50° and Partly Cloudy
Image
The House Republican Caucus beat Democrats to the punch in getting its top-level leadership structure organized for the session, with the appointment of two veteran lawmakers. House Minority Leader Bradley Jones Jr. has named Reps. David Vieira (left) and David Muradian (right) as third assistant minority leaders, his office told the News Service on Friday. Vieira and Muradian fill two open slots in Republican leadership left after the death of Rep. Susan Williams Gifford in October and the retirement of Rep. Jay Barrows after last session.
FRANKLIN
New Town Website Does
Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar entries. Go to
https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
MEDWAY
Mon.
Feb. 24
School
Committee Negotiations Subcommittee
9:00am
Trash
& Recycling Program Review Committee
6:00pm
Municipal
Complex Building Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Tues. Feb. 25
Planning
& Economic Development Board Meeting
7:00p
Weds. Feb. 26
6:30pm
7:00pm
STATEHOUSE AND BEYOND
After a cold school vacation week, things should start to heat up next week on Beacon Hill. The House and Senate wrangling over just how the Legislature should operate in the two-year term that began Jan. 1 continues Monday when the House is due to unveil its full suite of rules reforms. House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Rep. Michael Moran this week previewed some of the changes they're seeking, including a 60-day rolling deadline for committees to act on legislation, a new embrace of publishing committee vote details, and a requirement that lawmakers participate in committee hearings in person rather than remotely. Mariano said the changes were part of a "pursuit of a more accessible and efficient Legislature that is responsive to the concerns of our constituents." But the full scope of the speaker's proposal is still unclear and won't be filed for all to see until Monday. That will leave representatives with no more than about 24 hours before Tuesday's formal session to generate, draft and file proposed amendments -- some of which are very likely to address things like giving members greater time to review bills before they are taken up for votes. Once the House adopts its joint rules package, representatives will have to reconcile it with the Senate version. Often, lawmakers quickly finalize the sections of the rules where there is little disagreement, like the parts that establish the committee structure. Getting a committee framework in place would allow Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka to start assigning members to committees and to leadership posts, one of the final steps before serious lawmaking can really begin. Mariano did not answer directly when asked whether his picks for leadership posts and committee rosters would be coming next week, or in the first week of March. "We're going to get it to you right after we get the rules done. We've been doing the rules. It's an agonizing task to do the appointments. But -- we're almost done. We've got a few to fill in," Mariano told reporters Feb. 20. Assignments are ratified by House and Senate members in private caucuses. With key lawmakers planning to be in or around the State House next week, there could be movement on the $425 million mini-budget and shelter program reform bill that has been in play since early last month. The House and Senate passed similar versions, but getting a final bill onto the governor's desk to recapitalize a program that ran out of cash at the end of January will likely require formal session, given the consistent opposition from House and Senate Republicans.
Fresh off her trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump and fellow governors, Gov. Maura Healey will speak Wednesday to a breakfast crowd assembled by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, an opportunity for the state's chief executive to update the white collar world on the state of the economy and her plans for navigating the increasingly uncertain waters of the nation's capital. Healey used her address to the chamber last spring to talk up her economic development plan, and she has said that seeing its implementation through will be a focus for 2025. Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues will speak to a similar crowd Thursday morning, chatting with Associated Industries of Massachusetts as the Legislature gears up for its traditional spring budget season. Rodrigues and his House counterpart, Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, have not yet scheduled hearings on the $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget the governor filed Jan. 22. Usually, lawmakers hold hearings around the state throughout March. The House generally debates and passes its budget in April, followed by the Senate the week in May before Memorial Day. The Legislature is supposed to have a final, compromise budget signed by the governor by the time the new fiscal year starts on July 1, but recently the budget has stretched far deeper into summer.
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025
McGOVERN ON 4: Congressman McGovern talks with Jon Keller about the potential impact of federal research and health care cuts on the Massachusetts economy, the state of the Democratic Party, and potential responses if the White House ignores court orders halting its cuts. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
LYNCH ON 5: Congressman Lynch is a guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
STUDENTS AGAINST PRISON CONSTRUCTION: Elementary school students join anti-incarceration advocates for a weekend rally calling on lawmakers to advance legislation imposing a moratorium on new prison and jail construction for five years. Jewish fifth-graders with Boston Workers Circle will participate as their class's annual protest, joining Families for Justice as Healing and T'ruah in support of the legislation (HD 523 / SD 671). The Legislature approved moratorium language as part of a 2022 bond bill, but then-Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed the provision and legislative leaders have not embraced a revived measure in the years since. (Sunday, 2 p.m., State House steps)
BOSTON BLACK HISTORY CELEBRATION: City of Boston and Greater Boston Central Labor Council host "Lift Every Voice" event to celebrate Black History Month. The event will feature a variety of music, dance and spoken word performances aimed at this year's them, "African Americans and Labor." (Sunday, 3 p.m., Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Boston | Full Program)
Monday, Feb. 24, 2025
GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets remotely. Topics on the agenda include a mid-year fiscal 2025 budget update, non-compliance matters and research recommendations. The commission will hear quarterly reports from Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park Casino, and will retreat to executive session for part of those discussions and also for talk of collective bargaining matters. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. Representatives will likely tee up proposed House Rules and Joint Rules packages for debate on Tuesday. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream | Agenda)
DISABILITY SUPPORTS, EQUITY: Long-Term Services & Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets remotely. Agenda includes a discussion on goals for fiscal 2025. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SPILKA AT ABL: Alliance for Business Leadership hosts a luncheon, where Senate President Spilka is set to speak. Event is closed to press. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., One Beacon St., Boston)
DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT: Disability Employment Subcommittee of the Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets remotely. Agenda includes an update on the "benefits cliff" and a discussion about a potential event with the Workforce Supports Subcommittee. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration, chaired by Sen. Brownsberger and Rep. Hunt, meets. Sen. Moore gives an overview of a 2013 report about reorganizing or consolidating sheriffs' offices. Sen. Brownsberger and Rep. Day discuss a 2022 report about correctional funding. The Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association gives a presentation about correctional programs, resources and funding. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Agenda and Livestream)
BOSTON-SOMERVILLE MAFFA WAY BRIDGE PROJECT: The Department of Transportation holds the first of two identical in-person public information meetings to discuss infrastructure changes related to the Maffa Way / the Mystic Avenue Bridge replacement that connects Boston and Somerville. The project will replace two deteriorated bridges. Monday's meeting will go over traffic alignments, and changes to bike paths and bus lanes on Lombardi Street in Somerville, as well as updates on an Orange Line shutdown in May 2025. (Monday, 6 p.m. Schrafft's City Center, Cafe, 1st Floor, Main St., Charlestown)
BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. (Monday, Time not yet posted, Agenda not yet posted.)
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025
BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education holds its monthly meeting. The board will likely vote on draft regulatory changes to the competency determination, which determines if students can graduate from high school. Agenda not yet posted. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. 135 Santilli Hwy, Everett | More Info)
DRISCOLL, AUGUSTUS TALK HOUSING: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Housing Secretary Augustus visit business leaders to discuss housing production. At an event hosted by commercial real estate group NAIOP, the duo plans to discuss recommendations from the "Unlocking Housing Production Commission" Healey created via executive order last year and "the specific legislative and regulatory changes needed to increase the supply of housing in Massachusetts." Officials are mulling strategies to build on a housing production law. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Goulston & Storrs, One Post Office Square, 25th Floor, Boston | More Info)
"CARE, NOT CUTS" RALLY: Patients, families, health care providers, labor unions and advocates hold a rally, titled "Care, Not Cuts," opposing Gov. Healey's fiscal 2026 budget cuts. Healey wants to close two state-run hospitals -- Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children and Pocasset Mental Health Center -- and lay off 170 Department of Mental Health case managers. Speakers will urge state leaders to tap into the nearly $9 billion rainy day fund to prevent the cuts. The rally is followed by a legislative briefing and media availability with families and students from Pappas at 11 a.m. Those individuals will then deliver a petition, signed by more than 17,500 people, to Healey demanding the hospital stay open. The Healey administration says closing the Pappas campus, where facilities are deteriorating, would save the state money. Officials want to renovate a wing at another state-run hospital to improve care for medically complex patients. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., State House steps | More Info)
BOARD OF HIGHER ED: The Board of Higher Education meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda not yet available, Zoom)
NATIONAL GUARD HIRING TAX CREDIT: Department of Revenue holds public hearing on a proposed regulation dealing with the National Guard Hiring Tax Credit. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Zoom | More Info)
HEALTH CARE PARTNERSHIPS: Anti-hunger organization Project Bread joins health care advocates for a virtual briefing to discuss the new Health Care Partnerships program, which fully launched last month. The program, started as a pilot in April 2020, allows MassHealth members to use Medicaid benefits for certain food aid. Rep. Lawn and Sen. Friedman are set to speak. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Register)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. Agenda calls for a vote on an administrative license renewal extension and an industry report from Chief of Research Dr. Julie Johnson. Commissioners are also expected to go into executive session "to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation because the open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body." (Tuesday, 10 a.m., More Info and Access)
BANK HEARING: Board of Bank Incorporation holds a virtual public hearing about a petition from Newburyport-based River Run Bancorp to acquire Fitchburg-based Rollstone Bancorp. The transaction would make River Run Bancorp the mutual holding company for Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank, Pentucket Bank and Rollstone Bank & Trust. Regulators are examining "whether competition among banking institutions will be unreasonably affected and whether public convenience and advantage will be promoted by this proposal." (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)
REGIONAL PLANNING: Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies holds an advocacy event focused on fiscal 2026 budget funding for district local technical assistance and grant assistance programs. Rep. Donato and Sen. Eldridge give remarks. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission, chaired by Treasurer Goldberg, meets remotely. For access, contact gpolin@masslottery.com. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.)
HOUSE FORMAL: House holds a full formal session, intending to start roll call votes at 1 p.m. on the proposed House Rules and Joint Rules packages. The pending $425 million family shelter bill could also possibly emerge. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
VETERAN HIRING TAX CREDIT: Department of Revenue holds public hearing on a proposed regulation dealing with the Qualified Veterans Hire Tax Credit. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Zoom | More Info)
HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats meet in a private caucus before taking votes upstairs on proposed operating rules for the 2025-2026 term. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)
MASS CULTURAL GRANTS: Mass Cultural Council holds virtual information session about the Operating Grants for Organizations program in fiscal 2026, which supports nonprofit organizations and cultural affiliates. The state's independent arts agency expects the minimum grant amount will be $6,000. Grants are made for one year and can be renewed annually for up to four years. (Tuesday, 12:30 | Register)
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION: New England Medical Association hosts a forum on health care issues and "advocacy for a healthier, more equitable future." (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Senate Reading Room | Registration)
CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance holds an event on upcoming construction projects, bidding laws and certification. Supplier Diversity Office officials attend and are available to answer questions. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Register)
DIGNITY ALLIANCE BILLS: Dignity Alliance Massachusetts hosts a legislative briefing about what it dubbed the "Dignity Dozen + One," a series of bills dealing with issues affecting older adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers. The 13 bills cover topics such as responsibility for policy and budget decisions in nursing homes (SD 2135 / HD 4132), tax relief for older homeowners (SD 583 / HD 1029), and certification for skilled nursing facility medical directors (SD 1749 / HD 1866). Former Elder Affairs Secretary Paul Lanzikos offers an introduction. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 222)
IDENTITY THEFT: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation holds an event about identity theft and fraud prevention. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Peabody Public Library, 78 Lynn St., Peabody | Register)
WARREN CFPB: U.S. Sen. Warren holds a forum about President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Panelists include Attorney General Campbell; Lorelei Salas, former director of supervision policy at CFPB; and Americans who have benefited from the CFPB. Warren's office says the Cambridge Democrat invited Musk to answer questions "about his financial interest in dismantling the agency." (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Senate Dirksen Office building, Constitution Ave. NE, Washington)
BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES: Boston Globe and Black Economic Council of Massachusetts hold a panel discussion about the state of Black-owned businesses in Boston. Panelists include Anica Butler of the Globe, Nichole Obi of BECMA, Jonathan Jefferson of Roxbury Community College, Tambo Barrow of Bred Restaurant, and Kai Grant of Black Nubian Market. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Roxbury Community College Student Commons, 1234 Columbus Ave., Roxbury | RSVP)
DCR PITTSFIELD: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds an informational meeting and public listening session as officials prepare resource management plans for the agency's Pittsfield Complex. That includes Ashmere Lake State Park, Balance Rock State Park, Bates Memorial State Park, Bryant Mountain State Forest, Gilbert A. Bliss State Forest, Middlefield State Forest, October Mountain State Forest, Peru State Forest, Pittsfield State Forest, Richmond State Forest, Wahconah Falls State Park, and Worthington State Forest. DCR is seeking public feedback through March 27. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
CAMBRIDGE STATE OF THE CITY: Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons and City Manager Yi-An Huang host the annual State of the City address. Members of the community are invited to attend a "casual social" with city leaders at 6 p.m. before the speaking program. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Mass. Ave. | Livestream)
MATERNAL HEALTH: A virtual forum about the state's new maternal health law is hosted by the Leagues of Women Voters of the Cape Cod Area and of Massachusetts. Speakers include Sen. Miranda, Dr. Hafsatou Diop of the Department of Public Health, Dr. William Agel of Cape Cod Healthcare, Katherine Rushfirth of Boston Neighborhood Birth Center, Jodie Schwartz Belson of Outer Cape Health Services, and doula Erinn Bray. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025
ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: U.S. Small Business Administration holds its annual Roxbury Community College contracting and capital matchmaker event. Attendees can connect with entrepreneurs, network with contracting officers about potential partnership opportunities, and learn about resources to help grow their businesses. Breakfast with exhibitors starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by welcoming remarks at 9 a.m. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Roxbury Community College, 1234 Columbus Ave., Boston | Register)
HEALEY AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Gov. Healey participates in a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce forum. Healey delivers a keynote speech at 10 a.m., followed by an audience Q&A at 10:45 a.m. Last year, Healey used her appearance to preview her economic development bill, which became law later in the year and make large life sciences climate tech investments. The governor this year is pushing for major long-term investments in education and transportation funded by the income surtax that many business groups opposed. (Wednesday, 9:45 a.m., The Westin Copley, 10 Huntington Ave., Boston | Tickets)
MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL: The Mass. Cultural Council holds a virtual business meeting. The council will hear from Cory Shea, director of arts, culture and the creative economy for the town of Franklin, receive an update from Mass. Cultural Council staff on the Cultural Districts Initiative redesign process, and vote on grant recommendations for cultural organizations. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
TAUNTON DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Taunton Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: Massachusetts School Building Authority Board, chaired by Treasurer Goldberg, meets remotely. For access, contact Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org. (Wednesday, 10 a.m.)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - LAUREL BARRACO: Governor's Council interviews Laurel Barraco, one of Gov. Healey's latest nominees to the Probate and Family Court bench. The Holden resident is an owner and attorney at Westborough-based Callahan, Barraco, Inman & Bonzagni. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS LOBBY DAY: Coalition for Homeless Individuals, representing more than 60 providers across the state, holds its annual lobby day with a speaking program followed by meetings with elected officials. Providers say the network of shelters, transitional services and supportive housing here is stressed to its limits with up to 25% increases in demand recently. Speakers include providers and to-be-announced elected officials. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Nurses Hall)
POTENTIAL SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate President Spilka advised Democrat senators to prepare for a "potential" caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
POTENTIAL SENATE FORMAL: Senate President Spilka advised members to be prepared for the first of two "potential" back-to-back formal sessions of the week. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
MGB CANCER FORUM: Sen. Cindy Friedman hosts a Mass General Brigham forum focused on the system's strategy for "patient-centered integrated cancer care" in Massachusetts. MGB's new approach stems from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's split from Brigham and Women's Hospital, with Dana-Farber now pursuing a standalone center with Beth Israel Lahey Health. Speakers include Dr. O'Neill, chief integration officer at MGB, as well as surgeon, physician, and radiation oncologist chiefs from Mass General Brigham Cancer. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 428)
MEDICAL CANNABIS OVERSIGHT: Massachusetts Health Policy Forum at Brandeis holds a webinar about medical cannabis oversight as the federal government looks to reschedule marijuana. The drug could be changed from Schedule I to Schedule III, which would loosen restrictions and reclassify marijuana for medical use. Alexandra Kritikos, of NORC at the University of Chicago, presents an issue brief about strategies for patient-centered care in Massachusetts. A panel discusses near-term strategies to improve guidance, safety and affordability of medical cannabis. Panelists include Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein and Ethan Zohn, a cancer survivor and a past winner of "Survivor: Africa." (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ASSEMBLY: Governor's Council meets, and could vote on the judicial nominations of Evelyn Patsos (Probate and Family Court) and Sarah Turano-Flores (Land Court), along with the reappointment of Nicholas Bernier to a second term on the Appellate Tax Board. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - BETHANY BROWN: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Bethany Brown to the Probate and Family Court bench. A former public sector union rep for SEIU Local 254, Brown, of Duxbury, now runs her own solo practice. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GOLDBERG, HEALEY MEET: Gov. Healey meets with Treasurer Goldberg for their monthly meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Governor's Office)
DENTISTRY ANESTHESIA: Board of Registration in Dentistry Anesthesia Committee meets. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - BRIAN SALISBURY: Governor's Council interviews Probate and Family Court nominee Brian Salisbury of Bellingham. The former Prince Lobel Tye associate is a partner at Franklin law firm Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond, & Weil. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
M&A OUTLOOK: Association for Corporate Growth Boston hosts its annual M&A Outlook Forum with a macro-economic outlook on what's ahead in 2025 with keynote speaker Kevin Shea, director of technology and communication services at BNY Wealth. Event also includes a survey review, summarizing insights from 100+ dealmakers in the ACG Boston community. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., UMass Club, One Beacon St., Boston)
IDENTITY THEFT: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation holds an event about identity theft and fraud prevention in Haitian Creole and English. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Turner Free Library, 2 N. Main St., Randolph | More Info)
BOSTON-SOMERVILLE MAFFA WAY BRIDGE PROJECT: Department of Transportation holds the first of two identical in-person public information meetings to discuss infrastructure changes related to the Maffa Way / the Mystic Avenue Bridge replacement that connects Boston and Somerville. The project will replace two deteriorated bridges. Wednesday's meeting will go over traffic alignments, and changes to bike paths and bus lanes on Lombardi Street in Somerville, as well as updates on an Orange Line shutdown in May 2025. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. Somerville Central Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Somerville)
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025
GROUP INSURANCE: Group Insurance Commission meets. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
RODRIGUES WITH BIZ LEADERS: Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues addresses business leaders at the latest "Commonwealth Conversation" hosted by Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Rodrigues will discuss the state's fiscal outlook and then participate in what AIM described as "an intimate fireside chat" with Stephanie Swanson, the group's executive vice president of government affairs. Coffee and conversation begins at 8 a.m., followed by the main event. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Nixon Peabody, 53 State St., Boston | More Info)
MEGA MILLIONS RULES: State Lottery Commission holds public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments to change the game rules for Mega Millions. The rule changes would go into effect April 5, according to the hearing notice, and "include a new numbers matrix and prize structure, increased ticket prices and the incorporation of a guaranteed multiplier." (Thursday, 9 a.m., Dial +1 (972) 301-8269 and enter conference ID number 393569258# | More Info)
PRIM BOARD: Massachusetts Pension Reserve Investment Management Board, chaired by Treasurer Goldberg, meets remotely. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)
TREATMENT VS. INCARCERATION: Medical school students with the Coalition for an Integrated Mental Health System host "Treatment, Not Incarceration Advocacy Day." Advocates say people who relapse while on probation are often sent back to prison, a cycle that can worsen the overdose crisis. The coalition is promoting bills from Sen. Friedman and Reps. Nguyen and Decker (SD 1634 / HD 873) to mandate substance use treatment for those individuals instead of incarceration. A panel discussion about the legislation is set for 11 a.m., featuring Sen. Friedman, Brigham and Women's Hospital addiction fellow Dr. Rohit Abraham, attorney Lisa Newman-Polk, and Mike Jellison of Boston Health Care for the Homeless. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 437)
MEDICAL MARIJUANA HEARING: Cannabis Control Commission wants to hear from patients, caregivers, health care providers, licensees, and the general public at a listening session focused on the state's medical marijuana program. Voters here made cannabis legal for medical use with a 2012 ballot law and the Department of Public Health oversaw the program before it shifted under the CCC following the 2016 ballot law legalizing non-medical marijuana. Patient advocates have long called on the state to dismantle the vertical integration model that has been in place since the program's inception, among other priorities. "Patients are struggling with too few medical dispensaries, limited products, and unnecessary regulations. If we do not speak up now the medical program could disappear. This is our chance to save our medical program and demand action before it is too late," the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance said in a Facebook post about the CCC listening session. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | More Info and Remote Access)
IDENTITY THEFT: Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation holds an event about identity theft and fraud prevention in Vietnamese and English. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Randolph Inter-Generational Center, 128 Pleasant St., Randolph | Register)
ALZHEIMER'S ADVOCACY: Alzheimer's Association holds an advocacy day highlighting bills that support people living with dementia and family caregivers. Advocates say their policy requests would help more than 135,000 people in Massachusetts who have Alzheimer's. There will be a legislative briefing and panel at 11 a.m. Reps. Gregoire and Kilcoyne and Sen. Gomez give remarks. Rep. Stanley and Sen. Jehlen are honored as "legislative champions." At 3:15 p.m., lawmakers will gather on the Grand Staircase for a photo and are encouraged to wear purple for Alzheimer's awareness. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., State House | More Info)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
POTENTIAL SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate President Spilka advised Democrat senators to prepare for a "potential" caucus. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)
POTENTIAL SENATE FORMAL: Senate President Spilka advised members to be prepared for a "potential" formal session for the second straight day. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
"FREEDOM TO MOVE": Transportation for Massachusetts hosts the latest event in its "Money Train" panel series, this time focused on a report titled "Freedom to Move: Investing in Transportation Choices for a Clean, Prosperous, and Just Future." The Union of Concerned Scientists and Alternatives for Community and Environment produced the report, which examines potential savings from moving away from car-centric transportation. ACE Director of Development and Community Engagement Emmanuell De Barros, UCS Northeast Transportation Policy Analyst Kevin Shen, and Conservation Law Foundation Clean Transportation Staff Attorney Seth Gadbois join. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Register)
HOUSATONIC RIVER RALLY: Leaders from the town of Lee host a rally at General Electric's Boston headquarters to call on GE to clean up the Housatonic River. Rep. Leigh Davis participates. In March 2023, the Town of Lee filed a lawsuit alleging that GE and Monsanto were jointly liable for dumping "forever" PCBs into a 100-mile stretch of the Housatonic from 1929 to 1979. GE was using the chemicals to manufacture electric transformers at its plant in Pittsfield. Charles Brittain, Lee town administrator, and members of the town's select board are expected to attend the rally. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Sam Adams Park, 6 Faneuil Hall Square | More Info)
HPC BOARD: Health Policy Commission Board meets, starting with an executive session slated to take an hour. During the public portion of the meeting around 1 p.m., HPC staff will share new research on behavioral health-related emergency room boarding. Commissioners will discuss a cost and market review of the proposed affiliation between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians, as well as the construction of a standalone inpatient cancer facility. Agenda also deals with the new health care oversight law, including regulatory changes taking effect this April to the material change process and heightened scrutiny over private equity investments. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
RESPIRATORY CARE: Board of Respiratory Care meets remotely. Members will discuss telehealth policies and limited licenses. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GRID MODERNIZATION: Grid Modernization Advisory Council meets to discuss updates from Electric Sector Modernization Plan-related activities and utility reporting metrics. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Zoom)
HEART LAW COVERAGE: Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Garry hold a press conference promoting bills (SD 539 / HD 4025) that would allow POST-certified police officers who are disabled due to cardiac disease to be covered by the "Heart Law." The 1950 law deals with job-related disability benefits and lawmakers want to ensure that publicly employed police officers are covered. Oliveira's office said the proposal would expand protections to University of Massachusetts police, state Environmental Police, Department of Mental Health police, Massport police, and state and community college police. (Thursday, 1:15 p.m., Room 222)
AUTISM COMMISSION: Autism Commission meets remotely. For access, contact Carol.M.Gracia@mass.gov. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants holds a "Know Your Rights" presentation. Officials will discuss immigrant and refugee rights amid federal policy changes. (Thursday, 6 p.m.| Register)
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025
DISTRICT COURT BREAKFAST: Framingham and Natick District Courts host their annual legislative breakfast, according to Senate President Spilka, who plans to attend. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Framingham District Court, 600 Concord St., Framingham)
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: MA Center for Employee Ownership holds a Greater Boston regional symposium. Attendees will learn about types of employee ownership and funding opportunities, as well as hear from employee-owned firms. (Friday, 9 a.m., Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Mass Ave., Cambridge | Register)
METRO SOUTH CHAMBER: Metro South Chamber of Commerce hosts a luncheon featuring a talk from Congressman Auchincloss. Sharon Town Administrator Fred Turkington, Sharon Economic Development Council past chair Robert Maidman and MOBD Southeast Regional Director Jennifer Menard will also speak. (Friday, 11:45 a.m., Sharon Community Center, 219 Massapoag Ave., Sharon)
REP. DOHERTY - VISITING HOURS: Visiting hours are held for the late Rep. Carol Doherty, who served more than two terms in the House before her death Feb. 15 at the age of 82 after a fight with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at a later date with details to be shared on her Facebook page. (Friday, 1 p.m., Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home, 350 Somerset Ave., Taunton)
Saturday, March 1, 2025
HEALTH CARE SERVICES: Health Care Services Board of the Department of Industrial Accidents meets remotely. Kathleen Fitzsimmons, senior epidemiologist at the Department of Public Health, presents on "work-related respiratory disease surveillance in Massachusetts." For access, contact david.michels@mass.gov. (Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m. | More Info)
