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Above, 62F “squeezed.” An influential business group, the Massachusetts High Technology Council (MHTC) warned Monday that a bill the House approved last month features an "unconstitutional provision" to reshape the rebate program that provided nearly $3 billion back to taxpayers last year. The MHTC, which has threatened or taken legal action in several other tax policy matters, wrote to legislative leaders and Gov. Maura Healey to argue that carving up excess tax revenues into equal rebates would "violate the state's Constitution by effectively taxing income at different rates for different taxpayers." Under the successful 1986 ballot question known as Chapter 62F, if state tax collections surpass an allowable threshold, Massachusetts must provide relief in proportion to the amount that any eligible taxpayer paid. That means higher earners who faced a bigger tax bill receive bigger rebates, and vice versa. House Democrats muscled through a $1.1 billion tax relief package last month that, among several other changes MHTC praised, would instead order any future 62F relief to be provided equally to all taxpayers, regardless of how much they contributed to the pot.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. May 8
7:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. May 9
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
11:00am
7:00pm
Weds. May 10
Metacomet Emergency Communications Center
8:30am
4:30pm
7:00pm
Thurs. May 11
7:00pm
Cultural District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
While there's evidence that it may not be time to panic, state officials on a years-long spending and savings spree are suddenly adopting a more defensive posture due to a confluence of events. The tax revenue implosion that occurred in April and a possible recession that could be fueled by the nation defaulting on its debt - unless a divided Congress can come up with a solution - all are flashing brighter on the Beacon Hill radar screen at a time when critical spending and tax relief decisions must be made. Despite an unprecedented period of sharp state tax revenue growth, the push to share the wealth through targeted state tax relief has still not led to any enduring tax reform. And for at least the time being, the tax relief train that's been chugging along at various speeds for well over a year appears to have lost some of its momentum. Senators who need to make the next call on tax relief are trying to get a handle on why tax collections in April took a steep nosedive, and whether that was an aberration. Gov. Maura Healey is encouraging lawmakers to stay on task with tax relief. While tax reform is optional, passing a state budget is not. Senate Democrats on Tuesday plan to outline their fiscal 2024 spending plan, which will be debated and approved later this month. Also on the week-ahead agenda: the COVID-19 public health emergency is poised to end on Thursday, the branches remain unable to resolve differences in road and bridge funding and transportation infrastructure bills they approved in March, and this session's Constitutional Convention is scheduled to get underway on Wednesday.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
WALK FOR HUNGER - NEW, SHORTER ROUTE: Project Bread returns to an in-person Walk For Hunger fundraiser for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and reports 3,000 people have registered to participate in the new three-mile route around Boston Common. The route was 20 miles long for around 50 years and wound through several different neighborhoods. A spokeswoman said the shorter route will save the nonprofit from paying permit costs in all those neighborhoods and allow more of the walk's proceeds to go straight toward boosting food access for those in need. This year's walk also has a "virtual" participation component, with more than 400 walkers registered to make their own three-mile trek in 27 states and in Australia. Onsite registration opens at 8 a.m., and Project Bread says the best time for media to interview its CEO Erin McAleer is from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Opening ceremony starts at 8:50 a.m. and the walk kicks off at the top of the hour. A final fundraising update for the day is shared on the event's main stage at 11 a.m. (Sunday, 8 a.m., starts at corner of Beacon and Charles streets, Boston Common)
KERRIGAN ON 4: Mass. Democratic Party's new chair, Steve Kerrigan, talks with Jon Keller about party complacency, public-employee union clout within the party, tax and education policy, and the emergence of third-party movements. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
HEALEY ON 5: Gov. Healey is the guest on "On The Record." Hosts Sharman Sacchetti and Ed Harding planned to ask her about her strategy for job creation, the push to make the state more economically competitive, the dramatic April decline in state revenue collections, and continuing safety issues on the MBTA. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
Monday, May 8, 2023
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services hold a hybrid hearing on bills pertaining to auto insurance. The agenda includes bills dealing with benefits, discounts and surcharges. Insurers in Massachusetts, where auto insurance rates used to be heavily regulated, now compete for customers through plan design options. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 and Virtual, Agenda and Access Info)
AUTISM ADVOCACY DAY: The 18th annual Autism Advocacy Day hosted by Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts features the theme "Services and Supports Can't Wait - Systemic Change Now," as speakers are slated to address acute human services workforce shortages. Organizers say Gov. Healey will share a proclamation recognizing the advocacy day, and Senate President Spilka will present Sen. Lovely with AFAM's Distinguished Legislator of the Year Awards. The event will include a focus on bills from Rep. Barber and Sen. Keenan (H 128/ S 97) ensuring equal access to medical treatments essential for people with a developmental disability, intellectual disability or autism. Maura Sullivan, senior director of government affairs and health policy at The Arc of Massachusetts, is scheduled to give budget and legislative updates, and issue a "call to action." (Monday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
GAMING COMMISSION: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a public meeting to discuss sports wagering reviews, their fiscal year 2024 research agenda, and collective bargaining negotiations with the gaming agents' union, among other topics. On sports wagering, the commission will review the compliance of sports wagering operators with regulations related to technical security control audits by independent experts, as well as a request from U.S. Integrity, a sports betting monitoring company that aims to protect consumers against betting-related fraud. The Investigations and Enforcement Bureau will lead a discussion on a "sports-wagering-related suitability investigation," before an anticipated executive session. Commissioners will also discuss collective bargaining with SEIU Local 888, the union that represents gaming agents, ahead of another executive session. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Livestream, Zoom Meeting ID: 112 749 7655, Conference Call Number: 1-646-741-5292)
NORTH SHORE TECH WORKFORCE: North Shore Technology Council and other groups host a forum discussion titled "Re-Imagining the North Shore Technology Workforce." Jennifer James, workforce development undersecretary in the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, delivers a keynote address. Other hosts include Essex County Community Foundation, North Shore InnoVentures, MassHire North Shore Workforce Board and Endicott College. (Monday, 10 a.m., Smith Hall auditorium, 562 Maple St., Danvers | Register)
MARKEY NALOXONE TRAINING: U.S. Sen. Markey attends a training session on the use of naloxone and announces reintroduction of legislation designed to expand access to testing for fentanyl and other substances. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Boston Health Care for the Homeless, 780 Albany St., Boston)
TRAHAN IN GARDNER: Congresswoman Trahan tours small businesses in Gardner that received funding through Mayor Nicholson's small business grant programs funded by the city's federal ARPA allocation. Trahan is joined by the mayor, Sen. Gobi, Rep. Zlotnik, and City Council President Liz Kazinskas as they stop at John's Sport Shop, the Velvet Goose, and Candor Realty. Media RSVP to Trahan.Press@mail.house.gov. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Tour starts at City Hall, 95 Pleasant St., Gardner)
MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: MassDOT's Capital Programs Committee meets virtually. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Livestream)
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Agriculture holds hybrid public hearing on bills pertaining to food systems and insecurity, equity in agriculture, cottage foods, and the fishing industry. (Monday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium and Virtual, Agenda and Access Info)
HOUSE AND SENATE: House and Senate hold informal sessions. The branches will likely vote on a joint order scheduling a joint session for Wednesday to convene this term's Constitutional Convention, which they're required to gavel in no later than the second Wednesday in May. Monday's sessions could also feature "calling up" proposed amendments for consideration, as Wednesday is also the deadline to nail down which proposals will be printed on the ConCon Calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate chambers)
EDUCATION SECRETARY TUTWILER IN NORTHAMPTON: Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler tours the Bridge Elementary School with Mayor Sciarra, Sen. Comerford, Rep. Sabadosa, school officials, school committee officials, students, faculty and staff. The Collaborative for Educational Services and Comerford of Northampton are hosting Tutwiler in western Massachusetts on Monday. The secretary's day will start with a private two-hour meeting at 9 a.m. with school superintendents and lawmakers to discuss the "unique challenges and opportunities in the region's K-12 schools." (Monday, 11 a.m., Bridge Elementary School, 2 Parsons St., Northampton)
ED SECRETARY TUTWILER IN NORTHFIELD: Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler will continue his western Massachusetts visit by touring Pioneer Valley Regional High School, with Sen. Comerford, Reps. Whipps and Blais, school officials, students, faculty and staff. "Although educators across the state share many common concerns, school districts out here in the 413 have concerns that are unique to us and value the opportunity to share those with Secretary Tutwiler," Todd Gazda, executive director of Collaborative for Educational Services, said in a statement. (Monday, 1 p.m., Pioneer Valley Regional High School, 97 F Sumner Turner Drive, Northfield)
'STATE OF NURSING': Sen. Lovely of Salem and Rep. Garlick of Needham, who's a registered nurse, host virtual briefing on the "state of nursing and patient care in Massachusetts." Held in collaboration with the Mass. Nurses Association, the webinar is titled "Nurses Speak." Organizers say the program will reflect data from a new MNA survey in which the union says it found that 85 percent of Bay State nurses said "hospital care quality has deteriorated over the past two years" and 88 percent "support legislation limiting the number of patients assigned to a nurse at one time." Topics include the challenges that nurses face and "future positive pathways to support nurses." (Monday, 1 p.m., Zoom Registration)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds hybrid public hearing on bills dealing with the MBTA. The agenda includes proposals concerning an interstate compact for western rail service, extending the Orange Line and the Red Line, service on the Fairmount Line, and establishing a science corridor. Two bills on the agenda address a topic that's been in the news for a while now: safety problems at the T. They include co-chair Rep. William Straus' bill (H 3452) to overhaul safety oversight at the T and a Sen. Barrett bill amending the statutory responsibilities of the Department of Public Utilities and establishing a commission on transportation safety oversight and regulation. Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro is scheduled to testify on proposals related to the safety oversight at the T. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
HEALEY, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Healey meets privately with legislative leaders. A press availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Speaker's Office)
DIVERSITY IN REAL ESTATE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and municipal leaders sign a "historic" CommonWealth Development Compact to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in real estate development projects, in recognition of minority- and women-owned businesses being "hugely underrepresented." Beyond Driscoll, signers include Cambridge Mayor Siddiqui, Somerville Mayor Ballantyne, Lynn Mayor Nicholson, Salem Acting Mayor McCarthy and Arthur Jemison, Boston's chief of planning on behalf of Mayor Wu. The initiative is a partnership with the Civic Action Project, the Boston Society for Architecture, the Builders of Color Coalition and the Eastern Bank Foundation. Attendees should enter through the Waterfront Square Lobby at Congress Street. (Monday, 2 p.m., Boston Society for Architecture, 2nd Floor Gallery, 290 Congress St.)
SPILKA TALKS MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY: Senate President Spilka hosts a virtual Mental Health Collaborative presentation about mental health for parents and caregivers. (Monday, 7 p.m. | Register)
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
METROWEST AGING SUMMIT: The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority holds its annual Council on Aging Summit. Middlesex DA Marian Ryan gives keynote address, where she will speak about protection from scams, cyber fraud and the opioid epidemic. DA Ryan developed a resource program for grandparents raising grandchildren affected by the opioid epidemic. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., MWRTA Central Hub, 15 Blandin Ave., Framingham)
CHILDREN & FAMILIES COMMITTEE: State officials in charge of departments serving children, families in need and people with disabilities go before lawmakers for a hybrid informational hearing of the Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Committee. Testimony is by invitation only. Officials set to speak are Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Developmental Services Commissioner Jane Ryder, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Linda Spears, Mass. Rehabilitation Commission Commissioner Toni Wolf, Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan, Mass. Commission for the Blind Acting Commissioner John Oliveira, Department of Youth Services Acting Commissioner Cecely Reardon, State House ADA Coordinator Carl Richardson, and Office of the Child Advocate Director Maria Mossaides. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hybrid hearing to consider bills affecting seniors and people with disabilities. Thirty-eight bills are on the agenda, many of which deal with property tax deferrals or exemptions for eligible senior citizens. A proposal from first-term Rep. Sam Montaño would allow cities and towns to freeze the rate and valuation of income taxes above a certain threshold on some seniors or people with permanent disabilities (H 2893). Another bill filed by Sen. O'Connor (S 1911) would create a tax credit to help the purchase of hearing aids. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
DRESS FOR SUCCESS: Mass. Caucus of Women Legislators hosts a briefing alongside chapters of Dress for Success, which provides workforce development and career training with a goal of empowering women to achieve financial independence. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Room 428)
BELLOTTI BIRTHDAY PARTY: Arbella Insurance, which Frank Bellotti co-founded in 1988, throws a birthday party for the former attorney general and lieutenant governor who just turned 100. Bellotti and John Donohue, CEO of Arbella Insurance, will be available for media interviews; photographers can also take stills and videos at the event. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Arbella Insurance, 1100 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy)
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB RECEPTION: Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Club hosts its 20th legislative reception. The group will honor Rep. Gonzalez and Sen. Friedman as the 2023 "Champions of Youth." Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Rep. Honan and Sen. Velis also plan to speak. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)
BOARD OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE: Board of Early Education and Care meets with an agenda that includes residential and placement programs and child care financial assistance, including an update on reimbursement rates and rate structures. Beacon Hill is focused in 2023 on ways to shore up the sector and make early care more affordable for families struggling to afford its costs. The board is chaired by Paul Belsito, executive director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access Info | Slide Deck)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus, where they are likely to discuss the Senate Ways and Means Committee's fiscal year 2024 budget proposal due for release the same day. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Senate President's Office)
LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a hybrid public hearing on more than a dozen bills about workplace discrimination and equity. Bills filed by Reps. Cutler and Brandy Fluker-Oakley and Sen. Jehlen (H 1849/ S 1191) would require companies with 15 or more employees to disclose salary range data for job listings, as well as promotions and transfers when that information is requested by current employees. Lawmakers say their proposal -- backed by the Wage Equity Now Coalition, composed of more than 80 organizations -- could reduce gender and racial pay gaps. Samantha Mewis, a member of the United States Women's National Team, will testify on the pay equity legislation. Proposals from Rep. McKenna and Sen. Fattman (H 1919/ S 1166) would ensure domestic violence protections for all Massachusetts employees, while bills from Rep. Gordon and Sen. Friedman (H 1890/ S 1184) would protect employees from abusive waivers connected to employment discrimination, retaliation or harassment, nonpayment of wages or benefits, or the violation of public policy in employment. A Rep. Tyler bill (H 1955) would prohibit employee discrimination based on the legal use of cannabis. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Information)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Property, land and tenancy law matters are on at a Joint Committee on the Judiciary hybrid hearing with 46 bills on the agenda. The hearing will feature eviction-sealing legislation dubbed the HOMES Act (H 1690 / S 956), filed by House Majority Leader Moran and Housing Committee Co-chair Sen. Edwards, which would require courts to seal records in no-fault eviction cases and in some other eviction cases after a certain period of time has passed. Supporters argue that existing law allows all eviction proceeding records to become public and count against a tenant's record when they seek new housing, even if they eventually prevailed in the case. "Regardless of the outcome of the case, there is nothing tenants can do to seal their eviction record and move on," a coalition supporting the bill wrote in a summary. "There is no second chance. Unlike credit reports or criminal records, there is no process by which a tenant can seal an eviction record." Other bills on the agenda deal with eminent domain (H 1589, H 1593) and access to counsel in housing matters (H 1731, H 1815). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
LGAC MEETS: The Local Government Advisory Commission meets. Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz will give a presentation on the state's fiscal and budget condition and fiscal 2023 revenues to date, after April revenue numbers released last week showed a substantial shortfall. Massachusetts collected $4.782 billion in taxes in April, a drop of $2.163 billion or 31.2 percent from the same month a year earlier and $1.435 billion or 23.1 percent below the most recent monthly benchmark projection. Gorzkowicz will update local leaders on the revenue numbers, and discuss the fiscal year 2024 budget process. LGAC members will outline their priorities for the remainder of the fiscal year, and for next year's budget -- including retaining Lottery funds as a source of Unrestricted General Government Aid. The House recently passed a budget that would legalize an online "iLottery," but would use revenue toward early education grants instead of directly to municipalities, as current Lottery funds are distributed. The administration will also give a presentation on the new Municipal Vulnerability Program 2.0, the Clean Energy Siting and Permitting Commission and the Offshore Wind Council. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Yvonne Hao will outline the Healey-Driscoll administration's economic development priorities and discuss the planning process to design a statewide economic blueprint. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157)
HEALEY, EPA DEPUTY ADMIN TALK CLIMATE: Gov. Healey welcomes U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe and EPA Regional Administrator David Cash for a press conference to discuss funding in the Inflation Reduction Act that states can use to develop their own climate action plans. Press asked to RSVP to karissa.hand@mass.gov. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Finch Cambridge, 675 Concord Ave., Cambridge)
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRUST FUND: The Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. Agenda includes reports on the BabySteps program, NAST Financial Wellness Grant for state employees, citizens grants and the childcare startup grants, and updates on the community ambassador program and the Trust Fund's budget. Contact 617-352-1650 or latisha.t.rosabelle@tre.state.ma.us for access information. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Full Agenda)
RACIAL HOMEOWNERSHIP GAP: Boston-based real estate firm The Muncey Group and national nonprofit Compass Working Capital host a speaking program focused on closing Boston's racial homeownership gap. Muncey Group team leader Josh Muncey, Compass CEO Markita Morris-Louis, and Compass financial services director Jason Andrade talk about "lessons learned" from their Welcome Home Fund pilot program that grants "unrestricted cash directly to women of color so they can realize their dream of becoming homeowners." Other speakers include one of the grant recipients, Joslin Fields, Boston At-Large City Councilor Julia Mejia, Boston Housing Chief Sheila Dillon, and James P. Clayton Trust director Kyra Harris Grenier. Media must RSVP to egainey@ctpboston.com. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., The Boston Foundation, 3rd floor, 75 Arlington St., Boston)
MASSDOT SHEFFIELD HEARING: MassDOT holds public hearing on the design of proposed "superstructure" replacement at County Road over Ironworks Brook in Sheffield. Project also involves rebuilding an intersecting driveway and installation of precast highway transitions and guardrail. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Online)
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
SPILKA AT AIM: Senate President Spilka addresses business leaders at an event hosted by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Event is closed to press. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., 101 Huntington Ave. #1300, Boston)
HPC COMMITTEES: The Health Policy Commission holds meetings of the Market Oversight and Transparency and Care Delivery Transformation committees, featuring a presentation of findings from research about cost-sharing for contraception in Massachusetts, as well as a preview of findings from the upcoming 2023 Health Care Cost Trends Report on excessive provider pricing in the state's health care system, and at 10:30 a.m., a discussion on reducing "unnecessary administrative complexity." The Network for Excellence in Health Innovation will present on automation of prior authorization. At the CDT meeting, staff will share findings from the Office of Patient Protection 2022 Annual Report, provide an update on new HPC-related activities stemming from the Mental Health ABC Act, and share a status update on HPC investment programs. The MOAT meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m., the presentation on reducing unnecessary administrative complexity will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the CDT meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m.. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Livestream)
MASSDOT FINANCE: MassDOT's Finance and Audit Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Online)
INCARCERATED PEOPLE & VICTIMS: Suffolk County Sheriff Tompkins, Transformational Prison Project executive director Armand Coleman, and Ruth Rollins, executive director of the We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project, speak on a panel about their "creative approaches" in working with incarcerated people and victims and their families and breaking "cycles of violence, incarceration, and recidivism." Hosted by the Lenny Zakim Fund, organizers say "attendees will come away with a better understanding of the importance of building bridges of understanding and empathy between those on both sides of the harm and their families leading to transformational healing and forgiveness." Lenny Zakim Fund Executive Director Allison Picott moderates the panel. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 75 Arlington St., Boston | Registration)
STATE ADMIN & REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hybrid public hearing on bills dealing with land transfers and commissions. The agenda includes proposals to create "parity on public boards" - three similar bills would require every appointive board or commission of the state to be made up of at least 50 percent female members, and at least 30 percent of members who identify as an underrepresented minority or LGBTQ+ (H 3095 / S 2016 / S 2029). Testimony is also expected on a set of bills that would create a special commission to study the feasibility of establishing a municipal building financing authority (H 3067 / S 2037). Also on the agenda: legislation to create a commission on workplace and sexual harassment in the Legislature, a commission on the status of people who practice Islam, and a commission on infrastructure resilence, as well as several local land bills. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Virtual Access)
CRUELTY-FREE PRODUCTS: Animal rights groups gather in support of legislation (H 850 / S 1424) limiting the allowable use of animal testing for cosmetics and other household products. Organizers will introduce lawmakers and aides to Moira, a former research beagle, and offer samples of "cruelty free" cosmetics and personal products. Organizing groups include The MSPCA, The Humane Society of the United States, the Animal Legal Defense Fund, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: House and Senate gavel into a joint session to kick off this term's Constitutional Convention. In the past, "ConCon" sessions throughout the two-year terms have lasted less than a minute, as lawmakers have shown little interest in agenda items and most proposals on the calendar usually die without a vote when the two-year session concludes. The big exceptions were the recent advancement of the income surtax on wealthy households that voters approved last November, and the defeat of a citizens' amendment that would have limited marriage to between a man and a woman only. Of the 24 proposals filed this session (S 7 through S 15, H 26, H 27, H 29 through H 41), likely only some will be placed on the calendar. There could be some traction this year on proposed amendments to expand the pronouns that refer to the governor in the state's governing document. The constitution refers to the state's chief executive only with masculine pronouns, but Massachusetts is now onto its second woman governor. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Joint Session Calendar)Access and Agenda)
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a hybrid public hearing on bills dealing with pesticides and pollinators. The agenda includes proposals to regulate the pesticide products that can be used on school grounds, to create a special commission to look into ways to improve pollinator health in Massachusetts, and to allow municipalities to regulate, restrict or prohibit the use of certain pesticides in their communities. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., A-2 | Agenda and Virtual Access)
HEALTH, HOME CARE WORKERS RALLY: Hundreds of health care and home care workers with 1199 SEIU gather to call for reforms to address the strain on the depleted workforce. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., State House steps)
POSTPARTUM COMMISSION: Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression meets. The commission is scheduled to discuss International Bereaved Mother's Awareness Day, which is May 7, and plan for May's Maternal Mental Health Month and future events. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. | Virtual Access)
Thursday, May 11, 2023
MBTA AUDIT AND FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets virtually. The meeting will be the subcommittee's first since Gov. Healey replaced three of the board's seven members. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
MBTA WORKFORCE SUBCOMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Planning, Workforce, Development and Compensation Subcommittee meets virtually. The meeting will be the subcommittee's first since Gov. Healey replaced three of the board's seven members. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
DISABILITY WORKFORCE SUPPORTS: Workforce Supports Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets virtually. The agenda calls for a panel discussion about workforce supports featuring Arc of Massachusetts Senior Director of Government Affairs and Health Policy Maura Sullivan, Home Care Alliance of Mass. Executive Director Jake Krilovich, and Boston Center for Independent Living Executive Director Bill Henning. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
MBTA SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets virtually. The meeting will be the subcommittee's first since Gov. Healey replaced three of the board's seven members. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT holds a virtual public meeting about recent outdoor advertising applications. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets for the first time since early March. The Connector is playing a indirect role in the state's effort to redetermine the eligibility of MassHealth members, since enrollees who fall off of MassHealth are encouraged to find new insurance plans through the agency that oversees a health insurance marketplace. As of April 2, there were 256,610 members enrolled in Connector programs. A Connector spokesman on Friday was not able to provide more current information about redetermination impacts on the Connector market. State officials say hundreds of thousands of MassHealth members will lose that coverage during the redetermination and renewal process, with many of them looking to the Connector to find new health insurance, which is mandatory in Massachusetts. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Access Info
MASSDOT ADVERTISING: MassDOT's Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a public meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Livestream)
SENATE MEETS: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
WHEELCHAIR WARRANTY HEARING: Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee convenes a hybrid public hearing to consider a pair of bills (H 378 / S 152) expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities. The Disability Policy Consortium dubbed the bill one of its top priorities, saying it would "hold the wheelchair industry accountable to reasonable repair timelines and common-sense safeguards for wheelchair users when they need to wait for a repair." (Thursday, 1 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
PRIVATE WELL DRINKING WATER: Coalition for Safe Drinking Water holds informational briefing for lawmakers and staff on a bill dealing with drinking water quality standards for private wells (S 482 / H 902) filed by Sen. Eldridge of Marlborough and Reps. Sena of Acton and Pignatelli of Lenox. Coalition members include RCAP Solutions, a Worcester-based nonprofit formerly known as Rural Housing Improvement; the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts; UMass Memorial Health; Community Action Works; Lowell Corporation; and seven local boards of health in addition to the Quabbin Health District. According to proponents, the bill would allow the state Department of Environmental Protection to develop regulations to "ensure minimum statewide water quality standards for private wells, without which many Massachusetts residents remain at risk of consuming water with arsenic, E. coli, PFAS, uranium, and other contaminants." The coalition says the bill would also amend an existing revolving loan fund to provide assistance to low-income homeowners who need to remediate contaminated wells. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Room 222)
WORCESTER BRIDGE MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to present the design for the proposed replacement of the Harrison and Lauren Street Bridges over Interstate 290 in Worcester. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
Friday, May 12, 2023
ROCA ANNUAL BREAKFAST: Roca, an organization that aims to break the cycle of incarceration and poverty for high-risk youth, holds its annual breakfast. Attendees include Attorney General Campbell and Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison. Brian McDonald, an award-winning writer and director, is scheduled to give the keynote about "how racism and oppression fuel violence in our most underserved communities." (Friday, 8 a.m., Intercontinental Hotel, 510 Atlantic Ave.)
WOMEN'S SHELTER FUNDRAISER: Senate President Spilka, Rep. Livingstone, incoming Boston Housing Authority Administrator Kenzie Bok, and Executive Director of the Boston Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement Alexandra Valdez attend a luncheon and fundraiser for the Women's Lunch Place, a daytime shelter for women experiencing homelessness in the Boston area. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., Boston Park Plaza, Grand Ballroom, 50 Park Plaza, Boston)
