People, Power, and Politics

.The costs of getting to or from Logan International Airport by car, including via Uber and Lyft, will get more expensive this summer under a package of fee increases approved by the Massachusetts Port Authority that are intended to raise $1.1 billion over five years.  Fees for Uber and Lyft pickups and drop-offs at the airport will rise $2.25 per trip in a few months, part of an effort to incentivize people to use public transit or shuttle services to get to and from Logan and to generate new funding to improve airport roadways and infrastructure.

FRANKLIN

New Town Website Does
Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar entries. Go to
https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
However,
Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has compiled and and shared the
below information. Thanks Steve!

For the week of March 24 - March 28 (as of Town site on Friday, 3/21 evening

Library Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, March 24th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_03242025-1646

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, March 24th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/331?fileID=4217

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 25th Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/344?fileID=4249

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, March 25th Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03252025-1651

Zoning Board of Appeals, ZBA Meeting

Thursday, March 27th Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03272025-16

MEDWAY

Medway’s new website, likewise, does not support cut and paste.
Go to medwayma.gov.

STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND

Legislators resume their fiscal 2026 budget hearings after a two-week break. Seeking feedback as they redraft Gov. Maura Healey's $62 billion spending plan, Ways and Means Committee members over the last full week of March plan to visit Amherst, Worcester and Clinton where they will continue to hear almost exclusively from government officials at invitation-only gatherings. Those not on the invite list will have a chance to testify at the final hearing in Boston on April 8. That "general public" budget hearing comes just before the House Ways and Means Committee plans to roll out its budget redraft during the week of April 14. A committee spokesman told the News Service that "we constantly hear from and engage with members of the public outside of state government on the budget process and will continue to do so over the next coming weeks." While the budget hearings are gathering some momentum, joint committees are only slowly coming to life, with plans for lawmakers vetting financial services and public health matters to hold informational hearings in the coming days and weeks. A supplemental budget to keep the emergency family shelter system afloat and make eligibility changes stands as this Legislature's chief accomplishment nearly three months into the new session. Apart from the annual budget, there's also early focus on another spending bill that's coming into play with plans for an April 3 public hearing on Gov. Healey's $1.3 billion plan to spread surplus income surtax funds upon various education and transportation priorities. Legislators in both branches agree that changes are needed to move bills out of committees more swiftly, and are attempting to forge consensus on reforms that could significantly alter many of the ground rules that dictate how the session unfolds and how much testimony on bills will be made easily available to the public. Rep. Michael Moran and Sen. Cynthia Creem are leading the conference committee talks over rules. Action early this session on the income surtax supplemental budget could give needed fiscal indicators to the MBTA, which is counting on a big bump in state assistance to backstop its budget and prevent the agency from backsliding on service improvements. The T is locked in a years-long effort to fortify its core subway service performance, but will start the week by celebrating the historic return of passenger rail service to the South Coast and the various stops along the way.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

TRAHAN ON KELLER: U.S. Rep. Trahan is the guest on this week's "Keller at Large" segment with Jon Keller. The Merrimack Valley Democrat will discuss her push for changes to the 1974 Privacy Act to constrain DOGE use of personal financial data, public fallout from federal cost-cutting, and changes to Democratic congressional campaign messaging. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)

CAMPBELL "ON THE RECORD" | Attorney General Andrea Campbell is the guest on "On The Record," where she will join Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB Channel 5)

FEDERAL CUTS RALLY: Local farmers rally in opposition to President Donald Trump's federal funding cuts. Congressman McGovern joins them. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Hadley Town Hall, 100 Middle St., Hadley)

Monday, March 24, 2025

DOL OFFICE: Division of Occupational Licensure opens its new office at 1 Federal St. Officials are asking the public to be patient during the first week as DOL gets settled. "As much as possible, please minimize walk ins and calls," DOL said on a webpage. "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." (Monday, 9 a.m., 1 Federal St., Suite 600, Boston)

RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES: Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities, created through the 2024 long-term care law, holds its first meeting. Members will analyze how the communities operate, including care contracts, financial viability, impact on consumers, regulatory oversight, entrance fees, advertising, and procedures for closures or ownership changes. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

STATUS OF WOMEN: Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women holds its 2025 advocacy day. Attorney General Campbell and Auditor DiZoglio will give opening remarks at 11:30 a.m. The two have been at odds of late over the new law authorizing the state auditor to audit the Legislature. Among the commission's legislative priorities this session are bills preventing pelvic examinations on patients under anesthesia without written consent (S 1485 / H 2401), increasing access to free menstrual products in schools, shelters and prisons (S 1549 / H 2483), allowing family members, power of attorneys and adult children to be compensated for their care (S 886 / H 1394), and promoting gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on local government boards (S 2160 / H 3398). (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall of Flags)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

BUDGET HEARING - EDUCATION & LOCAL AID: Lawmakers continue their review of Gov. Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget bill at a hearing focused on education and local aid spending in the proposal. The Joint Ways and Means Committee invites testimony from the Executive Office of Education, Department of Early Education and Care, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Higher Education. The Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents and Massachusetts Association of School Committees will testify, and say they plan to ask for increased funding and revisions to the Chapter 70 education funding formula. Massachusetts is on the back end of funding commitments under the multi-year Student Opportunity Act and beginning to explore possible funding formula changes for the post-SOA period. The Massachusetts Association of Early Education and Care, Massachusetts Teachers Association and Massachusetts Alliance for Early College also plan to send representatives. University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan is scheduled to testify, as well as executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges Nate Mackinnon and Linda Thompson, chair of the State Universities Council of Presidents. Business groups will also have a panel, represented by JD Chesloff of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and Ed Lambert of the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education. As for local aid, the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts will testify before lawmakers. (Monday, 11 a.m., UMass Amherst, Amherst Campus Center)

SOUTH COAST RAIL: Passenger train travel returns to areas of southeastern Massachusetts for the first time in 65 years. Riders will be able to reach Taunton, Freetown, Fall River and New Bedford on the MBTA commuter rail. Talks of restoring service to that part of the state date all the way back to the late 1980s. Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Transportation Secretary Tibbits-Nutt and MBTA General Manager Eng, and other state and local officials will ride the train and host a press conference to celebrate the launch. Gov. Healey and General Manager Eng will ride South Coast Rail from Fall River to East Taunton, departing from Fall River at 10:38 a.m. The kickoff celebration starts at 10 a.m. at Fall River Depot Station. Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Secretary Tibbits-Nutt will ride from New Bedford to East Taunton, departing from a kickoff at New Bedford Station on the 10:43 a.m. train. They will meet for a press conference at the East Taunton Station that begins at 11:30 a.m. (Monday | Press conference: 11:30 a.m., East Taunton Station, 1141 County St., Taunton)

VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Advisory Committee on Veterans Quality of Life meets. Agenda includes welcome remarks, an overview of the committee's mission, and a discussion about priorities. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

FIRE SERVICE: Fire Service Commission meets. Members will vote on credentialing and re-credentialing matters, and hear updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Monday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MINORITY BIZ: The Urban Grape and Arka HR Solutions, two minority business enterprises, are highlighted during a "Behind the Scenes of an MBE" event, hosted by the Pacesetters program at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Attendees will learn about the challenges that MBEs face and the benefits of partnering with them. (Monday, 4 p.m., 303 Columbus Ave., Boston | Register)

REHAB COUNCIL: Statewide Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Consumer Satisfaction Committee of the State Rehabilitation Council meets virtually. (Monday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

SPILKA IN HOLLISTON: Senate President Spilka gives a legislative update to the Holliston Select Board. (Monday, 7 p.m., Holliston Town Hall, 703 Washington St., Holliston)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

BOARD OF EDUCATION: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. The agenda includes an update on Boston Public Schools systemic improvement plan, and a vote on soliciting public comment on regulations to reduce or eliminate the use of "time outs" in school. It's also the last meeting of Acting Commissioner Johnston's tenure, before he departs to take a superintendent job in Pennsylvania. There will be an update on the commissioner search process. Education Secretary Tutwiler will step in to serve as commissioner of the department after Johnston leaves at the end of the month, until the board appoints his permanent replacement. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 135 Santilli Highway, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Everett | Agenda & Livestream)

CRIMINAL RECORD REVIEW: Criminal Record Review Board, housed in the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services, meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

LOTTERY COMMISSION: The State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg will chair the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | For access call (781) 917-6057 or email gpolin@masslottery.com)

BUDGET HEARING - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Joint Committee on Ways and Means continues its review of Gov. Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget proposal (H 1), which the House plans to redraft and pass in a different form in April, followed by the Senate in May. Sen. R. Kennedy of Worcester and Rep. Tyler of Boston host a hearing focused on the Executive Office of Veteran Services and departments within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Testimony is expected from the state's soldiers' homes, the Office of the Veteran Advocate, Dept. of Children and Families, Dept. of Developmental Services, Dept. of Transitional Assistance, Dept. of Youth Services, Mass. Rehab Commission, Mass. Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Mass Commission for the Blind, and Office of Refugees and Immigrants. The potential for changes to federal support has been an early focus of the committee's budget review and Tuesday's hearing could touch on the impact of cuts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including the VA health centers in Massachusetts, and on the role of immigrants in the Massachusetts economy at a time of federal deportation threats. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Doherty Memorial High School, 299 Highland St., Worcester | Agenda and Access Info)

APPRENTICESHIP BRIEFING: Rep. Kathy LaNatra, chair of the House Committee on Federal Funding, and Sen. Jacob Oliveira and Rep. Paul McMurtry, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, host a briefing for lawmakers and staff to hear from the Mass. Division of Apprentice Standards about "registered apprenticeship" programs. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., House Members Lounge)

ENG CHATS WITH BIZ LEADERS: MBTA General Manager Eng is the featured guest at the latest "Commonwealth Conversation" hosted by the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. Eng will discuss "the future of Massachusetts' public transit system, ongoing capital improvements, strategic plans to enhance service reliability and infrastructure, and the significant economic impact the MBTA has throughout the state," according to an advisory. Networking begins at 11 a.m. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Warrior Ice Area, 90 Guest St., Boston | More Info)

CITIZENS' LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR: The Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement holds a closed press citizen program to "better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature." The seminar is held in conjunction with UMass Boston and is offered twice a year. The curriculum includes the "History of the Legislature", "The Formal Legislative Process", "The Informal Legislative Process", "The Budget", "The Parliamentary Role of the Clerk of the Senate" and "The Future of the Legislature". Senate President Spilka will give remarks. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Senate Chamber)

EPA WORKERS: Environmental Protection Agency workers in the Boston area, represented by AFG Council 238, participate in a National Day of Action "solidarity march" opposing Trump administration actions, including potential layoffs and gutting a scientific research office. Participants are marching "to preserve the EPA and demand adequate staffing and funding levels so workers can pursue the mission of protecting human health and the environment" organizers say. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 152-158 Congress St., Boston)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hearing on proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Two come from Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr: S 12 for a legislative amendment cap the state income tax rate at 6.25%, and S 13 requiring a supermajority vote for the utilization of rainy day funds. The other proposal on the docket comes from Sen. Comerford and Rep. Blais (H 71 / S 11) and deals with a provision related to the tax valuation of agricultural or horticultural lands. Constitutional amendments surface for hearings relatively early in the session because committees are required to report on proposals for amendments to the Constitution by April 30 and May 14 is the last day for convening a joint session of the Legislature to consider amendments to the Constitution. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and More Info)

JUDICIAL WELCOME TO LEGISLATORS: The Massachusetts judiciary hosts a program for new legislators, "A Judicial Welcome To New Legislators: Behind The Bench." Closed press. Senate President Spilka gives introductory remarks. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Boston)

ROUTE 20 REDESIGN: MassDOT staff host a virtual public meeting to discuss the proposed redesign and reconstruction of Route 20 in Charlton and Oxford. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info)

LOWER NEPONSET SUPERFUND: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency holds a hybrid public meeting to update the community on phase 1 sampling data results at the first upper mile of the Lower Neponset River, from the Dana Avenue Bridge in Hyde Park down to the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam in Hyde Park. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, 1179 River St., Hyde Park | Virtual Access)

HEALEY WOMEN'S EVENT: Gov. Healey's campaign and Lt. Gov. Driscoll's campaign host their annual "Women's Event" fundraiser. Healey has announced that she is running for reelection next year and has said she would "of course" serve the entirety of a second term, if she is returned to the Corner Office. Suggested contributions range from $250 to $3,000 raised. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Downtown Boston | Tickets)

BOSTON HUD HEARING: The City of Boston holds a hearing to discuss the priorities for an estimated $27.5 million in funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds may be invested in housing, homeless assistance and community development programs that serve low- to moderate-income residents over a 1-year period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 2 Center Plaza, 2nd Floor Training Room, Boston)

McGRATH HIGHWAY RECONSTRUCTION: MassDOT staff host a virtual public meeting to discuss the proposed reconstruction of McGrath Highway in Somerville and Cambridge. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info)

FAMILY CHILD CARE: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session about a free 20-week program that supports people interested in opening a family child care center, including helping them navigate the licensing process. (Tuesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

POWER INTERRUPTION: State House News Service and MassterList host a policy forum on Massachusetts' energy policy and its goals for a net zero future. Energy and Environment Secretary Tepper gives keynote remarks, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists include Elizabeth Turnbull Henry, president of the Environmental League of Massachusetts; Randolph Bell, Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, JERA Americas; Joe Curtatone, president of The Alliance for Climate Transition; and Rebecca Ullman, director of external affairs at SouthCoast Wind. The state's plan to meet its clean energy goals by expanding offshore wind faces an uncertain future with the return of a new Trump administration, solar power holds potential but is limited by grid capacity issues and requires significant investment, and other technologies like fusion and low-carbon hydrogen offer promise but have yet to be implemented. Networking and refreshments at 8 a.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Downtown Crossing | Tickets)

MASSBIO CONFERENCE: MassBio holds its "State of Possible" conference. Gov. Healey plans to give remarks at 10:30 a.m. on the reauthorization of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative, the state's economy, and "federal threats to the Commonwealth's health care and life sciences ecosystems." House Speaker Mariano will be recognized with an award at 12:15 p.m., and former Red Sox player David Ortiz will join MassBio CEO and President Kendalle Burlin O'Connell and others for a fireside chat at 4:40 p.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Omni Boston Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health, co-chaired this session by Rep. Decker and Sen. Driscoll, holds an informational hearing. Lawmakers are not taking testimony on specific bills but will hear from invited subject matter experts and learn about "significant priorities and issues of note that may be relevant to the Committee's work." The opioid crisis will likely remain a key focus for the Legislature this session, after negotiators failed to strike an accord last year on safe injection sites. The committee will also need to adjust to major health care policy changes in Washington, including potential Medicaid funding cuts. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Room A-1 | More Info)

HEALTH NEXT SUMMIT: The Hill hosts its first installment of its "Health Next Summit," which it says will "explore campaign promises made by the Republican Administration, dive into the promises made by the new leaders in health care and the issues at the top of the agenda, and how it could play out for women's health, mental health, AI and emerging tech in health care." Speakers include Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), and former Secretary of the Dept. of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Register)

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Mass. Center for Employee Ownership holds a Western Massachusetts regional symposium. Attendees will learn about types of employee ownership, hear from employee-owned firms, and learn about potential state and federal funding resources. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield | Register)

MEDICAL SOCIETY BRIEFING: The Massachusetts Medical Society holds a briefing on its legislative priorities, which include a bill to require all insurance carriers to publish on their websites a searchable list of all items, services and medications that require prior authorization (H 1136 / 1403). Other priorities include making primary care more accessible (H 1370 / H 2537 / S 867), increasing telehealth parity and digital equity (H 1130 / S 763), and overdose prevention through harm reduction programs (H 2196 / S 1393.) (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

LOW-INCOME HOUSING MEETING: The Extremely Low-Income Housing Commission meets for the first time. The commission was established in the 2024 housing bond law and is tasked with recommending policy, programs and investments to expand the supply of housing that is affordable to households earning not more than 30% area median income. Secretary Augustus convenes the meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 100 Cambridge St., 2nd Floor Conference Room, Boston | Virtual Access)

ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE ADVOCACY DAY: Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action hold a joint advocacy day to celebrate progress Massachusetts has made to prevent gun violence, and talk about continuing efforts. Moms Demand Action Executive Director Angela Farrell Zabela plans to join volunteers for the speaking program, the walk to the State House through Boston Common, and for meetings with lawmakers throughout the day. Rep. Day participates. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St., Boston)

MASS MAYORS: Massachusetts Mayors Association meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - STOCKS: Governor's Council holds a hearing for John Stocks, Gov. Healey's pick to serve as clerk magistrate of the Springfield District Court. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

SENATE DEMOCRATS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet for a caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office and Virtual)

WOMEN'S CAUCUS 50TH: Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators hosts a press conference to launch its 50th anniversary, highlighting its place as "the longest-running bipartisan, bicameral women’s caucus in the nation and beyond." Expected speakers include caucus co-chairs Rep. Barber and Sen. R Kennedy, caucus 50th anniversary subcommittee chair Rep. Giannino, and Rep. Ferguson. Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, President Spilka, and Speaker Mariano have been invited, organizers said. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., State House Library)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Hazardous Materials Mitigation Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gillette Stadium, 1 Patriot Place, Foxborough | Agenda and Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - PALUMBO: Governor's Council holds a hearing for Robert Palumbo, nominated by Gov. Healey to be clerk magistrate of the Plymouth Division of Barnstable Juvenile Court. Palumbo has been working for the court since 2015, and as acting clerk magistrate since 2023. (Wednesday, 11:15 a.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS: Sen. Keenan, Reps. Fiola and Scanlon, Public Health Commissioner Goldstein, Gaming Commission Chair Maynard, and others participate in a public briefing on problem gambling and ways the state can attempt to identify and offer assistance to people exhibiting signs of problem gambling. Among topics to be discussed is Keenan's "Bettor Health Act" (S 302), which would increase the tax rate on online betting platforms, ban sports betting advertising during game broadcasts, require online sports betting companies to double their financial contributions to the state's Public Health Trust Fund, and more. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Room 437)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS: Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs hosts a legislative reception with remarks from Rep. Lawn and Sens. Crighton and Rodrigues. More than 200 club executives and staff, board members, legislators, and executive branch officials are expected to attend. (Wednesday, noon, Great Hall)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds its regular assembly and could vote on pending nominations, in addition to the usual Treasury warrant. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

WASTE CONTRACT: Operational Services Division holds a bidders' conference about a statewide contract for waste disposal -- including hazardous, universal, medical and electronic waste -- and emergency response. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Register)

WORKING MOTHERS: Boston Globe holds the inaugural Working Mothers Summit. Attorney General Campbell, who has two young sons, participates in a 1:30 p.m. conversation about "protecting kids from social media and digital distractions." Lauren Kennedy, co-founder of Neighborhood Villages, and Donna Levin, co-founder of Care.com, speak about systemic challenges in the child care sector during a session at 1:45 p.m. Other sessions deal with managing motherhood and entrepreneurship, caring for kids' mental health, and navigating workplace shifts like a multigenerational office. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., The Newbury Boston, 1 Newbury St., Boston | Register

HOUSE POST AUDIT / OVERSIGHT: The House Committee on Post Audit and Oversight holds an introductory meeting. Rep. John Mahoney, a business owner from Worcester, chairs the committee. (Wednesday, 1:15 p.m. | Virtual Access)

LIFE SCIENCES APPRENTICESHIPS: Massachusetts Apprenticeship Network, part of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, holds a virtual event about apprenticeships in the life sciences sector. The session will explore how apprenticeships "are bridging the gap to connect untapped talent in life sciences." (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Register)

HEALEY / GOLDBERG MEETING: Gov. Healey and Treasurer Goldberg have their semi-regular meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Treasurer Office, Room 227)

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS GROUP: Riders' Transportation Access Group holds an advisory meeting. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., State Transportation Building, Second Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Virtual Access & More Info)

OPEN SPACE HEARING: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs holds a third virtual public hearing on regulations tied to the 2022 open space preservation law, which codified a process for replacing public parks and conservation land that are converted into other uses. EEA says it reopened public comment and will accept testimony through 5 p.m. (Wednesday, 4 p.m. | Register and More Info)

POSPARTUM DEPRESSION: Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression holds a public meeting. The agenda includes a review of the new maternal health law and discussion of potential legislative priorities. (Wednesday, 4 p.m. | Virtual Access)

CHELMSFORD-LOWELL BRIDGE: MassDOT staff host a public meeting to discuss upcoming work related to the Chelmsford-Lowell Bridge replacement project. This project will replace two bridges in Chelmsford, including Westford Street over I-495 and Route 3A (Gorham Street) over I-495 on the Chelmsford-Lowell line. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Police Training Room, 2 Olde North Road, Chelmsford)

Thursday, March 27, 2025

RESILIENTMASS SUMMIT: Gov. Healey, Boston Mayor Wu and UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco host the ResilientMass Summit on climate resilience. The event is part of a series of ten global summits throughout the year, sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. Gov. Healey will give the keynote address at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mayor Wu at 9:45 a.m. Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer will moderate a panel of Healey administration officials at 10 a.m. about Massachusetts's climate adaptation initiatives. Panelists include Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Augustus, Department of Public Health Commissioner Goldstein, MBTA Chief of Policy and Strategic Planning Lynsey Heffernan and Division of Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. Healey will sit on a panel alongside the governor of Vihiga County in Kenya, Wilber Otichilo and a member of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences and former Minister of Justice, Security and Human Rights in Argentina Gustavo Béliz to discuss "Thinking Globally, Acting Locally" at 12:45 p.m. There are a number of other panels throughout the day. (Thursday, 8 a.m., UMass Boston, Campus Center Ballroom | Agenda)

ALLIED HEALTH: Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions meets. Members will vote on policies tied to the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, a voluntary program for heath care workers recovering from substance use disorder and other mental health conditions. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS DAY: AdMeTech Foundation and the Manogram Project, in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Action Council, host the 16th annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. The program is titled "Creating a Massachusetts Model of National Leadership in Prostate Cancer Equity." Sens. John Keenan and Pavel Payano and Reps. Sean Garballey and Rob Consalvo host. Gov. Maura Healey, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka are listed as keynote speakers, and will be joined by other lawmakers, nonprofit leaders and health care professionals. The event will be held virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info | Register)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Mass. Cannabis Control Commission holds a regular business meeting and could discuss its latest draft regulations for social consumption of cannabis products. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

RETIREMENT BOARD: The State Retirement Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg will chair the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | For access email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)

MBTA BOARD: MBTA Board of Directors meets. Agenda not yet available. The board usually tries to zero in on a final annual budget each spring, and this year the T budget is perhaps more dependent than usual on state assistance, which could be served up in significant quantities in the annual state budget and a supplemental budget allocating surprise income surtax revenue. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State Transportation Building, Second Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

MED BOARD: Board of Registration in Medicine meets virtually. Members will discuss amendments to the physician reentry policy. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

GRID MODERNIZATION: Grid Modernization Advisory Council meets. The group is charged with reviewing and providing recommendations to the state's investor-owned electric distribution companies' electric-sector modernization plans and increasing transparency of the Massachusetts grid planning process. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Register)

SENATE PHOTO EXHIBIT: Senate President Spilka hosts Senate members and staff in her office for an exhibition of "HERstory Volume III: Honoring Trailblazers and Disruptors." The exhibit in the Senate president's suite displays photos of women who have shaped Massachusetts history, placed over the photos of all past Massachusetts Senate presidents. The office was exclusively held by men until 2007. (Thursday, 3 p.m., Senate President's Office)

TOWN FINANCE COMMITTEES: Association of Town Finance Committees holds a regional meeting focused on capital planning. Monson Finance Director Jamie Farnum will discuss the basics of a successful capital plan. The meeting is open to finance committee and capital planning committee members. (Thursday, 5 p.m. 46 Middle St., Hadley | Register)

TOWN FINANCE COMMITTEES: Association of Town Finance Committees holds a regional meeting. Sean Cronin, deputy commissioner of local services at the Division of Local Services, and Andover Chief Financial Officer Patrick Lawlor speak. Cronin will discuss state resources and the proposed Municipal Empowerment Act, while Lawlor will share strategies for improving communications with residents. The meeting is open to finance committee and capital planning committee members. (Thursday, 5 p.m., 64 Middlesex Ave., Reading | Register)

ADVERTISER BEST PRACTICES: Boston Interactive Media Association holds an event focused on YouTube Shorts and TikTok, with the social media platform's fate in jeopardy. While President Trump issued an executive order pausing the federal ban on TikTok, that pause is slated to expire April 5, according to Forbes. Speakers include Nick Boretti of Digitas, Matthew Duffy of Pixability, Naomi Kliger of Culture Pop Soda, Kiley McMahon of Connelly Partners, and Adam Telian of GYK Antler. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., 40 Water St., Boston | Register)

CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED: Charles River Watershed Association holds its annual meeting, featuring awards and recognition of the organization's work over the last year. An overview of current CRWA projects accompanies drinks and appetizers at 6 p.m., and awards follow the 7 p.m. business meeting. (Thursday, 6 p.m., MIT Welcome Center, 292 Main St., Cambridge | Tickets)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission is expected to meet. (Thursday, More Info TBA)

Friday, March 28, 2025

"BUSINESS OF CARE": MassBudget, the Boston Foundation and Boston Indicators host a virtual event to release a new report about "the business side of family child care." MassBudget Senior Policy Analyst Adam Jones will discuss the upcoming report titled "The Business of Care: Strengthening Family Child Care as a Path to Wealth Building." (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Register)

BUDGET HEARING IN CLINTON: The Joint Ways and Means Committee holds a fiscal 2026 budget hearing focused on topics and spending affecting public safety and the judiciary. The invitation-only hearing will feature testimony from leaders of the judiciary, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security, independently elected district attorneys and sheriffs, the State Ethics Commission, the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, the POST Commission, the Committee for Public Counsel Services, the Mass. Legal Assistance Corporation, the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination, Victim and Witness Assistance, and the Disabled Persons Protection Commission. (Friday, 10 a.m., Clinton Town Hall, 242 Church St., Clinton | Livestream)

WOOSOX OPENER: Treasurer Deb Goldberg is among the guests planning to attend the season opener for the Worcester Red Sox. (Friday, 3:05 p.m., Polar Park, Worcester)