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The Massachusetts congressional delegation last week renewed its effort to convince the U.S. Navy to hold the commissioning ceremony for the submarine that will bear the state's name, the under-construction USS Massachusetts, in Boston later this year. All 11 members of the delegation sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, urging the Navy to conduct the commissioning of the Virginia-class nuclear submarine at the Flynn Cruise Terminal in South Boston. The sub, which is being built in Virginia and is expected to be homeported in Groton, Connecticut, will be the first naval vessel to use the name Massachusetts since the Battleship Massachusetts was decommissioned in 1947.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. June 26
7:00pm
Agricultural Commission Meeting
7:00pm
7:00pm
Tues.June 27
7:00pm
Weds. June 28
6:03pm
Library Board of Directors Meeting
7:00pm
Thurs. June 29
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
With economic growth slowing and tax collections running nearly $2 billion behind fiscal 2022 levels, House and Senate Democrats have only next week to come up with an on-time annual state budget. Both branches are backing significant spending increases, supported in part by at least $1 billion in new income surtax revenues, as well as companion tax relief bills that could eventually pull more than $1 billion out of the state's tax base and share it with taxpayers who continue to struggle with inflation and high costs of their own. Gov. Maura Healey and leading legislative Democrats have not indicated second thoughts about their spending and tax relief plans, even though tax collections have fallen from last fiscal year's sky-high levels in five of the last eight months. According to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the kind of upward adjustment to the consensus revenue agreement that lawmakers adopted in each of the past two budgets is not warranted this year and budget negotiators face a combination of all spending in both budgets that exceeds available revenue by about $500 million. "Therefore, cuts to the House and Senate proposals will be necessary," MTF wrote. The talking point from Democrats is that they anticipated the revenue slowdown and can manage through it. However, they did not expect a $2.5 billion liability stemming from an over-withdrawal of federal funds over three years during the Baker administration. Updated financial disclosure documents issued in connection with a delayed $1 billion bond sale indicate reason for concern. "The amount that may be due to the federal government as a result of such error, if any, and the timing, the method and the source of such reimbursement, if any, is currently unknown," the statements say. The state Treasury planned to do the bond sale in April or May but an official said the date was pushed back while waiting for audited financial statements to confirm the scope and timing of the unemployment insurance issue, so that information could be disclosed to potential investors. The deal is now scheduled for next week, according to the Treasury website. State and federal labor officials are talking about liability for the over-withdrawal, but there's been no resolution. On-time budgets are not really the Legislature's thing and while Healey is new to Beacon Hill, it appears she's aware of that and willing to work on legislative time, which usually leads to a budget accord in July. If an interim budget offered by Healey this week finds its way back to her desk quickly, that would be the surest sign that an on-time budget deal is not nigh. An interim budget that would prevent a government shutdown might give the governor comfort since she's leaving the country Sunday and will be in Ireland for the days leading up to the July 1 start of fiscal 2024. Healey is embarking on a trade trip with members of her staff and officials from higher education and industry. Meanwhile, Senate President Karen Spilka is jetting off for an overseas trip of her own that will take her to Israel, and she won't return until Saturday, July 1 -- the start of the new fiscal year. The House on Thursday sent the interim budget to its Ways and Means Committee.
Storylines in Progress
... The six lawmakers charged with coming up with a consensus tax relief bill hold their first public meeting on Monday morning ... Lawmakers meet publicly with MBTA leaders Monday to talk about trains and safety .... The Registry of Motor Vehicles is about to be tested. The agency has expressed confidence about its ability to start processing driver's license applications from undocumented immigrants, beginning on July 1 ... With Gov. Healey leading a new push this week, it feels like the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is ready to fall in line with the governor's wishes and send a draft framework of an overhauled comprehensive health, physical and sexual education curriculum framework out for public comment. The board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday ... It's summertime, which in Greater Boston has become synonymous with disruptive public works projects. State officials are gearing up to close the heavily used Sumner Tunnel in July and the MBTA is preparing to close the Green Line's B Branch for 12 days next month ... Wednesday is a big day for seven individuals who could receive formal pardons following votes of the Governor's Council ... Legacy admissions, paying student athletes, and tuition freezes are among the topics addressed by legislation before the Higher Education Committee on Tuesday ....
Healey's Ireland Trip
Gov. Healey and several members of her staff are scheduled to be in Dublin, Ireland from Monday through Friday, marking her first gubernatorial trip overseas. The trip to the country that is the state's seventh-largest trading partner falls on the 30-year anniversary of the country decriminalizing homosexuality and the 60-year anniversary of President Kennedy's visit there. Healey is scheduled to address the Irish Senate on Tuesday at 10 a.m. EST, with her remarks available via livestream. Healey will participate in multiple business roundtables and commerce events during the visit as she meets with Irish leaders from industries like technology and clean energy, the governor's office said. She's also slated to meet with Irish political leaders, including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (prime minister), Tánaiste Micheál Martin (minister for foreign affairs and minister for defense), and Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer (chair of the Senate), and the Irish parliament's LGBTQI+ caucus, and U.S. Ambassador Cronin, the former House majority leader who invited Healey to Ireland. Also coming on the trip are Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, Economic Development Secretary Hao, Undersecretary for Economic Strategies Stanton, MassTech Collaborative Executive Director Carolyn Kirk, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership President and CEO Jay Ash, UMass President Marty Meehan, Mass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, Boston University Vice President and Associate Provost for Research Gloria Waters, and Northeastern Provost David Madigan, according to the itinerary. Lt. Gov. Driscoll will serve as acting governor while Healey is away.
Sunday, June 25, 2023
GOLDBERG ON 4: Treasurer Goldberg talks with Jon Keller about the state of the state's finances and current Lottery issues. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
SANTIAGO ON 5: Veterans' Services Secretary Santiago is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
WARREN TOWN HALL IN HOLYOKE: Sen. Elizabeth Warren hosts an outdoor town hall where she plans to answer constituent questions and talk about her work in Congress. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke)
PRESSLEY COOKOUT IN CAMBRIDGE: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley hosts her second annual cookout honoring Black men in celebration of Father's Day and Juneteenth. The event is one in a series of "Ayanna for Black Men" programs aimed to engage Black male community members. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Starlight Square, 84 Bishop Allen Dr., Cambridge | More Info)
Monday, June 26, 2023
HEALEY AT BIZ ROUNDTABLE: Gov. Healey attends a closed-press business roundtable hosted by Enterprise Ireland. She's joined by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, Economic Development Secretary Hao, Undersecretary for Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton, MassTech Collaborative Executive Director Carolyn Kirk, and Massachusetts Competitive Partnership President and CEO Jay Ash. The event is closed to press. (Monday, 9 a.m. EST, Enterprise Ireland headquarters, East Point Business Park, The Plaza, Dublin 3, Ireland)
TAX RELIEF CONFERENCE: Conference committee tasked with negotiating a consensus version of the differing House and Senate tax relief plans holds its first meeting. Initial conference meetings are automatically open to the public. Lawmakers then make introductory remarks and vote to close their deliberations, which usually lead to some of the highest impact bills of each session. Sen. Rodrigues and Rep. Michlewitz, who are also in the midst of conference talks over the fiscal 2024 general budget, chair the six-member committee. They're joined by Sen. Moran, Rep. Cusack, Sen. Tarr, and Rep. Soter. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room 212)
FINANCIAL SERVICES HEARING: The Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hearing on about 30 bills related to mental health and consumer protection health insurance issues. Proposals from Reps. Scanlon and Donaghue and Sen. Keenan (H 1146 / S 662) would provide access to full-spectrum addiction treatment services. Bills from Reps. O'Day and Kushmerek and Sen. Cronin (H 1108 / S 613) look to ensure health care coverage for behavioral health bundled services, including treatment and care coordination for patients with mental health or substance use disorders, at community behavioral health centers. Also on the agenda is a bill from Rep. Cusack (H 979) requiring acute hospitals to report operating margins that exceed 5 percent, which would trigger a public hearing in which hospitals would need to testify on efforts to control costs; the Center for Health Information and Analysis would be tasked with examining hospital efficiency and annually publishing margins. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets remotely to discuss a "regulatory review update" and next topics. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
CHELSEA FEDERAL FUNDING: Congresswoman Pressley, Rep. Garcia, Chelsea City Council President Leo Robinson and other public officials celebrate $2 million in federal funding secured for the Downtown Broadway Infrastructure Improvement Project in Chelsea. The funding will be used to "support the reconstruction of the streetscape and utility infrastructure, address safety issues, and promote accessible and safe public transit for the Broadway Corridor," according to Pressley's office. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Chelsea City Hall, 3rd Floor, City Council Chambers, 500 Broadway, Chelsea)
HOUSE, SENATE MEET: House and Senate begin the week with informal sessions. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate Chambers | House Livestream | Senate Livestream)
YOUTHWORKS FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Labor Secretary Jones join YouthWorks participants to announce funding for the youth employment program for 2023-2024. Teens and young adults in YouthWorks take part in paid short-term work placements during the summer or school year at public, private and nonprofit work sites. (Monday, 11 a.m., BrickBox Theatre at JMAC, 20 Franklin St., Worcester)
GAMING COMMISSION SCREENING COMMITTEE: A Mass. Gaming Commission screening committee searching for an interim executive director meets remotely to discuss the screening process. Members plan to meet in executive session to consider applicants. (Monday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
MARKEY LBGTQ PRESSER: U.S. Sen. Markey hosts a press conference to announce "two pieces of legislation in defense of LGBTQ+ rights," according to his office. Mass. Transgender Political Coalition Executive Director Tre'Andre Carmel Valentine and Fenway Health's Health Policy Research Director Sean Cahill join. Press asked to RSVP to Markey_Press@markey.senate.gov. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Bolling Building, 2300 Washington St., Boston | Livestream)
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a hearing on about two dozen bills focused on data privacy, technology and animal-related issues. The ACLU of Mass., Reproductive Equity Now and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Mass. plan to testify in support of bills filed by Rep. Lipper-Garabedian and Sen. Creem (H 357 / S 148) that would block the sale of cellphone location information. Supporters say the move would further protect reproductive health access, the LGBTQ community and religious liberty. The hearing comes days after the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which prompted Beacon Hill lawmakers last session to strengthen protections for abortion care patients and providers, including for out-of-state patients coming to Massachusetts for the procedure. Also on the agenda is a Sen. Oliveira proposal (S 209) to bolster data privacy tied to electronic tolling and ensure no data collected, such as a photograph or license plate number, is shared with law enforcement without a valid warrant. Bills from Rep. Madaro and Sen. Brady (H 360 / S 142) look to uphold a digital right to repair. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
ELDER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Elder Affairs holds a hearing on 30 bills connected to assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, home care and community-based services. Proposals from Rep. Barber and Sen. Montigny (H 617 / S 387) are designed to protect the consumer rights of residents in assisted living facilities, including from unfair deceptive acts or practices. Also before the committee are bills from Rep. Kerans and Sen. Lovely (H 634 / S 385) to expand the availability of personal care homes for older adults, which are "designed to provide safe, humane, comfortable and supportive residential settings" for adults who require help or supervision but can maintain "maximum independence and self-determination," according to the legislation. A statewide "adopt-a-senior" program would be established through a Sen. Rush pitch (S 400) to help seniors with snow removal and property or home maintenance services. Bills from Rep. Mendes and Sen. Payano (H 640 / S 397) would create and implement a mandatory infection control training program for all personal care attendants. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a hearing on 20 bills tied to personnel matters. Proposals from Rep. Sousa and Sen. Payano (H 583 / S 340) aim to safeguard a diverse educator workforce by protecting certain teachers, including those from underrepresented communities, from layoffs. Legislation from Rep. Doherty and Sen. Brady (H 468 / S 239) would establish a special commission focused on creating a more diverse teaching workforce. School bus operators could receive deescalation training under a proposal from Rep. Vargas (H 602). There could be expanded use of augmentative and alternative communication options for teachers to help address the learning needs of students who are nonverbal under bills from Rep. Barber and Sen. O'Connor (H 433 / S 326). (Monday, 1 p.m., A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds a hearing on 40 bills tied to public housing, homelessness and home rule petitions. A Rep. Connolly proposal (H 3873) would establish a state social housing program, which the Cambridge Democrat's office defines as state-financed, mixed-incoming housing that's owned by a local or regional housing authority and is available to people at a wide range of income levels. Under the bill, the state would issue $100 million in bonds for a social housing production revolving loan fund. "Social housing can help us reach the goal of producing 200,000+ new housing units in Massachusetts by the year 2030," Connolly's office said. A Rep. Higgins bill (H 1328) looks to create strategies to reduce homelessness among unaccompanied adults, including tasking the Department of Housing and Community Development to create a plan to build permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelter options. Also on the agenda is legislation from Rep. Meschino and Sen. Crighton (H 1354 / S 855) to create the Massachusetts Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool Program that uses multiple funding streams and resources to address the medically complex needs of men, women and children who are homeless. (Monday, 1 p.m., B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
MBTA ON BEACON HILL: MBTA leaders sit down with the Transportation Committee for a public meeting to review how the agency is faring at improving safety in the wake of a Federal Transit Administration investigation last year. MBTA General Manager Eng, his acting chief of staff Katie Choe -- who previously served as chief of quality, compliance and oversight -- and Transportation Secretary Fiandaca will attend, according to the committee. Lawmakers say they invited FTA officials, who for the third time rejected the offer and said they are not able to discuss their MBTA review at a public hearing. (Monday, 1 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Livestream)
HOUSING ADVOCACY: Greater Boston Interfaith Organization plans to have more than 1,000 people show up to a housing policy advocacy event at Temple Israel of Boston. GBIO says the goal is to "cement housing as the number one priority that needs to be addressed this legislative session." Funding for housing programs has been a focus this year, but there's no momentum behind some of the more controversial housing policy changes that advocates say are needed if the state is serious about addressing its housing supply and cost crunch. The organization says it expects Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus, and Boston Mayor Wu to be among the attendees, along with Rep. Fluker Oakley, Sen. Cyr, Tom O'Brien of HYM Investment Group, Tavinder Phull of Mass General Brigham, and Rahsaan Hall of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. Organizers plan to focus the event on support for real estate transfer taxes, investments in public housing, and housing opportunities for folks reentering society after incarceration. (Monday, 7 p.m., 477 Longwood Ave., Boston)
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
HEALEY IN IRELAND: Gov. Healey has a quartet of events planned in her second official day visiting Ireland on a trade trip. Healey will participate in a "Women in Tech Coffee Hour" hosted by HubSpot, alongside Cabinet secretaries and female business leaders (10 a.m. local time/5 a.m. EST, Culture House, HubSpot, 1 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, CLOSED PRESS). Then, she will participate in a roundtable discussion with Cabinet secretaries and business leaders, also hosted by HubSpot (11 a.m. local time/6 a.m. EST, Culture House, HubSpot, 1 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2). Healey, who is the state's first openly lesbian chief executive, plans to address the Seanad Éireann (Irish Senate) on the 30th anniversary of Ireland decriminalizing homosexuality. (3 p.m. local time/10 a.m. EST, Seanad Éireann, Kildare Street, Dublin, Livestream). She'll close out the day with an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Dublin and Irish Department of Foreign Affairs celebrating 60 years of U.S.-Ireland trade and investment (6 p.m. local time/1 p.m. EST, Iveagh House, 80 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, D02 VY53, CLOSED PRESS). (Tuesday)
BOARD OF ED: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets, with plans to vote on whether to open a public comment period on a new health curriculum framework. Other items on the agenda include a presentation on student data trends, a vote to open public comment on proposed amendments to the state's disciplinary regulations that would require certain procedures to be followed before a student could be suspended and a budget update, among other items. The framework, which Gov. Healey promoted at the State House last week, would be the first update to the state's health, physical fitness and sex education guidelines since 1999. Gov. Healey said the guidelines, which have been in development since 2019, cover LGBTQ+ health and wellness, mental and emotional health, personal safety, bodily autonomy, dating safety, violence prevention, physical health and hygiene, nutritionally balanced eating, physical activity, substance use disorder, and public, community and environmental health. The board's vote on Tuesday would open a 60-day public comment period, after which the board could revise the draft and then vote on implementing the new framework, likely later this summer or in the fall. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 75 Pleasant St., Malden | Full Agenda and Livestream)
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HEARING: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to the Department of Developmental Services. Bills on the agenda include legislation seeking to protect people with intellectual or developmental disabilities from abuse. Another bill would, among other provisions, require local police to be trained to interact with people on the autism spectrum. Legislation would also update out-of-date terminology in state law regarding people with disabilities. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Room B-2 | Livestream)
HIGHER ED HEARING: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to higher education institutions. Bills on the docket include legislation to allow student athletes to be paid, ban public higher education institutions from considering legacy family relationships in admitting new students, create a grant program for students seeking a license in social work, and to freeze tuition increases so schools cannot charge higher than the level of its tuition and fees for the academic year 2022-2023. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)
INCARCERATED WOMEN: Half an hour before the State Administration Committee hears testimony on a prison construction moratorium bill, legislative caucuses and advocacy groups host a screening of a new documentary highlighting stories of incarcerated women and women in recovery in western Massachusetts. Screening is followed by a speaking program, including formerly incarcerated women, hosted by the Criminal Justice Caucus and the Justice-Involved Women's Task Force of the Caucus of Women Legislators. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets remotely. The agenda calls for discussion of Interim Executive Director Mark William Bracken's performance, FY 2024 goals and objectives, a regular report from Bracken, and votes on contracts for graphic design, collective bargaining, vehicle maintenance, IT modernization and fuel expenses. Email jgoggin@masslottery.com or call (857) 208-8030 for virtual access. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda)
STATE ADMINISTRATION HEARING: The Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to public construction. Testimony is expected on a Sen. Comerford bill (S 1979) to establish a jail and prison construction moratorium. The bill bans any state or public agency from studying, planning, designing, acquiring, leasing, constructing or searching for sites for new correctional facilities for the next five years. Agencies would also be barred from expanding, converting, renovating or activating an already-built facility, or to expand capacity unless that move would accommodate a transfer of incarcerated people from another facility that is closing. The moratorium was included in a bond bill the Legislature passed last year, but was vetoed by former Gov. Baker. Auditor DiZoglio filed two bills before the committee Tuesday, including legislation to "improve government accountability" (H 3050 / S 2055) and to authorize the auditor to conduct an audit of the MBTA once every two years, or as often as she deems necessary. (H 3132 / S 2032) (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)
NAACP CONVENTION: NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson speaks at a press conference to preview the NAACP's 114th National Convention in Boston from July 26 to Aug. 1. Also joining the presser are House Speaker Mariano, Mayor Wu and NAACP Boston President Tanisha Sullivan, among others. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Location details will be shared upon filling out RSVP form | More Info)
JP AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Executives from the Pine Street Inn, The Community Builders, RODE Architects and Cranshaw Construction come together for a "topping off" ceremony to celebrate a milestone in the construction of 2268 Washington St., which will be Boston's largest permanent supportive housing development once complete. Rep. Montaño is scheduled to attend. The mixed-use development will include 202 new apartments; 140 will offer support services for people moving out of homelessness and 62 will be income-restricted for families. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 2268 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, Boston)
CANNABIS POLICY COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy holds a public hearing on bills related to access and equity. Testimony is expected on a Sen. Fattman and Rep. Soter bill (S 50 / H 119) to expand access to medical marijuana for veterans. Veterans who use the federally-run Veterans Affairs for medical coverage cannot receive medical marijuana cards through the states' Cannabis Control Commission, as cannabis is illegal on the federal level. The bill would allow veterans who use the VA to take their medical records straight to the CCC to receive a medical card at no charge. Other bills to be heard include legislation to look into creating programs to connect those in prison, on parole or after release to training programs to work in the cannabis industry, and to create a database for consumers to see if dispensaries are unionized, social equity program participants, or under investigation. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE HEARING: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to civil actions. There are 51 bills before the committee. One bill would expand the Good Samaritan Law so private individuals can transport people in emergency situations in their personal vehicles. Several bills have to do with expanding legal options for those harmed by lead poisoning. Legislation filed by Reps. Roy and Worrell and Sen. Jehlen (H 1752/ H 1820 / S 1011) seeks to compensate victims of wrongful convictions. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)
BEVERLY BRIDGE MEETING: MassDOT hosts a public meeting to discuss the proposed replacement of the Bridge Street bridge in Beverly. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Beverly High School Auditorium, 100 Sohier Road, Beverly | More Info)
BLUE HILL AVE. PLAN: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss an "action plan" to improve Blue Hill Avenue in Boston. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
GLOUCESTER BLYNMAN DRAWBRIDGE: The Blynman Drawbridge closes to some marine traffic as repairs are made during overnight hours; roadway traffic remains open. MassDOT officials said the channel will be open only to "marine vessels that can safely pass under the bridge while the bridge is in the closed position. Harbormaster patrol boats will be guiding marine traffic through the area. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., Gloucester)
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
HEALEY AT HIGHER ED ROUNDTABLE: Gov. Healey attends a clean tech, energy and sustainability roundtable hosted in Ireland by UMass Lowell. Also attending are Energy Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, Economic Development Secretary Hao, Undersecretary for Economic Strategies Sarah Stanton, MassTech Collaborative Executive Director Carolyn Kirk, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership President and CEO Jay Ash, UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco, Boston University Vice President and Associate Provost for Research Gloria Waters and Northeastern Provost David Madigan. The presidents of Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Technological University Dublin, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Queens University, University of Limerick, University College Cork and University of Galway are slated to attend as well. (Wednesday, 5 a.m. EST, Banking Hall, Westin Dublin College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, Ireland)
HEALEY TALKS JFK IN IRELAND: Gov. Healey participates in a "Homecoming: JFK In Ireland" panel and reception alongside Irish officials and JFK Library Foundation representatives. Healey's trip coincides with the 60-year anniversary of President Kennedy's trip to the country, which the governor's office said "launched a new era of economic and cultural partnership between the United States and Ireland, particularly around trade and investment." (Wednesday, 9 a.m. EST, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the chq Building , Custom House Quay, Dublin 1 | More Info)
EARLY CHILDHOOD AGENDA: Strategies for Children hosts its quarterly "early childhood agenda" convening. The event will include a full debrief, discussion among leading advocates, and a next-steps discussion of the agenda's implementation phase. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Access)
HOUSE TUE COMMITTEE: Rep. Roy chairs a hybrid hearing of representatives who serve on the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, several hours before the panel's senators convene their own separate hearing amid a schism over internal rules and schedules. Both hearings focus on the same set of bills dealing with anaerobic digestion, biomass and recycling, and those interested in testifying will need to do so twice for all of the committee's lawmakers to hear their commentary. Bills on the agenda deal with issues like miniature alcohol bottles known as nips (H 3684, S 2156), bottle recycling (H 3676 / S 2104), and woody biomass (H 3210, H 3211, S 2136, S 2137). (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. Councilors could potentially vote on a new five-year term for Parole Board member Charlene Bonner, who received effusive praise from the council at her June 21 interview. The seven pardons that Gov. Healey recommended to the council could also surface for a vote this week. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE TUE COMMITTEE: Sen. Barrett chairs a hearing of senators on the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, several hours after the panel's representatives held their own separate hearing amid a schism over internal rules and schedules. Both hearings focus on the same set of bills dealing with anaerobic digestion, biomass and recycling, and those interested in testifying will need to do so twice for all of the committee's lawmakers to hear their commentary. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
ARBORWAY FACILITY OPEN HOUSE: MBTA staff host an in-person open house to discuss a planned Arborway bus maintenance facility that is key to the agency's efforts to transition to a fully electrified bus fleet. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Forest Hills Station, Jamaica Plain | More Info)
ELECTRIC VEHICLE STATE RANKINGS: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) hosts a webinar to discuss the second iteration of a scorecard ranking states, including Massachusetts, on their efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles via incentives, charging infrastructure and equity considerations. California and New York state officials plan to participate in the discussion, according to an advisory. The report will be released earlier in the day. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Zoom)
GREEN LINE B BRANCH "OPEN HOUSE": MBTA officials hold an "open house" on the planned 12-day shutdown of Green Line B branch from Kenmore to Boston College stations between July 17 and July 28. Shuttle buses will replace train service as crews do "critical upgrades" on the tracks and other infrastructure. The public is invited to voice their "thoughts, comments and concerns" at the event. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Sleeper Auditorium, Boston University, 871 Commonwealth Ave.)
TOBIN BRIDGE REPAIRS MEETING: MassDOT hosts a public meeting to discuss a proposed Tobin Bridge cleaning, painting, and repair project. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Williams Junior High School Cafeteria, 180 Walnut St., Chelsea | More Info)
GLOUCESTER BLYNMAN DRAWBRIDGE: The Blynman Drawbridge closes to some marine traffic as repairs are made during overnight hours; roadway traffic remains open. (Wednesday, 8 p.m., Gloucester)
Thursday, June 29, 2023
"MEET THE MEDIA" | MASSterList hosts a discussion with journalists who write about the Massachusetts political and policy landscape, their outlook for the year ahead, and how they approach their work. Anticipated topics include competitive pressures, transparency in state and local government, and developing relationships with government sources and communications professionals. The roundtable is scheduled to include Boston Globe reporter Matt Stout, Commonwealth Magazine reporter Jennifer Smith, Axios Boston reporter Steph Solis, State House News Service reporter Colin Young, Java With Jimmy host James "Jimmy" Hills, and Azita Ghahramani, senior editor for politics at GBH News. The discussion will be moderated by Adam Reilly, reporter and host of Talking Politics, GBH News. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. networking, 9:15 a.m. panel, MCLE New England, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Register)
STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: Mass. State Retirement Board meets remotely with Treasurer Goldberg chairing. Email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us for access. (Thursday, 10 a.m., | Agenda)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Public Service Committee holds a hybrid hearing to consider 56 bills related to cost of living adjustments and creditable service. Many of the bills deal with creditable service for a range of public-sector positions, including MBTA police officers (H 2490), school nurses (H 2577), elected officials (S 1616) and school business administrators (S 1745). Others seek to raise retirement benefits for former public employees. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
HOUSE, SENATE MEET: House and Senate end the week with informal sessions. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House and Senate Chambers)
MBTA RIDERS' ACCESS GROUP: Riders' Transportation Access Group, a customer organization that advises the MBTA on issues affecting older adults and people with disabilities, holds an online meeting through the T's website. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m. | More Info)
Friday, June 30, 2023
HEALEY RETURNS TO MASS.: Gov. Healey plans to return to Massachusetts after spending the week in Ireland addressing the nation's Senate and participating in a range of business and commerce events. (Friday)
Saturday, July 1, 2023
SPILKA RETURNS TO MASS.: Senate President Spilka plans to return from a week-long trip to Israel with a National Conference of State Legislatures delegation. (Saturday, July 1)
