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.The Healey administration last year rejected a draft environmental impact report to expand the largest private jet airfield in New England, and activists now want the governor to wield her power to completely halt the project. The Concord Minute Men and descendants of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, 19th century writers who are considered "naturalists" and lived in the area where the airfield is now, joined the activists to deliver a petition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation with over 4,300 signatures. The National Trust for Historic Preservation listed Minute Man National Historic Park and Walden Pond on their list of 11 most endangered historic places last year, due to the possible expansion.
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 including some of his own reporting. Thanks Steve!
April's second week is scheduled to bring showers and a more 'normal' slate of Town meetings even with 2 cancellations.
The Cultural Council & Planning Board have regular meetings on Monday. School Committee gets an update on the elementary & ECDC redistricting efforts Tuesday, after their Policy Subcommittee meets earlier that night. Friends of the Library also meet on Tuesday
Wednesday has a Historical Commission meeting and Thursday has the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust as well as the Charles River Pollution Control meetings.
A friendly reminder that the The Finance Committee has its set of 3 budget hearings scheduled for April 28, 29 and May 1. If anyone has any questions about the line item details on the FY 2026 budget, these three nights are the time to do so.
Prior year experience indicate that the General government departments/line items will be on one night, the schools (Franklin, Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie) on one night and the third night covers public safety (Police, Fire & Dispatch) as well as Public Works both operational and enterprise accounts (water, sewer, solid waste, & storm water). Exactly which night will come out when the agendas are posted.
One might ask why the Town is always looking to hire for one or more positions? This a normal part of business. The positions being hired for are generally backfilling for someone who has retired or moved on to another opportunity. The Town has infrequently added net new positions. These are the kinds of details that are addressed in the line by line department review of their FY 2026 budget by the Finance Committee budget hearings that close out April.
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*** Meeting schedule for the week of April 7 - April 13
(as of the Town web site on Friday evening, 4/4/25) ***
Franklin Cultural Council Meeting
April 7, 2025, 7:00 PM = https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5131/Franklin-Cultural-Council-April-Meeting?bidId=
Planning Board Meeting
April 7, 2025, 7:00 PM = https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/365?fileID=4379
Design Review Meeting Cancelled
April 8, 2025, 7:00 PM
Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee
April 8, 2025, 6:00 PM = https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1668
Franklin School Committee Meeting
April 8, 2025, 7:00 PM = https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04082025-1669
Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting
April 8, 2025, 7:00 PM @ Friends of Franklin Library Community Room (no agenda posted)
Historical Commission Meeting
April 9, 2025, 6:00 PM = No agenda posted
Charles River Pollution Control Meeting
April 10, 2025, 3:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04102025-1664
Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings
April 10, 2025, 2:00 PM https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5145/April-10-2025---Agenda?bidId=
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting
April 10, 2025, 7:30 PM = No meeting, next meeting is April 24
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The biggest news of the week didn't come from the meetings or agenda topics, it was the police report on the investigations underway regarding the 2 potential hate crimes associated with the vandalism reported. -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/franklin-police-report-investigations.html The Board of Health met on Wednesday and the exclusive audio and recap of the meeting is available ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/board-of-health-meeting-april-2-2025.html The Franklin TV video replay of the Conservation Commission meeting Thursday is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYvAHAknjas
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For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events on posted on the top of the page
- Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
- Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar
Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
Subscribe for the weekly dose of information ->
https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html
MEDWAY
Monday April 7
3 PMSchool Committee Negotiations Subcommittee
Tuesday, April 8
2 PMCouncil On Aging Board Meeting
6 PMTrash and Recycling Review Committee Meeting
7 PMPlanning and Economic Development Board meeting
Wednesday, April 9
7 PMFinance Committee Public Hearing
THursdsay, April 10
3 PMCharles River Pollution Control District
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
The general public gets its chance to weigh in on Gov. Maura Healey's $62 billion budget Tuesday, about a week before House Democrats release their rewrite of the governor's spending plan. The hearing usually features testimony on myriad ways the state could better support those most in need of help from the government. The state relies on the federal government to share in the cost of numerous safety net programs and on Monday state officials plan to testify about Medicaid and MassHealth at a budget hearing in Attleboro. The massive health insurance program is suddenly in the spotlight this year because Republicans in Washington are weighing possible changes to drive down costs. If they stick with their traditional budget cycle, state officials must make major budgetary decisions without a clear blueprint from the feds for the biggest program in the state budget. Within the Legislature, committee chairs are similarly forging ahead with public hearings on bills without knowing the extent of rules reforms. Top Democrats in both branches started the term with broad promises for workflow and legislative transparency changes, but joint rules reform talks have publicly simmered down since the proposals each branch approved were sent to a six-person conference committee co-chaired by Rep. Michael Moran and Sen. Cindy Creem. That panel last met March 18. House Speaker Mariano is set to address a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce forum Thursday. The speaking engagement offers an opportunity for Mariano to perhaps preview some House budget highlights. Mariano has expressed frustration with President Donald Trump this year, alleging early in the president's second term that the state had "lost our federal partner." With an historic package of tariffs aimed at addressing trade imbalances and growing jobs in the U.S., Trump this week escalated his efforts to reshape the nation and in doing so added a new level of major uncertainty to the global economy. Elected officials and industry leaders in Massachusetts are increasingly worried about the negative effects of Trump's agenda here at home. Evan Horowitz, executive director of the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University, is worried as well. Horowitz told the News Service on Friday that unless the cratering stock market rebounds, capital gains and income surtax revenues will collapse in 2026. Horowitz said the likelihood of a recession later this year and into next year is growing and said lawmakers should immediately revise the tax revenue estimate they are using for the fiscal 2026 budget. Capital gains taxes for this April will show growth based on gains realized in 2024, but he said conditions in fiscal 2026 are "going to maul the state budget" and traditional federal supports likely won't be there.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
CAMPBELL JOINS KELLER: Attorney General Andrea Campbell is the guest on WBZ's weekly show "Keller at Large" to discuss her lawsuits against the Trump administration, her concerns about the constitutionality of Auditor DiZoglio auditing the Legislature, and her bill calling on schools to ban student smartphones, according to host Jon Keller. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ Channel 4)
WU "ON THE RECORD": Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is the guest on WCVB's weekly political TV show "On the Record." Ben Simmoneau and Sharman Sacchetti host. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB Channel 5)
Monday, April 7, 2025
BROOKLINE DELEGATION: Sen. Creem meets with the Brookline Community Development Corporation as part of its "delegation event" to discuss housing legislation. (Monday, 9 a.m., United Parish, 210 Harvard St., Brookline)
HOUSING SECRETARY IN CHATHAM: Housing Secretary Augustus visits the Chatham Housing Authority. Sen Cyr and Rep. Luddy join. Press asked to RSVP to Kevin.Connor@mass.gov. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., 240 Crowell Road, Chatham)
COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS: Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless holds its legislative action day. Speakers include Reps. Barber, Garballey and O'Day; Sens. Crighton, Gomez and Jehlen; Andrea Park of the Mass. Law Reform Institute; Brandy Brooks of Higher Ground Boston; and Elisabeth Jackson of Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Advocates are focused on protecting the state's right-to-shelter law, and have criticized Gov. Healey's administration for imposing new policies to tighten eligibility parameters and lengths of stay. Other priorities involve codifying the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition into law, bolstering cash assistance programs for vulnerable Bay Staters, improving access to ID cards for individuals experiencing homelessness, creating more subsidies in the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, establishing a subsidy program for older adults dealing with housing instability, and passing a homelessness bill of rights law. (Monday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)
BUDGET HEARING - MEDICAID, HHS: Joint Ways and Means Committee holds the last of its invitation-only hearings on Gov. Healey's $62 billion fiscal year 2026 budget plan (H 1), focusing on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Sen. Paul Feeney of Foxborough and Rep. David Biele of South Boston chair the hearing, which is expected to include testimony from HHS Secretary Kate Walsh, MassHealth, Department of Public Health, Department of Mental Health, Executive Office of Aging & Independence, Health Policy Commission, Center for Health Information and Analysis, Commission on LGBTQ Youth, Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, and the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety. Medicaid, run here through MassHealth, generates most of the $16 billion in federal revenue that is baked into the governor's budget plan and Republicans in Washington are weighing major changes to the health safety net program. (Monday, 10 a.m., Attleboro High School, Bray Auditorium, 1 Blue Pride Way, Attleboro | More Info and Livestream)
CONDO CONVERSION LAW: Rep. Connolly and Sen. Edwards, co-chairs of the Housing for All Caucus, host the Metropolitan Area Planning Council to present on its recent report outlining changes to the condo conversion law that they say could benefit hundreds of thousands of tenants. Last year's housing law amended the 1983 law that has provided tenants of buildings with four or more units with protection from eviction and rent increases if there is a proposed condo conversion to the unit or building. That law is now expanded to include two- and three-family buildings. MAPC said the new law makes protections available to tenants of 124,400 two- and three-family buildings. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room 350)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
MOULTON AT TUFTS: U.S. Rep. Moulton is featured as part of a speaker series hosted by Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. Debbie Schildkraut, professor of political science at Tufts, will moderate a discussion with Moulton about his experience in Congress. The Salem Democrat has occasionally broken with Democratic leadership and briefly ran for president in 2020. After last year's election, Moulton came under fire for comments about his party's messaging, particularly around social issues. Event is open to members of the Tufts community and press. (Monday, 12 p.m., Distler Performance Hall, Granoff Music Center, Tufts University, 20 Talbot Ave., Medford | More Info)
AIR POLLUTION WEBINAR: Mass. Climate Action Network hosts a webinar about how pollution contributes to health and climate problems. Dr. Phil Landrigan, a pediatrician and epidemiologist, speaks. (Monday, 12 p.m., Register)
ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION: Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism holds its sixth meeting, at which it plans to hear a presentation from Eric Olshan, the former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and the lead prosecutor in the case against the Tree of Life Synagogue killer. Commission will also hear a discussion on the Orthodox perspective on antisemitism from Ariella Hellman, director of government affairs at the local office of Agudath Israel of America. Newton Mayor Fuller offers welcoming remarks. (Monday, 1 p.m., Newton City Hall, War Memorial Auditorium, 1000 Commonwealth Ave., Newton | More Info and Livestream)
STATE-OWNED LAND: Auditor Diana DiZoglio joins Sen. Mark, officials from surrounding municipalities and representatives from the Woodlands Partnership to discuss a report of DiZoglio's Division of Local Mandates titled "Pursuing Equitable State-Owned Land Reimbursements for Municipalities," which was released in January. DiZoglio will also detail the report's recommendations related to the payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) program. (Monday, 1 p.m., Town Hall, 1890 Route 9, Windsor)
RENT STABILIZATION BRIEFING: Housing activists including Homes for All Massachusetts and the Mass. Law Reform Institute host a legislative briefing to discuss bills (H 2328 / S 1447) that would authorize local-option rent stabilization, a practice that has been banned statewide for decades, and a policy limiting evictions to cases where a landlord has just cause. (Monday, 2 p.m., Room 428)
BLACK ECONOMIC COUNCIL AGENDA: Black Economic Council of Massachusetts launches its 2025-2026 policy and legislative agenda during a policy webinar featuring House Ways and Means Chairman Aaron Michlewitz. BECMA President Nicole Obi and Chief of Policy Alyssa Benalfew-Ramos also present. (Monday, 4 p.m., Register)
NATIONAL GRID - LEOMINSTER: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on National Grid's "Targeted Electrification Demonstration Program." The utility wants to decommission one or more segments of leak-prone gas pipelines through a voluntary program. "National Grid will offer approximately 118 residential gas customers in Winthrop and Leominster to switch all of their existing gas appliances to electric appliances, including air source heat pumps, at no upfront cost," DPU says. "All customers served by a segment of leak-prone gas pipe will need to agree to participate in order for the gas pipe to be decommissioned through the program." (Monday, 7 p.m., City Hall, 25 West St., Leominster | More Info)
ART EXHIBIT: Opening of art exhibit focused on celebrating the power to transform lives through art. It features work from more than 115 artists across 14 programs. Exhibit runs through Friday and is hosted by Vinfen, a community mental health and disability provider serving more than 10,000 people each year in Eastern Mass. (Monday, Fourth floor, State House)
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
MUNI COUNCILLORS: Massachusetts Municipal Councillors' Association Board meets. (Tuesday, 8:45 a.m. | More Info)
MASSPORT CEO AT AIM: Associated Industries of Massachusetts hosts a discussion with Massport CEO Rich Davey, who will cover topics such as the authority's role in driving economic growth and the future of air and seaport operations. Coffee and networking begins at 8 a.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Greenberg Traurig LLP, 1 International Place, Suite 2000, Boston | More Info)
TRANSPO OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities' Transportation Oversight Division holds a virtual public hearing on applications for carrier certification. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets virtually. Agenda includes remarks from Education Secretary Tutwiler and Department of Higher Education Commissioner Ortega. Members plan to vote on approving guidelines to help colleges and universities offer inclusive programming for students with severe disabilities and to boost partnerships with state agencies. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Committee on Revenue holds a hearing on home rule petitions and miscellaneous revenue matters. Among the bills on the agenda is S 2057 from Weymouth Sen. O'Connor, which would require the Ways and Means Committee of each branch of the Legislature to hold three public hearings (in Boston, Worcester and Springfield) "on bills referred to them that purport to establish, increase or expand any new or existing taxes or fees." Another bill on the agenda, H 3256 from new Rep. Mark Sylvia, deals with the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets virtually. Members will vote on policies tied to the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program for health care workers recovering from substance abuse disorder and other mental health conditions. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
VACANT PROPERTY: MassINC Policy Center hosts the "Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference," focused on combating blight and revitalizing neighborhoods. Speakers include Housing Secretary Augustus and Springfield Mayor Sarno. Event has reached capacity. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield)
CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT: Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities, created through the 2024 long-term care law, holds its second meeting. Agenda calls for a presentation from Elissa Sherman and Jim Freehling from LeadingAge. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
SAMARITANS BRIEFING: Samaritans, Inc. holds a briefing called "Accessing Mental Health Support in a Time of Uncertainty." Attendees will learn about Samaritans' suicide prevention and mental health resources. Remarks are expected from Sen. Rausch and Rep. Phillips, who have led legislative efforts to secure funding for the "Hey Sam" peer-to-peer youth texting service, followed by a panel discussion on the program. Coffee and networking runs from 9:45-10:15 a.m. After the speaking portion, Samaritans will lead an interactive training session at 11:30 a.m. about supporting individuals who are grieving or struggling with their mental health. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m., Room 437)
AUTISM ADVOCACY DAY: Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts holds its 20th annual Autism Advocacy Day, focused this year on "advocating for rights and opportunities across the spectrum of need." Hundreds of self-advocates, families, caregivers, and professionals are expected, and the organization will honor Rep. Christine Barber of Somerville and Sen. Cindy Friedman of Arlington. Doors at 10 a.m. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall | Register)
PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING: Joint Ways and Means Committee wraps up its review of Gov. Healey's $62 billion fiscal 2026 budget plan (H 1) with the one and only opportunity for members of the general public to offer their thoughts in person. The feedback will flow as House Ways and Means wraps up its redraft of the budget. Rep. Diggs and Sen. Payano chair the hearing. Testimony sign-up ends Monday. People who sign up to testify day-of will only be called if the committee has time. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Livestream)
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets. Members will hear a presentation about the "victim-centered roots" of restorative justice. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SENIOR HOUSING: Commercial real estate development association NAIOP hosts a panel discussion about senior housing development. Speakers include Andrew Gallinaro of National Development, Wendy Nowokunski of Northbridge Communities, Brian Sunday of AEW and Jay Wagner of JLL. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP, 155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston | More Info)
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES: Joint Committee on the Environment and Natural Resources holds a hearing mainly on local matters. Under new House Rule 27, the committee must report on the House bills it considers Tuesday by June 7. Bills on the agenda include H 994 regulating the application of fertilizer used in the town of Orleans, H 906 authorizing and directing the director of the Division of Waterways to dredge the harbor area surrounding Houghs Neck in the city of Quincy, H 1063 relative to the environmental protection of Joint Base Cape Cod, and S 564 designating a certain promenade in the town of Clinton as the Honorable Harold P. Naughton, Jr. Promenade. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)
LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission and its executive committee meet. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll gives remarks. Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz gives an update on revenue collections, plus an outlook for fiscal 2026. Members will discuss Gov. Healey's surtax supplemental budget bill and Chapter 90 bond bill. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Franklin Municipal Building, 355 E. Central St., Franklin | Zoom)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary meets with an agenda that includes a mix of proposed constitutional amendments and standard legislation. The committee is required to act on the constitutional amendments by April 30 and, under new House Rule 27, must report on the House bills it considers Tuesday by June 7. House bills on the docket include H 1748 from Rep. Higgins, which seeks to establish criminal penalties for having the knowledge of another person's suicidal ideation and intentionally coercing or encouraging that person to die by or attempt to die by suicide, and H 3154 from Rep. Kane, which would regulate the donation of food to people in need and establish an associated tax credit. Also on the docket is S 1237 from Sen. Oliviera, which would explicitly prohibit gambling on political outcomes. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
DONATE LIFE MONTH: Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, state legislators, and local donor recipients and donor families gather with staff from New England Donor Services for the announcement of a proclamation in honor of National Donate Life Month. Sen. Gomez, a kidney donation recipient, will speak and discuss the positive impact that organ donation has had on his life. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Senate Reading Room)
EV INFRASTRUCTURE: Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council holds a public hearing as it works to develop a report due to the Legislature in August. The council is evaluating the state's EV charging network and deployment strategies, plus offering a roadmap to meet emissions reduction requirements and transportation goals. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, 2nd Floor, Boston | Zoom)
COMMUNITY PRESERVATION BRIEFING: Community Preservation Coalition celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Community Preservation Act. Since it was signed into law in 2000, CPA has been adopted by 200 cities and towns, raising $3.4 billion for local investments in affordable housing, land conservation, outdoor recreation and historic preservation. Sen. Lovely sponsors the event. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room 222)
REVOLUTION ANNIVERSARY - DEI GROUP: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Subcommittee of the Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution meets. Agenda includes updates from Mass Humanities, discussion of "ensuring respect for indigenous sovereignty" and representation in marketing, and talk about Massachusetts participation in "America's Potluck," an event being planned by Utah's 250th anniversary group for July 5, 2025. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Virtual)
LAWRENCE GENERAL PICKET: Some 550 registered nurses at Lawrence General Hospital hold an informational picket amid "stalled" contract negotiations, according to the Massachusetts Nurses Association. The union says the nurses started negotiations for a new contract in mid-October and have had 10 sessions so far. "The negotiations have stalled over the nurses' call for appropriate staffing, wages and health insurance benefits that will allow them to recruit and retain nurses, nurses who are now leaving the facility, particularly younger nurses, for better staffed, higher paying facilities throughout the region," the MNA said. "These conditions have resulted in excessive staff turnover and a 20 percent vacancy rate, well above the state average of 13.6 percent." Lawrence General Hospital last year acquired Holy Family Hospital, with campuses in Haverhill and Methuen, in response to the Steward Health Care bankruptcy crisis. The system has undergone leadership changes, with Dr. Abha Agrawal serving as CEO for a short stint during the Steward transition before resigning earlier this year. The picket runs through 6 p.m. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Outside Lawrence General Hospital, 1 General St., Lawrence)
DANIELLE ALLEN AT ENDICOTT: Former gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen, director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center, is featured as part of the Endicott Center for Civic Participation's spring speaker series. Allen will discuss "bringing democracy back from the brink" and participate in an audience Q&A. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Klebanoff Auditorium, Judge Science Center, Endicott College, 376 Hale St., Beverly | More Info)
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
CANNABIS POLICY: Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy holds a public hearing on about 20 bills dealing with modernizing cannabis regulations and the medical marijuana program, creating career pathways for incarcerated individuals and bolstering equitable business opportunities. Amid turbulence at the Cannabis Control Commission, a Sen. Moore proposal (S 90) would establish an internal special audit unit tasked with "monitoring the quality, efficiency and integrity of the commission's operations," including organizational structure and management. A Rep. Whipps bill (H 194) seeks to create a department of workplace and consumer safety at the CCC. House Speaker Mariano has pegged CCC reform as a possible early-session priority in the wake of calls for changes at the agency. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
PUBLIC RETIREES: Administrative Sub-Committee of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | More Info)
EARLY LITERACY BILL: Sen. DiDomenico and Reps. Sena and Cataldo participate in a briefing held by the Mass Reads Coalition in support of legislation (S 338 / H 698) to promote evidence-based early literacy instruction. National literacy expert Kareem Weaver also participates. The bills are before the Committee on Education. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 222)
CUTLER AUTHOR TALK: The State Library holds an Author Talk with Josh Cutler, undersecretary of apprenticeship, work-based learning and policy for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The event is focused on Cutler's 2024 book, "Under the Golden Dome: Historic Talks & Tales from the Massachusetts State House Vol.1." The book delves into significant events on Beacon Hill, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech to the Legislature, the "infamous theft" of the Sacred Cod, and Amelia Earhart's visit. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 | More Info and Livestream)
CITIZEN ACADEMIES: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar designed to help local leaders launch and run a citizen academy. Academies are educational programs that help residents understand local government operations, and they can boost civic engagement. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | More Info)
IT, CYBERSECURITY: Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity holds a public hearing on about 20 bills focused on data use, data privacy and cybersecurity. Agenda includes the "Local Shield Act" from Reps. Lipper-Garabedian and Vieira and Sen. Creem (H 86 / S 197) that would block companies from selling, leasing or trading location data. The legislation is a priority for reproductive care advocates, who see the proposals as additional protection beyond the state's abortion shield law. The ACLU of Massachusetts says companies have sold detailed location data about people visiting abortion clinics and other medical providers. The committee is also taking testimony on a spate of bills that would establish the "Massachusetts Data Privacy Act." One of the bill sponsors, Sen. Moore, says his proposal blocks the sale of sensitive data, installs advertising protections for minors and requires that data brokers register with the state. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
EARLY ED, CARE: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 28 West Silver St., Westfield | Livestream)
WORCESTER DTA: Worcester Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets remotely. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MATERNITY CARE CLOSURE: Department of Public Health holds a public hearing on MetroWest Medical Center's plan to close the Special Care Nursery Service at Framingham Union Campus. State health officials lack the authority to halt a closure, even if DPH deems the service to be essential. John Whitlock, CEO of MetroWest Medical Center, filed a 120-day closure notice with DPH on Feb. 10. The Massachusetts Nurses Association says former patients, nurses, residents, health care providers and Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky are expected to testify about the "controversial proposal" from Tenet Healthcare, which owns Framingham Union Hospital. The MNA says the nursery cares for premature newborns or babies who require a higher level of care than remaining at the mother's bedside. "The nurses of Framingham Union Hospital are vehemently opposed to the closure of this vital service for vulnerable mothers and newborns in our community," Ginny Ford, a longtime nurse on the unit and MNA member said. "We serve a population of high risk moms who need this level of care, and with the loss of this service, these folks will be forced to travel to Worcester or Boston for care they have always received here in this community." Sisitsky said closing the nursery "could have a cascading effect on overall maternity services and would eventually lead to lower delivery numbers that MWMC could then claim that any maternity services could no longer be justified." A new maternal health care law is designed to boost access and care outcomes, and a new maternal health care task force held its first meeting this week.(Wednesday, 6 p.m., Nevins Hall, 150 Concord St., Framingham)
NATIONAL GRID - WINTHROP: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on National Grid's proposed program to decommission leak-prone gas pipelines through "voluntary customer electrification." The program would involve about 120 customers in Winthrop and Leominster, and National Grid would "switch all of their existing gas appliances to electric appliances, including air source heat pumps, at no upfront cost," according to DPU. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Winthrop City Hall, 1 Metcalf Square, Winthrop | More Info)
KERRY AT HOLY CROSS: Former U.S. Sen. John Kerry delivers the 57th annual Hanify-Howland Memorial Lecture at The College of the Holy Cross, discussing geopolitics and sustainability in an event that's free and open to the public. Lecturers are nominated annually by a committee of Holy Cross students, and Kerry, a former U.S. secretary of state, will also conduct a seminar for students on campus prior to the lecture. After the lecture, Kerry will take part in a moderated Q+A discussion with Professor Sarah Luria and students Karen Phan and Evan Garcia. (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Hogan Campus Center Ballroom, Holy Cross, 1 College St., Worcester | More Info)
Thursday, April 10, 2025
MUNI MANAGEMENT, HR: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association and Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources hold their annual joint meeting. The agenda includes "psychological first aid" training, where participants will learn how to help individuals experiencing distress, create safe and comfortable environments, and provide assistance and resources. Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine also gives a legislative update. Registration is limited to MMMA and MMHR members. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham | More Info)
HEALTH CONNECTOR: Health Connector Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation & Recreation's Stewardship Council meets virtually. DCR Commissioner Arrigo gives a report. Agenda also includes a presentation on a "strategic readiness initiative." (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MARIANO AT BOSTON CHAMBER: House Speaker Mariano addresses business leaders at a government affairs forum hosted by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Mariano's speech will come days before House Democrats roll out their fiscal 2026 state budget proposal, and he could use the event to preview some portion of the spending plan. (Thursday, 9:45 a.m., Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, 139 St. James Ave., Boston | More Info)
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations holds its annual lobby day. Advocates will focus on issues dealing with affordable housing, small businesses, and climate resilience. Speakers include Reps. Montaño and Vargas. Coffee hour runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the speaking program. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission is expected to hold a public meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
METROWEST LEADERSHIP: Senate President Spilka delivers remarks at Leadership MetroWest's Leadership Academy. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 428)
BMRB ANNUAL MEETING: Boston Municipal Research Bureau hosts its annual meeting of directors and members, featuring Boston Mayor Wu as the keynote speaker. Tickets, which included a plated lunch, cost $325 and RSVP deadline was April 1. Reception begins at 11 a.m. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Hilton Boston Park Plaza, 50 Park Plaza, Boston)
RECORD-SEALING LEGISLATION: Public Health Institute of Western Mass. hosts a webinar on "clean slate" laws, which automate record-sealing as soon as someone is eligible. The webinar, which features Sen. Gomez and Mass. Competitive Partnership CEO Jay Ash, includes an update on proposals in Massachusetts. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Register)
CHAPTER 90 HEARING: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a public hearing on Gov. Healey's Chapter 90 bond bill (H 53) for local road and bridge projects. Healey filed the $1.5 billion, five-year package on Jan. 24. Lawmakers have resisted calls for a multi-year authorization and prefer to approve a one-year measure annually. The bill would distribute $200 million -- the typical level over the past 15 years -- based on a formula that reflects roadway mileage, population and employment. Another $100 million per year would be deployed based on road mileage, which would serve more rural communities. "Under our bill, and with this new, mileage-based formula, every single city and town – including our small towns and rural communities – will see a significant increase in Chapter 90 funding," Healey said. "This means that local officials can put these dollars to work easing congestion, strengthening resilience, and improving safety and quality of life for all of their residents." The boost to Chapter 90 funding would be backed by surtax revenues. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
SITING, PERMITTING: A stakeholder session on the 2024 clean energy siting and permitting law is held by state energy officials, including the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Energy Facilities Siting Board, the Department of Public Utilities and the Department of Energy Resources. Officials are seeking input on straw proposals ahead of issuing regulations later this year. (Thursday, 1 p.m., One South Station, 3rd Floor, Boston | More Info and Access)
FIREARM TECHNOLOGY: Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology meets. Agenda features guest testimony from Kai Klopfer of Biofire Smart Guns, Michaela Dunne of Gov. Healey's Firearm Control Advisory Board, and Kade Crockford of the ACLU of Massachusetts. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
HOW TO BECOME A JUDGE: Governor's Councilor Eunice Zeigler partners with the Lawrence Bar Association, Greater Lowell Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association for an event on the steps necessary to become a judge in Massachusetts. Zeigler will moderate a panel featuring Paige Scott Reid, chief legal counsel to the governor; Dara Kesselheim, deputy legal counsel to the governor; John Fraser, associate justice of the Superior Court; and Mark Fleming, vice chair of the Judicial Nomination Committee. Event is free, RSVP requested. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Massachusetts School of Law, Room 204, 500 Federal St., Andover)
IMMIGRATION UNDER TRUMP: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts hosts a panel discussion about immigration policy during President Trump's second term and its links to history. Panelists include Williams College political science professor James Mahon, MCLA anthropology professor Anna Jaysane-Darr and MCLA history professor Ely Janis. MCLA political science professor Dave Cupery moderates. The event is free and open to the public. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Murdock Hall, Room 218, 375 Church St., North Adams)
GRADUATION COUNCIL: Gov. Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council holds a regional listening session in southeastern Massachusetts. Officials are seeking input from students, families, educators, administrators, higher education experts, the business community and the public about skills that are needed in college, careers and civic life. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Taunton High School, 50 Williams St., Taunton)
TOBIN BRIDGE MEETING: Department of Transportation holds a hybrid public informational meeting on the Tobin Bridge Long-Term Strategic Planning Study, an initiative that aims to develop and evaluate alternatives for the eventual replacement of the Tobin Bridge. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 545 Medford St., Charlestown | More Info and Virtual Access)
MBTA CAPITAL PLAN: MBTA hosts an in-person public meeting to discuss the agency's $9.8 billion capital investment plan for fiscal 2026 through 2030. The plan outlines proposed investments in maintenance, modernization and expansion projects. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Action for Boston Community Development Central Office, Third Floor, 178 Tremont St., Boston | More Info)
GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission is expected to hold a public meeting. (Thursday, More Info TBA)
Friday, April 11, 2025
MIDDLESEX WEST BREAKFAST: Middlesex West Citizen's Advisory Board holds its legislative breakfast. Senate President Spilka plans to attend. (Friday, 8 a.m., Sheraton Framingham, 1661 Worcester Road, Framingham)
QUALITY, PATIENT SAFETY: Quality and Patient Safety Committee of the Board of Registration in Medicine meets remotely. Members will go into executive session to discuss "peer-reviewed protected information." (Friday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
SENATE PHOTO EXHIBIT: Senate President Spilka's ceremonial office opens for members of the public to see the photo exhibition of "HERstory Volume III: Honoring Trailblazers and Disruptors." The exhibit, which Spilka unveiled to senators and staff last month, 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. On March 27, Spilka announced that the busts of women’s rights leader and presidential advisor Abigail Adams and freedom fighter Elizabeth Freeman will be commissioned and placed in the Senate Chamber. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Senate president's ceremonial office, 3rd floor, State House)
BETSY LEHMAN CENTER: The Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety holds its annual Communication, Apology and Resolution (CARe) forum. It's intended for providers already using the CARe model -- which aims to "more quickly, fairly, and compassionately" meet patient needs -- and those who want to learn more. Barbara Fain, the center's executive director, give welcome remarks. A keynote speech focuses on the connection between organizational communication and patients experiencing "prolonged emotional impact" after medical errors. (Friday, 10 a.m., 501 Boylston St., 5th Floor, Boston | Register)
NEW FOREIGN-TRAINED PHYSICIANS LAW: Lawmakers gather to celebrate the Physicians Pathway Act, which removes barriers for internationally trained physicians to return to practicing medicine here. The 2024 law is expected to help alleviate primary care shortages in underserved and rural communities. Speakers include Senate President Karen Spilka, Sen. Jason Lewis, and Reps. Jack Patrick Lewis, Priscila Sousa, Danielle Gregoire and Kate Donaghue. Stephen Kerrigan, CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, also speaks alongside representatives from the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and the African Bridge Network. Health officials are still working to develop regulations for foreign-trained licensure. (Friday, 12:30 p.m., 354 Waverly St., Framingham)
INCARCERATION TRANSITIONS: Barnstable County Sheriff Donna Buckley hosts an event to officially name the B.R.I.D.G.E. Center, which her office described as "a community-centered program that offers coordinated support for individuals transitioning out of incarceration on Cape Cod." (Friday, 4 p.m., 3195 Main St., Barnstable)
"BRIE'S WAY": Boston nonprofit Justice 4 Housing hosts a grand opening of its child organization, Brie's Way (or Beginning Reentry in Educational Services). Sen. Miranda delivers the keynote address. (Friday, 6 p.m., 61 Heath St., Jamaica Plain)
