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Hamada Hazzoum (top center), constituent services director in Sen. Will Brownsberger's office, offers a high-five to Spot, the advanced mobile "dog" robot produced by Boston Dynamics. Spot was outside the House Chamber on Thursday, April 25, 2024 -- offering a glimpse of the future during a busy House budget session. The robot meet-and-greet was meant to raise awareness of a legislative bid to prohibit "harmful applications" of advanced robotics, "including weaponization by individuals who purchase robots."
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Tues. Apr 30
Franklin Public Schools Budget Sub Committee Meeting
6:00pm
Franklin School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Wed. May 1
10:00am
5:00pm
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
5:45pm
6:30pm
Friends of Franklin Library Meeting
7:00pm
7:00pm
Thurs. May 2
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Democrats are predictably advancing a small number of mega-bills toward Gov. Maura Healey's desk, but everyone has one eye on the unpredictable outcomes of potential 2024 ballot questions and Steward Health Care's future as the third-largest hospital network in Massachusetts. Conference committees this session have turned around a pair of supplemental budgets, one of which (H 4582) is on Gov. Maura Healey's desk alongside a road repair funding bill (H 4529). Healey didn't ask lawmakers to limit the number of months that homeless families can stay in shelters, but legislators included a nine-month cap in the bill they shipped to her desk Thursday. The House and Senate also didn't go along with the governor's call for a multi-year local road and bridge funding approach, but Healey is likely to agree with the Legislature's plan. House Speaker Ronald Mariano has said a housing bond bill will emerge in the House soon after work in that branch on a fiscal 2025 budget wraps up. That happened on Friday when the House passed a roughly $58 billion annual budget plan, shifting debate on that critical bill to the Senate. The branches each want new laws governing firearms, wage transparency, abuse and exploitation, and the use of state funds to attract federal funds, but those topics remain before closed conference committees that operate without deadlines. For initiative petition supporters, the path around the Legislature to the 2024 ballot is packed with deadlines, one of which hits by Wednesday when a legislative committee must release its assessment of possible ballot questions on six major topics. The lending industry also runs on deadlines and followers of the Steward Health Care crisis are bracing for a range of possibilities as the hospital system faces the fiscal realities of the April 30 date assigned to its forbearance agreement. "We still don't know exactly what's going to happen or when it's going to happen," Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said Wednesday. "But we have a prepared, thoughtful, coordinated response." In addition to news on the aforementioned topics, budget watchers are bracing for next week's release of April tax collection data, which could make or break a budget cycle that has already forced Healey to make a series of major midyear adjustments. Wednesday marks the deadline for the Health Care Financing Committee to act on bills it's been reviewing this session, and Mariano's office expects legislation to emerge to address some industry issues he floated during a speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce last month. "We need better data to alert regulators to a problem before it becomes a crisis, and to arm policymakers with the most reliable data analysis on which to make policy decisions," Mariano told business leaders. "We must establish a robust regional and state inventory of our health care resources to better evaluate the market impact and need for new projects, as well as the impact of cutting services -- planned, or in the case of Steward, unplanned. A comprehensive inventory and planning process is especially important in light of the ongoing Steward situation."
New Phase For Ballot Questions
The two-year ballot question cycle kicks into the next phase in the week ahead, when a legislative committee will publish reports reviewing each measure and petitioners on Wednesday begin collecting the final round of signatures. A committee legislative leaders convened to examine each of the proposed new laws will lay out its recommendations after receiving public testimony from ballot question supporters, opponents and outside experts. Reports from the committee chaired by Rep. Alice Peisch of Wellesley and Sen. Cindy Friedman of Arlington will not resemble the traditional "ought to pass" or "ought not to pass" reports issued on standard bills, and will instead lay out a case for supporting or opposing each ballot question. If dissenting lawmakers -- perhaps including the committee's two Republicans, Rep. David Vieira of Falmouth and Sen. Ryan Fattman of Sutton -- want to pen minority reports with a counterargument, they have that option under Article 48 of the state Constitution. The Constitution also calls for committee reports to become part of the voter information book sent out by Secretary of State William Galvin's office as the election approaches -- in 2000, for example, the pamphlet included written cases penned by lawmakers on what was then known as the Joint Committee on Taxation for and against an income tax rate reduction question. Initiative petitions still in the mix this cycle cover six topics: explicitly authorizing the state auditor to audit the Legislature, eliminating the use of MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers, decriminalizing psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, allowing drivers for platforms like Uber and Lyft to unionize, and defining app-based drivers as independent contractors, potentially while extending them some new benefits. There's still time for the Legislature to pass laws that might cause petitioners to drop their ballot question pursuits. In 2018, Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law the "grand bargain" deal on June 28 -- before the final deadline for campaigns to file signatures with Galvin's office -- and supporters of ballot questions addressing the minimum wage, paid family and medical leave, and a sales tax reduction all agreed not to put the matters before voters.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
SPILKA ON 4: Senate President Spilka talks with Jon Keller about local campus protests, proposals for new taxes, funding for migrant shelters, and controversy over the state transportation secretary's recent remarks. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
LYNCH ON 5: Congressman Lynch is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
HOLYOKE REVITALIZATION CAMPAIGN: OneHolyoke holds its first public meeting for a project to revitalize "The Club" at the Flats Community Building, a social and professional meeting space for community residents. The campaign will include renovations and the launch of a new program framework, and OneHolyoke is seeking feedback from the community. (Sunday, 12 p.m., The Club, 43 Canal St., Holyoke)
EXERCISE TIGER CEREMONY: The New Bedford Advisory Board hosts a ceremony honoring U.S. soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in the April 28, 1944 attack on the U.S military training operation Exercise Tiger. Exercise Tiger was a D-Day dry run that was ambushed by a German E-boat flotilla and resulted in America’s deadliest training incident during World War II. Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago will present a memorial wreath during the ceremony. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Fort Taber, New Bedford)
DRISCOLL AT GALA: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will give remarks at Agencia ALPHA's 22nd Anniversary Gala. It's the only public event scheduled for Driscoll or Gov. Healey on a Saturday-through-Monday schedule released on Friday afternoon. (Sunday, 5:30 p.m., Venezia Restaurant Boston, 20 Ericsson St., Boston)
Monday, April 29, 2024
DRONE CYBERSECURITY WEBINAR: The Aeronautics Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation holds a free cybersecurity webinar for drone pilots and other interested parties on drone and cybersecurity best practices. The webinar will be led by former Air Force cybersecurity expert Noel Zamot, senior advisor to MassDOT Aeronautics and president of Atabey Group, a consulting firm specializing in autonomous vehicles, AI, and advanced aviation policy and research. "Safety is the priority for MassDOT, and in the age of cybertechnology it is important to understand the nature of cyber threats and how to safeguard ourselves from them," says a statement from Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. "I commend our Aeronautics team for their ongoing work to optimize our use of aviation technologies and to keep our workforce properly trained and prepared to respond." (Monday, 9 a.m. | Register)
CANNABIS ADVISORY: Public Safety and Community Mitigation Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes discussion of potential 2024 topics. The Cannabis Advisory Board makes non-binding recommendations to the Cannabis Control Commission. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access)
SENATE: Senate holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
COL. MAWN MEET-AND-GREET: Mass. State Police Interim Col. John Mawn holds a meet-and-greet town hall in Springfield. The event is hosted by Rep. Williams and Springfield Police Commissioner Robert Jackson. (Monday, 11 a.m., The Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield)
WORLD WAR II K.I.A. BURIAL: The remains of Cpl. Manuel John Pimentel, U.S. Marine Corps, killed in the Pacific Theatre of World War II in 1942, are finally laid to rest on Monday. A late resident of Medford, he served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and was killed in action at the Lunga Area of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on Sept. 24, 1942, according to the governor's office. "A recent excavation of the site uncovered his remains and his family was contacted," the City of Medford said. Funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Church in Medford. Procession featuring family members and veteran motorcycle organizations proceeds down High Street to the rotary, down Winthrop Street in Medford to the Mystic Valley Parkway (Route 16) and onwards to Cambridge Cemetery. (High Street in Medford will be closed to traffic from Governors Avenue to the rotary from around 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) Interment at Cambridge Cemetery will be with full military honors. Gov. Healey has ordered state and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise 'til sunset in Cpl. Pimentel's honor. (Monday, 11 a.m., Saint Joseph's Church, High Street, Medford)
TROUT STOCKING: State and city officials will assist 100 students from the Curley K-8 School and the John F. Kennedy Elementary School as they release just over 1,000 trout into Jamaica Pond. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Jamaica Pond Beach Area, Jamaicaway, Boston | Meet near the intersection of Pond and Elliot streets)
HAO AT LGBT CHAMBER: Economic Development Secretary Hao participates in a discussion with LGBT business owners during a roundtable discussion, held at the Massachusetts LGBT Chamber's office in Western Massachusetts. Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle attends. (Monday, 12 p.m., 122 Pleasant St., Suite 107, Easthampton)
NEAL AT AIC: Congressman Neal joins American International College Interim President Nicolle Cestero to announce $1.05 million in congressionally-directed spending to support the establishment of a Center for Financial Literacy and Economic Prosperity at AIC. (Monday, 1 p.m., American International College, 935 State St., Springfield)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets to consider requests from sportsbooks Fanatics and Caesars to use an alternate method of "know your customer" identity authentication at the time of sports wagering account establishment. (Monday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access)
STEWARD CRISIS - ST. ELIZABETH'S RALLY: Patients, caregivers, and community groups affiliated with Our Community | Our Hospital hold community forum in front of St. Elizabeth's Medical Center aimed at protecting hospitals impacted by the Steward Health Care crisis. (Monday, 3 p.m., in front of 738 Cambridge St., Brighton)
SECRETARY HAO IN NORTHAMPTON: Economic Development Secretary Hao visits Northampton for a downtown walking tour focused specifically on its "music scene as an economic driver," according to the lawmakers that will host her. The visit ill end at The Iron Horse, a music venue where Hao will participate in a conversation with government officials and industry leaders. (Monday, 3:45 p.m., Northampton City Hall, 210 Main St., Northampton)
VETERANS, FEDERAL AFFAIRS: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs accepts written testimony through 5 p.m. on a Sen. Tarr bill that looks to honor merchant marine veterans, including celebrating United States Merchant Marine Day on June 12. (Monday, 5 p.m. | More Info)
MELNEA CASS REC CENTER PROJECT: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting to seek feedback on capital improvements to the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Complex, which is currently serving as a state-run overflow shelter to house migrants and homeless individuals. DCR staff will discuss the opening of the pool for the 2024 season, as well as "project and occupancy timelines." People can submit public comments through May 13. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
READVILLE YARD STUDY: MBTA hosts a virtual meeting to discuss methodology and results of a sound study at Readville Yard. (Monday, 6 p.m., More Info)
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
TRANSPO INNOVATION: MassDOT and UMass Amherst host two-day Transportation Innovation Conference, which draws officials from state, local, and national transportation agencies, higher ed institutions, and private industry. In addition to the 92 exhibitors and sponsors, MassDOT plans an "experiential exhibit" called "Empathy at the Intersection" that puts viewers in the place of "how vulnerable road users navigate streets." Exhibit includes a virtual reality simulation and an "empathy suit" that lets attendees "experience limited mobility and vision associated with aging" while trying to catch a bus. The annual conference "provides a forum for transportation practitioners and researchers to share knowledge on innovative technologies, projects and processes to enhance efficiency and address important transportation issues," MassDOT says. Conference runs through Wednesday afternoon. Media must RSVP to John.Goggin@dot.state.ma.us. (Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | More Info)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation & Recreation's Stewardship Council Policy Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion about rodenticide use in parks. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
NEW BEDFORD HOUSING: New Bedford Economic Development holds a symposium focused on housing and regional strategies. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus delivers the keynote address. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford | Register)
AI IN REAL ESTATE: NAIOP hosts a discussion about artificial intelligence and its potential use in commercial real estate. Speakers include James Scott, a lecturer and research scientist at MIT Center for Real Estate's Real Estate Technology Hub, and Ezzie + Co. founder Nadine Ezzie. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., WilmerHale, 60 State St., Boston | Register)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets. Agenda includes a legislative update, an update on the opening day of racing at Plainridge Park, house rules updates from DraftKings, and consideration of Community Mitigation Fund applications. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Access)
BOARD OF ED: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. Education Secretary Tutwiler and Acting Commissioner Johnston will discuss the ongoing issues with federal financial aid that are keeping families waiting to see how much financial help they will receive in sending students to college. Acting Commissioner Johnston will also discuss state receivership districts of Lawrence, Southbridge and Holyoke. He announced at the board's last meeting that he was beginning the process of transitioning Holyoke out of state control. Board members will discuss the safe schools program for LGBTQ+ youth, an update on the governor's "literacy launch" proposal to increase early literacy funding, and education budget recommendations in the House's fiscal year 2025 spending plan. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Wellesley High School, 50 Rice St., Wellesley | Remote Access)
STATE HOUSE EARTH DAY: Rep. Barrows's office joins with Project Green Schools for a belated celebration of Earth Day. Students from schools in Arlington and Sandwich are expected to attend and present projects about sustainability and environmental initiatives. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Grand Staircase)
HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PIONEER VALLEY SENATE TOUR: Sen. Oliveira hosts some of his colleagues for a tour of the Pioneer Valley, welcoming Senate President Spilka, Majority Leader Creem, Assistant Majority Leader DiDomenico and Assistant Majority Leader Barrett to his district. The senators will begin at UMass Cold Springs Orchard in Belchertown at 10 a.m., to discuss agricultural resilience to climate change; move to Ludlow Mills at noon for a conversation with WestMass Development Core about repurposed mills; and conclude the tour at Iron Duke Brewing in Ludlow at 1 p.m. featuring a presentation by Baystate Health on health care in western Massachusetts. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., UMass Cold Springs Orchard, 391 Sabin St., Belchertown)
AGRICULTURE COMMISSION: Special Commission on Agriculture in the Commonwealth in the 21st Century holds its eighth public hearing, focused on siting renewable energy on farms. The following speakers are scheduled to testify: Iain Warn, commission member and CEO of Solar Agriculture Services Inc.; Johannes Lehmann, professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section at Cornell University; Dwayne Breger and River Strong of UMass Clean Energy Extension, Gerard Kennedy of the Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance at the Department of Agricultural Resources; and Chelsea Gazillo, a policy manager at American Farmland Trust. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)
CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS: Children's Advocacy Center of Suffolk County holds a "Celebration of Courage" event to mark Child Abuse Awareness Month, in partnership with the Suffolk County DA's Office and Mass. Children's Alliance. Rep. Honan of Boston opens the program. Other speakers include Suffolk DA Hayden and MACA executive director Tom King. The event also recognizes the 10th anniversary of "Now You See," a collection of images of the eyes of survivors and those affected by sexual and physical abuse and exploitation. The first survivor featured in "Now You See" will also speak. Survivors of child abuse offer a musical performance. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House Members' Lounge | More Info)
BIG BLUE CONFERENCE - DAY ONE: Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation, an initiative of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce to promote a regional maritime-focused economy, hosts its second annual Big Blue Conference. This year's event is focused on electrification and coastal resilience. Among the participants is former Sen. Dan Wolf, the founder of CapeAir, who will discuss electric vehicle charging. MassDOT Aeronautics Administrator Jeffrey DeCarlo will talk about a microgrid project at Cape Cod Gateway Airport. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Aloft Aviation at Cape Cod Gateway Airport, 110 Mary Dunn Way, Hyannis | More Info)
LOTTO COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets. In addition to a report from Executive Director Mark William Bracken, agenda includes votes on agency's vehicle management contract, Lottery retail management system contract, technical support services, and ratification of a hearing officer's recommendation regarding Appeal of Sanjeev Rai Lottery Sales Locations and Pankaj Rai Ghai Lottery Sales Locations. Contact (781) 917-6057 or gpolin@masslottery.com for access info. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., | More Info)
LOBBY DAY FOR ANIMALS: Mass. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and other supporters host a "Lobby Day for Animals." Bills the group is supporting include legislation preventing some housing agreements from limiting a tenant's eligibility based on the size, weight or perceived breed of a dog (H 876, H 1367); prohibiting the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears and giraffes in traveling shows (H 3245); and creating new regulations for boarding kennels (H 4564 / S 2731). (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
HOSPITALITY JOBS: Meet Boston holds a regional career field for job seekers interested in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, restaurants, casinos, entertainment, sports and venue management, tourism and attractions, meetings and conventions, and travel and transportations. The fair runs through 4 p.m. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Hyatt Regency Boston, 1 Ave de Lafayette, Boston |More Info)
SCHOOL MEALS BRIEFING: The Feed Kids Coalition, a campaign of Project Bread, hosts a virtual briefing on the positive impacts of the universal school meals program, which lawmakers made permanent last year. Organizers say participation in the program has been growing, that over 100,000 more children in the state ate school lunch daily during the past academic year, and that families are saving $1,300 per child. Superintendents, local food bank providers and parent advocates are scheduled to attend. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)
HOUSING LISTENING - DARTMOUTH: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities hosts a regional listening session to solicit feedback as it develops the Healey administration’s first five-year strategic statewide housing plan. "Ordinary Massachusetts residents who live and breathe our housing challenges every day are an important voice in this process and will help us build a stronger Massachusetts where everyone can afford to live," Housing Secretary Ed Augustus said. The state's housing challenges - too little inventory and unaffordably high costs - have been well documented. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth | Register)
EMPLOYMENT GRANTS: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones announces Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants. The grants are intended to support programs to provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement support for young adults with disabilities for employment. The administration will also release the People with Disabilities Workforce Data Dashboard, which offers a comprehensive view of employment-related insights, encompassing disability type, geographic variations, remote work opportunities, unemployment rates, labor force participation, and more. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., JVS Boston, 75 Federal St., Boston)
WOMEN'S POLITICAL CAUCUS FUNDER: Sen. Friedman and Rep. Peisch are the featured speakers at the Mass. Women's Political Caucus spring fundraiser. Friedman is the Senate's vice chair of Ways and Means, Peisch is the House's assistant majority leader, and together they co-chair the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions. Minimum donation of $20 to attend. "Each ticket directly supports electing pro-choice women across Massachusetts," the caucus says. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Scholars, 25 School St., Boston | Registration)
MASS REHAB WORKSHOP: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission holds a virtual workshop focused on developing goals for high school students participating in the Individual Education Program, which is meant to support individuals with disabilities. The workshop is part of a series from the MRC to introduce parents, families and individuals with disabilities to resources and guidance. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. | Register)
MBTA "E" BRANCH ACCESSIBILITY: MBTA hosts a meeting to discuss accessibility upgrades including accessibility boarding platforms planned for the Huntington and South Huntington Avenue stops on the Green Line's E Branch. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Roxbury Tenants of Harvard Community Center, 20A Vining St., Boston | More Info)
MOAKLEY PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Boston hold a virtual workshop about a project to install flood protections at Moakley Park and the nearby area. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE: Candidates for district and county offices, including the House and Senate, must file nomination papers with local election officials by the close of business Tuesday to qualify for the ballot this fall. Local officials will then have until May 21 to certify signatures. The number of signatures required to make the ballot varies by office, including 150 for state representative and 300 for state senator. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
DA RYAN ON RADIO: Middlesex County District Attorney Ryan is a guest on WCAP Radio, "The Voice of the Valley," talking about her office's work in Greater Lowell. (Wednesday, 8:15 a.m., WCAP-AM 980)
EMPOWERING GIRLS: Middlesex DA Ryan hosts "Empowering Girls Conference" for middle school and high school girls, a program that "fosters confidence-building, self-assertion and goal-setting through compelling speakers and interactive presentations." Media RSVP to Sarah.Lamson@mass.gov. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton)
IMPACT AWARDS: Gov. Healey is the recipient of an equity and social justice award from Northern Essex Community College, recognizing "her Administration’s historic investment in higher education," the school said. The school's announcement pointed to Healey's funding for MassReconnect, community college nursing scholarships, an increase in SUCCESS Programs, and making in-state financial aid and tuition available to many undocumented students in Massachusetts. Rep. Vargas of Haverhill is also honored, with a public service and advocacy award. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Hartleb Technology Center Building, NECC Haverhill Campus, College Avenue, Haverhill)
BIG BLUE CONFERENCE - DAY TWO: The second day of the annual Big Blue Conference hosted by Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce's Cape Cod Blue Economy Foundation features remarks from Rep. Kip Diggs on the "blue economy" and an afternoon talk by Division of Marine Fisheries Senior Fisheries Scientist Greg Skomal about why there are so many sharks off Cape Cod lately. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Aloft Aviation at Cape Cod Gateway Airport, 110 Mary Dunn Way, Hyannis | More Info)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Executive Committee of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Remote Access)
MISSING BLACK WOMEN BRIEFING: Mics for the Missing, in partnership with Reps. Williams and Tyler, host a legislative briefing on a bill meant to address missing Black women and girls in Massachusetts (H 3913). The bill aims to establish more effective communication channels between law enforcement and the public, improve data collection on missing persons and enhance the overall response to such cases. Key initiatives include creating an executive office coordinating efforts against systemic issues disproportionately affecting Black women and girls, establishing a permanent community-centered advisory committee and implementing an Ebony Alert notification system. Gov. Healey will deliver opening remarks, and Lt. Colonel John Mawn of the Mass. State Police will also speak. Williams co-chairs the Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion Tyler is vice chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)
NURSES INFORMATIONAL PICKET: Registered nurses at Brigham and Women's Hospital, who are represented by the Mass. Nurses Association, host what they call an "informational picket" on International Workers' Day. The union says contract negotiations continue and will soon feature a federal mediator, and nurses plan to draw attention during the picket to their concerns about "unsafe staffing throughout the hospital." (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets and could vote on confirmation of Boston Municipal Court judicial nominee Rebeca Figueroa. Figueroa works as an assistant clerk magistrate of Suffolk Superior Court. Rescheduled from April 24. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about insurance plans for small businesses with one to 50 full-time employees. Officials will discuss cost savings through the Connector, including a rebate program and the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats hold a private caucus meeting outside of the State House, usually a sign that the subject matter is political or campaign-related. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., UMass Club, One Beacon St., Boston)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Mass. Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Teams | More Info)
BOSTON DISABILITY FORUM: Boston holds its annual Disability Community Forum in hybrid fashion. City Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh gives a brief presentation, then the remainder of the hour-and-a-half event is open for public comment and question-answer. "The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity for Boston residents with disabilities to share their feedback on and ask questions about City services," Mayor Wu's office said. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston | Virtual Access Info)
CIVIL LEGAL AID BRIEFING: Sens. Creem and Eldridge host a virtual briefing for senators and staff featuring presentations from civil legal aid attorneys about "the need for additional funding in FY25 to support their essential work." The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation is requesting a $6 million increase to fund civil legal aid services for people with low incomes. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)
HOTEL WORKERS RALLY: Workers from UNITE HERE Local 26 call on hotels for better wages ahead of contract negotiations. Union contracts covering thousands of hotel workers at dozens of properties, including the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, the Sheraton Boston, and the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, are set to expire this year. Boston hotel workers will join thousands of hotel workers in 20+ cities across the U.S. and Canada for a Day of Action, as they prepare for "possible widespread labor disputes at major hotel brands including Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt." (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Sam Adams Park, Faneuil Hall, Boston)
BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion about a conference in Nashville this fall and "new business." (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
SIGNATURE-GATHERING BEGINS: Campaigns hoping to put proposed laws before voters on Nov. 5 can begin collecting the final round of signatures to secure a spot on the ballot. Supporters need to gather at least 12,429 more signatures from registered voters, then submit those with local election officials for certification by June 18 and with Secretary of State Galvin's office by July 3. Initiative petitions still in the mix this cycle cover six topics: explicitly authorizing the state auditor to audit the Legislature, eliminating the use of MCAS exams as a graduation requirement, increasing the minimum wage for tipped workers, decriminalize psychedelic substances such as psilocybin, allowing drivers for platforms like Uber and Lyft to unionize, and defining app-based drivers as independent contractors, potentially while extending them some new benefits. (Wednesday)
WALK, BIKE & ROLL: MassDOT's Safe Routes to School initiative kicks off Bike Month with Massachusetts Walk, Bike & Roll to school day. (Wednesday)
HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION EMERGES: Wednesday marks the biennial bill-reporting deadline for the Legislature's Health Care Financing Committee, which has spent more than a year reviewing proposals to reform the health care industry amid a period of upheaval. Speaker Mariano's office said legislation should emerge from the panel taking aim at many of the issues the Quincy Democrat mentioned in a speech to business leaders last month, when he described concerns about overcrowded emergency rooms, financially struggling hospitals, chaos at the for-profit Steward Health Care system and regulatory monitoring. (Wednesday)
Thursday, May 2, 2024
PARTIAL RED LINE SHUTDOWN: Shuttle buses replace subway service on the Red Line between Park Street and JFK/UMass starting Thursday and continuing through Friday, May 10. Similarly, buses will replace trains between Park Street and Ashmont from 8:30 p.m. through the end of service each day from Thursday, May 2 to Thursday, May 9. MBTA officials plan to use the extended partial shutdown to perform repairs necessary to lift slow zones. The T moved the multi-day Red Line closure back a day to account for a two-day extension to a similar partial closure on the Blue Line. (Thursday)
WOMEN IN RECOVERY: Massachusetts Trial Court holds a "Women in Recovery" event. Middlesex County DA Ryan speaks. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Anthony's of Malden, 105 Canal St., Malden)
COMMUNITY ACTION 60TH ANNIVERSARY: Massachusetts Community Action Network hosts a celebration nearly 60 years after President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act and Economic Opportunity Act, which cleared the way for creation of community action agencies. "We will not only recognize and celebrate our history both nationally and here in Massachusetts, but we will also discuss where we are today and the policies, structural changes and innovations that will move us forward in creating opportunity and economic mobility for all," organizers said. Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus, Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Decker are among the listed attendees. WCVB investigative reporter Brittany Johnson serves as master of ceremonies. (Thursday, 10 a.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Smith Hall, Boston)
SAPHE 2.0 LOBBY DAY: The Massachusetts Public Health Association holds its annual lobby day, with plans to call for passage of the so-called SAPHE 2.0 bill to "help modernize and improve the infrastructure of our public health system across the Commonwealth and ensure strong public health protections for all residents, regardless of race, income, or zip code." Public Health Committee Chairs Rep. Decker and Sen. Cyr, Housing Committee Vice Chair Sen. Keenan, and Chair of the Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Kennedy. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
SENATE: Senate plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
STATE REHAB COUNCIL: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)
GREATER BOSTON CHAMBER MEETING: Gov. Healey delivers remarks at Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting. The theme of the meeting, and likely that of Healey's remarks as well, is "Strengthening Our Competitive Edge." The chamber will induct new members into its Academy of Distinguished Bostonians: Robert Lewis, Jr., president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston; Dusty Rhodes, president of Conventures, Inc.; and John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk. Karen Lynch, president and CEO of CVS, is the featured speaker during a fireside chat moderated by Corey Thomas, CEO of Rapid7. Media should RSVP to cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston)
MORRISSEY BOULEVARD COMMISSION: MassDOT, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, City of Boston and Boston Planning and Development Agency hold the third meeting of the Morrissey Boulevard Commission. The Kosciuszko Circle-Morrissey Boulevard Study is a planning effort to improve the major thoroughfare in Dorchester. "The goal is to design the corridor to reflect the City of Boston’s and the state’s goals of climate preparedness and resiliency for a plan which prioritizes people, placemaking, connectivity, resilience, and safety for all modes of transportation. In conjunction with the Morrissey Boulevard Commission, the study team will also work to develop actionable, short-term improvements for the corridor and adjacent neighborhoods," according to MassDOT. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd., Boston | Zoom)
EXPLORING URBAN TRAUMA: VOICES 21C, a group that describes itself as "devoted to exercising the choral art in pursuit of human rights and justice," and Explanations from Exile host an event exploring the "historical and contemporary parallels between the treatment of lepers in centuries past, and the present day treatment of urban trauma survivors." Organizers say the project -- dubbed UNCLEAN -- is sponsored by the Mass. Cultural Council and Mass Humanities, which last year announced a nearly $20,000 grant in support. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston University College of Fine Arts, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | More Info)
MBTA "E" BRANCH ACCESSIBILITY: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss upgrades including accessibility boarding platforms planned for the Huntington and South Huntington Avenue stops on the Green Line's E Branch. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Access Info)
T CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN: MBTA staff host a public meeting to give an overview of the agency's capital investment plan for fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The draft $9.6 billion plan would fund major modernization, maintenance and expansion work. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., State Transportation Building, Conference Rooms 2 and 3, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
Friday, May 3, 2024
ROCA BREAKFAST: Larry Miller, former president of the Portland Trail Blazers, is the keynote speaker at an annual breakfast fundraiser for Roca, a Chelsea-based nonprofit that works to combat urban violence. Miller is now chairman of Nike's Jordan Brand Advisory Board. "But as a teenager in West Philly, he was a lot like the high-risk young people who Roca serves," the organization said in promoting the breakfast. "He became deeply involved with gangs and urban violence at a young age and ended up in prison more than once. Mr. Miller kept his past a secret until 2022, when he came forward to tell his story in his autobiography, Jump." Middlesex DA Ryan attends. (Friday, 8 a.m., Rose Kennedy Ballroom, InterContinental Hotel, 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston)
INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a virtual hearing on updating rates for competitive integrated employment services that are paid by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and the Department of Transitional Assistance. The proposed change comes with an annualized cost of $3.64 million in fiscal 2025. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Remote Access)
SPILKA AT MUNI OFFICIALS' SYMPOSIUM: Women Elected Municipal Officials hold their virtual spring symposium. Senate President Spilka participates in a fireside chat with Yolanda Greaves, vice chair of the Ashland Select Board. Closed to media. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
TRANSITION SUPPORT SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a virtual hearing on updating rates for family transitional support services that are paid by the Department of Public Health. The change would have an annualized cost of $3.4 million in fiscal 2025. (Friday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Remote Access)
YOUNG PARENT SUPPORT: The Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a virtual public hearing on updating rates for young parent support programs that are paid by the Department of Transitional Assistance. The proposal has an annualized cost of about $702,740. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Remote Access)
HOUSING LISTENING - BROCKTON: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities hosts a regional listening session to solicit feedback as it develops the Healey administration’s first five-year strategic statewide housing plan. "Ordinary Massachusetts residents who live and breathe our housing challenges every day are an important voice in this process and will help us build a stronger Massachusetts where everyone can afford to live," Housing Secretary Ed Augustus said. The state's housing challenges - too little inventory and unaffordably high costs - have been well documented. (Friday, 2 p.m., Massasoit Community College, Student Center, Upper Lounge, 1 Massasoit Blvd, Brockton | Register)
APRIL REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on state tax collections for the month of April, the most critical month for state finances. The importance of April receipts is magnified this year as soft fiscal 2024 collections lagged behind expectations by $145 million through March. The Healey administration has set the full-month benchmark at $5.291 billion, and the $1.713 billion collected by April 15 represented roughly one-third of the full-month expectation. "April is usually one of the strongest months. So the hope is we will start to rebound in April. But there's no guarantee ... we're at the mercy of the economy right now," House Speaker Ron Mariano said on WCVB this month. (Friday)
Saturday, May 4, 2024
WOMEN VETERANS CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network holds its 16th annual conference. This year's theme, "Honoring Our Journey," aims to celebrate the resilience, courage and achievement of women veterans. Ret. Master Chief Petty Officer Rashaun Morris of the U.S. Coast Guard delivers a keynote address during the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. Deputy Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services Andrea Gayle-Bennett participates in a listening session at 11 a.m. focused on a new survey that asks about the current needs of women veterans. Other sessions offer therapy dogs, a mind and body workshop with the American Red Cross, and massage and Reiki healing. (Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 99 Eardman Way, Leominster | More Info)
BELMONT CONNECTS: Middlesex DA Ryan attends "Belmont Connects" event to talk about local resources in Middlesex County. (Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m., Senior Center, 266 Beech St., Belmont)
