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More taxes please. Supporters of transfer fees on property transactions to raise money for housing have a huge barrier to overcome now that top House Democrats have made clear they do not support the idea, but they still have the governor on their side and there are a few routes that they could take in the Legislature.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. June 10
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Tues. June 11
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
7:00pm
Wed. June 12
Franklin Public Schools Superintendent's Evaluation Sub Committee Meeting
6:00pm
6:30pm
Finance Committee Meeting - CANCELED
7:00pm
Thurs. June 13
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
Cultural District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Legislators will soon find out if there are deals that could motivate ballot question backers to drop their efforts, or if the state's highest court agrees with plaintiffs who argue initiative petitions should be bounced from consideration over constitutional concerns. Supporters and opponents of a pair of proposals affecting app-based drivers and a third measure governing the wages of tipped employees are waiting on Supreme Judicial Court rulings affecting those possible ballot questions, and legislators this week confirmed that talks are occurring among top lawmakers about alternatives to proposals dealing with the MCAS exam graduation requirement, the employment rules of the road for app-based drivers, and possibly other would-be ballot proposals. It's unclear whether those talks will lead to anything as sweeping as the "Grand Bargain" of 2018 but the dictates of the election calendar means that June is the time of the year for such deals, if they can be had at all. The real grand bargain of 2024 will be the deals that Democratic legislative leaders make next month as they move one major proposal after another into conference committees and create a massive menu of possible trading options and bargaining chips. Legislative leaders appear intent over the next four weeks in getting more and more major bills into conference, a strategy that points to more action in the near term on bills addressing clean energy and climate policy, health care and prescription drugs, housing production and affordability, nursing home oversight, economic development, alcohol licenses in Boston neighborhoods, and equality in parenting for same-sex couples. A $1.2 billion information technology bond bill could be steered into a conference committee next week. The Senate has one formal session planned next week, on Thursday.
Sunday, June 9, 2024
KERRIGAN ON 4: Jon Keller talks with Mass. Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan about the party's positions on the economy, taxation, and education, and whether or not they are in touch with the electorate. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
BOSTON ECONOMY CHIEF ON 5: Segun Idowu, the City of Boston's economic opportunity chief, is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
PRIDE AND CANNABIS: A festive Pride Month event hosted by Boston city officials in partnership with Apex Noire Cannabis Dispensary looks to spotlight opportunities that intersect the LGBTQ+ and cannabis communities. The 21+ event runs through 5 p.m. (Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m., 150 State St., Boston | Register
LUCKY EXPRESS: MBTA operates a special event train – dubbed the “The Lucky Express” – between Oak Grove, Malden Center and North Station to get fans into town for the Boston Celtics' second NBA Finals game. The Cs took Game 1 against the Dallas Mavericks and look to take a 2-0 series lead before heading to Dallas for games three and four. The Lucky Express will depart Oak Grove at 6:42 p.m., depart Malden Center at 6:45 p.m. and arrive at North Station at 7 p.m. The MBTA's announcement did not include details on any special post-game trains. Orange Line service will be suspended between North Station and Oak Grove starting Friday night, and the T said it is enhancing Green Line service and offering free rides on the Haverhill Line to make sure fans have alternative options throughout the weekend. (Sunday, 6:42 p.m., Oak Grove, Malden)
BUNKER HILL PROGRAMS: National Park Service holds a series of events over the coming week as it gears up for the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Bunker Hill Associates hold a flag-raising ceremony June 9 to honor Charlestown veterans. On Thursday, 75 new citizen candidates take their oaths in a naturalization ceremony with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, followed by the planting of a memorial flag garden with the British Consulate, American Legion Post 26, and Home Base. A Flag Day ceremony is held Friday, a community concert at the monument on Saturday, all leading up to the Bunker Hill Parade on Sunday, June 16. (Sunday, Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown | More Info)
Monday, June 10, 2024
PINE STREET INN PANEL: Pine Street Inn, which describes itself as the largest homeless services organization in New England, hosts 150 leaders from Denver, who are visiting Boston to learn more about the city's homelessness prevention work. Pine Street Inn holds a panel called, "Caring for the City's Most Vulnerable: Partnership and Prevention." Panelists include Pine Street Inn Executive Director Lyndia Downie; Bia Moreira, Matt Landers and Brian Foran of the Boston Mayor's Office on Housing; and Gregory Grays-Thomas of the Boston Public Health Commission. The panel is moderated by Evan Dreyer, deputy chief of staff to Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., 444 Harrison Ave., Boston)
MCCA TASK FORCE: Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Board Member Task Force meets. Agenda calls for review of a report from Prince Lobel, review of "best in class examples," and a policy project update. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access)
WATER SUPPLY: Water Supply Protection Trust meets remotely. The five-person board is responsible for approving the annual work plan and budget for the Office of Watershed Management. Members include Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper and MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
COMMUNITY POLICING: Community Policing Behavioral Health Advisory Council meets remotely. Agenda includes swearing in council members and a leadership transition update. There will also be an update on a Department of Mental Health jail and arrest diversion initiative. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
SENATE: Senate holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
CHEERS BAR 55TH YEAR: Tom Kershaw, who owns Hampshire House and Cheers Bull and Finch Pub that inspired the famous sitcom "Cheers," celebrates his 55th year in business. Current and former employees, community leaders and friends including Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn and New England Council President Jim Brett plan to attend. (Monday, 11 a.m., Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston)
BROWNFIELDS GRANTS: U.S. Rep. Trahan, EPA New England Regional Administrator David Cash, Undersecretary of Environment Stephanie Cooper, Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke, Lowell City Manager Tom Golden, Lawrence Mayor Brian De Peña and Clinton Town Administrator Michael Ward celebrate their $7 million share of a pot of $35 million in federal funding to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Massachusetts while advancing environmental justice. (Monday, 11 a.m., outside Lowell City Hall, 375 Merrimack St., Lowell)
ANTI-ABORTION CENTERS: Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh, U.S. Reps. Clark and Auchincloss, Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, and Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder join advocates and providers to unveil a new awareness campaign alerting the public to the potential dangers of anti-abortion centers (also called crisis pregnancy centers). Press RSVP to sophie.l.hamlin@mass.gov by 8 p.m. Sunday. (Monday, 11 a.m., Women’s Health Services, 111 Harvard St., Brookline)
LONG-TERM SERVICES: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation hosts a webinar on long-term services and supports, defined as "services and supports that people with disabilities and people of all ages with chronic conditions use to meet their daily living needs, remain independent, and participate in their communities." The webinar is a follow-up to a primer the foundation released last month. (Monday, 12 p.m., Register)
WATER QUALITY REPORT CARD: U.S. Rep. Clark joins Save the Harbor/Save the Bay to release the organization's annual Water Quality Report Card, announcing the result of the 2023 beach season. The group said it releases its annual report at the start of each year's beach season to "amplify public awareness about the ongoing success of the Boston Harbor Cleanup, as well as highlight areas of improvement on our metropolitan Boston Harbor beaches from Nahant to Nantasket." (Monday, 12 p.m., Reinstein Bandstand on Revere Beach Boulevard, between Beach Street and Shirley Avenue, Revere)
MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT COURT: Marlborough District Court reopens. Middlesex DA Ryan attends. (Monday, 1 p.m., Marlborough District Court, 45 Williams St., Marlborough)
WOLOHOJIAN CEREMONY: Gov. Healey will deliver a ceremonial administration of the oath of office for Supreme Judicial Court Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian, who took the actual oath on April 22 after being confirmed 6-1 for a spot on the state's high court. In addition to Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll, other speakers include Appeals Court Justice Amy Lyn Blake, Appeals Court Chief Justice Mark Green, attorney Joan Lukey, attorney Robert Fiske, and attorney Peter Macdonald. A musical interlude will be performed by members of the Boston Civic Symphony, a group with which Wolohojian performs as a violinist. Wolohojian will offer remarks after taking the ceremonial oath. (Monday, 5 p.m., John Adams Courthouse, Great Hall, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | Livestream)
ALLSTON MULTIMODAL PROJECT: MassDOT holds a meeting of its I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Task Force. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Transportation Board Room, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Info and Virtual Access)
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE: Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation hosts its annual Life Sciences Workforce Conference in Boston. Organizers say they expect Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Sen. DiDomenico and several industry leaders to attend the event, which will focus on topics such as the labor market and how employers can diversify their workforces. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll delivers opening remarks at 9 a.m., as she and Gov. Healey continue to lobby for their economic development bill that reauthorizes the life sciences initiative at $1 billion for another decade; a redrafted version of the "Mass Leads Act" cleared the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies this week. Ahead of the conference, MassBioEd plans to public its 2024 life sciences employment outlook report, which will offers data on the status of the Massachusetts life sciences workforce. The conference run through 4 p.m. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Boston University George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | Conference Agenda)
MBTA BOARD: MBTA Board of Directors meets. MBTA Chief Financial Officer Mary Ann O'Hara gives a presentation on the fiscal 2025 budget proposal and the agenda shows that the board could take action related to the budget. Before any action, MBTA Advisory Board will give a presentation related to the budget. On Thursday, the T watchdog group said public transportation is on the verge of an "existential crisis" and waved a caution flag as a T subcommittee advanced a $3.02 billion fiscal year 2025 budget that would effectively empty the MBTA's savings to help drive up spending by 11 percent, leaving no bulwark against a nearly $700 million gap forecast to hit in the following year. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Transportation Board Room, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Access)
RMV MERIT BOARD: Merit Rating Board of the Registry of Motor Vehicles meets virtually. Agenda includes an update from Director Sonja Singleton. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
DAY OF PLAY: Boston and community partners celebrate International Day of Play by hosting a family-friend event, where attendees can "experience the power of play," city officials say. The event includes sports, biking, board games, bubbles, ping pong, arts and crafts, dance and music. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
EDUCATOR DIVERSITY: Latinos for Education holds a rally, briefing and legislative meetings to push for the so-called Educator Diversity Act (H 4519 / S 2709). The bill seeks to boost recruitment and retention of diverse educators by establishing multiple pathways to certification, increasing uniformity in diversity plans and goals, and by establishing district Educator Diversity Councils and a statewide educator diversity data dashboard. House Assistant Majority Leader Peisch, Education Committee co-chair Sen. Lewis, event sponsor Rep. Giannino, and members of the Black and Latino Caucus participate. The Education Committee reported a redraft of a handful of educator diversity-related bills favorably in April, sending H 4519 to House Ways and Means and sending S 2709 to Senate Ways and Means. Event is held in partnership with the Massachusetts Teachers Association, American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, Boston Teachers Union and others. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., State House)
SENATORS JOIN RAUSCH IN HER DISTRICT: Sen. Rausch of Needham shows colleagues around her Norfolk, Worcester and Middlesex District as part of the "SenaTOUR" series. Senate President Spilka attends. "Participants will tour a working farm, hear from small business owners, and listen to local officials about water access and management and the impacts of climate change," according to Spilka's office. Press RSVP to Adrian.Pforzheimer@masenate.gov. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., beginning at Volante Farms, 292 Forest St., Needham)
HIGHER ED BOARD: Board of Higher Education meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
HEMP HEARING: Joint Committee on Agriculture and Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy hold a joint oversight hearing on hemp regulation in Massachusetts. Invited speakers from the Department of Agricultural Resources, Department of Public Health, Cannabis Control Commission and Massachusetts Association of Health Boards will describe their work and answer questions from the committees regarding the intricacies of hemp policy and regulation. "I have concerns and I've heard from many of our licensees [that] it's impacting them greatly, about a phenomenon known as gas station weed, that are hemp products that are unregulated, that aren't tested, that our children can buy," CCC Commissioner Kimberly Roy said last month during a CCC meeting, referring to products commonly found at convenience stores that are hemp-based but market themselves more like cannabis. Commissioner Bruce Stebbins said he has heard the same, adding "we are hearing from the folks that we regulate and license about their concerns of the product being on the market." Hemp is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agricultural Resources, though some hemp products are available for sale at CCC-licensed marijuana businesses. Written testimony can be submitted to jointcmte-agriculture@malegislature.gov. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Virtual)
HERITAGE DAY OF PORTUGAL: Mayor Pedro Nascimento Cabral, mayor of the City of Ponta Delgada on São Miguel in the Açores, is the guest of honor and keynote speaker at the 40th annual Heritage Day Of Portugal celebration at the State House. The event is hosted by the 18-member Portuguese American Legislative Caucus chaired by Sen. Pacheco and Rep. Cabral. Caucus members and "other legislators from heavily Portuguese-speaking districts" have nominated Luso-American constituents for special recognition, including Os Capitalistas, a five-member Portuguese-American band from Cabral's district. Portuguese and Portuguese-Americans this year have two milestone anniversaries to bear in mind. This spring marked the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, which brought an end to dictatorship and the dawn of the democratic Third Republic of Portugal. It's also the approximate 500th anniversary of the birth of poet Luís de Camões, who wrote the epic "Os Lusíadas," a bedrock of Portuguese literature. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation from Jeff Van Dreason of Roxbury Community College about community-based restorative justice programs. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
HAWLEY BOG: Nature Conservancy’s Massachusetts chapter and Five Colleges Incorporated celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Hawley Bog Preserve, a Natural Park Service National Natural Landmark, with a tour and discussion about its environmental and educational significance. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Hawley Bog Preserve, East Hawley Road, Hawley)
DiZOGLIO ON THE RADIO: State Auditor Diana DiZoglio plans to be a guest on Boston Public Radio with hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston)
LGAC MEETING: Local Government Advisory Commission meets remotely. Lt. Gov. Driscoll will open the meeting with remarks. Local leaders will then hear from Secretary of Administration & Finance Matthew Gorkowicz about revenue collections and a budget update, from Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Chief of Policy Eric Shupin with an update on the governor's housing bond bill, and from Executive Office of Technology Services and Security Chief of Staff Cheri Rolfes with an update on the governor's IT bond bill. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Zoom)
CULTURAL GRANTS: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and MassDevelopment Acting CEO Dan O'Connell join the Mass Cultural Council to celebrate the recipients of fiscal 2024 Cultural Facilities Fund grant awards, which the council and MassDevelopment jointly administer. Eighty-eight nonprofit and municipal cultural organizations will receive a total of $6.16 million. Sen. Paul Mark, who co-chairs the Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development, also attends. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., The Children’s Museum in Easton, 9 Sullivan Ave., North Easton)
PCA COUNCIL: Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council meets remotely. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
SOUTH BANK PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on design plans for South Bank Park, which spans from the end of Lovejoy Wharf to the "southern-most lock of the New Charles Dam." The design looks to create an accessible pathway and greenspace for pedestrians and bikers. DCR says the development of the South Bank Park is a mitigation measure required by the Big Dig, or the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
SUMNER TUNNEL: Ahead of the Sumner Tunnel closure next month, MassDOT holds a virtual public meeting and discusses how the public can alleviate the closure's impact on their commutes. The closure is slated for July 5 through Aug. 5. Attendees will be able to ask questions and give comments. MassDOT says that "all residents, abutters, local business owners, and interested commuters are invited to attend." Interpretation in Spanish and Arabic will be available. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing to present the design for the proposed Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School Improvements project in Springfield. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Register)
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
SKILLED IMMIGRANTS: SkillWorks and the Boston Foundation host the release of a new report from the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute, "Hiring Skilled Immigrants: Recommendations for Massachusetts," which examines the many ways employers can engage with skilled immigrants. Labor Secretary Lauren Jones speaks. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., 3rd Floor, Boston | Register)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets remotely. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein provides updates, including a review of data from the biannual opioid report. The council will consider a determination-of-need request from Boston Outpatient Surgical Suites, LLC. There will also be an informational presentation on the New England Pathogen Genomics Center of Excellence. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - FREDERICK DeCUBELLIS: Governor's Council interviews District Court candidate Frederick DeCubellis, an assistant clerk magistrate in New Bedford District Court. He previously ran his own law practice in New Bedford for 22 years handling both criminal and civil matters. Councilor Ferreira chairs. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MUNI POLICE STANDARDS: Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee meets to discuss and review the June agenda. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Access)
MASSDOT FINANCE: MassDOT Finance and Audit Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Access)
DISCLOSING DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds a virtual workshop on whether people should disclose their disability at various points of the employment process and what type of information should be shared. There will be guided exercises as attendees learn about weighing the advantages and disadvantages of disclosing, how to describe their limitations, and how to handle specific situations where they may need to discuss their disability. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Register)
IDEAL SCHOOL CONTEST: Treasurer Goldberg, Mass. School Building Authority CEO James MacDonald and MSBA Executive Director Mary Pichetti announce the winner of the MSBA’S 15th annual “My Ideal School Contest.” Goldberg chairs the MSBA board. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee reviews and discusses its June agenda. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Remote Access)
PHILIPPINE FLAG-RAISING: Boston City Hall celebrates Philippine Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and reception by PAMANA, or the Philippine American Mainstream Advocacy For Nonpartisan Associations, Inc. Reception in the Piemonte Room, 5th floor of City Hall, starts at 10 a.m. hosted by City Councilor Santana. Flag-raising, featuring singing of the Philippine National Anthem, starts at 11 a.m. on the plaza outside. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., City Hall, Boston)
MASSDOT CAPITAL: MassDOT Capital Programs Committee meets virtually. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Access)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - JESSICA DUBIN: Governor's Council holds a hearing on the governor's nomination of Jessica Dubin, a partner at Lee & Rivers LLP, to serve as a Probate and Family Court judge. Councilor Kennedy chairs. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to hold a full formal session, according to a schedule set by Speaker Mariano's office on May 31. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: Massachusetts Office on Disability offers a virtual workshop focused on employment accommodations. Attendees will learn how to request reasonable accommodations, describe their limitations, and how to review a job listing to identify essential functions. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Register)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
WOMEN VETS LUNCH: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network hosts the "Women Veterans Recognition Luncheon." The event, which comes with the theme of "Your Time," will celebrate women's contributions in the armed forces and explore ways to promote self-care and wellbeing. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Quincy Marriott, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy | More Info)
VETERANS CAREER WORKSHOP: A career workshop is held for veterans, including those serving in the National Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. The workshop, held through the Off-Base Transition Training pilot program, offers employment preparation, plus education and other opportunities to help veterans "maximize their career potential." (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Bristol Community College, G-Building Faculty Lounge, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River | Register)
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS: Middlesex DA Ryan participates in a panel hosted by the Jenks Center for Elder Abuse Awareness Day. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., The Jenks Center, 109 Skillings Road, Winchester)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. There are no judicial nominees pending for a vote, but the council could tend to other business such as approving the state Treasury warrant, signing off on new notaries public and justices of the peace, and scheduling future hearings. Also pending, in a state of limbo, is Gov. Healey's proposed pardon of William "Chill" Veal, who was convicted decades ago on 16 charges ranging from assault and battery to larceny. The council delayed making a decision and is contemplating a public hearing on the matter. The Parole Board unanimously said no to Veal's request, Healey approved it, and now the Governor's Council will eventually have the final say. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MCAS BALLOT INITIATIVE: Pioneer Institute holds an "information luncheon" aimed at "potential risks to equity and student outcomes" posed by the proposed ballot initiative that would eliminate the MCAS graduation requirement. Former Rep. Marty Walz and Mary Tamer of Democrats for Education Reform are among the speakers. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Putnam Investments, 100 Federal St., Boston | Registration)
DPH COMMISSIONER IN FRANKLIN COUNTY: Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein is slated with to meet with the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. Officials will discuss strategies to tackle the "devastating impact of opioid misuse in rural communities." Goldstein will be joined by Deirdre Calvert, director of DPH's Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, and Julia Newhall, director of opioid abatement strategy and implementation. They're meeting with Opioid Task Force Co-chairs Franklin County Sheriff Christopher Donelan, Franklin County Register of Probate John Merrigan and Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan, as well as the board's medical director, Dr. Ruth Potee. "Data gathered by DPH and our office continues to show the disproportionate impact of fatal and non-fatal opioid overdoses in rural areas," Sullivan said. "We look forward to our continued partnership with DPH to support individuals at their most vulnerable time." Goldstein, Calvert and Newhall are also slated to meet with the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments to learn about public health initiatives. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Greenfield Community College, Room C201, One College Drive, Greenfield)
LATINO HOUSING PANEL: Rep. Montaño, former MassDevelopment CEO Dan Rivera, Archipelago Strategies Group founder and CEO Josiane Martinez and Inquilinos Boricuas en Accion CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado participate in a panel on housing and Latinos in Massachusetts. Event is hosted by Greater Boston Latino Network and Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy at UMass Boston. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. The group helps steer the development and implementation of state energy efficiency plans. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Register)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Treasurer Goldberg chairs a meeting of the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Zoom)
NURSING ED, WORKFORCE: Board of Higher Education's Task Force on Nursing Education and Workforce Development meets. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - CARLA SALVUCCI: Governor's Council interviews Probate and Family Court candidate Carla Salvucci, who operates a private family law practice. Councilor Devaney chairs. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION: Massachusetts Office on Disability hosts a virtual workshop about disability discrimination in employment, including recognizing workplace interactions that constitute discrimination. By exploring hypothetical and real cases, attendees will learn how to define and prevent disability discrimination, as well as how to document potentially discriminatory situations, according to organizers. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. | More Info and Register)
SPECTACLE ON SPECTACLE ISLAND: Superintendent of National Parks of Boston Michael Creasey, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Brian Arrigo, Boston Chief Climate Officer Brian Swett and leadership of Boston Harbor Now take part in Spectacle on Spectacle, a fundraiser and celebration of Boston's harbor, islands, and waterfront. Funds raised go towards climate resilience, education programs and community events. Event features food and drinks from diverse local chefs and bartenders, an exclusive music ensemble from the Veronica Robles Cultural Center, and "stunning" views of the Boston skyline during a summer sunset. Media RSVP to mdwork@denterlein.com. (Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor)
SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER: Springfield Regional Chamber holds its annual meeting and celebration to "reflect on the Chamber’s recent accomplishments while also honoring members of the community and looking toward the future." The organization will honor Sister Mary Caritas Geary, a health care professional, community advocate and volunteer for over 75 years, as the 2024 Springfield Regional Chamber Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., MGM Springfield, 1 MGM Way, Springfield | Tickets)
NONPROFIT AWARDS: More than 200 local nonprofit and business leaders are expected to attend the 2024 Nonprofit Excellence Awards. The event is hosted by the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, which represents more than 600 nonprofit members, and presented by Citizens Financial Group. Thirty nonprofits and professionals will be honored as finalists, while four nonprofits and two professionals will be named winners. Networking begins at 5:45 p.m., and the ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 5:45 p.m., New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston | More Info and Tickets)
SUMNER TUNNEL: MassDOT holds a second virtual public meeting ahead of the Sumner Tunnel closure, which will start July 5 and run through Aug. 5. Residents, local businesses and commuters are invited to attend the meeting, where they can ask questions and give comments. Spanish and Arabic interpretation will be available. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
HARWICH ELEMENTARY: MassDOT holds a public hearing to present the design for the proposed Harwich Elementary School Safe Routes To School project in Harwich. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Harwich Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room, 100 Oak St., Harwich)
Thursday, June 13, 2024
PATIENT SAFETY: Board of Registration in Medicine's Quality and Patient Safety Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion on outreach activities and a proposed conference, as well as an executive to "discuss peer-review protected information." (Thursday, 7 a.m. | More Info and Access)
LICENSING COMMITTEE: Board of Registration in Medicine's Licensing Committee meets virtually. Members will consider waivers for nearly 20 individuals, including waivers of postgraduate training and waivers of substantial equivalency. (Thursday, 8 a.m. | More Info and Access)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
HIGHER ED ADVISORY COUNCIL: Board of Higher Education's Evidence-Based Policy Making Advisory Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
ANTI-HATE TASK FORCE: Middlesex DA Ryan hosts a meeting of her Anti-Hate Anti-Bias Task Force to discuss various initiatives to address incidents of hate in Middlesex County. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Contact Sarah.Lamson@mass.gov for information)
MBTA PLANNING: MBTA Planning, Workforce, Development & Compensation Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Access)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, Worcester | Agenda and Access)
BOARD OF MED REGISTRATION: Board of Registration in Medicine meets remotely. Agenda topics include licensing and a policy on expediting the handling of "change of program" requests. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session. Information was not yet available on what bill or bills would feature on the agenda. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano pencilled a "potential" formal session on the calendar for Thursday, according to an advance schedule shared on May 31. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
MBTA SAFETY: MBTA Safety, Health & Environment Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Access)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Access)
DEBORAH SAMPSON AWARD: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network hosts a ceremony for the Deborah Sampson Award, named after one of the country's first female soldiers who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolution. The ceremony celebrates "individuals who embody her indomitable spirit, resilience, and dedication to service," organizers say. Award recipients will be honored for their "extraordinary contributions and selfless acts of service." (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall, 11 a.m. | More Info)
HOUSING HERO AWARDS: Massachusetts Housing Partnership honors four people with this year's Housing Hero award, to recognize commitment to supporting and advancing affordable housing. Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus presents the awards. MHP will recognize the recipients on day two of its Housing Institute training conference. Honorees are Greg Reibman, president and CEO of the Charles River Regional Chamber; Braintree Town Councilor Meredith Boericke; Abundant Housing Massachusetts; and the town of Brewster. (Thursday, 11:45 a.m., AC Hotel, 125 Front St., Worcester)
LABOR SECRETARY AT CHAMBER LUNCHEON: Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones is the speaker at Metro South Chamber's 26th annual ATHENA Leadership Awards luncheon. Beverly Williams, executive vice president of behavioral health and community services at BAMSI, is the award recipient. Sold out, contact events@metrosouthchamber.com for waitlist. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Massasoit Community College, 1 Massasoit Blvd., Brockton)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission Board meets, starting with a status update on the proposed sale of Steward Health Care's physician network to Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. During a meeting last month, HPC Executive Director David Seltz said the agency was still waiting on key information to launch its formal 30-day review process. "We have begun our preliminary review and have been working with the parties to obtain the information we need to conduct that review, but did want to provide an update that we are still missing key information, including the definitive agreement governing this proposed transaction," Seltz said on May 9. The board will then hear a presentation about the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, including asset sales in bankruptcy proceedings. A bankruptcy judge this week approved a June 24 deadline for bids on Steward's Massachusetts hospitals. The meeting will also explore pharmacy innovation trends and implications for health care costs. Dr. Rena Conti of Boston University's Questrom School of Business is slated to give a presentation on the outlook for pharmaceutical innovations. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Livestream)
REHAB COUNCIL: Business and Employment Opportunities Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
GRID MODERNIZATION: Grid Modernization Advisory Committee meets. Consultants will present a summary of arguments put forward by intervenors and the electric distribution companies in the 2024 Electric-Sector Modernization Plans initial briefs. Committee members will discuss the materials and preliminary plans for the committee's role after the DPU releases an order on the modernization plans in late August. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Register)
SUPPLIER DIVERSITY AWARDS: Companies and suppliers leading in the area of supplier diversity will be honored at the third annual Pacesetters Supplier Diversity Awards, hosted by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speakers include chamber CEO Jim Rooney, Eastern Bank CEO Bob Rivers and UMass President Marty Meehan. Pacesetters -- which can be large- and mid-sized companies, plus anchor institutions -- are working to close the racial wealth gap in Greater Boston and the commonwealth, according to the chamber. (Thursday, 3 p.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston)
MIRA COALITION: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition holds its 28th annual "Give Liberty a Hand Gala." Honorees will be recognized for their work to protect and advance rights for immigrants and refugees. Honorees include Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Massachusetts Business Roundtable Executive Director JD Chesloff, and youth immigrant advocacy program Stories Inspiring Movements. The event also features musical performances. "While immigrants and refugees have much to celebrate in Massachusetts, such as last year’s passage of tuition equity, we know that much work remains -- both for those who arrived just yesterday, and those that arrived decades ago," MIRA Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet said. "This year's honorees have proven paramount in advancing immigrant and refugee rights in the Commonwealth, and we know they will remain stalwart supporters in these critical times." (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston Seaport Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, Boston)
MASSDEMS ROOSEVELT DINNER: Mass. Democratic Party hosts its annual Roosevelt Awards and dinner, one of the group's biggest fundraising events. Former MassDems Chair John Walsh will be posthumously honored with a Roosevelt Award in recognition of "his inspiring legacy of leadership deserving of our enduring gratitude." Former House Speaker Robert DeLeo will be honored with a Roosevelt Award for "his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to advancing democratic principles," and activist Linda Whitlock will receive a Roosevelt Award for "her tireless advocacy and dedication to championing democratic values and causes." Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder will be honored with the party's Activist Award, established last year in honor of the late Chris Condon. Tickets start at $250. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave., Boston | Register)
NEWBURYPORT IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public informational meeting to present the design for the proposed improvements at the intersection of Route 1 and Merrimac Street project in Newburyport. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Access)
Friday, June 14, 2024
JOB TRAINING GRADUATION: Gov. Healey will deliver the keynote address as Pine Street Inn, the largest homeless service provider in New England, celebrates its 2024 workforce development graduating class, including food service and housekeeping training program participants. Healey is expected to meet and greet grads at 11:45 a.m. For a brief period, Healey lived practically across the street from Pine Street Inn, on Savoy Street. (Friday, 12 p.m., Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave., Boston)
Saturday, June 15, 2024
NECINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE: New England Chinese Information and Networking Association (NECINA) holds an all-day annual conference focused on artificial intelligence application and biomedical discovery. Auditor DiZoglio plans to attend at 10:30 a.m. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Embassy Suites by Hilton, 550 Winter St, Waltham)
WOMEN VETERANS LUNCHEON: State Auditor Diana DiZoglio attends a women veterans appreciation luncheon. (Saturday, noon, Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica)
BELMONT PRIDE: Belmont hosts its Pride parade. Middlesex DA Ryan participates. (Saturday, 1 p.m., Belmont Town Green404 Concord Ave., Belmont)
