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Workers rappelled up and down the iconic Bulfinch dome on Thursday, conducting an inspection that will kick off much-needed repairs of the dome's cupola. (Bureau of the State House)
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Weds. July 17
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Meeting
4:00pm
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
5:45pm
7:00pm
Thurs. July 18
Senior Coffee Hour w/ State & Local Officials
8:30am
Town Council Office Hours at the Sr. Center
8:30am
7:30pm
Friday, July 19
1:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
It's that time of the session when the speaker's office tells reps they should be prepared for formal sessions as often as every day next week. But even as crunch time arrives on Beacon Hill, next week looks like it could deliver big news from various other locations, primarily the Dallas headquarters of Steward Health Care and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. There's enough work remaining before the Legislature to warrant the potential for five formals in the House next week (there will be at least one for certain, on Wednesday). Lawmakers still have not produced a budget for the fiscal year that began 12 days ago, the Senate has not taken up a supplemental budget meant to plug holes in last fiscal year's accounts, the House has still not unveiled a promised energy permitting and climate policy bill, the path to July 31 for the smattering of health care policy bills in play is unclear, and major legislation like gun law reforms could pop out of conference committee with little notice. Coinciding with the Steward saga, the Senate is expected to take up its version of a hospital oversight reform bill, which the House passed this spring, that could overhaul the role of private equity investments in health care. The Senate is also still poised to take action on a maternal health bill, also already passed by the House, allowing certified professional midwives to become licensed in Massachusetts.
Steward Health Care
As the week gets going Monday, state government and patients around Massachusetts could learn more about the future and fate of the seven operating Steward hospitals here. Gov. Maura Healey, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have all ruled out a bailout of the bankrupt Steward. But their comments have also not ruled out that the state might need or want to provide some other kind of assistance to make the transition they want to see from Steward to other operators a smooth one. Mariano said last month that didn't see a role for the Legislature to play with Steward's transitions, but suggested the state might have to figure out how to navigate a situation in which a hospital gets no bids by the Monday deadline. "We'll deal with that when we see what happens," he said. "I'm not gonna sit here and deal with suppositions. What if they all get bought?" Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office said in a court filing that Steward is required under its bankruptcy financing terms "to deliver a proposed 'transition plan' within ten (10) business days of the Bid Deadline if no Qualified Bid is received by the applicable Bid Deadline." Campbell said that Steward was creating ambiguity by mentioning transition plans without explanation. "This ambiguity is particularly concerning because Massachusetts health care regulations mandate that Steward transition or close these hospitals in a safe manner and in accordance with specified timeframes. Despite Massachusetts raising this concern, there has been no discernable commitment by any party to address these ambiguities. To be clear, Steward, as the licensed operator, must comply with all regulatory requirements, including funding, staffing and transitioning through closure or a change in owner/operator."
Republican National Convention
Republicans will descend on Milwaukee starting Monday for the Republican National Convention, which is expected to feature the nomination of Donald Trump as the party's presidential preference for the third consecutive election cycle and Trump's announcement of his running mate. The MassGOP contingent to Milwaukee will gather Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings for breakfast and to hear from various guest speakers. They'll head to the nearby Harley Davidson Museum on Wednesday afternoon for "Hogs, Dogs, and Dancing with Scott Brown and the Diplomats." As the GOP again coalesces around Trump, Healey will no doubt relish the opportunity to get some time on the national stage to train her fire at the former president rather than deal with the politically awkward situation around President Joe Biden's rocky reelection summer.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
DeMARIA ON 4: Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria talks with Jon Keller about objections to the proposed soccer stadium on the Everett waterfront and the city's relations with Encore casino owner Wynn Resorts. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
CAIN ON 5: Quincy City Council President Ian Cain, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, is on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
DRISCOLL, KERRIGAN ON 10: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and state Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan are the guests on "@ Issue." Show rebroadcasts in the afternoon on NECN. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WBTS-TV Ch. 10)
CLIMATE JUSTICE RALLY: Mass Power Forward, Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition and 350 Mass hold a rally to "demand that the legislature takes urgent and comprehensive action on climate and environmental justice." The groups said the Senate's climate bill "failed to include the top priority provisions demanded by the Environmental Justice Table and Mass Power Forward" and that they have "concerns that the House may pass a significantly weakened climate bill, if any at all." (Sunday, 1 p.m., Boston Common, Boston)
Monday, July 15, 2024
AGRICULTURE COMMISSION: 21st Century Agriculture Commission hosts its ninth meeting virtually, where members will discuss reports and recommendations drafted by subgroups exploring climate change, farm energy, and education and technical assistance. (Monday, 10 a.m., More Info)
MCCA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's Executive Committee meets to consider applicants to take over as the agency's executive director. The deliberations will occur in a closed-door executive session. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda)
HOUSE: House gavels into an informal session at 11 a.m. Speaker Mariano also advised members to be prepared for a potential formal session on Monday. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
ICE CREAM TRAIL: Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Economic Development Secretary Hao, MOTT Director Kate Fox, MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle and members of the Massachusetts Dairy Promotion Board announce the Massachusetts Ice Cream Trail, a statewide initiative to promote the state’s dairy industry and small businesses that use locally produced milk to make their ice cream. (Monday, 1 p.m., Richardson’s Ice Cream, 156 S Main St., Middleton)
HEAT SAFETY: Boston's Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protection holds a webinar about protecting workers from excessive heat. Attendees will learn about the signs of heat illness, employer responsibilities, workers' rights, and how to create a heat illness prevention plan. (Monday, 5 p.m. | Register)
STEWARD BID DEADLINE: The slow-burning Steward Health Care mess likely heads into a new phase as the deadline for bids on the bankrupt company's seven operating Massachusetts hospitals arrives. The already-extended deadline applies to the Massachusetts hospitals, Steward's hospitals in Arizona and one of its Texas facilities. After the deadline, the plan the company filed in bankruptcy calls for an auction on July 18 and a proposed sales hearing on July 31. The big questions are whether Steward will seek a further extension and whether a buyer will come forward for each of the Bay State hospitals, which care for and employ thousands of residents largely in Gateway Cities. (Monday, 6 p.m.)
CHILD CARE GRANTS: Department of Early Education and Care hosts a webinar about capital grant funding available to family child care providers. Officials say $2.5 million is available in the pilot round, and it comes from 2024 surtax revenue. Providers who own their home where their program is based can seek up to $25,000 to improve their space and build program capacity. (Monday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
RNC 2024: Republican National Convention kicks off, where delegates are expected to nominate former President Donald Trump as their nominee for the 2024 presidential election. The convention runs through Thursday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will feature speeches from national leaders in the Republican Party, as well as lectures and presentations from groups like Moms for Liberty, the American Jewish Committee and the European Union, according to a schedule of events from the GOP. Trump is also expected to present his pick for vice president at the convention. (Monday through Thursday)
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
STATE REP DEBATE: A virtual debate is held among three candidates running for Rep. Garlick's seat, in the 13th Norfolk District, ahead of the Sept. 3 Democratic primary. Candidates include Patrick Gatto, Kenneth Ruetenik, and Joshua Tarsky. Charles River Regional Chamber, the debate host, said the focus will be on economic development, housing, workforce and environmental issues. Organizers say the event will be recorded and shared. Garlick announced in February she would not be running for reelection. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
WATER TRANSIT: Seaport TMA, A Better City TMA and Lower Mystic TMA host a panel discussion about the past, present and future of water transit in Greater Boston in honor of Water Transit Month. Panelists include Kathy Abbott of Boston Harbor Now, David Perry of the MBTA, and Bob Lawler of Boston Harbor City Cruises. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
BOSTON PROPERTY TAX HEARING: Revenue Committee holds a public hearing to consider a home rule petition from Boston that would allow city officials to temporarily shift the balance of residential and commercial property taxes. Mayor Wu and her deputies have been pushing to gain that power in case an expected decline in commercial real estate values hits, which they warn without action would trigger an immediate and sharp increase in property tax bills some residents will struggle to handle. Legislative Democrats have been quiet about the proposal, which drew opposition from influential real estate and business groups. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
CHILD CARE - LYNN : The Healey administration starts holding its regional listening sessions focused on ensuring accessible, affordable and high-quality child care for Massachusetts families. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., North Shore Community College, 300 Broad St., Lynn | More Info)
HOUSING COUNCIL: Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services, part of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness, meets. Agenda topics include the MassHealth homeless medical respite program, preliminary data from the 2024 Point-In-Time Count, and an update on the Affordable Homes Act. For remote access, contact Pearl Chan at pchan@cedac.org or 617-727-5944 ext. 100. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets for an executive session related to "collective bargaining of the SEIU Local 888." (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Agenda and More Info)
REVOLUTION 250TH: The 250th Anniversary Celebration of the American Revolution Commission meets virtually. Agenda topics include an update from the state Office of Travel and Tourism and a presentation from Sail Boston. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., More Info)
WATER, LAND PROTECTION: Community Land and Water Coalition, which works to preserve land and water in southeastern Massachusetts, holds a forum for people concerned about drinking water and overdevelopment. The event will focus on issues like sand mining, and the proposed Plymouth Airport expansion and wastewater treatment facility expansion. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Plymouth Public Library, 132 S. St., Plymouth)
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: House Speaker Mariano advised representatives to be prepared for a "potential" full formal session. (Tuesday)
VACCINE DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America plans to release a Vaccine Medicines in Development report. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets virtually. Department of Public Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein provides updates. The council will also vote on determination of need requests, including from Beth Israel Lahey Health Surgery Center Plymouth for an ambulatory surgery center and from UMass Memorial Health Care for a transfer of ownership. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PENSION STEWARDSHIP: Stewardship and Sustainability Committee of the Pension Reserves Investment Management board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)
HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to hold a full formal session, with roll calls scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus ahead of a planned Thursday formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
MASSDOT BOARD: Department of Transportation Board of Directors meets. Agenda topics include reports from the Registry of Motor Vehicles and Highway Department, the one-year anniversary of an undocumented immigrant driver's license law, and the fiscal 2025 through 2029 capital improvement plan. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets, and could vote on Gov. Healey's pending nomination of public defender Gregory Teran to a District Court judgeship. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
ADA DAY: Boston Disability Commission, local groups and the disability community host a celebration marking the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There will be a resource fair, music and food. The event runs until 2 p.m. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
BIODIVERSITY LISTENING SESSION: Department of Fish & Game hosts a virtual public listening session as officials work to develop biodiversity conservation goals for 2030, 2040 and 2050, based on an executive order that Gov. Healey issued last September. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
CAR SEAT BRIEFING: Road safety advocates and lawmakers host a briefing to discuss legislation (H 2318 / S 1524) requiring infants and toddlers to be secured in rear-facing car seats. Organizers say although state law requires child restraints in vehicles, it does not include specific language on the proper type to use for children of different ages. Hosts include AAA Northeast, the Rear Facing = Real Safety Coalition and Public Safety Committee Co-chair Rep. Gonzalez. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets virtually. Agenda includes an update on the draft 2025-2027 plan, which will guide Mass Save programs over the next three years. The plan delves into the budgets, economic benefits and energy savings through the Mass Save energy efficiency programs. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CHILD CARE - VIRTUAL: The Healey administration holds a virtual listening session focused on ensuring accessible, affordable and high-quality for all Massachusetts families. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
BERNARDSTON BRIDGE PROJECTS: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to present the design for a proposed replacement of the bridge carrying Route 10 over Fall River as well as replacement of the bridge deck carrying Route 10 over Interstate 91. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
GULF OF MAINE WIND: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management and Division of Marine Fisheries host a public information session with the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on the proposed offshore wind leasing activities in the Gulf of Maine. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 3800 State Highway, Eastham)
CHILD CARE GRANTS: Department of Early Education and Care holds another webinar about $2.5 million in capital grant funding available to family child care providers, who own the home where their program is based. Providers could secure up to $25,000 to improve their space and build program capacity, officials say. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
Thursday, July 18, 2024
MUNI MANAGEMENT: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association meets. Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine gives a legislative update. North Andover Town Manager Melissa Murphy Rodrigues discusses a national initiative for local government. The agenda also includes a discussion about strategic planning and holding board retreats. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Davensport Yacht Club, 161 Elliott St., Danvers | More Info and Register)
HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTIONS: Salem State University hosts the inaugural Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution Conference, meant to "build community and increase capacity to intentionally serve this student population with the intent to close equity gaps and create a higher educational environment where all students can thrive." The two-day conference is funded through the Department of Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) grant program. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Sophia Gordon Theater, Salem State University, 352 Lafayette St., Salem | More Info)
BALLOT LAW COMMISSION: Ballot Law Commission holds a hearing on a challenge to the tipped worker ballot question. The complaint claims that an unspecified number of the voter signatures needed to get the question onto the November ballot should not count; the action could ultimately prevent the question from moving forward. The complaint was filed by Jessica Muradian, director of government affairs at the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. Muradian alleged the One Fair Wage campaign, which has been pushing the ballot measure, filed "non-genuine" signatures, signatures that were "fraudulently obtained" and signatures of "people who are not registered voters." Secretary of State Galvin's office says space is limited at the hearing and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. (Thursday, 10 a.m., One Ashburton Place, 17th floor conference room)
STATE REP DEBATE: Charles River Chamber holds a virtual debate among three candidates running for Rep. Balser's seat, in the 12th Middlesex District, ahead of the Sept. 3 Democratic primary. Balser announced in February she was retiring after 25 years in the House. Candidates include Rick Lipof, Bill Humphrey, and Greg Schwartz. Organizers say the debate will be recorded and shared. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Register)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission meets, featuring an update on the sale of Steward Health Care's hospitals and its physician network. The HPC last month said the proposed deal for Steward to sell its physician network to Optum was off, and the parties never submitted info that regulators needed to review the transaction. The agenda also calls for a review of recent findings and potential policy options to deal with private equity investments in health care. Executive Director David Seltz discusses agency activities and its 2025 budget. (Thursday, 12 p.m., 50 Milk St., Boston | Livestream)
CHILD CARE - CAPE, ISLANDS: The Healey administration continues its regional listening sessions dealing with ensuring access to affordable, high-quality child care for all families. This session is focused on the Cape and Islands. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical High School, 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne | More Info and Register)
CLIMATE JUSTICE DISCUSSION: Mass. Climate Action Network hosts a virtual discussion about climate justice, governance changes and energy ownership related to the ongoing clean energy transition. Mary Wambui, an affordable housing asset manager for the Planning Office for Urban Affairs, speaks. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Register)
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: House Speaker Mariano pencilled in a "potential" formal session for Thursday. (Thursday)
Friday, July 19, 2024
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: House Speaker Mariano bookmarked Friday for a "potential" full formal session. (Friday)
