People, Power, and Politics

Talks are underway within state government about establishing a third long-term care home for veterans, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago said Tuesday. Above, an illustration of the new Holyoke veterans' home.

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!

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, March 31st Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312025-1640

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, April 1st Time: 4:00 PM

Contractual Negotiations - Executive Session

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012025-1586

BOARD OF HEALTH MEETINGS

Wednesday, April 2 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022025-1656

Conservation Commission

Thursday, April 3 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/350?fileID=4297

MEDWAY

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

STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND

As Republicans in Washington barrel forward behind President Donald Trump's agenda, Massachusetts Democrats who control Beacon Hill are taking a slower approach. Three months into the new session, Democrats have yet to coalesce around any shared legislative priorities, apart from some new restrictions on eligibility for family shelter placements. Gov. Maura Healey has tied ambitious long-term higher education and transportation investment plans to her annual budget and to a separate bill using revenue from the new surtax on wealthy households, and Democrats plan a public hearing Thursday on her plan (H 55) to allocate $1.3 billion in surplus surtax funds. Democrats haven't signaled when they plan to put that bill up for floor votes, but its emergence coincides with the final three public hearings on Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget (H 1), including a hearing Monday on Cape Cod. House Speaker Ron Mariano has expressed interest in the House tackling changes to the Cannabis Control Commission this spring, but a plan has not surfaced. Similarly, Healey wants to address unaffordable increases in consumer utility bills, but her promised legislative proposal remains a work in progress. A few committees are stirring with informational hearings, and the Public Health Committee plans Wednesday to hear from both sides in the aid in dying debate over the potential for new end-of-life options. A Senate hearing Tuesday will open up debate and discussion tethered to the central issue occupying Beacon Hill this year: the sharp shift in federal funding and policy priorities under Trump. Federal funding cuts and the threat of more to come have state budget writers on notice as they piece together an annual spending plan with higher-than-usual uncertainty levels. Surtax revenues available only for education and transportation have been pouring in at a healthy clip, but there are concerns about the strength of tax revenue growth that finances the rest of the state budget. Thursday will bring tax collection data for March, giving House budget-writers a better sense of the health of the current-year budget as they try to write next year's plan. The attorney general's office will publicly brief the Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming on federal climate funding lawsuits and legal options available to the state as the federal administration moves to rescind climate policies and regulations. Another area rife with possibilities is formally up for discussion Monday as special commission members consider ways that state and county correctional systems might consolidate and cooperate. Gov. Healey and Congressman Jake Auchincloss will also be in Newton on Monday morning to address the Charles River Regional Chamber.

Sunday, March 30, 2025

MOULTON JOINS KELLER: Congressman Seth Moulton discussed Signalgate, protecting Massachusetts' interests under the Trump administration, and the future of the Democratic Party, according to Jon Keller, whose TV interview with Moulton airs Sunday on WBZ. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ Channel 4)

HEALEY "ON THE RECORD" | Gov. Maura Healey is the guest on WCVB's weekly political TV show "On The Record." Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti host. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB Channel 5)

CELEBRATING PACHECO'S LEGACY: The Marc Pacheco Committee hosts an event honoring former Sen. Marc Pacheco for nearly 50 years of public service. There will be live entertainment and guests that include former Mayor of Taunton Richard Johnson and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues. Tickets start at $36. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Portuguese American Civic Club, Taunton | Register)

LABOR SEDER: The New England Jewish Labor Committee hosts its 25th annual labor seder. Sen. Creem and Treasurer Goldberg attend. (Sunday, 4:30 p.m., 226 Freeport St., Dorchester)

Monday, March 31, 2025

HEALEY ADDRESSES GOV AFFAIRS FORUM: Gov. Maura Healey and Congressman Jake Auchincloss address the Charles River Regional Chamber on "the critical economic issues of the day." Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (Monday, 9 a.m., Newton Marriott | Tickets)

FY26 BUDGET HEARING: Lawmakers dive into environment, energy and transportation spending proposed in Gov. Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget bill at a Joint Ways and Means Committee budget hearing. The invite-only hearing will feature testimony from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Energy Resources, Department of Public Utilities, Department of Fish and Games, Department of Transportation, Mass. Aeronautics Commission, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. (Monday, 10 a.m., Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable | Livestream)

SOCIAL WORK ADVOCACY: More than 500 social workers plan to attend the National Association of Social Workers of Massachusetts's annual advocacy day. Their priority bills include the so-called SUPER Act, to create a state-funded grant program for Master of Social Work students in practicum placement, remove the exam requirement for Licensed Clinical Social Workers and allow licensed independent clinical social workers to receive continuing education credits for providing supervision (S 218 / H 1423); creating overdose prevention centers (S 1393 / H 2196); allowing social workers with bachelor's, master's and clinical licenses to serve clients in other compact states (S 252 / H 380); and setting a minimum for government cash assistance at 50% of the federal poverty level (S 118 / H 214). The event will start in two locations: Rep. Fluker-Reid will offer remarks in the Great Hall and Boston Medical Center Behavioral Health Director Carla Monteiro will speak in the Gardner Auditorium at 10 a.m. Lawmakers will participate on panels around the State House to discuss the association's policy priorities from 11:30 to 12:30, before attendees meet with legislators. (Monday, 10 a.m., Great Hall and Gardner Auditorium)

MUNI POLICE: Police Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee holds appeals hearings dealing with former instructors Jordan Cannava, Jason Montalbano and Matthew Jones. (Monday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Livestream)

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

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

CORRECTION CONSOLIDATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration, created in the fiscal 2025 budget to study opportunities for the Department of Correction, county sheriffs, the Parole Board and the Office of Community Corrections, holds its third meeting. Agenda calls for a presentation by the Mass. Sheriffs' Association about house of correction programs, resources and fundings. Rep. Hunt and Sen. Brownsberger chair. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

MUNI POLICE: Police Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee holds appeals hearings for former instructors David Heikkila, Adam Roach and Samil Silta. (Monday, 1 p.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Livestream)

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY: Sen. Cyr hosts a Trans Day of Visibility event. Senate President Spilka plans to speak. (Monday, 2 p.m., Nurses Hall)

WEALTH BUILDING TOOLS: The Treasurer's Office, United Way, and the Midas Collaborative host a panel to discuss the impact of Baby Bonds and Matched Savings programs in closing wealth gaps. Treasurer Goldberg will offer remarks. (Monday, 2 p.m., Room 428 | Register)

HIGHER ED: Executive Committee of the Board of Higher Education meets virtually. (Monday, 2:30 p.m. | Zoom)

EV INFRASTRUCTURE: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council holds a public hearing as it works on a report that's due to the Legislature by Aug 11. The report will evaluate the state's EV charging network and "deployment strategies," plus offer a roadmap for meeting emissions reductions requirements and transportation goals. The council published an initial report in August 2023. (Monday, 6 p.m., Black River Valley Heritage Center, 3 Paul Clancy Way, Worcester | More Info)

WALPOLE STATION ACCESSIBILITY: Monday marks the first day with improvements complete at the Walpole commuter rail station designed to make the facility fully accessible. (Monday)

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMIT: Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and Boston Children's Hospital host a Children's Behavior Health Summit. Organizers say behavioral health experts will share and assess progress and areas for improvement in pediatric behavioral health care. Speakers and panelists include Mental Health Commissioner Brooke Doyle, President and CEO of Boston Children's Hospital Kevin Churchwell, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Sen. John Velis and Rep. Mindy Domb, and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey. Registration and networking begin at 8:30 a.m., programming begins at 9 a.m. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, Boston | More Info)

BUILDING CERTIFICATION: Building Official Certification Committee meets. Members will hear reports from the executive director and board counsel, and vote on the committee's hearing process. The board is part of the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Framingham Public Library, 49 Lexington St., Framingham | Agenda and Livestream)

WOMEN'S BAR ASSOCIATION: Women's Bar Association holds its annual legislative breakfast and outlines priority bills. Reps. Higgins and Nguyen and Sen. Moore will be recognized for their work updating the state's abuse prevention statute to incorporate coercive and controlling behaviors. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Room 428)

PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATES: Massachusetts Association of Physician Associates holds its annual lobby, with more than 200 PA students expected to attend. MAPA is advocating for "Optimal Team Practice" legislation (H 2371 / S 1502) that would remove administrative hurdles and allow PAs to practice at the top of their license without needing a "supervising physician." The proposal last session stalled in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Speakers include Health and Human Services Undersecretary Kiame Mahaniah, Sens. Friedman and Cyr, and Reps. Barber, Donaghue and Sabadosa. (Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., Grand Staircase)

HANSCOM EXPANSION LETTER: Descendants of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson and the National Trust for Historic Preservation deliver a letter and petition to Gov. Healey to stop the expansion plans at Hanscom Field. The Massachusetts Port Authority has proposed adding 27 hangars at Hanscom Field in Bedford, a publicly owned airfield that holds the most private jets in New England. The plans have drawn ire from local and environmental groups. Emerson and Thoreau were 19th century writers who are considered "naturalists," and lived in the area near where the airfield now is. The National Trust for Historic Preservation petition has over 4,000 signatures. (Tuesday, 10 a.m.)

MEDICARE FOR ALL: Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care (Mass-Care) lobbies at the State House. Advocates are pushing for legislation to create a single-payer insurance system (S 860 / H 1405), sponsored by Sen. Eldridge and Rep. Sabadosa. The bill would create the Massachusetts Health Care Trust, to be the single payer of health care costs for Massachusetts residents, replacing private insurance and other public insurance. "The savings under such a stream-lined and comprehensive system is estimated at 30% of current spending, over $37 billion," Mass-Care says. The Legislature over the years has not shown an appetite for this type of overhaul. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdoin St., Boston)

HAZARDOUS CODE COMMITTEE: Department of Fire Services' Hazardous Code Committee meets remotely. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)

FINANCIAL SERVICES HEARING: The Joint Committee on Financial Services holds an informational hearing on issues related to the committee's work, but hears no bills. The event is described as a "listening session for committee members and an opportunity for interested parties to introduce themselves to the committee," on the Legislature's website. The committee's coverage area includes matters banks, banking institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and insurance, and small loans. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2)

SENATE CLIMATE CHANGE HEARING: Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming holds its first hearing of the session. The committee will receive an update from the Office of the Attorney General on the status of lawsuits related to federal climate funding and learn about legal options available to the state as the federal administration moves to rescind climate policies and regulations, according to Chairwoman Creem's office. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Virtual)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

ONE-WOMAN PLAY: Special performance of a one-woman play, "Representation and How to Get It," is hosted by the Mass. Caucus of Women Legislators. The 45-minute show focuses on Julia Ward Howe, a suffragist, abolitionist and author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The performance is followed by a panel with Elaine Vaan Hogue, the actor playing Howe; caucus co-chair Sen. Kennedy; Anne McNeece, great-great-granddaughter of Howe; and Fredie Kay, president of the MA Women's History Center. "As we celebrate the Caucus’ 50th anniversary, it is essential to honor the trailblazing suffragists who paved the way for women in politics and public service," caucus co-chair Rep. Christine Barber said. "Julia Ward Howe's legacy reminds us that democracy thrives when all voices are heard. Her work helped move women from the margins to the center of decision-making, and we are happy to inspire our colleagues with her." (Tuesday, 1 p.m., House Members' Lounge)

ELECTION LAWS HEARING: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a hearing on proposed amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Sen. Jamie Eldridge is behind a perennial amendment to establish an independent redistricting commission (S 6), and a proposal from Sen. Mark (S 8) would clarify that references to "people" in the constitution cannot be construed to refer to an "artificial person" or corporate entity. Sen. Miranda and Rep. Uyterhoeven filed a bill (S 7 / H 62) to allow incarcerated felons to vote. The other proposal on the docket comes from Sen. Lewis (S 521) by request of a constituent to support the ratification of the Federal Child Labor Constitutional Amendment. Constitutional amendments surface for hearings relatively early in the session because committees are required to report on proposals by April 30 and amendments must be placed on the Constitutional Convention calendar prior to May 14, the last day for the convening a joint session of the Legislature to consider constitutional amendments. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and More Info)

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION: The Children's Trust and the Office of the Child Advocate brief legislators on child sexual abuse prevention efforts in Massachusetts, to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. Attendees will hear from leaders about ongoing work and the next steps needed to strengthen prevention initiatives. Sen. Lovely and Rep. Whipps will speak. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Room 428)

HIGHER ED QUALITY, AFFORABILITY: Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability meets. Members will discuss faculty and staff recruitment and retention, including reviewing the collective bargaining process and survey results from public college and university leaders. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

LEOMINSTER MASSDOT PROJECTS: MassDOT holds a public hearing for proposed projects in Leominster, which are meant to repair infrastructure that was damaged from flooding in September 2023. Officials want to replace a culvert structure that carries Pleasant Street near the intersection with Colburn Street; replace a retaining wall and sidewalk along Lancaster Street near the intersection with Malburn Street; stabilize a slope around a culvert structure carrying Union Street; and replace a sidewalk slab and wall structure at the Mechanic Street bridge over the Monoosnoc Brook. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Leominster City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster | More Info)

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

MBTA COMMUNITIES CHALLENGE: Superior Court Judge Mark Gildea presides over a hearing about several lawsuits challenging the MBTA Communities Act as an unfunded mandate. Marshfield, Middleborough, Middleton, Wrentham and Hanson each filed a complaint against the mandatory zoning reform law after Auditor DiZoglio's Division of Local Mandates determined the measure constitutes an "unfunded mandate." Middleborough officials voluntarily dismissed their case before the hearing, which will cover the other four communities, according to Attorney General Campbell's office. Campbell described the unfunded mandate finding as "incorrect" and said she would defend the law, which the Supreme Judicial Court previously upheld as constitutional. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Plymouth Superior Court, 52 Obery St., Plymouth)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health convenes a hearing to weigh long-controversial medical aid-in-dying legislation as well as bills dealing with emergency medical services, professional licensure and scope of practice. Supporters have been pressing for years for the Legislature to authorize medical aid-in-dying, an idea that voters narrowly rejected in a 2012 ballot question. While bills have cleared some committee thresholds, legislative leaders have signaled no intention to bring them forward for votes. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

AI ETHICS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds an event focused on AI ethics, including how to responsibly integrate AI into business operations, as part of its "AI Advantage" series. Speakers include Seth Berman of Ethical Compass Advisors LLC, Adam Gutbezahl of KP Law, Kate Reichenbach of WEX, and Priya Krishnan of Bright Horizons. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Slalom Consulting, 399 Boylston St., Boston | Register)

BOSTON/QUINCY DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Boston/Quincy Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

SENATE AUDIT SUBCOMMITTEE: Senate subcommittee tasked with overseeing a response to the voter-approved law empowering the auditor to probe the Legislature meets. Senators, who like their counterparts in the House continue to resist Auditor DiZoglio's attempt to audit the House and Senate, say the hearing will welcome testimony "from experienced professionals and subject matter experts on certain legal and practical considerations related to the implementation" of the ballot law. Public testimony is also welcomed. Sen. Friedman, who is chairing the committee, said DiZoglio declined an invitation to attend. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

COMPETITIVENESS CONVERSATION: Massachusetts Competitive Partnership hosts an installment of its Competitiveness Conversation Series titled "Strengthening the MA Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: The Critical Role of Entrepreneur Support Organizations." Discussion will include the current landscape of business incubators and accelerators and the role of public and private investment in fostering entrepreneurship. Speakers include Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, MACP CEO Jay Ash, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Co-chairs Sen. Barry Finegold and Rep. Carole Fiola and entrepreneurial leaders from across the state. Networking begins at 9:30 a.m. and programming begins at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., UMass Club | Register)

T4MA "DAY OF ACTION": The advocacy group Transportation for Massachusetts holds its "day of action" to discuss "how much support there is across the state for improving transportation access through increased funding, addressing barriers, and improving options." The 15-year-old coalition describes itself as "committed to addressing the decades of inequitable transportation policies adversely impacting low-income, working class, Black, indigenous and communities of color." (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 437)

MATERNAL HEALTH TASK FORCE: Maternal Health Access and Birthing Patient Safety Task Force, co-chaired by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission and Department of Public Health, convenes for the first time. The task for was created in the 2024 maternal health law, and is made up of maternal health care providers and researchers. It is charged with analyzing and issuing recommendations on the availability of maternal health services, financial investment in maternal health care and the impact of past essential services closures. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Livestream)

CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance hosts a virtual event about construction opportunities. DCAMM staffers will discuss upcoming construction projects, bidding laws and certifications. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

DORCHESTER COURT NOMINEE: Governor's Council holds a hearing to consider Dana Rutherford, Gov. Healey's nominee for clerk magistrate of the Dorchester division in Boston Municipal Court. (Wednesday, 11:15 a.m., Council Chambers | Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets for its regular assembly. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chambers | Livestream)

MUNI ENERGY: A free webinar is hosted about the Massachusetts Municipal Association's MunEnergy program, which was created in 1998 to help cities and towns stabilize energy costs and simplify energy management. Attendees will also hear about weather impacts on energy, as well as the impact of federal executive orders. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

CLEAN WATER TRUST BOARD: Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | Zoom)

"NIGHT OUT FOR HEALTH": Peer Health Exchange, a youth health nonprofit, hosts a spring fundraiser titled "A Night Out for Health" to raise support for health education. The event will feature Sen. DiDomenico, whom Peer Health Exchange named its 2025 Youth Advocate. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More Than Words Boston Bookstore, 242 East Berkeley St., Boston)

ESPLANADE VISITOR CENTER: Esplanade Association holds a virtual meeting about construction plans for a year-round visitor center at Charlesbank. Attendees will hear about the project schedule and access to the Esplanade during construction, which is expected to start this spring. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

SPRINGFIELD PEDESTRIAN TUNNEL: MassDOT holds a public hearing on a proposed project to rebuild Birnie Avenue near German Gerena Community School in Springfield and make structural improvements to a pedestrian tunnel. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 200 Birnie Ave., Springfield | More Info)

GIC ANNUAL ENROLLMENT OPENS: Annual enrollment opens at the Group Insurance Commission. Eligible state workers and retirees can enroll or update their coverage plans that will take effect on July 1. Members don't need to take any action if they want to stick with their current health plan. Enrollment spans through May 1. (Wednesday | More Info)

Thursday, April 3, 2025

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)

WATER COALITION LOBBY DAY: Community groups from the Charles, Ipswich, Mystic, and Neponset River Watershed Associations lobby for legislation to improve stormwater solutions, address environmental injustice, and secure funding for restoration projects. Sen. Creem and Rep. Kassner plan to attend. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 437)

SURTAX SURPLUS SUPP: Joint Ways and Means Committee convenes a hearing about Gov. Healey's supplemental budget (H 55) proposing to spend about $1.3 billion in surtax revenue, which constitutionally must be used only on education and transportation. Healey's bill would direct $857.5 million of the pot toward transportation, most of it for the cash-strapped MBTA, and $462.5 million for education. The governor filed the bill in January alongside her fiscal 2026 state budget, which the Ways and Means Committee has been reviewing at a series of hearings. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

ENUFF, FORMERLY KICK BUTTS DAY: More than 200 young people and adults will celebrate ENUFF (formerly Kick Butts Day) a youth day of action highlighting how young people can resist the influence of the tobacco and vaping industries. This year the 84 Movement changed the event name of Kick Butts Day, "because 97% of teens don’t smoke and they don’t think of cigarettes when they hear the word 'butts.' Yet youth are still targeted with other addictive nicotine products," they said. ENUFF stands for End Nicotine Use For the Future. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Great Hall)

EARLY ED: Data Advisory Commission on Early Education and Care meets virtually. (Thursday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info and Access)

ORGAN DONATION: Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and New England Donor Services hold a webinar about collaboration between hospitals and organ procurement organizations. Organizers say donations and transplants have "increased substantially' across the country and region over the past five years. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

LOCAL ASSESSMENTS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar with Christopher Wilcock, chief of the Division of Local Services' Bureau of Local Assessment. The webinar, intended for municipal managers and mayors, will cover how assessor's offices work, what happens during assessment years, and how to bolster communication with residents. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

SMALL BIZ MARKETING: Small Business Strong, a technical assistance initiative at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, holds a virtual event about building an integrated marketing strategy. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Register)

RECYCLING MISINFORMATION: South Coast Neighbors United hosts an event called "Sorting Through the Misinformation of Recycling," part of its "Talking Trash" speaker series. Katie Drews, co-president and CEO at Eureka Recycling, is the keynote speaker. (Thursday, 3:30 p.m., UMass Dartmouth, Charlton College of Business, Lecture Hall 149, 285 Old Westport Road, North Dartmouth)

UMASS GAMBLE MEMORIAL LECTURE: Labor economist David Card, co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences and professor of economics at the University of California, Berkeley, delivers the annual Philip Gamble Memorial Lecture at UMass Amherst. This year's lecture is titled "Understanding Minimum Wage and Immigration Policies: Cause and Effect and Evidence-Based Approaches." The Philip Gamble Memorial Lectureship Endowment was established in memory of Philip Gamble, a former member of the UMass economics faculty and chair of the department. is sponsored by the UMass Amherst Department of Economics. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Bowker Auditorium, UMass Amherst | More Info and Livestream)

COLUMBIA ROAD, KOSCIUSZKO CIRCLE: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a Boston roadway reconstruction project involving Columbia Road and Kosciuszko Circle at I-93, including bicycle accommodations. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston College High School, Cadigan Lecture Hall, 150 Morrissey Blvd., Boston)

CHICOPEE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed project in Chicopee to replace the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Bridge, which carries I-391 over Route 116. The existing bridge has been around since 1979. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Legacy Church, 780 Chicopee St., Chicopee | More Info)

EV INFRASTRUCTURE: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council holds its second public hearing of the week as it works on a report due to the Legislature in August. The report will delve into the EV charging network and "deployment strategies," and offer a roadmap for meeting emissions reduction targets and transportation goals. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Holyoke Community College, Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development, 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke | More Info and Zoom)

MBTA CAPITAL PLAN: MBTA hosts a virtual public meeting to solicit input on its $9.8 billion capital investment plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The plan outlines proposed investments in a range of maintenance, modernization and expansion projects. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info)

RECYCLING MISINFORMATION: South Coast Neighbors United holds is second "Sorting Through the Misinformation of Recycling" event of the day. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford)

MARCH REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax collections during March, a month for which the benchmark has been set at $4.092 billion. Through March 14, DOR had already collected $1.899 billion, $396 million or 26.4% more than what it took in during the same stretch of March 2024. March is a middle-of-the-road month for tax revenue, ranking 6th out of the months for revenue impact. Fiscal 2025 year-to-date collections through February were $688 million or 2.8% ahead of benchmark, at about $25.491 billion. That's about 8.6% or $2.025 billion more than actual collections in the same period of fiscal 2024. (Thursday)

Friday, April 4, 2025

STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education holds its annual Student Government Day. Students elected to represent their schools will meet at the State House, and simulate the roles of elected or appointed officials. This year, they will debate a bill sponsored by Attorney General Campbell and Sen. Cyr (S 335) seeking to implement "bell-to-bell" restrictions on cellphones and other personal electronic devices during school hours. Students will participate in simulated committee hearings and House and Senate formal sessions to debate the idea. Treasurer Goldberg will offer remarks to the students. More Info (Friday, 9 a.m., State House)

INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL: Gov. Healey, Treasurer Goldberg and other officials host an investor conference call. The treasurer's office said the call will cover "a number of relevant topics including state revenue collections, economic and budget updates, the pension actuarial valuation reports, statutory basis financial report and the upcoming [general obligation] bond financing." The investor call will reflect the state's latest information statement. (Friday, 10 a.m., Investors dial 1-877-221-8785, Passcode 218243 | Slides for investors)

CDL HEARING: MassDOT hosts a hybrid public hearing to discuss proposed regulatory changes establishing a process for drivers whose commercial licenses have been disqualified to seek reinstatement after a 10-year period. Gov. Healey instructed the Registry of Motor Vehicles to craft new regulations last year, part of a broader effort that includes a new law exempting most passenger vehicle offenses committed before Sept. 30, 2005 from counting against commercial license eligibility. (Friday, 10 a.m., More Info)

ELECTRIC VEHICLES, CHARGING: A webinar designed to help municipalities procure electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure is hosted by the Office of the Inspector General and the Operational Services Division. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Register)

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES: MassHealth holds a virtual public hearing on proposed regulatory changes for mental health center services. The changes, slated to take effect Aug. 1, update requirements for behavioral health urgent care providers, the timing of Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths reassessments, and service limitations. Written testimony accepted through 5 p.m. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

MENTAL HEALTH RATES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on regulatory changes tied to rates for mental health services provided in community health centers and mental health centers. The regulations, expected to take effect Aug. 1, update the rates for structured outpatient addiction program services and recovery support navigators, establish rates for psychological testing services, and increase the rate for certified peer specialist services, among other changes. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

PRESCRIPTION DRUG REFORM: Division of Insurance holds a virtual information session about the new prescription drug reform law, as officials seek feedback for future regulations, bulletins and guidance. This session is focused on examinations and conflict of interest. (Friday, 12:30 p.m. | More Info and Access)

JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN: Panel on Justice-Involved Women, housed in the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, meets. (Friday, 1 p.m. | Access)

ADULT DAY HEALTH: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on updating rates for adult day health services. Officials say they want to decrease the per diem and partial per diem rate for the basic level of care, as well as eliminate admission and re-engagement services. "The changes would save the state around $5.6 million. These rate updates are intended to maintain member access to all services," the hearing notice states. "Complex care and transportation rates are maintained at neutral levels to preserve current support for programs serving individuals with higher needs and to ensure continued access through stable transportation services." (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

RED SOX HOME OPENER: The Boston Red Sox host their home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals. (Friday, 2:10 p.m., Fenway Park, Boston)

VA CUTS PROTEST: Veterans gather to protest proposed reductions in staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs. A Trump administration internal memo said the VA is planning a reorganization that includes cutting over 80,000 jobs, according to the Associated Press. The Massachusetts Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is organizing the rallies, as part of a larger national pushback against the proposed staff reductions. It is the first of at least two scheduled rallies. (Friday, 5 p.m., Riverdale Ave. near Ashley Ave. at the I-91 interchange, West Springfield)

Saturday, April 5, 2025

HOUSING RESOURCE FAIR: Boston Home Center holds a Housing Resource Fair. Attendees will learn about programs and resources for becoming homeowners. The event runs through 1 p.m. (Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m., Bruce Bolling Building, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury | Register)