66° and Patchy rain nearby
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MBTA officials say the agency will enjoy the "longest period of labor stability since the 1980s" now that collective bargaining agreements are in place with every single affiliated labor union at the T. For first time since 2009 that all 28 MBTA worker unions have agreements in place at once, and that the four-year term for each contract will offer the longest stretch without any gaps in the last four decades.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. July 8
7:00pm
Tues. July 9
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting-Cancelled
10:00am
7:00pm
Franklin School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Weds. July 10
6:30pm
Thurs. July 11
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
10:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Senate Democrats are likely putting final touches on an economic development bond bill and House Democrats could be doing the same with an energy and climate bill, prescription drug legislation, or any number of priorities left until the 19th month of the term. It's the time of the session when conference committee reports can pop up suddenly like afternoon thunderstorms, so legislative schedules could also indicate potential major deals on the horizon. The Legislature is simply running out of time to get things done, especially complicated bills that will likely need to spend time getting worked out in conference committee before the year's July 31 end of formal sessions. The branches will need to turn toward each other if they are to find a common approach on health care policy, an area where both sides again have different priorities and legislative leaders have given no indication that there's a grand plan to bring the House and Senate together around shared goals. As for scheduling, the Legislature still is not ready to pick up the pace of formal sessions -- the House is poised to hold a formal session Wednesday, and the Senate on Thursday. Beyond that, both branches are ready to also schedule a formal session if a six-member conference committee can reach agreement on the overdue state budget. There's a handful of other major bills in conference committees, but also a general sense on Beacon Hill that those compromises may not emerge until closer to the end of the month, in keeping with the legislative tradition of not making any final deals until forced to by a hard deadline. Private talks on the $58 billion budget are now officially cutting into the time that Rep. Aaron Michlewitz and Sen. Michael Rodrigues can devote to myriad other bills. House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have a stable of representatives and senators capable of negotiating major bills, but have a tendency to just load up the work and assign it to their two Ways and Means Committee chairs.
Storylines in Progress
... The nation's governors plan to gather for meetings Thursday and Friday in Salt Lake City, Utah ... Cape and Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois plans Wednesday to announce a new initiative to combat human trafficking ... Inspector General Jeff Shapiro has an audience Tuesday as he gets to pitch his call for major changes at the Cannabis Control Commission to a legislative committee ... The next move on Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's property tax reclassification proposal is up to Revenue Committee Chairs Rep. Mark Cusack and Sen. Susan Moran, whose panel has custody of the bill now ...
Sunday, July 7, 2024
EPA ADMINISTRATOR ON 4: David Cash, regional administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, talks with Jon Keller about climate change impacts in the area, questions about meeting future electricity needs, and new regulations for septic systems on Cape Cod. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
MEEHAN ON 5: UMass President Marty Meehan talks with Sharman Sacchetti on "On The Record," followed by a roundtable discussion with the Globe's Adrian Walker and political consultant Rob Gray. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
INSPECTOR GENERAL ON 10: Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro is a guest on NBC10's "@Issue" to talk about his office' review of the Cannabis Control Commission and his call for lawmakers to appoint a receiver to manage the day-to-day operations of the "rudderless agency." (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WBTS-TV Ch. 10)
Monday, July 8, 2024
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Legislative and Budget Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Meeting features remarks from guest speakers Barbara L’Italien, the former representative and senator who is now executive director of the Disability Law Center, and the DLC's advocacy director, Rick Glassman. (Monday, 12 p.m., Zoom)
HOUSE SESSION: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
CAPE BRIDGES PRESSER: John Deaton, a Republican candidate who hopes to challenge U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren this fall, will be joined by Rep. Matt Muratore and Republican candidates Christopher Lauzon and Susanne Conley for a press conference on "politicians' failure to provide funding for the Cape Cod bridges and the impact on Massachusetts residents." State and federal officials in March announced an agreement to replace the old bridges, starting with construction of a successor to the Sagamore Bridge. Massachusetts will put $700 million on the table and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will provide another $600 million for the initial phase of the megaproject. (Monday, 12 p.m., 5 Cranberry Highway, Bourne)
STATE HOUSE CAFE IS BACK: State House Cafeteria is set to reopen, and it's under new management -- to the relief of those who felt hungrier than usual under the brief regime of Chung, the recently-departed proprietor. Even better news: Chef Dave, who worked in the cafe until 2022 and was known in the building for his homemade empanadas, was spotted here preparing for the reopening. (Monday, Fourth floor, State House)
NORTH READING TAXES: Revenue Committee solicits written testimony on a home rule petition filed by the town of North Reading seeking state permission to establish a means-tested property tax exemption for senior citizens. Testimony accepted until 5 p.m. (Monday | More Info)
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
BOSTON PROPERTY TAXES: Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations convenes a virtual hearing to receive testimony on a proposed ordinance that would adopt a local-option property tax exemption for small businesses. Councilor Coletta Zapata and others filed the measure as a counterpart to the city's home rule petition seeking the ability to temporarily shift the balance of property taxes owed by commercial and residential owners. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
DIET PILL AWARENESS: Anti-eating disorder activists host a "mini lobby day" about legislation filed by Rep. Khan of Newton seeking to limit children's access to diet pills and muscle-building supplements (H 2215). Organizers say the bill received a favorable report from the Health Care Financing Committee and is now pending before House Ways and Means. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 167)
CANNABIS POLICY HEARING: Cannabis Policy Committee holds an informational hearing to get more information from Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro about his office's review of issues at the Cannabis Control Commission and his recommendations to the Legislature. Shapiro last month pleaded with top lawmakers to intervene at the CCC by appointing a receiver to manage the day-to-day operations of the "rudderless agency" and then restructure it by amending the "unclear and self-contradictory" enabling statute that legislators wrote in 2017. The CCC's leadership pushed back against Shapiro's assessment, and so far the Legislature has not taken any action. House chairman Rep. Daniel Donahue said the committee "will refrain from discussing any ongoing personnel or legal matters" during the hearing, an apparent reference to the ongoing and still unresolved drama over the suspension of CCC Chair Shannon O'Brien. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room A-2 | More Info)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation about restorative justice programs, a budget update and public comment period. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
USS MASSACHUSETTS SUBMARINE: Admiral John Richardson, retired chief of naval operations of the U.S. Navy, is a featured speaker at a fundraiser for the USS Massachusetts Commissioning Committee hosted in the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company's historical armory. Maj. Michael Fish, captain commanding of the AHAC, gives welcoming remarks at 6 p.m. along with Dinis Pimentel, chair of the Commissioning Committee. Panel discussion features Richardson; Karen Henneberger, former naval reactors director of the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Columbia programs; and Mark Henneberger, former naval reactors director of electrical and instrumentation and control design. "This is your chance to deepen your understanding of the U.S. Submarine Force and its vital role in national security," AHAC wrote in an invitation. Proceeds from the event benefit the commissioning ceremony for the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798) submarine, which is scheduled for 2025 in Boston Harbor. Open bar and refreshments starts at 5 p.m. After the program, Admiral Richardson and other speakers hang around for an hour of socializing. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., AHAC Armory, 4th floor, Faneuil Hall, Boston | Tickets)
POSSIBLE HOUSE FORMAL: House Speaker Mariano has advised representatives of a "potential" formal session on Tuesday, according to a schedule shared last week. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: The Executive Committee of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats plan to meet in a private caucus ahead of a Thursday formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to hold a full formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets, and could vote on confirmation of District Court candidate Amanda Ward along with the pending Probate Court judgeships of Mikalen Howe and Alexandra Flanders. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
PERMITTING BOARD: Interagency Permitting Board, housed within the Executive Office of Economic Development, meets virtually and votes on a Hingham proposal to update the town's 2014 priority development site. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - GREGORY TERAN: Governor's Council interviews District Court candidate Gregory Teran, a public defender in CPCS' mental health litigation division. Teran is a U.S. Air Force veteran who spent 15 years at WilmerHale, the same firm Gov. Healey formerly worked at. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
CAPE DA PRESSER: Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois holds a press conference with Cape Cod RTA to announce a new initiative to combat human trafficking. The DA's office said the initiative represents "a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-profit organizations, law enforcement, and community leaders." (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Cape Cod RTA/ CapeFLYER location, 1 Transportation Ave., Hyannis)
BALLOT QUESTION OBJECTIONS DUE: Opponents have until 5 p.m. to file objections with the State Ballot Law Commission challenging certification of voter signatures for ballot questions. Campaigns were required to submit signatures to Secretary of State Galvin's office by July 3 to secure a spot on the ballot. (Wednesday, 5 p.m.)
BOSTON HOUSING: Boston Housing Authority Administrator Kenzie Bok is the featured speaker at a SPARK Boston event, an initiative that aims to get young adults involved with city planning. Bok will talk about how BHA is addressing Boston's housing needs and her vision for the agency. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 52 Chauncy St., Boston | More Info and Register)
Thursday, July 11, 2024
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)
MUNI MANAGEMENT: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Danvers | More Info)
MHA WORKFORCE SUMMIT: Mass. Health and Hospital Association hosts a workforce summit, featuring remarks from Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. Sessions touch upon health work environments, near-term recruitment strategies, and more. (Thursday, 9 a.m., MHA Conference Center, 500 District Ave., Burlington | Register)
DCR STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, a presentation from Western Mass Backcountry Alliance, and a discussion of fiscal 2026 budget recommendations. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission holds an in-person meeting with remote access available. The business meeting will come two days after lawmakers hear from the inspector general about his concerns with leadership and management of the agency. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, Worcester | Agenda and Access Info)
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Workforce Supports Subcommittee on the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets virtually. Patricia Yu, senior director of health care workforce policy at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will give a presentation on the state's response to workforce challenges. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info)
T SAFETY SUBCOMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a full formal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
NGA IN UTAH: The National Governors Association is in Utah for its summer meeting, which convenes federal officials and leaders from business, academia and philanthropy to discuss top issues for states. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, chair of NGA, talks about his "Disagree Better" initiative at an opening plenary session. Robb Willer, director of Stanford University's Polarization and Social Lab, reviews the impact of "Disagree Better." Former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, now president of the University of Florida, talks about "polarization" on college campuses. A panel discussion on American competitiveness features Hawaii Gov. Josh Green and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon. (Thursday, 11:15 p.m., The Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, Utah)
NATURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE: MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee hears an overview from Assistant Commissioner Jen Ryan of Gov. Healey's 2023 executive order setting biodiversity goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050. Committee members have the opportunity for discussion and feedback on draft biodiversity goals. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Zoom)
DOWNTOWN BOSTON BUSINESS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Mass. Taxpayers Foundation co-host a hybrid event to discuss the future of commercial real estate in Boston. Speakers include MTF President Doug Howgate, Eastern Bank CEO Bob Rivers, NAIOP President Tamara Small and Boston Municipal Research Bureau Interim President Marty Walz. Commercial real estate values, and their impacts on property tax collections in Boston, are in the spotlight this year as Boston Mayor Wu seeks state permission to temporarily shift the balance of residential and commercial property taxes. Press asked to RSVP to Casey Baines at cbaines@bostonchamber.com. Wu's proposal, put before the Legislature as a Rep. Consalvo petition (H 4805) is before the Joint Revenue Committee, which has not scheduled a public hearing on it. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, 265 Franklin Ave., 17th Floor, Boston)
VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: A webinar about vocational-technical education is hosted by the Pioneer Institute and the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators. It features a discussion with Wilfrid Savoie about his new book, "History of Vocational Education in Massachusetts: A Model for the Nation." There will also be a panel discussion with vo-tech leaders, including Jim Brosnan of McCann Technical School, Eric Duda of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rick Martin of Franklin County Technical School, and Jill Rossetti of Blue Hills Regional Technical School. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Register)
POSSIBLE HOUSE FORMAL: House Speaker Mariano has advised representatives of a "potential" formal session on Thursday, according to a schedule shared last week. (Thursday)
Friday, July 12, 2024
NGA SUMMER MEETING: The National Governors Association's summer meeting continues in Utah, featuring a discussion with actor Matthew McConaughey on "the role of culture in polarization," organizers say. Incoming NGA Chair Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado previews his 2024-25 chair initiative. (Friday, 7:45 a.m., The Grand America Hotel, 555 S. Main St., Salt Lake City, Utah)
YOUTH, CHILDREN SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on proposed rates for youth and children services covered by the Department of Children and Families. Current spending on the services ranges from $161 million to $167 million, depending on uptake, according to the public hearing notice. "The upcoming procurement and rates for the reorganized support and stabilization services will result in an estimated increase in spending of $17.5 million, depending on utilization," the notice says. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)
LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a hearing on proposed increased rates for adult long-term residential services that are covered by the Department of Developmental Services, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Officials say a service model will offer "additional supports using specialized behavioral health," according to the hearing notice. There's also a new service for off-site direct services providers that "monitors and responds to individuals' needs using live communications and non-invasive monitoring technologies. The total annualized cost of the proposed rates is $328.9 million, which officials say "represents an increase of 20.03 percent over FY23 spending of approximately $1.62 billion on these services." (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
Saturday, July 13, 2024
CITY SPLASH: Charles River Conservancy partners with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to host a state-sanctioned swim in the Charles River, in a demarcated deep-water area off the Fiedler Dock on DCR's Esplanade. Required registration opened in early June, allowing swimmers to secure one of eight 25-minute swim sessions. (Saturday, 12 p.m., Fiedler Dock on the Charles River Esplanade, Boston)
