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Rep. William Straus spoke Monday, Nov. 25, 2024 at a press conference to highlight new public safety equipment for fire departments along the South Coast Rail corridor. Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues and Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt looked on. Flanked by the fire chiefs from seven nearby communities, state officials on Monday celebrated the arrival of $900,000 worth of equipment they hope will never be put into use.(Colin A. Young)
TOWN
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Dec 2
7:00pm to 8:00pm
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Franklin
Cemetery Association Annual Meeting
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6:30pm
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OF MEDWAY
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PMDesign
Review Committee Meeting
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PMCapital
Improvement Planning Committee Meeting
STATE
HOUSE AND BEYOND
Legislators are finding it more and more challenging to confine the agendas for August-through-December informal sessions to only non-controversial matters. After pushing through major economic development and clean energy bills, Senate Democrats on Monday plan to put before the body a proposal from the City of Boston to temporarily reconfigure how it splits property taxes between residential and commercial owners. The measure has been the subject of months of debate, and was fully redrafted before it cleared the House this week. To protect residential owners against a major spike in taxes, the legislation would let the city saddle commercial owners with a larger portion of the tax load. That approach has stirred debate over whether city spending should be reassessed and spurred a backlash from some business community interests who see the change as punitive toward building owners who are adjusting to a post-pandemic world where commercial tenants have disappeared or are harder to find because of changes in where people work. Senate Democrats almost certainly have the votes to pass the time-sensitive bill, which Mayor Michelle Wu needs so the city can prepare tax bills, but the measure's fate is subject to the whims of informal sessions. Any legislator can put a temporary or permanent hold on a bill if there's no quorum present (and there usually is not one even though Massachusetts is technically a full-time Legislature). Senate President Karen Spilka's office plans to surface the Boston bill at Monday's 11 a.m. session.
The first business day of December, Monday, will also feature the 1 p.m. launch of the fiscal 2026 budget cycle, with Ways and Means Committee members ready to gather in Gardner Auditorium and hear analysts speculate about projected tax revenue performance. There will be three fiscal years in play at that point, with fiscal 2024 still needing to be closed out five months after it ended. It has taken so long for House and Senate Democrats to reach a compromise close-out supplemental budget that recent events have further stalled resolution and are now expected to expand the final bill's scope. Tuesday will see Gov. Maura Healey headline a New England energy summit where experts will consider how the outcome of the 2024 presidential election will affect regional energy policy. Travel, tourism and hospitality bigwigs will also huddle Tuesday, ahead of a jam-packed 2026 events calendar. On Wednesday, MASSterList and State House News Service host an event to explore "Massachusetts In The New Trump Era" and the challenges for the state due to expected changes in health care, energy and immigration policies. Healey will attend the annual Gold Star Families Tree dedication ceremony, joining with military families to recognize the sacrifice of fallen servicemembers and their surviving families as the holiday season gets into swing, including with a State House tree lighting later in the afternoon. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu will take a festive turn Thursday when the city gathers on Boston Common to light up the Christmas Tree donated from Nova Scotia.
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024
FLYNN ON 4: Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn talks with Jon Keller about the city's finances, Wu administration policies around traffic and public safety, and the prospect of running for mayor next year. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
SANTIAGO GOES "ON THE RECORD" | Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans Services Jon Santiago is the guest on WCVB’s "On The Record" program. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Channel 5)
Monday, Dec. 2, 2024
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court holds oral arguments in six cases. The docket includes a dispute between Norfolk County officials over a budget transfer and another case questioning whether all sober homes must be treated as single-family homes under state law. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | Docket | Livestream)
SALEM FISHING PIER: Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Salem Mayor Pangallo, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, Department of Fish & Game Commissioner O’Shea, Division of Marine Fisheries Director McKiernan and others celebrate the completion of the Salem Willows Fishing Pier, which has been in the works since 2020. The $5 million project was supported by $2 million raised from the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits. Officials expect thousands of people to fish from the pier each year. (Monday, 10 a.m., Salem Willows Park, 190 Fort Ave., Salem)
HOUSE SESSION: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets with plans to bring forward a home-rule petition allowing the city of Boston to temporarily shift the balance of its commercial and residential property taxes (H 5114). (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
CULTURAL GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council awards its fiscal year 2025 operating grants for organizations and cultural investment portfolio grant programs. Through these programs, the agency is investing $7.2 million into 394 cultural organizations across Massachusetts. (Monday, 11 a.m., Heritage Museums and Gardens, 67 Grove St., Sandwich)
REVENUE FORECAST HEARING: Legislators and members of Gov. Healey's budget team gather to hear about possible tax revenue collection numbers for fiscal 2026. The livestreamed hearing is the first official step in the budget process for the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2025. Sen. Michael Rodrigues and Rep. Aaron Michlewitz will again preside at the hearing, with Administration and Finance Matthew Gorzkowicz. Treasurer Goldberg gives testimony for her office. (Monday, 1 p.m., Gardner Auditorium, State House)
DOULA SERVICES: MassHealth holds a virtual hearing on proposed changes to doula service regulations. MassHealth began covering doula care last year. The changes would allow non-doula group practices to bill for doula services, allow doulas to join those practices, clarify that group doula visits are a non-covered service, and establish that doula services are covered for adoptive parents until the infant turns one. The amendments were previously adopted on an emergency basis and took effect on Nov. 8. Written testimony will be accepted though 5 p.m. (Monday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info and Access)
VETERANS ROADSHOW: Executive Office of Veterans Services continues its roadshow promoting the HERO Act. In partnership with elected officials and local veteran organizations, EOVS officials hold one-hour presentations for veterans followed by question and answer sessions about expanded benefits they may be eligible for under the new law. It includes more than a dozen reforms intended to modernize and increase access to benefits for veterans, including expanding access to behavioral health treatment, allowing new local-option property tax exemptions for service members, and aligning the state's definition of a veteran with the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department to cover a wider range of former veterans and their family members. (Monday, 2 p.m., the Billerica Elks, 14 Webb Brook Rd., Billerica)
HOMICIDE VICTIMS: The annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Gathering is held in honor of Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. The event is sponsored by Independence House, Cape Cod Police Advocates, and the Cape & Islands District Attorney's Office. (Monday, 6 p.m., Great Awakening Coffee House, 20 Independence Drive, Suite B, Hyannis)
CAPITAL DEBT AFFORDABILITY: Capital Debt Affordability Committee is likely to meet this week; it has met the first week of December each year since at least 2016. By the middle of the month, the group is required to recommend the prudent level of debt that Massachusetts can issue in fiscal year 2026. The committee's estimates are advisory and not binding on the governor or the Legislature. The Legislature is responsible for authorizing commonwealth debt. The governor determines the total amount of capital spending for each fiscal year and the amount of new state debt that he considers advisable to finance such spending. Since 1989, the state has had a statutory limit in place to cap the total amount of outstanding direct state debt. The limit automatically increases by 5 percent each year and is fixed at $32.188 billion in fiscal 2025. The Legislature's appetite for capital spending far exceeds the amount of debt the state budget can withstand to pay for capital projects. (Monday)
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024
HARM REDUCTION: Public Health Commissioner Goldstein and Rep. Decker are part of a panel that will discuss harm reduction efforts in Massachusetts following a presentation of a new report from Dr. Traci Green. Panel discussion is part of the Massachusetts Heath Policy Forum. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston)
ENERGY SUMMIT: Gov. Healey gives the keynote address at 11:30 a.m. as the New England Power Generators Association and The Dupont Group host the 2024 New England Energy Summit. Morning session also features discussion of the impacts of the 2024 election on energy policy and a CEO roundtable. Afternoon sessions include panels addressing grid workforce and a look back at 25 years of a competitive energy supply market. (Tuesday, 9:15 a.m., Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Ave., Boston)
HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets. Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega shares a budget proposal, and Education Secretary Pat Tutwiler gives remarks. Agenda includes motions to approve a proposed applied science in AI program at Bristol Community College, a barn project at Framingham State University, and fiscal 2026 budget recommendations. There will also be a presentation on the board's degree-granting authority and proposals for reduced credit degrees. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
HEALTH EQUITY WEBINAR: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation hosts a webinar on health equity in Massachusetts. Speakers Kaitlyn Kenney Walsh, vice president of policy and research at Blue Cross Blue Shield; Juan Fernando Lopera, chief DEI officer at Beth Israel Lahey Health and co-founder of the Health Equity Compact; Eboné Carrington, managing director of Manatt Health; and Bryant Torres, senior manager at Manatt Health will discuss the foundation's new report. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)
DTA PITTSFIELD: Department of Transitional Assistance's Pittsfield Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Access)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
SCHOOL NUTRITION: Operational Services Division holds a bidders' conference about a contract for K-12 school nutrition products. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Register)
MEET BOSTON: Meet Boston holds its annual meeting. Over 300 industry representatives, who lead hotels, restaurants and tourism attractions will come together to talk about Boston's hospitality space. The event will provide updates on upcoming tourism events, such as the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the return of Tall Ships and the FIFA World Cup 2026. Meet Boston President & CEO Martha Sheridan will introduce a panel discussion moderated by NBC10 Boston Reporter and Anchor Glenn Jones. Panelists will include President of the New England Revolution Brian Bilello; Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao; and President of Conventures Dusty Rhodes. Conventures is producing events for both the 250th Anniversary and Tall Ships. The panel will begin at 5:20 p.m. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., The Boch Center/Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston)
U.S. SENATE IN 2025: Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate holds an event focused on challenges the Senate will face in 2025. Analysis will be offered by former Sens. Roy Blunt of Missouri and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota on the "evolving political landscape and major legislative hurdles facing the 119th Congress," organizers say. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Columbia Point, Boston | Register)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLANS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on the Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plans (2025-2027), which call for investing nearly $5 billion in energy efficiency decarbonization efforts in Massachusetts. That would translate into almost $14 billion in benefits to gas and electric customers over the next three years. The plan aims to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by supporting weatherization and decarbonization efforts, accelerating access for undeserved and vulnerable customer groups, and enhancing the Mass Save customer experience. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center, 1 College St., Worcester | More Info)
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024
"MASSACHUSETTS IN THE NEW TRUMP ERA: | MASSterList and State House News Service host an event to explore "Massachusetts In The New Trump Era" and the challenges for the state due to expected changes in federal health care, energy and immigration policies. Former NBC Boston/NECN Political Reporter Alison King moderates a panel that includes MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale, Alliance for Climate Transition President Joe Curtatone, Lawyers for Civil Rights Executive Director Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, and Rasky Partners Senior VP Graham Shalgian. "Following the election of Donald Trump, questions abound on many levels in Massachusetts. Many federal policy priorities are expected to shift rapidly, including in health care, energy, and immigration, bringing challenges on the state level," according to organizers. "Join leaders across a wide spectrum of sectors for an important and timely conversation on the potential impact of the second Trump administration on Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. networking, 9 a.m. program, MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Downtown Boston | Register)
DENTISTRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Dentistry meets. Agenda includes elections for board chair and secretary, and reconsidering a request to approve a proposed course on safe and effective opioid prescribing and pain management. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court holds oral arguments in six cases. One case deals with whether the MBTA as an employer is immune from claims of negligent hiring, training, supervision and/or retention of an employee accused of assault on battery. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | Docket | Livestream)
HEALTH DATA CONSORTIUM: Health and Human Services Secretary Walsh is the keynote speaker at the annual meeting and awards luncheon of the Massachusetts Health Data Consortium. The members-only event features Walsh's remarks, awards presentations and more. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Corporate Center at Waltham Woods, 860 Winter St., Waltham)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - SARAH KIM: Governor's Council interviews Sarah Kim, who has worked as Treasurer Goldberg's general counsel since 2015 and is now nominated to a Superior Court judgeship. Councilor Iannella presides. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
AUTHOR TALK: State Library of Massachusetts hosts an Author Talk event with Eddie Doherty, former clerk-magistrate of the Wrentham District Court. His book, "Laughs, Lies & American Justice," offers a look into the state's court system, where he worked for nearly 37 years. Doherty was appointed assistant clerk-magistrate of the Attleboro District Court when he was 25 years old. The State Library's blog describes the book as a "compilation of different stories, anecdotes, and encounters told from Doherty's insider point of view." (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Room 341 |Livestream)
SHELTER SPEAK-OUT: Homelessness prevention activists gather for a speak-out and "visibility action" in response to Gov. Healey's pending and proposed changes to the emergency assistance family shelter system. Healey on Dec. 10 will overhaul how the system assesses families' needs and risks by implementing a two-track system, in which eligible families could be assigned to overflow shelters for up to 30 days or to more traditional shelter settings. Healey also wants to reduce stays in traditional shelters from nine to six months, a change that requires legislative approvals. Advocates plan to gather outside the governor's office before heading to offices of legislative leaders. Participating groups include the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Homes for All Massachusetts, UU Mass Action, City Life/Vida Urbana, Lynn United for Change, and Greater Boston Legal Services. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Outside Room 360)
ARC TOWN HALL: Arc of Massachusetts hosts a town hall-style webinar with new CEO Maura Sullivan to hear about her vision for the advocacy organization. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Register)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about "Health Connector for Business," which offers health insurance options for small businesses with one to 50 full-time employees. The webinar will also cover employee choice models, cost-saving benefits through the Health Connector for Business, and insurance options for sole proprietors and owner-only groups. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council will likely vote on certification of state election results, along with the possible confirmation of District Court judicial candidate Mary "Polly" Phillips of Concord. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
SPILKA TALKS TO BIZ LEADERS: Senate President Spilka delivers the keynote address at a Framingham Business Association meeting. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., La Cantina Italiana, 911 Waverly St., Framingham)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ADAM HORNSTINE: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of her own deputy legal counsel, Adam Hornstine, to a Superior Court judgeship. Councilor Devaney presides. The council has allotted one hour for the public interview of Hornstine, who also worked under Healey at the attorney general's office. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., More Info and Access)
MCB REHAB: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Rehabilitation Council meets. Agenda includes updates on the budget, comprehensive needs assessment survey, and the dashboard for programs. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Virtual Access)
GOLD STAR FAMILY TREE: Gov. Healey, First Lady Lydgate, Treasurer Goldberg, Veterans Services Secretary Santiago, Maj. Gen. Keefe and others join the families of military members killed in action for a solemn ceremony marking the holiday season. The annual Gold Star Family Tree dedication is hosted by the Military Friends Foundation. Families of deceased service members will decorate ornaments and place photos of their loved ones on the Gold Star Families Tree starting at 2 p.m. and the dedication ceremony begins at 2:30 p.m. Military Friends Foundation is a nonprofit that provides grants, programs and community events to support military families. Funding comes from donations made to the Mass. Military Family Relief Fund on the state income tax form, the Tough Ruck Marathon program and private donations. The Gold Star symbol, according to the U.S. Department of Defense, stems from a tradition dating back to World War I, when families hung banners with blue stars representing their family members in the military. If the service member died in combat, the star was changed from blue to gold. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Memorial Hall)
BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE: As Bristol Community College searches for a new president, an interview is held for one of the candidate finalists, Alison Buckley. She's currently the president of Ulster County Community College (SUNY Ulster) in Stone Ridge, New York. Bristol CC President Laura Douglas is retiring in January 2025. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - COLLEEN CARROLL: Governor's Council interviews Probate and Family Court nominee Colleen Carroll, a former Plymouth County prosecutor and sole practitioner. Carroll works as manager of the Pathways Program at Plymouth Probate and Family Court. Councilor Ferreira presides. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
BLIND VENDORS: Massachusetts Elected Committee of Blind Vendors meets. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Zoom)
STATE HOUSE TREE-LIGHTING: Officials host a ceremony to light a Christmas tree in the State House. Auditor DiZoglio and Treasurer Goldberg attend. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Location TBD)
BLUE HILL AVE REDESIGN: Department of Transportation and City of Boston hold a community open house to discuss a draft redesign of Blue Hill Avenue between Warren Street in Grove Hall and River Street in Mattapan Square. The design will add a center-running bus lane for the more than 40,000 bus riders who travel on Blue Hill Ave every weekday, and better define spaces for drivers and pedestrians, according to the T. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Josh Kraft Mattapan Teen Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, 10 Hazleton St., Mattapan)
CONTEMPORARY NATIVE CONCERNS: GBH and MassINC host a virtual discussion: "False Narratives: Understanding Contemporary Native Concerns, Including Harmful Images, And Why Change Matters." Representatives from Native American communities will discuss redesigning school mascots, the state seal and flag, and other issues affecting indigenous communities. Panelists include Nicole Brewer-Lowry, a member of North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe and site director for Native American LifeLines of Boston, Melissa Ferretti, chairwoman of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, and J. Cedric Woods, of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and director of the Institute for New England Native American Studies. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
BOSTON TEACHERS CONTRACT: Dozens of community members and educators from the Boston's Teachers Union plan to testify at a Boston School Committee meeting about the BTU's contract, which expired on August 31. The union says they are advocating for increased pay for teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as making sure every BPS classroom receives "adequate time from specialized staff to meet the needs of all students." The action comes on the tails of the three teachers strikes on the North Shore. Beverly, Gloucester and Marblehead just resolved contracts with their respective teachers unions after schools were out for over two weeks in each district, as a result of strikes where increased pay for teachers and paraprofessionals was a sticking point in negotiations. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury)
MASS MAYORS: Massachusetts Mayors' Association holds a holiday dinner. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLANS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on the 2025-2027 Three-Year Plans, which involve investing about $5 billion into energy efficiency and decarbonization efforts in Massachusetts. That's expected to deliver $14 billion in benefits to gas and electricity customers. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard, New Bedford | More Info)
NOVEMBER REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax collections for the month of November, a month that usually generates about 6.5 percent of the annual state tax revenue. The Healey administration is counting on having collected $2.382 billion in November, and took in $1.057 billion during the first half of the month. Fiscal 2024 tax revenues are running $129 million or 1 percent below year-to-date benchmarks through the first four months of the budget year, ending with October. But year-to-date receipts are still ahead of actual collections during the same period in fiscal 2024 by $667 million or 5.6 percent. (Wednesday)
Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024
SPILKA AT LIBRARY BREAKFAST: Senate President Spilka speaks at a Hopkinton Public Library legislative breakfast. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Hopkinton Public Library, 13 Main St., Hopkinton)
PHARMACY BOARD: Board of Registration in Pharmacy meets virtually. (Thursday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
PRIM BOARD: Mass. Pension Reserves Investment Management board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. PRIM's primary fund reached a new high-water mark, hitting a total market value of $110.5 billion as of Sept. 30, according to materials presented to the board's Investment Committee in November. Michael Trotsky, PRIM's executive director and chief investment officer, typically presents fund performance updates to the PRIM Board of Directors at its full meetings. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
MUNI HR: Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources holds a virtual holiday meeting. Agenda includes a reflections and intentions roundtable, a workshop on advancing employee onboarding, and a legislative update. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)
FIRE PREVENTION: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board meets virtually. Members will hear a case from Burlington. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
NATUROPATHY BOARD: Board of Registration in Naturopathy meets. Agenda includes a review of scope of practice law, including whether naturopathy doctors can provide advice on non-prescription or recreational cannabis. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
CANNABIS CAFES AND LOUNGES: Cannabis Control Commission's working group is expected to roll out its proposed framework for legal social consumption of marijuana, things like cannabis cafes or smoking lounges. The 2016 voter law legalizing adult use marijuana gave the CCC the authority to license social consumption sites -- places where adults would be allowed to buy and use marijuana at the same location, much like purchasing alcohol at a bar or a cigar at a cigar bar -- but traction has so far been elusive. The agency originally moved to create social consumption licenses in its initial 2018 round of regulation-writing, but acquiesced to criticism from Gov. Charlie Baker's administration and the Legislature and agreed to delay. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Worcester Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | Agenda and Access Info)
SENATE SESSION: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT: Massachusetts Health Connector is in Saugus for its Open Enrollment Mall Tour. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23, and Bay Staters are encouraged to learn about health and dental plans offered through the state's insurance marketplace. Staff will be on hand until 4 p.m. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Square One Mall, 1201 Broadway, Saugus)
AFL-CIO LUNCHEON: Mass. AFL-CIO hosts its holiday luncheon, according to Auditor DiZoglio, who plans to attend. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Venezia Restaurant, 20 Ericsson St., Boston)
HPC ADVISORY COUNCIL: Health Policy Commission Advisory Council meets and discusses the Nov. 14 cost trends hearing, which featured testimony from the new operators of former Steward Health Care hospitals and many others. Attorney General Campbell had urged the Legislature to give her office and other state agencies more enforcement and accountability powers, though major health care bills approved by the House and Senate remain stuck in private negotiations. Council members will discuss future priorities for action and HPC policy recommendations. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PCA WORKFORCE: Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m. | Access)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLANS: Department of Public Utilities holds a virtual public hearing on the 2025-2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plans, which outline about $5 billion in investments for energy efficiency and decarbonization initiatives. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
REHAB COUNCIL: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council meets. (Thursday, 4 p.m. | Zoom)
CITY HALL GALLERIES: An end-of-year celebration is held for Boston City Hall art galleries, and six winners will be announced for the Fay Chandler Awards. Exhibits currently on display include the 2024 Fay Chandler Emerging Art Exhibition, Konnekxion III and The Architecture of Happiness. (Thursday, 5 p.m., 1 City Hall Square, Scollay Square Gallery, Boston)
SOMERVILLE CHAMBER AWARDS: Somerville Chamber of Commerce hosts its 78th Annual Dinner and Powder House Awards. Auditor DiZoglio delivers the keynote address, according to her office. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, 30 Washington St., Somerville | More Info)
BOSTON TREE LIGHTING: Boston Mayor Wu, Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Province of Nova Scotia host the 82nd annual Boston Common Tree Lighting, to illuminate the 48-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Liz and Hugh Ryan of Mattie Settlement, Nova Scotia. Boston's official Christmas tree will feature about 5,000 lights and more than 50,000 lights throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden will also be turned on. Event features musical performances from American Authors, Ria Mae, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Morgan Toney, Boston Children's Choir and more. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston Common, Boston)
WREATH MAKING: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute holds a wreath making celebration to mark Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. (Thursday, 6 p.m., 15 Christopher St., Dorchester)
DARTMOUTH ROAD REDESIGN: Department of Transportation holds a live virtual hearing on the design of proposed road improvements in Dartmouth. The DOT is looking to improve on Cross Road from south of Vincent Street to Pine Top Lane. It will include pavement rehabilitation, installation of new curbing, sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, crosswalks, closed drainage system improvements and a 10-foot side path. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
HANOVER RT. 139 REDESIGN: Department of Public Transportation holds a virtual public meeting on corridor improvements on Route 139 in Hanover. The project will include pavement rehabilitation, installation of new curbing, sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, crosswalks, closed drainage system improvements, and a 5-foot buffered bicycle lane along Route 139. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
WESTFIELD BATTERY: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on the Westfield battery project. Westfield ESS LLC filed a petition with DPU in September seeking zoning exemptions and approval to construct and operate two underground transmission lines, which would connect the battery energy storage system with the Buck Pond Substation. Officials say the storage system would "charge with power from the electric grid during periods when there is excess energy and deliver power back onto the electric grid during times when there is a higher need for electricity," and the project would "use lithium-ion batteries housed in approximately 219 above-ground enclosures." (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Scanlon Hall, Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave., Westfield | More Info)
BIMA GALA: Boston Interactive Media Association holds its annual holiday gala. This year's theme is "Hollywood glamour," and media and marketing professionals will have the opportunity to network. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Boston Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Ave. | Tickets)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLANS: Department of Public Utilities holds its second public hearing of the day on the 2025-2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plans. (Thursday, 7 p.m., One South Station, Boston | More Info)
COMMONWEALTH AVE: The annual lighting of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall follows the Boston Common Tree Lighting. The Committee to Light the Commonwealth Avenue Mall joined forces with the Friends of the Public Garden in 2022 to help raise funds for the light display and support ongoing care of the park. (Thursday, 8 p.m., 15 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)
Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Stakeholders Committee of the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Stewardship Council meets virtually. Agenda includes partnership presentation and finalizing the 2025 calendar. (Friday, 8 a.m., Agenda and Zoom)
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hosts oral arguments in a pair of cases, one dealing with a search warrant and the other a first-degree murder appeal. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | Docket | Livestream)
DTA HOLYOKE: Department of Transitional Assistance's Holyoke Advisory Board meets. (Friday, 9 a.m. | Access)
VETERAN REGS: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds a virtual public hearing on regulations dealing with the responsibilities of veterans' agents for medical care. The proposed change would align Massachusetts standards with federal regulations. Officials say that the "existing regulation states that Veteran Service Officers will assist veterans in filing VA claims but it is silent regarding compliance with VA regulations for filing claims." Written testimony can be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 20. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
CHAMBER ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON: Mass. Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives hosts its holiday luncheon and the latest event in its speaker series. Auditor DiZoglio is the featured speaker. (Friday, 10 a.m., Apex Center, 36-105 Apex Drive, Marlborough | More Info)
JFK LIBRARY: JFK Presidential Library and Museum seeks public feedback as it plans the next full redesign of its permanent exhibits. A facilitated conversation will happen after attendees explore the exhibits. Participants will receive free admission and must commit to about two hours at the museum. (Friday, 10 a.m., Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)
HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT: Massachusetts Health Connector is in Peabody for the Open Enrollment Mall Tour to help Bay Staters learn about health and dental insurance plan options. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. Staff will be available until 4 p.m. (Friday, 11 a.m., Northshore Mall, 210 Andover St., Peabody)
FAMILY PLANNING: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a virtual public hearing on proposed rate increases for family planning services. Annual MassHealth expenses will increase by $33,000 with the change. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)
ABORTION CLINICS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a virtual public hearing on increasing rates for freestanding clinics that provide abortion and sterilization services. Officials want to add a prospective cost adjustment factor of 2.27 percent. The change would increase annual MassHealth expenditures by $46,000. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)
JFK LIBRARY: JFK Presidential Library and Museum holds its second session of the day as it seeks public feedback on the next full redesign of permanent exhibits. Attendees will receive free admission and must commit to spending about two hours at the museum. (Friday, 2 p.m., Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
HEALTH CARE SERVICES: Health Care Services Board of the Department of Industrial Accidents meets remotely. Agenda includes an overview of department activities and metrics for fiscal 2025, and a discussion of the most recent draft of the MA Work-Related Asthma Treatment Guideline. For remote access, contact david.michels@mass.gov. (Saturday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
JFK LIBRARY: JFK Presidential Library and Museum seeks public feedback as it plans the next full redesign of permanent exhibits. Participants will receive free admission and must commit to spending about two hours at the museum. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)
MEMORIAL BALLOON RELEASE: Mothers for Justice & Equality holds a memorial balloon release in honor of Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month. The biodegradable balloons will carry messages as a "symbol of hope and healing," organizers say. Attendees can also connect with organizations focused on promoting healing and resilience. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Walker Playground, 550 Norfolk St., Mattapan)
PEARL HARBOR: The annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration features a short ceremony on the dock by the USS Cassin Young. There will be a USS Constitution honor guard, gun firing and wreath laying. Exhibits will be open at the USS Constitution Museum. (Saturday, 11 a.m. Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown)
HEALTH INSURANCE OPEN ENROLLMENT: Massachusetts Health Connector is in Danvers as part of its Open Enrollment Mall Tour. Staff will be available until 4 p.m. to help Massachusetts residents learn about health and dental plans available through the state's health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. (Saturday, 11 a.m., Liberty Tree Mall, 100 Independence Way, Danvers)
JFK LIBRARY: JFK Presidential Library and Museum holds its second session of the day as it seeks public feedback on its next full redesign of permanent exhibits. (Saturday, 2 p.m., Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)
D'AMBROSIO FOOD DRIVE: D'Ambrosio LLP hosts a food drive and holiday celebration, according to Auditor DiZoglio, who plans to attend. (Saturday, 7 p.m., Kowloon Restaurant, 948 Broadway, Saugus)
ST. ANTHONY CLUB TOY DRIVE: St. Anthony Club hosts its annual toy drive, according to Auditor DiZoglio, who plans to attend. (Saturday, 8 p.m., St. Anthony Club, 1020 Main St., Woburn)
