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
MGM SPRINGFIELD REIT: Mass. Gaming Commission holds an adjudicatory hearing related to the multi-layered transaction involving MGM Springfield, MGM Resorts' real estate investment trust and the "experiential" real estate investment trust VICI Properties. In 2021, MGM Resorts proposed selling the land and real estate of MGM Springfield for $400 million cash to MGM Growth Properties and then leasing the resort casino back for $30 million annually under the terms of a master lease. In August 2021, VICI Properties announced a $17.2 billion deal to acquire MGM Growth Properties, adding a new layer to the deal. The Gaming Commission hearing is specific to whether regulators should grant final approval to the deal. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)
BEE INSPECTOR FIELD-NOTES: Department of Agricultural Resources' Apiary Program inspection team holds virtual program to discuss "latest updates in the field regarding honeybee seasonality, development, and health," along with honeybee management tips for apiarists. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Zoom)
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with The New Teacher Project, offers a professional development session to help teachers with learning acceleration. The workshop will review strategies for using and refining assessments, discuss best practices for providing students with effective feedback, and receive resources to help apply these strategies in their classrooms. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Register)
NURSE PRACTITIONERS POLICY EVENT: Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners hosts its annual health policy event joined by regulators and lawmakers. The group's priorities for the 2023-2024 session include legislation dealing with authority for nurse practitioners to determine medical decision-making capacity and invoke the health care proxy for patients (H 1539). Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz, Health Care Financing Committee Co-chair Sen. Friedman and Rep. Gregoire plan to attend. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., UMass Club, One Beacon St., Boston)
MUNICIPALITIES COMMITTEE: Municipalities and Regional Government Committee solicits testimony on a proposed constitutional amendment filed by Sen. Brownsberger (S 12) that would replace references to "selectmen" in the state's governing document with "select board." A number of towns in recent years have embraced the gender-neutral title for their local boards, changes that must be enacted by the Legislature through home-rule bills. A couple such bills, for Lanesborough and Hanover, are also on the docket for the committee's hearing Tuesday. The Massachusetts Selectmen's Association followed that "movement among towns" and changed its name in 2020 to the Massachusetts Select Board Association. Brownsberger filed an identical constitutional amendment last session. The Municipalities Committee gave it a favorable report in April 2021 and it was placed on the Constitutional Convention Calendar that year, but like many proposed amendments, it died without a floor vote when the convention dissolved in late 2022. Committee also solicits testimony Tuesday on a bill filed by Reps. Giannino and Turco (H 2055) authorizing the City of Revere to pay up to $39,140 to the estate of City Councilor George Rotondo Jr., who died in 2022 at the age of 55. "This amount represents the salary to which he would have been entitled if he had lived and served until the end of his term of office," the bill states. Other legislation on the agenda would allow Wales to establish a DPW (S 1297), exempt Brookline from in-person meeting quorums (S 1283), and deal with "outstanding fines, fees, penalties, or costs related to the use of fireworks or pyrotechnics in the city of Springfield" (H 2102). Municipalities Committee requires advance registration to testify live. Written testimony is also accepted through 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, and can be submitted by emailing municipalitiescommittee@gmail.com with "Testimony" and the bill number in the subject line. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 and Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
SENATE CLIMATE COMMITTEE: Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change meets virtually to hear from experts on carbon dioxide removal, a component of the state's 2050 Clean Energy and Climate Plan. Tentative list of speakers includes former Sen. Ben Downing of The Engine, Carbon Business Council Executive Director Ben Rubin, Running Tide CEO Marty Odlin, Verdox CEO Brian Baynes, Professor Gregory Nemet of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Deputy Director Richard Murray, Vikrum Aiyer of Heirloom Carbon, Karan Khimji of 44.01, Tom Horton of Standard Biocarbon, OpenAir Collective co-founder Chris Neidl, Jane Flegal of Stripe Climate, American University Institute for Carbon Removal Law and Policy research director Sara Nawaz, and Isabella Gambill, assistant director of climate, energy, and resilience at A Better City. Committee Chair Creem's office said attendees will "learn from experts in academia, advocacy, and industry about what CDR is (and what it isn't), what various CDR methods look like (including direct air capture, ocean-based strategies, biochar- and agricultural-based strategies, and mineralization), how state policy can support the growth of CDR industries that are consistent with our environmental and economic justice values, and what the economic development potential of CDR is in the Commonwealth." (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Livestream)
NONPROFIT LEADERS SUMMIT: Former Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ros Acosta, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen, and former Boston Mayor Kim Janey are among the speakers at Harvard Business School Association's 2023 Nonprofit Board Summit. The day-long summit, which runs 'til 8 p.m., "provides an opportunity for nonprofit board members and senior leaders to discover small, collective actions that can create the change that is needed to build a more resilient, healthy, and fair society in our cities and state," HBSA said. Other speakers include Boston's Supportive Housing Division deputy director Laila Bernstein, Children's Services of Roxbury CEO Sandra McCroom, Pine Street Inn President Lyndia Downie, Year Up founder Gerald Chertavian, United Way of Mass. Bay and Merrimack Valley CEO Bob Giannino, JVS Boston Senior Vice President Amy Nishman, and Harvard Business School Senior Associate Dean Debora Spar. An hour of networking and refreshments is included. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 600 Atlantic Ave., Boston | More Info | Registration)
MEL KING FUNERAL: Funeral is held to remember former Rep. Mel King, a longtime Boston community organizer and groundbreaking 1983 mayoral candidate. The family has invited guests to wear bow ties "as a tribute to Mr. King." Tickets will be required for admission at the church due to limited capacity. Service will be livestreamed at Boston City Hall and the Bruce Bolling Municipal Building, and on Zoom. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Union United Methodist Church, 485 Columbus Ave., Boston)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Committee on Public Service hears testimony on 42 bills dealing with retirement benefits, creditable service, or pensions of individual government employees. One bill would direct the State Retirement Board to retire a UMass police officer because of his "occupationally-related disability occurring while in the performance of duty." Another would order the board to retire a certain state trooper because of "injuries sustained while in the performance of his duties." A Trial Court officer would be allowed the option of receiving accidental disability retirement benefits under another bill, stemming from his "severe depression and anxiety disorder accompanied by post-traumatic stress disorder ... presumed to have been suffered in the course of his employment." Those wishing to testify virtually must pre-register online. Testimony can also be delivered in person. Written testimony must be received by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, and can be emailed to Fiona.BruceBaiden@mahouse.gov. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 and Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
LABOR COMMITTEE: Labor and Workforce Development Committee holds public hearing on a constitutional amendment establishing a right to employable skills training. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 and virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION: Local Government Advisory Commission meets with an agenda that includes a federal funds update, a discussion of the state budget and fiscal conditions, and Gov. Healey's proposal to create a housing secretariat, "including the apportionment of responsibility for local, community, and regional economic development programs, Community One Stop For Growth, MassWorks and other municipally focused initiatives." Lt. Gov. Driscoll and LGAC Chair Jill Hai are scheduled to offer opening remarks. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157, State House)
SALEM STATE SOLAR INSTALL: Representatives from Salem State University, Solect Energy and PowerOptions tour the rooftop solar installation on Meier Hall before celebrating the two latest solar projects on campus with a ribbon-cutting. The new arrays and six others on campus bring the university's solar capacity to about 1MW. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. tours of Meier Hall, 1:30 p.m. ribbon cutting at Alumni Plaza outside of the Ellison Campus Center, Salem State University, 352 Lafayette St., Salem)
MGM SPRINGFIELD ILLEGAL BETS: Mass. Gaming Commission holds an adjudicatory hearing on the illegal collegiate bets that MGM Springfield accepted in the early days of legal in-person sports betting. A commission lawyer previously said the Springfield sportsbook accepted bets on Harvard men's basketball games played on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4. In both cases, the games were available to be wagered upon for more than 20 hours and bettors took advantage of that 28 times. All bets were placed at a kiosk and a cumulative $1,230 was wagered on the two games. The lawyer said the games were improperly open to wagering "because when Harvard was originally added to the blacklist document under a previous jurisdiction's requirement of no collegiate sports, it was incorrectly designated as being located in Connecticut, not Massachusetts." (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., More Info TBA)
REGIONAL EPA PFAS SESSION: Environmental Protection Agency's New England regional office holds a two-hour virtual listening session for feedback on the agency's PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The plan "outlines specific commitments the agency is taking to address the risks posed by forever chemicals to people's health," EPA Regional Administrator David Cash said. "EPA is very interested in hearing from all concerned people, including Tribal communities and communities with environmental justice concerns," he added. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Registration)
FARMLAND PRESERVATION: Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle holds listening session on the state's Agricultural Preservation Restriction program. "All APR landowners, farmers, Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee (ALPC) members, the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, state officials, land trusts and individuals interested in Agricultural Preservation Program (APR) efforts to preserve Massachusetts farmland are invited," per the Department of Agricultural Resources. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Bristol County Agricultural High School, Student Commons 212, Gilbert Hall, 135 Center St., Dighton | Registration)
DOUG EMHOFF AT JFK LIBRARY: Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff delivers remarks ahead of the Kennedy Library's forum "Strengthening Civic Infrastructure and Combating Hate: The Role of Arts, Culture, and Faith." Interfaith leaders will also be present for the conversation on combating hate. Interested media can RSVP to matt.porter@jfklfoundation.org. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Livestream)
MANSFIELD MULTIMODAL PRESENTATION: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to present the design for the proposed multimodal accommodation on School Street between Spring Street and West Street in Mansfield. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
MASSDOT FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE: Department of Transportation Board of Directors Finance and Audit Subcommittee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
RFK JR. PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. officially announces his campaign for the Democratic nomination to be president of the U.S. Kennedy campaign representatives filed paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission last week. Kennedy, a nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of his brother Robert F. Kennedy, who ran for president in 1968, joins the race with author and nonprofit leader Marianne Williamson to challenge sitting President Joe Biden. Kennedy is an author and an environmental lawyer who has worked on issues such as clean water. He has been one of the leading voices in the anti-vaccine movement. His anti-vaccine charity, Children's Health Defense, prospered during the pandemic, doubling revenues in 2020 to $6.8 million, according to the AP. Media can reserve a spot in the press gallery by sending a request to press@teamkennedy.com (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Boston Park Plaza, Boston)
MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS COMMITTEE: Department of Transportation Board of Directors Capital Programs Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
AGRICULTURE DAY: State House regulars and employees are already abuzz with excitement about the return of Agriculture Day, an annual event last held in 2019 that showcases locally grown and produced foods, and free samples. This year's post-shutdown Ag Day will "focus on farmers and the need for supportive state policy and investments." Speaking program at 11:15 a.m. at the Grand Staircase is followed by "Taste of Massachusetts" food sampling in the Great Hall from 12 noon 'til 2 p.m. (Wednesday, 11:15 a.m., State House)
METROWEST STATE HOUSE DAY: The 495/MetroWest Partnership hosts its annual State House Day event in-person for the first time since the pandemic began. Senate President Spilka of Ashland speaks. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Senate Reading Room)
HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats meet in a private caucus, where they will likely roll out their proposed rewrite of Gov. Healey's $55.5 billion fiscal year 2024 budget bill. Speaker Mariano has also signaled the House will release its proposal for tax relief and reform before the budget. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)
HEALTH CARE COST GROWTH: Health Policy Commission meets to vote on the benchmark for total health care spending growth in 2024 and to consider a new regulation for the Office of Patient Protection. The Center for Health Information and Analysis estimated last month that per capita health care expenditures shot up 9 percent in 2021 after having dropped 2.3 percent in 2020. There are real obstacles to meeting the state's 2023 goal of 3.6 percent, like high inflation and chronic staffing shortages, and some lawmakers have even questioned whether the benchmark-setting process is still helpful. Executive Director David Seltz said last month the HPC is interested in supplementing the benchmark with information that can better capture cost concerns at the household level. The meeting will also include a discussion of "addressing health-related social needs and increasing access to timely behavioral health services." Meeting will be streamed live on YouTube. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Agenda)
MWRA BOARD: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Board meets. The agenda includes an update on the MWRA maintenance plan, the 2022 annual update on new connections to the MWRA system, and an amendment/change order report. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
COURT DATA SEMINAR: The Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission's Racial Equity and Justice Committee, in collaboration with Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, and others hold a seminar to discuss collecting, maintaining and reporting Massachusetts Trial Court data regarding race and ethnicity -- particularly in civil cases -- to identify and work toward addressing racial disparities. The panel aims to facilitate communication and coordination among justice partners who do this type of data collection. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Agenda and Registration Information)
SPILKA TALKS TO ASHLAND BOARD: Senate President Spilka attends the Ashland Select Board meeting to deliver a legislative update and discuss her hometown's priorities. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 101 Main St., Ashland)
MBTA CAPITAL PLAN MEETING: MBTA staff host a virtual public meeting to solicit public feedback on the draft FY 2024-2028 capital investment plan. The five-year, $9.2 billion spending plan outlines proposed investments in construction, modernization, expansion and other major capital work at the T. Some of the largest investments in the draft plan include $390 million toward procurement of new Red and Orange Line cars and $401 million to modernize a Quincy bus facility so it can support a future electric bus fleet. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
HEALEY AT WARREN TOWN HALL: U.S. Sen. Warren hosts what she described as the first town hall event of her 2024 reelection campaign. Warren expects Gov. Healey to attend alongside Boston Mayor Wu and Congresswoman Pressley. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St. #200, Roxbury | More Info)
Thursday, April 13, 2023
MBTA AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
MBTA PLANNING AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Planning, Workforce, Development and Compensation Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
HOUSE FORMAL: House meets in a full formal session. Speaker Mariano's office did not indicate what legislation will be considered, advising representatives to "be prepared to consider reports of committees and papers from the Senate, as may be received." Senators plan Thursday to take up Gov. Healey's bill creating a standalone housing secretariat, which first must secure approval in the House. Roll calls begin at 1 p.m. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in a full formal session, where senators are expected to approve Gov. Healey's reorganization plan (H 43) creating a standalone housing secretariat. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
MBTA SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING MEETING: MassDOT holds a virtual public meeting about recent outdoor advertising applications. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
UMASS LOWELL CHANCELLOR INAUGURATION: UMass Lowell holds a ceremony to formally inaugurate Julie Chen, who became the university's chancellor in May 2022. The event will focus on accomplishments during Chen's first academic year, including a projected $100 million-plus in research expenditures and growth of the River Hawk Scholars Academy. Gov. Healey plans to deliver the keynote address. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Tsongas Center, 300 Arcand Drive, Lowell)
LIFE SCIENCES FUTURE: Charles River Regional Chamber hosts a virtual event to assess the life science sector at present and to look ahead to the future of the industry in Massachusetts. Panelists include Jeff Behrens, founder and CEO of LabShares Newton, Robert Coughlin, managing director of life science and health care at JLL, and Sarah MacDonald, president of Life Science Cares in Boston. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Register)
NATURE-POSITIVE ECONOMY: The Nature Conservancy hosts a webinar to discuss the risks of climate change and biodiversity loss, the ways in which nature can help increase resilience to extreme events and contribute to carbon sequestration, and the "potential of innovative insurance products and more sustainable investment strategies as solutions." Panelists include InnSure Executive Director Charlie Sidoti, TNC Hawai'i and Palmyra Marine Community Program Manager Makalea Ane and TNC Global Climate Risk and Resilience Senior Manager Eric Roberts. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Register)
LOW INCOME MBTA FARES: Rep. Madaro, Sen. Edwards, MBTA riders and T workers advocate for a low-income fare program at the T during an advocacy day hosted by the Public Transit Public Good coalition. Organizers said the speakers will discuss "the need to maintain funding for a low-income fare program in the FY24 Budget and the importance of passing legislation to ensure a permanent low-income fare program at the MBTA." Gov. Healey proposed using $5 million in her fiscal year 2024 budget plan on "one-time expenses for exploring the feasibility of implementing a means-tested fare program" at the T. Transit advocates have been pushing for years for the MBTA to roll out a widely available low-income fare option. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., Grand Staircase)
IMMIGRANT STUDENT SUPPORT: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education holds a webinar for schools and districts that have seen increased enrollment of students who have recently immigrated or are refugees. "As a result of various global circumstances, districts across Massachusetts have seen an increase in recent months of newly arrived students, many of whom are refugees resettling in communities throughout the state. Some communities, for example, are welcoming Afghan families as part of Operation Allies Welcome and others are beginning to welcome refugees from Ukraine. Still other districts are seeing an increasing number of new arrivals from Brazil, Haiti, and Central America. Many of these newcomers are school-aged children who require enrollment in school as soon as possible," DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley wrote last year. Recently immigrated or refugee school-aged children are legally entitled to access to public education in the U.S. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Access)
PUBLIC HOUSING CAMPAIGN CONTINUES: Public housing tenants and allies organized by the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization gather in Brookline to continue their push for reforms, including more public housing funding in the fiscal 2024 budget. Attendees plan to congregate at United Parish Brookline to call for increasing the public housing operating budget to $184 million, double the level-funded $92 million Gov. Healey proposed. Organizers say tenants of the Egmont and Trustman Buildings, managed by the Brookline Housing Authority, will invite lawmakers into their home to offer a look at "dire conditions endured by many who rely on state-funded housing." Press asked to contact Justin Martin at justin.martin@gbio.org or (617) 955-1136 for more information. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., United Parish Brookline, 210 Harvard St., Brookline)
FARMLAND PRESERVATION: Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle holds listening session on the Agricultural Preservation Restriction program. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 50 Main St., Stockbridge | Registration)
TWIN CITIES RAIL TRAIL MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to present the design for a proposed Phase 2 Twin Cities Rail Trail project in Fitchburg, which aims to provide better bicycle and pedestrian mobility between Fitchburg and Leominster and a safe connection to the MART Intermodal Transportation Center in downtown Fitchburg. (Thursday, 7 p.m., More Info)
Friday, April 14, 2023
MASSHEALTH REDETERMINATIONS: Massachusetts Association of Health Plans holds policy forum to discuss the MassHealth redeterminations process. MassHealth Assistant Secretary Mike Levine will provide an update on the process, and Health Connector Executive Director Audrey Gasteier and Health Care For All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal will present on how their organizations are working with MassHealth on the effort. There will be a panel discussion and a Q&A session. Attendance is by invitation-only the organizers are asking people to contact Ann Chamberlin LaBelle at chamberlin@mahp.com if you would like to be included on the waiting list. (Friday, 10 a.m., UMass Club, One Beacon Street, 32nd Floor, Boston)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission plans to hold a public meeting. CCC business meetings generally include updates from Executive Director Shawn Collins, a litany of license renewals, provisional approvals and final awards. (Friday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)
BLACK EXCELLENCE ON THE HILL: Black and Latino Legislative Caucus holds its annual Black Excellence on the Hill event, according to Senate President Spilka, who plans to speak. (Friday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
MERIT RATING BOARD MEETS: Merit Rating Board, now featuring Sonja Singleton as permanent rather than interim director, hosts a virtual public meeting. (Friday, 2:30 p.m., More Info)
ENCORE ILLEGAL BETS: Mass. Gaming Commission holds an adjudicatory hearing on the second round of illegal bets that Encore Boston Harbor accepted on Boston College women's basketball. (Friday, 3 p.m., More Info TBA)
SAFE HOMES GALA: Safe Homes, a group that "provides LGBTQIA+ youth with a safe space," holds annual fundraising gala and presents its People of Courage Awards. This year's theme is "Creating A Beautiful Future." VIP reception starts at 5 p.m. (Friday, 6 p.m., AC Hotel by Marriott, 125 Front St., Worcester | Registration)
Saturday, April 15, 2023
ONE BOSTON DAY -- WREATH LAYING: On the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, the city and the Boston Athletic Association will hold a private gathering and wreath-laying event for the families who lost loved ones at the 2013 Boston Marathon. Honor guards will be present at the memorial sites on Boylston Street throughout the day, and the memorial sites will reopen to the public after the BAA's 5K race. (Saturday, April 15, early morning, Boylston Street between Dartmouth and Fairfield streets, Boston)
ONE BOSTON DAY -- PUBLIC MEMORIAL: Gov. Healey participates in the dedication of a new commemorative finish line, the ringing of bells, and the unveiling of a One Boston Day marker on Boylston Street to remember and honor the victims, survivors and first responders of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Other participants include Boston Mayor Wu, first responders, hospital leaders, BAA leadership, local running groups, and members of the One Fund community. "Every year we come together on One Boston Day to remember the courage, strength, and resilience shown by our City's people in 2013," Wu said. "As we mark ten years, we will gather together in community on April 15 to remember the lives that were lost, the many injured, and the spirit of humanity displayed that day. As we honor those forever impacted, people in all corners of our City will be giving back in a number of ways and I encourage everyone to get involved." The city has also organized a hub for other One Boston Day events hosted by various departments, agencies and organizations. (Saturday, April 15, 2:30 p.m., Boylston Street, Boston)
