26° and Sunny
Image
Gov. Maura Healey gives a big laugh to one of Speaker Ron Mariano's jokes in a candid moment after the swearing-in ceremony for two new House members Wednesday in the governor's office. [Sam Doran/SHNS]
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. June 12
4:30pm
Tues.June 13
10:00am
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
7:00pm
Weds. June 14
8:30am
Charles River Pollution Control Meeting
3:00pm
6:30pm
CANCELED - Finance Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Thurs. June 15
Senior Coffee Hour w/ State & Local Officials
8:30am
8:30am
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
House and Senate Democrats are working off similar tax relief scripts with some noteworthy exceptions, and next week's Senate debate will determine whether the Senate gets on board with not only the House, but also Gov. Maura Healey on a series of proposals that supporters say will make Massachusetts more competitive with other states. In an interesting twist, Senate President Karen Spilka is set to address business leaders on Thursday morning, just hours before the Senate takes up a bill that lacks some of the ingredients that groups like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce say are needed to propel the economy. While Democrats in both branches are often content to stick with the proposals put before them by leadership, senators will have an opportunity next week to change their approach to tax relief in many significant ways. Senators have until 5 p.m. Monday to file amendments to their $590 million tax relief proposal (S 2397), which bears a strong resemblance to the bills that were coursing through the Legislature around this time last year before they were shelved in the face of nearly $3 billion in tax rebates required under a law designed to share massive budget surpluses with taxpayers. Senate Democrats are putting on the floor on Thursday a tax relief proposal that is less generous from a bottom line standpoint than either the House or Healey. However, if the current plan remains intact coming out of the Senate, it's conceivable that a conference committee might eventually produce a multi-year proposal with a tax relief bottom line somewhere in between $600 million and $1.1 billion. Outside of the debate over tax policy, there are 13 joint committee hearings in the coming days and two other major bills remain in private conference committee negotiations. It's looking possible that the House and Senate, when they do eventually take a summer recess, may leave behind for Healey an annual budget, a tax relief plan, and legislation (H 3547 / S 2375) allocating $200 million to the Chapter 90 program that reimburses cities and towns for road and bridge maintenance plus $150 million for transportation-related infrastructure grants. Branch leaders could initiate action on a host of other options -- Speaker Ron Mariano earlier this year talked about putting a long-term care bill before the House -- but haven't indicated much in the way of plans to do so beyond thematic session-opening speeches by both Mariano and Spilka.
Sunday, June 11, 2023
N.H. PRIMARY UPDATE: The Globe's James Pindell is on "Keller At Large" to give a New Hampshire presidential primary update, talking with Jon Keller about New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's role in the campaign, mood of GOP voters, and the anti-Trump rhetoric of Republican candidates Chris Christie and Mike Pence. The Republican presidential primary field has rapidly expanded, while few Democrats seem interested in taking on President Biden. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
DRISCOLL MEETS DEMOCRAT CAUCUSES: Lt. Gov. Driscoll addresses Democratic caucuses in New Bedford, Worcester and Framingham. She will meet with local Democrats and "give brief remarks on the importance of building on the Democratic success of the past year," according to an advisory. Lt. Gov. Driscoll will start in New Bedford (9 a.m., Labor Council, 560 Pleasant St., New Bedford), travel to Worcester (12 p.m., Vernon Hill American Legion, 267 Providence St., Worcester) and finish the day in Framingham. (2 p.m., 49 Lexington St., Framingham) (Sunday)
KERRIGAN ON 5: Mass. Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
LATINO WELLNESS FAIR: El Mundo Boston and the Boston Red Sox organization host "Tu Salud," a free wellness fair for Latino families in greater Boston. The Health Connector will be present to enroll attendees in health insurance plans, and provide information to people who may lose MassHealth eligibility over the next year. "Tu Salud" is the first of 18 events across the state where the Health Connector will be present to provide enrollment support for residents. The event will also feature live music, food, free health screenings, and family-friendly activities (Sunday, 12 p.m., Fenway Park)
HOPKINTON PRIDE PARADE: Congressman McGovern marches in the Hopkinton Pride Parade. (Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Hopkinton Center for the Arts, 98 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton)
PFAS DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: Congressman McGovern gives remarks at a screening and discussion of the documentary "BURNED: Protecting the Protectors," which is about the impact of PFAS -- also known as "forever chemicals" -- on firefighters. (Sunday, 5 p.m., The Hanover Theatre, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester)
Monday, June 12, 2023
DRUG SUPPLY CONTAMINANTS: Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee hosts a hybrid hearing to discuss the role of adulterants and contaminants in drug supplies in Massachusetts. Testimony is by invitation only and no specific bills will be heard. Participants include Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Mass. Society of Addiction Medicine President Dr. James Barker, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program addiction medicine specialist Dr. Jessie Gaeta, Boston Medical Center Medical Director Dr. Miriam Komaromy, Northampton Police Sgt. Heather Longley and Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Director Deirdre Calvert. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets remotely to consider a presentation about an application Massasoit Greyhound Association, which does business as Raynham Park, submitted for a Category 2 sports wagering operator license. After the review, commissioners plan to enter executive session to discuss information submitted by an applicant "that is a trade secret, competitively-sensitive or proprietary and which if disclosed publicly would place the applicant at a competitive disadvantage." Raynham Park has operated as a simulcast wagering operation since voters banned dog racing, which the park hosted for many years. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda | Livestream)
KENNEDY INSTITUTE: U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Jeanne Shaheen, an Iowa Republican and a New Hampshire Democrat, are the panelists at the Kennedy Senate Institute's third "Senate Project" event that aims to bring back a "culture of consensus" through bipartisan conversation. Bret Baier of FOX News moderates. Doors close at 10:30 a.m. ahead of program starting at 11 a.m. Media are asked to arrive at 10:15 a.m. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Kennedy Institute, Columbia Point, Boston)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS HEARING: Only 11 bills have been referred to the Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management this session, and all 11 are up for review at a hybrid hearing. One measure from committee co-chair Rep. Driscoll (H 732) calls on the Department of Public Health to "establish a permanent emergency stockpile of strategic emergency readiness supplies" such as personal protective equipment, medications and testing kits. Sen. Moran, whose district is home to the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station that is being decommissioned, filed a resolve (S 442) creating a special commission to examine the impacts of discharging radioactive materials like spent fuel pool water into the state's waterways. The Senate approved similar language as an amendment to its fiscal year 2024 budget. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
GEOTHERMAL GROUNDBREAKING: Eversource breaks ground on construction for its geothermal pilot program in Framingham, which will connect about 40 houses, apartments, businesses and a fire station with the heating and cooling system that uses renewable energy from within the earth. (Monday, 11 a.m., MassBay Community College, 1 Normandy Rd., Framingham | Livestream)
HOUSE AND SENATE: House and Senate hold informal sessions. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate chambers | House Livestream | Senate Livestream)
REALTORS ON THE HILL: Massachusetts Association of REALTORS hosts a "Day on the Hill," where attendees will "advocate for home ownership and private property rights" amid the statewide housing affordability crisis, according to an advisory. Organizers expect remarks from Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Housing Secretary Augustus. (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SESSION: Executive Office of Economic Development hosts a Greater Boston regional economic development planning session. The office and state's Economic Development Planning Council are holding sessions to help develop the Healey administration's economic development strategy for the next four years. Business and community leaders, elected officials, other stakeholders and residents are invited to give feedback on "economic needs and opportunities for growth within the region." (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury Crossing)
ELDER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Elder Affairs Committee convenes a hybrid hearing to consider 21 bills dealing with health, safety and training. The agenda includes measures to increase penalties for deceiving seniors and people with disabilities (H 613), create an office of elder advocate (H 622) and impose minimum staffing requirements at skilled nursing facilities (S 394). (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Health-related legislation goes before the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee at a hybrid hearing. The 33 bills on the agenda include a proposal to require aestheticians, barbers, cosmetologists, electrologists, hairdressers, manicurists and massage therapists receive training on domestic violence and sexual assault (H 249 / S 146). Several bills take aim at health club fees and gym cancellations (H 338, H 341, H 3562, S 183). (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
CHARTER SCHOOLS, VOC-TECH: Education Committee dives into the topic of charter schools and vocational-technical education at a hybrid hearing with 28 bills on the agenda. The hearing is set to feature legislation (H 524 / S 257) aimed at overhauling the admissions process at vocational-technical schools at a time when the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education faces a federal civil rights complaint alleging existing practices discriminate against students of color, students with disabilities and English language learners. The bills would replace the current admissions process based on criteria such as grades, attendance records and behavior complaints with a lottery system. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
WORLD MEDICAL INNOVATION FORUM: Gov. Healey delivers remarks at Mass General Brigham's World Medical Innovation Forum, a three-day event with about 175 executive speakers from health and pharma sectors, as well as venture, start-ups and the "front lines of care." Dr. Anne Klibanski, president and CEO of Mass General Brigham, and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan are also slated to give remarks at 12:50. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh participates in a chat with Dr. David Brown, president of Mass General Hospital, at 5 p.m. Registration opens at 7 a.m. "Rapid fire" presentations start at 8 a.m. (Monday, 1:15 p.m., Grand Ballroom at the Westin Seaport Hotel, 425 Summer St. |More Info
HEALEY, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Healey meets privately with legislative leaders. A media availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's Office)
SENATE TAX RELIEF AMENDMENTS DUE: Senators have until 5 p.m. to file amendments to their branch's $590 million tax relief package (S 2397), which is scheduled for debate on Thursday. (Monday, 5 p.m.)
MBTA SERVICE CHANGES: MBTA planning officials hold virtual meeting to talk about service changes scheduled for this summer, impacted routes, and why the changes are necessary. Attendees will be able to ask questions or make comments. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Online)
GOLDBERG IN OREGON: Treasurer Goldberg will be in Portland, Oregon through Thursday attending the National Association of State Treasurers Treasury Management Training Symposium conference. (Monday)
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
BREAST CANCER SYMPOSIUM: The Ellie Fund, a Needham-based nonprofit that provides services to breast cancer patients, and the Boston Breast Cancer Equity Coalition host a symposium called, "Clinical Trials: A Real Treatment Option for Breast Cancer Patients." Panel discussions and presenters will discuss equity and access to treatment options for breast cancer, including clinical trials. The death rate for Black women under age 65 with breast cancer is 78 percent higher than white women, organizers said, citing national studies. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave. | More Info)
HEALTH EQUITY SUMMIT: Health Equity Compact hosts a day-long summit bringing together government, health care and business leaders to discuss statewide health disparities. The morning will feature pre-recorded addresses from Gov. Healey and UMass Boston Chancellor Suárez-Orozco, plus in-person remarks from Senate President Spilka, Attorney General Campbell, and Mass. League of Community Health Centers President Michael Curry, who is a co-founder of the compact. Organizers will present data from a report about the economic cost of health inequities at 10:45 a.m. Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh is scheduled to speak at 2:15 p.m. The Health Equity Compact backs legislation from Reps. Williams and Springfield (H 1250) seeking a series of reforms aimed at reducing health disparities across demographic groups. Registration required, and virtual attendance possible. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., UMass Boston Campus Center Ballroom, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston | Agenda and Registration)
VETERANS AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs holds a hearing on more than 40 bills, including a Sen. Finegold proposal (S 2323) establishing a commission on post-traumatic stress disorder that would be tasked with developing a strategic plan to improve health outcomes for people diagnosed with PTSD. The agenda has two Rep. Arriaga bills tied to women's issues, including H 3710 that calls for the creation of a legislative commission charged with studying the effect combat has on motherhood and parenting, as well as 3711 to establish a women veterans' network in the Department of Veterans' Services. A Sen. Velis bill (S 2360) would also create a women's veterans network that helps raise awareness of federal and state veterans' service and benefits, provides recommendation to the secretary of veterans' service to improve benefits and services, and incorporates womens' issues into strategic planning efforts. Skilled veterans who "satisfactorily" completed military medical training could see certain education requirements waived as they seek their licensed practical nursing certification under bills from Rep. Lipper-Garabedian and Sen. Lewis (H 3519/ S 2327). (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Room A-1 and Virtual | Agenda and Livestream)
DAY OF PORTUGAL: Portuguese Consul General Tiago Araujo is the guest of honor at the 39th annual Heritage Day of Portugal celebration at the State House, hosted by Sen. Pacheco and Rep. Cabral, co-chairs of the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus. Event honors Portuguese-American constituents for contributions to the state. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House Chamber)
MBTA DISADVANTAGED BUSINESSES GOAL: MBTA officials meet to "explain the methodology" behind the T's next triennial Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprise goal for fiscal years 2024 through 2026. The DBE program promotes business opportunities for firms owned by minority, women, and other disadvantaged individuals. T personnel also plan to discuss upcoming federally-assisted construction and design projects. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Online)
SHARK SEASON PREVIEW: Atlantic White Shark Conservancy hosts a media day to preview the summer and fall white shark season, including a focus on the center's research and highlights of new public safety and education initiatives. Press asked to RSVP to gspillane@pierce-cote.com because space is limited. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Shark Center Chatham, 235 Orleans Road, Chatham)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a hearing on nearly two dozen bills about licenses and state IDs, as well as aviation. A Rep. Linsky bill (H3368) would allow for a gender-neutral "X" designation on driver's licenses or learner's permit instead of "male" or "female" without requiring documentation. A Sen. Comerford bill (S 2207) would allow people over the age of 18 and emancipated minors, as well as parents or guardians to minors, to change the sex designation on birth records, including to "X," with an affidavit but without needing to submit any medical or health care-related documents. A Rep. Ultrino bill (H 3456) looks to eliminate license application fees for low-income residents. The committee will also receive testimony on proposals from Reps. Khan and O'Day and Sen. R. Kennedy to provide identification cards to people who are homeless or unaccompanied homeless youth. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-2 and Virtual | Agenda and Livestream)
CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a hearing on more than 20 human services-related bills. Human service workers could see a pay bump under proposals from Rep. Khan and Sen. Friedman (H 191/ S 84) that aim to eliminate pay disparities between them and direct care workers, nurses, clinicians and other "comparable" workers employed by state-run programs. Bills from Rep. Decker and Sen. Gomez (H 145/ S 86) would bolster emergency housing supports for children and families experiencing homelessness. Proposals from Reps. Pignatelli and Frank Moran and Sen. Rausch (H 211/ S 1112) would create a bill of rights for people who are homeless. Also on the agenda are bills from Rep. Roy and Sen. DiDomenico (H 214/ S 77) to create a loan repayment program for human services workers, with priority funding given to people with a salary less than 50 percent of the median income, who are bilingual, are living or working in a vaccine equity community, or who have worked in the direct care field for at least three years. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 and Virtual | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALTH CARE FINANCING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds a hearing on 30 bills focused on nursing homes, senior care and MassHealth assets. Maximum rates for certain nurses at skilled nursing facilities would be reduced, and the maximum rate for temporary nursing agencies could not exceed 150 percent of the wage for regular employees under bills filed by Rep. Balser and Sen. Miranda (H 1166/ S 780) in a bid to clamp down on the overuse of temporary nursing service agencies. Medicaid rates could be adjusted at nursing facilities in several proposals from Reps. Lawn and Scanlon and Sen. Cyr, in a bid to stabilize the settings amid inflation, including tackling allowable resident costs and the rate for "facilities that serve a disproportionately high number of Medicaid residents." Also before the committee is a Sen. Moore bill (S 791) that would create an infection preventionist training grant program for certified nursing facilities. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium and Virtual | Agenda and Livestream)
TELECOM, UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE: House and Senate members of the "Joint" Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy continue their divorced hearing schedule as they meet separately to hear from the public about mostly the same bills, but this time the two co-chairs have scheduled their bifurcated hearings for the same day instead of different parts of the week. Rep. Roy is set to chair the House side's hearing at 10 a.m., Sen. Barrett chairs his branch's hearing at 1 p.m., and there's a chance of overlap since both parties booked the same hearing room on the State House's first floor. It's possible that House and Senate members of the committee might see one another face to face. Their agendas are largely the same and mostly center on electric-powered transportation, though each co-chair added two bills to the agenda that their counterpart did not. The Roy agenda features New Bedford Rep. Cabral's bill dealing with offshore wind project bids and contracts (H 3147) and another measure dealing with utility poles (H 3141). The Barrett docket leaves those off, but includes a bill from Barrett's fellow Lexingtonian Rep. Ciccolo that would create a Net-Zero Transportation Financing Commission (H 3675), and another aiming to "ensure electric motor vehicle charging fairness" (H 3886). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 and Virtual | House Side Agenda and Livestream | Senate Side Agenda and Livestream)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service accepts testimony on 49 bills, including proposals dealing with divestment, the Group Insurance Commission, and the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board. Rep. Domb of Amherst's fossil fuel divestment bill (H 2504) would establish an independent Climate Risk Investment Review Committee organized under the treasurer's office and tasked with creating "a plan to sell, redeem, divest or withdraw from climate risk investments, or any other investment as determined by the committee, that are not aligned with the commonwealth's climate goals." Rep. Fernandes and Sen. Pacheco also filed bills to authorize public pension boards to divest their retirement funds from fossil fuel investments (H 2515, S 1723). Treasurer Goldberg co-filed another proposal to require the Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board to divest state funds from companies that generate more than 15 percent of their revenue from the manufacturing or sale of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories used for non-law enforcement or non-military purposes. Goldberg said in April that she hopes "we'll make some progress and get it through this session" on the heels of last year's law directing divestment from Russian assets. Goldberg's bill was filed with Sen. Gomez and Rep. Livingstone (S 1690 / H 2591), and Rep. Domb also has a firearms bill on the agenda. Committee will also hear testimony on divesting from nuclear weapons producers, a proposal filed by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Connolly. A Rep. LeBoeuf bill would eliminate a 60-day waiting period for newly-hired public employees to receive health insurance coverage, a proposal got a favorable report from the committee last session. Other matters on the docket deal with the Group Insurance Commission, which provides health insurance to state employees and retirees, and the membership of the PRIM Board. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 and Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary takes public testimony on 63 bills related to crimes and punishments, including gun and drug offenses. Bills up for discussion also touch on theft of copper gutters from historic homes (H 1541), throwing objects at cars and trains (H 1500), and proposed repeals of "archaic" laws. Bills to legalize "magic mushrooms" and certain other plants and fungi containing psychedelic compounds -- including psilocybin, psilocin, DMT, mescaline, and ibogaine -- are sponsored by Rep. Sabadosa, Sen. Jehlen, and Rep. Boldyga (H 3589, S 1009, H 1754). The firearm bills could put some ideas on the radar for committee co-chair Rep. Day, who was tasked by Speaker Mariano last summer with developing an omnibus gun safety bill. "We look forward to passing this legislation in the next legislative session," Mariano wrote last July. The speaker said the bill would "consider everything from updating our firearm licensing and training framework, to clamping down on evolving technology designed to circumvent our safety laws, to refining tools that help identify individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others." Tuesday marks the first firearm-related hearing since Day wrapped up an 11-stop tour that featured open-mic listening sessions from Cape Cod to Lenox about gun laws. Senate Majority Leader Creem and Rep. Decker re-filed a bill that would ban the manufacture of assault weapons or large-capacity feeding devices in Massachusetts, with some exceptions including weapons being sold to law enforcement or the military (S 925 / H 1452). A Rep. Linsky bill (H 1619) would increase penalties for illegal sale and possession of firearms, including boosting the maximum sentence to life imprisonment (instead of the current 15 years) for a fourth offense of illegally carrying or possessing certain weapons. Rep. Mom and Sen. E. Kennedy, both of Lowell, propose a new law penalizing gunfire intentionally directed at dwellings (H 1681 / S 1015). And Rep. Vaughn of Wrentham proposes opening up judges to civil liability if they do not impose mandatory minimum sentences on certain gun crimes (H 1806). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 and Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
LGAC MEETS: Local Government Advisory Commission meets in a hybrid format to hear a series of presentations from Healey administration officials. Administration and Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz will speak about the state's fiscal situation, including tax revenues that took a nosedive in April before rebounding somewhat in May. The commission will also hear from Transportation Secretary Fiandaca about the administration's "statewide transportation priorities and the vision for investments in municipal needs," according to the agenda, and from Climate Chief Hoffer about addressing climate change at the local level. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Agenda | Zoom)
WORLD MEDICAL INNOVATION FORUM: FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf participates in a fireside chat on the second day of Mass General Brigham's World Medical Innovation Forum. Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao co-moderates a panel called "Capital Formation: Putting Money to Work - State of Affairs in Capital Markets" at 11:05 a.m. Hao also introduces a fireside chat at 2:10 p.m. featuring Renee Wegryzyn, director of Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. (Tuesday, 4:20 p.m., Grand Ballroom at the Westin Seaport Hotel, 425 Summer St., Boston | More Info
MASSDOT PROVINCETOWN IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds in-person hearing on the design for a proposed Provincetown improvement project on Shank Painter Road and Route 6 to Bradford Street. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Town Hall, Judge Welsh Room, 260 Commercial St., Provincetown | More Info)
RED LINE NIGHTTIME CLOSURES: MBTA will end Red Line subway service early several nights in June in another wave of nighttime closures that begins Tuesday. Trains will be replaced with buses starting around 8:45 p.m. each night from June 13-15, June 20-22 and June 26-29, adding to similar disruptions that took place earlier in the month. T officials say the extra closures are necessary to give crews more time for "continued replacement of rail and ties along the Braintree branch to help alleviate speed restrictions in the area." About 23 percent of all Red Line tracks cannot safely run trains at full speed due to infrastructure problems, according to T data. (Tuesday, 8:45 p.m., More Info)
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
MASSDOT FINANCE COMMITTEE: MassDOT Board Finance and Audit Committee holds a hybrid meeting. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., MassDOT Board Room, Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
LANGUAGE ACCESS BRIEFING: Mass Speaks coalition holds a legislative briefing on bills from Reps. Madaro and Gonzalez and Sen. DiDomenico (H 3084 / S 1990) that seek to ensure state agencies provide linguistically diverse services and materials. DiDomenico, Gonzalez, a representative from Madaro's office, and Amy Grunder of the MIRA Coalition are slated to give remarks. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)
MASSDOT CAPITAL COMMITTEE: MassDOT Board Capital Programs Committee holds a hybrid meeting. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., MassDOT Board Room, Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
AID IN DYING LOBBY DAY: End of Life Options MA Coalition hosts a lobby day for the first time to advocate in favor of legalizing medical aid in dying. Sens. Moran, Comerford and Brownsberger and Reps. O'Day and Philips plan to attend. Legislative leaders have shown no support for the controversial proposal, which a Beacon Research poll the coalition published May found has support of nearly three-quarters of Massachusetts voters. The coalition consists of American Atheists, the ACLU of Massachusetts, Death with Dignity, and Ron Haffman, the founder of Compassionate Cares ALS, while Unitarian Universalist Massachusetts Action, the Mass. chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and advocate Dr. Roger Kligler are coalition supporters, according to event organizers. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)
GREAT FIRE EXHIBIT: Boston Fire Commissioner Burke, union leaders and firefighters visit a new Boston Athenaeum exhibition about the Great Boston Fire of 1872. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 10 1/2 Beacon St., Boston | More Info)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus in a hybrid format a day before they are set to take up a roughly $590 million tax relief bill. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
SEAL AND MOTTO COMMISSION: A special legislative commission tasked with recommending changes to the state seal and motto meets remotely. After multiple extensions, the commission now faces a deadline of Nov. 15 to file its report, and members plan to discuss an interim report and lay out next steps. The agenda also calls for discussion about the scope of work for a statewide survey. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Livestream)
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE: Lawmakers weigh 47 bills dealing with plastics, recycling and waste management at an Environment and Natural Resources Committee hybrid hearing. Many bills take aim at reducing the impact of single-use disposable plastics such as bags, straws and packaging. Other areas of focus include liability for hazardous materials release, solid waste, and mattress recycling. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
SUFFRAGE100MA GALA: Suffrage100MA hosts its first gala to celebrate the organization's transition into the new Massachusetts Women's History Center. The event will honor former Senate President Chandler, Nancy Beeuwkes and Charlotte Golar Richie. Boston Globe columnist and associate editor Shirley Leung emcees. Senate President Spilka attends. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., The Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles St., Boston | More Info)
CHELMSFORD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds public hearing to discuss proposed replacement of Gorham Street bridge over I-495 and Westford Street bridge over I-495 in Chelmsford. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
CHARLES FLOODING PLAN: The Charles River Watershed, Charles River Climate Compact, Weston & Sampson Engineering and Communities Responding to Extreme Weather meet virtually to hear the latest on efforts to plan for flooding in the Charles River watershed. The team will present project designs for Waltham, Newton, Wellesley, Weston, Natick and Milford. According to the watershed association, precipitation during heavy rain events increased by 55 percent between 1958 and 2016 in the northeastern U.S., and just a few more inches of rainfall could increase the river's volume by millions of gallons during a heavy storm. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)
Thursday, June 15, 2023
SPILKA AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Senate President Spilka addresses business leaders at a government affairs forum hosted by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Press should RSVP to cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Thursday, 9:45 a.m., City Winery, 80 Beverly St., Boston)
TAX RELIEF - SENATE SESSION: The Senate meets in a formal session to tackle the $590 million tax relief proposal from the Senate Ways and Means Committee (S 2397), which omitted a short-term capital gain tax cut favored by the House and Gov. Healey. Top Senate Democrats want to raise the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million while eliminating the cliff effect in which the entire value of the estate is taxed by introducing a $99,600 credit. Their plan also calls for a streamlined $310 child and dependent care tax credit, which is markedly less than plans from Healey and the House, which would gradually ramp up from $310 in fiscal 2024 to $614 in fiscal 2027. Other proposed tax breaks include raising the Earned Income Tax Credit from 30 percent to 40 percent of the federal credit, doubling the senior circuit breaker tax credit, and boosting the rental deduction cap from $1,200 to $2,400. Reviving a Healey pitch, the Senate's tax plan would raise the statewide cap on the Housing Development Incentive Program. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SUMNER TUNNEL CLOSURES: MassDOT holds "in-person open house" for East Boston residents to learn about Sumner Tunnel closures, including construction activities and alternate travel options. First full closure is scheduled for July 5 to Aug. 31, with a second full closure planned for next summer. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., More Info)
CORDY TALKS UKRAINE JUDICIARY: Retired Supreme Judicial Court Justice Robert Cordy talks about judicial reforms in Ukraine and his work on the Ukrainian Judicial Ethics Council at a hybrid program hosted by the Pioneer Public Interest Law Center. Ukraine's government created the Ethics Council in 2021 to pick members of the country's High Council of Justice and review the integrity of existing members. In addition to his Ukrainian duties, Cordy is a partner at law firm McDermott Will & Emery. He served on Massachusetts' highest court from 2001 to 2016. Bohdan Vitvitsky, who served as a diplomat in the U.S. embassy in Kiev, talks with Cordy about the overseas legal reform efforts. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., UMass Club, One Beacon St., Boston | Registration)
HEALEY AT BOSTON BAR CELEBRATION: Gov. Healey is scheduled as the keynote speaker at the Boston Bar Association's Law Day celebration, a networking event expected to draw more than 1,000 guests. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | Tickets)
NATICK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds hearing about proposed bridge replacement and interchange improvements in Natick, including replacement of "structurally deficient" North Main Street bridge over Worcester Street. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Online)
Friday, June 16, 2023
PORTRAIT EXHIBIT: Sen. Comerford and Rep. Sabadosa host a reception that's open to the public for an exhibit called, "This is Me: Portraits of Pathlight." Based in Springfield, Pathlight supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western Massachusetts. The exhibit, which will be displayed on the fourth floor of the State House June 12-16, is intended to underscore Pathlight's mission to "promote visibility, inclusivity, and the recognition of individuals with disabilities as esteemed members of their community." Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh and Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Jane Ryan give remarks. (Friday, 12:30 p.m., Room 428)
NEW JOBS SNAPSHOT: The preliminary May unemployment rate, labor force, and job estimates for Massachusetts will be released. The April jobless rate dropped to 3.3 percent as the labor market has been holding strong despite slowing economic growth and rising interest rates. (Friday)
Saturday, June 17, 2023
GLX WEEKEND CLOSURES: MBTA replaces trolley service with shuttle buses on both branches of the new Green Line Extension for the next two weekends. Buses will replace trains between Government Center and Union Square and between Government Center and Medford/Tufts on June 17-18 and June 24-25. MBTA officials say the disruption "allows crews to perform rehabilitation work along the Lechmere Viaduct." (Saturday, June 17, More Info)
