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An earthquake Friday morning centered in New Jersey was felt by people in Massachusetts and along the East Coast, including New York City. The National Weather Service's Boston office reported at 10:30 a.m. on X that it had received "several reports of an earthquake felt here in southern New England" at around 10:25 a.m. The weather service said that preliminary reports from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that a magnitude 4.8 earthquake was recorded in north central New Jersey. USGS later added on its X account: "Earthquakes are uncommon but not unheard of along the Atlantic Coast, a zone one study called a 'passive-aggressive margin' b/c there's no active plate boundary between the Atlantic & N. American plates, but there are stresses.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Apr 8
School Comm. Comprehensive Planning agenda
6:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. Apr 9
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
7:00pm
Franklin Public School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Wed. Apr 10
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
5:45pm
Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
6:00pm
7:00pm
Thurs. Apr 11
Cultural District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
House budget chief Aaron Michlewitz is rolling out a redraft of Gov. Maura Healey's fiscal 2025 budget next week while leading talks with Senate Democrats over a fiscal 2024 spending bill that will dictate the future of family shelter funding and restrictions, outdoor dining rules, and the fate of to-go drinks sold by restaurants. Floor deliberations on the House budget are not scheduled to begin until Wednesday, April 24, but House Democrats usually unveil their spending plan the week before school vacation week, giving representatives a couple of days to file amendments and staff more than a week to review and sort them into categories that lead to the adoption of mega-amendments. Here are some issues to watch as the spending plan comes into view:
-- One-Timers: State tax collections have stopped growing, but the appetite to spend more remains and the pressure to boost investments is always strong. One-time revenues are the usual fallback to keep spending on the rise, but can set the state up for budget headaches the following year, when the money is gone but the expectations for spending are still there. How much will Michlewitz and Speaker Ron Mariano lean on one-time revenues in fiscal 2025, especially after Mariano warned that fiscal 2026 may be a tough year?
-- New Revenues: When budget bills are rolled out, authors love to point out that their bills do not propose new taxes or increase existing ones. The tax front has been active in recent years, with historic automatic tax refunds, followed by a major tax increase on high-income households and last year's $1 billion targeted tax relief law. Gov. Healey wants the Legislature to let cities and towns raise taxes, but lawmakers seem cool to that idea. House Democrats might make another push for revenues associated with legalizing online Lottery sales, and may be on the lookout for other new revenue sources as well since existing taxes are not currently churning out more revenue.
-- The Bottom Line: Gov. Healey proposed a $58.13 billion budget in January. While the governor and legislative leaders are basing their budgets off the same $40.2 billion consensus tax revenue estimate, there's no requirement that they agree on a bottom line spending number. There are billions of dollars in non-tax revenues underpinning the state budget each year, from the federal government, fees and trust funds, that factor into how much is available to spend, and any significant differential in the bottom line between Healey and the House would underscore differences over both spending demands and revenue availability. For instance, how heavily will House spending plans rely on volatile capital gains tax revenues, and will the House go along with Healey's call for a tax amnesty program intended to pull overdue obligations in from taxpayers?
-- Honest Budgeting: In recent years when tax revenues far surpassed expectations, House and Senate budget negotiators often just settled on the higher appropriation when choosing between line item recommendations in their respective budgets. Given the current revenue squeeze, be on the lookout for potential underfunding of accounts, which frees up money to spend on paper but often requires the Legislature to replenish accounts mid-budget year with supplemental spending bills. Over the years, sheriffs and snow and ice removal have periodically been underfunded in the annual budget, and the most recent glaring example of underfunding was this year's $325 million for emergency family shelter. House leaders have already promised to fully fund some pricey early education and K-12 education accounts.
-- Policy Riders: Legislative leaders like to use the annual state spending plan as a vehicle for other policy goals, especially in recent years as larger omnibus bills have become the norm. Some have a clear budget-related angle, like Healey's proposal to close the MCI-Concord prison and save millions of dollars per year, but the likely dozens of outside sections can and do reach across many topics. Keep an eye out for the House to roll onto the table some other policy priorities that the Senate and governor might need to consider as part of the budget.
Sunday, April 7, 2024
VIOLENCE IN HAITI: "At Issue" looks at ongoing political violence in Haiti with guests Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, former Rep. Marie St. Fleur, and Carline Desire. Also on the program, Boston chief behavioral health officer Dr. Kevin Simon and Kristan Bagley-Jones of Franciscan Children's Hospital talk about next steps to address the student mental health crisis. Repeats on NECN at noon. (Sunday, 5 a.m., WBTS-TV Ch. 10)
WU ON 4: Boston Mayor Wu talks with Jon Keller about a commercial property tax hike, reelection plans, and complaints about St. Patrick's Day crowd behavior. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
COMMUNITY SOLAR FORUM: Sen. Eldridge participates in a solar community forum celebrating Congregation Beth Elohim, which won a Sunny Award for Equitable Community Solar from the U.S. Department of Energy last year. The synagogue installed four solar canopies over its parking lot, which provide electric capacity to the congregation and low- to moderate-income families in the community. Sean Howe, of investor Sunwealth Power, will discuss how community solar works. (Sunday, 9 a.m., 133 Prospect St., Acton)
DOGS ON DUCK BOAT: A special Boston Duck Tour will welcome aboard NEADS Service dogs as the organizations celebrate their 12-year partnership. NEADS clients, volunteers, and staff will also join the tour. NEADS is a nonprofit organization based in Princeton, and it provides service dogs for people with disabilities and veterans. NEADS says one of its service dogs in training is named Kilroy, in honor of the first Duck Boat. "Boston Duck Tours has always found creative ways to support NEADS, from hosting these tours to donating a portion of the proceeds from the camo ducks that they sell, as well as the proceeds from a holiday gift-wrapping event," Cathy Zemaitis, chief development and programs officer at NEADS, said. Media will be allowed on the tour on a first-come, first-served basis. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston)
RODRIGUES ON 5: Senate Ways and Means Chairman Rodrigues is the guest on "On The Record," followed by a roundtable with analysts Virginia Buckingham and Mary Anne Marsh. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
Monday, April 8, 2024
FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY: Senate President Spilka is scheduled to attend a 75th anniversary event for Framingham Heart Study. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., 150 Concord St., Framingham)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
CURSE-BUSTING RED SOX: A day before the team's home opener, members of the 2004 World Series champion Boston Red Sox sit down for a "freewheeling discussion and Q&A session" at an event hosted by the Foundation To Be Named Later. Manager Terry Francona, GM Theo Epstein, pitchers Derek Lowe, Bronson Arroyo and Lenny DiNardo, and midseason acquisition shortstop Orlando Cabrera will talk with Peter Gammons and Tom Caron. Proceeds benefit FTBNL's Gammons College Scholarships and new Red Sox GM Craig Breslow's Strike 3 Foundation. A media availability precedes the 11:30 a.m. roundtable and lunch. Media contact Keith Gainsboro at keith@elevatecom.com or 617-895-7905 for access. (Monday, 11 a.m., Hotel Commonwealth – Fenway Ballroom, 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
COMMUNITY HOSPITALS: Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh joins U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan for a discussion of the challenges facing hospitals and health centers across Massachusetts, including Steward Health Care's instability and legislation filed by Trahan to get more federal funding to safety-net hospitals. Lawrence General Hospital President and CEO Dr. Abha Agrawal, UMass Memorial Health President and CEO Dr. Eric Dickson, Lowell General Hospital President Amy Hoey, Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association President and CEO Steve Walsh, and Greater Lawrence Family Health Center CEO Dr. Guy Fish are among participants. (Monday, 11 a.m., Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General St., Lawrence)
SESTERCENTENNIAL COMMISSION: Commission on the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution meets. Agenda includes the introduction of Sheila Green, anniversary coordinator for the Office of Travel and Tourism, and an update from Jonathan Lane of Revolution250. (Monday, 11 a.m., Virtual)
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Legislative and Budget Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets virtually. The guest speakers are Maura Sullivan and Jose Lopez of The Arc of Massachusetts, an advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS: Rep. F. Moran and Sen. Cronin are among the speakers at Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs' 21st legislative advocacy day. Moran and Cronin will be recognized as "Champions of Youth" and alliance officials will brief legislators on the findings of the "State of Massachusetts Youth" survey providing comprehensive data analysis of the post-pandemic state of Massachusetts youth. (Monday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)
BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH: A film screening of "Birthing Justice," which captures the inequities experienced by Black pregnant individuals, is held as part of Black Maternal Health Week. The event is hosted by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, alongside the Bay State Birth Coalition, Birth Equity & Justice Massachusetts, and the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice. There's also a panel discussion featuring Sen. Miranda, Reps. Fluker Oakley and Cruz, former Rep. Charlotte Golar Richie, and Amanda Hainsworth, senior legal advisor to Attorney General Campbell. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a hybrid public hearing on a proposal dealing with self-storage laws from Rep. Chan, the panel's co-chair. The bill updates the definition of "abandoned lease space," in which certain personal property is left behind once a rental agreement ends. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livesteram)
GAMING MITIGATION GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council brings together cultural sector partners, Gaming Commission Interim Chair Jordan Maynard, grantees, Worcester’s poet laureate and others to announce and celebrate the latest Gaming Mitigation Fund awards ($3.66 million in total) made to 58 performing arts organizations. The fund is meant to help recipients like local theaters and performance venues deal with the impacts of having resort-style casinos in Massachusetts (there's one in Everett and one in Springfield) and the grants are funded with gambling revenues. (Monday, 2 p.m., Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge St., Worcester | Register)
SOLAR ECLIPSE: Department of Conservation and Recreation invites people to witness the near-total solar eclipse at eight state parks, featuring educational programs and guided viewing sessions. DCR will provide free eclipse-viewing glasses that filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared rays, "allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in this celestial spectacle." With the sun at least partially blocked out by the moon, solar energy production across New England is expected to drop by thousands of megawatts Monday afternoon. "The biggest impact we expect to see if it's a bright, sunny day is about 6,000 megawatts, which is about a third to half of the power system supply that we have," Mike Knowland from grid operator ISO-New England said. ISO-NE said it has been preparing for the eclipse so it can ensure reliability and keep supply and demand in balance as solar production drops off and eventually returns. (Monday, 2:20 p.m., Various Locations)
ANDOVER-LAWRENCE BRIDGES MEETING: MassDOT staff host a meeting to discuss a project to replace four bridges that carry Interstate 495 over Route 28 and two bridges over the MBTA commuter rail's Haverhill Line. Officials estimate the project affecting Andover and Lawrence will begin this spring and last four years. (Monday, 6 p.m., South Lawrence East Elementary School, 165 Crawford St., Lawrence | More Info)
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
MASSDOT FINANCE COMMITTEE: Department of Transportation Board of Directors Finance and Audit Committee meets. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda | Livestream)
MBTA ADVISORY BOARD: MBTA Advisory Board meets, featuring a one-year "retrospective" from General Manager Philip Eng. He'll participate in a Q&A with members. Agenda also includes a report from Executive Director Brian Kane. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
AUTISM ADVOCACY: Lt. Gov. Driscoll attends Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts' 19th annual Autism Advocacy Day, focused this year on "the continuing challenges presented by shortages in direct care providers and services, particularly for those with profound autism." Driscoll will provide opening remarks and present a proclamation recognizing Autism Advocacy Day. Sen. Comerford will be recognized for her work to pass the "Blue Envelope Bill" in the Senate, which aims to address potential issues when a driver with autism is pulled over by police. Reps. Garballey and Khan will also be honored. Tere Ramos, executive director of Partners for Youth with Disabilities, will give keynote remarks. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)
LAWMAKER APPRECIATION: Rep. O'Day of West Boylston is this year's honoree as Court Appointed Special Advocates hosts its second CASA Legislative Appreciation Day to recognize O'Day's support for the work of CASA volunteers. The organization serves the most vulnerable children and youth in foster care. O'Day joined the House in 2007 and before that was a social worker for the Department of Social Services, which is now the Department of Children and Families. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Zoom)
GOLDBERG AT CITIZENS BANK: Treasurer Goldberg participates in a roundtable discussion for Citizens Financial Literacy Month. Closed to members of the press. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Citizens, 28 State St., Boston)
DELTA DAY: Lawmakers host Delta Day honoring Delta Sigma Theta Inc., which Rep. Williams's office described as "the most prominent Black sorority in the country and globally." Rep. Williams, who chairs the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and Sen. Miranda, a member of Delta Sigma Theta, will offer welcome remarks before attendees discuss priorities and then set out for legislative visits. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room 428 | Register)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation about "survivor needs" in restorative justice. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife holds public hearing on proposed changes to the list of animal and plant species protected by the Mass. Endangered Species Act. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Zoom | More Info)
DISTRICT 5 BRIDGES: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss six bridge rehabilitation projects affecting Duxbury, Mansfield, Plymouth, Wareham and Lakeville. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
MENSTRUAL EQUITY CONFERENCE: Mass. Menstrual Equity Coalition and the Mass. chapter of the National Organization for Women host an event to boost awareness of "period poverty" and ways that policymakers can address it. Speakers include Sasha Goodfriend of Mass NOW and Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta. The Senate in October approved legislation that would require schools, correctional facilities and other settings make tampons, pads and other menstrual products accessible at no cost. Senators advanced a similar bill last session, but it never received a vote in the House. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Commonwealth Salon Community Room, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston)
WHITE STADIUM WORKSHOP: Boston officials hold a virtual workshop for Roxbury residents to learn about the White Stadium transportation plan. Mayor Wu and Boston Unity Soccer Partners want to renovate the run-down stadium to host a National Women's Soccer League team. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and 21 residents sued the city to block the plan, though a judge last month ruled against their request for an injunction for the project. The city's workshop will address streets proposed for parking regulation changes, game day traffic and parking restrictions, proposed shuttle routes, pedestrian safety improvement and enforcement mechanisms. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
MATERNAL HEALTH INEQUITIES: Rep. Decker of Cambridge, co-chair of the Joint Public Health Committee, hosts legislative briefing on the findings of the Racial Inequities In Maternal Health Commission. Event features an update on "the state of maternal health with a lens on racial inequities in birthing outcomes for people of color at the Cambridge Community Center," along with a panel discussion that includes representatives from MassHealth, Cambridge Health Alliance, Planned Parenthood, Neighborhood Birth Center, the Attorney General's Office, and Cambridge City Councilor Ayesha Wilson. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 5 Callender St., Cambridge | RSVP)
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
MASS. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions celebrates the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Devens, where UMass Donahue Institute Director of Economic and Public Policy Mark Melnik will present a statewide economic outlook. Attendees will also discuss tax increment financing. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions, 16 Bulge Road, Devens | RSVP)
WORKERS' COMPENSATION: The Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meets virtually. Agenda includes updates on the legislative session and data from the Department of Industrial Accidents data. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GRASSROOTS ORGANIZING: A panel discussion about supporting grassroots organizing in an election year is hosted by the Lenny Zakim Fund as part of its semi-annual "Bridge Builder" event. It will explore organizing in the nonprofit sector and how philanthropy can help organizers reach their goals. Panelists include Gabi Mora of the Krupp Family Foundation, Shanique Rodriguez of the Massachusetts Voter Table, Tre'Andre Valentine of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, and Keturah Brewster of I Have A Future. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Barr Foundation, 2 Atlantic Avenue, Boston | Register)
GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME DISCUSSION: Experts and advocates gather for a panel discussion about guaranteed basic income and how the practice could expand from smaller pilots to statewide. Jesus Gerena from Up Together delivers the keynote address, and United Way of Massachusetts Bay co-hosts. Boston Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu moderates a panel involving Mass. Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate, Cambridge Community Foundation President Geeta Pradhan, Boston Medical Center Pediatrician Megan Sandel, and Camp Harbor View Chief Operating Officer Josh Waxman. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., CitySpace at WBUR, 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | Register)
GIC REGULATIONS: Group Insurance Commission holds hearing on proposed changes to regulations dealing with eligibility and participation. The regulatory section (805 CMR 9.00) impacts "new employees, subsequent determinations of ineligibility, reemployed persons, dental and vision benefits for Trial Court employees, dependent care assistance, and appeals." (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Zoom | More Info)
DISABILITY COMMUNITY: Massachusetts Office on Disability hosts a networking event. The office will discuss its work to promote accessibility. Mary Mahon McCauley, the office's executive director, and Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz are slated to deliver opening remarks. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston | More Info and Register)
MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: Department of Transportation Board of Directors Capital Programs Committee meets. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Agenda | Livestream)
LOCAL GOV'T CONFERENCE: Artificial intelligence is the focus of the 2024 Local Government Reimagined Conference in Boston, hosted by the International City/County Management Association. Sessions on the first day focus on AI risk management, dispelling myths about AI, how AI can help administer public benefit programs, and using data to boost equity in housing and workforce opportunities. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston | More Info and Register)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
AUTHOR TALK: State Library hosts an author talk with Anna Du about her book "Microplastics and Me," which delves into the process of creating a system to track microplastics that are polluting the ocean. Du, a Massachusetts high school student who's won awards for her work in pollution prevention, hopes her book will inspire people to pursue careers in STEM to combat global climate challenges, according to the State Library's blog. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library | More Info and Livestream)
SOCIAL FINANCE: Social Finance Institute celebrates its 2023 launch with an afternoon of panel discussions and talks on "innovative, outcomes-based approaches to improving lives." Speakers include former Gov. Patrick; Economic Development Secretary Hao; Ryan Rippel of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Mass General Brigham CFO Niyum Gandhi; and Tom Barkin, president of the Richmond Federal Reserve Bank, and Austan Goolsbee, president of the Chicago Fed. Media RSVP to Carrie Benjamin at cbenjamin@socialfinance.org or (857) 340-6064. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 200 Beacon St., Somerville | More Info)
GOLDBERG-O'BRIEN MEETING: About seven months after being suspended with pay, Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien gets a meeting with Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. A Superior Court judge late last year cleared the way for Goldberg to hold the meeting that is required if the treasurer is to fire the CCC chair. The meeting is private, Goldberg's office confirmed Friday. The structure of the meeting has been blessed by the judge: two days (four hours each day) in a 12th floor conference room in the Treasury's offices at 1 Ashburton Place. Thomas Maffei, a former president of the Massachusetts Bar Association who is now senior counsel at Sherin and Lodgen, is to serve as the "officiant" of the meeting, though Goldberg will determine O'Brien's fate. The court-approved protocol does not explicitly describe the meeting as private, but its list of "permitted attendees" does not include the press or general public. The agenda calls for Maffei to give opening remarks including the purpose and guidelines for the meeting. Lawyers for Goldberg's office will then place into the record the "statement of reasons and potentially supporting information." O'Brien and/or her lawyers will then have the chance to address what Goldberg's side presents. Both sides can present and cross-examine witnesses (including investigators involved). There will be time allowed after the meeting concludes for O'Brien to provide additional information and for Goldberg to request more information. It allows Goldberg the option of providing an updated statement of reasons for O'Brien's suspension/firing and offering another hearing, if necessary. Goldberg is to render her decision in writing to O'Brien, but the court-approved protocol does not put a deadline on her ruling. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 12th floor, 1 Ashburton Pl., Boston)
RODRIGUES AT BECMA: Senate Ways and Means Chairman Rodrigues participates in a virtual discussion with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts focused on prioritizing equitable economic development. His appearance will come on the day the House Ways and Means Committee is expected to roll out its fiscal 2025 budget plan. Rodrigues is at work on the Senate version of the budget, which will be debated in May and then reconciled with the version that the House will pass in late April. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Register)
CCC SOCIAL EQUITY CLINIC: CCC's Equity Programming and Community Outreach team hosts the fifth of six application clinics to support prospective applicants interested in applying for the CCC's social equity program. The program offers free, statewide technical assistance and training to help individuals most impacted by the War on Drugs break into the legal cannabis industry. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester |Register)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Judiciary Committee accepts written testimony through 5 p.m. on a Rep. Donato bill to create a four-year pilot program to improve communications between local law enforcement and crime victims in Middlesex County. Under the proposal, the DA's office would create a "public safety citizen communications system" that would send automatic updates and messages to victims, such as when a case is opened by local law enforcement and when an arrest is made. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | More Info)
SOUTH COAST RAIL MEETING: MBTA hosts a community meeting in Fall River to provide an update on phase one of the South Coast Rail project, which will add about 36 miles of commuter rail service linking Boston to New Bedford, Fall River and several other communities in the region. T officials said last year that passenger service would begin by summer 2024. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Morton Middle School, 1135 North Main St., Fall River)
NEWTON RAIL ACCESSIBILITY: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss accessibility improvements to the Auburndale, West Newton and Newtonville commuter rail stations on the Worcester Line. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
WHITE STADIUM - DORCHESTER: As Boston moves forward with its plan to renovate White Stadium to host a National Women's Soccer League team, the city hosts a workshop with Dorchester residents. The event will discuss the city's transportation plan, including proposed parking regulation changes, game day traffic, shuttle bus routes and pedestrian safety improvements. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
WHITE STADIUM - JAMAICA PLAIN: Boston holds another community workshop focused on its transportation plan for White Stadium. The session is intended for Jamaica Plain residents. (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. | Register)
Thursday, April 11, 2024
LOCAL GOV CONFERENCE: The Local Government Reimagined Conference, hosted by the International City/County Management Association, continues its focus on AI for its second day in Boston. Alan Shark, executive director of the Public Technology Institute, delivers a keynote address -- called "AI - The Human Machine Partnership (What Could Possibly go Wrong?!)" -- about how AI can transform jobs and what skills employees will need. Neil Kleiman, a professor at Northeastern University, gives a presentation called "Everything You Need to Know About AI but Were Afraid to Ask"; he'll give advice about incorporating AI into local government. Other sessions discuss cybersecurity risks, adopting AI systems, developing AI policies, and the potential of AI for content creation and communication strategies. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston | More Info and Register)
MBTA AUDIT COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., More Info and Livestream)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)
INCLUSION SUMMIT: Arc of Massachusetts, in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services, invites people to join the Metro Regional Community Inclusion Summit hosted by the Widening the Circle Pathways to Friendship initiative. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, Walter Denny Youth Center, 270 Mt Vernon St., Dorchester)
FRAMINGHAM HOUSING: Senate President Spilka is scheduled to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for Framingham Housing Authority's Carlson Crossing. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., 9 Pursan Rd., Framingham)
FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY: Board of Higher Education interviews Karim Ismaili, a candidate for president of Fitchburg State University. President Richard Lapidus is retiring at the end of the academic year. Fitchburg State said it's conducting a national search and intends to select a new president before Lapidus departs in June. Ismaili serves as executive vice president and provost at Bridgewater State University. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets for a regular business meeting, in-person with a virtual option available. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, Worcester | More Info and Access)
PRIVATE EDUCATION: Senate Ways and Means Chairman Rodrigues and Rep. Worrell deliver keynote remarks during "Nonpublic School Advocacy Day," an inaugural event hosted by the Massachusetts Council for American Private Education. Other speakers include school leaders representing Catholic, Christian, Jewish and other nonpublic schools. Advocates will share their fiscal 2025 budget priorities dealing with early childhood education, school security, universal school meals, and school health and mental health. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
UMASS AI SYMPOSIUM: University of Massachusetts holds a symposium focused on the impact of artificial intelligence. The gathering is not open to the public, but UMass President Marty Meehan this week touted its importance. The goal is to explore "benefits and challenges that AI presents in teaching and research and to consider issues such as equity and ethics in the applications of AI," Meehan told the UMass Audit Committee this week, adding that the symposium will be filmed so that it can be seen by others who can't attend. Meehan last year convened a systemwide working group led by vice president of academic affairs Kumble Subbaswamy to focus on AI. "I noted then that while AI holds great potential for improving the human condition it also opens the possibility of bad actors abusing such tools for the detriment of society," Meehan said. "It clearly presents both opportunities and threats within all of higher education. So intense discussion has begun in academic circles on the development of policies and guidelines as to how to best utilize AI tools while minimizing abuse." Keynote speaker Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, will address how to preserve humanity amid technology and how to avoid AI pitfalls. (Thursday, 10 a.m., UMass Amherst, Mount Ida Campus, 100 Carlson Ave., Newton)
MBTA PLANNING COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Planning, Workforce, Development and Compensation Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info and Livestream)
MTF BUDGET BRIEFING: Mass. Taxpayers Foundation holds a virtual briefing for its members to hear from President Doug Howgate and Director of Research Meaghan Callahan on the House Ways and Means budget proposal and how it fits into the state's larger fiscal picture. Non-members should contact dcarroll@masstaxpayers.org for more information. (Thursday, 10 a.m.)
INTERFAITH HOUSING LOBBY DAY: Greater Boston Interfaith Organization expects more than 150 people at its lobby day to rally support for its "housing justice campaign platform." Event kicks off with a short speaking program featuring members of clergy, who are expected to speak about a letter released last month that "urged immediate action in the midst of a worsening housing crisis." Attendees then move inside to visit lawmakers' offices. The group's priorities include fully funding state-owned public housing, completing deferred maintenance, and generating revenue through real estate transfer taxes. While neither branch has acted yet, passage of a large housing bond appears inevitable by this summer, with the big question being whether it will resemble a traditional housing bond bill or include some of the policy changes that people have been seeking for years to make a run at really accelerating housing production and giving buyers and renters significantly more new choices. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., State House steps)
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: International Interior Design Association New England Chapter, students from UMass Dartmouth's interior architecture and design program, American Society of Interior Designers and National Council for Interior Design Qualification host a briefing in legislation (S 2408) that supporters said would allow qualified interior designers to become licensed as professionals in Massachusetts and to sign and seal drawings. The bill got a favorable report from the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure last year and has been sitting in the Senate Ways and Means Committee since. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room 222)
BOSTON RESEARCH BUREAU: Boston Municipal Research Bureau hosts its annual meeting of directors and members. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Seaport Hotel Boston, One Seaport Lane, Boston)
MBTA SAFETY COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info and Livestream)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT's Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a virtual hearing. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: The Health Policy Commission Board meets and discusses recent notices of material change. HPC regulators last week said they are reviewing a pending deal to sell for-profit Steward Health Care's physician network to profit-insurer Optum, a transaction that's drawn sharp criticism from U.S. Sen. Warren and House Speaker Mariano. The board will also address potential policy options to deal with the rise of private equity in health care. The financial crisis that could jeopardize operations at Steward's eight hospitals has prompted state and federal elected officials to explore how to better regulate private equity investments, including giving the HPC more oversight authority and ability to impose conditions on transactions. Commissioners will also vote on establishing the 2025 health care cost growth benchmark. The meeting will start with an executive session expected to last about one hour. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Livestream)
FED CHAIR IN NY: Boston Fed President Susan Collins speaks to a gathering of the Economic Club of New York, where she will share perspectives on the economy. (Thursday, 12 p.m., University Club of New York, 1 W 54th St., New York, NY)
STATE REHAB COUNCIL: Business and Employment Opportunities Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GOLDBERG-O'BRIEN MEETING II: The meeting between Treasurer Goldberg and suspended CCC Chair O'Brien is scheduled to continue for a second day. The meeting is private, Goldberg's office confirmed Friday. (Thursday, 1 p.m., 12th floor, 1 Ashburton Pl., Boston)
CELEBRATING THE DUKE: Northeastern University hosts an afternoon-long event to honor former Gov. Michael Dukakis, now a distinguished professor of political science emeritus at the school. A panel featuring former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy, former Transportation Secretary Fred Salvucci, former Secretary of Environmental Affairs James Hoyte, former Insurance Commissioner James Stone and former Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Secretary Paula Gold will talk about Dukakis and state politics. Senior adviser Jack Corrigan and Tad Devine are among those on a panel about Dukakis as the 1988 Democratic nominee for president. Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones and former Newton Mayor Setti Warren are part of a panel about Dukakis as a teacher. The event concludes with a panel of governors, including Gov. Healey, and then a reception. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Northeastern EXP, 8th Floor, 815 Columbus Ave., Roxbury | More Info)
DEI IN BUSINESS: A Boston Business Journal panel of business leaders will discuss diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the workplace and community, as well as their priorities for the region. Panelists will address "the programs, strategies and opportunities created to ensure the strongest possible future workforce" in sectors like life sciences, health care, technology, finance, clean energy and climate tech, and higher education. Speakers include Imari Paris Jeffries of Embrace Boston, Robert Lewis Jr. of Boy & Girls Club of Bosto, Eneida Roman of Amplify LatinX, and Pratt Wiley of The Partnership, Inc. Tickets cost $99. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton, 10 Avery St., Boston | Register
REFLECTING ON THE DUKE: Gov. Healey joins former Govs. Deval Patrick, Jane Swift and Bill Weld to reflect on the accomplishments and legacy of former Gov. Michael Dukakis, now a distinguished professor of political science emeritus at Northeastern University. Longtime Boston-area TV reporter Alison King moderates. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Northeastern EXP, 8th Floor, 815 Columbus Ave., Roxbury)
WORCESTER ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: EcoTarium, the science and nature museum in Worcester, hosts a community forum to discuss environmental justice. Worcester Regional Research Bureau will present a new report, "Environmental (In)Justice," discussing climate conditions in Worcester and how those are linked to health outcomes, redlining and other social factors. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Alden Planetarium, EcoTarium, 222 Harrington Way, Worcester | More Info)
SUPPORTING VETERANS: Executive Office of Veterans Services hosts an event aimed at supporting veterans as they return to Massachusetts following their service. Veterans will learn about available resources and services, such as benefits, health care and employment opportunities. (Thursday, 6 p.m., UMass Lowell North Star Campus, 55 Old Bedford Road, Suite 100, Lincoln | Register)
T TRACK IMPROVEMENTS: MBTA hosts a public meeting to discuss the Track Improvement Plan, which implements rolling shutdowns to various portions of the subway system to accelerate repairs with a goal of eliminating slow zones. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston)
GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission is expected to hold a regular business meeting. (Thursday, More Info TBA)
Friday, April 12, 2024
LOCAL GOV'T CONFERENCE: The final day of the Local Government Reimagined Conference explores how AI can be used for professional development and "performance management." Another session will discuss how to engage with communities in a hybrid world, including overcoming the digital divide and making meetings more accessible and inclusive. The conference is hosted by the International City/County Management Association. (Friday, 7:30 a.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston | More Info and Registration)
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES FAIR: Department of Agricultural Resources hosts its first Agricultural Resources Fair, featuring information on services, funding, and technical assistance programs. Event is free and locally sourced snacks will be provided. Registration is requested, but not required. (Friday, 9 a.m., Mass Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough)
