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Franklin DPW Highway & Grounds Superintendent Carlos Rebelo received a National Award - Professional Manager of the Year for Facilities and Grounds from the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) . The award was delivered at the Commemorative Scholarship Luncheon. Rebelo is second from left in this group of town employees.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Tues. May 28
Franklin Public Schools Budget Sub Committee Meeting
6:00pm
7:00pm
Franklin Public School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Wed. May 29
5:15pm
6:30pm
Thurs. May 30
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
They still have time to change course, but House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka are doing little so far in 2024 to indicate they are not careening toward another chaotic set of late-July showdowns between the the top Democrats who run the branches. House and Senate members have been waiting, in some cases for months, for legislative leaders to compromise on major bills that have been idling in closed conference committees. Most of the other big topics that the Legislature is expected to tackle -- economic development, housing, health care, climate and energy policy -- have yet to even be presented in either branch. The approach points toward another situation where lawmakers will need to make quick decisions just to get the bills through the branches, and then accept whatever compromises are struck at the end of July, if deals can be reached at all. The norm on Beacon Hill is for most legislators to learn about which bills top Democrats plan to surface for debate just days before, with session plans only spanning a week at a time, if that. The plans for next week in both branches call for informal sessions only.
There's still nine-plus weeks before time runs out on most major bills, but the time horizon starts to feel a shrink for sponsors trying to break through to leadership's inner circles when the annual budget moves into the proverbial harbor and begins to force the smaller boats to the side. The House and Senate budgets are headed soon into another six-person conference committee that will be led by Ways and Means Chairs Aaron Michlewitz and Michael Rodrigues. The two Democrats haven't been able to agree for months on a bill designed to use interest on state savings to attract federal infrastructure funds, and have often struggled over the years to reach deals, resulting in a series of late annual budgets. For instance, this year's state budget was due by July 1, 2023 and the two chairs didn't reach an agreement on it until July 30. The Senate approved its $58 billion fiscal 2025 budget late Thursday night. Senators added about $90 million to the bill through floor amendments, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The bottom line is about $2.1 billion higher than the fiscal 2024 budget, MTF said, and about $9 million higher than the House budget, which is basically a rounding error in a bill so large. MTF believes that this year's budget talks "may be extended" because any surtax revenues above $1 billion in fiscal 2024 must be deducted from resources available to support general budgeted spending and "data on surtax collections to date remains limited." Branch leaders will need to fit surtax spending plans within a $1.3 billion scope, MTF said, and sort out differing approaches to the use of one-time revenues. June tax collection numbers don't get released until well into July and there are still questions about keeping the fiscal 2024 budget in balance and any efforts required to balance that budget may affect the availability of non-tax revenues to support the fiscal 2025 budget.
Storylines In Progress
... Boston Mayor Wu's controversial plan to overhaul the share of taxes paid by commercial and residential property owners gets a second public hearing at City Hall ... Primary ballots will come into clearer focus after candidates for district and county offices, including the Legislature, submit certified nomination signatures to Secretary of State William Galvin's office on Tuesday ... Another major stretch of the MBTA's core subway system is going offline, forcing riders to sacrifice for a spell while the T takes steps toward hopefully making changes that will improve service in the long run ... The long-running battle between Treasurer Deb Golberg and her handpicked and suspended Cannabis Commission Chair Shannon O'Brien picks up behind closed doors on Friday ...
Sunday, May 26, 2024
CARNEVALE ON 4: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale talks with Jon Keller about Republican alternatives to the handling of the migrant crisis, party prospects in the fall elections, and former President Trump's remarks about contraception access. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
DEATON ON 5: Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton goes "On The Record" with WCVB program hosts Maria Stephanos and Sharman Sacchetti. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
@ISSUE: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center CEO Dr. Emily Reichert and Northeast Clean Energy Council President Joe Curtatone are the guests on “@Issue” with host Matt Prichard. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., NBC Boston)
MOUNT HOPE CEMETERY: Deputy Secretary Andrea Gayle-Bennett of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services speaks at an annual Memorial Day ceremony. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Mount Hope Cemetery, Mattapan)
Monday, May 27, 2024
MEMORIAL DAY IN WINCHENDON: Gov. Healey speaks at a Memorial Day ceremony at the state-run Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, joined by Veterans Secretary Santiago. (Monday, 9 a.m., 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon)
MEMORIAL DAY IN AGAWAM: Lt. Gov. Driscoll participates in a Memorial Day ceremony at the state Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. Veterans Secretary Santiago also speaks. (Monday, 1 p.m., 1390 Main St., Agawam)
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
COMMISSION ON LGBTQ YOUTH: Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth holds a "ceremony" to release fiscal 2025 policy recommendations, present the latest research on the state of LGBTQ youth, swear in commission members and announce awards. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Boston City Hall Plaza)
CAMBRIDGE GROUNDBREAKING: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Owens and others gather for the groundbreaking for the first project permitted under Cambridge's Affordable Housing Overlay, creating 106 affordable homes. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 52 New St., Cambridge)
LOTTO COMMISSION: Mass. State Lottery Commission meets remotely. Topics on the agenda include authorizing fiscal year 2025 contracts for instant tickets, game designs and marketing services, collective bargaining, and vehicle fleets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
CIVICS SHOWCASE: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education hosts a civics project showcase, a regional "science fair for civics" where students "share the real-world action they are taking on community issues such as student mental health, environmental justice and educational equity." Students from 14 districts in southeastern Massachusetts will attend. Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler will welcome participants, and Reps. Barrows and Meschino plan to attend. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Rondileau Student Union, 19 Park Ave., Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HEALTH CARE TRAINING BRIEFING: The Arc of Massachusetts, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center host an advocacy event and briefing on H 172, which deals with hospital training to enhance health care for people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sponsors Sen. Lewis and Rep. Garballey will speak. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room 350)
NEW BEDFORD WIND: New Bedford Ocean Cluster hosts event to discuss the offshore wind industry. Vineyard Offshore Chief Development Officer Rachel Pachter will discuss the tri-state procurement sought jointly by Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island as well as supply chain and workforce development. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Shoreline Offshore, 137 Popes Island, New Bedford | Register)
ROUTE 132 PARK AND RIDE: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to discuss improvements to the Route 132 Park and Ride in Barnstable. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
ORANGE LINE OFFLINE FOR REPAIRS: To make track improvements, the MBTA is suspending service on the Orange Line daily between Wellington and Back Bay stations from Tuesday, May 28, through Thursday, June 6. Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops at all stations between Wellington and North Station. The T also suggests that riders consider "parallel Green Line services between North Station and Copley" to access locations in the downtown area near Back Bay. Copley Station is less than a quarter mile from Back Bay or about a five-minute walk.
CANDIDATE FILING DEADLINE: Tuesday is the filing deadline for certified signatures from district and county candidates, one of the last steps before the Sept. 3 primary ballots can take shape. All 160 seats in the House and 40 seats in the Senate are up for reelection every two years, and the deadline will nail down what kind of challenges incumbents face and which districts have wide-open contests. It will also confirm which of the Republicans hoping to unseat U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be on the ballot. Candidates had to file their nomination papers with local elections officials by April 30 for signature certification, and the May 28 deadline is for certified papers to be filed with Secretary of State Galvin's office.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
ABUNDANT HOUSING LOBBY DAY: Abundant Housing Massachusetts joins other housing advocates for a lobby day focused on supporting increased production, by-right allowance for accessory dwelling units and removal of "historically discriminatory zoning practices." Organizers say Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing Secretary Augustus and Sen. Crighton will speak, joined by local housing officials and advocates. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., State House steps)
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: Mass. School Building Authority board hosts a business meeting to discuss finance and policy. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Contact Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org for access)
VIRTUAL HOUSING FORUM: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, members of the Housing Advisory Council and others participate in the 11th of 14 regional listening sessions convened by EOHLC to solicit feedback related to the statewide housing plan currently in development. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Register)
BASILIERE BRIDGE MEETING: MassDOT hosts a public hearing to discuss a project to replace the Basiliere Bridge in Haverhill. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., UMass Lowell Innovation center, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill | More Info)
FEENEY FUNDER: Sen. Feeney of Foxborough holds a reelection campaign kickoff fundraiser. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Conrad's Restaurant, 121 Main St., Foxborough)
CARDINAL O'MALLEY HONORED: Catholic Charities Boston hosts its annual spring gala, where attendees including Gov. Healey will honor Cardinal Seán O’Malley. The organization plans to present Cardinal O'Malley with the John and Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award, described as its highest recognition reserved for people who "exemplify justice, compassion, and service to others." Philanthropist Jack Connors emcees. Speaking program begins at 7:15 p.m. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf Room, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston)
ROUTE 132 PARK AND RIDE: MassDOT hosts an in-person public hearing to discuss improvements to the Route 132 Park and Ride in Barnstable. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Barnstable County Complex, Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room, 3195 Main St., Barnstable | More Info)
NO GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council does not plan to hold any hearings this week on pending judicial nominees, nor does the council plan to hold an assembly when it could vote on the two judicial candidates it's already interviewed. Councilors have expressed a desire to fill the mounting number of vacancies in the court system, but will wait at least another week before deciding the fates of District Court candidates Edward Krippendorf Jr. and Sarah Kennedy. Krippendorf and Kennedy were the subject of public hearings on May 15, and the council held an assembly May 22 but did not vote on their confirmations. Gov. Healey's latest four nominees -- Probate Court candidates Jessica Dubin, Carla Salvucci, Mikalen Howe, and Alexandra Flanders -- are not set to appear in the Council Chamber until June 12 and June 26. (Wednesday)
Thursday, May 30, 2024
PRIM BOARD: Pension Reserve Investment Management Board meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: Mass. State Retirement Board meets remotely. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us for access info)
WU TAX PLAN HEARING: The Boston City Council holds a hearing on a Mayor Michelle Wu's proposal to temporarily shift a greater tax burden onto commercial property owners to limit increases on Boston residents. As some commercial real estate values in Boston are expected to decline in value this year, Wu is recommending tilting more of the city's property tax burden onto commercial owners for five years to prevent residential owners from seeing a jump in their tax bills to cover the difference. The Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations already held a hearing on the petition in April, where some councilors said they were concerned the plan could hurt already-struggling businesses. Business groups have also warned against the plan, and one of Boston's most powerful representatives on Beacon Hill has hesitated to lend his public support to the proposal. Wu's office says it is a temporary solution to keep homeowners' bills down while allowing the market time to stabilize. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Stream and More Info)
HOUSE: House plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE: Senate plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
METROWEST ECONOMIC CONFERENCE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, local elected officials, town planners and selectmen attend the MetroWest Economic Research Center's annual conference. (Thursday, 11 a.m., McCarthy Center Forum, Framingham State University, 93 State St., Framingham)
SALEM SKIPPER: Elected officials gather to celebrate the expansion of Salem Skipper on-demand ride service. The service launched in December 2020, and will now expand to Beverly and Danvers. Congressman Moulton, Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Beverly Mayor Michael Cahill, Sen. Lovely and Reps. Parisella, Kerans and Cruz attend. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Cummings Center, Beverly)
LOHA TRANSFER FEE: The Local Option for Housing Affordability Coalition hosts a virtual briefing on their version of the local option transfer fee, which has a few differences compared to the proposed transfer tax in Gov. Healey's $4 billion housing bond bill. "LOHA is committed to ensuring the Local Option Transfer Fee included in the Affordable Homes Act can work for communities of all sizes, geographies, and property values, and we're excited to share how we can make this tool accessible to all the diverse communities of the Commonwealth," says a release from the coalition. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Register)
PFACS FORUM: The Betsy Lehman Center hosts its first virtual forum on patient and family advisory councils in Massachusetts health care settings. These committees are made up of patients, family members and health care professionals focused on improving care experiences. The forum is meant for PFAC members across the state to meet to discuss challenges and share new approaches. (Thursday, 5 p.m. | Register)
"TURN ON THE LIGHT" GALA: My Life My Choice, which works to end commercial sexual exploitation of children throughout greater Boston, hosts its "Turn on the Light" gala. The group will honor survivor advocate Melanie Thompson and acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy with its Beacon of Light award. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston)
Friday, May 31, 2024
COMPTROLLER ADVISORY BOARD: Advisory Board to the Comptroller meets remotely to review the draft annual comprehensive financial report, or ACFR, for fiscal 2023. The report is a major summary of state finances and accounting used by bondholders, rating agencies and more. (Friday, 12:30 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
GOLDBERG AND O'BRIEN: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and suspended Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien, who was appointed by Goldberg, hold the third of what was initially planned as just two meetings that could lead to O'Brien's firing. Goldberg has given two justifications for O'Brien's suspension and possible firing: that the chairwoman is alleged to have made racially insensitive remarks and that she mistreated former CCC Executive Director Shawn Collins, a former Goldberg deputy. O'Brien has denied the allegations against her and in the fall sued Goldberg. The first two sessions were held in early May. After the second meeting, a spokesman for O'Brien said Goldberg was "trying to build her case relying on anonymous witnesses." Like the first two sessions, the third is expected to follow the "protocol" blessed by a Superior Court judge last year. Thomas Maffei, a former president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, is expected to serve as the "officiant" of the meeting, though Goldberg is the one who will determine O'Brien's fate. The assembly will not be open to the press or public. (Friday, Time TBA, 12th floor conference room, Treasury's offices, 1 Ashburton Place, Boston)
