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Food security advocates are seeking two funding streams to restore and maintain benefits for SNAP recipients buying healthy and locally grown food. HIP, which has been fully state-funded since 2018, boasts a network of 285 farmers selling their food at 600 points of sale across Massachusetts, including at farmers markets. In 2022, 100 new vendors were added to tackle low usage among SNAP benefits who are Black or have disabilities.
FRANKLIN
New Town Website Does
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https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters compiled and shared the following list of events (Thanks Steve!):
For the week of March 17 - March 21 (as of Town site on Friday, 3/14 evening)
Franklin School Committee - Negotiations - Executive Session
Tuesday, March 18th Time: 4:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_03182025-1585
Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting
Tuesday, March 18th Time: 5:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-1610
Franklin Public Schools School Committee Special Meeting (virtual only)
Wednesday, March 19th Time: 6:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1635
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, March 19th Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639
Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials
Thursday, March 20th Time: 8:30 AM
No agenda expected, open session
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, March 20th Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/321?fileID=4200
MEDWAY
Mon. Mar 17
7:00pm
Design
Review Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Tues. Mar 18
3:30pm
Medway
Redevelopment Authority
6:00pm
Wed. Mar 19
Zoning
Board of Appeals Meeting
7:30pm
Thurs. Mar 20
Economic
Development Committee meeting
7:00pm
Conservation
Commission Meeting
7:00pm
STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND
After holding two budget hearings in three business days, the House and Senate pressed pause on those for two weeks, leaving a mostly open legislative schedule for the week ahead. Lawmakers have a light schedule Monday, which also happens to be St. Patrick's Day, and the annual budget hearings won't resume until March 24 in Amherst. The first 10 weeks of the new session have featured a focus on an emergency spending bill to keep family shelter system funded, a robust debate in both branches on major changes affecting the legislative workflow and calendar, and a near-daily obsession with directives and declarations from President Donald Trump that have created an unusually high level of uncertainty about federal budget support and a sharpening disconnect between priorities in Washington and those on Beacon Hill. Negotiators charged with settling on major rules changes are set to sit down for their first meeting Tuesday. Their reaffirmed commitment to transparency will be tested because conference committees routinely close their deliberations as their first official acts. On Wednesday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu steps to the mic at MGM Music Hall in the Fenway to deliver an election-year State of the City address. The Massachusetts Port Authority Board on Thursday could vote on fee increases that could substantially increase the cost of driving to or being driven to Logan International Airport. Prescription drug costs are a major driver of rising health care costs, and on Friday the Division of Insurance plans to host an information session to dive into the 2024 prescription drug reform law.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
COLLINS ON KELLER: Sen. Nick Collins previews the South Boston St. Patrick's Day breakfast he hosts during an appearance on WBZ-TV with political analyst Jon Keller. Collins also discusses his disagreement with Mayor Wu over her property tax rebalancing plan, and the situation at Mass. and Cass. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
ST. PATRICK'S DAY BREAKFAST: Sen. Collins hosts his annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast in South Boston. Featured guests include Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senate President Karen Spilka, Mayor Michelle Wu, Auditor Diana DiZoglio, Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden, City Councilor Ed Flynn, Rep. David Biele, Irish Cabinet Minister Peter Burke, U.S. Navy Commander Cameron Ingram of the USS Hudner, Irish Tenor Paul Byrom of Dublin, and chief marshall of the parade Lieutenant Commander Alanna Ball. Special guest performances will also include The Boston Fire Acapella Quartet, The Woods School of Irish Step, Superintendent Pauline Wells of the Cambridge Police Department and Rep. John Moran. The breakfast will be broadcast live on NECN, NESN, Boston Neighborhood Network, WROL 950 AM and 100.3 FM. (Sunday, 9 a.m., Ironworker's Union Hall, 195 Old Colony Ave, South Boston)
DURANT ON THE RECORD: Republican Sen. Peter Durant of Spencer is the guest on "On The Record" with co-hosts Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. Democratic political analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican political analyst Rob Gray participate in a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
CLIMATE CHANGE FUND: Make Polluters Pay Coalition, composed of youth, labor and public health groups, launch their campaign in support of bills (H 1014 / S 588) establishing a climate change "superfund." The proposals would make fossil fuel companies contribute to a fund for "climate-related damages" in Massachusetts, with 40% of that money then flowing to environmental justice communities for climate change adaptation projects. Advocates say Vermont and New York passed climate superfund bills in 2024. (Sunday, 2 p.m., Arlington Street Church, 351 Arlington St., Boston)
Monday, March 17, 2025
JUVENILE AND FAMILY JUDGES: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges brings its national conference on juvenile justice to Boston. Judge Dana Gershengorn, chief justice of the Massachusetts Juvenile Court, provides opening remarks to kick off the three-day conference. Other state officials slated to participate include Dr. Opeoluwa Sotonwa, commissioner for the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, on Tuesday and retired federal judge Nancy Gertner on Wednesday. (Monday, 8 a.m., Marriott Copley Place, 110 Huntington Ave., Boston | More Info)
MUNI POLICE: Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee meets to review the March agenda. (Monday, 9 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Livestream)
NEXT MISSION SUMMIT: Secretary of Veterans' Services Santiago and Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Jack Hammond are among the speakers at the Next Mission Summit, a joint effort of Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program and the Heroes Wellness Collective. The event digs into research, studies and therapies related to treating post-traumatic stress and moral injury. Media registration (Monday, 9 a.m., Sanders Theatre, Memorial Hall Complex, Harvard University, 45 Quincy St., Cambridge)
MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee meets. Agenda includes an update on instructor certification revocation appeals. The executive report will dive into updates on the fiscal 2025 budget, facilities, recruit training, and Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response training. (Monday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive | Agenda and Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
REVOLUTION ARTIFACTS: On the 249th anniversary of the evacuation of 11,000 British redcoats and loyalists from Boston, Secretary of State Galvin hosts an opportunity for members of the media to view and photograph Revolutionary War-era artifacts that will be on display in a special Revolution 250 Commonwealth Museum exhibit, "Upon Such Ground: Massachusetts and the Birth of the Revolution." Highlights include a drum used at the Battle of Bunker Hill, a bill from Paul Revere for a series of his rides, a Revere copper engraving, a sword used by the man who gave the order to fire on the British at Concord, Boston Massacre trial papers, and a letter from John Hancock appointing officers to command Continental forces. Galvin will explain the artifacts and answer questions. (Monday, 11 a.m., Massachusetts Archives and Commonwealth Museum, 220 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester)
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
TRAVEL, TOURISM CONFERENCE: Gov. Healey's two-day Conference on Travel & Tourism kicks off. Attendees will learn how to promote Massachusetts as a "premier destination" and highlight "marque events" like the Massachusetts 250th commemoration. The opening plenary breakfast at 9:15 a.m. includes remarks from Lt. Gov. Driscoll; Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism; and Mary Kate Wydra, president of Explore Western Mass. Healey speaks during the closing plenary at 3 p.m. John David, CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, discusses the "power of sports" in Massachusetts during lunch at 11:50 a.m. Breakout sessions throughout the day deal with using AI tools, film tourism, capturing the international tourism market, and the "road to 2026" by leveraging FIFA, MA 250 and Sail Boston, among other topics. (Tuesday, 7:30 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield | More Info and Register)
WHITE STADIUM TRIAL: Suffolk Superior Court Judge Matthew Nestor presides over the start of a trial in a lawsuit challenging a deal between the city of Boston and Boston Unity Soccer Partners to renovate White Stadium, then lease it for use by a professional women's soccer team. The Emerald Necklace Conservancy and some residents filed the suit, alleging that the stadium plans lack the necessary legislative review for the transfer of public land to private use. Boston Mayor Wu and city officials have defended the deal, saying it will modernize the aging stadium, which the city will still own. Plaintiffs estimated the trial could last up to two weeks. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Suffolk County Superior Court, 3 Pemberton Square, Boston)
BUILDING CODE APPEALS: Building Code Appeals Board holds virtual hearings. Dockets deal with properties in North Attleborough, Needham, Worcester, Boston, Nantucket and Westborough. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
EMBALMING, FUNERAL DIRECTING: Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing meets remotely. Agenda includes approval of new applicants, executive director report, board counsel report, and discussion on a potential regulation change for continuing education requirements. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
CORE PLAN STATUTORY COMMITTEE: The CORE Plan Statutory Committee holds its fourth-quarter meeting. Treasurer Goldberg will chair. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Zoom)
CHINATOWN SPEAKOUT: Chinatown residents and supporters hold a "creative speakout" focused on highlighting zoning policies to promote affordability in Boston. Advocates say their action comes as Boston city planners finalize zoning regulations for Chinatown. "While Chinatown advocates support the rezoning efforts and appreciate the City's work on affordable housing, they believe the Affordable Housing Overlay can better meet the community's needs and the City's commitment to anti-displacement," organizers say. Advocates say the zoning changes in Chinatown will set the tone for future Boston zoning changes. (Tuesday, 12:15 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston)
LARGE BUILDING ENERGY REPORTING: Department of Energy Resources holds an information session about how large building owners can comply with the Large Building Energy Reporting law, part of the 2022 clean energy and offshore wind law. Energy use data must be reported for buildings over 20,000 square feet. Electric, gas and steam utilities must report usage data on behalf of the large buildings, while owners must report additional energy sources. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m. | Register)
EFFICIENCY SCORECARD: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy hosts a webinar to go over the results of its latest State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which scores and ranks states on policies and programs that save energy, lower costs, and produce environmental and economic benefits. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Register)
ACCESSIBLE HOUSING COMMISSION: The Accessible Housing Commission, established by the housing bond bill passed last August, meets for the first time. The commission will study accessibility in housing for people with disabilities and seniors. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 100 Cambridge St., 2nd Floor, Conference Room, Boston | Virtual Access)
JOINT RULES CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: First conference committee meeting for House and Senate members negotiating the joint rules package. The conferees are Sens. Creem, Lovely and Fattman, and Reps. Mike Moran, Galvin and Muradian. Lawmakers have failed to agree on a new set of joint rules since 2019, but both sides have expressed hope for an agreement early this session on major changes. Conference committees are open under existing rules, but members can and almost always do vote to close their deliberations as their first matter of business. The joint rules changes up for negotiation are geared toward moving bills out of joint committees more quickly, giving voters more information about testimony on bills and how committee members are voting on bills, and enabling the Senate to move its bills out of joint committees that have more House members. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Room A-2)
DTA NORTH SHORE: North Shore Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
LEGAL ASSISTANCE: Sens. Creem and Eldridge host a virtual Senate briefing on the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation's budget request of an additional $3 million. Gov. Healey recommended funding MLAC's line item at $51 million, though advocates are pushing for $54 million to ensure fewer people are turned away when seeking urgent legal help. Panelists include Lynne Parker of MLAC, Faye Rachlin of Community Legal Aid, and Marina Abraham of CLA's Medical Legal Partnership. Closed press. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m.)
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY: Treasurer Goldberg and Rep. Walsh of Peabody host a Division of Unclaimed Property open house to connect residents with money or property that could be due to them. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Torigian Center, 79 Central St., Peabody)
RED LINE RAIL TUNNEL: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting about a project to construct a new access tunnel for hi-rail vehicles, or work trucks with both rubber tires and train wheels, on the Red Line. Officials say the new access tunnel will "enable shorter and less frequent Red Line shutdowns, faster commutes, and bring the MBTA closer to a state of good repair." (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More Info)
FRAMINGHAM WOMEN'S HISTORY: Senate President Spilka gives the keynote address at a Women's History Month exhibit hosted by the city of Framingham. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Nevins Hall, 150 Concord St., Framingham)
PRESSLEY CONVERSATION: Congresswoman Pressley participates in a "conversation" with Boston Globe editor Joshua Miller about the Trump administration and the "future of progressivism," according to The Globe. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the event will also be livestreamed. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Cambridge Street Upper School-Community Complex, 830 Cambridge St., Cambridge | RSVP)
WHITE STADIUM CONTRACTING: Boston city officials hold a contracting opportunity fair for White Stadium, focused on design, construction and operations. Local contractors, small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend. (Tuesday, National Center of Afro-American Artists, 300 Walnut Ave., Roxbury | Register)
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
TRAVEL, TOURISM CONFERENCE: The second day of the Massachusetts Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism starts with a plenary breakfast at 9 a.m. exploring tourism's economic impact and trends in the state. Breakout sessions will explore "multicultural excellence" in travel and tourism, "non-conventional" culinary experts, and how agriculture drives tourism. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield | More Info and Register)
MASSDOT BOARD: Department of Transportation Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
IMMIGRANTS DAY: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and supporters participate in the annual Immigrants Day, with this year's focus on combatting the Trump administration's "wave of anti-immigrant executive orders." Attendees include Sens. Eldridge, Miranda, Gomez and Rep. Gonzalez. Advocates will promote the Safe Communities Act (S 1681 / H 2580) that looks to end contracts with ICE, including agreements that delegate to state and local law enforcement the authority to conduct immigrant officer functions. They'll also highlight the Immigrant Legal Defense Act (S 1127 / H 1954), which would provide immigrants who are at risk of legal deportation with legal representation. Suyanne Amaral, whose husband was detained by ICE in Marlborough earlier this year but is now back home, gives remarks. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
OPTOMETRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Optometry meets. Members will vote on policies tied to the United Recovery and Monitoring Program. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
WALTHAM HOUSING: 2Life Communities holds a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Leland House, which features 68 new affordable and accessible apartments for seniors in Waltham. Speakers include Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy, Sens. Barrett and Stanley, Rep. Lawn, and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. The property was previously a 38-bed rest home. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Leland House, 21 Newton St., Waltham)
JETBLUE CEO: Women's Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds a conversation with Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue. Geraghty is the first woman to lead a major U.S. airline, and she'll discuss how to create a "welcoming and collaborative company culture." (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., The Westin Boston Seaport, 425 Summer St., Boston | Register)
HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector and MassHealth hold a webinar about health and dental insurance plans that are available to Bay Staters losing their employer-based coverage. Attendees can learn how MassHealth or Health Connector plans "may be a good alternative to COBRA." (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
WATER RESOURCES: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets. Agenda includes a fiscal 2025 budget update, a report on 2024 water use trends and reservoir status, and a series of contract-related votes. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MWRA Administration Facility, Conference Rooms 2C and 2D, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea | Agenda and Virtual Access)
END OF LIFE OPTIONS: Advocates of physician-assisted dying legislation hold a media availability highlighting this session's version of the End of Life Option Act (S 1486 / H 2505). Speakers include Sens. Comerford and Brownsberger, Reps. O'Day and Philips, caregiver/advocate Steve Sheehan of Haverhill, advocate JoAnn Vizziello of Wenham, and Melissa Stacy from Compassion & Choices. The legislation, similar to what has been filed in recent sessions, would allow certain terminally-ill patients to "voluntarily make an oral request for medical aid in dying and a prescription for medication that the patient can choose to self-administer to bring about a peaceful death." The issue of physician-assisted death has lingered for years, and while aid-in-dying legislation has made it further in the legislative process in recent sessions, the controversial idea has not gained traction as a priority for legislative leaders. Massachusetts voters spoke directly to the issue in 2012, when they rejected a ballot question with 51 percent opposed and 49 percent in favor. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., House Members Lounge)
EMPLOYMENT LAW: Prince Lobel's Employment Law Group hosts a webinar on employment law in what the firm says is a rapidly changing environment. Event will cover DEI, immigration and pay transparency. One agenda item calls for discussion of "what to do when ICE shows up." (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Register)
'TALKING TRASH': South Coast Neighbors United launches a speaker series called "Talking Trash," focused on the "global waste crisis" and sustainable solutions. Organizers say New Bedford and surrounding towns are particularly affected by the crisis. The keynote speaker is Kirstie Pecci, an attorney and executive director of Just Zero, a national nonprofit that aims to implement zero waste solutions. Pecci speaks at UMass Dartmouth at 3 p.m., followed by a talk at the New Bedford Whaling Museum at 6:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., UMass Dartmouth, College of Visual and Performing Arts, Lecture Hall 154, 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth)
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS: Children's League of Massachusetts hosts a legislative briefing to discuss family resource centers, which organizers say provide resources to help Bay Staters stay out of the child welfare system. "To continue serving the many vulnerable children and families coming through their doors, FRCs need increased investment, innovations to meet their staffing plans, and improved collaboration with state agencies and other partners," organizers said. Senate President Spilka is among the speakers. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Room 428 | Register)
BTU RALLY: The Boston Teachers Union holds a rally outside MGM Music Hall during Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's State of the City address to escalate their campaign for a new contract. BTU's contract with Boston Public Schools ended on Aug. 31. Union members are seeking a number of updates, with a focus on increasing staff pay, especially for paraprofessionals; improving facilities and student support; and decreasing what they view as an excessive workload for teachers. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., MGM Music Hall, Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston)
STATE OF THE CITY - BOSTON: Boston Mayor Wu delivers her third State of the City address, at a time when she and the city have caught the attention of Republicans in the federal government and as the mayor ramps up her reelection campaign. Wu recently appeared before a Congressional committee to answer for her city's policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement authorities, an appearance that offered her the chance to paint Boston as a welcoming and safe city on the national stage. More recently, federal officials have said they want to meet with Wu to talk about antisemitic incidents at Boston college campuses in recent years. On the local level, Wu has been unsuccessful in her bid to rebalance the division of the property tax levy between commercial and residential properties, stymied by opposition in the Mass. Senate and among the commercial real estate industry. Wu is seeking reelection as mayor this fall, and she will have to contend with at least one challenger: Josh Kraft, the son of a wealthy family who has worked for decades in the city's community service and philanthropic circles. The mayor's remarks will begin at 7:30 p.m. Mayor's office said WHDH will serve as the pool camera for the head-on shot of the mayor's speech and for cut-away shots. Boston 25 will serve as the pool camera for the ASL interpreter. There will be no pool still photographer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Media registration (Wednesday, 7 p.m., MGM Music Hall, 2 Lansdowne St., Fenway)
Thursday, March 20, 2025
MENTAL HEALTH COUNCIL: Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council meets. Department of Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle gives a report at 8:40 a.m. A panel at 9:10 a.m. is focused on building access to mental health care in the Asian community, featuring Catherine Vuky of South Cove Community Health Center and Oanh Bui of the Department of Public Health. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets remotely. Agenda includes an update from Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein and a vote on a determination of need request from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Following its split from Mass General Brigham, Dana-Farber is looking to affiliate with Beth Israel Lahey Health, Beth Israel Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians and build a standalone cancer hospital. Council members will also receive an update on the Health Survey Program. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MBTA FINANCE COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
SECRETARY JONES AT AIM: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones is the featured speaker at the latest Executive Forum hosted by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. The event also features a panel discussion about workforce challenges involving Deloitte New England Managing Partner Rebecca Chasen, TechFoundry CEO Tricia Canavan, Bar and Kitchen Hospitality Inc. CEO Nia Grace, and Ultragenyx senior vice president of gene therapy manufacturing Tom Lauzon. Networking begins at 8 a.m. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, 101 Huntington Ave., 12th Floor, Boston | Register)
CAMPBELL AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Attorney General Campbell is the featured speaker at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce government affairs forum. Campbell, who has led Democratic AGs across the country in filing a flurry of lawsuits against the Trump administration, delivers a keynote speech at 10:10 a.m. That's followed by a Q&A session at 10:45 a.m. (Thursday, 9:45 a.m., Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St., Boston | Register)
METCO ADVOCACY: METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) holds its annual advocacy day, as supporters seek increased funding to maintain student services and support. METCO, which was established during the civil rights movement, describes itself as the country's largest voluntary school integration program. Sen. Miranda and Reps. Worrell and Linsky give remarks. Attendees include superintendents, educators, parents, students and other stakeholders from Boston and suburban districts. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
SENIOR HOUSING COMMISSION: The Senior Housing Commission, established in the housing law enacted in August, meets for the first time. The commission will recommend policy, programs and other investments to expand the supply of housing for seniors. Housing Secretary Augustus will convene the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 100 Cambridge St., 2nd Floor, Conference Room | Virtual Participation Link)
HEALTH CARE IMPACTS: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation hosts a webinar to discuss potential threats to subsidized health care in Massachusetts stemming from the Trump administration's actions. Organizers plan to discuss MassHealth, the state Health Connector, and provide estimates about the impact of potential changes on Bay Staters. Speakers include Manatt Health Senior Managing Director Patti Boozang and partner Eric Gold. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE: House plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
MBTA SAFETY COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Agenda and Livestream)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: Department of Transportation Office of Outdoor Advertising meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., More Info)
NURSING COMPLAINT COMMITTEE: Board of Registration in Nursing Complaint Committee meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
RESPIRATORY CARE BOARD: Board of Respiratory Care meets to discuss policies for implementing the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program. There will also be a telehealth policy discussion. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
ADDICTION RECOVERY FORUM: Sen. Friedman, Rep. Decker and Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Director Deirdre Calvert speak at Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery's 22nd annual Boston Public Policy Forum. During the event, MOAR will unveil its 2025-2026 policy agenda. (Thursday, 5 p.m., IBEW Local 103, 256 Freeport St., Dorchester)
MORRISSEY BOULEVARD WORKSHOP: MassDOT hosts a "public workshop" to discuss proposed improvements to Morrissey Boulevard in Boston and solicit public feedback. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Holiday Inn Express Boston, 69 Boston St., Dorchester | More Info)
ROUTE 146 STUDY: MassDOT hosts a public meeting to discuss work to address safety issues and traffic congestion on Route 146 between Millbury and Millville. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Millbury Senior Center, 1 River St., Millbury | More Info)
WEBSTER AVE. BRIDGE: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to discuss plans to replace the Webster Avenue Bridge over MBTA tracks in Somerville. (Thursday, 6 p.m., More Info)
KELSEY ROAD: MassDOT hosts a virtual public hearing to discuss plans to replace the "structurally deficient" Kelsey Road over Schenob Brook Bridge in Sheffield. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)
"SHARKS AND COMMUNITIES": Marine scientists discuss their work to protect sharks off the coasts of Honduras and Indonesia at an event hosted by the New England Aquarium. Speakers are Gabriela Ochoa, who founded the Honduran nonprofit Ilili, and Rafid Shidqi, co-founder of Thresher Shark Indonesia. The event is part of the aquarium's Lowell Lecture series. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., New England Aquarium, Simons Theatre, 1 Central Wharf, Boston | More Info)
MAPLE STREET REPLACEMENT: MassDOT hosts a public hearing to discuss the proposed replacement of the Maple Street Bridge over Interstate 495 in Bellingham. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Bellingham Town Hall, 10 Mechanic St., Bellingham | More Info)
MASSPORT BOARD: Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors meets. The board could take up a proposed package of fee increases on driving to and from Logan International Airport, including via ride-hailing apps. Uber has been aggressively fighting the measure, arguing that the $7.50 fee for a drop-off or a pick-up would lead to the highest combined round-trip total at any airport. (Thursday, Time TBD | Agenda and Access Info)
Friday, March 21, 2025
WOMEN ELECTED MUNIS: Congresswoman Clark is the keynote speaker at the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Conference. WEMO is part of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and it's led by a volunteer committee of female mayors, select board members and city councilors. Women elected municipal officials are invited to attend. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham | Register)
ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions meet. Agenda includes votes on approving policies for the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, which is for workers recovering from substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on proposed changes to rates for behavioral health services provided in community behavioral health centers, which would take effect on or after July 4. The changes would expand the definition of youth community crisis stabilization to include independently enrolled providers, increase the adult community crisis stabilization per diem rate, remove the specialty rate for mobile crisis intervention services performed at emergency departments, and establish new reporting requirement for providers paid by "governmental units" for services at Community Behavioral Health Centers. The changes are expected to save MassHealth $418,000. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
PSYCHOLOGIST BOARD HEARING: Board of Registration of Psychologists holds a public hearing on emergency amendments, including those tied to implementing the abortion shield law. The regulations would "protect psychologists from disqualification from licensure, and from Board discipline, on the basis of providing, or assisting in providing, reproductive health care services and gender affirming health care services if the services provided would be lawful and consistent with good professional practice if they occurred entirely within Massachusetts," officials say. The hearing is over a moderated conference call. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Dial-In: 800-779-1624, Passcode: 8935291)
SHIELD LAW: Board of Registration in Medicine holds a public hearing on amendments tied to implementing the abortion shield law, which is meant to protect providers and patients from out-of-state legal action. Despite the law, officials say there's still "uncertainty among" providers, which could have a "chilling effect" on delivering legally protected abortion and gender-affirming care. "These regulations are designed to enshrine what is already in the law, and in providing this clarity and regulatory authority, the regulations are ensuring the uninterrupted continuation of reproductive health care services and gender affirming health care services for patients and providers," officials said in the hearing notice. The hearing is over a moderated conference call. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
NURSING HOME ADMINS: Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators meet. Agenda topics include the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, and administrator-in-training applications. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
ELDER CARE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a remote public hearing for the emergency adoption of regulatory changes tied to rates for certain elder care services. Rates will increase by a cost adjustment factor of 2%. The rate increase will cost about $20 million, marking a 7.2% increase over total spending of $280.4 million in fiscal 2024. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)
PRESCRIPTION DRUG REFORM: Division of Insurance holds an information session about implementing the 2024 prescription drug reform law, as officials seek feedback about future regulations, bulletins and guidance. Consumers, providers and insurers are encouraged to weigh in. This session focuses on licensing processes and standards. (Friday, 12:30 p.m. | Access)
DOL MOVE: Division of Occupational Licensure closes its office at 1000 Washington St. in downtown Boston. DOL will open its new office at One Federal St. in Boston on Monday, March 24 at a 9 a.m. "We ask that you be patient with us while we get all our systems up and running during our first week," officials said in an alert. "As much as possible, please minimize walk ins and calls. If you need assistance during that first week, you should still reach out, and we will help you in as timely a fashion as possible." (Friday, 4 p.m., 1000 Washington St., Boston | More Info)
Saturday, March 22, 2025
PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES CONFERENCE: Mass. Association of Physician Associates hosts its 2025 spring conference, where attendees will cover topics such as how to discuss firearm safety with patients, shoulder complaints in primary care, and optimizing pain management for IUD insertions. The organization plans to honor Sen. Oliveira of Ludlow with its "Legislator of the Year award," according to Oliveira's office. (Saturday, March 22, 7:15 a.m., MGM Springfield, 1 MGM Way, Springfield | More Info)
WOMEN VETERANS: A free mind, body, service and wellness workshop is held for women veterans. It's hosted by the VA, Executive Office of Veteran Services, the Massachusetts Women Veterans Network, the North Shore Juneteenth Association, and the Lynn-Swampscott Veterans Service Office. (Saturday, 12 p.m., North Shore Community College-East Wing, 300 Broad St., Lynn | More Info)
