59° and Patchy rain nearby
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Demonstrators took to the State House steps on Wednesday to protest Massachusetts' right to shelter law for homeless families.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Apr 1
Sustainability Subcommittee Meeting
5:15pm
Tues. Apr 2
Franklin Public School Committee Special Meeting
12:30pm
7:00pm
Wed. Apr 3
10:00am
5:00pm
Town Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee for Arts and Culture Meeting
5:30pm
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting
7:00pm
Thurs. Apr 4.
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
For all the talk on Beacon Hill about how solutions to policy problems can't wait, taxpayers and residents for the most part can only wait while Democrats in the Legislature come up with promised plans to address housing access and affordability, clean energy and decarbonization plans, MBTA woes and transportation challenges, economic development, and even basic road and bridge maintenance. Biennial bill-reporting deadlines have passed and there are now just four months remaining for formal sessions, but proposals to address the aforementioned topics all remain bottled up at the committee level. And the climate around them is changing, with emergency shelter spending demands colliding with a downturn in tax collections to leave a strained environment for major new spending initiatives, unless Democrats decide to make bigger draws from the state's substantial reserves. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Aaron Michlewitz spends the week ahead wrapping up details on his fiscal 2025 budget proposal, while also tending to a conference committee he co-chairs that will determine the fate of a fiscal 2024 spending bill that calls for new shelter stay limits. Tied up in that bill are unresolved plans to extend the outdoor dining process for restaurants and the ability to sell alcoholic drinks with takeout and delivery food. On March 29, 2023, Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill extending those authorizations until Monday, April 1, 2024. The supplemental budget conference committee, which was fully formed on Thursday, plans to hold its first meeting on Monday.
The Supreme Judicial Court will convene three days next week, but without Gabrielle Wolohojian. The Appeals Court judge was confirmed to the SJC on Feb. 28 but Gov. Healey has still not sworn her in as a member of the state's highest court. A Healey spokeswoman said Friday that there is no update on a swearing-in and that Wolohojian is "finishing her work" on the Appeals Court. The week ahead will also feature a public hearing Tuesday on a topic that has generated a lot of chatter without the full public vetting that some people feel it deserves: the potential for the development of a pro soccer stadium in Everett where Robert Kraft's New England Revolution could perhaps play some day. Tuesday also brings a second public hearing on Gov. Healey's $4.1 billion housing bill. Speaker Ron Mariano said last week he expects House Democrats to redraft that bill into an even larger proposal, but like all of the major bills expected to advance in the next few months, there's no specific timeline for action. Sen. Edward Markey on Wednesday will gavel in a field hearing in Boston where Steward Health Care and its problems will be on the menu. By week's end, nervous Beacon Hill budget writers will get word on whether the tax collection skid continued in March. Another bad month for collections would create more pressure on Healey to come up with late-fiscal year moves to meet balanced budget requirements.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
EASTER ON USS CONSTITUTION: USS Constitution hosts a nondenominational Easter service conducted by a U.S. Navy chaplain. The sunrise service is free and seating is available beginning at 6:30 a.m. (Sunday, 7 a.m., Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown)
HEALEY ON 4: Gov. Healey talks with Jon Keller in the second pre-taped interview in as many weeks. The governor will cover her differences with the teacher unions over right to strike and MCAS graduation requirement, the state's access to federal funds for infrastructure repair, and the biggest surprise of her first year as governor. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
ON THE RECORD: Newburyport Mayor Sean Reardon is the guest on "On The Record" with co-hosts Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. Democratic analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican analyst Lizzy Guyton participate in a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)
Monday, April 1, 2024
HEALTH AND REENTRY: Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation of Harvard Law School and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute host a symposium on policy pathways to improve health care access and outcomes for people reentering the community from jails and prisons. Organizers said the event aims to highlight "opportunities and limitations related to Medicaid 1115 Waivers, encouraging networking amongst stakeholders involved in the policymaking process, and exploring barriers and solutions to collaboration." Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian is among the participants. (Monday, 9 a.m., Wasserstein Hall, Milstein East, 1585 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge)
SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments in five cases, including one certified to the SJC by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit that raises the question of whether the plaintiffs, franchisees of the defendant, should be classified as independent contractors or employees. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)
SAMARITANS ANNIVERSARY: Samaritans, Inc. hosts a 50th anniversary event to commemorate half a century providing suicide prevention and grief support services. Gov. Healey and Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh will give keynote addresses. Sen. Rausch, Rep. Philips, and a young volunteer on Samaritans' Hey Sam peer-to-peer text support line will also offer remarks. Department of Public Health Commissioner Goldstein is also expected to attend. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Grand Staircase)
SHELTER FUNDING NEGOTIATIONS: Lawmakers on a conference committee tasked with negotiating a compromise supplemental budget (H 4466 / S 2711) hold their first meeting. House and Senate Democrats agree on a desire to steer more money to the emergency assistance shelter system and set limits on how long families can stay, but they differ on some specifics and on whether to extend the pandemic-era authorization for restaurants and bars to offer takeout drinks. The panel is led by Ways and Means Chairs Rep. Michlewitz and Sen. Rodrigues. Most conference committees retreat behind closed doors after cursory opening remarks. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room 243)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE SESSION: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK: Shannon Seigal, organizing director of the Environmental Voter Project, talks about how communities "can mobilize a highly effective, proven, non-partisan voter campaign to increase climate voter turnout" during a webinar hosted by the Mass. Climate Action Network. (Monday, 1 p.m., Register)
CIVIL LEGAL AID BRIEFING: Reps. Balser and Day host a virtual budget briefing for representatives and staff on the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation's request for a $6 million increase to fund legal services for people with low incomes. People and families with incomes at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level ($39,000 per year for a family of four and $18,825 for an individual) qualify for civil legal aid. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)
OLIVEIRA FUNDRAISER: Sen. Oliveira holds a re-election kickoff fundraiser. Senate Ways and Means Chair Rodrigues, for whom Oliveira used to work, plans to attend. (Monday, 5 p.m., Gremio Lusitano Club, 385 Windsor St., Ludlow)
SPILKA HOLLISTON UPDATE: Senate President Spilka gives an annual legislative update to the Holliston Select Board. (Monday, 7 p.m., Holliston Town Hall, 703 Washington St., Holliston)
LYNN FERRY RETURNS: MBTA's East Boston ferry service resumes for the season, operating between Lewis Mall Wharf in East Boston and Long Wharf (North) in downtown Boston through Nov. 30. A one-way fare is $2.40 (or $1.10 for reduced-fare customers), equal to the price of a subway ride. Ferry service will be free for riders in July and August as an alternate mode of transportation during the second summer of Sumner Tunnel work. (Monday)
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
HOUSING AND THE GRID: Housing Secretary Augustus participates in a MASSterList/State House News Service event on "Housing Goals and the Grid," cosponsored by National Grid and the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Massachusetts. Augustus takes part in an "opening conversation" alongside Robert Brennan of the Home Builders group, moderated by GBH News reporter Katie Lannan. The event looks at production of all-electric homes and decarbonization of the electric grid, delving into topics like who will install the new technologies, how to prepare the grid to handle increased demand, and how available land can be optimized for siting renewables. A panel discussion, moderated by Peter Howe of Denterlein, features Town of Andover electric inspector Paul Kennedy, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology President Aisha Francis, National Grid COO for Electric Nicola Medalova, MassHousing Capital Formation Director Mark Attia, and Bill Grogan of the Archdiocese of Boston's Planning Office for Urban Affairs. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Pl., Downtown Crossing, Boston | Registration)
SOUTH SHORE HEALTH CARE: South Shore Chamber of Commerce holds a health care forum that will discuss workforce development and regional health care system challenges, among other topics. Speakers include Dr. Allen Smith of South Shore Health, Rich Fernandez of Beth Israel Deaconess-Milton, Renee McInnes of NVNA & Hospice, and Paul Casale Jr. of Welch Senior Living. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Granite Links Golf Club, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy | Register
KICK BUTTS DAY: More than 200 young people and adults from across Massachusetts will celebrate Kick Butts Day, a youth day of action highlighting how young people can resist the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein will present recent data showing an increase in youth use of smokeless tobacco products, including nicotine pouches, during his opening remarks. Meetings with lawmakers start at 11:30 a.m., the speaking program is scheduled for 1 p.m. and a rally is planned outside the State House at 2:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Great Hall)
CONFLICT CONVERSATIONS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds the second installment of a webinar about having "productive conversations amidst tension and volatility." It's led by Kiana Pierre-Louis, chair of the Sharon Select Board and assistant dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at Northeastern University. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
GLOBAL WARMING: Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change holds a virtual hearing focused on the future of clean heat. DPU Chair Jamie Van Nostrand is among those slated to testify. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SECOND HEARING ON HEALEY HOUSING BILL: Gov. Healey's $4.1 billion housing bond bill is the focus of a public hearing held by the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. Healey's Affordable Homes Act -- which the administration says could create more than 40,000 homes, preserve or rehabilitate 12,000 homes for low-income families, and support improvements for thousands of other housing units -- cleared the Housing Committee in early March. The Housing Committee didn't make any changes to the bill, which was in its custody for more than four months. The legislation is also packed with housing policies, including a controversial local-option real estate transfer fee that could help boost the production of affordable housing. Citing the seriousness of the state's housing crisis, House Speaker Mariano expressed an openness to considering the transfer fee and a "number of options" during a recent address to the Greater Boston of Chamber Commerce, though he cautioned that Healey's fee structure "might be high" and stifle construction. "Now, I understand that the idea of a transfer fee is a cause for concern for some of you, but if you believe that the issue of housing affordability is a genuine crisis, then we must explore all options that have the potential to make a real difference," Mariano said. Mariano said the House's eventual housing bond bill will exceed the size of Healey's pitch. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
VICTIM RIGHTS MONTH: Attorney General Campbell and Mass. Office for Victim Assistance host an awareness day to mark the beginning of April as Victim Rights Month. Sen. R. Kennedy, and Reps. Decker and Higgins also participate. Service providers and survivors plan to bring awareness to "the crucial need for access to support and resources as the community continues to advocate for [Victim of Crime Act] Bridge funding to support high-quality services that are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and reflective of diverse communities for all crime victims across Massachusetts." (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Room 222)
EVERETT SOCCER STADIUM: Joint Committee on Economic Development holds a hearing on a Sen. Sal DiDomenico bill (S 2692) that could spur the development of a professional soccer stadium in a designated port zone along the Mystic River on the Everett/Boston line. The bill would remove a roughly 43-acre parcel at 173 Alford St. (partially in Everett and partially in Boston) from the Mystic River designated port area "for the purpose of converting the parcel into a professional soccer stadium and a waterfront park." The New England Revolution, owned by Robert Kraft, has played in Foxborough since its inception, but team ownership has made multiple attempts to make a soccer-specific stadium in a more urban area a reality. For years, the Everett site has been eyed as a possible future home of the Revs and the city sees a soccer stadium as another key pillar of the revitalization of the Lower Broadway area into an entertainment hotspot, along with the Encore Boston Harbor casino. Environmental groups concerned about removing the land use restrictions associated with the port zone designation have pushed back on the proposal, the city of Boston has said it has concerns about a project of that size on its doorstep, and the owners of nearby TD Garden have reportedly raised their own concerns about the potential competition. Gov. Healey has backed the soccer stadium idea. DiDomenico's bill would not greenlight the stadium plan, but instead would just remove the first barrier to its progress. The project will still need to obtain the typical state and local approvals. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Virtual Access)
BURLINGTON INTERCHANGE: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing related to the proposed improvements at the interchange of Interstate 95 (Route 128) and Route 3 in Burlington. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., More Info and Access)
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
NORTH SHORE BUSINESS INSIGHTS: North Shore of Chamber of Commerce holds a business insight breakfast forum focused on "significant" housing projects in the region, such as mixed-income and transit-oriented developments in Salem and Swampscott. Speakers include Andrew DeFranza of Harborlight Homes, Adam Stein of WinnCompanies, Emerson Rogers of MINCO Development, and Anthony Librot of AAM 15 Management. (Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Danversport, 161 Elliott St., Danvers | Register)
UMASS TRUSTEES - AUDIT: Audit and Risk Committee of the UMass Board of Trustees meets virtually. Agenda includes an internal audit report and an independent external auditor report. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments in six cases, including one certified to the SJC by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit involving Medical Properties Trust. MPT is essentially the landlord for the faltering Steward Health Care's hospitals. The case, according to a summary prepared by Suffolk Law, deals with "whether rainwater that accumulated on a roof of a hospital and inundated the interior constituted 'surface waters' under the provisions of an insurance policy." The rainfall in question severely damaged Norwood Hospital in June 2020. Another case on the docket deals with a civil action brought by professional models against a strip club related to materials publicly posted on Facebook. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)
UMASS TRUSTEES - FINANCE: Committee on Administration and Finance of the UMass Board of Trustees meets virtually. Agenda includes a quarterly capital report and approval of tuition and mandatory charges for the 2024-2025 academic year. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - REBECA FIGUEROA: Governor's Council holds a hearing for Rebeca Figueroa, Gov. Healey's pick to serve as an associate justice on the Boston Municipal Court. Since September 2017, Figueroa has served as assistant clerk magistrate in Suffolk Superior Court, according to a copy of her resume included alongside the nomination. She spent nearly 12 years before that running her own law practice focused on family law, criminal defense and real estate, and she also worked as a staff attorney at the Committee for Public Counsel Services. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chambers | Livestream)
STEWARD CONGRESSIONAL HEARING: U.S. Senate Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions holds a subcommittee hearing with a very specific focus: "when health care becomes wealth care: how corporate greed puts patient care and health workers at risk." The panel is examining private equity in health care, as for-profit Steward Health Care hospitals in Massachusetts face an uncertain future. Steward has allegedly not reported necessary financial information to the state, according to Gov. Healey's office, and the system is buckling under financial troubles that could put its nine Massachusetts hospitals at risk. U.S. Sen. Markey, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions subcommittee on primary health and retirement security, and Sen. Warren have urged Steward Health CEO Ralph de la Torre to testify at the hearing. They have sent formal invitations twice, but to date, Steward has not yet committed to participating, according to Markey's office. Both senators will attend the hearing, and Sen. Markey also plans to tour the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, a Steward hospital, on Wednesday. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to hold a formal session. Roll calls will begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
CLIMATE JOBS: Rep. Decker, Sen. Feeney, Climate Jobs Mass. Action and representatives from Massachusetts AFL-CIO host a legislative briefing on a bill to create a "just transition to clean energy" that's marked by union jobs and worker protections. The bill was reported favorably out of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. The legislation would establish a Just Transition Office and Just Transition Advisory Committee, and apply the state's prevailing wage laws to energy construction and infrastructure projects, positioning contractors to receive 30 to 50 percent tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Gov. Healey attended a legislative briefing for the bill last fall. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 222)
CANNABIS PARDON HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's proposed mass pardon of all cannabis simple possession convictions. If the council approves the pardon, it would make Massachusetts the first state to take such an action, and would likely impact hundreds of thousands of people in the state. The council will vote on the pardon at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Councilor Marilyn Devaney this week said that councilors she has spoken to are "very happy" with the proposal. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Location not yet determined)
DRIVERS HOLD WOMEN'S ROUNDTABLE: Drivers Demand Justice coalition, which is pushing for reforms including the ability for Uber and Lyft drivers to unionize, hosts a women's roundtable event. 32BJ Assistant to the President Roxana Rivera, Sens. Lewis and Miranda and Rep. Frank Moran are among the attendees. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., House Members' Lounge)
NURSING TASK FORCE: Department of Higher Education's Task Force on Nursing Education and Workforce Development meets virtually. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Mass. Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Access)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL MEETING: Governor's Council meets, with plans to vote on Gov. Healey's proposed mass pardon of all cannabis simple possession convictions, following an informational hearing at noon. Councilors could also vote on the nominations of Rafael Ortiz to the Parole Board, and Vanessa Velez and Steven Kim to serve as Boston Municipal Court judges. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Location not yet determined)
AMERICAN REVOLUTION: Outreach and Marketing Subcommittee of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commission meets virtually. Agenda will cover the branding and logo for MA 250, a new website and social media, and international and domestic marketing efforts. (Wednesday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression meets virtually. Members will plan for the second installment of their "State of Black Maternal Health" roundtable series, as well as plan for Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Day in May. (Wednesday, 4 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets virtually. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
SPILKA NATICK UPDATE: Senate President Spilka provides an annual legislative update to the Natick Select Board. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Natick Town Hall, 13 E. Central St., Natick)
MARCH REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report revenue collections for the full month of March. DOR collected $2.236 billion between March 1 and March 15 -- $59 million or 2.7 percent more than actual collections during the first half of March 2023. The monthly benchmark for March, which DOR said is usually "a mid-size month for revenue collections, ranking sixth of the 12 months in eight of the last 10 years," is set at $3.935 billion. That would be $52 million more than what was collected in March 2023. (Wednesday)
Thursday, April 4, 2024
HEARTH ANNUAL MEETING: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus and Boston Administrator of the Boston Housing Authority Kenzie Bok speak at Hearth's annual meeting, focused on addressing elder homelessness. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St., Boston)
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS LOBBY DAY: Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistance host its annual lobby day to advocate for bills including the "Optimal Team Practice" bill (S 1354 / H 2135) to eliminate barriers to practice that were temporarily lifted during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The event will feature remarks from Rep. Barber, Public Health Committee Chair Rep. Decker, Sen. Oliveira, and Dipu Patel, president elect of the PA Education Association and former chair of the board of registration of PAs. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Grand Staircase)
TAIWAN RELATIONS ANNIVERSARY: Lawmakers host a reception in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Speakers include House Speaker Ron Mariano, Director General Charles Liao, and Taiwan's Ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Yui. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE SESSION: House holds an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
TAIWAN RESOLUTION: House Speaker Mariano will read the resolution adopted by the House to recognize the friendship between Massachusetts and Taiwan in the House Chamber. A reception to mark the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, which promoted continuing engagement between Taiwan and the United States, will follow in Nurses Hall. Participants include Taiwan's ambassador to the U.S., Alexander Yui, and the director-general of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston, Charles Liao. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber and Nurses Hall)
REHAB COUNCIL - POLICY: Policy Committee of the Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets virtually. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
REHAB COUNCIL - EXEC: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
HOME RULE DEADLINE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government accepts written testimony until 5 p.m. on home rule petitions from Winchester, Southwick, Boston, Watertown, Sandwich and Raynham. Testimony should be emailed to municipalitiescommittee@gmail.com. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Agenda)
Friday, April 5, 2024
SJC SITTING: Supreme Judicial Court sits to hear arguments on issues arising out of murder convictions in two cases. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)
BILLBOARDS HEARING: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to regulations on the control and restriction of billboards, signs and other advertising devices. Written comments will also be accepted until 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m., More Info and Access)
Saturday, April 6, 2024
TOWN FINANCE COMMITTEES: Association of Town Finance Committees holds its spring conference. Discussion will revolve around Gov. Healey's proposed Municipal Empowerment Act, which among other things would enable cities and towns to generate more revenue by raising the maximum local option tax on hotels and motels, increasing the local meal tax ceiling, and implementing a new vehicle surcharge. (Saturday, April 6, 9 a.m., Pine Ridge Country Club, 28 Pleasant St., North Oxford | Register)
MASS DEMS COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Democratic Party State Committee holds a "reorganizational" meeting. MassDems said it's updated the 20-year status of members, removed members who are chronically absent, and updated the list of ex-officio members. Party officials say they "have determined that the number of ballot, caucus, and ex officio members prior to the re-organizational election will be 166 men and 159 women." That gender imbalance will be addressed through an election, plus affirmative action seats will be added to ensure diverse representation among people who identify as LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled, among other demographics. Members will also be electing officer positions -- including vice chairs, a treasurer, deputy treasurers and a secretary -- aside from the chair. The committee is composed of more than 400 Democrats, including individuals representing senatorial districts, caucus reps and add-on members. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Beachmont Veterans Memorial School, 15 Everard St., Revere)
MASS GOP COMMITTEE: Republican State Committee meets. It's open to press, according to a MassGOP spokesman. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Boston Marriott Burlington, 1 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington)
