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Dismayed by the looming closure of a state-run pediatric rehab hospital in Canton, more than 14,300 people have signed a petition calling on state officials to scrap their plan, and a powerful union is asking members to put pressure on Gov. Maura Healey to halt health care budget cuts. Sen. Paul Feeney, whose district includes the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, said in a recent statement he's exploring a potential legislative solution to save the facility and is "deeply disappointed in this unilateral decision by the Department of Public Health.
FRANKLIN
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MEDWAY
Mon.,
Feb.
3
School
Committee Negotiations Subcommittee
4:00pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
Design
Review Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Community
Preservation Committee Meeting
7:30pm
Tues.,
Feb.
4
Open
Space Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Weds.,
Feb.
5
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting - CANCELLED
7:30pm
Thurs.,
Feb.
6
3:00pm
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATEHOUSE
AND BEYOND
Immigration status is a thread running through a pair of major storylines unfolding in Massachusetts. The family shelter system is out of money only seven months into fiscal 2025, and Gov. Maura Healey's $425 million bill to replenish funds and restrict access to shelters remains under the review of the Temporary House Ways and Means Committee. Facing a combination of migrant families who fled their home countries and found shelter in Massachusetts and families with roots here who also need shelter, the state-run system has grown beyond its capacity and funding limitations. As lawmakers wrestle with next steps on that topic, immigrants without legal status here – who often hold down jobs across the Massachusetts economy - are facing the possibility of deportation by President Donald Trump's administration, which swept into office with pledges to remove people from the country. Advocates and some lawmakers this week urged the Legislature to act quickly to counter the deportation threat, but top Democrats have given no signals that they plan to do so. Trump's plans to aggressively reshape federal government priorities have already gained a foothold as a going concern for policymakers here. While the president is trying to get off to a fast start through executive orders, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka continue to mull rules reforms, leadership appointments, and the assignment of committee chairs and members. A month into the new session, thousands of legislative filings await consideration and bill numbers, which won't be assigned until branch clerks agree on committee referrals. The Senate is eventually expected to start the debate over rules. Senate Democrats will meet privately on Wednesday and have a potential formal session on Thursday. House Democrats plan a private caucus and formal session on Thursday. Neither branch stated the purpose of the formal sessions. For now, Massachusetts is off to its traditional slow session start, which often pairs with a frenzied and at-or-after-the-deadline end of session to bookend the two-year term.
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025
SPILKA ON 4: Senate President Spilka talks with Jon Keller about her objections to Auditor DiZoglio's legislative audit push, the status of the state economy, and the prospect of new taxes. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
GROUNDHOG DAY: Rep. Alice Peisch, Mass Audubon President David O'Neill, and other Mass Audubon staff and elected officials speak at Mass Audubon's 17th annual Groundhog Day event. Ms. G, the official state groundhog of Massachusetts, will once again be called upon to determine whether we have six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Media please RSVP to agouveia@massaudubon.org. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary, 208 S Great Road, Lincoln)
SECRETARY HAO ON 5: Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
Monday, Feb. 3, 2025
POET LAUREATE: Gov. Healey will sign an executive order creating the first-ever poet laureate of Massachusetts. Massachusetts was one of three states (along with New Jersey and Pennsylvania) to not have a position of poet laureate as of last fall, according to the Library of Congress. Mass. Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt joins. (Monday, 10 a.m., Ceremonial office, Room 360)
HOUSE SESSION: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
BLACK AMERICAN FLAG: Gov. Healey participates in a Black History Month ceremony to raise the Black American Heritage Flag in front of the State House, along with Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Rep. Williams, Sen. Miranda, and Rep. Vargas. "The Black Heritage flag symbolizes the resilience and rich history of African Americans. Together, we raise the flag in remembrance and to a future where equality and justice continue to thrive," said Williams, who last term co-chaired the Racial Equity Committee. (Monday, 11 a.m., State House front lawn)
BOSTON BLACK HISTORY: Boston holds a flag-raising ceremony to kick off Black History Month. Isaac Yablo, the city's senior advisor on public safety, gives remarks alongside Mayor Wu and other elected officials. There will then be an indoors reception, with refreshments from local Black-owned food vendors. (Monday, 12 p.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
HATE CRIMES: Hate Crimes Task Force meets virtually. Agenda includes a hate crimes legislation overview from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALEY, TOP LEGISLATORS MEET: Gov. Healey, President Spilka and Speaker Mariano gather for their first publicized meeting of the new legislative term. The meetings, once held on roughly an every-other-week cadence, have become increasingly rare over the last two years. The so-called Big Three holds a press conference after their meeting. (Monday, 2 p.m., Speaker's Office)
BAYSTATE HOME HEALTH: Baystate Home Health nurses and other health care workers deliver a petition to Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko that asks him to address their concerns and settle a fair contract agreement. The workers are represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association, which says Baystate is looking to scrap health insurance premium cost limits for clinicians and make them work more evening hours. The union also says Baystate "has put forward minimal pay proposals for Home Health clinicians" despite health care workers in other hospital settings getting "substantial pay increases." The petition is signed by nearly 300 people. (Monday, 2 p.m., 280 Chestnut St., Springfield)
BLACK RESTAURANT CHALLENGE: To shine a light on Black-owned restaurants during Black History Month, Boston Rep. Chynah Tyler partners with Nia Grace's Grace By Nia, the first Black woman-owned business in the Seaport, to kick off the annual Boston Black Restaurant Challenge. Started by Tyler in 2018, the Boston Black Restaurant Challenge pushes city residents and visitors to dine at Black-owned restaurants throughout February. (Monday, 6 p.m., Grace By Nia, 60 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Register)
EDUCATION BUDGET: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance and MassBudget hold an update on the state budget. There will also be breakout sessions that look to connect the state budget and "key local budgets." (Monday, 6 p.m. | Register)
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025
STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL: Policy and Conservation Committees of the Department of Conservation & Recreation meet. Agenda includes a landscape designations update, rodenticide use discussion, and resource management plans. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PHARMACY POLICY SYMPOSIUM: Massachusetts Health Council holds its annual pharmacy public health policy symposium virtually. Speakers will discuss updates in cardiovascular risk reduction, pharmacy regulatory updates, navigating drug shortages, and a rise in stimulant prescribing. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. | Pharmacist Registration | Non-Pharmacist Registration)
BUILDING REGS: Building Official Certification Committee of the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards meets. Agenda includes an executive director report, new employee report forms, continuing education applications and examination approval packets. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Realty Association of the Pioneer Valley, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield | Agenda and Livestream)
HOMELESSNESS BUDGET BRIEFING: Coalition for Homeless Individuals holds budget briefing that covers individual shelter programs, transitional services, and supportive housing for homeless people. Rep. John Moran of Boston's South End gives opening remarks, followed by presentations from Karen LaFrazia of the St. Francis House, John Yazwinski from Father Bill's and Mainspring, Aaryn Manning of Project Place, and Gregory Grays-Thomas of the Boston Public Health Commission. "This briefing will discuss how our state's network of shelters, transitional services and supportive housing has succeeded in keeping street counts low despite extreme demand on the system. Today, providers are stressed to the limits with demand for services and challenges recruiting and retaining staff for this highly demanding and emotional work," the coalition said in an advisory. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
DRACUT HOUSING GROUNDBREAKING: Housing Secretary Augustus delivers remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Greenmount Senior Housing project, which will have 56 one-bedroom units restricted to 60% area median income or less. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 1530 Bridge St., Dracut)
WORKFORCE GRANT: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones announces funding to help young adults with disabilities prepare for employment. The grants will support organizations in providing job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for young adults with disabilities. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Polus Center For Social & Economic Development, Inc., 527 Main St, Athol)
COLA COMMISSION: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission's Special Cost of Living Adjustment Commission meets. Agenda includes a presentation from PERAC actuary John Boorack about system funding and previous analyses to raise the COLA base by $1,000 and offer an "enhanced COLA" for certain retirees. Erika Glaster, who recently retired as executive director of the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System, also gives a presentation. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
BRAIN INJURIES: Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts holds its annual advocacy day at the State House, sponsored by Sen. Feeney and Rep. Ferguson. The organization says its priority is a bill to require commercial health insurance plans to cover cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury survivors. That legislation was sent to study last term by the Health Care Financing Committee, which two terms ago had given it a favorable report. BIAM is also pushing for continued funding for the Statewide Head Injury Program. The organization will display an "Unmasking Brain Injury" exhibit on the fourth floor. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets virtually. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health Prevention Subcommittee meets virtually. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Access)
ELEVATOR REGS: Board of Elevator Regulations meets and handles variance petitions. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1000 Washington St., Conference Room 1D, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
BEDFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus tours the Bedford Housing Authority. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 1 Ashby Place, Bedford, Press RSVP to kevin.connor@mass.gov)
COMPTROLLER'S ADVISORY BOARD: Advisory Board to the Comptroller meets, with plans to review and discuss a draft version of the annual Statutory Basis Financial Report for fiscal 2024. CliftonLarsonAllen, the outside firm that reviews the SBFR, is also scheduled to give a presentation. Comptroller William McNamara plans an update on the "pause in federal grants." (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., Zoom)
TONY GRANAUDO: Sen. Oliveira and Reps. Puppolo and Ashe present official citations from the Legislature to Anthony "Tony" Granaudo in recognition of his 50 years of service to the Longmeadow Public Schools. Granaudo, a longtime resident of East Longmeadow, recently retired at the age of 95 after five decades, starting as a custodian and finishing his career as the intra-school mail delivery person. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Longmeadow Public Schools district offices, 535 Bliss Rd., Longmeadow)
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in three cases: Trustees of Boston University vs. Clough, Harbour & Associates LLP (tort); Commonwealth vs. William C. Foley (motor vehicle offense); and Commonwealth vs. Dharmal E. Safi (superintendence). (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | Sitting List | Livestream)
BOSTON/QUINCY DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Boston/Quincy Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
CRIMINAL RECORD SEALING: Clean Slate Massachusetts coalition holds a briefing on criminal record sealing reform legislation. Advocates are supporting bills filed by Sens. Friedman and Gomez and Reps. Keefe, Vargas and Fluker-Reid that would automatically seal records after a statutory waiting period. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
UNITED STATES OF READERS: Senate President Spilka participates in a press conference for a new literacy program from Scholastic, "United States of Readers." The program provides elementary school students in certain schools with free books of their choice, and their teachers with 25 free books a year. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Harmony Grove Elementary School, 169 Leland St., Framingham)
SCHOOL SPORTS BILL: Massachusetts Family Institute hosts a rally and press conference in support of legislation (HD 297 / SD 627) filed by Republicans Rep. John Gaskey and Sen. Ryan Fattman, titled "An Act to Ensure Safety and Fairness in School Sports." The bill would declare that the state, high school athletics governing bodies or other organizations "shall not penalize any public school, single-sex public school sports team, coach of such a team, or student athlete on such a team, for forfeiting or refusing to play in a match against an opposing team because such opposing team includes one or more athletes of the opposite sex, except that such a forfeit may be recorded as a loss." Gaskey and Dighton-Rehoboth School Committee member Katie Aubin, who developed the school district policy that inspired the bill, will speak. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222 | More Info)
HEART HEALTH: American Heart Association expects dozens of lawmakers to attend its annual "Go Red for Women" event promoting awareness of heart disease as "the leading killer of women." This year's featured speaker is Dr. Lisa Owens, the mother of a 15-year-old from North Andover who died after a cardiac arrest while playing basketball in 2022. Owens will speak about a bill "that could help save lives by increasing access to AEDs." Members of Harvard University's student-run EMS program demonstrate CPR for lawmakers and aides. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Grand Staircase)
ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE: Economic Assistance Coordinating Council meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor | More Info)
MASSHEALTH BASICS: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation holds webinar on "key facts and data" around MassHealth eligibility, benefits, costs, and recent reforms. It's a repeat of the foundation's November webinar. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Registration)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet privately for a caucus, both in person and virtually. The caucus comes a day before what could be the first formal business session for the Senate in 2025 and as the Legislature waits for the Senate to start the joint rules debate. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senate president's office and virtual)
EV INFRASTRUCTURE: Department of Public Utilities holds an online public hearing about petitions from NSTAR Electric, National Grid and Unitil to modify their EV programs. The changes deal with funding and requirements, charging programs and rebate incentives. Written comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Feb. 10. (Wednesday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
TOWN FINANCE: Association of Town Finance Committees Board meets virtually. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. | More Info)
NEWTON CORNER PLANNING: MassDOT hosts a virtual working group meeting for the Newton Corner Long Term Planning Study, where the study team will discuss "first-stage alternatives development" and other topics. The project calls for analyzing ways to improve the Interstate 90 interchange at Newton Corner, focused on congestion, safety, connectivity and climate resilience. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Zoom)
STATE OF MEDFORD: Mayor Breanna Lungo Koehn updates Medford on current projects and upcoming plans during her annual state of the city address. Her office said she will address completed, ongoing, and future projects regarding transportation, the city charter, economic development, open spaces, recreation, and more. City Council President Zac Bears and School Committee Vice-Chair Jenny Graham will also speak. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Alden Memorial Chambers, City Hall, Medford | Livestream)
METROWEST CHAMBER: Senate President Spilka is the featured speaker at the annual MetroWest Chamber of Commerce legislative reception. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Verve Hotel, 1360 Worcester St., Natick)
SCHOOL WINTER WALK: Students and families are encouraged to "walk, bike, and roll" to school as part of an initiative through MassDOT's Safe Routes To School program. Officials say they want to encourage individuals to "enjoy a safe, healthy, and active lifestyle." While the "Winter Walk & Roll to School Day" is held on the first Wednesday of February, schools can register to participate on any day this month. (Wednesday | More Info)
JANUARY REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax collections from January, the start of a crucial six-month period for the state's coffers. The Healey administration is expecting $3.694 billion to be collected during the month, $100 million more than came in last January. By mid-month, DOR had collected $1.863 billion, $292 million or 18.6% more than the collections during the same period in January 2024. As of the mid-month report, DOR was tracking increases in withholdings, non-withheld income taxes, and corporate and business taxes, as well as a decrease in sales tax revenues. Collections are not split evenly across the 12 months and the second half of the fiscal year (January through June) typically produces about 60 percent of the state's annual tax revenue, officials have said. The second half of the budget year also tends to be more volatile for tax collections. Through the first half of fiscal year 2025, DOR collected $19.26 billion -- $1.394 billion or 7.8% more than actual collections from the same period of fiscal 2024, and $159 million or 0.8% more than the administration's year-to-date benchmark. (Wednesday)
Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025
QUALITY, PATIENT SAFETY: Quality and Patient Safety Committee of the Board of Registration in Medicine meets. Agenda includes committee charter approval and member reappointments. (Thursday, 7 a.m. | More Info and Access)
GIC COMMISSION: Group Insurance Commission meets. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Livestream)
ACCESS TO MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS: Mass. Menstrual Equity Coalition and Mass NOW host an advocacy day to promote bills to expand access to free menstrual products. Sen. Comerford, Sen. Jehlen, Rep. Blais, Rep. Barber, and Rep. Livingstone are among the scheduled speakers, along with Mass NOW Executive Director Sasha Goodfriend. Coalition is supporting bills to provide free menstrual products in public schools, homeless shelters, prisons and jails (SD 1098 / HD 1552); to expand menstrual product access in public buildings (SD 1177 / HD 2344); and requiring the products to have transparent ingredient lists (SD 674 / HD 2729). "These bills will ensure INFORMED ACCESS to menstrual products -- meaning not only free and accessible products but also clear labeling of ingredients for safer personal health decisions," the group wrote. Breakfast at 10 a.m. is followed by speaking program at 11 a.m. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
MMA, SUFFOLK FELLOWSHIP: A virtual information session is held on the Massachusetts Municipal Association-Suffolk Municipal Fellowship Program. Municipal professionals could receive a scholarship of up to $28,000 as they earn a master of public administration degree at Suffolk University. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)
HOUSE FORMAL SESSION: House plans to hold a full formal session, with roll calls scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., according to Speaker Mariano's office. The session's subject matter was not disclosed, although a $425 million mini-budget remains pending in the House to fund the emergency assistance shelter system, which was due to run out of money around the end of January. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Department of Early Education and Care's Behavioral Health Team holds a virtual "lunch and learn" about resources and supports. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
DORCHESTER COMMUNITY CENTER: Boston city officials hold an open house on the proposed design of a new community center in the Grove Hall area. The event runs through 5:30 p.m. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Boston Public Library - Grove Hall Branch, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester)
COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets virtually. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
WHITE STADIUM: Franklin Park Defenders group, which opposes Boston Mayor Wu's public-private redevelopment of White Stadium as a pro women's soccer venue, holds a community meeting about "urgent ideas for a public alternative" to the current plans. The group pointed to an alternate idea from the Emerald Necklace Conservancy -- a "fully public renovation" as a "fully public high school stadium," which it said would ring in at $28.9 million as opposed to the $200 million project currently on the books. A nonbinding City Council resolution to endorse stopping the project failed Jan. 29 on a tie vote. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Lena Park Community Center, 150 American Legion Hwy., Dorchester)
BPS MURALS: City officials hold a virtual Q&A session about new long-term murals and 2D public art installations at Boston Public Schools. The Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture is commissioning the art as part of "A Canvas of Culture" initiative bringing murals to Boston neighborhoods. Attendees can learn more and ask questions before applying. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
POTENTIAL SENATE FORMAL: Senators have been advised that Thursday's Senate convening could be for a formal session. The Senate is expected to make the first proposal related to joint rules for the new lawmaking term and that could be a possible topic of the session. (Thursday, Time TBA, Senate Chamber)
Friday, Feb. 7, 2025
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in four cases: Commonwealth vs. Luis C. Cabrera; Commonwealth vs. Denny Gannett; Dr. Margo Roman vs. Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine; and an impounded case from Norfolk Juvenile Court. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | Sitting List | Livestream)
ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health Workforce Subcommittee meets virtually. (Friday, 11 a.m. | Access)
ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health Access and Coverage Subcommittee meets. (Friday, 11 a.m. | Access)
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Department of Higher Education holds public hearing on proposed regulations to institute the Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education Initiative. The program aims to "help public higher education institutions offer inclusive education programming safely and appropriately to eligible students with severe disabilities." Written comments accepted through Feb. 21. (Friday, 12 p.m., Zoom Registration | More Info)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Department of Early Education and Care's Behavioral Health Team holds its second "lunch and learn" of the week about resources and supports. (Friday, 12 p.m. | Register)
GUN LAWS WITH GONZALEZ: Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, who contributed to last year's firearms reforms law as chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, speaks to the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts during a webinar on the law. Springfield Police Deputy Chief Steven Kent will also speak. Opponents of the law have begun a campaign to give voters the chance to repeal it on the 2026 ballot. (Friday, 12 p.m., Register)
JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN: Panel on Justice-Involved Women meets remotely. (Friday, 1 p.m. | Access)
