People, Power, and Politics

Sen. Bruce Tarr connects with Bella the dog, who is held by animal welfare specialist Amy Sweeney from MSPCA's Northeast Animal Shelter, at an animal lobby day in the State House on Tuesday, April 30, 2024...Animal advocates from around the state focused their annual lobbying push Tuesday on bills calling for safety standards in the doggie day care industry, banning the use of big animals in circuses, and pushing back against dog breed discrimination.

TOWN OF FRANKLIN

Mon. May 6

Planning Board Meeting

7:00pm

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing 1

7:00pm

Tues. May 7

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Services

10:00am to 12:00pm

Master Plan: Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee

5:15pm

School Comm. Comprehensive Facilities Planning

7:00pm

Wed. May 8

Charles River Pollution Control agenda

4:00pm

Master Plan Committee

6:30pm

Finance Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing 2

7:00pm

Thurs. May 9

Cultural District Committee Meeting

7:00pm

ZBA Meeting

7:30pm

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

Senate Democrats are ready to make the next move in the fiscal 2025 budget derby Tuesday, opponents of three ballot questions are heading to court Monday and Wednesday to try to derail the proposals, and Gov. Maura Healey's team finally gets a chance on Tuesday to directly address lawmakers about her two-month-old economic development bill. The action comes as top House Democrats piece together their version of Gov. Maura Healey's housing bond bill, which Speaker Ronald Mariano has identified as the likely next major bill to hit the House floor. The House is planning formal sessions for May 15 and 16, and possibly again for May 22 and 23. One week could be for the housing bill that Mariano said would be taken up soon and the other might be a chance for representatives to debate the broad health care bill released from committee this week. The annual budget and the economic development and housing bills are expected to command attention in the coming weeks, but the Healey administration and many legislators are trying to position themselves to address the unpredictable fallout of a health care crisis. The governor's team on Friday announced an "incident command system" in response to the unfolding fiscal issues jeopardizing care at Steward Health Care's hospitals in eastern Massachusetts. While meant as a reassuring step to show the state's preparedness for disruption in care delivery, the emergency nature of the administration's latest step has residents, communities and the larger health care system on edge. On Friday, Healey said she hopes to have the right contingency plans in place as Steward exits Massachusetts and its facilities eventually transition to new owners. Healey said "no" during a radio interview Friday when asked if people could awake to Steward's hospitals being closed.

Senate Fiscal 2025 Budget

With the benefit of knowing what the governor and House have already embraced, the Senate will roll out its spending plan next week for fiscal year 2025. The budget year that starts July 1 is expected to be a relatively tight one. The governor, House and Senate agreed in January to build their fiscal 2025 budgets on a consensus revenue forecast of $40.202 billion plus an additional $1.3 billion in surtax revenue, which represents "essentially flat" growth, Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz said at the time. To keep up with the state's heightened appetite for spending and a desire to continue making investments, the governor and House embraced the use of one-time revenue sources and the Senate is likely to do much of the same. Healey's budget relied on $1.1 billion in one-time revenue and the House budget would use about $1.03 billion in one-time money. The House and governor are also in agreement on allowing the use of up to $375 million in "excess" capital gains tax revenues (should they materialize) to be spent instead of automatically stashed into savings next year. Despite the fiscal constraints, the Senate is expected to promote its budget as making needed investments across the commonwealth. Senate President Karen Spilka is pushing to make community college tuition-free universally, something the House has not shown an interest in. Spilka is also expected to promote a public-private partnership in the budget to create additional child care seats across Massachusetts. Child care was also a focus of investment in the House budget, but representatives voted to legalize online Lottery sales to generate $100 million a year for early education and care. Spilka (and the Senate under her leadership) have not been keen on the idea of online Lottery sales in the past. Amendments will be due Friday afternoon and the Senate plans to start debate on its budget on Tuesday, May 21.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

MARIANO ON 4: House Speaker Ron Mariano talks with Jon Keller about his opposition to new taxes, a House health care reform bill sparked by the Steward crisis, and a bill pending before the Revenue Committee (H 2824) that would tax billion-dollar university endowments. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)

TRAHAN ON 5: Congresswoman Trahan is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)

KOUTOUJIAN ON @ISSUE: Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian is a guest on NBC Boston’s “@Issue” with hosts Sue O’Connell and Matt Prichard. Sunday also marks the beginning of National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., NBC Boston)

PEN/HEMINGWAY AWARD: Celebration is held for finalists of the 2024 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, which is a major repository of Ernest Hemingway's personal papers. The event features his grandson, Seán Hemingway, and a keynote address from award-winning author Joan Silber. (Sunday, 2 p.m., Columbia Point, Boston)

TRANSHEALTH BENEFIT: Transhealth, which describes itself as one of the only health care providers in the state serving the transgender community, holds a fireside chat and birthday benefit for the organization. The event features Academy Award-nominated actor Elliot Page, who is transgender and advocates for the trans and gender-diverse community. Lt. Gov. Driscoll delivers opening remarks. Proceeds from the event will support Transhealth's programs and services, including adult primary care, pediatric care and mental health support. (Sunday, 7:30 p.m., Academy of Music, 274 Main St., Northampton | More Info)

FLAGS TO HALF-STAFF - FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL: State and U.S. flags are ordered to half-staff out of respect for firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty, and in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Gubernatorial order, in accordance with a presidential proclamation, is in effect from sunrise 'til sunset Sunday. (Sunday)

DRINKING WATER WEEK: Boston Water and Sewer Commission marks Drinking Water Week by highlighting the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act and promoting how it is offering "private lead line replacement at no cost to property owners." The Biden administration just announced millions in funding for BWSC to eliminate lead water lines on both public and private property. Boston residents can call the Lead Hotline at (617) 989-7888 for info on participating in the lead replacement incentive program. (Sunday)

Monday, May 6, 2024

DRIVER QUESTIONS BEFORE SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hosts oral arguments in a pair of cases challenging whether potential ballot questions meet Constitutional requirements to go before voters in November. In one case (SJC-13559), organized labor leaders contend that an industry-backed proposal to define app-based drivers as independent contractors while potentially making some more benefits available improperly combines topics. The SJC in 2022 blocked a predecessor version of the question from advancing to the ballot over a similar complaint. The other case (SJC-13572) centers on a labor-backed proposal that would allow drivers for platforms like Uber and Lyft to organize, and it, too, faces a complaint about tackling too many topics at once from the right-leaning Fiscal Alliance Foundation. Three other cases are on the docket for Monday's sitting, including a challenge led by the Conservation Law Foundation against the decision to site an electric substation in East Boston. Oral arguments will begin at 9 a.m. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom One, Pemberton Square, Boston | Docket | Livestream)

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 | Livestream)

FINANCIAL LITERACY: Treasurer Goldberg, Sen. O'Connor of Weymouth, and Rep. Hamilton of Methuen join the Office of Economic Empowerment for a policy briefing on financial education and "long-term benefits of integrating financial education into school curricula." John Pelletier of Champlain College's Center for Financial Literacy gives a feature presentation. Champlain awarded Massachusetts an "F" grade -- one of only five states to receive the failing mark -- in its 2023 National Report Card on High School Financial Literacy. Financial education "is about giving every student, regardless of their background, race, and income level, an equal opportunity to thrive and prosper," the treasurer's office said. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room 428)

SENATE FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLANS: Senate President Spilka, Ways and Means Chairman Rodrigues and Senate Higher Education Chair Comerford announce the important details of the Senate's plan for universal tuition-free community college in their fiscal year 2025 budget. Senate President Spilka says this move can help the state bolster its workforce and train the next generation of young people so they can remain in Massachusetts. Sen. Rodrigues told reporters in April that he expects the initiative to cost in the range of $125 million. The House and Gov. Healey did not include free community college in their versions of the fiscal 2025 budget, making the policy a likely pressure point in upcoming House and Senate budget negotiations. Senators will also tour a biotech facility while in Lowell. (Monday, 11 a.m., Middlesex Community College, Front steps of the Cowan Center, 33 Kearney Sq., Lowell)

BLUE CROSS, BLUEBIKES: Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA announces "a new Bluebikes initiative to support women's health through the remainder of May" and celebrates the renewal of its sponsorship of Bluebikes, the rental bike program, and integration of e-bikes into the fleet. Boston Mayor Wu speaks along with Blue Cross CEO Sarah Iselin and Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. Event also features "outdoor spin classes on the newly redesigned Bluebikes to highlight the importance of physical activity for women's physical and mental well-being." Media check-in opens at 11:15 a.m. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., City Hall Plaza, Boston)

HEALEY HOUSING CAMPAIGN TOUR: On the first stop of the Healey administration's statewide campaign promoting the governor's housing agenda, Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Housing Secretary Augustus will meet with mayors and municipal managers from across the state to discuss increasing housing production in their cities and towns, highlighting communities that have complied with the MBTA Communities Act. "Each event hosted by the administration over the next few weeks will highlight a different way in which housing impacts residents’ lives and the need for action to make housing more affordable for everyone," the administration said when it announced the campaign Friday. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., Lynn Housing Authority, 10 Church St., Lynn)

MCAN MASS SAVE ZOOM: Mass Climate Action Network holds its monthly networking Zoom, "covering the critical next 3-year $13B plan for the Mass-Save program." Gov. Healey's team is eyeing structural changes to the energy efficiency program Mass Save by 2028 and in the meantime planning to redirect the program with a greater focus on decarbonization. Participants will discuss what the plan will mean for MCAN's climate and equity work, and review the Mass Save reform recommendations. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Register)

HATE CRIMES: Hate Crimes Task Force meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation from Fay Stetz-Waters, director of civil rights and social justice at the Oregon Department of Justice. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream

ASTHMA DAY: Rep. Barber of Somerville and Sen. Miranda of Boston join advocates to call for passage of "legislation to fight air pollution" at a World Asthma Day rally in Roxbury. "Environmental Justice communities face increased mortality from respiratory diseases due to high levels of air pollution coming from cars, trucks, trains, boats, and planes in their neighborhoods," organizers said in an advisory. "On average, residents of color in Massachusetts are exposed to pollution from vehicle emissions that are 26 to 36 percent higher than the exposure of white residents." A bill (H 2131) Barber filed at the start of the term "to improve outdoor and indoor air quality for communities burdened by pollution" was redrafted in March by the Public Health Committee (as S 2682) and is now before Senate Ways and Means. Other speakers at the rally include Rev. Vernon Walker of Clean Water Action, Barbara Espinosa Barrera of GreenRoots, and Ziquelle Smalls of Community Labor United. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., front of Dudley Cafe, 15 Warren St., Boston)

BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors holds a special meeting to go into executive session for "policy development." (Monday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

WOOSTAPRENEURS: Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration office in Massachusetts host the 9th annual Woostapreneurs Forum, meant to connect budding entrepreneurs to the business community in central Mass. Alice Lombardi, founder and owner of Bean Counter Bakery Café, is the keynote speaker. Visit www.WorcesterChamber.org to register. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester)

PRIM INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: Treasurer Goldberg chairs the Pension Reserve Investment Management Investment Committee meeting. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | Join)

SPORTS BET REG: Mass. Gaming Commission holds a public hearing on a proposed amendment to sports betting regulations. The commission said the amendment would "allow Operators to backup patron funds in Sports Wagering Accounts through a letter of credit, cash reserves, Segregated Account, or a combination thereof. The effect of the amendment would allow an Operator to commingle funds for use in operations where an Operator has secured patron funds through a letter of credit." (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Access Info)

HEALEY ECO-DEV BILL HEARING: Gov. Healey's economic development bill, which seeks to reauthorize the life sciences initiative at $1 billion for another decade and make a similar investment in climate technology, is up for a public hearing before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Hao, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, and Administration and Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz are expected to testify, according to the hearing advisory. Healey's life sciences proposal calls for $500 million in capital funding for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, $350 million for the life sciences tax incentive program, and $150 million for operating resources to cover workforce training and other strategic efforts to grow the sector. Healey's climate tech initiative proposes $400 million in capital funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center; $300 million in operating support at the MassCEC; and $300 million in tax incentives, including a $35 million annual offshore wind tax credit and a new climate tech tax incentive program subject to a $30 million annual cap. Healey earlier this week said the climate tech investment would lead to $16 billion in economic activity and 7,000 direct new jobs. The governor also wants to fund an Applied AI Hubb for $100 million in her sweeping bill, which she filed on March 1. A version based on Healey's proposal is expected to pass the Legislature in the final three months of formal sessions. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 and A-2 | More Info and Livestream)

ELECTION LAWS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds hearing on three local bills plus a proposed ban on sharing political "deepfakes" within 90 days of an election. Filed in January by Sen. Finegold of Andover, the four-page bill (S 2730) states in part: "A person shall not distribute a synthetic media message that the person knows or reasonably should have known is a deceptive or fraudulent deepfake depicting a candidate or political party within 90 days of an election in which said candidate or political party will appear on the state or local ballot; provided, however, that this section shall not apply if the following statement is made in the form provided herein by the distributing person: 'This _____ (image, video, or audio) has been manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence.'" The House included in a mega-amendment to its annual budget deepfakes language pertaining to elections. Also on the committee's agenda: bills dealing with mayoral terms in Chicopee, mayoral vacancies in Revere, and municipal voting rights for lawful permanent residents in Wendell. Written testimony can be submitted until 12 p.m. Tuesday to colleen.bellotti@mahouse.gov and emerson.gagnon@masenate.gov. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

SKIN CANCER AWARENESS: Mass Academy of Dermatology, Rep. Murphy and Sen. Feeney host free skin cancer screenings as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Day. Organizers said one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and that melanoma detected early has a 99 percent survival rate. Screenings will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. At 1 p.m., the event will shift into a discussion and "casual Q&A" for lawmakers and staffers. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room 428)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats plan to meet privately in a caucus. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Senate President's Office)

EDUCATION SHOWCASE: EdVestors hosts 21st annual "Education Showcase" to highlight "creative, on-the-ground solutions happening in Boston high schools." Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper gives opening remarks along with EdVestors CEO Marinell Rousmaniere. Other participants include Dave Kramer of Boston Green Academy, Letta Neely of Apprentice Learning, Jimmy Wyman of the Boston Private Industry Council, Henderson K-12 Inclusion School math teacher Aisha Daniels, Fenway High School math teacher Ana Ferko, BPS math program director Stephen Garschina-Bobrow, and student panelists. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., City Year, 287 Columbus Ave., Boston | Registration)

ROGERSON GALA: Housing nonprofit Rogerson Communities hosts its 25th annual Welcome Home Gala in support of its mission of providing housing options for median and low-income adults across Massachusetts. Lee Pelton, President and CEO of The Boston Foundation, will receive an award. The event is hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Award winner Anthony Anderson, best known as the star of ABC’s Black-ish and host of the 2024 Emmy Awards. Over 2,000 Boston-area older adults live in Rogerson units, with the nonprofit's goal being "to build community and security for older adults in Massachusetts" with "greater independence and longevity." (Tuesday, 6 p.m., SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave, Boston)

T CAPITAL PLAN: MBTA staff host a virtual 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. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Register)

SENATE BUDGET RELEASE: Senate Ways and Means Committee plans to release Senate leadership's fiscal 2025 budget proposal, a spending bill expected to weigh in around the $58 billion mark that the governor and House have already endorsed. It is expected to feature President Spilka's proposal for universal tuition-free community college, an idea that one report has put a roughly $170 million annual price tag on. That's an idea that the House did not adopt in the $58 billion budget it passed in late April, but the Senate is expected to propose spending initiatives for child care, transportation and education along the lines of what was embraced by the House. Both branches and Gov. Maura Healey this year are leaning on more one-time revenues to keep their spending plans afloat given projections of very modest tax revenue growth in fiscal 2025, which begins July 1. The Senate is expected to start debate on its budget Tuesday, May 21. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

MUNI CYBER SUMMIT: MassCyberCenter hosts its fourth annual Mass. Municipal Cybersecurity Summit, giving local officials an opportunity to see the CyberTrust Massachusetts’ Municipal Security Operations Center portal in action and participate in an interactive tabletop exercise workshop. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester | More Info)

TIPPED MINIMUM WAGE QUESTION BEFORE SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hosts oral arguments in six cases, including a complaint filed by leaders of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association (SJC-13560) challenging the eligibility of a proposed ballot question that would increase the minimum wage for tipped workers. Plaintiffs contend that the measure improperly combines topics by proposing both to increase what businesses must pay tipped workers and also allowing employers to create "tip pools" that would redistribute gratuities to all staff. Oral arguments for the day's slate of cases will begin at 9 a.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom One, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | Docket | Livestream)

PRIM REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE: Treasurer Goldberg chairs the Pension Reserve Investment Management Real Estate and Timberland Committee meeting. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Join )

MASSDOT FINANCE: MassDOT's Finance and Audit Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access)

HEALEY HOUSING CAMPAIGN TOUR: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus, Economic Development Secretary Hao, CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Tim Murray and business leaders meet for a "housing is economic development" roundtable on the second stop on the Healey administration's statewide campaign promoting the governor's housing agenda. (Wednesday, 9:45 a.m., Top of the Tower, 446 Main St., Worcester)

MASSDOT CAPITAL: MassDOT's Capital Programs Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Agenda and Access)

NURSES ADVOCACY DAY: The Massachusetts Nurses Association holds an advocacy day during National Nurses Week. Participants plan to focus on "protecting patients, healthcare workers, and essential healthcare services." The MNA will also release its annual "State of Nursing in Massachusetts" survey. Conducted by Beacon Research, the survey features interviews with 500 nurses from across the state focused on challenges in the industry and potential legislative solutions. U.S. soccer player Kristine Lilly is scheduled to attend. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Grand Staircase)

NURSING EDUCATION: Board of Higher Education's Task Force on Nursing Education and Workforce Development meets. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

SCOTUS CRYSTAL BALL: Constitutional law scholars mull "intricacies and implications" of remaining cases before the U.S. Supreme Court at a "SCOTUS Crystal Ball" event hosted by the New England Legal Foundation. Experts will look at the arguments presented to the court and what a decision, one way or the other, could mean. Speakers include Yale professor Akhil Reed Amar; Jeremy Christiansen of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher; Edwina Clarke of Goodwin Procter LLP; and Felicia Ellsworth of WilmerHale. Cases on their docket include Loper Bright v. Raimondo / Relentless v. Department of Commerce (enabling laws of federal agencies), CFPB v. Community Financial Services Association (CFPB funding mechanism), SEC V. Jarkesy (SEC in-house courts), and Sheetz v. El Dorado County (land-use permit conditions, legislative takings). (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston | Livestream via GBH | Registration)

PIKE INTERCHANGE: MassDOT holds a virtual public meeting on planned construction and related traffic milestones for the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project in Hopkinton. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Register)

MEDFORD INTERSECTIONS: MassDOT hosts a public information session to present the design for proposed intersection improvements at Main Street/South Street, Main Street/Mystic Valley Parkway Ramps, and Main Street/Mystic Avenue project in Medford. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Register)

Thursday, May 9, 2024

DCR STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo and a presentation from Peter Sutton, pedestrian and bicycle coordinator at MassDOT. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester | Agenda and Zoom)

MBTA FINANCE: MBTA Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Access)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets for a regular business meeting, which typically feature dozens of business license application approvals, an update from commission administrators, and discussion among commissioners. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Worcester Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | Agenda and Access)

HOUSING LISTENING - BOSTON: 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. (Thursday, 10 a.m., UMass Boston, University Hall, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston | Register)

MBTA PLANNING: MBTA Planning, Workforce, Development & Compensation Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access)

HOUSE: House plans an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

SENATE: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

MBTA SAFETY: MBTA Safety, Health & Environment Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Access)

HPC COMMITTEES: Health Policy Commission holds committee meetings. The Market Oversight and Transparency Committee at noon will discuss new research on Massachusetts health care needs, resources and "tools for alignment." At 1:30 p.m., the Care and Delivery Transformation Committee is focused on efforts to address severe maternal morbidity, including investing in remote blood pressure monitoring. The Office of Patient Protection will also present its 2022 annual report. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Livestream)

HEALEY HOUSING CAMPAIGN TOUR: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus, Health and Human Services Secretary Walsh, hospital executives and health care leaders meet for a roundtable on housing as health care as part of the third stop on the administration's statewide campaign promoting the governor's housing agenda (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., Boston Medical Center, Boston)

LIFE SCIENCES FUNDING: A panel focused on funding life sciences innovation is hosted by Boston University's Questrom School of Business. Panelists include Congressman Auchincloss, Rena Conti of BU Questrom, Andrew Obenshain of bluebird bio, and Michael Sherman of RA Capital Management. The discussion will explore how to continue making progress in gene and cell therapies while dealing with major health care financing issues; price tags for certain innovative treatments may start at $1 million per patient, according to the event advisory. (Thursday, 4 p.m., WBUR City Space, 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | More Info and Register)

EARTH NIGHT: Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Congressman Richard Neal, and former chief of Commonwealth Development Douglas Foy are the honorees at the Environmental League of Massachusetts' 2024 Earth Night event. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston | Register)

MADARO FUNDRAISER: Rep. Madaro of East Boston, chair of the Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee, hosts a fundraiser for his campaign. Speaker Mariano, Majority Leader Moran and Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz listed as attendees. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Carrie Nation, 11 Beacon St., Boston)

MYSTIC AVE BRIDGE: MassDOT holds an informational session to update the public on upcoming construction activities and traffic impacts related to the Maffa Way/Mystic Ave. Bridge replacements project in Boston and Somerville. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Charlestown Knights of Columbus, 545 Medford St., Charlestown | More Info)

Friday, May 10, 2024

METROWEST HUMAN SERVICES: Senate President Spilka speaks at the annual MetroWest Human Services legislative breakfast. (Friday, 9 a.m., Nevins Hall, 150 Concord St., Framingham)

HEALEY HOUSING CAMPAIGN TOUR: Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus, Boston Housing Administrator Kenzie Bok and local officials host an event on public housing as part of the Healey administration's statewide campaign promoting the governor's housing agenda. (Friday, 12 p.m., South Boston, exact location to be announced.)

SENATE BUDGET AMENDMENTS: Senators face a 2 p.m. deadline to file amendments to the Ways and Means Committee's fiscal 2025 budget proposal. Senators typically file roughly 1,000 amendments to each year's budget. Between fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2023, the Senate added an average of $77 million in additional spending through amendments, according to the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation. Last year, MTF said, senators approved $82.2 million in new spending and 34 outside policy sections via budget amendments. (Friday, 2 p.m.)

PRIM ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: Treasurer Goldberg chairs the Pension Reserve Investment Management Administration and Audit Committee meeting. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Join)

SPILKA COMMENCEMENT SPEECH: Senate President Spilka gives the commencement address to Bridgewater State University's graduating class and receives an honorary degree. (Friday, 6 p.m., Gillette Stadium)

SUMNER CLOSURE: MassDOT will close the Sumner Tunnel in Boston for restoration construction. The Sumner Tunnel, which connects downtown Boston to Logan Airport and Route 1A in East Boston, was closed for two months last summer. MassDOT has said it will similarly close the tunnel during July and August this upcoming summer. "This upcoming weekend closure is part of the ongoing Sumner Tunnel project that began in April of 2022 and includes work on the tunnel ceiling, roadway, walls, lighting, and additional improvements which will increase safety and climate resiliency. The project is a $160 million investment in the Commonwealth’s infrastructure," says a release from the transportation department. (11 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday)

PALMER LIQUOR BILL: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure solicits written testimony on a home-rule bill filed last month that would authorize three new liquor licenses for the town of Palmer, the Hampden County community on the Pike between Sturbridge and Springfield. Two are for on-premises beer, wine, and liquor sales at "Tables at the Farm" (3092 Palmer St.) and a new restaurant (1411 North Main St.), and the third is an off-premises liquor store license for Luke's (1478 North Main St.). Testimony can be sent to jointcmte-consumerprotection@malegislature.gov. (Friday)

Saturday, May 11, 2024

GREEN-RAINBOW CONVENTION: Green-Rainbow Party hosts its annual convention. In addition to the election of party officers, the event also features remarks from an OCPF official and a keynote address from Timmon Wallis, author of "Warheads to Windmills, Preventing Climate Catastrophe & Nuclear War." (Saturday, 9 a.m., First Unitarian Church, 90 Main St., Worcester | More Info)

UMASS LOWELL HONORARY DEGREE: Android co-founder Rich Miner, a three-time UMass Lowell graduate, receives an honorary degree from the institution during commencement weekend. During commencement, an estimated 4,565 students from 36 U.S. states and 106 countries will graduate in the Class of 2024. Among them are 775 undergraduate students who are the first in their family to attend college. Miner received his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in computer science from UMass Lowell, and founded the Richard A. Miner School of Computer and Information Sciences in the Kennedy College of Sciences. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell)

GOLDBERG COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS: Treasurer Goldberg delivers the commencement address at Lasell University's 170th commencement ceremony. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Taylor Field, Lasell University, 200 Woodland Road, Auburndale)