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Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Homes for All Massachusetts, UU Mass Action, City Life/Vida Urban, Lynn United for Change, Greater Boston Legal Services and other organizations held an event focused on family homelessness and newly-proposed restrictions on accessing emergency family shelter on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. A bill pumping another $425 million into the state's overburdened emergency family shelter system landed on Gov. Maura Healey's desk Wednesday, more than three weeks after administration officials said they ran out of funding to pay providers for new services.
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MEDWAY
Mon.
Mar.
3
9:00am
4:00pm
6:00pm
7:00pm
Inclusion,
Diversity, and Equity Advisory Com Mtg
7:00pm
Community
Preservation Committee Meeting
7:30pm
Tues.
Mar.
4
7:00pm
03/04/2025
Open Space Committee meeting
7:00pm
Weds.
Mar.
5
Design
Review Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting
7:30pm
ZBA
Public Hearing Notice-46R Granite St
7:30pm
Thurs.
Mar.
6
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE
HOUSE AND BEYOND
Top Democrats have so far taken a business-as-usual approach to the new session, but the massive and evolving reordering of federal government priorities means the upcoming budget cycle may be anything but business as usual. House and Senate Ways and Means Committee members gather Thursday to launch hearings on Gov. Maura Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget, a blueprint that drives up spending by more than 7% and was released before anyone knew how far national Republicans may be willing to go with spending reductions and tax cuts. The GOP push to shrink government is said to be focused on rooting out waste, fraud and abuse, but legal battles have already broken out over the scope of sweeping spending cuts and layoffs. While popular government programs that serve low-income individuals and families are at risk, the extent of downsizing remains unknown. Healey said this week that health care coverage for 2 million state residents is imperiled, and Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues said the scale of change being discussed could upend the state's economy and fiscal health. That leaves the Legislature and Healey with four months to come up with a final state budget and perhaps some contingency plans since annual hearings are beginning with deep apprehension over the reliability of $16 billion in annual federal revenues written into Healey's budget. Trump continues to promise to "make America great again" but Democrats in control on Beacon Hill see the president's preference for deep spending cuts and hefty tariffs as threats to shatter safety-net programs and make life more expensive for everyone. The situation is unfolding without a Republican in the state's delegation, which lacks an elected official in Washington who might be able to defend the state from within the GOP's Congressional power structure. Development of the fiscal 2026 state budget will consume attention into the summer, and accomplishments this week in the Legislature set the table for the next phase of the two-year session. Standing and joint committee members have been appointed and are free to begin holding organizational meetings and agreeing on committee rules. Once bills are assigned bill numbers and sent to committees by the clerks, public hearings will commence. Competing sets of joint rules that make historic changes to operating procedures appear bound for a conference committee, likely led by Rep. Michael Moran and Sen. Joan Lovely.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
SPEAKER MARIANO ON 4: House Speaker Mariano talks with Jon Keller about the impact of federal cuts on Massachusetts, Auditor DiZoglio's push for audit power over the Legislature, changes to the House Rules, and the controversy surrounding Rep. Roy's relationship with a lobbyist. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
DOONER ON 5: Sen. Dooner of Taunton is the guest on "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
HARBOR SHAMROCK SPLASH: Save the Harbor hosts its 15th annual JetBlue Shamrock Splash to raise money for free events and programs on Massachusetts beaches. Participants plunge into the cold harbor and compete for round-trip flights from JetBlue for biggest fundraiser and best costume. The funds raised support Save the Harbor's Better Beaches Program partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Last year, the grant program supported by the fundraiser awarded more than $300,000 to 95 organizations to support free beach festivals, concerts, sailing and kayaking instruction and youth programs in Lynn, Nahant, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy and Hull. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Constitution Beach, East Boston)
SAMARITANS MEMORIAL DAY: Suicide prevention organization Samaritans holds its annual memorial day event to "provide a sanctuary for individuals who have experienced the loss of someone to suicide, facilitating a supportive network through shared stories and commemorations." (Sunday, 2 p.m., Corcoran Heights Room, Boston College | Register)
Monday, March 3, 2025
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in five cases: Commonwealth vs. Quentin Smith (gun possession); Commonwealth vs. Boima Collins (gun possession); Commonwealth vs. Erik A. Ferrara (gun possession); Susan Miele vs. Foundation Medicine, Inc. (employment dispute); and Jeff Stacy vs. Unitil Corporation and another (workers compensation). (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | Sitting List | Livestream)
CANNABIS ADVISORY: Industry Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets to conduct 2025 planning. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
JUNK FEE REGS: Attorney General Campbell announces new consumer protection regulations to prohibit "junk fees" related to trial and subscription offers, as part of National Consumer Protection Week. (Monday, 10 a.m., 20th Floor, Attorney General's Office, 1 Ashburton Place, Boston)
CHILDREN SUDDEN DEATHS: Rep. Arciero of Westford, Junie's Place, and the Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) Foundation hold an event on SUDC and a related bill (HD 3789) dealing with bereavement leave. Under Arciero's bill, employers would be required to offer up to 10 days of bereavement leave after the death of an employee's child, to be used consecutively or non-consecutively within 12 months. Event features personal stories from families affected by SUDC. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Nurses' Hall)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream | Agenda)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
BELLE ISLE MARSH: Local leaders and supporters hold a virtual update on climate resilience efforts around Belle Isle Marsh. The presentation will include information from Boston, Revere, Winthrop, the MBTA, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, Friends of Belle Isle Marsh and the Mystic River Watershed Association. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
VATICAN AI WORKSHOP: Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao and University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Macelo Suárez-Orozco speak at the AI, Justice and Democracy workshop hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. Secretary Hao will speak at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday about "AI and the Future of Work," and Orozco will speak throughout the two days of programing, including leading a panel on "International Collaboration in AI Regulation" at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an agenda. The agenda also shows Chief Information Officer Jason Snyder plans to attend, though he is not scheduled for a speaking program. (Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m., Casina Pio IV, Vatican City | Livestream | More Info)
BUILDING CERTIFICATION: State Board of Building Regulations and Standards' Building Official Certification Committee meets. Members will review examination approval packets, applications for certification packets, new employee report forms, and applications for continuing education. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Norfolk Police Department, Second Floor, 14 Sharon Ave., Norfolk | Agenda and Livestream)
THRIVE SCHOLARS: Sen. Crighton and Rep. Livingstone host an open-press briefing with Thrive Scholars to discuss navigating the backlash to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The Thrive Scholars program helps high-achieving, underrepresented students from economically disadvantaged communities get into and graduate from top colleges. Thrive Scholars CEO Drew Martin, Boston Executive Director Dan Navisky, Thrive Boston board Chair Darryn Lee, and program participant Joshua Rodriguez Ortiz participate. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 437)
EARLY EDU ADVOCACY DAY: Early education and care providers who are part of the subsidized care system hold an advocacy day. About 600 early education centers and nearly 50 family child care systems provide early education and care for low-income, at-risk and high-need children through subsidized programs. Speakers include Sen. Moore, Sen. DiDomenico, Rep. Gordon and Rep. Peisch. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
DTA PITTSFIELD: Pittsfield Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
FIREARM TECHNOLOGY: Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology meets. Agenda includes guest testimony from Evan Lieberman, assistant legislative director to New York state Sen. Brad Holyman-Sigal; California state Sen. Catherine Blakespear; and Jim Wallace, executive director of the Gun Owners' Action League. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and from Deputy Commissioner Justine Muir, as well as program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
CREATIVE SECTOR POLICY: Sen. Paul Mark hosts an open-press creative sector policy briefing alongside the Mass Cultural Council, MASSCreative, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. Participants will discuss the state of Massachusetts' creative economy, arts and culture policy priorities this session, and more. Organizers said arts and cultural production in Massachusetts accounted for $28.6 billion in economic impact, 133,773 jobs, and 4.1% of the state’s economy as of the latest federal data release. Mark is Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
LUDLOW CHURCH: Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Saunders present a $50,000 check to First Church in Ludlow to support roof repairs. Oliveira's office said he secured the funding during his tenure in the House, with the money meant to preserve the historical landmark. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 859 Center St., Ludlow)
ELEVATOR REGS: Board of Elevators Regulations meets. Agenda includes petitions from properties in Warren, Boston, Newton. There will also be a report from the chief elevator inspector. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1000 Washington St., Conference Room 1D, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE BRIEFING: Sen. Comerford and Rep. Domb host the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, and representatives from other community aid and advocacy groups to discuss bills intended to support refugees and immigrants. Lead legislative sponsors will share information on the Dignity Not Deportations Act (HD 3596 / SD 1107); Safe Communities Act (HD 3816 / SD 1679); and the Immigration Legal Defense Act (HD 4072 / SD 2057). Open to the media. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)
QUINCY - ROUTE 3A: MassDOT holds its second public information meeting on a study of congestion, safety, and potential improvements at the north end of Route 3A in Quincy at the Neponset River Bridge. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Zoom | More Info)
BOSTON COMMON MEMORIAL: Boston city officials hold a briefing about upcoming "accessibility upgrades" to the Shaw Memorial on Boston Common. The memorial, situated across the street from the State House, honors the Massachusetts 54th Volunteer Infantry, a Black regiment during the Civil War. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
FIREFIGHTER GRADUATION: Department of Fire Services holds a graduation ceremony for members of the Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class #117. Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and leaders from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy present certificates. The graduates are from nine fire departments in Essex, Hamilton, Haverhill, Lincoln, Lynnfield, Nahant, Newburyport, Topsfield and Wenham. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Lynnfield Middle School, 505 Main St., Lynnfield)
EDUCATION TOWN HALL: Teachers' union AFT Massachusetts holds virtual town-hall style event as part of its "Protect Our Kids" action day focused on potential blockage of federal grant funding and President Trump's goal of abolishing the U.S. Education Department. "Speakers will discuss what it means for Massachusetts specifically and steps the state can take to protect the students and communities of the Commonwealth," AFT said. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Virtual | Registration | Press register by contacting emily@crawfordstrategies.com)
TOPSFIELD - PERKINS ROW BRIDGE: MassDOT holds public design hearing on a replacement bridge for Perkins Row where it crosses Mile Brook in Topsfield. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Town Hall, 8 West Common St., Topsfield | More Info)
"LIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY": League of Women Voters of Massachusetts hosts a "Light for Democracy" event "in opposition to our developing constitutional crisis" around the time that President Trump is set to address Congress. The event is part of a national campaign organized by the League of Women Voters "to stand up against this Administration's attempts to attack our democratic institutions," according to an advisory. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., State House steps)
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: President Donald Trump delivers an address to a joint session of Congress, his first major speech since his inauguration in January. The president is likely to detail his administration's efforts to pare back the federal workforce and spending, and his approach to foreign policy. In Massachusetts, state officials will be listening for anything that could clear up the voluminous uncertainty about what the president may do. (Tuesday, 9 p.m., U.S. House Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.)
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
VATICAN AI WORKSHOP: Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao and University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Macelo Suárez-Orozco speak at the AI, Justice and Democracy workshop hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences at the Vatican. Secretary Hao will speak at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday about "AI and the Future of Work," and Orozco will speak throughout the two days of programing, including leading a panel on "International Collaboration in AI Regulation" at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an agenda. The agenda also shows Chief Information Officer Jason Snyder plans to attend, though he is not scheduled for a speaking program. (Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m., Casina Pio IV, Vatican City | Livestream | More Info)
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in five cases: Commonwealth vs. Victor Mercedes (drug case); Bharathan Jeevanandam vs. Vanikala Bharathan, with the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Division as a third-party defendant (family law); Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund vs. Workers' Compensation Trust Fund (workers compensation); Arrowood Indemnity Company vs. Workers' Compensation Trust Fund (workers compensation); and City of Newton vs. Commonwealth Employment Relations Board (labor law). (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | Sitting List | Livestream)
MAPC WINTER MEETING: Metropolitan Area Planning Council introduces a new strategic plan during its winter meeting, detailing priorities for 2025 to 2030. The group also bestows its Mayor Theodore Mann Regional Leadership Award. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Zoom)
WU TESTIFIES IN DC: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is slated to testify before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, with Chairman James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, looking to examine mayors' "refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities." Also testifying are Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The gathering, called a "hearing with sanctuary city mayors," comes after Comer in January launched an investigation into so-called sanctuary jurisdictions and their impact on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. "The pro-illegal alien mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City have implemented reckless, illegal policies that shield criminal aliens from federal immigration enforcement and endanger public safety. Criminal alien predators should not be free to roam our communities," Comer said in a statement. "State and local governments that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement efforts should not receive a penny of federal funding. President Trump and his administration are rightfully taking action against sanctuary cities." Wu, in an interview this week with WCVB, said she plans to "defend all that we're doing here that has been working." She added, "We are a city that isn't going to give up. We are going to fight back against anyone who thinks that they're going to come into our city and wreak havoc or cause harm." Wu on Tuesday met with Boston faith leaders and held a media availability about their partnership "to make Boston the safest major city in the country," her office said. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., HVC-210, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. | More Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ANDREW HOFFMAN: Governor's Council holds hearing on Juvenile Court judicial nominee Andrew Hoffman of Milton. Hoffman was a longtime employee of the Committee for Public Counsel Services' Children and Family Law Division before opening his own Boston law office. Councilor Civil presides. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
CIVIL LEGAL AID: Judiciary Committee Co-Chair Rep. Day and Rep. Cataldo host a closed-press briefing on civil legal aid, which supports low-income people navigate legal issues tied to housing, domestic violence and health care access. The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation is seeking $54 million for its fiscal 2026 budget line item, while Gov. Healey level-funded the account at $51 million in her budget proposal. Speakers include Lynne Parker of MLAC, Louis Tompros of the Equal Justice Coalition, Faye Rachlin of Community Legal Aid, and Marina Abraham of CLA's Medical Legal Partnership. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Members Lounge)
FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, legislative update, update from the Department of Fire Services, and an activities report on the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow | More Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - JEANNIE RHINEHART: Governor's Council interviews Juvenile Court judicial candidate Jeannie Rhinehart of Whitman. She is attorney-in-charge at the Brockton office of Committee for Public Counsel Services' Children and Family Law Division. Councilor Civil presides. (Wednesday, 11:15 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - ASSEMBLY: Governor's Council meets, and could vote to confirm a trio of Probate and Family Court judicial nominees -- Laurel Barraco, Bethany Brown, and Brian Salisbury. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK: Consumer specialists from Attorney General Campbell's office will be on hand to discuss utilities, auto, and home improvement consumer protection measures at a "Spring Forward" joint event to mark National Consumer Protection Week. Hosted by MASSPIRG Consumer Action Center, MetroWest Mediation Services, the Worcester Consumer Rights Program, and the Attorney General's Office. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Treasurer Goldberg chairs the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | Zoom)
BOSTON POLICE: Boston's Office of Accountability and Transparency holds an open house about its mission, goals and recent work. Residents can meet with staff to learn more about the office, which was created to bolster trust and accountability between law enforcement and residents. The event runs through 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., 2201 Washington St., Boston)
WORCESTER - PLEASANT STREET: MassDOT holds public meeting about proposed pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements along Pleasant Street in Worcester. Project includes five-foot minimum bike lanes in each direction with a buffer in between the bike lane and 12-foot travel lanes. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., West Tatnuck School, 300 Mower St., Worcester | More Info)
BOSTON ADU: Boston Home Center holds an information session about its ADU Financial Assistance Program. Eligible homeowners can receive both a grant and a loan to cover design, permitting and building costs. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)
DEDHAM - SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: MassDOT holds public design hearing on safety improvements around Avery Elementary School as part of the Safe Routes To School project. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., O'Brien Room, Town Hall, 450 Washington St., Dedham | More Info)
FIREFIGHTER GRADUATION: Department of Fire Services holds a graduation ceremony for members of the Call/Volunteer Recruit Firefighter Training Class #116. Graduates come from 15 departments in Carlisle, Dover, Grafton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Lancaster, Mendon, Millis, Millville, Norfolk, Northbridge, Pepperell, Sherborn, and Sterling. One of the graduates is Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., 1 State Road, Stow)
FEBRUARY REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax collections for February, a month the Healey administration is expecting to generate $2.009 billion in tax revenue. The state had collected $752 million by Feb. 14, $7 million or 0.9% less than was collected during the same period in February 2024. Collections don't come in evenly throughout the month and collections are usually weighted towards the end of the month. February usually accounts for less than 6% of annual receipts. While no individual or business taxpayers are required to make estimated payments in February, it is the month in which tax refunds "reach substantial levels as the tax filing season begins," DOR said. (Wednesday)
Thursday, March 6, 2025
AUGUSTUS AT WORCESTER CHAMBER: Housing Secretary Augustus, a former Worcester city manager and senator, speaks to the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce at a Breakfast Club event. Press interested in attending are asked to contact clubelczyk@worcesterchamber.org. (Thursday, 8 a.m., AC Marriott Hotel, 125 Front St., Worcester)
WOMEN LEADING GOVERNMENT: Women Leading Government holds its annual conference. Panel discussions and sessions will focus on self-advocacy in the workplace, management stories, how municipalities are using generative AI, and giving constructive criticism. The event is intended for women in local government roles who are interested in improving their management and leadership skills. An initiative of the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association, Women Leading Government aims to support women in staff positions in local government. Women Leading Government has chapters in 20 states, including also in Maine and Vermont; the organization offers professional development and training opportunities, mentorship, coaching and other resources. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham | More Info)
BOYS & MEN REPORT: Boston Foundation hosts a discussion of a new report from Boston Indicators and the American Institute for Boys and Men that looks at challenges faced by boys and men across greater Boston, focused on disparities shaped by race, income and education. The presentation will be followed by a conversation between Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, and Darryl Murphy, host of the weekly news and culture podcast, "The Common" on WBUR. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., The Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., 3rd Floor, Boston | Register | Livestream)
BOILER RULES: Board of Boiler Rules, housed within the Department of Fire Services, meets. Members will review requests to extend certificates of inspection for facilities including St. Elizabeth's Hospital, UMass Lowell, McLean Hospital and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, ARC RECEPTION: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Massachusetts hold their annual legislative reception, with "safeguarding our rights through advocacy" as the theme. Sen. Kennedy and Garballey will be honored. Senate President Spilka will deliver remarks. Several hundred people with disabilities, family members, providers and staff are expected to attend. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | Agenda and Livestream)
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FUND: Economic Empowerment Trust Fund Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | For access email samantha.c.perry@tre.state.ma.us or call 617-352-4820 for call-in phone number and instructions)
DPU COMPETITIVE SUPPLY: Competitive Supply Stakeholder Working Group of the Department of Public Utilities meets. The DPU in January 2019 opened an inquiry into improving protections for residential customers tied to the marketing and delivery of products from competitive suppliers. DPU previously took no action on initiatives, including policies to boost consumer awareness and oversight of competitive suppliers. DPU, citing the "absence of legislative action," says it is "appropriate" to reconvene the working group. Attorney General Andrea Campbell said last month she'll prioritize legislation this session banning third-party suppliers from selling electricity directly to suppliers. The Senate embraced the policy last session, but it did not survive House-Senate negotiations on a clean energy bill. (Thursday, 10 a.m., One South Station, Third Floor, Boston | More Info)
FIRST ANNUAL BUDGET HEARING: Gov. Healey and Secretary Gorzkowicz testify as the Ways and Means Committee begins its weeks-long review of the governor's $62 billion fiscal 2026 state budget with the first of eight planned hearings. The fiscal year 2026 budget Healey filed Jan. 22 would continue programs like free school meals, begin to overhaul transportation and higher education financing, and pursue new policies such as traffic speed cameras. Her plan relies on about $1 billion in one-time revenues and would make relatively minor tax law changes to help support state spending that has remained at elevated levels in post-pandemic years. While budget writers expect income surtax revenues to continue coming in at above-budgeted levels and non-surtax tax revenues to grow at a modest rate in the upcoming cycle, the first month of President Donald Trump's second term has focused intensely on cutting federal spending. Healey and most state officials have been vocal about the negative impacts those changes could have on the Massachusetts budget and economy. The governor's budget includes more than $16 billion in federal revenue, mostly related to the Medicaid program. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Livestream)
SENATE SESSION: Senate meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate chamber)
HOUSE: House plans to hold an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
DiZOGLIO'S FIGHT: Contrarian Boston hosts a forum with Auditor DiZoglio about her "fight for transparency" and effort to subject the Legislature to her auditing powers. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Zoom)
CAREGIVER COALITION: Massachusetts Caregiver Coalition hosts a "Lunch & Learn" virtual event on what's next for family caregiver policy in Massachusetts. Sen. Comerford and former Rep. Jennifer Benson, now of AARP Massachusetts, discuss the issue with Secretary Robin Lipson of the Executive Office of Aging & Independence as moderator. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Register)
ABH BRIEFING ON RATES BILL: Association for Behavioral Healthcare holds an open-press briefing for legislators and staff on its bill requiring higher MassHealth reimbursement rates for more than 400 mental health centers. The ABH, which represents more than 80 community-based behavioral health care providers, says the bill would help the centers "confront a historic workforce shortage" and reduce wait times for people in need of services. ABH says that for every ten clinicians hired by centers that serve MassHealth members 13 leave for private practice or settings that pay higher salaries. The briefing will feature ABH President and CEO Lydia Conley, ABH Board Chair Lesli Suggs of The Home for Little Wanderers, and board vice chair Daurice Cox of Bay State Community Services. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room 428, State House)
BOSTON OIL TERMINALS: Government Operations Committee of the Boston City Council holds virtual working session relative to employee safety at Boston oil terminals. The order for the hearing focuses on the East Boston oil terminal at 467 Chelsea St. While three nearby oil terminals in Chelsea have a "minimum requirement of staffing to ensure trained employees are always onsite," the order said, the East Boston terminal sometimes requires only one operator onsite which "creates a variety of safety concerns." (Thursday, 2 p.m., Email meagan.corugedo@boston.gov for access info)
BOSTON ART GALLERY: To celebrate the start of Women's History Month, a Boston City Hall gallery reception is held for the "Patterns on Concrete" exhibit from the Boston Modern Quilt Gild exhibit. Attendees can meet with the artists. (Thursday, 5 p.m., 1 City Hall Square, Boston | RSVP)
WILBRAHAM - ROUTE 20: MassDOT holds public hearing on proposed resurfacing and roadwork on Route 20 in Wilbraham. Part of the project focuses on directives designed to increase bicycling, transit and walking options through the inclusion of wide shoulders, bike lanes and sidewalks. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Zoom | More Info)
Friday, March 7, 2025
MMA IN DALTON: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a legislative breakfast in Dalton. MMA staff will discuss the fiscal 2026 budget, Gov. Healey's Municipal Empowerment Act, remote meeting rules, Chapter 90 funding and other priority bills. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Council on Aging, 40 Field St. Ext., Dalton | More Info)
SJC SITS IN BOSTON: Supreme Judicial Court hears oral arguments in two cases: Commonwealth vs. Ralph Brown (Murder 1 appeal) and Commonwealth vs. Dara Poum (Murder 1 appeal). (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Courtroom 1, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | Sitting List | Livestream)
HOLYOKE DTA: Holyoke Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets. (Friday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SPILKA TOURS SCHOOL: Senate President Spilka joins town officials and nonprofit leaders in Hopkinton for a tour of the proposed Center School redesign project. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., 11 Ash St., Hopkinton)
MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee holds a public hearing on proposed changes to regulations dealing with training requirements for law enforcement officers and use of force. Officials say the changes are needed after two years of operating under the 2023 police reform law. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
COMMUNITY-BASED HUMAN SERVICES WORKFORCE: The community-based human services sector, and the 2008 state law for setting human services rates, are discussed at a legislative briefing held by The Collaborative. The group is a coalition including the Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers, Children's League of Massachusetts, and Providers' Council. Open to the public. (Friday, 11 a.m., Zoom)
JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN: Panel on Justice-Involved Women, housed within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, meets remotely. (Friday, 1 p.m. | Livestream)
DIDOMENICO ST. PATTY'S ROAST: Sen. DiDomenico hosts his annual St. Patrick's Day roast, a benefit for the DiDomenico Foundation. Elected officials plan to attend the traditional Irish dinner, which also features Irish music, bagpipers, professional comedians, and presentation of the "Golden Shamrock Award" to a community leader. Other expected attendees include Gov. Healey Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Senate President Spilka, Attorney General Campbell, Boston Mayor Wu, Auditor DiZoglio, Governor's Councilor Kennedy, and others, according to the senator's office (Friday, 6:30 p.m., Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus, Charlestown)
Saturday, March 8, 2025
GOP TRAINING: Massachusetts Republican Party holds a free training session for individuals looking to run for municipal office. The GOP says local elections "are the foundation of a successful political career, providing a pathway to higher office." Attendees will learn about political strategy, data, finance and communications. (Saturday, 10:30 a.m., John Curtis Free Library, 534 Hanover St., Hanover | Register)
MARKEY TOWN HALL: U.S. Sen. Markey hosts a town hall to discuss resident concerns about "Donald Trump and Republican attacks on Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and the programs that support families, workers, and small businesses, all to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations." Press asked to RSVP to Markey_Press@markey.senate.gov. (Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m., Malden High School, 77 Salem St., Malden | More Info)
