7-28-2024 4:51am

People, Power, and Politics

Alan Earls Editor

The House on Thursday passed a bill expanding access to breast screenings and exams.( National Cancer Institute/Unsplash)

TOWN OF FRANKLIN

Mon. July 29

Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee Meeting

7:00pm

Thurs. Aug 1

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting

4:00pm

ZBA Meeting

7:30pm

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

When the House and Senate gaveled out Thursday and agreed they won't hold formal sessions again until at least Tuesday, they sent some strong messages. They don't have agreements on their major priorities, and they're comfortable letting the hammer of a final deadline serve as the impetus to reach final deals. Over the course of formal sessions that are likely on Tuesday and certain on Wednesday, House and Senate Democrats are expected to roll out consensus bills addressing housing, clean energy, prescription drugs, economic development, hospital oversight, the pursuit of federal funds, and benefits for veterans. For now though, they don't have any agreements to announce, and are still just talking and exchanging proposals that can be technical and complex. "I don't suspect those are easy discussions," House Majority Leader Michael Moran told the News Service after Thursday's sessions. "But the important thing is they're happening, and they're happening today, tomorrow through the weekend, with the hopes of getting all these bills done by next Wednesday." He added, "The art of this thing is the compromise - is to get people to compromise and to understand that you don't always get everything you want. You try and get as close as you can, but you have to understand that the deadline is next Wednesday, and we've got to work hard to meet that deadline."

After agreeing on another late budget, the branches will also take up any annual budget vetoes or amendments that they feel are critical and that they can squeeze into the tight window before formal sessions come to an end after July 31. The major decisions at this critical juncture of session are up to less than a dozen top lawmakers in each branch, and all of the other legislators will largely just be on hand to cast their votes as the bills are teed up. The pressure to pass bills quickly becomes practically palpable, and is sometimes so intense that debating or discussing them is viewed by legislative leaders as an annoyance. The seven bills being hashed out by six-member conference committees are by and large popular and well-positioned to pass, but could still fail and be kicked into the 2025-2026 cycle if people dig in on their positions. The prospects are less clear for a second tier of significant bills that aren't at the conference stage. For instance, the Senate on the penultimate formal session of the year is set to begin deliberations on bills addressing substance use disorder and maternal health, and fiscal 2024 supplemental budget and long-term care bills are just getting to the negotiations stage, but haven't been sent to conference committee yet.

Bills To Watch

In addition to the budget and handful of omnibus consensus bills addressing major topics like housing, clean energy and health care, a number of smaller policy bills will likely meet their fate next week. The Senate has passed several reforms this session meant to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ residents, but has yet to take up the House's landmark LBGTQ+ bill announced this year during Pride Month. The parentage equality bill is meant to reform "archaic laws" governing how family units are defined and clarifying the standards of who can be a parent under the law using paths such as surrogacy and assisted reproductive technology like IVF. The Senate has just a few days left to decide whether they also plan to act on the bill. Also in the Senate's hands is a Boston home rule petition to grant the city an additional 205 liquor licenses, with the majority targeted for low-income, marginalized communities. The House quietly moved the petition through their chamber in May. Another Boston home rule petition has generated buzz on Beacon Hill, but so far gone without action in either chamber: a Mayor Michelle Wu-backed proposal to temporarily restructure the city's tax scheme to prevent a major hike for residents by shifting a greater tax burden onto the city's businesses. Wu has been pushing hard for the time-sensitive bill, though lawmakers still seem wary about the idea. Still, we wouldn't count it out of the running yet. On the same day last week that the powerful Revenue Committee advanced the bill with its stamp of approval, the Boston delegation of lawmakers met with independent researchers at the Boston Policy Institute and Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis to discuss Wu's proposal, according to a source. BPI published a report in February warning that declining values of downtown office buildings would pummel Boston's budget, kicking off the conversation about restructuring the city's tax structure. The briefing was reportedly well-attended by both lawmakers and staff. Other legislation to keep an eye on includes a wheelchair repair bill and the so-called "blue envelope" program that both cleared the Senate, but are still awaiting action in the House. Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues also indicated last week that his chamber would try to tackle a bill to address the threat of PFAS to firefighters' lives before the end of session -- which will, of course, then have to quickly gain favor in the House to pass.

After The Storm

It always takes time for the dust to clear following the frenzy of final formals, and while the pace will slow in August, there will still be plenty of activity. Gov. Maura Healey will spend the first ten days of the month signing most of the bills that will be shuttled to the corner office, and perhaps sending some back with amendments or vetoes. While lawmakers are recovering from Wednesday's session, the MBTA on Thursday is set to usher in a new tap-through era, with riders able to use their phones to pay their fares. Major changes to the emergency family shelter system will also go into effect Thursday, rules that critics say will increase homelessness but which supporters say are essential because the state has run out of shelter space and can't keep up with the system's exploding costs. Most legislators don't need to worry about challengers in the Sept. 3 primary elections, but those who are in contested races will need to hit the campaign trail for the next four weeks.

Sunday, July 28, 2024

DUMCIUS ON 4: CommonWealth Beacon reporter Gin Dumcius talks with Jon Keller about the governor's handling of the migrant crisis, end-of-session priorities on Beacon Hill, and local reaction to the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris that were once slated to be held in Boston. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)

WARREN ON 5: U.S. Sen. Warren is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)

Monday, July 29, 2024

WARREN HOUSING BILL: Sen. Warren reintroduces a bill that her office says would tackle the country's housing crisis and build 3 million new housing units. The American Housing and Economic Mobility Act would bring down rent by 10 percent for lower- and middle-income families, invest over $500 billion in construction and rehabilitation, create incentives to eliminate land-use restrictions, set up a down payment assistance program for first-time and first-generation homebuyers, and limit private equity in the housing market, according to Warren's office. Warren will be joined by Massachusetts mayors at the press conference in Boston. For address, RSVP to press@warren.senate.gov. (Monday, 10 a.m., Boston)

HOUSE: House gavels into an informal session. Speaker Mariano also advised representatives to be prepared to come in for a "potential" full formal session Monday, an unusual occurrence that could be achieved by adjourning the informal session and entering a new legislative day. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. Unlike the House's "informal" sessions, Senate meetings that are not labeled "formal" in nature have a bit more flexibility to take up heftier matters if they arise at the last minute. If a quorum of at least 21 members is participating in a session, the Senate can still take roll call votes, according to the clerk's office. In the final few days of large-scale lawmaking, quirks of the rules like this become possible contingencies as lawmakers try to wrap up passels of bills before the deadline. President Spilka's office, which often uses common parlance and refers to "informal" sessions on its schedule, instead advised of "a session" on Monday. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

SHELTER RESTRICTION RALLIES: The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and other housing advocates host rallies to protest new restrictions Gov. Healey recently announced on access to family homelessness shelters. Starting Aug. 1, the administration will impose a five-day limit on how long families can stay in overflow sites while awaiting a longer-term placement into the emergency shelter program. Families who stay in overflow sites after Aug. 1 will be ineligible to seek emergency assistance shelter for at least six months after their five days are up. The new regulations will also prioritize Massachusetts families who have been in the state long-term, before new arrivals from other countries, through prioritizing placement in shelters for families who are homeless because of a no-fault eviction, who have at least one member who is a veteran, or who are homeless "because of sudden or unusual circumstances in Massachusetts beyond their control, such as a flood or fire." In a flier for the rally, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless wrote, "Families who are deemed eligible for shelter will now be forced to choose: wait in an unsafe place for a shelter placement or stay for 5 nights in a state-run overflow site but then wait at least 6 months to access [emergency assistance] shelter. This policy change will disproportionately impact immigrant families, both new arrivals and long-term Massachusetts residents." Advocates say the restrictions are another step towards nullifying any benefit from the state's right-to-shelter law, and are calling on the Legislature to intervene. (Monday, 11 a.m., State House Steps, Boston | Gov. Healey's Western Massachusetts Office, State Office Building, 436 Dwight St., Springfield)

ENG HONORED IN SEAPORT: The Seaport Transportation Management Association plans to honor the MBTA and General Manager Phil Eng for their contributions to the "growth and vibrancy" of the Seaport, particularly through Silver Line service. Attendees include transportation, community and business advocates, plus MBTA employees. (Monday, 11 a.m., Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave., Boston)

SENATE AMENDMENTS DUE: Senators have until 5 p.m. to file amendments to redrafted health care packages on maternal health care (S 2899) and substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure (S 2898). (Monday, 5 p.m.)

CHILD CARE LISTENING SESSION: The Healey administration holds a virtual listening session as part of its series focused on ensuring all Massachusetts families have access to affordable, high-quality child care. (Monday, 6 p.m. | Register)

SALEM TEACHERS RALLY: Salem Teachers Union rallies in support of union contract proposals after their ninth bargaining session with Salem Public Schools. The union wants paid parental leave and higher wages. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Ave., Salem)

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

LOTTERY COMMISSION: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Email gpolin@masslottery.com or call (781) 917-6057 to access)

SENATE FORMAL: Senate is slated to hold a formal session Tuesday to tackle two major health care bills dealing with maternal health care and the opioid epidemic. The branch will likely vote on a Senate Ways and Means Committee redraft (S 2898) of H 4758 relative to treatments and coverage for substance use disorder and recovery coach licensure, as well as a redrafted bill (S 2899) of H 4785 promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HOUSE: Speaker Mariano has marked Tuesday on the calendar as a "potential" full formal session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

PRIM INVESTMENT MEETING: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Investment Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

MGM SPRINGFIELD HEARING: Mass. Gaming Commission holds an adjudicatory hearing related to the renewal of MGM Springfield's gaming beverage license. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Livestream)

CHILD CARE LISTENING SESSION: The Healey administration holds a listening session in Worcester about ensuring access to high-quality, affordable child care for all Massachusetts families. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester | Register)

WHO GOVERNS THE GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: League of Women Voters of Mass. and a group that calls itself "Who Governs the Governor's Council" convene a Zoom briefing to discuss the role of the Governor's Council, an eight-member elected panel that vets and confirms judicial nominees. Panelists include David Harris, emeritus managing director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice at Harvard Law School; Jean Trounstine, who writes about the Council for the Boston Institute of Nonprofit Journalism; and League of Women Voters of Mass. criminal legal system legislative specialist Nancy Bettinger. Urban League of Eastern Mass. President Rahsaan Hall moderates. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Register)

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

PRIM REAL ESTATE MEETING: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Real Estate and Timberland Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.. | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - DEEPIKA SHUKLA: Governor's Council interviews Western Mass. federal prosecutor Deepika Shukla, part of the quintet of Superior Court judicial nominees advanced by Gov. Healey this month. The Northampton resident supervises federal cases for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Springfield and was previously a plaintiffs' civil rights attorney in Connecticut. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to hold a formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

SOCIAL SERVICES GRANT: Department of Children and Families holds a public hearing on reports submitted to federal officials, including an intended use plan for the Social Services Block Grant. State officials say they are looking to prevent or remedy the neglect, abuse or exploitation of children and adults. Written testimony will be accepted through Aug. 14. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 600 Washington St., Boston, 7th Floor | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - KEREN GOLDENBERG: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Keren Goldenberg to the Superior Court bench. The Belmont resident operates her own law firm and was previously a public defender in Lowell. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

CHILD CARE LISTENING SESSION: The Healey administration holds a listening session as officials seek input on ensuring access to child care for all Massachusetts families. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Berkshire Community College, 1350 W. St., Pittsfield | Register)

STEWARD SALE HEARING: U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez holds a sale hearing connected to the effort to find buyers for most of Steward Health Care's hospitals in Massachusetts. Steward said Friday that two hospitals -- Carney Hospital in Dorchester and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer -- received no qualified bids and will be closed. The company said its six other facilities -- Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, Morton Hospital in Taunton, St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, and Holy Family Hospital with campuses in Methuen and Haverhill -- each got at least one qualified bid. Those bids are expected to be presented to Lopez for approval at the sales hearing. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. ET, Bob Casey United States Courthouse, Courtroom 401, 515 Rusk Ave., Houston, Texas | More Info)

EMBRACE MONUMENT EVENT: A public conversation called "Poetry, Public Art, and the Politics of Memory" is held at The Embrace monument. It's hosted by the Boston Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and The Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. Speakers include Brandon Terry of Harvard, Joshua Bennett of MIT and Imani Perry of Harvard. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., 139 Tremont St., Boston | Register)

Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024

PRIM ADMINISTRATION MEETING: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Real Estate Administration and Audit Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info)

CCC EXEC DIRECTOR SEARCH: Executive Director Search Subcommittee of the Cannabis Control Commission meets. Members are expected to take a vote related to "late application submissions" and then go into executive session to "consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment by a preliminary screening committee." (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access)

POST REGULATION HEARING: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST Commission) holds a public hearing on proposed regulations governing the reporting and audits of law enforcement records. The proposal would establish requirements for law enforcement agencies and officers to create and maintain certain records and report certain information to the commission. It would also establish procedures for the auditing of law enforcement agencies and officers, and list ways in which the commission can take disciplinary action against police officers to enforce the rules of this regulation. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Access and More Info)

STATE REHAB COUNCIL: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

DANVERS, PEABODY MASSDOT HEARING: MassDOT holds a public meeting on its study for long-term improvements to Route 114. Officials plan to evaluate potential changes to the corridor in Danvers and Peabody, including installing a median and other safety measures. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Peter A. Torigian Senior Center, 79 Central St., Peabody | More Info)

NEW SHELTER RESTRICTIONS: New restrictions on emergency family shelter go into effect. As the state has struggled to keep up with the demand and cost of emergency shelter, Gov. Healey announced new regulations last week to stymie access to the state-run temporary housing. The changes will slash the amount of time families can stay in overflow shelter while waiting for a more long-term placement, and will implement new prioritization measures that favor Massachusetts families who have been in the state longer than newly-arriving migrant families. Top Democrats in both chambers have lined up behind the governor's decision, even as anti-homelessness advocates say the changes will mean more families on the streets with no safe place to sleep. (Thursday)

MBTA TAP-ON: Riders of the MBTA can begin tapping on to subways, buses and above-ground trolleys with contactless payment using credit cards and debit cards, phones or smart watches. T officials say the long-promised tap-on system will reduce the length of station stops and make it easier for passengers to pay their fares. Riders will still be able to use Charlie Cards or pay cash, and passengers in reduced fare programs, such as senior, student and TAP, will have the option to link their benefits to their contactless card, phone or watch. (Thursday)