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Auditor Diana DiZoglio's office had hung their stockings by the chimney with care, arranged amid some potted poinsettias, ahead of a Dec. 4, 2024 press conference in which the auditor asserted that a new law empowering her to probe the Legislature would take effect the next day. (Sam Drysdale/SHNS)
TOWN
OF FRANKLIN
Mon.,
Dec 9
Franklin
Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Meeting
4:30pm
7:00pm
Tues.,
Dec. 10
Municipal
Affordable Housing Trust Meeting
10:00am
Franklin
School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting
6:00pm
Joint
Subcommittee-Land Use & Zoning and Housing & Economic
Development
6:30pm
7:00pm
Franklin
School Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Thurs.,
Dec. 12
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
Cultural
District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Cultural
District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Benjamin
Franklin Classical Charter Public School Board of Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
TOWN
OF MEDWAY
Town
of Medway No Longer Posts Calendar with Links
STATE
HOUSE AND BEYOND
The lame-duck post-election sessions have already produced major economic development and climate laws and there's a sense that a substance use disorder bill still has at least a shot at emerging from private talks before the curtain closes on the current General Court on New Year's Eve. The House and Senate are also both on record in favor of major bills addressing hospital oversight and prescription drug pricing and access, but there's currently less optimism about those bills crossing the finish line. Top Democrats are in the midst of a prolonged period, stretching across multiple sessions, of being unable to find common ground on health care policy. With three-plus weeks left before a new Legislature is sworn in, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Thursday night she's in "disbelief" that her proposed property tax reclassification bill, which Boston Democrat Aaron Michlewitz helped push through the House, is hung up in the Senate where another Boston Democrat, Nick Collins, is among those questioning its necessity. Business groups this week pulled out of the compromise they reached with the mayor in October, a deal insiders viewed as critical to moving the bill all the way through the Legislature. The next move will come Monday. A spokesman for Senate President Karen Spilka said Friday that the Senate is expected to again take up the bill, although it may continue bumping into hurdles. Approaching the halfway point of her term, Gov. Maura Healey this month is working with her team on a fiscal 2025 supplemental spending bill where she's expected to seek hundreds of millions of dollars in additional family shelter system funding. The governor also needs to recommend a plan to allocate significant surplus income surtax funds for transportation and education purposes, and assemble a fiscal 2026 annual budget that will be filed in January when she will also deliver her State of the State address. Healey has been quietly busy on another front, proposing judicial nominees. The governor has 10 candidates pending before the Governor's Council, including Rep. Jerald Parisella. The big batch of nominees means the council, which approves the vast majority of nominees to the bench, will be active this month holding public hearings and processing confirmation votes as it tries to clear the deck before its term ends Jan. 2.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
HIGHER ED: Jon Marcus, higher education editor for the Hechinger Report, talks with Jon Keller on "Keller @ Large" about current issues in higher education and how they impact local students and the Massachusetts economy. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
WARREN ON 5: U.S. Sen. Warren is on "On The Record" with Ben Simmoneau and Sharman Sacchetti. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
WU ON 10: Boston Mayor Wu is the guest on "@Issue" with Sue O'Connell and Cory Smith. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WBTS-TV Ch. 10)
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS: Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems holds its fall conference. The first day features a welcome reception. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Springfield | More Info)
Monday, Dec. 9, 2024
PSYCHOLOGISTS BOARD: Board of Registration of Psychologists meets virtually. Agenda includes application reviews and correspondence from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS: Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems continues its fall conference, with opening remarks on the first full day delivered by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Gregory Coleman, a former FBI agent, is the keynote speaker at 9:30 a.m. Bill Keefe, executive director of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, gives an update at 10:30 a.m. A legislative panel at 11:30 a.m. includes MACRS lobbyist Michael O'Reilly, PERAC assistant deputy director Patrick Charles, and Mass Retirees legislative liaison Nancy McGovern. (Monday, 9 a.m., Springfield | More Info)
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRUST FUND: Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets to swear in new appointees and hear reports on the BabySteps program and the fund's budget. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Monday, 10 a.m., Email samantha.c.perry@tre.state.ma or call 617-352-4820 for access)
FRAMINGHAM LEX GROUNDBREAKING: Massport begins construction on upgrades to the Framingham Logan Express garage. They plan to add three new levels to the garage. Framingham is the second busiest LEX service. Senate President Spilka, Massport CEO Rich Davey and Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky plan to attend the groundbreaking. Media encouraged to arrive by 9:45 a.m., and park across the street in the Shoppers World lot. (Monday, 10 a.m., Framingham Logan Express, 11 Burr St. Extension, Framingham | RSVP to bcrawley@massport.com)
FOREIGN-TRAINED PHYSICIANS: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, lawmakers and physicians who have been trained internationally celebrate a policy in the new economic development law that creates a streamlined path for licensure. Eligible internationally-trained physicians will receive a limited license to practice medicine in certain settings through a mentorship program, and they can then seek a restricted license. Speakers, including Sen. Jason Lewis and Rep. Jack Lewis, will discuss how the policy will allow qualified providers to return to practicing medicine. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room 428)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. The branch "is expected to take up Boston's commercial property tax proposal, along with several local matters," according to President Spilka's office. The Boston home-rule petition, which would allow Boston to temporarily shift its property tax rates, has twice drawn procedural delays from Boston Sen. Nick Collins. Business groups that once backed the measure in a compromise with Mayor Wu now want lawmakers to pause any action due to new data about property values. The bill has cleared the House and the mayor still sees its passage as essential. Collins on Dec. 2 and 5 moved to lay the bill on the table. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE MEETS: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
WOMEN VETERANS: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network holds a lunch and learn focused on financial wellness. (Monday, 12 p.m., 421 North Main St., Leeds | Register)
CLIMATE LAW ROUNDUP: Dan Zackin, legislative coordinator for 350 Mass, provides a roundup of the state's new energy and climate law as part of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network's monthly networking Zoom. (Monday, 12 p.m., Register)
CALJOUW SWEARING-IN: Gov. Healey swears in Mike Caljouw, whom she tapped in October to serve as the state's next insurance commissioner. Event is open to photography only. (Monday, 2 p.m., Governor's Ceremonial Office)
BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Committee of the Board of Higher Education interviews Evon Walters, a finalist in the search for the next president of Bristol Community College. Walters is vice president of strategic initiatives and community engagement at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info)
AUTISM COMMISSION: Autism Commission meets virtually. (Monday, 3 p.m. | More Info)
"RIGHT TO READ": Give Black Alliance hosts a screening of the film "The Right to Read." Panel discussion includes Kareem Weaver, one of the film's producers; Education Secretary Tutwiler; and Pamela Mason, a senior lecturer on education at Harvard's Graduate School of Education. Lt. Gov. Driscoll attends. (Monday, 3:15 p.m., Boston Children's Museum, 308 Congress St., Boston | More Info)
CITY BUILDING AWARDS: A Better City honors recipients of the Norman B. Leventhal Awards, which celebrate leaders and innovators for their contributions to the "built environment in the areas of city builder, the environment, land use, and transportation," according to organizers. Lt. Gov. Driscoll attends. (Monday, 6 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf Room, 70 Rowes Wharf)
HEALTH POLICY FORUM: New England Medical Association hosts an inaugural health policy forum focused on health equity and community impact, particularly for Black and undeserved communities. Discussions will cover health care access, workforce challenges, reproductive health, and disparities within Black and brown communities. Speakers include U.S. Rep. Pressley and Sens. Collins and Miranda. (Monday, 6 p.m., GBH Studios, One Guest St., Brighton)
Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS: The third day of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems' fall conference features a session about the "Trump effect" and what the election means for the economy and asset markets. Agenda also includes a PRIM update, a session about the abandoned property claims process, a Mass Retirees update, and a legal panel. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Springfield | More Info)
AI ADVANTAGE: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds a virtual event on the status of AI, as it launches a new series called "AI Advantage: Leading the Commonwealth Forward." McKinsey & Company will present its "State of AI" report. Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder will discuss the Healey administration's "goals for leading the AI revolution," organizers say. The event also features a conversation about how the regional business community is adopting AI tools. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Register)
FRAMINGHAM DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance Framingham Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
JOB CLASSIFICATIONS: Department of Labor Standards holds a virtual hearing about the appropriate job classifications for tasks including patching block walls, rubbing block walls, cutting joints, rubbing and cleaning bricks, and installing wall ties. DLS says it previously held a hearing on the tasks in January 2021, but there may be new evidence that could change some of the classifications. Written evidence will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
DISABILITY STIGMA: MassAbility holds a pop-up event focused on eliminating disability stigma and building a more inclusive community. A giant, four-sided cube will be situated on City Hall Plaza near the Government Center T stop, and participants are encouraged to write messages about "letting go of disability stigma," organizers say. The event runs through 4 p.m. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
MERIT RATING BOARD: Merit Rating Board, an office within the Registry of Motor Vehicles, meets virtually. The agenda calls only for an update from MRB Director Sonja Singleton. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
RTA COUNCIL: Regional Transit Authority Council meets, bringing together state transportation officials and leaders from the 15 RTAs across Massachusetts. The agenda calls for a presentation from the Federal Transit Administration and discussion of ridership and service enhancements at five RTAs. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Access Info)
REP. FOX FUNERAL: Memorial service is held for former Rep. Gloria Fox, who died Nov. 11 at the age of 82. "A fierce advocate and champion of Roxbury, social justice, foster care, and anti-racism measures, Gloria aligned her work to serve the people of her district and her family," her family said in the funeral announcement. Reception follows at ABCD Thelma Burns Building (575 Warren St.). Doors open at 10 a.m. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Charles Street AME Church, 551 Warren St., Boston)
CORI TRAINING: Department of Criminal Justice Information Services holds a virtual CORI training. It includes an overview of CORI laws and regulations, and how they apply to agencies using CORI for employment, housing, volunteer and licensing purposes. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Access)
LAWRENCE RIBBON CUTTING: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus delivers remarks at the Lawrence CommunityWorks and SquashBusters Lawrence's grand opening ceremony of the Armand Michael Hyatt Apartments and the New Balance SquashBusters Lawrence Center. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 26-30 Island St., Lawrence)
BLUE CROSS SETTLEMENT: Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association holds a webinar about the Blue Cross Blue Shield provider settlement. MHA says the settlement caps off 12 years of litigation and antitrust claims against Blue Cross Blue Shield "that resulted in hospital underpayments from 2008-24." Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to pay $2.8 billion to providers, according to Reuters. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
VISA CEO: Visa CEO Ryan McInerney is the featured speaker at the Boston College Chief Executives Club. He'll participate in a fireside chat with New Balance Athletics CEO Jon Preston. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston)
CORE PLAN STATUTORY COMMITTEE: The Q3 CORE Plan Statutory Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg will chair the meeting. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Zoom)
COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS: Board of Certification of Community Health Workers meets. Agenda includes continuing education applications involving the National Kidney Foundation, Massachusetts Perinatal Depression, Lowell Community Health, the Bridge Training Institute, the Center for Health Impact, and the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
BRISTOL COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Committee of the Board of Higher Education interviews Sedgwick Harris, a finalist in the search for the next president of Bristol Community College. Harris is vice president of administrative affairs at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)
HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS: Division of Insurance holds an information session exploring cost drivers of rising health insurance premiums, with a focus on provider reimbursements. Regulators are looking to learn more about the "current landscape of cost pressures" ahead of rate increase filings this spring. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
MICHLEWITZ FUNDER, TOY DRIVE: Gov. Healey and Boston Mayor Wu are billed as the special guests at House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz' annual holiday fundraiser. In addition to campaign contributions, which are suggested to range $125 to $1,000, attendees are asked to contribute a toy for the ABCD Holiday Toy Drive. Toys should be unwrapped and for ages birth-14. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Cosmica, Revolution Hotel, 40 Berkeley St., Boston)
BRAGA BRIDGE REPAIRS: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss planned fender system repairs on the Braga Bridge over the Taunton River in Fall River and Somerset. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
TWO-TRACK SHELTER RULES: New rules go into effect creating a two-track shelter system to place families in emergency housing. Families with comparatively less needs will be placed on a "Rapid Shelter Track," and allowed to stay in overflow shelters for up to 30 days, up from the existing five-day limit. Families who are considered more high-risk with "more complex needs" will fall under the "Bridge Shelter Track," including women who have late-term pregnancies and families with members who are immunocompromised or have complex medical needs. The two-track system is part of a broader push by the Healey administration to make family shelter stays "brief, rare and non-recurring" and bring costs under control in a program that the governor says is "increasingly unsustainable." Advocates have protested the new shelter rules, saying the majority of families deemed eligible for the Emergency Assistance shelter program will now instead be steered into short-term shelters -- and that "as the weather gets colder and colder" the shorter track will "put more and more families on the street." (Tuesday)
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
REAL ESTATE FORUM: Charles River Regional Chamber hosts its annual real estate forum, this year looking specifically at competitiveness and the steps chamber communities should take to enhance economic vitality. Doug Howgate, president of Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, will give opening remarks, then the planning directors of Wellesley, Newton, Watertown and Needham will sit for a panel discussion, followed by a panel of young professionals. Program begins at 9:30 a.m. (Wednesday, 8:45 a.m., Campus Center Auditorium, UMass Amherst at Mount Ida, 10 Carson Ave., Newton | Register)
RETIREMENT SYSTEMS: Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems' fall conference wraps up with a continuing education session from the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Springfield | More Info)
NURSING BOARD: Board of Registration in Nursing meets. Agenda includes a practice coordinator staff report, annual reports from Berkshire Community College and the Diman Regional Vocational Practical Nursing Program, and non-compliance with standards involving the Bunker Hill associate degree nursing program and the Salem State bachelor's degree nursing program. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 250 Washington St., Conference Room 3C, Boston | Agenda and Zoom)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets virtually. Agenda includes updates from Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein and a vote on a determination of need request from Beth Israel Lahey Health for a substantial capital expenditure. There's also an informational presentation with updates on "priorities to advance comprehensive perinatal health systems of care." (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
THE ARC SUMMIT: The Arc of Massachusetts and the Department of Development Services host a summit for community organizations to "learn concrete strategies and techniques for supporting inclusion within their own programs, and... have opportunities to connect with like-minded organizations." The Arc works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Camp Yomechas at Old Colony YMCA-Middleboro, 375 Wareham St, Middleboro | Register)
POST HEARING: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission holds a hearing dealing with Stanley Clerge. The public can attend the hearing in person or virtually. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., POST Commission, Ellison Conference Room, 84 State St., Suite 200, Boston | Livestream)
FALL RIVER DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance Fall River Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Agenda includes updates on employment initiatives and programs, identifying a next focus area for the commission, subcommittee reports, 2025 meeting dates, and commissioner announcements. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - REP. JERALD PARISELLA: Governor's Council interviews Rep. Jerald Parisella, a seven-term Beverly Democrat whom Gov. Healey nominated for a District Court judgeship. Parisella is an associate at Cherry Tree Title and Law, and was previously an associate at Tinti Quinn Grover and Frey from 2013 to 2020. He is a former newspaper reporter, Congressional press secretary, and assistant city solicitor, and is a U.S. Army Reserve and Massachusetts Army National Guard veteran who was deployed to Bosnia and Iraq. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFO: Executive Office for Administration and Finance holds a public hearing on a proposed regulation for the collection of personal identifying information by government agencies. The regulation looks to "ensure consistent collection of demographic information across Executive Branch and quasi-independent agencies," officials say. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. People must register to attend the virtual hearing by noon on Dec. 10. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | More Info)
BOSTON CITY COUNCIL: Boston City Council gathers for its final normally scheduled meeting of the year. Officials have said the council will need to vote on property tax rates for 2025, an obligation that is bumping up against the conflict on Beacon Hill where it's not clear if the Senate will approve a home rule petition allowing the city to temporarily shift a greater share of the property tax burden to commercial owners. The meeting will also be the first full council gathering since federal prosecutors charged Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson for an alleged kickback scheme. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Boston City Hall, Iannella Chamber, City Hall Plaza, Boston | More Info)
MASS. SELECT BOARDS: Massachusetts Select Board Association holds a webinar with the Mass Cultural Council about how select boards can support arts and culture initiatives, as well as promote economic development. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | More Info)
HEALTH CARE AGENT, PROXY: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar outlining the "simple step campaign" that encourages residents to start the process of designating a health care agent and completing a health care proxy. Speakers include Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Ellen DiPaola of Honoring Choices Massachusetts and Adam Delmolino of MHA. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
OPEN ENROLLMENT: Massachusetts Health Connector, which connects people with the health insurance marketplace, holds a webinar to help current and new members navigate the open enrollment period underway. Attendees will learn about plan options, insurers that participate in the ConnectorCare program, and savings available through the Connector. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets, and could vote on confirmation of three judicial candidates: Sarah Kim, general counsel to Treasurer Goldberg (Superior Court); Adam Hornstine, deputy legal counsel to Gov. Healey (Superior Court); and Colleen Carroll, a longtime Plymouth sole practitioner (Probate and Family Court). (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
HERO ACT: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds a town hall about the HERO Act, a new law that expands benefits for veterans. Attendees will learn how the law affects health care, education, housing and employment services. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Springfield Tech Community College, 1 Armory St., Springfield)
WATER RESOURCES: Mass. Water Resources Authority Board meets, with committee meetings beforehand from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Board agenda includes a Quinapoxet Dam removal project update, presentation of the annual update to the FY21-FY25 Strategic Business Plan, and contract awards, amendments and change orders. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, 1st Floor, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Agenda and Access Info)
DELIVERY LICENSE HEARING: Cannabis Control Commission holds a virtual listening session to take input on potential policy amendments to the existing 36-month exclusivity period for marijuana delivery licenses. Current regulations provide a 36-month window during which only businesses majority-owned by certified economic empowerment priority applicants or Social Equity Program participants are eligible to apply for and operate delivery licenses. That exclusivity period is set to conclude on April 1, 2025. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., More Info and Access)
LITERACY TUTORING: Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education holds a webinar on a literacy "high dosage" tutoring program for first graders. The program, meant for students who are behind in their reading skills, is showing "impressive gains," and organizers say that expanding access to the initiative could improve third grade reading outcomes. Johns Hopkins University researchers will present an analysis on program outcomes. There's also a panel discussion with administrators from Revere and Chelsea Public Schools, where the program has been piloted. Russell Johnston, acting commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, gives closing remarks. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Register)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - CARYN MITCHELL-MUNEVAR: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Caryn Mitchell-Munevar to the Probate and Family Court. Mitchell-Munevar is a longtime clinical law professor at New England Law Boston who recently started working as senior supervising attorney at Northeast Legal Aid in Lowell. (Wednesday, 1:15 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MBTA ACCESSIBILITY SETTLEMENT: Judge Patrick King will report on the state of the Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA settlement agreement at a virtual public meeting. The class action lawsuit was filed against the T by riders with disabilities who could not safely or reliably access the MBTA. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., More Info)
"BEYOND THE BRIDGE" | Anti-homelessness groups host a screening of a new documentary titled "Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness." Lt. Gov. Driscoll is set to give opening remarks, according to organizers. WBUR's Lynn Jolicouer will also moderate a panel discussion between Sen. Feeney, BACHome Council's Alan Mack, and John Madondo of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, 527 Tremont St., Boston | More Info)
ROUTE 146 CORRIDOR: MassDOT hosts an opening public information meeting for the Route 146 Corridor Vision Study, which will examine ways to address congestion and transportation safety in the stretch between Route 122A in Millbury and the Rhode Island state line in Millville. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council meets virtually. Agenda includes committee reports, a grants update and presentation, and a training team update. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
LAWMAKING BOOTCAMP IN AMHERST: Newly-elected House and Senate members attend the biennial "new legislator academy" on the UMass Amherst campus from Wednesday through Friday, accompanied by top House and Senate officials including Senate President Spilka. The new class heading into 2025 includes 19 new representatives and three new senators, two of whom previously served in the House. "The academy is an opportunity for newly elected legislators to become familiar with experiences that they will encounter in the legislature, and by doing so, become more effective advocates for the communities that they represent," Spilka's office said. Topics on this year's agenda include the economy and state budget, communications, ethics, and campaign finance, along with a simulated committee hearing and a simulated formal session. (Wednesday through Friday, UMass Amherst)
Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS: Board of Registration of Physician Assistants meets. Agenda includes election of officers and a closed session for an investigative case conference. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
MUNI MANAGEMENT: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association holds its holiday meeting. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Publick House, 277 Main St., Sturbridge | Register)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)
MBTA FINANCE COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
EARLY ED: Department of Early Education and Care Advisory Council meets virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)
CANNABIS CONTROL: Mass. Cannabis Control Commission meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info and Access)
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Cannabis Control Commission hosts an open house to help patients and caregivers register or renew their status with Massachusetts’ Medical Use of Marijuana Program. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | More Info)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a DCR Summer Nights presentation, election of council officers and committee updates. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428 | Livestream
SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
OPEN ENROLLMENT - AUBURN: Mass. Health Connector continues its Open Enrollment Mall Tour in Auburn. Staff will be on hand until 4 p.m. to answer questions about health and dental insurance plans available through the Connector. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge St., Auburn)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN: The 2024 Massachusetts Conference for Women unfolds, featuring speakers such as Oprah Winfrey, Caitlin Clark, Gail Devers, Lulu Garcia-Navarro, Beverly Johnson, Robin Roberts and Gayle King. Gov. Maura Healey will also offer remarks. Treasurer Goldberg plans to attend. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St, Boston)
HPC BOARD: Health Policy Commission Board meets, starting with an executive session that's expected to last one hour. At around 1 p.m., there will be a presentation from Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office on the AG's recent 2024 Health Care Cost Trends Report. HPC staff share findings from Mass General Brigham's performance improvement plan, and commissioners will delve into new research on behavioral health boarding in emergency rooms. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)
REHAB COUNCIL: Business and Employment Opportunities Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets. (Thursday, 1 p .m. | Access)
HERO ACT: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds a town hall focused on the HERO Act. Attendees will learn about the law and its goals, expanded health care and mental health resources, updates to education and job training opportunities, and housing assistance programs. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Veterans Inc., 59 South St., Shrewsbury)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info)
BOSTON YOUTH COUNCIL: Boston Mayor's Youth Council holds a town hall in Jamaica Plain. (Thursday, 3 p.m., Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St., Boston | Register)
PRESS ASSOCIATION PARTY: State House Press Association holds its 115th anniversary holiday party. Guests without building security passes must arrive prior to 5 p.m. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Press Gallery, Room 456)
REHAB COUNCIL: State Rehabilitation Council holds its fourth quarter meeting. (Thursday, 5 p.m. | Access)
CARNEY LISTENING SESSION: The working group responding to the closure of Carney Hospital in Dorchester holds a listening session. The public can weigh in on community health needs, as well as ways to "address those needs and promote equity following the hospital closure." The working group is led by Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's public health commissioner, and Michael Curry, CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. The panel is tasked with issuing recommendations to Mayor Wu and Gov. Healey about how to manage impacts of the closure and improve access to care. The Carney closed at the end of August amid the Steward Health Care bankruptcy crisis. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., 1181 Adams St., Dorchester | Register)
WHITE STADIUM: Boston city officials hold a virtual meeting about investments to the tree canopy at Franklin Park around White Stadium, which is being renovated to become the home for a National Women's Soccer League team. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m. | Register)
MEMORIAL DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a virtual public design meeting about improvements to Memorial Drive. DCR officials say the project aims to ensure a safer experience for pedestrians, bicyclists and cars along Memorial Drive and the Charles River Reservation. The project stretches from the Eliot Bridge to JFK Street at the Anderson Memorial Bridge in Cambridge. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
RODENT CONTROL: Boston city officials hold a rodent control webinar. It will cover the city's rodent action plan, pest management, trash and recycling, and code enforcement. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
FRAMINGHAM CULVERT: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to discuss the design for a proposed culvert replacement on Route 126 over Waushakum Pond Brook in Framingham. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
DOONER VICTORY PARTY: Senator-elect Kelly Dooner, a former Taunton city councilor, holds a victory party. She fills the seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Marc Pacheco. (Thursday, 7 p.m., The District, 15 Court St., Taunton)
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024
PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on proposed rates for psychological and independent clinical social worker services. The changes look to align MassHealth fee-for-service rates with existing managed care rates. Officials estimate that annual MassHealth expenses will increase by $33,000 over base spending in 2023. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)
PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS: MassHealth holds a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to psychologist services, as well as licensed independent clinical social worker services. The regulatory changes for psychological services would update the definition of neuropsychological assessments and include new definitions for multiple-family group therapy and developmental assessment. For social worker services, the proposed change would enable licensed mental health counselors and licensed marriage and family therapists to bill for MassHealth outpatient services. Written testimony will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
STATE POLICE HEARING: State Police hold a public hearing on a proposed regulation for the promotional process for rank of captain. The regulation outlines notification requirements, scoring for a promotional exam and information about the selection of members. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
OPEN ENROLLMENT - DARTMOUTH: Massachusetts Health Connector continues its Open Enrollment Mall Tour. Shoppers can stop by until 4 p.m. to learn about available health and dental insurance plans available through the Connector. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. (Friday, 11 a.m., Dartmouth Mall, 200 N. Dartmouth Mall, Dartmouth)
HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS: Division of Insurance continues its series of information sessions on the factors driving up health insurance premiums. This session is focused on medical and behavioral health utilization. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: School Building Authority Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Friday, 1 p.m., Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org)
WORCESTER HOUSING MEETING: Worcester Housing Authority holds its annual meeting. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus will be recognized and deliver brief remarks. (Friday, 1 p.m., College of the Holy Cross, Worcester | Closed Press)
BOSTON YOUTH COUNCIL: Boston Mayor's Youth Council holds a town hall and movie night. There will be a discussion about "life as a young person in Boston," organizers say. (Friday, 4 p.m., BCYF Roche Community Center, 1716 Centre St., Boston | Register)
RGGI BOARD MEETS: Board of Directors of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Inc. meets via teleconference. RGGI is a cap-and-trade compact of 11 eastern states that aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. The compact limits emissions from regulated power plants with a regional cap that declines over time. (Friday, 4 p.m., Register)
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
OPEN ENROLLMENT - HOLYOKE: Massachusetts Health Connector continues its Enrollment Mall Tour with a visit to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. Staff will be available until 4 p.m. to answer questions about health and dental insurance plans available through the Connector. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. (Saturday, 11 a.m., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke)
