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Rep. Joe McKenna looks out into the House Lobby while Senate members of the gun reform conference committee huddle before sitting down at the negotiating table on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 for their first meeting. McKenna, the lone member of the six-person conference to vote against passage of the firearms bill, said he was approaching the talks with "an open mind and an open heart" toward reaching consensus. Meanwhile, The 1980s had the Massachusetts Miracle, but are we now in the era of the Massachusetts Malaise, asks State House News Services? The public conversation these days generally revolves around a few accepted truths: there aren't enough places to live here and the ones that are available are ridiculously expensive, our roads and transit lines are in lousy condition and are usually too crowded to get anywhere efficiently, an unabated influx of immigrants has created an emergency shelter funding and humanitarian crisis, and tax revenues aren't even living up to the governor's already-slashed expectations. But, hey, at least the Red Sox season starts soon ...
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Mar 25
5:15pm
7:00pm
Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
Thurs. Mar 28
7:30
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Two more major bills, a supplemental budget and legislation targeting revenge porn, are likely bound for six-member conference committees in the days ahead. The Senate on Thursday finalized its versions of those proposals. Three other weighty topics -- gun laws, attracting more federal funds, and making salaries more transparent -- remain locked up in conference talks, with the gun conference planning its second meeting on Wednesday. Steward Health Care's fiscal woes are the backdrop for a Committee on Health Care Financing oversight hearing Monday on the role of private equity in health care. House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz probably only has about two more weeks to wrap up his panel's rewrite of Gov. Maura Healey's $58.1 billion fiscal 2025 budget. The last public hearing on the governor's budget is set for Tuesday which will also bring public hearings on a pair of possible 2024 ballot questions, one giving the state auditor explicit authority to audit the state Legislature, and the other legalizing natural psychedelic substances like "magic mushrooms." Staying on the substances thread, the Governor's Council meets on Wednesday and may have a chance to stamp its approval on Healey's proposed mega-pardon that would wipe away marijuana possession convictions now that the drug has been legal in Massachusetts for years. And for all the talk and policymaking in recent years about a clean energy transition, the biggest moving parts in that equation are still years away. Years-old plans to pull hydropower from Canada have largely bogged out due to transmission challenges and offshore wind energy has been very slow to take off here. The latest chapter in that story will be written on Wednesday, when a new round of project bids are due. With the selection of a project or projects from this latest bidding round, Massachusetts will start to reestablish a pipeline of projects behind Vineyard Wind 1, which began generating some power earlier this year.
Sunday, March 24, 2024
HEALEY ON 4: Gov. Healey talks with Jon Keller in a pre-taped interview covering the migrant crisis, allegations of migrant crime, and backlash to the law requiring more housing production in MBTA communities. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
TIBBITS-NUTT ON 5: Transportation Secretary Tibbits-Nutt is the guest on "On The Record," followed by a roundtable with analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Rob Gray. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
Monday, March 25, 2024
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)
PRIVATE EQUITY IN HEALTH CARE: The Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds an oversight hearing on the effects of private equity ownership and investment in health care. Lawmakers called for the hearing after news broke that Steward Health Care, a for-profit company that owns nine hospitals in Massachusetts, is grappling with a financial crisis and considering pulling out of the state. The health system's financial woes have created the potential for hundreds of thousands of Bay Staters to face disruption in accessing care and required state government to plan for various contingencies. Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano, and Joint Committee on Health Care Financing Chairs Sen. Friedman and Rep. Lawn said earlier this month that the hearing would "examine the relationship between health care regulators and private equity, and will solicit information and recommendations to help ensure that what is happening with Steward Health Care doesn't happen again in the future." About a dozen experts have been invited to testify, including David Seltz of the Health Policy Commission, Mary Beckman of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Zirui Song, director of research at the Harvard Medical School for Primary Care, representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures, and others. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Livestream and More Info)
INDEPENDENT LIVING: Mass. Statewide Independent Living Council and the Centers for Independent Living hold their annual advocacy day. Senate President Spilka plans to speak. (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Joint Financial Services Committee holds hearing on a bill dealing with earned wage access, a service through which employees can access wages prior to payday. Filed last month by Rep. Cusack of Braintree, the bill outlines a process for licensing providers of earned wage access services by the Division of Banks. A handful of states have acted on wage access services, including Wisconsin, whose governor signed a related bill into law this week. Advance registration is required to testify, and the deadline to register was 3 p.m. Friday. Committee will still accept written testimony for 30 days, which can be sent to jointcmte-financialservices@malegislature.gov. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Info and Livestream)
HEALEY, TOP LAWMAKERS MEET: Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll meet privately with Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano, and other members of legislative leadership including Ways and Means chairmen Sen. Rodrigues and Rep. Michlewitz. Press availability follows in the Senate Reading Room. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's Office)
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL: Gov. Healey, joined by Lt. Gov. Driscoll, swears in members of the Youth Advisory Council, which will offer input to the administration on mental health, civic engagement, education, the environment, housing and youth violence. Members will represent every region of the commonwealth, Healey's office said. Healey established the council through an executive order in September. Members will serve two-year terms and meet with Healey and Driscoll on a quarterly basis. (Monday, 4 p.m., Grand Staircase)
MICHLEWITZ AT BECMA: House Ways and Means Chairman Michlewitz participates in a virtual discussion with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts focused on prioritizing equitable economic development. The House is slated to unveil its fiscal 2025 budget in early April, and Speaker Mariano this week said the branch intends to significantly boost funding for the MBTA, fully fund the Student Opportunity Act, and continue to fund free school meals. Beyond the budget, the conversation will also discuss Gov. Healey's economic development bill, which includes a 10-year, $1 billion reauthorization of the life sciences initiative, plus a $1 billion climate tech initiative. Other participants include BECMA President Nicole Obi and Chief of Policy Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos. (Monday, 4:30 p.m. | Register)
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
WOMEN'S BUSINESS SUMMIT: The U.S. Small Business Administration holds its third annual Women's Business Summit. The one-day, live-streamed summit features panels and fireside chats aimed at helping women build, scale and grow their businesses. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | More Info and Registration)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council Policy Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion about the use of rodenticides in parks. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. The board will discuss its commissioner search process new commissioner, after DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley stepped down mid-March. Also on the agenda is a discussion and vote on a new virtual school, a report on chronically underperforming schools and a legislative report. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, 3rd Floor, Everett | More Info and Virtual Access)
PRESSLEY AT WOMEN'S NETWORK: Congresswoman Pressley participates in a fireside chat with the Women's Network, part of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Pressley will discuss her background as an activist and legislator, as well as her experience living with alopecia. Stephanie Lee, who leads state and local government affairs in New England for Verizon, moderates the conversation. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Verizon, 100 Causeway St., Boston | Register
BALLOT INITIATIVE -- AUDITING THE LEGISLATURE: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a public hearing on the potential ballot question (H 4251) to "expressly" allow Auditor DiZoglio to audit the Legislature. DiZoglio's quest to bolster transparency on Beacon Hill has hit major roadblocks from top Democrats, as House Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka say the audit would violate Constitutional separation of powers. Attorney General Campbell said in the fall that current state law "does not allow an audit of the Legislature over its objection." The ballot question has emerged as a way for DiZoglio to bypass legislative opposition and allow voters to have their say in the issue. Former Auditor Bump, who like DiZoglio served in the Legislature as a Democrat prior to becoming auditor, penned a Boston Globe op-ed Friday urging voters to oppose the potential ballot measure. Bump argued that in this controversial matter, DiZoglio lacks the objectivity that's required of state auditors. "Her goal is to gain the power to change the operations of another branch of government, and the considerable financial contributions to the committee supporting the ballot measure from her campaign funds represent undeniable self-interest and a literal investment in a pre-determined outcome," Bump wrote. DiZoglio's effort has generated support among wide-ranging advocacy and government groups, including the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance and Act on Mass. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)
DENTAL HYGIENE DAY: Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association holds its annual Dental Hygiene Day to highlight the profession and discuss the need for accessible oral health care. Sen. Gomez and Rep. Pignatelli give remarks. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
FINAL FY25 BUDGET HEARING: Joint Ways and Means Committee holds its final hearing on the fiscal 2025 general budget. Following seven hearings that featured invited testimony from government officials and economists, this time, the general public gets to have its say on Gov. Healey's $58.1 billion spending proposal. The hearing typically draws representatives from advocacy groups that haven't had an opportunity to testify to date. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Livestream)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets for the first time under the leadership of Interim Chairman Jordan Maynard. The commission is expected to discuss and vote on its involvement in a youth sports betting safety coalition that Attorney General Campbell plans to announce Thursday. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
HOFFER, CHAPDELAINE ON CLIMATE: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer participates in a fireside chat with Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Direction Adam Chapdelaine. The discussion will cover the role of cities and towns in addressing the global problem of climate change, as well as available resources to deal with climate threats. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
PSYCHEDELICS PRESSER: Ahead of a public hearing on the potential ballot question to legalize access to certain psychedelic substances, the Massachusetts for Mental Health Options group will spotlight individuals who have benefitted from the "psychedelic medicine." Supporters say psychedelics can help treat mental health conditions including addiction, depression and PTSD. Emily Oneschuk, a U.S. Navy veteran and grassroots campaign director for the group, will share how psychedelics improved her mental health. Other speakers include Sarko Gergerian, an active law enforcement officer, and Jenny Chen Robertson, a Massachusetts resident who has completed Oregon's psilocybin facilitation training program. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., State House steps)
CREATIVE ECONOMY: A briefing focused on the creative economy will explore the economic and social impacts of the sector, as well as how the Legislature can support creative communities. It's co-hosted by Sen. Miranda, Rep. Cabral, MASSCreative, Mass Cultural Council, MassINC, Metropolitan Area Planning Council and Open Door Arts. Speakers will also discuss the commonwealth's national ranking for arts vibrancy. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Nurses Hall)
WORK PROTECTIONS: The Protected at Work Coalition holds a briefing on a Rep. Livingstone bill (H 1918) that would install employment protections for people who are victims of abusive behavior, including making them a protected class during the hiring and employment process. The bill was reported out favorably by the Labor and Workforce Development Committee in mid-January. The House gave the bill an initial vote of approval on Jan. 29 but hasn't taken a vote to engross the bill, which would send it over to the Senate. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., House Members Lounge)
BALLOT INITIATIVE -- PSYCHEDELICS: In its second public hearing of the day, the Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions will turn its focus to a potential ballot question that would legalize access to certain psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin, for adults ages 21 and older. The proposed measure (H 4255) intends to "remove the personal use of natural psychedelic substances from the illicit market and to provide supervised, safe access in a therapeutic setting through a regulated and taxed system." The campaign is led by Mass. for Mental Health Options, and advocates say the active compound in "magic mushrooms" can treat depression, PTSD and addiction, among other mental health issue. Supporters say the recreational uses of the plants can also provide spiritual experiences. Oregon, Colorado and Washington, D.C. have already enacted policies to decriminalize or legalize the substances. There's also momentum underway in Massachusetts cities and towns to change the psychedelic drug landscape. Local elected officials in Provincetown, Somerville, Cambridge, Northampton, Easthampton and Salem have passed resolutions to no longer deploy resources to arrest and investigate people growing and sharing psilocybin mushrooms. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)
FEDERAL FUNDS MEETING: The Office of Administration and Finance holds its monthly federal funds partnership meeting for local government leaders. The meeting provides information on upcoming federal grant opportunities and offers a platform for addressing questions related to funding opportunities for cities, towns and tribal organizations. The meeting is also open to lawmakers, community-based organization leaders, and anyone else interested in learning about federal funding opportunities. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)
KENNEDY VP PICK: Unenrolled presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces his running mate choice. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. Eastern Time, Oakland, Calif.)
RECOVERY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The advisory committee of the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program meets virtually. It's a voluntary program to monitor the rehabilitation of licensed health care professionals who are receiving mental health or substance use care. Agenda includes a discussion about admissions based on mental health. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
VETERANS' HOMES COUNCIL: Veterans' Home Council meets virtually. Superintendent Lazo of the Veterans Home at Holyoke and Superintendent Baldini of the Veterans Home at Chelsea give updates. Noah Coolidge, director of housing outreach at the Executive Office of Veterans Services, speaks about efforts to end veteran homelessness. Gina Bruno, chief transformation officer at EOVC, discusses "transformation initiatives." (Tuesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
KENNEDY INSTITUTE AWARD: Govs. Wes Moore and Chris Sununu receive the Edward M. Kennedy Institute Award for Inspired Leadership at the Kennedy Institute's annual gala. Guests will include Ambassador Victoria Reggie Kennedy, Joe Kennedy III, Patrick Kennedy, John Sununu, Kennedy Institute board chair Bruce Percelay, President and CEO of the Mass Competitive Partnership Jay Ash, former Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Columbia Point, Boston)
MISSION HILL NURSING HOME: Department of Public Health holds a public hearing on the proposed closure of the Edgar P. Benjamin Healthcare Center, a nursing home in Mission Hill that currently has 76 residents. Boston lawmakers and city councilors gathered outside the facility last week to demand state receivership in their bid to keep the facility open and to potentially find new leadership. But a Department of Public Health spokesperson told the News Service the nursing home does not meet the criteria for state receivership. Tony Francis, the nursing home's CEO, says the facility is scheduled to close on July 1. "The economic climate for long-term care is dismal and continued operation of the facility is simply not sustainable," Francis said last week. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Thelma D. Burns Building, 575 Warren St., Roxbury | More Info and Remote Access)
ANTI-RACISM: Get Konnected hosts "The Includers: Culturally Savvy Anti-Racists," which it describes as a "movement fueled by the conviction that true progress is achieved when allies play an integral role in dismantling systemic barriers." Participants include former Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Eastern Bank CEO Bob Rivers, former American Tower CEO Tom Bartlett, and GBH Television GM Liz Cheng. Auditor DiZoglio plans to attend. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Kennedy Presidential Library, Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Transportation Committee accepts written testimony 'til 5 p.m. Tuesday on two Cape Cod bills dealing with memorial designations. One would name a rotary at the intersection of Routes 28 and 39 in Orleans in honor of lifelong resident Dorofei Klimshuk (H 4484), a custom home builder who died in 2023. The other (H 4485) would name a bridge over Muddy Creek on Route 28 in Harwich after Pfc. Joseph Blute, U.S. Army. Blute died in France in 1944 while serving with the 324th Infantry, 44th Division, according to the bill sponsored by Rep. Peake. Email testimony to Siobhan.Morrissey@mahouse.gov. (Tuesday | More Info)
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
OFFSHORE WIND AT MUDDY WATERS: Sierra Club Connecticut views Wednesday as a "milestone for offshore wind in New England" and plans to celebrate by gathering people for a breakfast event to hear about the future of the energy source. Officials in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island on Wednesday are all accepting bids for offshore wind power. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Muddy Waters Cafe, 40 Bank St, New London, Conn.)
MAYORS' ASSOCIATION: Massachusetts Mayors' Association holds its monthly meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - RAFAEL ORTIZ: Governor's Council interviews longtime probation officer Rafael Ortiz, Gov. Healey's pick to fill the last vacant seat on the Parole Board. Parole Board appointees in recent years have hailed from east of 495, but Ortiz is from Worcester, where he has been "instrumental in several partnerships between the courts, probation, and Worcester Public Schools designed to deter and divert court involvement for youth," according to the governor's office. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
STATE LIBRARY: State Library hosts an open house through 1 p.m. for lawmakers, state employees and interns. Librarians will review resources and services, such as special collections, interlibrary loans and state documents. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., State Library |More Info)
WIND BIDS DUE: Developers interested in building offshore wind farms off of Massachusetts are due to submit bids to the Department of Energy Resources and Bay State utility companies as Massachusetts seeks up to 3,600 megawatts of offshore wind capacity in its latest procurement. The noon deadline also applies to the combined 6,000 MW of offshore wind energy capacity that Massachusetts is seeking in conjunction with Rhode Island and Connecticut. Bids were to be due Jan. 31, but state and the utilities in line to purchase the power extended the deadline to "allow for the possibility of further guidance from the IRS regarding key tax credits that are available to offshore wind projects." On Friday, the U.S. Treasury released that guidance, which the Healey administration said "gives bidders greater certainty as they finalize their bids for March 27 and bolsters Massachusetts’ efforts to procure affordable, carbon-free energy from offshore wind, a major economic driver for the Northeast and cornerstone of Massachusetts’ decarbonization strategy." By pushing off submission of bids, the state also delayed the date by which successful projects will be selected to Aug. 7. And the final step of the procurement process -- the submission of long-term contracts for DPU approval -- got bumped to Nov. 13. The two projects chosen in the last round of bidding, which were later terminated after the developers said they would no longer be profitable, are expected to be re-bid in this latest round at a higher price. (Wednesday, 12 p.m.)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ASSEMBLY: Governor's Council meets, and could shed light on the next step for Gov. Healey's proposed mass pardon of all cannabis simple possession convictions. Healey filed the mega-pardon on March 15, meaning the required seven-day waiting period has elapsed and the council could vote to approve the pardon as early as this week. However, councilors could opt to schedule a hearing to learn more about the scope and effect of the massive clemency action, which will apply to thousands of people, before voting on confirmation. Wednesday's Council calendar also includes potential votes on confirmation of District Court nominees Francis Kenneally and Courtney Linnehan. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - STEVEN KIM: Governor's Council holds hearing on the nomination of attorney Steven Kim to the Boston Municipal Court bench. A former Suffolk County prosecutor, Kim served in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps and now operates his own practice. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GUN BILL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: Conference committee tasked with striking a House-Senate compromise on gun law reforms holds its second meeting. The six-member committee has opted, at least for now, to leave its deliberations open to the public. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Room TBD, State House)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - VANESSA VELEZ: Governor's Council interviews Committee for Public Counsel Services attorney Vanessa Velez, whom Gov. Healey nominated this month to serve as a Boston Municipal Court judge. Velez is deputy chief counsel at CPCS in the private counsel division, and previously worked as attorney in charge of the Boston District and Municipal Court office. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
PROTECTING SOUTHEASTERN WATER: The Community Land and Water Coalition of Southeastern Massachusetts and the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance meet for a conversation on protecting the region's land and water. Conversations will touch on protecting the Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer -- the source of drinking water for seven towns in the area -- as Plymouth's wells show signs of contamination, and enforcing zoning ordinances to protect public land and water. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Fehlow Meeting Room, Plymouth Public Library | More Info and Virtual Access)
WHITE RIBBON CAMPAIGN: Auditor DiZoglio attends the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center's annual White Ribbon event. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Andover Country Club, 60 Canterbury St., Andover)
IMMIGRATION HELPLINE LAUNCH: The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition launches its non-emergency service helpline, meant to provide community-based organizations with answers to legal questions related to serving the immigrant and refugee population. Callers are asked to leave a voicemail with their contact details and inquiry, and arrange a call back or email with more information. Call at (508) 293-1871. (Wednesday | More Info)
Thursday, March 28, 2024
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY: MassMEDIC holds a symposium for industry stakeholders to talk about medical technology and how it can improve health care outcomes. Topics include use of data and artificial intelligence, maternal health, cardiac health, diabetes, and musculoskeletal health. (Thursday, 8 a.m., One Broadway, Everett | Registration)
PLUMBING ADVOCACY DAY: Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12, the Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association and other industry representatives hold the second annual Plumbing Industry Advocacy Day to urge lawmakers to support legislation to conserve water, improve public health and safety and protect union jobs. More than 200 union plumbers, contractors and other industry professionals plan to meet with lawmakers about a host of issues, including: opposing a measure to dismantle the Boston Planning & Development Agency; supporting bills to encourage greywater recycling, to require licenses for drain cleaners, to require lead testing and lead filters and require regular testing of drinking water in schools, to provide funding to protect drinking water supplies from toxins, and to increase the number of licensed plumbing inspectors. Local 12 and the Greater Boston PCA also oppose legislation to ban natural gas in Massachusetts, supporting "a gradual energy transition, prioritizing the exploration of hydrogen and geothermal solutions." (Thursday, 9 a.m., Room 428)
APPRENTICESHIP NETWORK: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce celebrates the two-year anniversary of the Massachusetts Apprentice Network. Undersecretary of Apprenticeship, Work-Based Learning and Policy Josh Cutler gives remarks. Other speakers include Chamber CEO Jim Rooney, Pallavi Verma of Accenture, Dan Weagle of Apprennti and Eric Galis of Cengage Group. The network, which helps employers and other stakeholders develop apprenticeship programs, is slated to hire 1,000 apprentices by 2027. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | More Info and Register)
IMMIGRANTS DAY: The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition holds its 28th annual immigrants day at the State House. House Speaker Mariano is scheduled to join with other lawmakers and immigrants rights advocates to celebrate "the passage of the historic tuition equity law while highlighting the work that remains, such as supporting new arrivals, expanding access to non-English language state resources, and providing a pathway to permanent licensure for internationally-trained physicians," according to MIRA. "Our 28th Annual Immigrants Day at the State House comes at a critical time, with Massachusetts not only striving to serve the increase in immigrants fleeing violence and oppression but in pushing back against the hateful, anti-immigrant sentiment that has tragically come with it," said Elizabeth Sweet, MIRA Coalition Executive Director. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Hall of Flags)
PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS: Prostate Cancer Awareness Day is held virtually. Sen. Payano and Reps. Decker and Holmes are scheduled to attend. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Virtual Access)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session, with the agenda yet to be announced. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
MMA BRIEFING: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a virtual legislative briefing for MMA members. The discussion will cover the fiscal 2025 state budget, Gov. Healey's proposed Municipal Empowerment Act, road and bridge funding, and Healey's housing bond bill, among other topics. All of the governor's bills remain under review at the committee level. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
CAMPBELL ON YOUTH GAMBLING: Attorney General Campbell announces a public-private partnership to address the "harms" of youth gambling, particularly tied to sports. She'll be joined by reps from sports, nonprofit and responsible gambling communities. Media must RSVP by 5 p.m. Tuesday to receive credentials. (Thursday, 1 p.m., TD Garden, NCAA press conference area, Level 3, 100 Legends Way, Boston)
STATE REHAB COUNCIL: The State Rehabilitation Council holds its first quarter virtual meeting. (Thursday, 5 p.m. | Livestream)
COMMISSION ON WOMEN: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women holds a hybrid public hearing on issues affecting women and girls in the state. Testimony will be used to inform MCSW's legislative agenda and policy priorities. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner)
MASSDEMS CHINATOWN FUNDER: Boston Mayor Wu, House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz, Democratic Party Chair Kerrigan and Lt. Gov. Driscoll attend the state Democratic Party's annual Chinatown Banquet fundraiser. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Empire Garden Restaurant, 690 Washington St., Boston)
Friday, March 29, 2024
AG COMMISSION: The 21st Century Agriculture Commission holds a meeting focused on technical assistance and education programs in farming. Speakers include Clem Clay of the UMass Agricultural Extension Program, Brian Schilling of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and Dan Wright, USDA state conservationist for Massachusetts. (Friday, 11 a.m., UMass Campus Center, 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst | More Info and Livestream)
WORCESTER FOOD HUB: Worcester Regional Food Hub holds a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its new headquarters. Founded by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2015, the Food Hub plans a new building with five state-of-the-art production kitchens, event space, and increased cold and dry storage. (Friday, 11 a.m., Union Station, Worcester)
NURSES ASSOCIATION GALA: American Nurses Association Massachusetts, which represents more than 130,000 registered nurses, holds its 2024 awards and scholarship gala. Nearly $50,000 in scholarships will be awarded to nursing students. Senate President Spilka will receive the ANAMASS Friend of Nursing Award. Rep. Khan, a psychiatric nurse, will receive the Living Legend Award. (Friday, 6 p.m., Sheraton Framingham Hotel and Conference Center, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham | Register)
