30° and Cloudy
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Above, the second of two cannon salutes to welcome the Marquis de Lafayette (well, actually a dual-languag reenactor) on the 200th anniversary of the actual Marquis' final visit to Massachusetts on Sept. 3, 1824. The original event brought a crowd of 3000, including a few veterans of the Revolution. This year's celebration featured period music and speeches.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Mon. Sep. 9
7:00pm
Tues. Sep 10
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting-Cancelled
10:00am
7:00pm
Franklin School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Weds. Sep 10
1:00pm
Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting
3:00pm
7:00pm
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
7:00pm
Thurs. Sept 5
7:30pm
TOWN OF MEDWAY
Mon. Sep. 9
4:00pm
Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advisory (IDEA) Committee
7:00pm
Community Preservation Committee Meeting
7:30pm
Tues. Sep 10
COA Board Meeting September 2024 Agenda
2:00pm
Board of Library Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
Planning and Economic Development Board meeting
7:00pm
Weds. Sep 10
Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting
3:00pm
6:30pm
7:00pm to 9:00pm
7:00pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
As legislators and challengers size each other up for the two-month general election campaign, the proponents and opponents of five statewide ballot questions are taking the plastic wrap off their campaign plans and putting their money and strategic messaging into play as well. The proposals address the auditor's authority to audit the Legislature (Question 1), eliminating the requirement that students pass the MCAS to graduate high school (Question 2), authorizing transportation network company drivers to unionize (Question 3), legalizing and regulating natural psychedelic substances like mushrooms (Question 4), and overhauling payment rules for tipped workers (Question 5). The campaigns trying to influence voters on those initiative petitions faced a Friday deadline to file reports shedding light on where they are getting their money from. For instance, the campaign opposing the tipped worker question reported Friday that it has paid Shawmut Strategies Group $125,000 since May. The MCAS question is running on the power of in-kind contributions from the Massachusetts Teacher Association. And who is giving to Auditor Diana DiZoglio's push to audit the Legislature, and how is that campaign spending its money? All households in Massachusetts will receive an Information for Voters booklet this month. It is published by the state Elections Division, which is overseen by Secretary of State William Galvin. The booklet will contain detailed information on each question, including the text of each question, as well as a summary of the proposed law, statements about what a yes or no vote would do, and arguments drafted by proponents and opponents of each question. Many Beacon Hill officeholders are either not on the ballot this year or face no opposition on Nov. 5, freeing them up to either spend time campaigning for others, as Gov. Maura Healey is doing in New Hampshire this weekend, or tending to district matters or the significant legislative affairs that remain with just under four months remaining in the 2023-2024 session. Off Beacon Hill, the Steward Health Care crisis continues to play out, with buyers gearing up to take over hospitals and receive state aid. CEO Ralph de la Torre is at the center of a drama in Washington over his refusal to testify, even in light of a subpoena, while Steward's bankruptcy case remains before the courts. Sen. Edward Markey wanted de la Torre to testify Thursday, Sept. 12 and this week said it's possible that a movement will ensue to hold the CEO in contempt of Congress if he fails to show up. Speaking of which, if you show up at a Red Line station between JFK/UMass and Braintree there will be no service through Sept. 29 other than shuttles although commuter rail service will be free between Braintree and South Station during the shutdown taking place to make repairs.
Next Steps In The Election Cycle
Secretary Galvin's red-cover "Information For Voters" booklet, which contains handy summaries of the ballot questions, is currently in production. It could be ready to go to the Post Office as soon as early next week, the secretary's office said, and will hit mailboxes over the next couple of weeks. Voters can also keep an eye on their mailboxes over the next couple of weeks for vote-by-mail applications for the general election, if they have not already applied for a mail-in ballot. For the two exceedingly close primary contests that could be headed toward recounts -- for Cambridge Democrats pursuing a House seat and Plymouth-Barnstable Republicans vying for a Senate seat -- candidates are in the midst of deadline windows. The Plymouth and Barnstable Republicans (Kari MacRae/Rep. Matt Muratore) had until Friday to file with local clerks for a district-wide recount, then must bring those papers to the state Elections Division by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. For Cambridge Democrats Rep. Marjorie Decker and Evan MacKay, they only faced a Friday deadline to file with Cambridge City Hall for ward-level recounts. All recounts must be completed by Saturday, Sept. 14, according to Galvin's office, which said military and overseas ballots need to head out by Sept. 21. Printed ballots need to hit town and city halls by Oct. 7 ahead of the mail-in voting period.
Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
AFL-CIO MASS. PRESIDENT ON 4: Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch talks with Jon Keller about hurdles to growing unionization, stalled union legislative priorities on Beacon Hill, and the stakes for the labor movement in the presidential election. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
AUCHINCLOSS ON 5: Congressman Auchincloss is the guest on "On The Record," followed by a roundtable chat with analysts Mary Anne Marsh and Rob Gray. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
NORFOLK PMC RIDE: The annual Pan-Mass Challenge Kids Ride is hosted by Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott and his office. Money raised will benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. The event is open to kids ages 2 to 15. The registration fee is $20, with a minimum fundraising commitment of $40. "As someone who has participated as a rider in the Pan-Mass Challenge for the last several decades, I know the importance of including young cyclists in the PMC mission," McDermott said. "These rides are a great way for children, parents and neighbors to join forces to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber, and have a ton of fun while doing it." Check-in and registration is at 12:30, followed by the opening ceremony at 12:50 p.m. and the ride at 1 p.m. (Sunday, 12:30 p.m., Braintree Public Safety Complex, 2015 Washington St., Braintree)
Monday, Sept. 9, 2024
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in seven matters, starting with an appeal to the full court by some of the alleged johns in the high-profile Cambridge-Watertown brothel case. Ten months ago, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced the arrests of three people allegedly operating brothels just outside Boston, and said it had identified "sex buyers" including politicians, military officers, doctors, professors, and lawyers. Clerk Magistrate Sharon Shelfer Casey of Cambridge District Court ruled that show-cause hearings for the alleged customers should be open to the public. Some of the alleged johns appealed to SJC Justice Frank Gaziano, who sided with Casey. Their lawyers must now try to convince the full SJC that Gaziano "abused his discretion" in upholding Casey's ruling, according to the Globe. The case to open the hearings (SJC-13551) was originally brought by WBUR-FM and the Globe. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)
LYNN FEDERAL GRANT: Officials hold a press conference celebrating a $9.5 million federal grant to Lynn through the Safe Streets & Roads for All program, which is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg discusses the grant for Lynn and other communities. Other scheduled speakers include Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Congressman Moulton and Sen. Crighton. (Monday, 9 a.m., Northern Strand/Community Path across from 829 Boston St., Lynn)
HEALEY HOSTS GUVS, PREMIERS: Gov. Healey hosts the 45th annual conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers. This year's conference focuses on clean energy transition including offshore wind supply chain and "hard-to-decarbonize sectors," according to Healey's office. It kicks off on Monday with a visit to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy for a tour and speaking program with labor and municipal leaders. The tour features a facility that simulates the foundation of an offshore wind turbine in order to teach students safe transfer procedures between a vessel and an offshore wind turbine. Media interested in covering the event must RSVP to Ayub Tahlil at ayub.tahlil@mass.gov. Also Monday, the governors and premiers hold a welcome reception at Fenway Park. No time was provided for the latter event. (Monday, 10 a.m., Maritime Conference Center, 20 Tower Ln., Buzzards Bay)
CONVENTION AUTHORITY: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority meets remotely. Members will go into executive session as part of the executive director search to "consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment by a preliminary screening committee if the chair declares that an open meeting will have a detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants," according to the notice. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
COLLEGE-DOORDASH PARTNERSHIP: Roxbury Community College and Doordash celebrate their new "Rox Box" partnership to provide an estimated 700 food-insecure students per month with healthy food. DoorDash committed $75,000 over three years "to ensure that the pantry is stocked with shelf stable and fresh foods, as well as feminine hygiene products, diapers, formula, and other personal care items." Pantry previously served a capacity of around 400 students. Event features a cookout and tour. (Monday, 12 p.m., Roxbury Community College, Courtyard between Buildings 3 and 4, 1234 Columbus Ave., Boston)
Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024
GUVS & PREMIERS CONFERENCE: Second day of the 45th annual conference of New England governors and Eastern Canadian premiers starts with welcome remarks from Gov. Healey, Boston Mayor Wu, and officials from other states and provinces. Open to press. Conference closes to the press from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences, 665 Commonwealth Ave., 17th floor, Boston | Livestream)
NEW BEDFORD SMALL BIZ: An "Access to Capital and Small Business Resources Matchmaker" event is hosted by the Small Business Administration Massachusetts District Office and the New Bedford Economic Development Council. Attendees can network and learn about resources to start, grow and expand small businesses. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Fort Taber Park, 1000C S. Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford | Register)
BOSTON ROADWORK - VFW PARKWAY: Department of Conservation and Recreation plans to conduct daytime roadwork from Tuesday through Friday, Sept. 13, on the VFW Parkway at the West Roxbury Parkway rotary in Boston. Work will run until 3:30 p.m. each day. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.)
MUNI ASSOCIATION: Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Municipal Association meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., The Boylston Rooms, 112 Pleasant St., Easthampton)
CCC DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: Cannabis Control Commission's Executive Director Search Subcommittee meets to go into executive session to conduct interviews with first round candidates for the agency's executive director job. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., More Info and Access)
POST COMMISSION: Certification Subcommittee of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission meets. Agenda topics include a draft plan for recertification, "good moral character and fitness for employment in law enforcement," and public comment. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 84 State St., Suite 200, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation on the United Recovery and Monitoring Program, which state officials plan to launch by the end of the year to support health care workers recovering from substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
QUESTION 4 PRESS CONFERENCE: Question 4 supporters plan to convene veterans, elected officials, and community members to talk about why they want a new law creating regulated access to natural psychedelics. According to a campaign advisory, veterans plan to talk about how psychedelics access may help them with PTSD and end-of-life anxiety and help others who are suffering from anxiety, depression and PTSD. If adopted, the petition would permit people 21 or over to grow, possess and use specified natural psychedelic substances, and permit the sale of the substances at approved locations for use under the supervision of a licensed facilitator and subject to regulations to be promulgated by a new Natural Psychedelic Substances Commission. The permitted substances would include two substances found in mushrooms (psilocybin and psilocyn) and three found in plants (dimethyltryptamine, mescaline and ibogaine), according to a report from lawmakers who reviewed the petition. The proposal would also establish a tax rate for the sale of the substances by licensed facilitators, legislators said, noting that the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, and possession of the substances "remain – and would remain – illegal federally." Participants include Sen. Adam Gomez, Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and Sergeant Gumersindo Gomez of the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center, 281 Franklin St., Springfield)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda topics include future work of the committee, the committee's 2024 annual report and a public comment period. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
CORE PLAN COMMITTEE: Treasurer Deb Goldberg chairs the second quarter meeting of the CORE Plan Statutory Committee.(Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)
LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission meets. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., The Boylston Rooms, 112 Pleasant St., Easthampton)
GUVS & PREMIERS - PRESS CONFERENCE: Gov. Healey holds press conference with other New England governors and premiers of Eastern Canadian provinces at the conclusion of their 45th annual conference which focused on the clean energy transition. Official photo of governors and premiers is staged at 1:20 p.m. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 665 Commonwealth Ave., 17th floor, Boston | Livestream)
PUBLIC CONTRACTING: Rep. Sena co-hosts an event for local businesses, consultants and contractors to learn how they can grow their business through public contracting with the state. The event is also hosted by the Town of Acton Economic Development Office, the 495MW Partnership, the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce, MA Operational Services Division and the MA Supplier Diversity Office. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Acton Town Hall, Room 204, 472 Main St. | More Info)
CONVENTION AUTHORITY TRUSTEES: Retire Trustees of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority hold a rescheduled remote meeting. Agenda includes a vote on a custodial bank agreement. (Tuesday, 4 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
WOMEN VETERANS: The Governor's Advisory Committee on Women Veterans meets virtually. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Accesss)
GUVS & PREMIERS - CLEAN ENERGY TALKS: Gov. Healey joins other New England governors and the premiers of Eastern Canadian provinces for roundtable meetings on the offshore wind supply chain and "hard-to-decarbonize sectors." CLOSED to press. (Tuesday, 665 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024
STATE HOUSE 9/11 COMMEMORATION: Annual commemoration of those lost in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks starts with a moment of silence and reading of names on the front steps of the state capitol, presided over by Gov. Healey. The Star Spangled Banner is performed by the Boston Fire Department Acapella Group and a U.S. flag is presented by the Environmental Police Color Guard, ahead of a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. marking the time that the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Boston Mayor Wu, and Inspector General Shapiro are among those who take part in reading the names. Commemoration moves inside to the House Chamber at 9:40 a.m., presided over by Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan. Andover Choral Society performs, video tributes are played, and Lt. Gov. Driscoll presents the 2024 Madeline "Amy" Sweeney Award For Civilian Bravery. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., State House | More Info)
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in two cases: Commonwealth vs. Dewane M. Tse and Commonwealth vs. David E. Roman. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets virtually. DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein gives an update. Agenda includes informational presentations on public health emergency response capabilities and preparing for the public health impacts of climate change. The Council will vote on a determination of need request from Southcoast Health for a transfer of ownership. The council will also vote on regulations dealing with prescription format and security, and dispensing procedures for clinic and hospital pharmacies. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MASSDOT FINANCE, AUDIT: Finance and Audit Committee of the MassDOT Board meets. Agenda includes a fiscal 2025 budget update and fiscal 2024 regional transit authority audits. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., State Transportation Building, Suite 3510, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info and Livestream)
MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: MassDOT Capital Programs Committee meets. Discussion items include Mashpee corridor improvements along Route 151, reconstruction in Worthington along Route 143, and reconstruction of I-495 ramps at Route 1A in Wrentham. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., State Transportation Building, Suite 3510, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - SARAH HAMILTON: Governor's Council interviews central Massachusetts public defense attorney Sarah Hamilton, a candidate for the Superior Court bench. Councilor DePalo presides. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
EARLY ED BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH UPDATE: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation holds a webinar for authors to provide an overview of their report on key components of the state's "Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform," the roadmap's implementation, and opportunities for future improvement. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Registration)
WHITE STADIUM PROJECT OPPONENTS: Local residents and park advocates opposed to the City of Boston's push to renovate White Stadium plan to hold a rally and call for state intervention. Opponents have filed legal challenges, say the project lacks necessary independent review, and are bracing for the possibility that the stadium in Boston’s historic Franklin Park will be demolished this month in order to begin "constructing a massive private sports and entertainment complex that would house a new professional women’s soccer team." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Corner of Walnut Ave and Seaver Street, Boston)
MWRA BOARD: Board of Directors for the Mass. Water Resources Authority meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MWRA Administration Facility, Conference Rooms 2C and 2D, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea | Agenda and Access)
PUBLIC GARDEN 9/11 COMMEMORATION: Boston Mayor Wu presides over a wreath laying ceremony at the 9/11 Contemplative Garden, joined by family members of those lost to the 2001 terrorist attacks. Bagpipe performance by the Boston Police Gaelic Column. Boston Police Officer Steve McNulty sings "God Bless America." (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Boston Public Garden | More Info)
LATINA BIZ EXECS: To mark the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network holds a panel discussion called, "Bridging the Gap: Latinas in Leadership." Latina executives will talk about their personal and professional experiences, and how organizations can support Latinas in the workplace. Panelists include Carol Ruiz of PwC, Lucy Pérez of McKinsey & Company, Madeleine Rodriguez of Foley Hoag and Daliza Nova of Amplify LatinX. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., PwC, 101 Seaport Blvd., Boston)
FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS: The annual Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony is held. A procession of Pipes and Drum Bands, Honors Guards and firefighters will leave Boston Common at 4:45 p.m. and head to Ashburton Park. Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., State House, Firefighters Memorial)
CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED ASSOC. SOIREE: Charles River Watershed Association holds a "sunset soiree" cruise aboard the Charles River Boat Company's "Charles I" vessel. Leila Philip, author of "Beaverland," is the featured speaker. Her book examines the beaver's place in the history of the American economy and westward expansion, and the country's ecological future. Individual tickets start at $250. Hors d'oeuvres, open bar. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 100 CambridgeSide Pl., Cambridge | Tickets)
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council meets virtually. Agenda includes committee reports, a presentation from grant recipient Partners for Youth with Disabilities, a presentation from the Department of Public Health, and officer elections. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PIONEER VALLEY EV'S: Pioneer Valley Planning Commission invites people to discuss electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including charging needs and "any concerns related to the deployment of this infrastructure," as it works with a consultant on a plan for infrastructure distribution by 2035. A second session will be held Thursday at 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Zoom)
WAGERING LIMITS: Mass. Gaming Commission could meet to discuss how and why sportsbooks restrict how much or how often someone can bet, a topic the commission broached in the spring. At that time, the commission raised the subject in response to bettors who said their wagering was limited by sports betting companies after cashing regular wins. Sports betting companies previously balked at having the discussion in public. (Wednesday, More Info TBA)
Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024
PATIENT SAFETY: Quality and Patient Safety Committee of the Board of Registration in Medicine meets. Agenda includes a quality assurance reporting update, committee policy proposals and executive session to "discuss peer-review protected information." (Thursday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
NEW HAMPSHIRE DEMS: New Hampshire Democratic Party holds its Unity Breakfast to come together ahead of the November election. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., IBEW 490, 48 Airport Rd., Concord, N.H. | Tickets)
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission hosts the virtual 2024 Assistive Technology Training and Expo. Commissioner Toni Wolf delivers opening remarks, followed by presentations from the Department of Developmental Services, Easterseals Massachusetts, and T-Mobile Accessibility, among other organizations and vendors. The event runs through 4:30. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Register)
MUNI HR CONFERENCE: The first day of the Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Fall conference features workshops on artificial intelligence in the public sector and identifying microaggressions in the workplace, as well as a legislative update. Registration cost is $200 for the full conference, or $125 for Thursday. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Sea Crest Hotel, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth | Register)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Nominating Committee of the Department of Conservation & Recreation Stewardship Council meets. Members will discuss nominations for council officers. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Hawthorne-By-The-Sea restaurant, 153 Humphrey St., Swampscott | More Info)
HEALTH CONNECTOR BOARD: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets virtually. Agenda includes an executive director's report. Members will also vote on items dealing with a business process documentation project, contact center procurement, and contact center technology procurement. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)
MBTA AUDIT, FINANCE: MBTA Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets for a regular business meeting, in a hybrid format. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | More Info and Access)
SCHOOL RIBBON CUTTING: A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the Josiah Quincy School. Treasurer Goldberg attends. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 885 Washington St., Boston)
FUSION ENERGY: MIT Energy Initiative hosts webinar on the possible role of fusion energy in the electric grid. Webinar examines factors like cost, electricity demand, availability of renewable energy resources, and decarbonization targets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Registration)
SENATE STEWARD HEARING: The U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee holds a hearing examining Steward Health Care's bankruptcy. The hearing, titled "Examining the Bankruptcy of Steward Health Care: How Management Decisions Have Impacted Patient Care" will be held in the Capitol building, chaired by Sens. Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Witnesses will testify on their experiences with Steward Health Care. The committee subpoenaed Steward CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre to testify at the hearing, but his lawyers informed the committee last week that it would be "inappropriate" for him to attend due to ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, and that the company had voted to not allow him to speak on behalf of Steward Health Care about the bankruptcy. Sen. Markey said if de la Torre does not attend, the committee will take a vote on whether to hold him in contempt of Congress, a rare legal action. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building | Livestream)
MCB EMPLOYMENT: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind hosts a "Visions of Employment" webinar, with presentations on how employers have successfully integrated blind employers into the workplace. Employees who are legally blind will also share their experiences. The webinar will cover workplace accommodations, training and resources. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)
BOSTON BUSING - 50TH ANNIVERSARY: Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative hosts walking tour of "key landmarks of Boston's busing and desegregation history" to mark the exact 50th anniversary of when busing began in the city on Sept. 12, 1974. Thursday's tour is for media. A separate tour open to the general public will be held Sept. 14. Tour starts with a speaking program at the Boston Athenaeum, followed by stops at the former headquarters of the Boston School Committee (15 Beacon St.), the State House, City Hall, the site of Judge Garrity's courtroom at the federal courthouse in Post Office Square, South Boston High School, and Freedom House, a meeting place for Black community leaders. The list of speakers includes METCO Director Milly Arbje-Thomas, early student participant Gloria Lee, Mayor Kevin White's chief of staff Ira Jackson, Freedom House CEO Charmaine Arthur, Lew Finfer of the Boston Desegregation and Busing Initiative, and Charlie Glenn, the "lead state official on implementation of the Racial Imbalance Act." (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Boston Athenaeum, 10½ Beacon St., Boston)
MED BOARD: Board of Registration in Medicine meets virtually. Agenda includes an executive session to review two petitions to terminate probation agreements, and one petition to amend a probation agreement. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session, its first back in the House Chamber since the morning of Aug. 1, when the chamber closed for a $1.4 million technology upgrade project. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, Conference Rooms 5 and 6, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
MBTA SAFETY, HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT: MBTA Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
ARC OF JUSTICE AWARD: New England Innocence Project gives Sen. Patricia Jehlen the 2024 Arc of Justice Award to honor the Somerville Democrat for more than 20 years "of fighting on behalf of wrongfully convicted people and their families." (Thursday, 7 p.m., City Winery Boston, 80 Beverly St., Boston)
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission is expected to hold a business meeting. The meeting will come as the commission, GameSense, the Massachusetts Council on Gaming & Health, and Plainridge Park Casino promote Responsible Gaming Education Month. Gamblers who visit the GameSense Information Center at Plainridge will have the opportunity to win gifts and prizes if they play games that promote and educate on the importance of positive play, the slots parlor said. (Thursday, More Info TBA)
Friday, Sept. 13, 2024
AUTISM COMMISSION: The Healthcare Subcommittee of the Autism Commission meets virtually. (Friday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
MUNI HR CONFERENCE: The second day of the Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources Fall Conference includes workshops on handling difficult interactions and boosting self-awareness. The day kicks off with a morning beach walk at 7 a.m., and adjourns around 12:15 p.m. (Friday, 9 a.m., Sea Crest Hotel, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth | Register)
VISION CARE RATES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on proposed rate increases for vision care services and ophthalmic materials. The change would increase annual aggregate MassHealth expenditures by $694,000, according to the hearing notice. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
