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Gov. Maura Healey traveled to North Carolina last month without disclosing her trip and, in confirming the travel, her office said Thursday that it will no longer tell the public in advance when Healey is traveling out of state because of unspecified "security concerns." Where's Maura will soon be the perennial question on Beacon Hill.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Nov. 13
Franklin Housing Authority Meeting
4:30pm
Tues. Nov 14
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
7:00pm
Franklin School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Weds. Nov. 15
7:00pm
Franklin Cultural Council Meeting
7:30pm
Thurs. Nov. 16
8:30am
Blood Pressure and Sugar Testing
8:30am to 12:00pm
8:30am
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
.Committee chairs have scheduled 15 public hearings for Monday and Tuesday, assuring the Democrats who run the Legislature that many lawmakers will be around the chambers in the days and hours leading up to the final formal sessions of 2023 on Wednesday. House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have largely called the shots on which bills to surface for floor votes this year, and committees have not pushed many high-impact bills to the calendars in either branch. A long-term care bill may emerge in the House next week, according to Mariano, and the Senate plans to pass prescription drug pricing and access legislation during a formal session on Wednesday. Meantime, topics like rent control, electric shock treatments, and single-payer health care will be aired before committees before lawmakers embark on a seven-week recess. The approaching Thanksgiving holiday marks a pause for gratitude but this year comes as the state grapples with a humanitarian crisis that is testing its values. Massachusetts on Thursday hit Gov. Maura Healey's 7,500-family cap on families able to access emergency shelter, and it's unclear how the state will cope with the continuing influx of migrants to Massachusetts. The House wants overflow sites set up, but their plan for such facilities just emerged this week and was included in a $2.8 billion supplemental budget that the Senate is expected to rework and pass in "short order." Just before the cap was hit, Healey announced a $5 million grant program for short-stay shelters but there is growing uncertainty over shelter options and the state's compliance with its own right-to-shelter law since provider networks are overwhelmed by new arrivals and state officials calling out for federal help but seemingly not hearing much in response.
Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023
HURST ON 4: Jon Hurst from the Retailers Association of Massachusetts talks with Jon Keller about the state economy, outlook for the holiday shopping season, and impact of taxes and inflation. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
NEW BOSTON COUNCILORS ON 10: On "@Issue," Boston City Councilors-elect Ben Weber and Henry Santana talk about their election and hopes for the next council. Also on the program: Veterans' Services Secretary Santiago. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WBTS-TV Ch. 10)
DRISCOLL IN SALEM: Lt. Gov. Driscoll attends Plummer Youth Promise groundbreaking. (Sunday, 12 p.m., Plummer Youth Promise, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem)
"STROLLER MARCH" FOR HOSTAGES: Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Community Relations Council, and Hostages and Missing Families Forum walk the Freedom Trail to call attention to the plight of 240 hostages being held by Hamas. Organizers say the march "will be led by people pushing empty strollers with posters of the kidnapped infants and toddlers, as well as wheelchairs with posters of the kidnapped elderly." (Sunday, 1:30 p.m., Starting at Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common)
NO "OTR": WCVB-TV's "On The Record" public affairs show is preempted this week by coverage of the Patriots-Colts game in Frankfurt, Germany. (Sunday)
Monday, Nov. 13, 2023
MARINE BREAKFAST: The USS Constitution hosts a breakfast to celebrate retired Marine Colonel Todd Desgrosseilliers' birthday. The event is also a tribute to LT William S. Bush, honoring his memory as the first U.S. Marine Corps officer to die in combat while serving aboard USS Constitution in the War of 1812. A native of Auburn, Maine, Colonel Desgrosseilliers was commissioned to the U.S. Marines aboard the Constitution and served in Iraq. The event is open to the public. (Monday, 8 a.m., USS Constitution Museum | More Info)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service accepts only written testimony on three bills filed by Rep. Vargas of Haverhill related to specific people taking the civil service exam and two filed by House Minority Leader Brad Jones of North Reading dealing with specific municipal employees and their employment or pension status. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. (Monday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Submission Info)
MOULTON TALKS TO BUSINESS LEADERS: Congressman Moulton addresses business leaders at the latest "Capitol Hill Report" event hosted by the New England Council. Press should email eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com to RSVP. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston)
ENERGY SUPPLY BRIEFING: Former Department of Public Utilities chairman Paul Hibbard is among those who will lead a briefing on the competitive energy supply market during an event hosted by the Retail Energy Advancement League. The competitive electric supply sector came under fire from Maura Healey during her time as attorney general, but supporters say it offers consumers a chance to save money. (Monday, 10 a.m., House Members Lounge)
HOUSE, SENATE SESSIONS: House and Senate kick off the final few days of major lawmaking business for the year with lightly attended informal sessions. Both branches cannot meet in formal sessions where roll call votes can be taken after Wednesday, Nov. 15 this year under legislative rules. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate chambers | House Livestream | Senate Livestream)
APPRENTICESHIP WEEK KICKOFF: Apprenticeship Week kickoff event. Participants include Gov. Healey, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. (Monday, 11 a.m., 750 Dorchester Ave., Boston)
GAMING ED SEARCH: Gaming Commission's Executive Director Screening Committee meets as the agency looks for someone to replace Karen Wells. General Counsel Todd Grossman has been serving as acting executive director since Wells departed. The agenda says the committee could go into executive session "in conjunction with the initial screening process to consider specific applicants." (Monday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
DISASTER RESPONSE WEBINAR: A webinar on "best practices" for municipalities to use during emergency or disaster responses is held by the Massachusetts Municipal Association and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Speakers include MEMA Director Dawn Brantley, Deputy Director Patrick Carnevale, and Simon van Leeuwen, assistant director for recovery and mitigation. Discussion topics include the Federal Emergency Management Agency's recovery programs and processes, including damage assessments. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Register)
BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S EXPANSION: The last piece of steel will be placed at a ceremony celebrating a new inpatient addition at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, as part of its campus expansion project. The expansion includes a five-story inpatient addition located to the left of the main entrance to the hospital with 78 new inpatient beds, as well as clinical support and ambulatory space. (Monday, 12 p.m., 1153 Centre St., Boston)
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT HEARING: Disability Employment Subcommittee of the permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Joan McGrath and Kathy Vitello from Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode Island will give a presentation on government benefits and special needs trusts. The subcommittee will also review a recent Boston Globe editorial and an Association for Autism and Neurodiversity blog post. (Monday, 12 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds hybrid public hearing on about 30 bills dealing with "school climate" and safety, among other topics. Proposals aim to ban the use of Native American mascots at public schools; install school resource officers to foster a "safe and healthy" environment for students; and require schools to distribute information annually about secure firearm storage with the goal of protecting minors and providing suicide prevention and other behavioral health resources. Also before the committee are bills meant to expand childcare benefits from employers; launch a school meals pilot program for schools to partner with local farms, fishers and producers; and create an anonymous reporting program for people to share information about "about unsafe, harmful, dangerous, life-threatening, violent or unlawful activity that occurs or is threatened on school property or that relates to an enrolled student or school personnel." (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
CHILDREN, FAMILIES & PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities meets to accept testimony on four bills: establishing the deaf children's bill of rights, requiring licensure for use of graduated electronic decelerators (two versions), and regarding the use of aversive therapy. Rick Glassman of the Disability Law Center plans to testify in favor of H 180, which aims to prohibit the use of electric shock and painful modes of punishment on persons with disabilities. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
VETERANS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs holds a hearing on about two dozen bills related to veterans' tax and annuity adjustments. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
ICE CREAM HEARING: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds hybrid public hearing on a single bill (H 3107). Rep. John Rogers and Sen. Rush have proposed designating cookies and cream as the commonwealth's official ice cream flavor. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALEY HOSTS PCA CONTRACT CELEBRATION: Personal care attendants hold a "contract celebration" in the governor's ceremonial office. Gov. Healey plans to attend. For coverage purposes, the governor's office says this event is only "open to photography." (Monday, 2 p.m., Governor's Office)
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Legislative and Budget Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets virtually. Agenda includes an election of a co-chair and discussion of fiscal 2024 goals. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CHILD CARE DISCUSSION: The Community Advocates for Young Learners Institute, as part of their work for the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition - Child Care Sectoral Partnership, hosts a discussion on child care challenges in Massachusetts. Speakers include Commissioner Amy Kershaw; Kristin McSwain, senior advisor and director of the Mayor's Office of Early Childhood; Trinh Nguyen, Office of Workforce Development; José Rivas, Director of Early Childhood Education at Urban College; and others. Press should RSVP to espisich@cayl.org (Monday, 2:30 p.m., Roxbury Community College, Boston).
CANNABIS SOCIAL EQUITY: Cannabis Social Equity Advisory Board meets virtually. (Monday, 4 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL DEADLINE: Amendments to a Senate prescription drug bill (S 2499) are due by 5 p.m. The Senate plans to consider the bill during a session on Wednesday. (Monday, 5 p.m.)
WORK AUTHORIZATION CLINIC: The Healey administration and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security run a work authorization clinic to help migrants who are living in the state's emergency assistance shelter system, which on Thursday hit capacity under a cap set by Gov. Healey at 7,500 families. The clinic comes months after Gov. Healey began repeatedly pressing the Biden administration to expedite the monthslong process to help new arrivals enter the workforce, and to be able to support themselves and their families financially. Healey administration spokespeople have not specified where and when the clinic will take place, other than that it's sometime next week in Middlesex County. Officials are providing transportation for the migrants to access the clinic, which Healey said last month will be critical to support families' ability to exit the shelter system. Emergency Assistance Director Rice said MassHire efforts so far have connected migrants to employers such as Dunkin Donuts, Market Basket and Walmart. (Week of Nov. 13)
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023
LUNG CANCER REPORT: American Lung Association in Massachusetts releases key lung cancer data in its 6th annual "State of Lung Cancer" report. The report will highlight the toll of lung cancer and examine key indicators in Massachusetts including new cases, survival, early diagnosis, surgical treatment, lack of treatment and screening rates. (Tuesday, 12:01 a.m., Report Access)
LOVELY AND KANE COMMENTARY: Sen. Lovely and Rep. Kane are featured at the return of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators' "Commonwealth Commentary" series, hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Lovely and Kane are the caucus co-chairs. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 101 Huntington Ave., Boston)
MEDICARE FOR ALL RALLY: Mass-Care holds a rally ahead of a Health Care Financing Committee hearing in support of a Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Eldridge bill (H 1239 / S 744) that would establish a single-payer health care system, requiring Massachusetts "to provide equitable access to quality, affordable health care services for all its residents as a right" and ban private coverage of services that are covered by the new single-payer system. "The Act will provide continuous access to health care services, without the current need for repeated re-enrollments or changes when employers choose new plans and residents change jobs. Coverage shall be comprehensive and publicly financed, free of out-of-pocket cost at point-of-care, with no co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or any other form of patient cost sharing," says a release from Mass-Care. After the rally, participants plan to testify at the hearing. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Outside the State House)
BOSTON HOUSING REPORT CARD: Boston Foundation releases its annual report on Greater Boston housing and rental markets. The report release forum will feature a panel discussion on the data with Jesse Kanson-Benanav, executive director of Abundant Housing MA, Mike Keyba, co-executive director of City Life/Vida Urbana, Lydia Lowe, director of Chinatown Community Land Trust, moderated by Soni Gupta, associate vice president of programs at The Boston Foundation. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Edgerley Center for Civic Media, 75 Arlington St., 3rd Floor, Boston | Register & Livestream)
APPRENTICESHIP CELEBRATION: Massachusetts Apprentice Network holds a celebration for National Apprenticeship Week. Attendees will learn from apprentices and network members about how the training model can help build "diverse, sustainable, and scalable" talent pipelines, according to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Liberty Mutual, 175 Berkeley St., Boston | More Info and Registration)
BIRTHING HEALTH EQUITY: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association virtually convenes its inaugural Birthing Health Equity Conference, which will bring together policymakers, health care industry leaders and maternal health experts to discuss improving perinatal, pregnancy and postpartum care in Massachusetts. Speakers include Sen. Rausch, Rep. Fluker Oakley, and a trio of Department of Public Health officials. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
GATEWAY CITIES INNOVATION: MassINC hosts its 11th annual Gateway Cities Innovation Institute Awards & Summit, featuring a keynote from Luis Aguirre-Torres, the director of financial planning and analysis and financing solutions for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Fitchburg State University Recreation Center, 130 North St., Fitchburg | Register)
PRIM INVESTMENT: Pension Reserves Investment Management Investment Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP PANEL: The Women's Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds a panel discussion focused on "leadership across the generations." Topics include how to lead and manage multigenerational teams, as well as how to bridge the gap to boost communication and collaboration. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Suite 1701 | More Info and Registration)
HEALTH CARE FINANCING: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds hybrid public hearing on four proposals looking to expand access to health insurance. Proposals from Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Eldridge (H 1239 / S 744) would establish a single-payer health care system, requiring Massachusetts "to provide equitable access to quality, affordable health care services for all its residents as a right, responsive to the needs of the Commonwealth and its residents, without co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or any other form of patient cost sharing," according to the legislation. The bills would ban private coverage of services that are covered by the new single-payer system, according to the nonprofit advocacy organization. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
RENT CONTROL RALLY: Ahead of the Housing Committee's hearing on related legislation, members of the Homes for All Massachusetts group of grassroots housing justice groups meet outside the State House to call for passage of legislation that would empower cities and towns to enact local rent stabilization and just-cause eviction protections. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., State House front steps)
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds hybrid public hearing on about two dozen bills dealing with mandated health insurance benefits. Proposals would expand access to cancer screenings for firefighters, to prosthetic and orthotic devices for people with limb loss and limb difference, to licensed rehabilitation counselors, and to improved sickle cell care. Also on the agenda are bills to tackle barriers for people trying to access HIV prevention medication and for "opioid antagonists" like naloxone. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
LABOR COMMITTEE HEARING: The Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a hybrid public hearing on over two dozen bills. One proposal would create a penalty for employers who knowingly falsify employment or citizenship documents for their workers, filed by Sen. Fattman. A Rep. Montaño bill would establish a pilot universal basic income program. Under the proposal, the state would implement a three-year pilot to "demonstrate the economic impacts of a universal basic income at the individual, family, community and state level" through selecting three communities and eligible participants within those communities. The pilot would be a test of the timing and process of monthly payments to participants and study the economic and public health impacts of universal basic income. A bill from Rep. Uyterhoeven would implement a four-day work week, and Rep. Cutler proposed piloting a four-day work week program. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-2 | More Information)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to tax credits and deductions, as well as other miscellaneous tax legislation. Tax changes that the committee will consider include proposals to provide exemptions for small charities on raffle proceeds, for home office expenses, for animal medication prescribed by veterinarians, and for pension income for certain senior citizens. Proposed credits include those for families caring for relatives at home who are elderly or suffering from Alzheimer's, credits for users of public waterway transportation, and an expanded earned income tax credit. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room B-1 | More Info)
DISASTER RELIEF PRESSER: Rep. Blais of Deerfield and Sen. Comerford of Northampton host a virtual press conference to discuss legislation (HD 4669 / SD 2839) they filed to create a state-run disaster relief fund to support communities impacted by natural disasters. The lawmakers said Massachusetts is one of only two states that lacks a permanent disaster relief fund, meaning aid can only be provided "when the legislature and governor pass a supplemental appropriation that addresses the particular need," leading to delays. Their proposal would capitalize the new fund with $250 million in excess capital gains revenue that would otherwise be deposited in the state's "rainy day" savings account. Massachusetts has been hit by several extreme weather events in recent months, damaging property, crops and more. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Zoom)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COMMITTEE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda include approval of a proposed enabling statute for a state-level restorative justice office, as well as an update on the committee's 2023 annual report and the plan for the fiscal 2025 budget request. The committee operates out of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds a hybrid public hearing that feature's Boston Mayor Wu's rent control proposal and other bills related to landlords and tenants. A Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Connolly bill would provide municipalities with local options for "rent stabilization," just cause eviction protections, condominium conversion ordinances, regulation of tenant deposits and fees, including brokers fees, and municipal anti-displacement zones. The Boston City Council more than eight months ago approved Mayor Michelle Wu's plan to carve an opening in the statewide ban on rent regulation that voters approved early three decades ago. The heated debate has drawn an opposition campaign from real estate groups. "We strongly encourage property owners, brokers, other members of the business community, and all who care about property rights and the health of our neighborhoods to testify against these measures," the Small Property Owners Association wrote in an email blast Friday morning, adding that an "email with talking points will be sent before the hearing." Wu's plan would limit the amount landlords would increase rent each year to 6 percent plus the change in the Consumer Price Index, with a combined maximum total of 10 percent. In lower-inflation years where the CPI grows 2 percent, the rent cap would be 8 percent; in higher-inflation years, rents could not grow more than 10 percent. Other bills to be heard have to do with improving access to air conditioning and regulating the use of credit reporting when screening prospective tenants. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Info)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION: Local Government Advisory Commission holds a hybrid meeting. Agenda calls for a discussion between Healey administration and local officials of the state budget and its fiscal and economic condition, an overview of Gov. Healey's $4.15 billion housing bond bill, and the administration's proposal to provide technical assistance matching funds to aid local governments in accessing federal grant funding. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Remote Access)
MUNICIPALITIES COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to zoning and planning, and home rules. A Rep. Connolly bill aims to promote "inclusionary zoning," meaning any multi-unit residential projects of a certain size, determined by the town or city, would be required to have a minimum ratio of affordable units. Other proposals would prevent municipalities from "unreasonably" regulating the installation of solar panels and reduce the use of impervious surfaces in the construction of local roadways. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | More Info)
"MASSHEALTH: THE BASICS": Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation hosts a webinar to discuss "the facts and data about MassHealth eligibility, costs, and recent reforms" highlighted in an October report the organization published. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Zoom)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to probate and family. One proposal seeks to protect victims of rape and children conceived during that offense. It would allow a married woman to file a petition with the court to terminate her husband's parental rights if their child was conceived as a result of rape. Another bill, filed by Rep. Frost, would allow for the adoption of embryos. Other bills have to do with child custody, visitation rights, and caregiver rights. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info)
SEAL AND MOTTO COMMISSION: The commission tasked with recommending changes to the state seal and motto meets virtually with plans to review and approve a final report and accompanying legislative proposal. The meeting falls one day before the commission's latest deadline to submit a report, which has already been delayed several times since its inception. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Livestream)
GUARDIANSHIP BRIEFING: Massachusetts Guardianship Policy Institute, Sen. Lovely, Rep. Kerans and advocates host a legislative briefing on "the need for professional guardians for the incapacitated and 'un-befriended.'" The event will share an overview of the gap in care that guardians can fill for vulnerable populations and showcase the role of guardians, how to incentivize growth in the profession, and the oversight and accountability safeguards in place to guard against a predatory situation. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room 428)
PRESSLEY FIRESIDE CHAT: U.S. Rep. Pressley participates in a fireside chat about natural hairstyles and the so-called Crown Act that fights discrimination based on hairstyle. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Register)
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023
KEATING TALK IN D.C.: New England Council hosts a breakfast in Washington, D.C. with Congressman Keating, who serves as ranking member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, Energy and the Environment on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., K&L Gates LLP, 1601 K St., N.W., Ninth Floor, Washington, D.C.)
MOAKLEY BREAKFAST: Moakley School for Public Management at Suffolk University hosts the latest event in the Moakley Breakfast Series, this one focused on the climate crisis and Massachusetts' response. Senate Dean Marc Pacheco is the featured speaker. Former Senate Majority Leader Linda Melconian is the moderator. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Sargent Hall, Keches Function Room, 120 Tremont St., Boston)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health holds a hearing on bills related to vital records, children's health and miscellaneous public health matters. Bills on the docket deal with things like enabling trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment, updating postural screenings in schools, protecting children from harmful diet pills and muscle-building supplements, establishing a special commission to study the youth sports industry and other related matters, and requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
"THREATS TO THE HOMELAND" | U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security holds a hearing entitled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland." The witnesses are Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Christine Abizaid. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
DISABILITY DISCLOSURES: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds a workshop about whether people should disclose their disabilities at different parts of the employment process. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Registration)
PRIM REAL ESTATE: Pension Reserves Investment Management Real Estate and Timberland Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
MBTA ADVISORY BOARD FORUM: MBTA Advisory Board, an independent organization representing cities and towns that help fund the T, hosts a virtual forum with Acting Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. Advisory Board Executive Director Brian Kane moderates following opening remarks from Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, who chairs the group and also serves on the MBTA Board of Directors. RSVP to info@mbtaadvisoryboard.org. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Zoom)
HOUSE FORMAL: House meets in a formal session on the final day to do so in 2023 under legislative rules. Speaker Mariano's office did not outline specific plans for the session, though Mariano has said he wants to seek a vote on legislation reforming the long-term care industry that is pending before the House Ways and Means Committee (H 3929) after it was sent there Oct. 30 by the Health Care Financing Committee. Roll calls are set to begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE FORMAL: The Senate holds a formal session to consider prescription drug legislation (S 2499). (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
EMPLOYMENT ACCOMMODATIONS: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds a workshop about how people can request reasonable accommodations in employment. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Registration)
LIFE EXPECTANCY DISPARITIES: Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, undersecretary for health at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, is among the participants at an Atrius Health Equity Foundation event focused on "innovative solutions to address life expectancy disparities in the Boston area." Organizers said the life expectancy for someone living in Boston's Back Bay is 92 years, but less than 69 years for someone living a mere two miles away in Roxbury. Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisolsa Ojikutu leads the panel. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, 100 West 2nd St., Boston)
HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about health insurance plans for small businesses with 1 to 50 full-time employees. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
CUTLER AUTHOR TALK: Rep. Cutler gives an author talk about his book, "The Boston Gentleman's Mob: Maria Chapman and the Abolition Riot of 1835." The book chronicles the history of Oct. 21, 1835, when a riot happened in Boston as tensions escalated between businessmen and abolitionists; an angry mob interrupted a women's abolitionist meeting and then targeted the publisher of The Liberator, an abolitionist newspaper, according to the State Library of Massachusetts' blog. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, State House Room 341 | Livestream)
WATER RESOURCES BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority's board meets. The agenda calls for a financial update, the awarding of a contract for harbor and outfall monitoring for 2024-2027, and an update on lead and copper rule compliance. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, 1st Floor, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Agenda and Virtual Access)
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: Workshop focused on identifying disability and addressing discrimination in the workplace is held by the Massachusetts Office on Disability. Participants will discuss real and hypothetical cases. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Registration)
GOLDBERG, HEALEY MEET: Treasurer Goldberg and Gov. Healey huddle for their monthly private meeting. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Room 227)
APPRECIATION FOR FEMALE VETERANS: Event focused on "giving thanks to our female veterans" is held by the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center and the Massachusetts Women Veterans Network. Army veteran Susan McDonough, of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, is the honorary guest. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Doubletree Inn, 287 Iyannough Road, Barnstable | Register)
WINSKE AWARDS: Disability Policy Consortium hosts a virtual event to honor winners of its John Winske Awards, this year including Sen. Lydia Edwards. Awardees are honored for their "impactful work to build a more accessible, inclusive, and empowering Commonwealth for all," the organization said. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Register)
Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023
RYAN ON THE RADIO: Middlesex DA Ryan talks about her office's work in Greater Lowell during an interview. (Thursday, 8 a.m., WCAP-AM 980)
MENTAL HEALTH COUNCIL: Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT FALL CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association launches its two-day fall conference. Steve Bartha, MMMA president and Danvers town manager, gives remarks. Sessions will focus on "collaboration, civility and communication," as well as legal questions about using a code of conduct for public meetings. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., AC Hotel, 125 Front St., Worcester | More Info and Registration)
RACE AND LABOR DYNAMICS: UMass Dartmouth hosts a conference titled "Waging Liberation: The Dynamics of Race & Labor." The daylong event "will explore the intersectional racial and economic justice struggles through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive workshops with prominent scholars and activists." The keynote will be delivered by Bill Fletcher, Jr., a national expert on workers' rights and racial justice. (Thursday, 9 a.m., UMass Dartmouth Marketplace, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth | Register)
GIRLS IN TRADES: Massachusetts Girls in Trades hosts an event to connect young women in high school with well-paying careers in construction. Lauren Jones, the secretary of labor and workforce development, will participate along with other industry leaders, contractors, and journeywomen from the building trades unions. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Dean Tech Regional Vocational School, Holyoke)
FOOD SECURITY HEARING: Special Commission on Agriculture hosts its fifth public hearing, where the focus will be on food security. Congressman McGovern delivers keynote remarks. Other speakers will include Greater Boston Food Bank Public Policy Manager Kate Adams, Food Bank of Western Mass. Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and the MA Food System Collaborative's J Harrison and Becca Miller. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
PRIM ADMINISTRATION: Pension Reserves Investment Management Administration and Audit Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
ELDER FINANCIAL SAFETY: Massachusetts Bankers Association holds a discussion of elder financial safety, featuring Middlesex DA Ryan as a panelist. (Thursday, 10:15 a.m., Courtyard Marriott, 75 Felton St., Marlborough)
HOUSE SESSION: House meets in an informal session a day after wrapping up formal sessions for 2023. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
PRIM COMPENSATION: Pension Reserves Investment Management Compensation Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., More Info)
HOME CARE AIDE COUNCIL: Home Care Aide Council holds event to honor those who help frail elders and disabled individuals remain in their homes. Awards will be presented to Sen. Jehlen and Reps. Stanley and Gentile. (Thursday, noon, Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy)
MBTA BOARD: MBTA Board of Directors meets. (Thursday, 12 p.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PETERS LECTURE: Pioneer Institute hosts its 26th annual Dinner & Peters Lecture, featuring a lecture from economic theorist and professor Glenn Loury. Organizers said Loury will discuss "the great crisis in America’s civic culture, the fragmented state of civil discourse, and what we can do to restore civility and substance in American public life." Tickets are $250 each. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston)
Friday, Nov. 17, 2023
MAHP ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Association of Health Plans hosts its annual conference with a focus on health care cost pressures that challenge efforts to make care more affordable and equitable. Lt. Gov. Driscoll will make remarks, and CBS Boston/WBZ-TV health reporter Mallika Marshall will have a conversation with Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. Dr. Marty Makary, chief of islet transplant surgery and professor of surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine, will deliver the keynote. He is the author of "The Price We Pay" which explores the American health care system and spending. Other speakers include Deborah Devaux, chair of the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission; Paul Hattis, senior fellow at the Lown Institute; Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts; John McDonough, professor of public health practice in the Department of Health Policy & Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and others. (Friday, 7:30 a.m., Seaport Hotel - Plaza Ballroom, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston)
HEALTH LAW BREAKFAST: Health Law Advocates hosts its 28th annual benefit breakfast, featuring a keynote from novelist Min Jin Lee. Tickets start at $250. Coffee hour begins at 7 a.m. (Friday, 8 a.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston)
MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT FALL CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association holds the second day of its fall conference. Adam Chapdelaine, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, provides an update. Sessions deal with personal finance and manager contracts. (Friday, 8 a.m., AC Hotel, 125 Front St., Worcester | More Info and Registration)
FIREFIGHTER GRADUATION: State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director Jeffrey Winn present certificates of completion to 25 graduating recruits. The recruits represent the fire departments of Attleboro, Charlton, Chicopee, Douglas, East Longmeadow, Falmouth, Longmeadow, Lowell, Northampton, Uxbridge, Ware, West Springfield, Westfield and Westminster. (Friday, 11 a.m., DFS Campus, 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)
WALTHAM CLIMATE PROJECT: Public officials gather to announce a $100,000 investment in climate resilience. Attendees include Rep. Stanley, Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, Waltham City Councilor Caren Dunn, and officials from the Charles River Watershed Association and the Waltham Land Trust. Organizers say the project was identified using the Charles River Flood Model, and "will result in designs for green infrastructure, wetland restoration, and outlet improvements at Hardy Pond to mitigate flooding, restore the ecosystem, and beautify the area." (Friday, 2 p.m., Hardy Pond Boat Launch, 6 Princeton Ave., Waltham)
"STATE OF HOUSING DESIGN": Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies hosts an event to release its inaugural "State of Housing Design" book, which will explore how architects are responding to climate and affordability concerns, increasing regulations and construction costs, and "the demand for new housing that better reflects today's demographic realities." (Friday, 2 p.m., Piper Auditorium, Gund Hall, Harvard Graduate School of Design, 48 Quincy St., Cambridge | Register)
