People, Power, and Politics

As she unveiled a portrait of early women's rights advocate Abigail Adams on Friday, Senate President Karen Spilka announced an open call to the people of Massachusetts to nominate the next woman who will be permanently memorialized in the Senate.  Spilka and Catherine Allgor, president of the Massachusetts Historical Society, unveiled Adams' portrait at a ceremony in the Senate Reading Room joined by senators, staff, and two descendants of Abigail Adams. The Historical Society donated the picture, a reproduction of an original 1766 pastel by artist Benjamin Blyth of Salem, according to Spilka's office.

TOWN OF FRANKLIN

Mon. Mar 4

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting

5:00pm

Master Plan-Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

7:00pm

Tues. Mar. 5

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

6:00pm

Wed. Mar 6

Veteran's Coffee Social with Rep Roy, Sen Rausch, Commissioner Santiago

10:00am

Finance Committee Meeting

12:21pm

Master Plan Committee

6:30pm

Friends of Franklin Library Meeting

7:00pm

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

7:00pm

Thurs. Mar 7.

Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee

5:00pm

Conservation Commission Meeting

7:00pm

Cultural District Committee Meeting

7:00pm

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

The outcome of Tuesday's presidential primaries in Massachusetts may have less of a long-term impact on the political landscape than the results of low-wattage Republican State Committee races that may determine whether the party stays on its new trajectory or bends back to the more conservative ideologies that prevailed under former party chief Jim Lyons. In the face of extensive and potentially debilitating legal troubles, President Trump is striding toward the Republican presidential nomination and Republican Geoff Diehl, who has lost a string of recent elections, is trying to steer the party away from its return to its former status as a more moderate alternative to Bay State Democrats. At the ballot box, Republicans in Massachusetts fared terribly under Lyons and Democrats are standing by amidst the latest GOP infighting, wondering which wing of the party will prevail and how that will affect their own electoral aspirations. With a Biden-Trump rematch appearing inevitable, the state committee races are ones to watch for more local effects, as well as Nikki Haley's performance in her matchup against Trump, which will shed some light on the Republican brand that's currently in favor among Massachusetts voters. Jennifer Nassour, a former MassGOP party chair who is leading Haley's campaign in Massachusetts, said she is "feeling good" headed into Super Tuesday and argued that the former South Carolina governor might prove an appealing choice in the Bay State. "Massachusetts is a whole different beast than any other state," Nassour told the News Service this week. "The history of the country started here where the shot was heard across the world, with the Boston Tea Party. Sixty-two percent of our electorate are unenrolled voters, and the issues that are important here are issues that are important to all Americans."

State tax collections continued their downward spiral over the first half of February, falling 3.7 percent compared to the comparable period last year, and full-month results are due for release next week. The revenue strain winds through virtually every major topic Beacon Hill will weigh in the next five months of major business, especially spending plans, which will again be in the spotlight at the next hearing Friday on Gov. Healey's $58.1 billion fiscal 2025 budget. Since it's the second year of the two-year session, lawmakers this spring also need to decide if they're going to take up any of the initiative petitions on track to reach the ballot this fall. Sponsors typically target a ballot question in the first place because they are frustrated with legislative inaction, forecasting tricky deliberations and decisions ahead for the Legislature. Top Democrats might give an early glimpse at their appetite for compromise to avert costly, high-profile ballot campaigns on Monday, when a special committee will kick off its work to review each measure by welcoming testimony on a proposal that would decouple MCAS exam scores from high school graduation requirements. Lawmakers will also hear feedback next week about the Mass Save program, which Healey administration officials say needs major reforms to fulfill decarbonization goals. And as House and Senate Democrats roll out plans for Steward-influenced hearings to probe the role of private equity in health care, they remain unable -- just as in past sessions -- to find common ground on most health care-related topics.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

TUTWILER ON 4: Education Secretary Tutwiler talks with Jon Keller about teacher strikes, MCAS, and the Brockton schools crisis. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)

BPD COMMISSIONER ON 5: Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)

FREE TIBET: U.S. Rep. McGovern joins UMass students for a "free Tibet" event in celebration of Tibetan New Year. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Campus Center Auditorium, 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst)

AFFORDABLE HOUSING RALLY: Greater Boston Interfaith Organization organizes a rally of local leaders, advocates, renters and homeowners to call for action by Beacon Hill to improve conditions in public housing, enable real estate transfer fees to fund affordable housing investment, and increase housing assistance for people leaving incarceration. Organizers say they "plan to turn out over 1,700 people for a climactic public appeal to Senate and House leadership." Planned attendees include Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, Boston Medical Center CEO Alistair Bell, Childrens' Services of Roxbury CEO Sandra McCroom and others. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center, 100 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury)

Monday, March 4, 2024

SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments in one case involving a juvenile and then four criminal cases. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)

CANNABIS ADVISORY: Industry Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets to discuss potential topics of discussion for 2024. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing to receive testimony on five civil service and miscellaneous bills. Four of the bills deal with individual employees, and the fifth (H 4436) seeks to update civil service laws to help cities and towns recruit and hire more public safety workers. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

GALVIN PRE-PRIMARY AVAIL: Secretary of State Galvin will discuss to-date and anticipated voter turnout in the Massachusetts presidential primaries (which end March 5), party enrollment rules for voting in primaries, and deadlines for mail-in ballot returns. He will be available for questions related to the presidential primaries. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., State Library, 3rd floor, State House)

HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

MANUFACTURING GRANT AWARDS: Center for Advanced Manufacturing at MassTech announces 17 new grant investments in manufacturing as part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program, which has invested more than $7.75 million in Massachusetts-based small-to-medium sized manufacturers. Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao and MassTech Collaborative Executive Director Carolyn Kirk participate in the announcement at the headquarters of Artaic, a Charlestown manufacturer of mosaics and architectural solutions that uses cutting-edge robotic technologies. The company got a $250,000 MMAP grant in September 2022 to improve the automation and efficiency of its operations. Media asked to RSVP to stern@masstech.org. (Monday, 11 a.m., 465 Medford St., Suite 101, Charlestown)

MCAS QUESTION PRESSER: Educators, parents and union leaders host a press conference ahead of an afternoon legislative committee hearing on a proposed ballot question that would cease the use of MCAS exam scores as a high school graduation requirement. The question is backed by the Mass. Teachers Association, and union president Max Page and vice president Deb McCarthy will speak. Other attendees include National Educators Association President Becky Pringle, 2023 Mass. Teacher of the Year Dani Charbonneau and Rev. Willie Bodrick II. (Monday, 12 p.m. State House steps)

BALLOT QUESTION COMMITTEE - MCAS: A legislative committee created to weigh the half-dozen topics covered by proposed 2024 ballot questions holds its first public hearing. Members will focus on a single question at the hearing: whether to decouple MCAS exam scores from high school graduation requirements (H 4252). The panel will receive invited testimony from proponents -- who include the Mass. Teachers Association -- opponents and experts, and plans about an hour of open public commentary. The petition's supporters are moving to implement their reform on the ballot in part because legislators have been unwilling to adopt it over the years. Hearings will take place in subsequent weeks to cover additional ballot questions. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

ELECTRIC BUSES: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency celebrates $5.8 million in funding to support 15 new electric school buses for Worcester. Attendees include EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash, U.S. Sens. Warren and Markey, U.S. Rep. McGovern, MassDEP Commissioner Heiple, Mayor Petty and Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel Monárrez. (Monday, 2 p.m., Worcester Bus Depot, 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester)

TIBBITS-NUTT, ENG TALK: Real estate development group NAIOP Massachusetts hosts a forum with MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt about the future of the state's transportation system and "supporting regional connectivity." (Monday, 2 p.m., Foley Hoag LLP, 155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston | Register)

MEAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER: Community Servings, a Boston-based nonprofit, opens a new 23,000-square-foot meal packaging and delivery center. The Mansfield facility aims to provide meals to 1,000 clients with critical and chronic illnesses in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Congressman Auchincloss joins in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour. Other attendees include David Waters of Community Servings, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle, Sen. Feeney, and Reps. Barrows, Philips and Scanlon. (Monday, 3 p.m., 170 Forbes Boulevard, Mansfield)

BOURNE ROTARY: MassDOT begins nightly roadwork at the Bourne Rotary including drainage, milling, and paving, resulting in anticipated delays and reduced speeds. Work is scheduled nightly, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., from Monday through Friday morning. Project is scheduled for a fall 2024 completion, per MassDOT. (Monday)

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

GAMING HEARING: Gaming Commission holds a public hearing to accept input on regulations dealing with the process by which the commission receives, reviews, and evaluates requests for approval by a licensed simulcast entity to simulcast at a new location, and a regulation amendment dealing with sports betting license renewals. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Access Info)

GLOBAL WARMING COMMITTEE: Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change holds a virtual public hearing. It will focus on Mass Save, which offers energy efficiency programs and rebates to residents and businesses. Gov. Healey and Climate Chief Hoffer said last fall the program needs major reforms. Hoffer, in an October report, said Mass Save continues to support fossil-fuel heating systems. "The Mass Save program currently is administered by electric and gas utilities," Hoffer wrote. "It has become increasingly clear, particularly in light of the successes of sister-state entities Efficiency Maine and Efficiency Vermont, that, under the current statutory framework, the Mass Save program is failing to take the steps necessary to achieve the transformative levels of building decarbonization required." (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

ASSISTED LIVING ADVOCACY: Massachusetts Assisted Living Association holds an advocacy day event, featuring remarks from Mass-ALA CEO Brian Doherty, Sen. Jehlen and Rep. Stanley. Advocates will urge support for a bill -- sponsored by Jehlen, Stanley and Rep. Pignatelli -- that would allow assisted living residents to keep receiving basic health services such as injections, oxygen management and simple wound care; a COVID-era executive order allowing these services is set to expire on March 31. Advocates also want to see the frail elder waiver, a MassHealth program for people ages 60 and older, apply to assisted living. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee's State Office of Restorative Justice Subcommittee meets virtually. Agenda includes an update on a budget request to launch a state restorative justice office. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MASSHEALTH ENROLLMENT: Amid the MassHealth eligibility redetermination process, the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and Health Care For All hold an event to help Framingham-area residents enroll in MassHealth coverage. Counselors will be available to help people in multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, Khmer, Spanish and Swahili. The health center says it's helped more than 15,000 people during the redetermination process. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 354 Waverly St., Framingham)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets virtually. Agenda includes a commissioner report and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream

"STUDENTS SPEAK" BRIEFING: Lawmakers host Harvard Law School's Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative for a legislative briefing about "safe and supportive schools." Secondary school students are set to speak about "what they need in order to do well in school" and the importance of funding. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Livestream)

10 MILLION NAMES PROJECT: New England Historic Genealogical Society, also known as American Ancestors, hosts a briefing on its 10 Million Names Project sponsored by the New Bedford Historical Society, the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, and others. The group said the project "aims to connect descendants to the 10 million men, women, and children of African descent who were enslaved in the U.S. before emancipation and restore their names and stories to history." (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., Room 428)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Financial Services Committee convenes a hearing to consider a bill filed by Rep. Cahill (H 4307) aiming to ensure policyholders can access insurance adjusters. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

K-12 BUDGET CHAT: Mass. Budget and Policy Center and Mass. Education Justice Alliance host a virtual discussion about the state budget and funding for K-12 education. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Register)

TRUMP CAMPAIGN: The Massachusetts Trump 2024 campaign team hosts a "Trump Victory Party" on election night. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Bay Point Waterfront Restaurant, 64 Washington Court, Quincy)

MASSDEMS ELECTION NIGHT: MassDems holds an election night watch party for the presidential primary. Chair Steve Kerrigan attends. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Bell in Hand Tavern, 45-55 Union St., Boston)

FEBRUARY REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on February tax collections, which are expected to come in at $2.018 billion, or $38 million more than what was collected in February 2023. Early indications, released last week by DOR, showed monthly collections lagging February 2023's pace by $36 million or 3.7 percent through Feb. 15. February tends to be the least significant month for state tax receipts and typically produces 6 percent of the state's annual tax revenue. "February is also the month in which refunds reach substantial levels as the tax filing season begins," DOR said. Monthly tax collections have fallen short of state expectations in each of the last seven months and the widening gap led Gov. Healey in January to mark down the year-end revenue estimate by $1 billion. Through January, collections of $21.460 billion were $212 million or 1 percent less than actual collections in the same period of fiscal 2023 and $263 million or 1.2 percent less than what the Healey administration projected it would have at this point in the calendar. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments in a case involving an animal cruelty charge arising from a defendant's refusal to euthanize her suffering terminally-ill dog, an arbitration matter involving Boston Teachers Union and Boston Public Schools, and two other cases. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)

CLEAN WATER TRUST: Mass. Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets remotely. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Microsoft Teams)

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION BRIEFING: Alzheimer's Association hosts its 2024 advocacy day and legislative briefing alongside Rep. Tom Stanley and Sen. Patricia Jehlen. House Majority Leader Mike Moran and Division Leader Danielle Gregoire will give remarks in addition to Stanley and Jehlen. The briefing will discuss the state of Alzheimer's in Massachusetts today and in the future, as well as the Alzheimer's Association's legislative agenda. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

DISABILITIES COUNCIL, THE ARC EVENT: The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and the Arc of Massachusetts hold their 46th annual legislative reception. This year's event has the theme "Reaffirming Our Commitment to Those in Need." Sen. Comerford and Rep. Lawn will be honored. Check-in starts at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall | Register)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)

HOUSE FORMAL: House holds a full formal session with roll calls starting at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats hold a private caucus. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)

MCB REHAB MEETING: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind's Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. Agenda includes a budget update and an MCB survey update. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. |Agenda and Livestream)

SUSAN WILSON AUTHOR TALK: The State Library hosts an author talk with historian Susan Wilson about her book, "Women and Children First: The Trailblazing Life of Susan Dimock, M.D." Dimock, who grew up in North Carolina but settled in Boston, was one of the first female doctors to treat women "for their unique health care needs," according to the State Library's blog. She was also one of the country's first female surgeons. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library Main Reading Room | Livestream)

NATURALIZATION CEREMONY: A naturalization ceremony for nearly 200 new citizens is hosted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Yvonne Garcia, a member of the JFK Library Foundation Board of Directors and chief of staff to State Street CEO Ron O'Hanley, delivers remarks. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Columbia Point, Boston)

REENTRY SUPPORT FUNDING: Criminal justice reform advocates and community organizers who work with people ending periods of incarceration host a briefing to outline their request for more reentry support funding. Organizers say they are "disappointed" by Gov. Healey's fiscal 2025 budget, which reduces reentry funding in some programs, and want lawmakers to boost the line items to help prevent recidivism. Attendees include Sens. Eldridge and Creem and Rep. Keefe. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Room 222)

BLIND VENDORS MEETING: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets virtually. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

HOLYOKE ROADS MEETING: MassDOT staff host a virtual meeting to discuss proposed corridor improvements on High and Maple streets in Holyoke. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., More Info)

EARLY ED CAREER PATHWAYS: Department of Early Education and Care holds a virtual information session about its Career Pathways program, which provides funding to the state's community colleges to support the workforce. The session is geared towards educators in the northeast part of the state, with a focus on Middlesex, Northern Essex and North Shore community colleges. Career Pathways coordinators help educators navigate course selection, as well as EEC certification or degrees. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

CALL/VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS: Representatives of the fire departments in Boxford, Essex, Georgetown, Groveland, Hamilton, Lynnfield, Middleton, Nahant, Rockport, Rowley, Topsfield and Wenham graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy as part of Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class 109. The graduates will get their certificates from Fire Marshal Jon Davine. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Lynnfield Middle School, 505 Main St., Lynnfield)

Thursday, March 7, 2024

WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION: Water Supply Protection Trust meets. Agenda includes financial, personnel and hiring updates, as well as a presentation about the fiscal 2025 workplan and budget. (Thursday, 10 a.m., DCR Division of Water Supply Protection building, 180 Beaman St., West Boylston | More Info)

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets remotely. Contact amanda.r.brown@tre.state.ma.us or call 617-817-5646 for access information. (Thursday, 10 a.m.)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

WOMEN'S BAR BREAKFAST: Women's Bar Association details its legislative priorities and honors Sen. Eldridge with an award as part of its annual legislative breakfast. Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Decker will talk about their legislation to lift kids out of "deep poverty" (H 144 / S 75) and the fiscal 2025 budget; Megan Driscoll from the Wage Equity Now coalition will discuss salary range transparency bills (H 4109 / S 2468); and Leimary Morales Llopiz will talk about a bill relative to Medicaid coverage for doula services (H 1240 / S 782). (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL: Jewish Community Relations Council and Mass. Association of Jewish Federations hold their annual legislative cocktail reception. This year's honorees are Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues; House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch; Whitney Dow Ferguson, deputy chief of staff to Speaker Mariano; and Christie Getto Young, chief of staff to Sen. DiDomenico. Sponsored by the New England Patriots Foundation. "Location provided closer to event." (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Registration)

WALLACE SPENCER CAMPAIGN KICKOFF: Republican candidate Dee Wallance Spencer of Plymouth hosts a kick-off event to announce her candidacy for state representative. Wallace Spencer, a lecturer at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, will challenge for the 1st Plymouth District in the House, which Rep. Muratore is giving up to run for the Senate. (Thursday, 6 p.m., ThreeV Restaurant, 10 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 253, Plymouth)

EARLY ED CAREER PATHWAYS: Department of Early Education and Care holds another virtual information session about its Career Pathways program. The session is geared toward educators in central Massachusetts, with a focus on Mount Wachusett and Quinsigamond community colleges. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

MBTA TRACK IMPROVEMENT DISCUSSION: MBTA staff host a virtual public meeting to discuss the 2024 track improvement plan, which involves a series of temporary rolling closures across subway lines to repair slow zones. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)

BELMONT RAIL TRAIL: MassDOT staff host a public meeting to discuss the design for a proposed Community Path project in Belmont. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Beech Street Center Multi-Purpose Room, 266 Beech St., Belmont | More Info)

REVERE BRIDGE MEETING: MassDOT staff host a public meeting to discuss a bridge replacement on Revere Beach Parkway over Broadway. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Revere City Hall, 281 Broadway, Revere | More Info)

CALL/VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS: Representatives of the fire departments in Ashby, Athol, Boxborough, Carlisle, Douglas, Grafton, Groton, Holden, Lincoln, Millville, Northbridge, Orange, Pepperell, Petersham, Sherborn, Shrewsbury, Townsend and Weston graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy as part of Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class 110. The graduates will get their certificates from Fire Marshal Jon Davine. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Department of Fire Services, 1 State Road, Stow)

Friday, March 8, 2024

SPILKA IN MEDWAY: Senate President Spilka attends the Medway Public Library's legislative breakfast. (Friday, 8 a.m., 26 High St., Medway)

SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments in two murder-related cases. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)

VETERANS TAX CREDIT: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds a remote public hearing on a proposal to establish the Qualified Veterans Hire Tax Credit. The credit would apply to small businesses who hire certain veterans. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

WOMEN IN SOLIDARITY CONFERENCE: The 18th annual International Network of Women in Solidarity Conference is hosted by the Dominican Development Center and looks to celebrate the achievements of immigrant women around the globe. The event, which has the theme "Women in the Diaspora: Breaking Barriers," coincides with International Women's Day. The conference includes speakers, workshops and networking opportunities. Organizers say "the conference will provide a platform for women to share their stories, exchange ideas, and foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment. (Friday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

FY25 BUDGET HEARING - ECO-DEV, LABOR, HOUSING: Lawmakers on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means head to Gloucester for a public hearing as part of their review of Gov. Healey's $58.1 billion fiscal year 2025 budget proposal. The hearing will focus on economic development, labor and housing investments in Healey's budget, some of which may be supplemented by the governor's standalone housing bond bill and an expected economic development package. Lawmakers also might use the hearing as a chance to focus on emergency assistance shelter spending. Healey wants to supplement shelter spending by draining a savings account, but softening revenue collections are creating new demand on other spending accounts and the rest of the state budget as well. Representatives from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Executive Office of Economic Development, Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Department of Business Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, Board of Library Commissioners, Mass. Cultural Council, Commission on the Status of Women, and Cannabis Control Commission are expected to testify. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Ave., Gloucester | Agenda and Livestream)

SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER "OUTLOOK": Springfield Regional Chamber hosts an event to look ahead at the economic horizon. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will deliver the keynote address, and organizers say other speakers will include Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate and "a special message from Congressman Neal." (Friday, 11 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield | More Info)