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Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll celebrates after cutting a ribbon Friday, April 19 at the new 365-day calendar in Lexington that will count down to the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington next April 19, 2025. The state is putting an emphasis on tourism marketing and planning ahead of the 250th anniversary, or semiquincentennial, of the Revolutionary War.
Jim Shaw/Lexington Times
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Apr 22
Franklin Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting
4:30pm
5:30pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. Apr 23
7:00pm
7:00pm
Wed. Apr 24
Joint Town Council & School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Joint Town Council & School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Franklin Cultural Council Meeting
7:30pm
Thurs. Apr 25
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Deliberations on hundreds of amendments to the $57.9 billion House Ways and Means Committee budget for fiscal 2025 are set to consume attention next week, but lawmakers also have an opportunity to get a pair of major, time-sensitive bills to Gov. Maura Healey's desk. The branches are in agreement on a $375 million road, bridge and transportation investment bill that needs only recorded votes in each branch to reach the legislative finish line. The House and Senate also agree that they'll steer well over $200 million more into the emergency family shelter system and impose some limits on how long families can stay in shelters, but top Democrats in each branch haven't been able to find common ground on final details. The family shelter system could run out of money any day now, so that might provide motivation for an accord. It's rare for both branches to hold formal sessions on the same day, but that will happen on Thursday, which could feature action on all three bills.
House Budget Week
The House bangs into its annual budget deliberations Wednesday, and after top legislators overestimated tax collections, it will be interesting to see how much debate centers around the revenue-related amendments that kick off the multi-day session. Representatives have 1,495 amendments to sift through, or at least Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz and his staff do. It's a week when a good relationship with the budget chairman and potential next speaker could prove fruitful. There's an average of 9.3 amendments per representative, basically the same volume of amendments filed for the past couple years. More than 70 percent of the proposed add-ons are spending earmarks, according to a Mass. Taxpayers Foundation review. The House tacked on $129.7 million via amendment during last year's budget session, but this year could see more attention to a strict bottom line. Gov. Maura Healey's fiscal 2025 spending plan called for $58.1 billion in appropriations while House leadership's initial proposal, rolled out a couple weeks ago, currently stands at $57.9 billion ahead of next week's amend-a-thon. Around 400 of the amendments are policy sections, the MTF found. With many communities on edge due to the Steward Health Care crisis, and many residents around the state fired up about government spending on the migrant housing crisis, this year's budget session perhaps might see some extended debate around those topics, some forced roll calls that might make incumbents uncomfortable in an election year, or an opportunity for House leaders to give incumbents from purple districts an assist with their reelection efforts. The budget week, less aptly named than usual, starts a couple days later this year to keep the first couple nights of Passover clear.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
DURANT ON 4: Sen. Durant, Republican of Spencer, talks with Jon Keller about state budget priorities, local aid, pressure on Proposition 2 1/2, and spending on the migrant crisis. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
TEAMSTERS ENDORSE DRIVERS BILL: Members of Teamsters Local 25 and Sen. Edwards of Boston gather for a general membership meeting, where organizers say they will endorse legislation (H 1158 / S 627) that would allow gig workers for app-based platforms such as Uber and Lyft to collectively bargain. Organizers linked the event to ongoing efforts by the companies to pass a ballot question that would declare drivers to be independent contractors instead of employees while providing some new benefits. (Sunday, 10 a.m., Teamsters Local 25 Union Hall, 544 Main St., Charlestown)
CYR ON 5: Sen. Cyr, Democrat of Truro, is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
HIKE WITH THE MAYOR: Marlborough Mayor J. Christian Dumais joins Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Arrigo and Adam Sell of the Hike Massachusetts Project on a two-mile hike on the Ghiloni Park/State Park Loop Trail, as well as a brief speaking program to begin. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Ghiloni Park, 239 Concord Road, Marlborough)
TREES MATTER WEBINAR: The Trees as a Public Good Network, founded by Our Revolution Massachusetts, holds a webinar on "why trees matter for green development." Tufts professor William Moomaw will give a presentation on responsible siting of large-scale solar, and Meg Sheehan of Community Land and Water Coalition will discuss a case study from southeastern Massachusetts where hundreds of acres of the Pine Barrens were clear-cut for strip mining silica sand used in the production of solar panels. Dr. Zbigniew Grabowski of the University of Connecticut will give a presentation on urban trees, and other speakers are scheduled to discuss concerns over zoning that encourages greater housing density without requiring allowances for green infrastructure. "We need solar energy, denser and more affordable housing, AND the crucial climate services provided by trees in urban areas and in forests. The science shows that if we cut trees for large-scale solar and for wall-to-wall housing density, the net result is not green," says a release from the group. (Sunday, 7 p.m. | Register)
Monday, April 22, 2024
SPILKA AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Senate President Spilka addresses a government affairs forum hosted by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, two days before the House starts debating its fiscal 2025. During his address to the chamber last month, House Speaker Mariano expressed a willingness to consider a local option real estate transfer tax within his branch's forthcoming housing bond bill and expanding the service area of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. He also broadly hinted at health care legislation influenced by the unfolding financial crisis at Steward Health Care. When Spilka addressed the chamber last June, she outlined priorities including tackling prescription drug costs, and early education and child care, measures that remain works in progress. (Monday, 9:45 a.m., Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston | More Info and Registration)
REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM: Boston Women's Fund holds a symposium on reproductive justice. The day-long symposium will include a keynote address by Roxbury-native Shafia Monroe, known for her involvement in the midwifery movement; panels on the status of the reproductive justice movement and grassroots organizing; a networking session; and a "trauma-informed yoga and movement break." (Monday, 10 a.m., Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury)
SENATE: Senate holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session, ahead of plans to commence its fiscal 2025 budget debate on Wednesday. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
BOSTON SEWER EARTH DAY: To celebrate Earth Day, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission unveils 37 new electric vehicles in their fleet, and a new sewer system cleaner that recycles 100 percent of the water it uses. "These technologically advanced vehicles are saving resources, saving ratepayer dollars and, we hope, in some modest way, helping contribute to our planet’s good health," says a release from the commission. (Monday, 11 a.m., BWSC Headquarters, 980 Harrison Ave., Boston)
APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL: Apprenticeship Council meets. Agenda includes remarks from Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones and Undersecretary Josh Cutler. There will also be updates from the Division of Apprentice Standards and a discussion about Youth Apprenticeship Week and National Apprenticeship Week. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor, Boston | Agenda and Remote Access)
BOSTON EARTH DAY EVENT: City of Boston departments and their partners gather for a three-hour Earth Day celebration to "highlight strategies to make Boston the greenest city in the country," according to Mayor Wu's office. The mayor plans to make an appearance at 1:45 p.m. (Monday, noon, City Hall Plaza, Downtown Boston)
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT: Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Agenda includes a discussion about a pilot program for individuals with disabilities at the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
WOBURN WATER: U.S. Rep. Clark joins Woburn Mayor Mike Concannon and city leaders to celebrate nearly $1 million in federal funding that Clark secured to remove PFAS chemicals from the city's drinking water. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., Horn Pond Water Treatment Plant, 5 Cove St., Woburn)
EARTH DAY DISCUSSION OF OCEAN TEMPERATURES: Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer moderates and participates in a live discussion with climate scientists on the issue of rising ocean temperatures and possible policy solutions. Other members of the panel include Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs climate scientist Edwin Sumargo, UMass Boston School for the Environment Interim Dean Bob Chen, UMass School for the Environment professor and Climate Science Advisory Committee member Paul Kirshen, and Climate Science Advisory Committee member Susi Moser. (Monday, 2 p.m., UMass Boston, Point Lounge, 3rd floor Campus Center, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston)
HIGHER ED BOARD: Executive Committee of the Board of Higher Education meets. (Monday, 2:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
NEAL TALKS WEST-EAST RAIL: Congressman Neal of Springfield holds a press conference to discuss progress on the West-East Rail project, sometimes called East-West Rail, to expand passenger rail service west of Worcester after meeting privately with MassDOT West-East Rail Director Andy Koziol, MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger, state lawmakers and others. (Monday, 3 p.m., Springfield Union Station, 55 Frank B. Murray St., Springfield)
WORKERS RIGHTS: A workers rights fair is hosted by the City of Boston, the Attorney General's Fair Labor Division, the Department of Labor and Greater Boston Legal Services, among other groups. (Monday, 5 p.m., Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany St., Boston)
CCC SOCIAL EQUITY CLINIC: CCC's Equity Programming and Community Outreach team hosts the final of six 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. (Monday, 5 p.m., Holyoke Community College, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke|Register)
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
SPRINGFIELD LISTENING SESSION: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities hosts its second regional listening session for feedback on Gov. Healey's five-year strategic statewide housing plan. This is the second of 14 listening sessions around the state, mandated in executive orders Gov. Healey filed in conjunction with her $4 billion housing bond bill and establishing the Housing Advisory Council and Commission on Unlocking Housing Production. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Springfield Technical Community College, Auditorium, 1 Armory Sq., Springfield)
MUNICIPAL POLICE HEARING: Police Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee holds an appeal hearing for a student officer dismissed from the Worcester Police Academy. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Livestream)
MUNICIPAL POLICE HEARING: Police Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee holds an appeal hearing on a former instructor who was dismissed from the MPTC. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Livestream)
WHITE STADIUM LAWSUIT: Residents from the neighborhood surrounding Boston's Franklin Park hold a press conference to announce the next steps in their lawsuit against the city for their efforts to turn the public White Stadium into a future home for a National Women's Soccer League team. The advocates say doing so would be "unconstitutional privatization of the public stadium, its grounds, and surrounding public parkland." The lawsuit, filed by 20 citizen plaintiffs and the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, seeks to halt the City of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., White Stadium, North Entrance, 450 Walnut Ave., Boston)
AUCHINCLOSS ON RARE DISEASES: New England Council hosts a forum called "New England Innovates: Tackling Rare Diseases," featuring a keynote address from Congressman Auchincloss. A panel discussion will dive into how federal policymakers can support research and development surrounding rare diseases. Panelists include Irene Abrams of Boston Children's Hospitals, Duane Clark of Sanofi, Betsy O'Neill of Amgen, Heidi Ross of the National Organization for Rare Disorders and Craig Wilkinson of Novocure. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston | More Info and Register
FITCHBURG PREZ SEARCH: Board of Higher Education interviews a third candidate for president of Fitchburg State University, Donna Souder Hodge. She currently serves as vice president of operations and advancement at Colorado State University Pueblo. Fitchburg President Richard Lapidus is retiring at the end of the academic year. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
GREEN NEW DEAL TOUR: Green New Deal for the People tour, which has been calling for federal action to support major climate investments, makes its final stop in Boston. Sen. Markey and Mayor Wu join, where organizers say they will highlight progress in Massachusetts toward a Green New Deal. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Roxbury Community College)
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: MassDOT holds an hour-long webinar on new tools and resources developed this school year by the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School program for individual schools, school districts and municipalities. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. | Webinar)
HEWITT HEALTH CARE: The Pioneer Life Sciences Initiative holds its 2024 Hewitt Healthcare Lecture to honor Congressman Auchincloss "for his remarkable efforts to advance biopharmaceutical innovation and address a lack of transparency in pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices." Congressman Auchincloss will deliver the lecture. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Harvard Medical School, Cambridge | Register)
ANDOVER-LAWRENCE BRIDGE: MassDOT holds an in-person public meeting on the status of the proposed I-495 Andover-Lawrence bridge replacement project. The project consists of the full replacement of the four bridges which carry I-495 over Route 28 and the two bridges which carry the highway over the MBTA Haverhill Commuter Rail line. Work will begin later this spring and will last for approximately four years. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Robb Senior Center, 30 Whittier Court, Andover)
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
MBTA BONDING TRAINING: MBTA holds a training "specifically designed to help small businesses (including businesses owned by women and minorities, and DBEs) secure a bid/performance or payment bond" with the T. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | Register)
MASSBIO CONFERENCE: MassBio holds its annual "State of Possible Conference," which the trade group describes as the "premier event for the Massachusetts life science industry" that convenes pharmaceutical and biotech leaders. More than 500 people are slated to attend. MassBio CEO Kendalle Burlin O'Connell delivers an opening address at 10 a.m., followed by remarks from Gov. Healey at 10:55 a.m. Healey's economic development proposal calls for reauthorizing the life sciences initiative at $1 billion for another decade, including $350 million for the life sciences tax incentive program. Congressman Auchincloss at 11:15 a.m. will speak about Massachusetts' role in global innovation. Sen. Markey will give remarks at 11:25 a.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Royal Sonesta Boston, 40 Edwin Land Blvd., Cambridge | More Info)
FRONT LINES OF THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC: Caregiver Action Network and MASSterList host a panel discussion about the changing front lines in the opioid epidemic. Overdose-related deaths remain near record highs in Massachusetts despite efforts to contain the crisis, and officials have pointed to the growing presence of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl as a key factor. Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins delivers opening remarks. Panelists include Rep. Chris Worrell, Caregiver Action Network CEO Marvell Adams Jr., International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 Business Agent Jay Frasier and Framingham FORCE co-founder Cathy Miles. Peter J. Howe of Denterlein moderates. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Register)
HOUSE BUDGET SESSION: House gavels into a multi-day session to consider Democratic leadership's fiscal 2025 budget proposal -- and the 1,495 amendments representatives filed a week and a half ago. (Wednesday, Time TBD, House Chamber | House Budget Amendments)
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: The Massachusetts School Building Authority Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | For access email Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org)
RIGHT WHALE DAY: New England Aquarium marks the second annual Massachusetts Right Whale Day. Right whales are critically endangered, with only about 360 still remaining in the ocean. The Massachusetts Environmental Trust, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Department of Fish & Game's Division of Marine Fisheries will co-host a speaking program about protecting the right whales. Other programming will take place inside the aquarium and Central Wharf Plaza all day. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., New England Aquarium and Central Wharf Plaza, Boston)
495 PARTNERSHIP: Senate President Spilka is the keynote speaker at the 495 Partnership's State House advocacy day. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Reading Room)
METRO SOUTH LUNCHEON: Metro South Chamber hosts a legislative luncheon, with guest speaker Doug Howgate, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. (Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., Thorny Lea Golf Club, 159 Torrey St., Brockton)
DiZOGLIO IN AMESBURY: Auditor Diana DiZoglio speaks during an Amesbury Rotary Club meeting. (Wednesday, noon, Ristorante Molise, 1 Market St, Amesbury)
SE MASS, CAPE HOSPITAL ACCESS: Senate Post-Audit & Oversight Committee holds its rescheduled hearing on the status of health care affordability, quality and staffing at hospitals located in southeastern Massachusetts, as well as Cape Cod and the Islands. Confirmed speakers include Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh, Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz, and Massachusetts Nurses Association President Katie Murphy. Chairman Sen. Marc Pacheco's office has also invited the presidents and CEOs of hospitals in southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod and The Islands to attend and appear as witnesses. The Healey administration has launched a series of private virtual planning conversations with health leaders as they navigate potential major disruptions to service spurred by the Steward Health Care crisis. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., IBEW Local 223, 475 Myles Standish Blvd., Taunton | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets and could vote on the confirmation of Boston Municipal Court judicial nominee Rebeca Figueroa. Figueroa currently works as an assistant clerk magistrate of Suffolk Superior Court. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. The council helps steer the development of efficiency plans from gas and electric utilities, plus energy providers. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Register)
COMMUNITY HEALTH EQUITY: Department of Public Health holds a webinar on resources for using data from the 2023 Community Health Equity Survey. Participants will learn how to use a "racial justice frame" to interpret the data as they look to advance health equity. The survey examines the root causes of health inequities in communities such as immigrants, older adults, parents, individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, and people of color. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Register)
DENIM DAY: Lawmakers gather to mark Denim Day, with their denim clothing intended to overcome misconceptions about sexual assault. Speakers include Gov. Healey and the Women's Caucus Sexual Violence co-chairs Reps. Higgins and Farley-Bouvier. A survivor will share her story; press are asked to not photograph or film her due to the "sensitivity of the subject matter." Senate President Spilka plans to attend. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Grand Staircase)
GOLDBERG/HEALEY MEETING: Gov. Healey and Treasurer Goldberg have their monthly meeting. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Governor's Office)
DUXBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a virtual public information meeting for the Route 3 bridge replacement in Duxbury. MassDOT is providing safety and operational improvements to the proposed Route 3 Northbound/Southbound bridges (Pilgrim Highway) over Franklin Street. Proposed work includes the complete replacement of the bridges, widening existing shoulders along Rt 3, replacing guard railing, upgrading the drainage along Rte. 3, repaving of Rte. 3, and adding new curbing and sidewalks down on Franklin Street. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Register)
LEAD TALK: Rep. Andy Vargas is among the panelists at Lead Talk 2024, an event to call attention to the presence and dangers of lead in air, soil and water. Register (Wednesday, 7 p.m., 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill)
Thursday, April 25, 2024
HOUSE BUDGET SESSION: House is slated to continue its multi-day session considering amendments to the fiscal 2025 general budget bill. (Thursday, Time TBD, House Chamber | House Budget Amendments)
STATE OF CANNABIS: Cannabis Control Commission hosts its second "State of Cannabis" event at the State House to brief lawmakers and staffers on the work of the commission and the challenges it faces. Since voters legalized non-medical use of marijuana in 2016, the regulated industry stood up by the CCC has generated more than $1 billion in state and local revenue, created thousands of jobs, and provided business opportunities for disproportionately impacted communities. But lawmakers and others also have concerns about the way the CCC is run and whether there is sufficient oversight of the agency, particularly in light of nearly a year of turmoil involving the CCC chairwoman and its longtime executive director. CCC representatives will be available to speak directly with lawmakers and staffers after a speaking program. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
PORTUGAL REVOLUTION TAKEAWAYS: Thursday marks 50 years since the Carnation Revolution, the peaceful ouster of the Estado Novo dictatorship in Portugal and dawn of the ancient nation's democratic Third Republic. Harvard's Center for European Studies and the Consulate General of Portugal in Boston mark the day with a panel discussion on lessons that Portugal and other countries can take away from the coup's political and economic consequences. Speakers include Antonio Costa Pinto, a visiting fellow at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs; Lucio Vinhas de Souza, visiting professor at Brandeis University; Boston University lecturer Daniela Melo; and European Studies Center director Daniel Ziblatt. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Lower level conference room, Busch Hall, 27 Kirkland St., Cambridge)
RETIREMENT BOARD MEETING: Massachusett State Retirement Board meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | For access email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)
MBTA BOARD MEETING: MBTA Board of Directors meets. No agenda yet. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
MTF HIGHER ED WEBINAR: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation holds a webinar on the substantial role of public and private colleges and universities in Massachusetts' economy. MTF President Doug Howgate and Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University will give presentations. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)
DiZOGLIO ON THE RADIO: Auditor Diana DiZoglio plans to be a guest on En Contraste Radio Show with Altagracia Mayi. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 60 Island St., Lawrence)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats plan to meet in a private caucus. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session. One possible item on the agenda, if the House acts first, could be final enactment of the annual "Chapter 90" road and bridge funding legislation. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Senate Chamber)
STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI EVENT: State university presidents from around Massachusetts will recognize nine "outstanding educators who graduated from the system’s teacher preparation programs" during an event hosted by the State Universities Council of Presidents. The council said the state university system in Massachusetts began "with the establishment of normal schools that were free of charge to students who committed to teaching in the Commonwealth's schools." It said more than one-third of public school teachers in Massachusetts were educated at a state university. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)
PORTUGAL REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY: UMass Lowell's Saab Center for Portuguese Studies holds a hybrid colloquium to mark the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, a bloodless revolution that brought an end to the country's Estado Novo dictatorship and ushered in its Third Republic. The six-and-a-half-hour event features speakers from University of Lisbon, Georgetown University, and UMass Lowell talking about the transitions to democracy in Portugal and Spain after the dictatorships of Salazar and Franco. Special guest is actress Maria de Medeiros, director of "Capitães de Abril," or "April's Captains," a 2000 dramatization of the April 25, 1974 coup. Event concludes with a screening of the film. Complimentary dinner included. Parking in the Wilder Lot, corner of Wilder and Broadway streets. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Coburn Hall 110, 850 Broadway St., Lowell | Registration)
STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL: Student Advisory Council of the Board of Higher Education meets. (Thursday, 4 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
RIDERS TRANSPORTATION ACCESS: The Riders' Transportation Access Group meets virtually to discuss transportation issues affecting older adults and people of all ages who have disabilities. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m. | Register)
NEWTON/WESTON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds virtual public information meeting on preliminary work underway to replace and rehabilitate a series of nine bridges at the I-90/I-95 interchange in Newton and Weston. Anticipated traffic impacts for the first stage of construction will be discussed. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
WHITE STADIUM: Boston holds a virtual design meeting about White Stadium, which Mayor Wu wants to renovate and turn into a future home for a National Women's Soccer League team. City officials say this is the first of three meetings to incorporate community feedback "into a holistic stadium design." (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
Friday, April 26, 2024
HOUSE BUDGET SESSION: House likely runs into a third day of deliberations on the fiscal 2025 annual budget. (Friday, Time TBD, House Chamber | House Budget Amendments)
HOUSING RACIAL EQUITY: Mel King Institute For Community Building holds a forum on racial equity and housing, with a focus on Gov. Healey's proposed $4.1 billion housing bond bill. The conversation will be led by Mark Martinez, an attorney at the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. "We will work to build an understanding of the bill's strengths, ways it can change for the better, and areas it will not go far enough towards repair," the event advisory says. The House earlier this week shipped Healey's proposal to the House Committee on Ways and Means, which is likely to revise or add onto the governor's recommendations; House Speaker Mariano has signaled plans to pursue a larger package than the administration. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Register)
MASSHEALTH COPAYS: Division of Medical Assistance holds hearing on the emergency adoption of amendments to state regulations on MassHealth financial requirements (130 CMR 506.000), MassHealth financial eligibility (130 CMR 520.000), and administration and billing (130 CMR 450.000). The regulatory changes up for discussion went into effect on an emergency basis on April 1, the division's public posting said, and will bump up aggregate MassHealth expenditures by around $4.8 million annually. "These proposed amendments will eliminate all copayments for MassHealth members. ... This will promote access to prescription drugs for MassHealth members, as well as ensuring full payment for providers," the hearing notice said. (Friday, 10 a.m., Zoom or Dial (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# | More Info)
HEALTH SAFETY NET COPAYS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds hearing on the emergency adoption of regulatory changes dealing with Health Safety Net services (101 CMR 613.00). The amendments "eliminate all copayments for HSN patients," according to EOHHS. "These copayments had been temporarily eliminated through March 31, 2024; the amendments will eliminate copayments permanently. This will promote access to prescription drugs for HSN patients." The changes went into effect April 1, according to a hearing notice, and are expected to increase annual aggregate Health Safety Net expenditures by around $700,000. (Friday, 11 a.m., Zoom or Dial (646) 558-8656 and enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# | More Info)
Saturday, April 27, 2024
RURAL, WESTERN MASS. CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Select Board Association holds its annual Rural and Western Massachusetts Conference. Rural Affairs Director Anne Gobi delivers the keynote address. There's a legislative panel featuring Sen. Jo Comerford, Franklin Regional Council of Governments Executive Director Linda Dunlavy, and Massachusetts Municipal Association Legislative Director Dave Koffman. Another panel will explore "creative" strategies for affordable housing; speakers include Keith Fairey of Way Finders, June Wolfe of Construct Berkshire; and Gina Govoni of Rural Development Inc. Tickets cost $35. (Saturday, 8 a.m., Hotel Northampton, 36 King St., Northampton)
CITIZENSHIP DAY: Boston's Office for Immigrant Advancement and Project Citizenship host the annual Citizenship Day, at which people eligible for naturalization can get free legal help with their citizenship application. People must first call 617-694-5949 to make an appointment. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Reggie Lewis Center, 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury)
MOAKLEY PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation and Boston officials host a site walk of Moakley Park, as city and state officials work on designing coastal resilience strategies in the area. The project is intended to prevent future coastal flooding in the neighborhood. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Edward J. McCormack Bathhouse at Carson Beach, 165 HarborWalk, Boston | More Info)
HONORING SARAH-ANNE SHAW: A "celebration of life" ceremony is held for Sarah-Anne Shaw, who was the first Black female reporter at WBZ-TV. Shaw worked at the station from 1969 until 2000, where she covered the desegregation of Boston Public Schools. Speakers at the ceremony include Boston Mayor Wu, Congresswoman Pressley and former Rep. Byron Rushing. Family visitation starts at 10 a.m., followed by the church service. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Bethel AME Church, 100 Wachusett St., Jamaica Plain | Livestream)
