43° and Partly Cloudy
Image
Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago speaks at an event on
Thursday, flanked by Undersecretary of Apprenticeship, Work-Based
Learning, and Policy Josh Cutler (left) and Labor and Workforce
Development Secretary Lauren Jones (right). They
announced the launch of a veterans' equity dashboard and promoted the
availability of a $2,500 tax credit that small businesses can claim
for hiring qualified veterans, ahead of National Veterans and
Military Families Month commemorated each November. Veterans
typically have a lower unemployment rate and slightly higher labor
force participation than the general public, according to the
newly-launched dashboard. There were more than 240,000 veterans in
Massachusetts as of 2022, and over 100,000 were in the typical
working age of 18 to 64 years old.
TOWN
OF FRANKLIN
Mon.
Nov.
4
4:30pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
Weds.
Nov.
6
6:30pm
7:00pm
Thurs.
Nov.
7
7:30pm
TOWN
OF MEDWAY
Mon.
Nov.
4
Norfolk
County Retirement Board Special Meeting
8:30am
Design
Review Committee Meeting - CANCELLED
7:00pm
Inclusion,
Diversity, and Equity Advisory (IDEA) Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:00pm
Community
Preservation Committee Meeting
7:30pm
Tues.
Nov.
5
7:00pm
Weds.
Nov.
6
Board
of Library Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting-CANCELLED
7:30pm
Thurs.
Nov.
7
Christmas
Parade Committee Meeting
12:00pm
Cultural
Council Meeting (ZOOM ONLY)
7:00pm
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:30pm
STATE
HOUSE AND BEYOND
The direction of the country is up for grabs with Tuesday's presidential election, which looms as the biggest of many decisions that voters here and across the nation will make Tuesday. The Massachusetts ballot features proposals for new state laws covering audits of the Legislature, the MCAS graduation requirement, unionization of app-based drivers, legalization of natural psychedelic substances, and the wages of tipped workers. All 200 seats in the Legislature are on the ballot but with many Democrats facing no opposition, they can rest easy on election night knowing their control of the state House and Senate is secure. But the outcome of the presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump and scores of U.S. House and Senate races will reshape the political landscape and determine whether members of the all-Democrat Bay State Congressional delegation will operate as majority or minority party members, or perhaps eye new career opportunities in 2025. At the State House, top Democrats have mopped up some of the work they couldn't finish before formal sessions ended Aug. 1, but are on the verge of kicking at least seven major bills into the lame-duck sessions that begin after the election and may run through Dec. 31, with the next Legislature due to be seated Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. There are 18 legislators currently serving who will not be back next year, and that list may grow after Tuesday's election results roll in. The major bills awaiting final resolution are an economic development bond bill, a clean energy accord, hospital sector oversight legislation, a bill addressing prescription drug prices and access, a substance use treatment bill, legislation making special allowances for property taxes in Boston, and a spending bill closing the books on fiscal 2024. With a fiscal 2024 closeout budget still pending in the Legislature, Comptroller William McNamara is planning to send top officials a letter once again explaining how legislative delays and inaction have again prevented his office from filing a required financial report by the statutory deadline of Oct. 31. Last year, McNamara's office said delays "have become common, rather than exceptional, in recent years." There is bound to also be immediate speculation about whether the Legislature will interfere with any ballot laws that are approved, and which lawmakers may be bound for new jobs depending on election outcomes.
Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024
DEATON ON 4: Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton talks with Jon Keller about his non-support of Donald Trump, his backing from Elon Musk, and his criticism of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren's regulatory policies. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
MBTA EMERGENCY TRAINING: Shuttle buses replace Red Line service between Braintree and Quincy Center stations between start of service and approximately 2 p.m. while the MBTA conducts an emergency response exercise involving a Red Line train. Members of the press are invited to watch the training exercise if they arrive by 9:30 a.m. for a safety briefing. The training will feature "an unexpected incident" befalling a Red Line train, and "responders will face challenges that include extrication, treatment of injured riders, and the evacuation of passengers," the T said. (Sunday, 10 a.m., Quincy Adams Station, Quincy | Media RSVP)
DRISCOLL ON 5: Lt. Gov. Driscoll is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
EVERETT MARINE TERMINAL FUTURE: A work group focused on transitioning away from reliance on the Everett Marine Terminal Liquified Natural Gas facility holds an informational webinar about its objectives and how to get involved. The facility, one of the longest operating facilities in the country, supports Massachusetts and New England "on the coldest of days or if there is a disruption elsewhere in the system," according to the Office of Energy Transformation. The Department of Public Utilities approved contracts for the state's three largest utilities to use the facilities until 2030, and required that the utilities "establish plans to move beyond reliance on fossil fuel infrastructure and natural gas, including the EMT LNG facility, and expeditiously toward electrification and other alternatives, like geothermal." (Monday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Register)
SJC - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in nine cases: Commonwealth vs. Gerson Pascual-Santana, Eric B. Mack vs. Thomas M. Quinn III in his capacity as Bristol County district attorney, Commonwealth vs. Nicholas Sicellon, Commonwealth vs. Jerion Moore, Commonwealth vs. Anthony N. Govan, Commonwealth vs. Markeese Mitchell and two companion cases, and an impounded case from the Juvenile Court. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)
GALVIN PRESS CONFERENCE: Secretary of State Galvin holds an "election eve" press availability. Galvin will discuss current and anticipated voter turnout and other matters relating to the State Election. This event will be closed to the public. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., State Library)
DEBT COLLECTION, STUDENT LOANS: Division of Banks holds hearing on proposed amendments to regulations that deal with debt collectors, student loan servicers, and licensee record keeping. The revisions would "better align [the regulation] with modern practices" by adopting a majority of newly-revised Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection regulations, DOB said. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., 1000 Washington St., Room 1-D, Boston | More Info)
FALMOUTH SENIOR HOUSING: Grand opening celebration of Scranton Main Apartments, a 48-unit senior affordable housing project. Housing Secretary Augustus speaks. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., 763 Main St., Falmouth)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. The branch is slated to enact a bill expanding access to more rigorous follow-up breast cancer screenings and exams.(Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES: Department of Public Health holds hearing on emergency regulatory amendments that "implement the statutory authorization for pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives," according to a notice. The regulations are those which govern implementation of the Controlled Substances Act. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., Dial (888) 603-6976, Passcode 6938553 | More Info)
HATE CRIMES: Task Force on Hate Crimes meets. Agenda includes a 2024 annual report and a presentation from Timothy Moran, assistant U.S. attorney for Massachusetts. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
WESTHAMPTON HAZARD MITIGATION: During the virtual Westhampton Select Board meeting, officials will discuss the town's hazard mitigation plan, which will assess risks tied to natural hazards and climate change impacts. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission is helping the town work on its plan. Residents, businesses and surrounding community members are encouraged to provide feedback that will be incorporated into the plan. (Monday, 7 p.m. | Zoom)
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Policy Committee of the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a resource management plan report and landscape designations. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
OPIOID TREATMENT: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds hearing on adoption of regulations governing payment rates used by state government units for certain substance use disorder services. The regulations affect rates related to the provision of opioid treatment services when provided in federally certified and state-licensed opioid treatment programs, EOHHS said. The regulation also governs rates for recovery support navigator (RSN) services and individualized treatment and stabilization (ITS) services. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Dial (646) 558-8656, Enter meeting ID 935 397 8200# | More Info)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes welcoming new members, a commissioner report and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
DEATON ELECTION NIGHT PARTY: Republican U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton holds an Election Night party at Nash Bar and Stage, which describes itself as a "whiskey sippin' - live music lovin' - country girl, straight outta Nashville" type of bar in Boston's Theatre District. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 253 Tremont St., Boston)
"MAGACHUSETTS" ELECTION WATCH: Local arm of the Trump 2024 campaign hosts an election watch party to "celebrate our efforts and anticipate victory." Event features hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, and RSVP to (774) 202-6235 is required. Tickets are $25. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport)
MASSDEMS ELECTION NIGHT: Massachusetts Democratic Party hosts an Election Night watch party. Sen. Warren, who is running for reelection against Republican John Deaton, is scheduled to speak. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley will also make remarks. Pressley is uncontested in her push for a third term. (Tuesday, Doors open at 7 p.m., Program begins 8 p.m., SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave, Boston)
NO ON 5: Committee to Protect Tips members and leadership, restaurant servers, restaurant owners and other opponents of the proposed ballot question to phase out the tipped wage structure for service workers gather to watch election results come in. (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Hobson’s Bar and Kitchen, 353 Cambridge St., Boston)
"YES ON 2" PARTY: Campaign supporting Question 2, to strike the MCAS high school graduation requirement, holds an election night party. Doors open when polls close at 8 p.m. Media can start setting up and conducting interviews with spokespeople at 4 p.m. An overflow room provides workspace for media. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, 138 St. James Ave., Boston | Media RSVP)
FREE BLUEBIKES: Bluebikes are free on Election Day as residents head to the polls, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts which is offering the free passes. The Bluebikes Day Passes provide unlimited complimentary two-hour classic bike rides and free ebike unlocks (a per-minute charge will apply for ebike usage after the unlock) for the duration of Election Day. Riders can access this offer by entering code BCBSMAVOTE in the checkout section of the Bluebikes App. Bluebikes are available in Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Newton, Revere, Salem, Somerville and Watertown. (Tuesday)
OCTOBER REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax receipts for the month of October. The administration's benchmark for October is set at $2.771 billion, which would be an increase of $211 million over actual collections from October 2023. Through one quarter of fiscal year 2025, state government has collected approximately $9.826 billion in tax revenue. That's $541 million or 5.8 percent more than actual collections over the same period of fiscal 2024, but still $44 million or 0.4 percent below the year-to-date benchmark. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024
SJC - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in five matters, including the Commonwealth vs. Karen Read murder trial, in which Read's defense team is seeking to have charges against her dropped on the basis that a second trial, set for January, would constitute double jeopardy. Court also hears arguments in: Cumberland Farms Inc. vs. Town of Braintree Board of Health, Jacqueline Johnson vs. Energy Facilities Siting Board, Commonwealth vs. Daniel Spaulding, and an impounded Juveniel Court case. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)
FIRE TRAINING: Policy Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. (Wednesday, 9:45 a.m., Department of Fire Services, 911 Conant St., Bridgewater | More Info)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Executive Committee of the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Access)
FIRE ALARM JOBS: Department of Labor Standards holds a hearing about job classifications for the repair, maintenance and operation of fire alarm systems, as officials look to set appropriate wages and classifications for public works construction projects. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
FIRE TRAINING: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, legislative update, Department of Fire Services update, and a report on the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, including recruit programs and monthly activity. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Department of Fire Services, 911 Conant St., Bridgewater | Agenda)
TRAILS FOR ALL: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper and Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Paul Jahnige launch a "Trails for All" program, to establish a working group of stakeholders, including members of the disability community. The goal is to enhance both paved and unpaved accessible trails. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Noble View Outdoor Center, 635 South Quarter Rd., Russell)
STATE LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE: Massachusetts State Library holds a fall open house through 3 p.m. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 341, State House)
SMALL BIZ GRANTS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosts a panel discussion about "pandemic-affected" small businesses that secured grant funding from the City of Boston. Speakers include Michael Semizoglou of Needham Bank, Morad Bouzidi of Mo'Rockin Fusion, Akou Diabakhate of Bold Skin Babe, Yanique Shaw of Yanique Events and Alia Hamada of the Mayor's Office of Economic Opportunity. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Democracy Brewing, 35 Temple Place, Boston | Register)
BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
EV CHARGING STATIONS: MassDOT holds an open house at Worcester Public Library to provide updates and take questions on its Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan designed to establish more charging stations and an interconnected network across Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 3 Salem St., Worcester | Livestream)
MONTAGUE INTERSECTION: MassDOT Highway Division holds virtual meeting to present its design for intersection improvements at Route 47 (North Leverett Road) and Route 63 (Federal Street) in the Franklin County town of Montague. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Access Info)
Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024
CAREGIVER COALITION: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones and Health and Human Services Secretary Walsh are the speakers at a Mass. Caregiver Coalition breakfast focusing on "strategies and best practices to support family caregivers in the workplace." (Thursday, 8 a.m., Blue Cross Blue Shield Innovation Center, 101 Huntington Ave., 2nd floor, Boston | Info and Registration)
AGE OF AI: Associated Industries of Mass. hosts a discussion about the ways in which artificial intelligence will drive innovation and creativity across industries like robotics, biopharma and manufacturing. Carolyn Kirk, CEO of the MassTech Collaborative, is among speakers. RSVP to cgeehern@aimnet.org required. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Johnson & Johnson MedTech/Johnson & Johnson Institute, 325 Paramount Dr., Raynham)
MED BOARD: Licensing Committee of the Board of Registration in Medicine meets. Agenda deals with waivers and temporary licenses. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
MBTA AUDIT COMMITTEE: MBTA Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
CHELSEA HOUSING: Housing Secretary Augustus speaks and cuts a ceremonial ribbon at the new DUO Apartments, which his office called a "first-of-its-kind redevelopment creating a new, mixed-income community in Chelsea." It is the first project to be completed as part of the state's Public Housing Innovations Demonstration Program (PHIDP), according to EOHLC. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 180 Central Ave., Chelsea)
CHAIN OF GIVING: Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Treasurer Goldberg, Boston Mayor Wu, Sen. Collins, Reps. Hunt, Ciccolo, J. Moran and Arena DeRosa, and other officials join Greater Boston Food Bank for its 19th annual Chain of Giving event, during which 1,200 turkeys will be passed along a human chain to be donated for the holidays. Event will conclude with a ribbon-cutting for a new refrigeration unit. GBFB President and CEO Catherine D’Amato also gives remarks. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Greater Boston Food Bank Warehouse, 70 South Bay Ave., Boston)
CANNABIS TESTING: Cannabis Control Commission hosts a listening session on issues related to independent testing labs. At a legislative hearing in late October, a lab operator told lawmakers that the CCC's structure of licensing a variety of independent testing labs incentivizes facilities that return the most favorable testing results for cannabis companies (i.e. higher THC percentages), not necessarily the most thorough and by-the-books labs. Regulators expect to hear from state and local officials, in-person witnesses and people weighing in virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Worcester Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | Agenda and Access)
MBTA WORKFORCE: MBTA Subcommittee on Planning, Workforce, Development, and Compensation meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
CHIA DATA REPORTING: Center for Health Information and Analysis holds hearing on proposed regulatory amendments dealing with payer data reporting, assessment on certain health care providers and surcharge payers, cost reporting, nursing facility cost reporting, hospital financial data reporting requirements, and other data submission and reporting. "The amended regulations govern CHIA’s enforcement of requirements that payers, providers, and others make data submissions to CHIA. The proposed amendments provide additional information to data submitters about CHIA's process for imposing monetary penalties when organizations fail to submit data as required, including organizations’ right to an adjudicatory hearing," the agency said in a notice. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 501 Boylston St., Ste. 5100, Boston | More Info)
MBTA SAFETY: MBTA Subcommittee on Safety, Health, and Environment meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | More Info)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
FOREST TOUR: A forester from the Department of Conservation and Recreation leads a tour of a project at Manuel Correllus State Forest on Martha's Vineyard. The project, involving roughly 175 acres, calls for the removal of "non-native conifer plantations to facilitate the establishment of native species." DCR says the project is also intended to reduce the risk of wildfires. The tour is happening rain or shine. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Manuel Correllus State Forest, Intersection of West Tisbury Road and Fire Road 12, Edgarton | More Info)
WORKER EMPOWERMENT: Boston's Office of Small Business and Lawyers for Civil Rights holds a virtual workshop about workers' rights and empowerment. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Register)
EARLY COLLEGE: Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy and Massachusetts Alliance for Early College release a new brief meant to help early college outfits support students' development of foundational skills with the goal of building strong on-ramps to college-level coursework. Early college experts and practitioners will discuss the brief as a panel. (Thursday, 3:30 p.m., Register)
REHAB COUNCIL: Executive Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets. (Thursday, 4 p.m. | Zoom)
MEDIA AND MARKETING: Boston Interactive Media Association holds a panel discussion called "Game On: Navigating Attention in B2B Media & Marketing." The event will explore trends and best practices, the challenges of reaching the right audience, and audience engagement metrics. Panelists include Claire Nance of Activision Blizzard Media, Amanda Jerome of OutSystems, Ashley MacIsaac of USAA and Kate Pope Smith of Zipcar. Registration and networking starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the panel discussion at 6:30 p.m. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Zipcar, 35 Thomas Place, Boston | Register)
MBTA BUS SERVICE OPEN HOUSE: Project staff host open house about the service increases and changes coming to MBTA Bus Routes 104, 116, and 117. "Find out about a NEW Frequent Bus Route 104 that will travel between Malden, Everett, Chelsea, and East Boston," the MBTA says. "Learn more about increased frequencies of the NEW Route 116, which will be combined with Route 117 and become a Frequent Bus Route. Weigh in on planned stop changes along Meridian Street to help speed up future 116 service." (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., East Boston High School, Small Cafeteria, 86 White St., East Boston)
CULTURE, ART SECTOR: A panel discussion on Greater Boston's arts and culture landscape will explore the impact on the creative economy and how institutions are attracting young professionals. The event is an offshoot of the Fierce Urgency of Now Festival, held earlier this year through a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce program. Panelists include Jean Dolin of the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum of Art, History Culture; Ming Min Hui of the Boston Ballet; and theo tyson of the Museum of Fine Arts. It's moderated by Jamilah Bradshaw of the Barr Foundation. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Boston Ballet, 19 Clarendon St. | Register)
DORCHESTER PLAYGROUND: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about proposed renovations to Toohig Playground in Dorchester. Renovations are also planned for the basketball court, entry area and pathways. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
GREATER LOWELL HOUSING: Northern Middlesex Council of Governments holds its third and final summit as part of the planning process for "At Home in Greater Lowell," the regional housing strategy for the Northern Middlesex region. Housing Secretary Augustus gives the keynote speech. The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments includes Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsborough, and Westford. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway St., Lowell)
SALEM STREET PROJECT: MassDOT Highway Division holds virtual meeting to present its design for a reconstruction project on Bridge Street (Route 107) in Salem. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info)
Friday, Nov. 8, 2024
SJC - ORAL ARGUMENTS: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in two matters: Commonwealth vs. Travis M. Phillips and Commonwealth vs. Christopher S. Fratantonio. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, Pemberton Square, Boston | Full SJC Calendar | SJC Livestream)
CANNABIS CONTROL: Cannabis Control Commission is expected to hold a business meeting. (Friday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access)
AMERICORPS SWEARING-IN: Treasurer Goldberg attends the Massachusetts AmeriCorps swearing-in ceremony. (Friday, 10 a.m., Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St., Boston)
MHA ELECTIONS DEBRIEF: Massachusetts Hospital Association hosts an "elections debrief" to discuss the impacts of the election on hospitals and health care. Alston and Bird Law Firm Partner Jane Lucas and Senior Policy Advisor Marilyn Yager will lead the webinar. (Friday, 11 a.m. | Register)
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
CANTON HURRICANE RELIEF: Canton hosts a hurricane relief donation drive to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. The Select Board and Town Administrator Charles Doody are asking businesses and residents to donate items including baby formula, diapers and wipes, personal hygiene items, children's toys, cellphone chargers, Rubbermaid plastic containers, empty gas cans, sleeping bags and air mattresses, new winter clothes, and more, to be delivered to Asheville, N.C. Donations also accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from Nov. 4 through 8 at the Canton Police Department and Canton Fire Department. (Saturday, Nov. 9, 1890 Washington St., former St. Gerard's Church, 1860 Washington St., Canton)
