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A special thank you to @PlanetFitness of Franklin for their generous donation of treadmills, upright bike, elliptical machine, & stair climber that were placed into service at both fire station gyms. (FFD Tweet)
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Apr 24
7:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. Apr 25
7:00pm
7:00pm
Wed. Apr 26
7:00pm
Thurs. Apr 27
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
.Representatives will flood back to the State House starting Monday to dive into several days of deliberations on the House Ways and Means Committee's $56.2 billion state budget bill for fiscal year 2024 (H 3900), an annual affair that many lawmakers use as a chance to socialize with colleagues during the inevitable long recesses while gears turn behind closed doors. In terms of volume, the vast majority of decisions representatives make next week will be about directing state money to specific local projects and needs: more than three-quarters of the 1,566 amendments filed to the budget are earmarks, according to an analysis by the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, which said the count of total amendments is the highest in more than 10 years. That's par for the course for the Legislature's budget process, where lawmakers are keen to pad state spending plans -- per MTF, the House tacked on an annual average of $89 million in additional spending via amendments in three of the past four budget cycles. The vast majority of amendments won't get even an introduction in public view, let alone their own standalone vote, as House leaders traditionally package up roughly half a dozen consolidated mega-amendment bundles that add or remove from consideration scores of changes using a single vote. MTF estimated that only 10 percent of amendments filed are outside policy sections, such as one from House Minority Leader Brad Jones (amendment 136) that would include revenue collected from the state's new income surtax revenue in the tax cap calculation known as Chapter 62F, rather than exempt it from the law that prompted nearly $3 billion in relief last year as Democrats proposed.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats -- who in May will roll out their own state budget proposal -- plan to meet in a private caucus Wednesday. Senate leaders did not broadcast any plans to tackle major formal business next week, which makes it less clear what topics will come up in the private huddle, though a response to the House- and Gov. Healey-approved tax relief plans is one leading possibility. Healey will zigzag across several industry events next week, including an annual Massachusetts Biotechnology Council summit and a gala for the National Association of Corporate Directors New England Chapter.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
McGOVERN ON 4: Congressman McGovern talks with Jon Keller about the debt ceiling battle in Washington, partisan rancor in the U.S. House, and federal funding issues facing Massachusetts. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
MICHLEWITZ ON 5: House Ways and Means Chairman Michlewitz is the guest on "On The Record," talking about the state budget and tax relief legislation on the eve of the House fiscal 2024 budget debate, which kicks off Monday. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
CLIMATE CHIEF AT YOUTH EVENT: Healey administration climate chief Melissa Hoffer speaks at a day-long Youth Climate Festival at Mass Audubon's Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Hoffer plans to discuss the administration's launch of a new Youth Climate Council, which will advise its efforts to tackle climate change. High school students can apply to join the panel, which will meet regularly with Hoffer. (Sunday, 5:30 p.m.)
Monday, April 24, 2023
LYNCH AT NEC: Congressman Stephen Lynch is the guest at the latest Capitol Hill Report hosted by the New England Council. Media are asked to RSVP by email to eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com. (Monday, 8 a.m., The Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston)
SUPREME COURT REFORM TOUR: Sens. Markey and Warren and Rep. Pressley hold a press conference to kick off a 20-stop, nationwide bus tour to call for judicial reforms to the Supreme Court. The lawmakers launch the 'Just Majority' campaign shortly after ProPublica released an investigation into Justice Clarence Thomas, reporting that he did not disclose property transactions with billionaire Republican donor Harlan Crow, who has also gifted Thomas with luxury travel "virtually every year for decades." Sen. Markey, Sen. Warren, and Rep. Pressley will be joined by former Biden Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States Commissioner Caroline Fredrickson, and reproductive rights advocate and former Planned Parenthood official Alencia Johnson. The tour "comes amid growing concern about unethical conduct and partisan rulings by Supreme Court justices, including decisions rolling back abortion rights and limiting gun violence prevention laws," according to the lawmakers' offices. (Monday, 10 a.m., Boston, RSVP to press@justmajority.org for location details.)
CCC EXECUTIVE SESSION: Cannabis Control Commission convenes a virtual public meeting, where the only business on the agenda calls for retreating into executive session to discuss "mediation between the Commissioners and staff leadership, for purpose of finding common ground and obtaining buy-in from all parties, in its efforts to establish a durable and effective governance structure." (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
GAMING AGENDA-SETTING: Mass. Gaming Commission meets virtually to select topics for discussion and action at future commission business meetings. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
MOULTON HOUSING FORUM: Congressman Moulton plans a housing forum for the Sixth Congressional District he represents, according to Lt. Gov. Driscoll, who will attend. (Monday, 10 a.m., Lynn City Hall, 3 City Hall Square, Lynn)
HOUSE BUDGET WEEK KICKOFF: House convenes a full formal session to begin its days-long work on the $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 budget (H 3900) rolled out by the House Ways and Means Committee. Top House Democrats proposed a spending bill about $700 million larger than Gov. Healey's $55.5 billion budget, weaving in authorization for online Lottery sales to fund child care investments, an expanded no-cost phone calls program in prisons and jails, and different local aid levels. Representatives filed 1,566 amendments to the budget, most of them seeking earmarks for their districts. The House's budget sessions typically feature little action on the floor, and representatives instead make decisions behind closed doors about which amendments to approve and reject before attaching those changes using only a handful of consolidated mega-amendments. Roll calls are set to begin with the start of session at 11 a.m. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | House Livestream)
SENATE MEETS: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Senate Livestream)
MCGOVERN FOOD TRUCK: Congressman McGovern joins the Spanish American Center to celebrate the arrival of a new food truck intended to bring hot meals to food deserts in North Central Worcester County. Congressman McGovern secured $110,000 in federal funding to purchase the vehicle. (Monday, 11 a.m., Spanish American Center, 112 Spruce St, Leominster)
SBA ADMINISTRATOR IN CHINATOWN: Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Isabel Guzman tours a construction site where LJV Development is building an eight-unit addition for the Boston Chinese Economic Development Council. (Monday, 11:15 a.m., 78 Tyler St., Boston)
RIGHT WHALE DAY: Lawmakers, New England Aquarium representatives and community advocates celebrate the inaugural Massachusetts Right Whale Day. Former Gov. Charlie Baker established the annual day to raise awareness about these critically endangered animals shortly before he left office. Scientists have documented more than 100 individual North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay this season. With an estimated population of less than 350, the whales have been spending more time in recent years feeding in Massachusetts waters before moving north to waters off of Canada later in the spring. Dozens more whales have also been sighted during New England Aquarium aerial surveys south of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Rep. Josh Cutler of Duxbury, the lead sponsor of the legislation that created Massachusetts Right Whale Day, Sen. Susan Moran of Falmouth, Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and New England Aquarium President and CEO Viki Spruill will kick off a series of events at the aquarium and Boston's Central Wharf Plaza. (Monday, 12 p.m., Harbor Terrace Tent at the New England Aquarium)
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT SUBCOMMITTEE: Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets remotely. Agenda calls for guest remarks from Joseph Reale of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission about the disability employment tax credit and a review of the subcommittee's priorities. (Monday, 12 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
GLOBE SUSTAINABILITY WEEK: The Boston Globe kicks off its third annual Sustainability Week, a week-long virtual event series focusing on climate change, current environmental issues and solutions. Actor and author Rainn Wilson, best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on "The Office," will talk with Globe climate reporter Sabrina Shankman about his commitment to climate action. This event will kick off a week of virtual events, including a discussion of the film "SACRED COW" about moral and environmental questions around eating animals, a panel on how rising sea levels could affect Boston's coastline development, an address from Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, and a panel on the fashion industry's carbon footprint. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Schedule and Registration)
FARE FREE TRANSIT: U.S. Sen. Markey and Congresswoman Pressley host a press conference to announce the reintroduction of legislation to offer fare-free public transportation. Boston Mayor Wu and LivableStreets Alliance Executive Director Stacy Thompson will join the lawmakers. Sen. Markey and Congresswoman Pressley first introduced the legislation in 2020. (Monday, 1 p.m., Ruggles Station)
REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY OUTREACH: Outreach and Marketing Subcommittee of the state's American Revolution 250th Anniversary Commission meets virtually to discuss upcoming outreach opportunities, including the Mass History Alliance Annual Conference in Devens on June 5, as well as upcoming conferences and conventions that pose marketing opportunities. (Monday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
VICTIM RIGHTS AWARDS: The Office for Victim Assistance holds the Victim Rights Awards to recognize individuals for their contributions to victim rights and services in Massachusetts. The 2023 Victim Rights Awards recipients include Casa Myrna CEO Stephanie Brown (Gerard D. Downing Leadership Award), Rep. Natalie Higgins (Legislator of the Year Award), manager of legal services at Healing Abuse Working for Change Julie Bakoian (Advocate of the Year Award), director of victim services at the Massachusetts Department of Correction Chrissy Ruuska (Advocate of the Year Award), victim advocate at Parent Villages, Inc. LaToya Love (Access to Justice Award), founders of The SPOT for Life Foundation Ronald Odom, Sr. and Kim Odom (Special Recognition Award), Boston Trauma Response Team (Innovation Award), and advocate for "Amanda's Law" Michelle Penna (Public Policy Advocacy Award). Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Attorney General Campbell, Rep. Higgins Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni will attend. (Monday, 1 p.m., Grand Staircase)
BIPOC ROUNDTABLE: Members of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts meet for a roundtable with Senate President Spilka, Congresswoman Clark, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Isabel Guzman and Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky to discuss the promotion of BIPOC businesses. (Monday, 2 p.m., Nzuko Restaurant 341 Cochituate Road, Framingham)
SPRINGFIELD ITALIAN CONSULATE: The Italian government opens an official Western Massachusetts Consulate of Italy office in Springfield. Paul Picknelly, president and CEO of Monarch Enterprises and honorary consul of Italy for Western Massachusetts, donated a real estate space on the 25th floor of the Monarch Place in Downtown Springfield to create the public office. "Trade, tourism, Italian passports, dual-residency, birth and death certificates and other important business has required residents to travel, often several times, back-and-forth to Boston," an advisory said. Added Picknelly, "When a family is experiencing a significant issue like the need to secure a birth or death certificate, this distance and challenge can be overwhelming while waiting to bury a loved one or provide proof-of-birth and nationality for other business. Some of the stories I've heard have been heart-breaking. This is something that we had to correct. I am so happy that we have been able to bring the two governments together to do this in Springfield for all the people of Western Massachusetts." Arnaldo Minuti, consul general of Italy, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and others will attend the opening ceremony. (Monday, 5 p.m., 1 Monarch Place, 25th Floor, Springfield)
SERVICE ACADEMY CEREMONY: Congresswoman Lori Trahan hosts a ceremony to celebrate military service academy nominees and their families from across the Third Congressional District. This year, Trahan nominated 25 students from across her district to the United States Military Academy West Point, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The student nominees were interviewed and recommended by volunteer members of Trahan’s Service Academy Board, which is composed of academy alumni, veterans, and community leaders. At the event, Trahan will be joined by these military service academy nominees and their families, as well as members of the Third District Service Academy Board. Trahan, Col. Taona Enriquez, commander of the 66th Air Base Group and installation commander of the Hanscom Air Force Base, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary of the 66th Air Base Group and installation command chief, will speak. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Hall of Flags, 50 E Merrimack St., Lowell | RSVP to trahan.press@mail.house.gov)
MASSDEMS STATE COMMITTEE MEETS: Massachusetts Democratic Party State Committee hosts an annual spring meeting, where members are set to elect a treasurer, chair and adopt a plan for selecting national party delegates. Press asked to RSVP to matt@wilderstrategies.com. (Monday, 7 p.m., American Legion Nonantum Post 444, 295 California St., Newton)
NIGHTTIME BLUE LINE CLOSURES: MBTA begins four straight evenings of closing Blue Line subway service at 8 p.m. to provide workers with more time on the tracks for maintenance. The entire Blue Line will close around 8 p.m. each night from Monday, April 24 through Thursday, April 27, then again from Monday, May 1 through Thursday, May 4. Shuttle buses will replace service between Government Center and Wonderland but will not run to Bowdoin. During that time, crews plan to replace nearly 2,000 feet of rail and more than 450 ties as well as tamp more than 3,000 feet of track, which MBTA General Manager Phil Eng estimates will allow the T to reduce the share of the Blue Line subject to slow zones from 44 percent currently to 28 percent by the end of May. MBTA officials initially planned to begin the nightly closures around 7 p.m. but pushed back the start time by an hour based on "feedback from public stakeholder groups," according to a press release. The agency also said it is exploring the opportunity for additional evening closures starting around 8 p.m. in June and will share more information once those plans are finalized. (Monday, 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
MASSBIO CONFERENCE: MassBio holds its annual State of Possible Conference, focused on Massachusetts' life sciences ecosystem. Gov. Healey will provide morning remarks on her administration's agenda to make Massachusetts more affordable, grow the state's competitiveness, create more opportunities for students to pursue STEM careers and build a pipeline of skilled workers in high-demand industries like the life sciences. Gov. Healey will also sit for a conversation with MassBio CEO and President Kendalle Burlin O'Connell. The conference will also feature a panel on health equity with Tamar Thompson, head of corporate affairs at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, and Michael Curry, president and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. Marc Casper, chairman, president and CEO at Thermo Fisher Scientific -- the largest life sciences employer in Massachusetts -- will be the keynote speaker during lunch. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge)
BOSTON CHAMBER EMPLOYER FORUM: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce launches the "Wellness Reimagined" event series with an "Employer Forum." The Wellness Reimagined series is intended to share best practices to "train managers to adopt and center empathy while maintaining effective and impactful business outcomes in the evolving hybrid workplace." Employers can also pursue a corresponding certificate program "EQ to Elevate Workplace Well-being," sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. In the kickoff event, employers will discuss approaches to wellness for their employees and other stakeholders. Featured speakers include Donna Bonaparte of Babson College, Daniel Delaney of Delaney Policy Group, Michelle Fatsi of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Archana Kansagra CWPC of OneDigital Health and Benefits, and Lindsey Messmore of Wayfair. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Register)
GAMING REGULATORS MEET: Mass. Gaming Commission meets virtually. Several sports betting matters are on the agenda, including planned votes on approval of house rules for Fanatics and approval of operations for Betr as well as an "NFL Draft Event Catalog Report." Commissioners will also perform an annual review and set compensation for MGC Executive Director Karen Wells. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT OPENING: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Boston Mayor Wu join the Preservation of Affordable Housing and Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation to celebrate the opening of The Loop at Mattapan Station -- a transit-oriented development that includes 135 affordable rental apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial space. The first retail tenant to join The Loop's commercial space is The Daily Table, a nonprofit grocery store aimed at providing affordable, but nutritious, food. The new housing development "is affordable to a range of incomes and offers shared amenities such as a gym, community rooms, roof deck, bike room, E-bike station and wifi/broadband access," according to an advisory. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 466 River St., Boston)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access Info)
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION DISPLAY: The Children's Trust displays 85 pairs of shoes at the State House to represent the average number of confirmed child abuse and neglect cases in Massachusetts every day, as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. "Evaluations show that Children's Trust family support programs reduce the use of corporal punishment, reduce parent's risky behaviors like drug and alcohol use, reducing parenting stress which is a factor in child abuse and neglect, promote better co-parenting that actively involves fathers, decreases maternal depression, decreases homelessness, and increases educational achievement for parents paving the way toward self-sufficiency," the Trust says. The shoes will be installed for the "Step Up for Kids" event at 9:30 a.m., and the ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. Rep. Michlewitz of Boston and Sen. Gomez of Springfield will accept awards. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Grand Staircase)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to return to formal session to continue its deliberations on the House Ways and Means Committee's $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 budget (H 3900) and the 1,566 amendments representatives filed. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
HAYDEN COMMUNITY FORUM: Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden and members of his transition team and Community Engagement Unit hold a community forum. "Members of my office and transition team look forward to hearing from residents in Allston and Brighton. The purpose of these forums is to answer any questions about our office's role in public safety and community relations," Hayden said. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Jackson Mann Community Center, 500 Cambridge St., Allston)
MGC -- WYNN EXPANSION: Mass. Gaming Commission convenes an in-person public meeting in Everett to give the public a chance to comment on Wynn MA, LLC's proposal to construct an expansion across Broadway from its Encore Boston Harbor casino. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., City Council Chambers, Everett City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett | More Info and Livestream)
GARDNER PATH MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to discuss a proposed bike path and pedestrian bridge over Route 140 in Gardner. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
WAREHAM BRIDGE HEARING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to present the design for the proposed replacement of the Mill Pond Dam in Wareham. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
POLS AT CORPORATE DIRECTORS GALA: Gov. Healey, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Hao and Boston Mayor Wu plan to attend the National Association of Corporate Directors New England Chapter "Director of the Years" gala, which will honor several winners. NACDNE organizers say Healey, Hao and Wu will be available for interviews starting at 6:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston)
NATIONAL PARKS TOUR: National Park Service Director Chuck Sams visits Massachusetts' National Parks during National Park Week. Sams kicks off his tour of Boston's parks with a "Trails to Freedom Reception" at the Old State House alongside Freedom Trail site volunteers, city and state elected officials, and members of the state's federal delegation. (8:30 a.m., Old State House, 206 Washington St., Boston) Sams and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur Jaddou will participate in a naturalization ceremony for more than 300 new Americans at Faneuil Hall. (11 a.m., Faneuil Hall, Boston) He will then take a tour of the Boston Harbor Islands, alongside members of the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership. (1:30 p.m., Long Wharf Pier, 66 Long Wharf, Boston) Sams will later participate in a ceremony for the Preservation for Public Impact Award given to The Partnership to Renew the Shaw 54th Memorial and the Public Dialogue on Race (4 p.m., Augustus Saint-Gaudens Shaw 54th Regiment Memorial on the Boston Common across from the State House) This trip marks his first official visit to the National Parks of Boston. National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke and National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey will accompany Sams for the duration of his visit. Media can schedule interviews and confirm event attendance by contacting Namita Raina at nraina916@gmail.com. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
MEDICAL HARM FORUM: The Betsy Lehman Center, a state agency responsible for improving health care safety, unveils its "Roadmap to Health Care Safety" at a Health Policy Forum hosted by Brandeis University's Heller School of Policy and Management. A 2019 study identified 62,000 preventable patient harm events that resulted in over $617 million in excess health insurance claims in a single year in Massachusetts, the Betsy Lehman Center says. The new strategic plan will focus on addressing these harms through "critical safety improvement goals" that "enhance equitable, quality care for patients, and discuss initial action steps to jumpstart the state's commitment to transformative change." The forum will feature introductory remarks by Kiame Mahaniah, undersecretary at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and an overview of the "Roadmap" by Barbara Fain, executive director of the Betsy Lehman Center, who will also moderate a panel discussion. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston | Agenda and Registration)
RTA COUNCIL: Regional Transit Authority Council hosts a hybrid meeting, bringing together representatives of the state's 15 RTAs to discuss workforce shortages and compensation concerns the agencies are facing. Other topics include RTA bus fleet electrification, funding availability and commercial driver's licensing issues. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Board Room, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Livestream and Agenda)
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: The Massachusetts School Building Authority meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Email maria.puopolo@massschollbuildings.org for access information)
XYLAZINE TRAINING: Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan hosts a virtual training for law enforcement on xylazine with Municipal Police Training Committee Medical Advisor Dr. Dan Muse. Xylazine, a veterinary pain reliever and sedative that is not considered to be safe for humans, began being significantly detected in toxicology screens last year, and was present in about 5 percent of opioid-related overdoses in 2022. The Federal Drug Administration released an alert in November warning health care professionals of xylazine, citing increasing reports around the country of individuals exposed to fentanyl, heroin and other illicit drugs contaminated with the animal tranquilizer. Closed to press. (Wednesday, 10 a.m.)
STONE LIVING LAB CONFERENCE: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and National Park Service Director Chuck Sams are scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the annual Stone Living Lab conference. The conference is focused on sharing research around "nature-based approaches" to climate change. "Nature-based approaches are an urgently needed strategy to confront the challenges of extreme weather and sea level rise threatening communities throughout Boston Harbor. By mimicking natural environments, nature-based approaches -- such as natural berms and floodable green spaces -- can protect communities while contributing to improving the health of local ecosystems," a release from Stone Living Lab says. Sams, the first Tribal citizen to lead the National Park Service, will keynote an "Indigenous Knowledge Fireside Chat" alongside Elizabeth Solomon of the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag, moderated by Rev. Mariama White-Hammand, Boston chief of the environment, energy and open space. Chief Hoffer is scheduled to speak at 10:30 a.m. and Director Sams at 11 a.m. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to return to formal session to continue its deliberations on the House Ways and Means Committee's $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 budget (H 3900) and the 1,566 amendments representatives filed. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet for a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds a routine meeting to take care of business like approval of the state Treasury Warrant. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HEARING: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hosts a hybrid public hearing on several dozen bills. Measures on the agenda include a Rep. Livingstone bill to create a water infrastructure improvement fund to provide assistance to cities and towns for clean water and economic development (H 852), a Rep. Rogers and Sen. Jehlen bill that, among other things, would create an Invasive Species Trust Fund to finance municipalities and nonprofits' efforts to address invasive species (H 890 / S 508), a Rep. Shand and Sen. Crighton bill aimed at accelerating and streamlining wetlands restoration (H 906 / S 457), and three versions of a bill to maintain adequate water supplies through drought management (H 861 / S 475 / S 578). Also before the committee will be one of the bills former Rep. Lenny Mirra filed while still holding his seat during a month of uncertainty about his election, before Democratic Rep. Kristin Kassner was certified to have won the election. The former Rep. Mirra bill (H 864) would establish a special commission to study and determine the maintenance and upkeep needs of lakes, ponds, streams and other public waterways. (Wednesday, 1 p.m, Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
HOFFER FIRESIDE CHAT: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer joins The Boston Globe's climate reporter Sabrina Shankman to discuss Hoffer's work so far and her upcoming priorities, from creating a Green Bank to filling jobs needed for the clean energy transition. Hoffer, former principal deputy general counsel for the EPA, became the first Cabinet-level climate chief in the country when she was sworn in at the start of Gov. Healey's term. She is responsible for overseeing climate policy across every state agency and "ensuring that climate change is considered in all relevant decision-making." Hoffer's fireside chat is part of The Boston Globe's Sustainability Week 2023. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Register)
GOLDBERG & HEALEY: Gov. Healey meets with Treasurer Goldberg for their monthly meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Governor's Office)
SPILKA @ SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL SUMMIT: Senate President Karen Spilka delivers an address to members of the Springfield Regional Chamber during their Beacon Hill Summit. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Senate Reading Room)
DENIM DAY: The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators and its Sexual Violence Task Force commemorate international Denim Day, a day of recognition held annually in April where supporters wear denim to protest sexual violence. Denim Day dates back to 1992, when the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, saying that the 18-year old victim was wearing such tight jeans that she must have granted consent to her 45-year old driving instructor. Upon the perpetrator's release, the women of the Italian Parliament launched a protest by wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. This quickly received international attention, prompting the first Denim Day event to take place in Los Angeles in 1999. "For 23 years, Denim Day has served as a stark reminder that women continue to be disproportionately affected by sexual violence," Rep. Higgins and Rep. Minicucci, co-chairs of the Women's Caucus Sexual Violence Task Force, said in a statement. "As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, we are grateful to our colleagues in the legislature for participating in this annual campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence." According to Denim Day organizers, nearly one in 10 women have been raped by an intimate partner and one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. One out of every 10 rape victims are men, and 44 percent of sexual assault and rape victims are under the age of 18. Lawmakers, Treasurer Goldberg and other supporters will attend the Denim Day event. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Grand Staircase)
WELLINGTON CIRCLE STUDY MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to present draft recommendations of the Wellington Circle Study, which is examining ways to improve connectivity for all types of travel at the intersections of Route 16, Route 28 and Middlesex Avenue in Medford. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
HOPKINTON INTERCHANGE MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss planned improvements to the interchange between Interstate 90 and Interstate 495 in Hopkinton. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
NORTHAMPTON MAIN STREET HEARING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to present the design for proposed Main Street improvements in Northampton. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
NATIONAL PARKS TOUR: National Park Service Director Chuck Sams visits Massachusetts' National Parks during National Park Week. Sams will tour the USS Cassin Young (2:45 p.m.) and USS Constitution (4:30 p.m.) This trip marks his first official visit to the National Parks of Boston. National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke and National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey will accompany Sams for the duration of his visit. Media can schedule interviews and confirm event attendance by contacting Namita Raina at nraina916@gmail.com. (Wednesday)
WORCESTER BASKETBALL VISITS: Worcester North High School boys basketball team visits the State House after last month becoming the first Worcester public school to win a D1 state championship. Rep. Keefe and other members of the delegation will host. (Wednesday)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
MHA EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar in its "Executive Insights" series. President and CEO of MHA Steve Walsh speaks with Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz about "Policy, Progress, and Potential: A Decade of HPC Leadership." (Thursday, 8 a.m. | Register)
MASSDOT BOARD MEETS: Department of Transportation Board of Directors meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
SOCIAL WORK SYMPOSIUM: The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers hosts the virtual Social Work Symposium 2023, themed "Social Workers Persist: Global Problems Demand Local Solutions." Mojdeh Rohani, executive director of DeNovo Center for Justice and Healing, will give a keynote presentation, "After The Cameras Are Gone: The Global Refugee Crisis And Social Work's Critical Role." (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Full Schedule & Registration)
SENATE MEETS: Senate meets without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano's office expects the House to return for a fourth day of formal session to continue its deliberations on the House Ways and Means Committee's $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 budget (H 3900) and the 1,566 amendments representatives filed. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
TEIXEIRA DETENTION HEARING: Jack Teixeira, the Massachusetts Air National Guard airman who allegedly stole classified Pentagon documents and leaked them in a private group on the social media platform Discord, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Worcester for a detention hearing. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Courtroom One, U.S. District Court, 595 Main St., Worcester)
TRANSPORTATION ACCESS: MBTA Riders' Transportation Access Group meets virtually to discuss accessibility issues affecting riders with disabilities and older adults. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., More Info)
WOMEN IN ENERGY AWARDS: New England Women in Energy and the Environment hosts its 12th annual awards gala, which will honor Vineyard Wind Senior Manager of Labor Relations and Workforce Development Jennifer Cullen among others. Former Rep. Maria Robinson, who is now director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Grid Deployment Office, will keynote the event. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Westin Copley Place, Boston)
TRIANGLE INC. AWARDS: Triangle, Inc., which works to empower people with disabilities, hosts its annual awards ceremony and fundraiser. Sen. DiDomenico will receive the public servant of the year award. (Thursday, 6 p.m., John F. Kennedy Library, Columbia Point, Boston)
WOMEN ON BOARDS EVENT: Treasurer Goldberg gives remarks at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health "Women on Boards: Getting on and Adding Value" event. The event will discuss supporting women on health care and related industry boards. In the U.S., fewer than 30 percent of corporate board directors are women and nearly 50 percent of venture capital firms focused on health care have no women on their boards of their portfolio companies, according to the School of Public Health. (Thursday, 6:15 p.m., Harvard Club of Boston, 374 Commonwealth Ave. | More Info)
Friday, April 28, 2023
POSSIBLE HOUSE FORMAL: At the tail-end of its budget week, House Speaker Mariano's office has bookmarked Friday for a "potential" fifth day of formal session. (Friday)
SPILKA @ METROWEST HUMAN SERVICES: Senate President Karen Spilka speaks at MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition's annual legislative breakfast. (Friday, 9 a.m., Nevins Hall, Framingham. Closed Press.)
EXPORT ENFORCEMENT DISCUSSION: Massachusetts Export Center hosts an event with regulators and law enforcement leaders to discuss the goals, priorities and tactics of a Disruptive Technology Strike Force federal officials launched "to protect critical technological assets from being acquired or used by nation-state adversaries, while also strengthening supply chains and targeting illicit actors," according to an advisory. Members of the Strike Force team in Massachusetts will speak. (Friday, 10 a.m., Teradyne, Inc., 600 Riverpark Drive, North Reading | Register)
CANNABIS MARKET PARTICIPATION: Market Participation Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets virtually. (Friday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
SOUTH KOREA PRESIDENT IN MASS.: South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol is scheduled to address the Harvard Kennedy School's JFK Jr. Forum on "challenges to freedom and the responses to them" during his visit to the Boston area. Korean media reports announced some other stops in the area for President Yoon, like a visit to MIT focused on digital and biotech research and an economic roundtable. The program at Harvard also features a moderated discussion with professor emeritus Joseph Nye and a question-answer session with audience members. Event will be livestreamed on the Institute of Politics' Facebook and YouTube accounts. (Friday, 4 p.m., JFK Jr. Forum, 79 JFK St., Cambridge | More Info)
