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Above, Gov. Maura Healey delivers her State of the Commonwealth speech from the House rostrum on Jan. 16, 2025. On Friday, the day before she turned 54, she announced plans to run for reelection in two years.
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MEDWAY
Mon.,
Feb. 10
School
Committee Negotiations Subcommittee REVISED
3:30pm
Municipal
Complex Building Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Inclusion,
Diversity, and Equity Advisory (IDEA) Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Tues.,
Feb. 11
Council
on Aging Board Meeting
2:00pm
Trash
and Recycling Review Committee Meeting
5:30pm
Planning
and Economic Development Board meeting
7:00pm
Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
7:00pm
Weds.,
Feb. 12
6:30pm
7:00pm to 9:00pm
Thurs.,
Feb. 13
Charles
River Pollution Control District Meeting
3:00pm
STATEHOUSE
AND BEYOND
The session will turn six weeks old Wednesday when the Senate plans to debate the basic internal and joint rules that govern branch operations. Legislators spent parts of January filing bills and are still waiting to receive committee assignments -- and for the committees themselves to be actually formed, which usually occurs after the rules debates unfold. The House and Senate last year approved an annual budget that underfunded the emergency family shelter system, which ran out of money about a week ago. That means there's pressure on the Senate to quickly take up a House-approved bill that allocates $425 million more to the family shelter system while authorizing a menu of changes aimed at lowering shelter caseloads and stays and bringing down the $1 billion outlay that taxpayers have been footing to keep thousands of families in shelters and hotels. Amendments to the Senate rules proposals are due by 5 p.m. Monday. For a Legislature that struggles to pass budgets and finish its business on time and is said to be open to changes in the legislative calendar and workflow, the appetite to deviate from historical approaches to the workload has not changed much so far. Gov. Maura Healey filed her $62 billion annual budget proposal Jan. 22 and it's been referred to the Temporary House Committee on Ways and Means. The next step will be a series of public hearings, the dates and locations of which have not been announced.
After the Supreme Judicial Court upheld the MBTA Communities Act last month and made the Healey administration rewrite its guidelines that regulated the law, the administration gave communities that did not meet prior deadlines an extension until this coming week to comply. Cities and towns that host rapid transit service, commuter rail service, or are immediately adjacent to public transportation all previously had deadlines of Dec. 31, 2024 or earlier to submit an action plan to comply with the law and zone for new housing development near transportation hubs. Under the emergency regulations that the Healey administration wrote in January following the SJC decision, communities that did not meet prior deadlines must submit a new action plan to the state with a plan to comply with the law by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. These communities will then have until July 14, 2025, to submit a district compliance application to the state. Communities designated as "adjacent small towns" still have until a Dec. 31, 2025 deadline to adopt compliant zoning.
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025
KRAFT ON 4: Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft talks with Jon Keller about Mayor Wu's management of the city, his plans to reform the school transportation system, and his concerns about the city's bike lane buildout. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
WALK TO END HOMELESS: The annual Winter Walk is held as participants raise money with the aim of ending homelessness. Funds will benefit organizations that support the homeless community. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and the event starts at 9 a.m. Boston mayoral candidate Josh Kraft plans to participate. (Sunday, 9 a.m., Boston Common | More Info)
LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE: Chinatown's annual Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade celebrates the Year of the Snake. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. (Sunday, 10 a.m., Phillips Square, 1 Harrison Ave., Boston)
MARIANO ON 5: House Speaker Mariano is the guest on "On The Record" with Sharman Sacchetti and Ed Harding, followed by a roundtable discussion with analysts Lizzy Guyton and Mary Anne Marsh. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
LUNAR NEW YEAR: Local nonprofit Chinatown Main Street celebrates the Year of the Snake at the Chinese New Year Cultural Village. Activities run through 3 p.m., including calligraphy, arts and crafts, and live performances. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Chinatown Trade Center, 2 Boylston St., Boston | More Info)
FRANK BELLOTTI: Celebration of life service is held to memorialize former Attorney General Frank Bellotti. The Quincy Democrat served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and as lieutenant governor under Gov. Peabody. He died in December at the age of 101. "The family recognizes that the impact of Frank's life and legacy extends far and wide, and would like to offer this opportunity for those who loved him to gather and celebrate him," the Bellottis said in an advisory. Event is scheduled to run until 4 p.m., with a speaking program slated for 2 p.m. (Sunday, 12 p.m., Marriott Boston Quincy, 1000 Marriott Dr., Quincy)
Monday, Feb. 10, 2025
ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS: Architectural Access Board meets. Agenda includes an income case review of properties in Lexington, Lawrence, Sterling, Worcester, Boston, Andover and Woburn. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
POST HEARING: Massachusetts Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission holds a virtual pre-conference hearing dealing with James McCall. (Monday, 9:30 a.m. | Access)
HEATING ASSISTANCE: National Grid Foundation distributes $1.3 million in fuel assistance to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, United Way of Central Massachusetts, and Cape and Island United Way. The funds will help families cover emergency heating costs this winter. Families benefitting from the grant money will share their stories during a brief program. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., The Neighborhood Developer, 4 Gerrish Ave., Chelsea)
KING OF JORDAN VISITS: His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan plans to visit the State House with a Jordanian delegation, welcomed by Gov. Healey and First Lady Lydgate. Press interested in covering the grand entrance can RSVP to ayub.tahlil@mass.gov by 12 p.m. on Feb. 9 for credentials. Press are asked to arrive promptly by 10:30 a.m. Monday at Doric Hall for an escort to the press area. Gov. Healey then convenes a business roundtable at 11:30 a.m. with King Abdullah II and representatives of the health care, life sciences, technology, financial services, and higher education industries "to discuss business and economic ties between Massachusetts and Jordan." The roundtable is closed to press. The king's visit was originally scheduled for December but was postponed because of weather and flight issues. (Monday, 11 a.m., Bulfinch Entrance, State House)
HOUSE SESSION: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
FINANCIAL AID ROADSHOW: Healey administration education officials make the second stop of their "Higher Education Financial Aid Road Show" at high schools across Massachusetts to encourage students to complete the free application for federal financial aid (FAFSA) and apply for nearly $200 million available in state financial aid. Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega and other officials will visit Athol High School (11 a.m.) and Lawrence High School (1:30 p.m.) on Monday, as two stops of the tour that will take them to eight schools over February and March. (Monday, 11 a.m., Athol High School)
ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION: Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism meets. Agenda includes a discussion on countering antisemitism in K-12 education with Max Page of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Another discussion will explore "viewpoint" diversity, training and curriculum to counter antisemitism in schools, featuring Elsa Auerbach of Jewish Voice for Peace Boston, Emilia Diamant of Boston Workers Circle, STEM lab teacher Merrie Najimy, and Sana Fadel of Newton-Area Alliance for Peace and Justice. Katherine Craven, chair of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, participates in a discussion on K-12 curriculum and teacher licensing. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
FIREARM TECHNOLOGY: Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology meets. There will be guest testimony from Todd Lizotte of BOLD Laser Automation, Josh Horwitz of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Monte Frank of the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Gun Violence, New Jersey First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo, and Ravi Ramanathan of New Jersey's Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement Office. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
AMENDMENT DEADLINE: Senators face a deadline to file amendments to the proposed Senate (S 14) and joint legislative (S 15) rules that are expected to be debated Wednesday. (Monday, 5 p.m.)
MASSDEMS POSTMORTEM - LYNCH'S DISTRICT: Massachusetts Democratic Party holds a virtual listening session with residents of U.S. Rep. Lynch's Congressional district, which covers parts of Boston, and Norfolk, Plymouth and Bristol counties. The party said the sessions, planned after Democrats lost ground in the November elections, are meant as a time "to review the outcomes of the recent elections, celebrate successes, and identify areas for growth." The day after the election, which saw Republican Donald Trump carry every battleground state en route to a decisive victory over Kamala Harris, MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan said he understood the feelings of "disappointment, uncertainty and deep concern" among Democrats. "Today, it is clear there is much work to do," Kerrigan said in a statement. Participants will be offered up to two minutes to offer their thoughts, on a first-come, first-served basis. (Monday, 7 p.m., Register)
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025
MUNI COUNCILLORS: Massachusetts Municipal Councillors' Association Board meets virtually. (Tuesday, 8:45 a.m. | More Info)ARCHITECT BOARD: Board of Registration of Architects meets virtually. Agenda includes election of board member officers, an executive director's report, and discussion of reciprocal applicants and verification requirements from other states. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PENSION INVESTMENTS: Investment Committee of the Mass. Pension Reserves Investment Management Board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. Agenda includes votes on new investment recommendations: Tiger Iron Capital Bay State Fund, L.P. (private equity) and Ares Management, LLC and Beach Point Capital Management (public markets). Meeting also features a performance report and summary of 2025 plans. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Contact investmentmeeting@MAPENSION.com for access info | More Info)
HOME VISITING PROGRAMS: The Children's Trust and the Department of Public Health hold a briefing on their goal of using state and federal investments to double the number of families served around the state by home visiting programs. The two agencies have a "unified vision" to serve 12,000 families in the next five years. Speakers include Jennifer Valenzuela and Steven Pascal of The Children's Trust; Elaine Fitzgerald Lewis, director of the Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition at DPH; and Rosibel Marcano, a program participant. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House Members' Lounge)
MMA BOARD: Massachusetts Municipal Association Board meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
BUILDING REGS: Board of Building Regulations and Standards meets. Agenda includes an update on accessory dwelling units. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
HEAD START: Massachusetts Head Start Association holds its advocacy day, convening 200 program leaders, staff, parents and advocates from across the state. Speakers will discuss their programs to support vulnerable children and families. Senate President Spilka gives remarks. (Tuesday, 11 a.m, Great Hall)
DIZOGLIO, SENATE MEETING: Auditor DiZoglio meets with the Senate subcommittee tasked with handling the voter law that gives DiZoglio's office the explicit authority to probe the Legislature. Senators have sent DiZoglio a litany of questions and concerns about her audit, including potential constitutional separation of power issues. DiZoglio, who's gearing up for a legal battle, has repeatedly accused senators of violating the law by not complying with her pending records request. Sens. Friedman, Brownsberger, Comerford and Feeney are expected to attend, according to DiZoglio's office. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Room 428A)
THE ARC PANEL: The Arc of Massachusetts hosts an education panel on "future planning," creating a guide for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability to live as independently as possible. The panel will include parents who have been through the process, an attorney experienced in estate planning, special needs trusts and guardianship. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
YOUTH CLIMATE RALLY: More than 350 people ages 14-24 are expected to participate in a youth climate justice rally and lobby day. Advocates with the Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition are promoting bills dealing with interdisciplinary climate justice education, improving air quality, creating a "polluter pay" superfund, making government more transparent, preventing a gas system expansion, and building partnerships between local farms and schools. After the rally, advocates will head inside the State House to meet with lawmakers. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., State House steps)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets remotely. Agenda includes an update on advocacy for the State Office of Restorative Justice and a 2024 annual report. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
WILBRAHAM-LUDLOW BRIDGE: Sen. Oliveira, Rep. Saunders, and Rep. Puppolo present a ceremonial $200,000 check to the towns of Wilbraham and Ludlow, representing fiscal 2025 budget funds to cover structural repairs to the Cottage Avenue bridge. Work was wrapped up in 2024, according to Oliveira's office, on the bridge that spans the Chicopee River and connects the two municipalities. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Wilbraham side of the Cottage Avenue bridge, 7 Dollar St., Wilbraham)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION: Local Government Advisory Commission meets remotely. Administration & Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz provides an update on revenue collections and Gov. Healey's fiscal 2026 budget proposal. Agenda also includes discussions on Healey's recently refiled Municipal Empowerment Act -- which allows cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registrations -- and her Chapter 90 bond bill. Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives welcome remarks. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)
PHARMACY COSTS: Division of Insurance holds its latest virtual information session focused on the factors driving up health insurance premiums. This event features a discussion about addressing pharmacy costs and utilization. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Register)
PCA WORKFORCE: Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council and MassHealth meet. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
PLYMOUTH MENTAL HEALTH: Department of Mental Health's Plymouth Site Board meets. Agenda includes updates on membership, site activity, and ongoing projects, including a respite program. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., DMH Plymouth Site, 38 Industrial Park Road, Plymouth | Agenda and Access)
WORKERS RIGHTS: Chinese Progressive Association holds a workers' rights training, focused on compensation and workplace injuries, in Cantonese and Mandarin. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., 28 Ash St., Boston | More Info)
NORFOLK DA: Djuna Perkins, who's running for Norfolk County district attorney, holds a virtual "house party." A former Massachusetts assistant attorney general, Perkins in 2012 opened her law office, where she specializes in "institutional responses to allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination," according to her campaign website. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | RSVP)
POCASSET COMMUNITY MEETING: Sen. Fernandes and Rep. Vieira holds a community meeting as they seek to save Pocasset Mental Health Center, a 16-bed psychiatric hospital Gov. Healey has proposed closing in her budget. The governor also wants to lay off half of the Department of Mental Health's case manager workforce. The Massachusetts Nurses Association, which publicized the forum, says it "believes any effort to close this or any mental health service in this climate is misguided and a disservice to so many suffering with these issues." Lawmakers will be joined by local leaders, unions and mental health care professionals. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Pocasset Village Association Community Room, 314 Barlows Landing Road, Pocasset | RSVP)
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025
SANCTUARY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council meets virtually. Agenda includes discussion on the Stellwagen mapping initiative. There will also be reports from MA Coastal Zone Management, MA Division of Marine Fisheries, U.S. Coast Guard, MA Environmental Police, New England Fishery Management Council, NOAA Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, and the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Register)
PENSION REAL ESTATE: Real Estate and Timberland Committee of the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board meets. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Access Info)
HOME CARE: A briefing on the home care industry is hosted by the Enough Pay to Stay Coalition, a partnership among The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, Home Care Aide Council and Mass Aging Access. Reps. Stanley and Gentile and Sen. Jehlen speak. The coalition is focused on ensuring adequate reimbursement rates and benefits for providers. Elder home care advocates have called on the Healey administration and Legislature to provide more funding to keep up with soaring demand for services and case management. Providers are expecting to run out of money this spring, which could limit older Bay Staters from accessing new services. To manage caseloads, state officials have tightened eligibility parameters for an elder home care program serving frail individuals. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
SCHOOL-CENTERED NEIGHBORHOODS: MassINC Policy Center and Urban Edge host a panel discussion on how Boston and other Massachusetts cities can plan for vibrant urban neighborhoods with schools at the center. Panelists are Carol Naughton, CEO of Purpose Built Communities; Rob Watson, executive director of EdRedesign Lab at Harvard School of Education; and Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., UMass Club, 32nd Floor, One Beacon St., Boston | Register)
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BRIEFING: The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, a statewide association representing more than 130 community-based human services providers, holds a budget briefing focused on workforce challenges in the sector that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rep. Michael Finn will receive ADDP's Legislator of the Year award, and Sara J. Goodrich, Director of Health Services at Bay Cove Human Services, will receive the ADDP Leadership Award. EOLWD Undersecretary Josh Cutler is expected to speak. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)
MTF BUDGET BRIEFING: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation holds a virtual press briefing to provide an overview of Gov. Healey's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, as well as a review of the current fiscal situation in the state. The presentation will be off the record, followed by an on the record question and answer session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Register)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats hold a private caucus ahead of their planned debate on rules proposals. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate president's office)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate plans to hold a formal session, with an agenda that includes the proposed Senate (S 14) and joint legislative (S 15) rules. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 5 Middlesex Ave., Suite 304, Somerville |More Info)
HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about available health plans for individuals and families. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
MWRA BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets, with an agenda that includes preliminary fiscal 2026 water and sewer assessments, an update on the combined sewer overflow program, and the appointment of Tsuyoshi Fukuda as deputy director of procurement. Board plans to enter executive session to consider extra high pressure improvements in Arlington and Lexington and approval of watershed land acquisition. It will also hear correspondence received from Petersham's select board chair, Pelham's select board, and Belchertown's town manager. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Webex, password 21225 | More Info)
EARLY ED, CARE: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 282 Old Connecticut Path, Framingham | Livestream)
INTEROPERABILITY COMMITTEE: The State Interoperability Executive Committee's Executive Management Committee meets. Agenda includes a review of investment proposals, as well as reports from regional homeland security advisory councils. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, 50 Maple St., Milford | Agenda and Livestream)
LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Board meets virtually. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. No judicial nominees are pending for a vote, but the council could consider approval of the state Treasury warrant or adoption of its rules for the 2025-2026 term. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - EVELYN PATSOS: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Evelyn Patsos to a Probate and Family Court judgeship. Patsos, of Lynnfield, has worked for the past 10 years as an attorney in the Probate and Family Court's administrative office. (Wednesday, 2:15 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
STATE OF RAIL: MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and the T's Executive Director of Commuter Rail Mike Muller discuss the current and future states of the commuter and regional rails in a panel conversation with Karen Andreas, president and CEO of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Jim Rooney, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, moderates and hosts. Media RSVP to cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Wednesday, 2:45 p.m., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, 265 Franklin St., Boston | Register and Hybrid Access)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - SARAH TURANO-FLORES: Governor's Council interviews Sarah Turano-Flores, Gov. Healey's latest pick for a Land Court judgeship. The East Boston resident has worked since 2006 at Nutter McClennen & Fish where she is a partner in the Real Estate Department. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
LABOR RELATIONS: Subcommittee of the Department of Labor Relations Advisory Council meets remotely. Members will review applicants for the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board and the Advisory Council. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - NICHOLAS BERNIER: Governor's Council interviews Appellate Tax Board member Nicholas Bernier, who is up for reappointment to a new term expiring March 1, 2030. The council confirmed Bernier in December 2022 to his first term on the board, which hears appeals from taxpayers on their assessed state and local bills. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
NORWOOD SMALL BIZ: The Town of Norwood and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Massachusetts District Office holds an "Access to Capital and Small Business Resources Matchmaker" event. Attendees can network and learn about resources for small businesses to start, grow and expand. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Grazina at Norwood Space Center, 83 Morse St., Suites 4F and 6A, Norwood | Register)
MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)
HOUSING POLICY FORUM: Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) hosts its annual housing policy forum, featuring Housing Secretary Augustus as featured speaker. Augustus' office said the event is closed to the press. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 600 Atlantic Ave., Boston)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets and senators have been advised to prepare for a potential formal session. The Senate has not yet taken up the $425 million emergency shelter system mini-budget that the House passed Feb. 6 but that time-sensitive bill could be a topic for a Thursday formal. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber)
DISABILITY POLICY CONSORTIUM: Disability Policy Consortium hosts a briefing to introduce itself and its priorities to new legislators and others. Organizers said advocates will "share our Access Agenda and where the disability community stands as we begin a new session." Speaking program is expected to begin about 10:20 a.m. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428 | Register)
YMCA ADVOCACY: Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs holds its annual state advocacy day. There will be a speaking program and legislative awards, followed by meetings with lawmakers. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
PENSION ADMINISTRATION: Administration and Audit Committee of the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg as chair. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Access Info)
IDENTITY THEFT: Office of Consumers Affairs and Business Regulation holds a program about identity theft and fraud prevention. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., The Quincy Center, 440 East Squantum St., Quincy | More Info)
DISABILITIES COMMISSION: The Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Workforce Supports Subcommittee meets. The subcommittee focuses on addressing the workforce crisis for people who provide services to individuals with disabilities. Researchers from the Center for Health Information and Analysis will give a presentation. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Register and More Information)
HOUSE SESSION: House plans to hold an informal session. Democratic members were not advised of any caucus meetings in a Feb. 7 scheduling email for this week. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
CLIMATE, SUSTAINABLE CONTRACTS: Operational Services Division holds a webinar about climate-focused contracts. Participants will learn how to fund sustainable and "climate preferable" products and services. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
HPC ADVISORY COUNCIL: Health Policy Commission's Advisory Council meets. Members will discuss recent federal policy changes and how they could impact the state's health sector. Members will also review new state hospital oversight and prescription drug reform laws, plus discuss primary care challenges and solutions in Massachusetts. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
CULTURAL DISTRICT GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council celebrates $870,000 in fiscal 2025 grant awards flowing to 58 local cultural districts. The districts, which are designated by the state under a 2011 law, receive funding "to encourage their development and success and foster local cultural preservation." Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt speaks, along with Reps. Hong and Elliott of Lowell and Cultural Council Governing Board Chair Marc Carroll. Event also includes a Merrimack Theatre Company performance of "Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill." (Thursday, 1 p.m., Merrimack Repertory Theatre, 50 East Merrimack St., Lowell)
DISABILITY BILLS: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council holds a "bill sharing" event focused on legislation that will affect people with developmental or intellectual disabilities and their families. Disability organizations, advocates, lawmakers, staff and other stakeholders are invited to participate. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m., Room 428 | Livestream)
NORTH SHORE DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's North Shore Advisory Board meets. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
AFRICAN DIASPORA: A City Hall gallery reception is held for the exhibition "No Going Back: Voices From the African Diaspora" by Northeastern University's African American Master Artist-in-Residence Program. There will be performances at 6 p.m. as attendees celebrate Black History Month. The event runs through 7 p.m. (Thursday, 5 p.m., 1 City Hall Square | More Info)
GALENTINE'S DAY: Senate President Spilka hosts her third annual "Galentine's Day" event, celebrating "the accomplishments and progress of Massachusetts' women leaders." (CLOSED PRESS) (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., City Winery, 80 Beverly St., Boston)
WHITE STADIUM COMMUNITY MEETING: Franklin Park Defenders hosts a community meeting to "discuss urgent ideas for a public alternative to White Stadium," according to the Emerald Necklace Conservancy's Instagram. The local advocates oppose the City of Boston's plan to renovate the stadium in Franklin Park in a public-private partnership with Boston Unity Soccer Partners LLC and make it home for the National Women's Soccer League team and the Boston Public Schools part of the time. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Lena Park Community Center, 150 American Legion Hwy., Dorchester | More Info)
MASSDEMS POSTMORTEM - KEATING'S DISTRICT: Massachusetts Democratic Party holds a virtual listening session with residents of U.S. Rep. Keating's Congressional district, which covers all of Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties, as well as parts of Plymouth, Bristol and Norfolk counties. The party said the sessions, planned after Democrats lost ground in the November elections, are meant as a time "to review the outcomes of the recent elections, celebrate successes, and identify areas for growth." Participants will be offered up to two minutes to offer their thoughts, on a first-come, first-served basis. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Register)
MBTA COMMUNITIES DEADLINE: Communities designated as hosting rapid transit service, host to commuter rail service, or adjacent MBTA communities, that did not meet prior deadlines under the MBTA Communities Act must submit a new action plan to the state by 11:59 p.m. to be compliant with the law. These communities will then have until July 14, 2025, to submit a district compliance application to the state. (Thursday, 11:59 p.m.)
Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
LATINX HEALTH: Latinx Knowledge Hub at UMass Boston hosts a webinar exploring the intersection of housing and health in Latinx communities. Community leaders, health experts and housing advocates will dive into how housing affordability, environmental factors and stability affect health outcomes. (Friday, 9 a.m. | Register)
VETERANS EQUALITY REVIEW BOARD: Executive Office of Veterans Services holds a virtual public hearing on proposed "rules of procedure" for the Veteran Equality Review Board. The board will process applications from individuals "who have received a less than honorable discharge," officials say. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Feb. 21. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025
GOP CANDIDATE TRAINING: MassGOP hosts a free candidate training sessions for Republicans considering running for municipal office this year. "Municipal elections are the foundation of a successful political career, providing a pathway to higher office. Whether you're considering a run for school board, select board, city council, mayor – or even dog catcher – we want to help you succeed," the party said. Training will cover political strategy, data, finance and communications, organizers said. The November 2024 elections saw Republicans pick up one seat in the state Legislature, but the party was happy with its performance and said it is a sign that voters here have an appetite for more options at the ballot. "This election cycle has proven our momentum, and in 2025, we'll show Massachusetts that Republicans are a serious force for positive change, rooted in fiscal responsibility and common sense," the party said. (Saturday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m., Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St., Holyoke | Register)
