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Rep. Marjorie Decker prepares to hand a House-Senate compromise on maternal health legislation over to House Clerk Steven James (left) on Aug. 14, 2024 while her mother, Cathy Decker of Cambridge (right), looks on. "Pregnant people" and those who recently gave birth could gain access to expanded care options in Massachusetts under compromise maternal health legislation released Wednesday. Sam Doran/SHNS
The conference committee accord (H 4999), which lead House negotiator Rep. Marjorie Decker filed just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, is the first big piece of legislation to emerge from closed-door talks after lawmakers ended formal sessions this month with major loose ends.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Aug. 19
7:00pm
Tues. Aug 20
Community Preservation Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:00
Weds. Aug 21
6:30pm
Thurs. Aug 22
Conservation Commission Meeting
7:00pm
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
Fri. Aug. 23
School Comm. Community Relations agenda
2:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Top Democrats in the Legislature are hung up on new policies to guard against the damage that the private equity approach to health care can bring, and Massachusetts is learning now about how much taxpayer money it will cost to keep most of Steward Health Care's bankrupt hospitals running. While Steward offered no comment, Gov. Maura Healey declared victory Friday in the state's efforts to keep six of eight Steward hospitals open. The governor offered no liferope to Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, which are winding down operations this month. The campaign-style announcement, which came as dealings are scheduled to continue playing out next week in federal court, came just before top Democrats plan to decamp for Chicago and the Democratic National Convention. Angered at Steward's mismanagement, Democrats in recent months have ruled out any bailout for the company. But there is a public cost associated with transitioning the Steward hospitals to new owners and helping them to improve. It's just starting to come into view, even though Healey didn't seem to want to talk about it Friday. The existing $30 million tab could surge north of $250 million, according to media reports. A Steward attorney told the court Friday that the company hopes to be "reporting a favorable result on signing the asset purchase agreements for Massachusetts on Monday," the same day that Democrats from around the country gather in the Midwest.
The blending of politics and policymaking is more overt than usual this time of year, and this week marks a new chapter in the entanglement of the two. Democrats in the Legislature have a raft of major unresolved business that they say they plan to tackle during sessions where there's not a quorum in either branch. Voters will return incumbents to the House and Senate in the fall, in part because there just aren't choices on many ballots. Votes are already being cast by mail and the in-person voting period before the Sept. 3 primaries starts Saturday, Aug. 24. The lull of the August recess on Beacon Hill was broken up this week by the emergence of a landmark maternal health bill that was rushed to Healey's desk, and which she plans to sign. Legislators say they're still working to advance other major bills, but there's no telling what's happening, or not happening, in conference committees that work in secret. Maybe they'll line up another one to pop out of conference next week, which could help with the optics of partying and glad-handing in Chicago while public priorities gather more dust back in Boston. The race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is just beginning to take shape and Bay State Democrats will have a lot to say about that while they're out of town next week.
Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024
"ON THE RECORD" | Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is the guest on "On The Record." Political analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Lizzy Guyton join the roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-Channel 5)
HOSTAGE TUNNEL: The Hostage Tunnel Immersive Exhibit comes to Boston from Sunday (Aug. 18) to Monday. The exhibit is designed to simulate the experience of the kidnapped Israeli hostages in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. More than 100 people are still being held hostage as part of the Israel-Hamas war. Visitors will be able to talk with hostage families. (Sunday-Tuesday, Boston City Hall Plaza)
Monday, Aug. 19, 2024
MASSDEMS BREAKFAST: Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention as delegates or alternates and party officials start their day with a MassDems breakfast, usually featuring guest speakers. Party officials said Monday's breakfast will likely have a light agenda since many attendees will still be arriving in Chicago for the convention. (Monday, 8 a.m. ET, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St., Chicago, Illinois)
HEALEY AND POLIS: Gov. Healey is expected to participate in a panel discussion at the LGBTQ Caucus alongside Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado. The event is held as Democrats from around the country convene in Chicago for their convention. (Monday, 1 p.m. ET, McCormick Place Convention Center, 2301 S King Dr., Chicago, Illinois)
EA SHELTER COMMISSION: The commission tasked with evaluating the future of the state's overwhelmed emergency assistance family shelter system meets. Agenda includes a review of the temporary respite center model, an overview of "diversions and exits support," and a discussion about long-term "system planning." The Healey administration recently updated shelter rules, including prioritizing which families can stay at emergency assistance shelters and limiting stays at overflow sites -- which state officials now call temporary respite centers -- to five days. (Monday, 1 p.m., McCormack Building | Agenda and Livestream)
REHAB COUNCIL: Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Consumer Satisfaction Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Monday, 5 p.m. |Agenda and Livestream)
STATE HOUSE CLOSED: The State House is closed through midnight as part of an electric power shutdown while crews fix damage from last summer's fire. Only emergency personnel and contractors are allowed to enter the building during the shutdown, and building employees have been instructed to work off-site. (Monday, State House)
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024
MASSDEMS BREAKFAST: Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention as delegates or alternates and party officials start their day with a MassDems breakfast. The list of potential speakers includes Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, U.S. Reps. Katherine Clark and Lori Trahan, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. ET, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St., Chicago, Illinois)
MERIT RATING BOARD: Merit Rating Board of the Registry of Motor Vehicles meets virtually. Agenda includes an update from Sonja Singleton, the board's director. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SAND MINING: Activists hold a press conference ahead of delivering a petition to Gov. Maura Healey calling for a moratorium on sand mining operations in southeastern Massachusetts. More than 2,000 citizens and organizations have signed the petition, which discusses environmental and health concerns. "We are bringing this petition to the Governor's office because our communities are facing an urgent crisis," Margaret Sheehan, coordinator for the Community Land and Water Coalition, said. "The environmental degradation and health hazards posed by sand mining are no longer abstract concerns - they are affecting our daily lives and the future of our region. A moratorium is a necessary step to assess the full impact of these operations and to protect our natural resources and public health." Activists say they plan to discuss "significant evidence of habitat destruction, pollution, and the increased risk of respiratory issues linked to particulate matter from mining operations." (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Ashburton Park)
TOMATO CONTEST: The annual Massachusetts Tomato Contest is held. Tomatoes will be judged based on their flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. The New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association is sponsoring the event with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, and it's hosted by the Boston Public Market Association. Tomatoes will be judged at 11 a.m., followed by awards at 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston)
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches hold informal sessions, the House meeting in Room A-1 and the Senate in its third floor chamber. (Tuesday, 11 a.m.)
STEWARD STATUS HEARING: U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Christopher Lopez said Friday that he will hold a status conference related to the ongoing efforts around the sale of Steward Health Care's hospitals in Massachusetts. A Steward lawyer said the hearing was needed "just in case we need any type of emergency relief related to the hospitals in Massachusetts." State government has agreed to provide $30 million to keep Steward's hospitals here afloat through August, and the company's lawyer said "we believe we've secured funding, if necessary to close those purchases, at least on the operating costs through September." (Tuesday, 12 p.m. ET, More Info)
SAFE STREETS CONTEST: MassDOT holds a virtual information session about the Safe Streets Smart Trips High School Video Contest. The contest aims to raise awareness of "safe transportation behaviors," officials say. Participants are asked to create a 30- to 60-second video "reminding your friends, family, and/or your local community to have empathy at the intersection and on the roadway." Entries are due Oct. 1. The grand prize package includes a $600 Amazon gift card. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024
MASSDEMS BREAKFAST: Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention as delegates or alternates and party officials start their day with a MassDems breakfast. The list of potential speakers includes Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, U.S. Reps. Katherine Clark and Lori Trahan, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. ET, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St., Chicago, Illinois)
MUNI POLICE: Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee meets to discuss the August agenda. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Livestream)
MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee holds its August meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Livestream)
DA FORUM WITH HIGHER ED: Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan hosts closed press virtual forum for college and university presidents and staff to prepare for students’ return to campus. (Wednesday, 10 a.m.)
DIGNITY ALLIANCE WEBINAR: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts holds a webinar about MassHealth's plan to find an "independent assessment entity" that would provide clinical assessments for around 240,000 residents who use MassHealth services. Dignity Alliance says MassHealth has sidestepped seeking public comment and engaging with stakeholders ahead of issuing an RFP. "We believe this is a missed opportunity to identify and implement needed changes to current policies and protocols without disrupting relationships with community-based organizations that have been in place for decades," Dignity Alliance said. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. | Register)
REHAB COUNCIL: State Plan Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. Agenda includes a review of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission's responses to the SRC's fiscal 2025 recommendations, as well as a review of 2024 annual reports. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SHERIFF COCCHI COOKOUT: Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi holds his annual summer cookout. The event features lunch, dinner, games and live music. Lunch is at noon. Dinner is served at 4:30, and Cocchi speaks at 5:30 p.m. Organizers say that elected officials and dignitaries "from across the political spectrum will be stopping by throughout the day." Tickets cost $50. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Springfield Elks Lodge #61, 440 Tiffany St., Springfield)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes a discussion on modifications to the state's three-year plan for energy efficiency programs. There will also be a presentation on Mass Save's year-end results from 2023. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
INFLATION REDUCTION ACT: In celebration of the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem speaks at a front-porch ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by nonprofit Rewiring America. Events are planned throughout the country as homeowners highlight clean electric projects they bought with tax incentives from the IRA. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 272 Walnut St., Brookline)
WORCESTER, SHREWSBURY FLOOD RELIEF: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing on proposed floor relief for the Route 20 and Grafton Street Interchange to Flint Pond project in Worcester and Shrewsbury. The project includes drain infrastructure improvements like drain pipes. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
CLIMATE JUSTICE: Rev. Vernon Walker, climate justice program director for Clean Water Action and associate minister at the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, is the featured speaker in an event hosted by the Massachusetts Climate Action Network. It's part of a series exploring the connection between climate resilience and climate justice. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)
Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024
MASSDEMS BREAKFAST: Democrats attending the Democratic National Convention as delegates or alternates and party officials start their day with a MassDems breakfast. The list of potential speakers includes Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, U.S. Reps. Katherine Clark and Lori Trahan, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland. (Thursday, 8 a.m. ET, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, 301 E North Water St., Chicago, Illinois)
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals meets virtually. Agenda includes a discussion on the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program. The program is a confidential and voluntary effort to monitor the rehab of licensed health care professionals who seek help for their mental health or substance use or are referred to URAMP by a licensing board. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
WOMEN'S EQUALITY BREAKFAST: The LeadHumano Collective holds a women's equality and empowerment breakfast ahead of Women's Equality Day on Aug. 26. Attendees include Auditor DiZoglio and Rep. Paulino. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Salvatore's Riverwalk, 354 Merrimack St., Lawrence |Register)
ANTI-HATE TASK FORCE: District Attorney Marian Ryan hosts a virtual meeting of her Anti-Hate Anti-Bias Task Force to discuss various initiatives to address incidents of hate in Middlesex County. (Thursday, 10 a.m.)
MBTA BOARD: MBTA Board of Directors meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL: Mass Cultural Council holds a business meeting, featuring approval of the agency's fiscal 2025 spending plan. Adam Chapdelaine, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, is the guest speaker, and he'll discuss opportunities for collaboration between MMA and the council. The agenda also includes a report from Executive Director Michael Bobbit, discussions on grant recommendations and grant proposals, and legislative updates. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
STEWARD SALES HEARING: U.S. Bankruptcy Court sales hearing related to pending sales of 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. Gov. Healey announced Friday that Lawrence General Hospital will buy the Holy Family Hospital facilities in Methuen and Haverhill, Lifespan will take over Morton Hospital in Taunton and Saint Anne’s Hospital in Fall River, and Boston Medical Center will buy Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, as long as the deals are finalized and approved. BMC is also expected to buy St. Elizabeth's after the state seizes it by eminent domain. Lopez could also consider Steward's motion for final approval of its closure procedures related to Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center; a hearing on that motion is scheduled for the same day and time. (Thursday, 2 p.m. ET, More Info)
Friday, Aug. 23, 2024
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Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024
BLOOD DRIVE: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and the Quincy Fire Department invite Bay Staters to participate in a blood drive hosted by the Red Cross. Donors will receive a $20 Amazon gift card. The event runs through 2 p.m. (Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m., Fore River Clubhouse, 16 Nevada Road, Quincy | More Info)
IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING: State law requires a period for early voting before primary elections and this year's early voting period runs from Saturday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 30. Voters are encouraged to check with local clerks about early voting hours. For statewide elections, early voting periods include guaranteed weekend voting hours for every community.
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: The annual Volleyball Tournament Beach Day at Revere Beach is sponsored by the Massachusetts Health Connector. There will be a wellness fair, volleyball tournament, sandcastle building competition for families, professional sandcastle sculptures, Zumba sessions, kite giveaways and music. The event runs through 6 p.m. (Saturday, Aug. 24, 395 Revere Beach Blvd. | More Info)
