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The Saturday demonstration at the Village Mall was focused on reproductive freedom and reaction to the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs, according to State Rep. Jeff Roy. It included folks from 7 area Democratic Town Committee as well as Norfolk's Kevin Kalkut, who is running to unseat state rep Marcus Vaughn.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. June 24
Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Sub Committee Meeting
5:00pm
7:00pm
Tues. June 25
7:00pm
Davis Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee
7:00pm
Weds. June 26
5:30pm
7:00pm
Thurs. June 27
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Gov. Maura Healey late this week offered a $6.9 billion interim state budget to keep state government running through July, giving lawmakers a safety net they have needed in recent years that have featured a succession of late state budgets. Healey wants the Legislature to rush that temporary budget through by Monday to prevent any delays in state payments. It appears that Massachusetts once again will not have an on-time budget, but a six-person conference committee that started talks in early June on a $58 billion budget could still at least get a compromise bill to the governor's desk before the July 1 start of fiscal 2025. Failing to do so will mean punting those major talks into the last month of formal sessions for the year, and activity this week on Beacon Hill showed the perils of leaving important legislating to the eleventh hour, as Beacon Hill Democrats have been doing for many years.
A major economic development bill has yet to surface in either chamber, but should begin moving very soon. The Senate sprung a climate and energy bill this week, but was unable to push it through to the House due to concerns with the bill and the process. Sen. Ryan Fattman on two successive days used a parliamentary tactic that enables any senator to shut down consideration of a bill for the day. Fattman does not plan to use that motion a third time and the Senate is expected to tackle the climate bill Tuesday. Housing access and affordability are arguably this session's most critical topics, and Senate Democrats are expected next week to unveil their counter-proposal to a $6.2 billion multi-year housing bond bill that cleared the House. Sen. Will Brownsberger and Sen. Fattman concurred Friday that there won't be any delays when that bill reaches the Senate floor. Fattman suggested the plan is for the housing bill to be taken up Thursday, though Democrats in leadership would not confirm that. Policies to keep an eye out for in that bill: whether senators include transfer taxes, eviction sealing and simple majority inclusionary zoning. Each of these housing policy reforms were in the governor's version of the housing bond bill, but didn't make it through the House. If the Senate doesn't champion any of the ideas, they'll be effectively dead this session. The much-discussed transfer tax has supporters on the Cape and Islands and a handful of other municipalities, which have filed home rule petitions to place a tax on high-value real estate transactions to pay for affordable housing. It's been one of the most talked about housing policies this session, but after failing to get enough members' support in the House it's down to the Senate to decide if they want to push for the tax. Housing advocates also want an eviction sealing measure favored by the governor that would provide a process for tenants to petition the court to seal their record of certain types of evictions, and a Healey proposal to add inclusionary zoning ordinances and bylaws to the list of zoning changes municipalities can pass by a simple majority instead of a two-thirds majority vote. Inclusionary zoning refers to local policy that requires or provides incentives to developers to set aside a fraction of newly constructed housing units to be affordable. The House's housing bill added more bonding capacity, while scrapping these policies that some advocates have said would create more units or help keep people in homes. Representatives did, however, get on board with the governor's proposal to legalize accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, which they say could add 10,000 new housing units over five years. Despite the House's bigger borrowing bottom line, bond authorizations only create a menu of spending for officials to choose from down the line, and doesn't usually mean the state will spend the full amount.
These big moving pieces cast shadows over a sweeping second layer of other major bills that are just beginning to gather momentum. The session's last five-plus weeks of formal sessions will likely determine the fate of a bill aimed at facilitating construction of a soccer stadium in Everett, the City of Boston's push for special permission to shift more property taxes on to commercial property owners, and any state aid or support that might be required as part of plans to ensure that Steward Health Care hospitals remain stable as they transition to new owners as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
At this late point in the formal session calendar, top Democrats in both branches are hoping to see their counterparts follow through on some priorities. The House has been idling on Senate-approved bills dealing with prescription drug price controls (S 2520, passed Nov. 13); updating sexual education standards (S 2686, passed Feb. 29); reforming early education and care (S 2707, passed March 14); tightening regulation of so-called hot work (S 2712, passed March 28); and cracking down on competitive electric suppliers (S 2738, passed April 25). Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have not taken up House-approved bills reforming the long-term care industry (H 4193, passed Nov. 15); creating new Steward-inspired hospital oversights (H 4643, passed May 16); adding 205 liquor licenses in Boston (H 4696, passed May 30); modernizing parentage (H 4672, approved June 12); and responding to the opioid crisis (H 4578, approved June 13).
Storylines in Progress
... Rulings could come any day from the Supreme Judicial Court on whether a pair of potential 2024 initiative petitions were properly certified as ballot eligible. Plaintiffs have urged the court to toss dueling proposals calling for the unionization of app-based drivers and defining such drivers as independent contractors, alleging that the measures conflate disparate topics ... In another legal arena, attorneys are preparing for closing arguments to begin Friday in the attorney general's labor lawsuit against Uber and Lyft. A ruling from Suffolk Superior Court Judge Peter Krupp could come at any point after that, and while it's likely to be appealed, his decision could rewire the campaign season ... The next move belongs to Treasurer Deb Golberg now that she has concluded lengthy private hearings in deliberations that could lead to the firing of Cannabis Control Commission Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien, a Goldberg appointee who was suspended by the treasurer last year and remains on the state payroll ... Legislators have also been called upon to take a more active role in overseeing the commission, with Inspector General Jeff Shapiro this week urging them to name a CCC receiver and address problems in the commission's governing statute ... Steward Health Care's eight Massachusetts hospitals and its physician network remain on the selling block, fueling a steady wave of news, and anxiety, in Massachusetts over the future of essential health care services ...
Sunday, June 23, 2024
FLYNN ON 4: Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn talks with Jon Keller about public safety and quality of life issues in the city, his concerns about the new participatory budgeting process, and a possible run against Mayor Wu next year. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
CARNEVALE ON 5: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
CONCORD ABORTION RALLY: Concord Indivisible and First Parish in Concord host a rally marking the second anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. It's part of a series of events in Massachusetts in the lead-up to the 2024 elections, and activists say they are looking to raise awareness about threats to reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, among other concerns. (Sunday, 1 p.m., 20 Lexington St., Concord)
REVERE BEACH PRIDE: The annual Revere Beach Pride Celebration is held through 7 p.m. There will be live entertainment, and food and drink specials. "We are very excited to host a fun and inclusive event in support of the LGBTQ+ community," Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. said in a statement. "This is a powerful way to show the strength we find in the diverse backgrounds that make up the fabric of Revere." (Sunday, 2 p.m., 400 Ocean Ave., Waterfront Square on Revere Beach)
Monday, June 24, 2024
ENERGY BURDEN WORKSHOP: Department of Public Utilities holds a virtual stakeholder workshop on an inquiry it opened in January exploring how officials can address affordability issues tied to high energy bills. DPU says the inquiry "will allow the Department to consider improvements to current energy affordability programs -- including the availability and design of rate discounts -- to reduce the energy burden that may adversely affect utility customers." Officials say they have reviewed initial comments on the inquiry and the workshop, which runs through 5 p.m., marks the next step to tackle energy affordability. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
DOBBS ANNIVERSARY: Gov. Healey joins her deputies, health care providers and reproductive rights advocates for a press conference to announce a new executive action "to protect access to emergency abortion care in Massachusetts." Healey's office linked the new executive action to a pair of cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States, which both deal with Idaho's abortion ban in emergency cases. The press conference will also mark the two-year anniversary of the court's Dobbs decision, which effectively overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. (Monday, 11 a.m., State House steps)
NEW BEDFORD HOMEBUYER: New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and City Office of Housing and Community Development Director Joshua Amaral announce expansion of the city's first-time homebuyer program. (Monday, 11 a.m., 85 Newton St., New Bedford)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. Sen. Ryan Fattman said Friday that he agreed not to hold up an order expected during Monday's informal session that would set a Tuesday deadline for amendments to the yet-to-be-released housing bill, which could pop out of Senate Ways and Means on Monday in that scenario. "And then therefore, we wouldn't impact the progress of the housing bond bill [being] taken up on Thursday," he said. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
APPRENTICESHIP COUNCIL: The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development's Apprenticeship Council holds its quarterly meeting. Agenda items include the introduction of a new director of the Division of Apprentice Standards and updates on the council's strategic and marketing plans. (Monday, 11:30 a.m. | Access)
DISABILITY RIGHTS FORUM: The Disability Advocates Advancing our Healthcare Rights coalition, organized by the Boston Center for Independent Living and the Disability Policy Consortium, hold a virtual forum on MassHealth's plan to establish a centralized evaluation for services for people with disabilities. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Register)
HOLYOKE MIDDLE SCHOOL: Rep. Duffy, Sen. Velis and Massachusetts School Building Authority Executive Director Mary Pichetti join local leaders in Holyoke for a topping-off ceremony for an in-progress middle school building. The former Peck School was vacated in June 2023 and demolition began in October 2023. The new school being built is expected to accommodate approximately 550 students and cost $85.5 million. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., 1916 Northampton St., Holyoke)
ELIOT BRIDGE: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss planned preservation work for the Eliot Bridge, which spans the Charles River and links with Soldier's Field Road and Memorial Drive. Maintenance and repair work will include deck repairs, widened sidewalks and bridge joint replacement, and MassDOT estimates the project will extend the bridge's lifespan 10 to 20 more years. (Monday, 6 p.m., More Info)
SENATE HOUSING BOND: Senate Ways and Means Committee plans to poll members on its rewrite of a housing bond bill, which will offer the first public glimpse at how Senate Democrats plan to tackle the topic. (Monday, Time TBD)
Tuesday, June 25, 2024
HEALTH EQUITY, CANCER RESEARCH: American Cancer Society Action Network hosts its annual research and health equity breakfast. Biotech leaders, lawmakers, cancer researchers and patients discuss innovations in detecting and treating cancer, especially through biomarker testing to help determine precise treatment options. The conversation will also focus on ensuring cancer treatments are available in all Massachusetts communities. Legislation requiring insurers to cover comprehensive biomarker testing is before the House Ways and Means Committee. Attendees include bill sponsor Rep. Kilcoyne, John Crowley of Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Dr. Naomi Ko of Boston Medical Center and cancer survivor Jung Han. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 521 Overlook at Fenway Park)
MBTA SUPPLIER DIVERSITY: MBTA hosts an in-person summit to discuss contract opportunities for diverse, small and emerging businesses. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
"MEET THE MEDIA": MASSterList and the State House News Service host a "Meet the Media" program, featuring two roundtable discussions with journalists and media figures to discuss the changing news industry and financial challenges. The first panel includes Jon Chesto and Marcela García of The Boston Globe, Kelly Garrity of POLITICO, Sam Drysdale of SHNS, and Scott Van Voorhis of Contrarian Boston; it's moderated by Mike Nikitas of NECN. The second panel examines the future of the news industry with Dan Kennedy of Northeastern University, Ronald Mitchell of the Bay State Banner, Dylan Rossiter of MASSterList/SHNS; it's moderated by Diti Kohli of the Globe. Networking starts at 8 a.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Downtown Crossing | Register)
NEW ENGLAND HOMELESS SUMMIT: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and United Way host the New England Homeless Summit. HUD New England Regional Administrator Juana Matias joins Housing Secretary Augustus and Unity Way of Central Massachusetts CEO Tim Garvin for the event, which brings together homeless service providers, electeds, state and local agencies, nonprofits, school officials and housing providers to discuss resources to address homelessness. Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed will deliver the keynote address, and panels are scheduled throughout the day. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Assumption University, Tsotsis Family Academic Center, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester | RSVP)
CANNABIS ADVISORY: Research Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
INVESTMENT SUMMIT: Gov. Healey is a panelist at the U.S. Department of Commerce's SelectUSA Investment Summit scheduled to speak alongside the governors of Oklahoma, North Carolina and Indiana about strategies for developing a clean energy economy and its role in cultivating workforce opportunities. (Tuesday, 10:05 a.m., Potomac Ballroom, Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland)
DiZOGLIO HISTORICAL TOUR: Auditor DiZoglio tours the Massachusetts Historical Society. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 1154 Boylston St., Boston)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in a formal session to take up a clean energy and siting reform bill. Republican Sen. Fattman twice used parliamentary tactics to postpone consideration of the bill (S 2829), and Democrat Sen. Brownsberger said an agreement with Republicans will allow the measure to be considered with no additional delay. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
SPILKA TALKS TO INTERNS: Senate President Spilka speaks to State House summer interns as part of a joint legislative intern series. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Reading Room)
FROG POND OPENING: The Frog Pond opens on Boston Common. City officials say activities are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be snacks, giveaways and a visit from mascot Frog Pond Freddie. The spray pool will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Boston Common)
VETERANS HOMES: Veterans Homes Council meets. Agenda includes informational presentations from Veterans Home at Holyoke Executive Director Michael Lazo and Veterans Home at Chelsea Executive Director Christine Baldini. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
ANIMAL-FREE TESTING: Humane Society of the United States hosts a "demo day" to raise awareness about legislation that would require non-animal alternatives for product and cosmetics testing. Rep. Lewis, who filed the bill (H 850), attends alongside Humane Society leaders and executives of several biotechnology and product development companies. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)
FIRE ACADEMY: Massachusetts Firefighting Academy holds graduation ceremonies this week, as nearly 90 new firefighters are expected to join more than 60 fire departments. The first two ceremonies of the week, slated for Monday at 11 am. and 7 p.m., are in Springfield for 45 new firefighters. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)
EDUCATION AWARDS: Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education presents its first annual Education Impact Awards, as the organization looks to celebrate "excellence in public education." Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Secretary of Education Tutwiler are slated to present an award to co-founder Paul Reville, former education secretary. State Street will receive the first MBAE Jack Rennie Award -- which honors business leader Jack Rennie -- in recognition of the company's "substantial contribution" to improving educational opportunities for Massachusetts students. The event is invitation-only. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Boston)
MASS SAVE STAKEHOLDERS: Mass Save's Commercial & Industrial Working Group hosts a virtual stakeholder hour. The first half will focus on updates to the building management systems and control incentives, while the second half is open to general questions. The group is meant to promote increased communication and coordination among program administrators, the Department of Energy Resources and stakeholders on the Mass Save Commercial & Industry program; its goal is to help reach energy savings goals and slash greenhouse gas emissions. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Reigster)
PFAS BRIEFING: Lawmakers and MASSPIRG host a briefing to discuss contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often known as PFAS. Rep. Hogan and Sen. Cyr will discuss legislation (H 4486) that would more tightly regulate PFAS to prevent contamination. Researchers, environmental activists, firefighters and municipal officials also attend. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Senate Reading Room)
FEDERAL FUNDS: Office of Federal Funds and Infrastructure within the Executive Office for Administration & Finance hosts its monthly Federal Funds Partnership meeting for local government leaders. This month's meeting will include presentations on prevailing wage and registered apprenticeship requirements from Dan McNulty on behalf of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, and on project labor agreements from Nikki Decter of Seigal Roitman LLP and Frank Callahan of the MBTU. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Register)
UNIFIED RECOVERY: The Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program Advisory Committee meets virtually. The program helps health care professionals who seek support for mental health and substance use issues. Agenda items deal with mental health referrals, launching a communications strategy, and reviewing program policies and guidance. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Judiciary Committee accepts written testimony through 5 p.m. on bills dealing with adoptions and police reports that involve railroad fatalities. Testimony can be submitted to the Judiciary Committee at 24 Beacon Street, Room 136, Boston, MA 02133 or by e-mail to michael.musto@mahouse.gov. (Tuesday, 5 p.m. | More Info)
ED FLYNN FUNDRAISER: Friends of Ed Flynn, the Boston City Councilor some view as a potential mayoral candidate, hosts a fundraiser. Donation levels are set at $200, $500 and $1,000, according to an invite. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Boston Winery, 26 Ericsson St., Boston)
BLUE HILL AVE. ACTION PLAN: MBTA hosts a public meeting to discuss its partnership with the city of Boston to redesign Blue Hill Avenue between Warren Street and River Street. Project plans call for center-running bus lanes and more clearly defined spaces for both drivers and pedestrians. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Boston Public Library - Mattapan Branch, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan | More Info)
WINCHESTER STATION: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss construction on the Winchester commuter rail station, which closed for repairs in 2021 due to a state of disrepair that created safety concerns. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - AMANDA WARD: Governor's Council interviews Amanda Ward, an assistant clerk magistrate in the Boston Municipal Court's Dorchester Division, who was nominated to a District Court judgeship June 4 by Gov. Healey. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
CLIMATE TECH IN MASS: Corporate Climatetech Coalition hosts a panel discussion about new climate technology and how Massachusetts can support the nascent industry. Coalition members include the Environmental League of Mass., Greentown Labs, Mass. Business Roundtable, Mass. Competitive Partnership, and Northeast Clean Energy Council. Gov. Healey proposed launching a state fund to boost the climate tech industry in her economic development bill, which lawmakers have yet to take up. (Wednesday, 10:45 a.m., Nurses Hall | Register)
WOMEN LEADING GOV: Attorney General Campbell is scheduled to be the featured speaker at a Women Leading Government meeting, which is an initiative of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association. The meeting also includes a panel discussion about caring for aging parents. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Cyprian Keyes Country Club, 284 E. Temple St., Boylston | Register)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a public hearing on a Rep. Sabadosa bill allowing the town of Hatfield to use golf carts on public ways. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SMALL BIZ: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business holds a hearing about the creation of a journalism commission, the state of journalism in Massachusetts, and other issues tied to the "continued operation of independent journalism." The committee is chaired by Sen. Payano and Rep. McMurtry. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1 | More Info and Livestream)
DiZOGLIO ON WHMP: Auditor DiZoglio participates in "Talk the Talk" on WHMP Radio. (Wednesday, 10:05 a.m., WHMP-AM 1400 / FM 101.5 Northampton)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - MIKALEN HOWE: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's May 22 nomination of Mikalen Howe to the Probate and Family Court bench. Howe works in the Probate Court as an assistant judicial case manager in Bristol County. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus privately one day after meeting in a formal session and one day before returning in another formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Ceremonial Office)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to meet in a formal session, the first of at least two back-to-back days with formals. Roll calls are set to begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION: Mass Rivers Alliance and the Department of Fish and Game provide an update on efforts to develop a transformative, whole-of-government approach to biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts. Gov. Healey signed Executive Order No. 618 in 2023, calling for the agency to develop biodiversity goals, including for rivers and coastal and marine environments. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Register)
ANTI-PBM PRESSER: Patients, pharmacists and others who want legislators and regulators to crack down on the industry segment known as pharmacy benefit managers host a press conference outside the State House. The Patients Not PBMs Coalition claims that the "middlemen" prevent savings from flowing to patients and are not subject to the same scrutiny as other parts of the prescription drug landscape. PBM leaders argue that they help drive down prices by negotiating on behalf of patients. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., State House steps)
STATE ADMIN COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a public hearing on Gov. Healey's bill to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence. Healey's office said the bill would remove stigma for older Bay Staters and emphasize they value their independence and self-determination. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
LABOR AGREEMENTS: Members of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions and other advocates rally in support of legislation that promotes the use of project labor agreements. Organizers say PLAs set the terms and conditions for union and non-union workers on construction projects, and they help ensure they are built on time and on budget. PLAs also ensure pay equity for workers, advocates say. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., State House steps)
HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats caucus privately before beginning roll calls on at least two back-to-back days of formal sessions. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)
WORCESTER CHAMBER: Assistant Secretary for Employer Engagement and Employee Outcomes Ken Brown participates in a business and government forum hosted by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. Brown is tasked with overseeing the hiring and job placements for migrants who have work authorizations. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 311 Main St., Worcester)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. Votes are possible on the judicial candidacies of Frederick DeCubellis (District Court), Carla Salvucci (Probate Court), and Jessica Dubin (Probate Court). (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
EXPERTS TALK STEWARD BANKRUPTCY: Mass. Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar where experts will discuss Steward Health Care's bankruptcy case and "what it likely means for the future of healthcare in Massachusetts." Speakers include Eric Gold, a lawyer and former chief of the health care division in the attorney general's office, and bankruptcy lawyer Schuyler Carroll. The event is open to the press. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Register)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council, which helps guide the development of energy efficiency plans from gas and electric utilities and energy providers, meets virtually. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
WATER RESOURCES: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets. Agenda includes an update on the Quinapoxet Dam removal, approval of revisions to the lead service line replacement program guidelines, final approval of fiscal 2025 rates and capital plan, a handful of contract awards, and a review and contract extension for Executive Director Frederick Laskey. Board committee meetings start at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, 1st floor, Favaloro Meeting Room, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Agenda and Access)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ALEXANDRA FLANDERS: Governor's Council interviews Alexandra Flanders, a judicial case manager for the Probate and Family Court who was nominated by Gov. Healey on May 22 for a Probate Court judgeship. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MBTA ACCESSIBILITY SETTLEMENT: Judge Patrick King will report on the state of the Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA settlement agreement at a virtual public meeting. The class action lawsuit was filed against the T by riders with disabilities who could not safely or reliably access the MBTA. T General Manager Eng and other officials plan to provide updates on accessibility improvements. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Register)
WOMPATUCK STATE PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about its "circulation master plan" for Wompatuck State Park, with portions in Hingham, Cohasset, Scituate and Norwell. DCR officials say they are working to develop a comprehensive guide on short-and long-term trail recommendations to "enhance connectivity to recreational opportunities while protecting environmentally and culturally sensitive areas." The public is invited to ask questions about DCR's presentation. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
STUDENT DEBT CLINIC: Project on Predatory Student Lending and City of Boston host a student debt clinic to help borrowers understand options for repaying student loans. After an opening presentation and Q&A session, the event will offer one-on-one support. Organizers say the clinic is focused on low- and middle-income borrowers, but that all are welcome to attend and learn about repayment options. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Boston City Hall, Civic Pavilion | Register)
Thursday, June 27, 2024
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions meets virtually. Agenda includes a report on orthopedic physician extender certification and athletic trainers' scope of practice. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
NASHOBA VALLEY CHAMBER: Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual business day at the State House. Members are slated to meet with senators and representatives from the Nashoba Valley delegation and discuss their policy priorities. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State House)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in its second formal session of the week. According to President Spilka's office, the chamber plans to take up a redrafted housing bond bill, which Gov. Healey filed in October and the House approved earlier this month. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to meet in a formal session for the second consecutive day. Roll calls are set to begin at 1 p.m. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
BIOMARKER TESTING: Lawmakers and the American Cancer Society Action Network host a patient panel to discuss access to biomarker testing, which organizers say can help ensure patients already diagnosed with a disease get quicker access to appropriate treatment without undergoing ineffective steps. The Financial Services Committee last month favorably reported legislation from Rep. Kilcoyne and Sen. Moran requiring state-regulated insurance plans to cover comprehensive biomarker testing; the bills were reported favorably by the Health Care Financing Committee Thursday and are now before the House Ways and Means Committee. The legislation is also a priority of the Alzheimer's Association.(Thursday, 11 a.m., House Members Lounge)
STUDENTS AT AUDITOR'S OFFICE: North Andover Middle School students visit Auditor DiZoglio's office, where the Methuen Democrat will discuss her work. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 230)
DiZOGLIO AT NASHOBA CHAMBER: Auditor DiZoglio is slated to speak during a lunch program as part of the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual business day at the State House. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., The Dubliner Irish Pub, 2 Center Plaza, Boston)
WOMEN VETERANS NETWORK: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network hosts a virtual workshop on stress management skills, relaxation techniques, sleep issues and how to help others. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Register)
REHAB COUNCIL: State Rehabilitation Council holds its second quarter meeting. (Thursday, 5 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
BLUE HILL AVE. ACTION PLAN: MBTA hosts a public meeting to discuss its partnership with the city of Boston to redesign Blue Hill Avenue between Warren Street and River Street. Project plans call for center-running bus lanes and more clearly defined spaces for both drivers and pedestrians. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., William J. Devine Golf Course Clubhouse, 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester)
FIRE ACADEMY: Massachusetts Firefighting Academy holds a graduation ceremony for 25 new firefighters. (Thursday, 7 p.m., 1 State Road, Stow)
PREZ DEBATE: President Biden and former President Trump kick off the next phase of the 2024 election season in their first debate. CNN will host the debate in its Atlanta studios, moderated by anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash. The 90-minute event will not feature any other candidates, none of whom qualified. CNN says it will mute microphones unless it is a candidate's turn to speak. The debate will air live on CNN and its affiliates, online at CNN.com, and on other cable news networks. (Thursday, 9 p.m., CNN)
MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board of Directors meets. The panel recently tapped Richard Davey as Massport's new CEO. (Thursday)
Friday, June 28, 2024
UBER, LYFT TRIAL CLOSING: Closing arguments begin in a Suffolk Superior Court trial involving the attorney general's 2020 lawsuit against Uber and Lyft. The trial before Judge Peter Krupp began more than a month ago with the pair of ride-hailing giants arguing that they are within their rights to classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. A ruling in the case could reshape the campaign season as Uber and Lyft work with their allies on a ballot question that would effectively change the state law prosecutors allege they now violate. (Friday, 9 a.m., Suffolk Superior Court, Business Litigation Session 1, Courtroom 1309, Suffolk County Courthouse, 3 Pemberton Square, Boston | Zoom Access)
FIRE ACADEMY: Massachusetts Firefighting Academy holds its final graduation ceremony of the week for 19 new firefighters. (Friday, 11 a.m., 911 Conant St., Bridgewater)
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano's office advised representatives of a potential formal session, which would be the third day with a formal session in a row. (Friday, Time TBD, House Chamber)
