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Rep. Christopher Flanagan spoke at an Oct. 24, 2023, press conference in Yarmouth that also featured Gov. Maura Healey. Healey called on Flanagan to resign when he was arrested on federal fraud charges on April 11, 2025.
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!
Another wet weekend to dampen the spirits of the area residents. Wet enough that the Applause Gelato shop has rescheduled their re-opening until April 26 to be timed with the Ladybug Trail Walk hopefully will bring more Spring like weather. In the meantime, the moisture is gradually refilling the aquifers so that the State is gradually coming out of drought status so that is good.
On the Town meeting front, the Town Council meets on Wednesday with a zoning bylaw to permit shared use kitchens, authorization for early voting for the special election June 3, and presentations on the Police Dept Mental Health Clinician work as well as the Town’s Crisis Advocacy Team.
Town and State officials hold their office hours at the Senior Center Thursday morning. Franklin Q&A has 2 sessions this week; at the Library Monday night at 6:30 and Wednesday at the Senior Center at 11 AM. All three sessions designated for informal question and answers on Town business.
*** Meeting schedule for the week of April 14 - April 19
From the Town of Franklin calendar - as of 04/11/25 8 PM
Norfolk County Advisory Board Meeting Notice
Wednesday, April 16 Time: 6:30 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1657
Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 16 Time: 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162025-1682
Town Council Office Hours
Thursday, April 17 Time: 8:30 AM
No agenda expected for this informal business hour
Franklin Housing Authority Meeting
Thursday, April 17 Time: 4:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04172025-1681
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, April 17 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/372?fileID=4420
COA Meeting
Friday, April 18 Time: 1:30 PM
no posted agenda at this time
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The School Committee Policy Subcommittee met on Tuesday to confirm that while Horace was never going away, due to some folks impatience with the process, there may be a Horace Mann Campus proposal for the full School Committee to vote on at their April 29 session. The audio for the meeting is available exclusively from Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/school-committee-policy-subcommittee.html
The full School Committee met also on Tuesday to get detailed updates on the redistricting efforts for the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) expansion as well as the elementary schools. The video is available for replay from Franklin TV. https://www.youtube.com/live/3rgXaYFUtNA?&t=100
The Chalkboard Chat session with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan recaps both the Policy Subcommittee meeting and the full School Committee session to condense the fours to about 40 minutes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/04/this-chalkboard-chat-condenses-both.html
—---------
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====================
Mon. April 14
3 PMSchool Committee Negotiations Subcommittee
Tues. April 15
6 PMRedevelopment Authority - cancelled
Weds., April 16
6:30 PMNorfolk County Commissioners FY26 Budget
7 PMEnergy & Sustainability Committee Meeting
Thurs. April 17
4:30 PMMemorial Committee Meeting
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Should they budget for "the dawn of the Golden Age of America," as President Trump has promised, or for a period that Democrats say is marked by chaos, uncertainty, potentially disappearing federal revenue supports, and growing odds of a recession? House and Senate budget chiefs Aaron Michlewitz and Michael Rodrigues have been making state spending decisions together for six years, through "good times," as House Speaker Ron Mariano put it this week. Mariano himself arrived in the speaker's chair in December 2020 at a time when federal aid related to the COVID-19 pandemic was augmenting surprisingly strong state tax collections, creating an environment where the Quincy Democrat relished an opportunity to make his mark on public investments. The first Michlewitz-Rodrigues budget weighed in at $43.3 billion in the summer of 2019. Next week, Michlewitz plans to release a House Ways and Means Committee redraft of Gov. Maura Healey's $62 billion budget. "For the first time, this is a big cloud hanging over our heads," Mariano said this week, forecasting level funding for many accounts but still leaving room for another potentially sizable spending increase. Mariano said the House budget plan will have a lower bottom line than Healey's, but the governor's bill raised state spending by 7% so there's a runway in sight for the House to both grow spending in certain areas and scale back in others. The House budget typically is released mid-week, with amendments due by the end of the week. The budget sits over school vacation week before being put on the House floor the week of April 28. Across the building, Rodrigues has possession of a $1.3 billion bill investing surplus income surtax revenue on transportation and education. That bill includes appropriations that the MBTA needs to fill budget holes so consideration of the legislation may be on a faster track than usual although the Senate has informal sessions only planned next week.
Storylines in Progress
... One legislative committee plans to meet Monday for a hearing on bills that got favorable recommendations last session, an indication that legislative leaders may be serious about moving bills out of jurisdictional committees earlier in the session ... Essex County voters will choose Tuesday between a pair of Democrats competing in a special election primary to fill the seat last held by Jerald Parisella ... Supporters of a public health rehabilitation hospital in Canton plan to gather Wednesday for a community meeting ... Cancer care and the state's health care cost growth benchmark are on the Health Policy Commission's agenda Thursday ... A challenge to a portion of the state's 2024 gun law will be aired Thursday in federal court ... The end of next week brings about the 250th anniversaries of important dates in American history, and Boston gets its celebration going Friday with a reenactment of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
MARKETS EXPERT JOINS KELLER: Trade wars and their potential impact on the Massachusetts economy will be discussed in Jon Keller's interview with Babson College professor Peter Cohan, a financial and markets expert. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ Channel 4)
MICHLEWITZ ON OTR: House Ways and Means Committee Chair Aaron Michlewitz is the guest on WCVB's "On The Record" with Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. Michlewitz is wrapping up committee work on a fiscal 2026 state budget. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB Channel 5)
PHIL JOHNSTON "CELEBRATION OF LIFE": The family of Phil Johnston, a former state representative, health and human services secretary and longtime Democratic political leader who died April 5, holds a "celebration of life." Speakers include U.S. Sen. Markey, Rev. Ray Hammond; Kerry Kennedy, who is president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights; former U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy; and former Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mass. CEO Andrew Dreyfus. (Sunday, 1 p.m., UMass Boston, Campus Center Ballroom and Terrace, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston)
413 DAY: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle attend as NEPM's "The Fabulous 413" radio show hosts a free 413 Day event to honor the people, culture, and spirit of western Massachusetts on the date (April 13 or 4/13) that matches the region's area code. (Sunday, 1 p.m., CitySpace, 43 Main St., Easthampton)
Monday, April 14, 2025
CONSUMER PROTECTION, PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a public hearing on "prior session favorable matters." About 30 bills are on the agenda dealing with veterinarians and veterinary technicians, genetic counselors, real estate brokers, behavioral analysts, and fortune tellers, among other professions. Other proposals aim to bolster entrepreneurship, regulate thoroughbred breeding, require fair housing education for real estate professionals, and post information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline. House members must take action on House bills by June 13.(Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
AGING, INDEPENDENCE: Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, formerly the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, holds a hearing on nine bills. Proposals from co-chairs Rep. Stanley and Jehlen (H 789 / S 470) look to bolster safety for home care workers and patients, including by strengthening oversight of home care agencies and developing standards to handle "abusive treatment and bullying of Massachusetts home care workers, personal care attendants and home care consumers." Other bills would require the state treasurer to create a curriculum focused on financial literacy for seniors, and ensure that nursing facilities preserve beds for MassHealth members who go to the hospital or request a leave of absence. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
HATE CRIMES: Legislative Subcommittee of the Hate Crimes Task Force meets. Agenda features a presentation on hate crime bills this session, including proposals to update the definition of a hate crime, adding sex and gender as protected classes, and restraining orders tied to hate crimes. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GAMING MITIGATION: Mass. Cultural Council, Mass. Gaming Commission, state and local elected officials, and creative and cultural sector partners gather to highlight the 57 nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers that will receive a total of $3.574 million in gambling mitigation awards. The awards are funded with casino tax revenues and administered by the cultural council. (Monday, 11 a.m., The Guthrie Center, 2 Van Deusenville Road, Great Barrington)
SENATE: Senate holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE: House holds an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
COLA COMMISSION: Special COLA Commission of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. Agenda features a presentation from actuary John Boorack about using excess investment gains with a triennial funding schedule. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds a hearing on a constitutional amendment proposing a right to housing for all Massachusetts residents. The by-request bill from Rep. Day (H 65), submitted by Vincent Lawrence Dixon of Winchester, would ensure Massachusetts provides "sufficient affordable, well-constructed, and reasonably varied housing for all residents." The proposal looks to eliminate housing discrimination and ensure the "reasonable safety, and good health, of all residents of Massachusetts." (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
ADVANCED VEHICLES: Operations Services Division holds a bidders' conference for a statewide contract for advanced vehicle technology equipment, supplies and services. The contract deals with electric vehicle infrastructure. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Register)
PUBLIC SERVICE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing on 30 bills, including proposals from Treasurer Goldberg's office, the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System and the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission. Bills from Goldberg's office would update judicial retirement benefits, boost access to retirement savings for state-contracted workers, and require the state's public pension funds to divest from ammunition and firearms companies. MTRS petitions deal with parental and family leave, covering overseas teaching services that were supervised by the Department of Defense, and pension forfeiture for individuals who commit felony offenses. PERAC proposals deal with post-retirement earnings, retirement allowances and pension forfeiture. (Monday, 1 p.m. Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
SURVIVORS ON THE HILL: Reps. Williams and Holmes host "Survivors on the Hill" for homicide survivors. Attendees will lobby for a Reps. Williams and Holmes bill (HD 1754 / S 2177) to address the backlog of unsolved homicide cases in Massachusetts. From 2000 to 2023, approximately 51% of homicides remain unsolved, with homicides of Black victims being twice as likely to go unsolved compared to white victims, according to Williams's office. The bill would establish a statewide Unsolved Homicides Task Force under the Office of the Attorney General; create a formal process for survivors to petition a reinvestigation of their loved ones' cases if unsolved for three or more years; and form a centralized statewide tip line and a public, searchable database of unsolved homicides. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428)
HEALEY, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Healey meets privately with legislative leaders. The group plans to hold a press availability in the Senate Reading Room after their meeting. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's office)
DCAMM INFO SESSION: Supplier Diversity Office hosts an information session about certification with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. The session is focused on the construction community. (Monday, 6 p.m., 40 Washington St., Quincy | More Info)
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
PRESSLEY TALKS TO BUSINESS LEADERS: U.S. Rep. Pressley addresses business leaders at a Capitol Hill Report event hosted by the New England Council. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston | Register)
HOPKINTON FOOD BANK: Congressman McGovern visits a Hopkinton food bank, Project Just Because. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., 77 South St., Hopkinton)
FINANCIAL SERVICES: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on two dozen bills dealing with consumer protection, credit unions and housing. Bills from Rep. Barber and Sen. Gomez (H 1090 / S 765) would establish a foreclosure prevention program, which involves a mediation process that explores alternatives to foreclosure. Proposals from Rep. Murphy and Sen. Feeney (H 1270 / S 741) aim to protect seniors and people with disabilities from financial exploitation, including by permitting financial institutions to delay transactions under certain cases of suspected exploitation. Also on the agenda is the Debt Collection Fairness Act from Rep. Nguyen and Sen. Eldridge (H 1275 / S 735), which the Senate passed last session but then stalled in the House Ways and Means Committee. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. Agenda includes presentations about the KPMG fiscal 2024 financial audit, the capital investment plan development for fiscal 2026-2030, roadway safety, large vehicle safety efforts, and vulnerable road users. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., MassDOT Board Room, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT: Boston Globe hosts the Sustainability Summit, with sessions exploring plastic-free innovations, green homes and solutions to reduce the impact of climate change, among other topics. A 10 a.m. fireside chat with Gina McCarthy, former EPA administrator and national climate advisor, will explore the rollback of environmental protections. U.S. Sen. Markey participates in an 11 a.m. session, where he'll discuss President Trump's climate policies and the future of environmental efforts. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Boston University Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences, 665 Commonwealth Ave., Boston | Register)
LOWELL DTA: Lowell Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
POETRY OUT LOUD: Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Huntington Education Department host a 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud, an arts education program. Sen. Mark, co-chair of the Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development hosts the event. Rep. Garballey, executive director of the Mass Cultural Council Michael Bobbitt, and Mass Cultural Council Chair Marc Carroll also attend. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
HOPKINTON LIFE SCIENCES: Congressman McGovern visits Revvity, a company that makes life sciences instruments. Closed press. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 768 Elm St., Hopkinton)
MUNI ADA: Massachusetts Office on Disability holds an information session about the Municipal ADA Improvement Grant, which provides funding to city and towns to make accessibility improvements. The grant application opens May 1. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)
CHILDREN, FAMILIES, DISABILITIES: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds an informational hearing featuring testimony from agency leaders. Speakers includes Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa, Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Sarah Peterson, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Commissioner John Oliveira, MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf, Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Jeff McCue, Department of Children and Families Commissioner Staverne Miller, and Office of the Child Advocate Director Maria Mossaides. The Children's Trust Executive Director Jenn Valenzuela also testifies. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
PRISON REFORM ADVOCACY: A coalition of advocates for incarcerated individuals host a lobby day. The event will focus on legislation dealing with elder and medical parole (H 2693 / S 1722), family and community visits (H 2591 / S 1720), and programming, education and vocational training for incarcerated people (H 2608 / S 1651). Organizers include Prisoners' Legal Services, Families for Justice as Healing, Mass. Against Solitary Confinement, the Keeping Families Connected Coalition, Campaign to End Life Without Parole, Drop Life Without Parole New England, and Progressive Mass. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 222)
PCA WORKFORCE: PCA Workforce Council holds a meeting focused on MassHealth and MassHealth updates. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)
TRANSPORTATION FIRST: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce continues its "Transportation First" series, with this installment looking at the "State of Mobility in Boston." Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Boston's chief of streets, discusses the city's transportation priorities. Chamber President Jim Rooney and Kate Dineen, CEO of A Better City, will then share possible solutions and opportunities for businesses and communities to influence "the future of transportation." (Tuesday, 2:45 p.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | More Info and Register)
JUNK FEES BRIEFING: Sen. Eldridge, Reps. Montaño and Sangiolo, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Greater Boston Legal Services and others host an open-press briefing on legislation (H 1553 / S 984) that aims to protect tenants from deceptive and excessive fees in rental housing by capping permissible upfront costs, putting guardrails around late fees, prohibiting mandatory purchase of specific insurance or internet services, and addressing transparency in optional charges. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Register)
WPI GLOBAL PROJECTS: Worcester Polytechnic Institute celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Global Projects Program that allows students to immerse themselves in communities and build partnerships around the world. More than 1,100 students participate each year. Congressman McGovern gives remarks. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 100 Institute Road, Worcester)
NEWTON, WESTON BRIDGES: MassDOT holds a public meeting about construction planned to replace and rehabilitate eight bridges at the I-90/I-95 interchange in Newton and Weston. Attendees will learn about project impacts, including lane closures and MBTA Commuter Rail diversions. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)
SPILKA AT FRAMINGHAM COUNCIL: Framingham City Council meets. Senate President Spilka plans to deliver an annual legislative update. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Framingham Memorial Building, 150 Concord St., Framingham)
HOUSE SPECIAL ELECTION PRIMARY: Beverly Democrats Hannah Louise Bowen and Todd Rotondo face off Tuesday in a primary contest that's part of the election to fill the House seat last held by Jerald Parisella. Republican Medley Long III is unopposed in Tuesday's primary, and will face either Bowen or Rotondo in the general special election on May 13. Parisella sought reelection and won, but secured a judgeship after the election and left the Legislature. (Tuesday)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
MASSDOT PREQUALIFICATION: MassDOT's Prequalification Committee meets. Executive session starts around 8:40 a.m., and the open meeting resumes around 9:50 a.m. for decisions and votes. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PRIM STEWARDSHIP: Pension Reserves Investment Management Stewardship and Sustainability Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., More Info)
MASS MAYORS: Massachusetts Mayors' Association meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
CHILD ABUSE, NEGLECT: The Children's Trust holds an advocacy event where they plan to display 70 pairs of shoes on the Grand Staircase, signifying the number of children who are abused or neglected daily in the state. Advocates are seeking more funding for a home visiting program. Sen. Robyn Kennedy and Rep. Whipps will be honored. Jennifer Valenzuela, executive director of The Children's Trust, gives remarks. The shoe installation is at 10 a.m., followed by the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Grand Staircase)
FED IMPACTS ON EDUCATION: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance hosts panel discussion about the "negative impacts" of Trump administration policies on local schools and how organizers want state lawmakers to respond. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
DPU COMPETITIVE SUPPLY: Department of Public Utilities' Stakeholder Working Group meets. Members will discuss a staff presentation from a March 6 meeting, which had recommendations for how DPU could tackle deceptive or misleading marketing that targets "vulnerable customers," and how to address high prices. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., One South Station, 3rd floor, Boston | More Info)
PRIMARY CARE: The 25-member Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force meets for the first time. The panel, led by the Health Policy Commission and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will explore ways to improve the state's primary care system, a priority for policymakers given the difficulty residents are having accessing primary care. The panel will make recommendations for establishing a primary care spending target, propose models to increase primary care reimbursements, and map out workforce development plans. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)
BRAIN ANEURYSM AWARENESS: Brain Aneurysm Foundation hosts a "Day on the Hill" to raise awareness about a condition with significant risks. Organizers say 2% to 5% of the population has an unruptured brain aneurysm, and even though only a small number of those ever rupture, "half of those who do will not survive the trauma, with others facing the possibility of lifelong disability." Reps. Lawn and Donato join the event alongside Brain Aneurysm Foundation Executive Director Christine Buckley and Dr. Christopher Ogilvy of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Brain Aneurysm Institute. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 437)
BATTLEFIELD STAMPS: U.S. Postal Service hosts a "first-day-of-issue ceremony" for the new Battlefields of the American Revolution set of stamps, which commemorate the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. The set of 15 stamps memorializes five turning points in the fight for American independence with watercolor paintings depicting scenes of five battles, including the Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Battle of Bunker Hill. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Minute Man National Historical Park, North Bridge Visitor Center, 174 Liberty St., Concord | Register)
REHAB COUNCIL: Massachusetts State Rehabilitation Council's State Plan Committee meets. Agenda includes a discussion about MassAbility's priorities, including improving career services for young adults and bolstering relationships with employers. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MCGOVERN IN WHATELY: Congressman McGovern visits seniors at Whately Town Hall. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 194 Chestnut Plain Road, Whately)
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE: The Greater Boston Food Bank hosts a celebration of 30 years of the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program. The state-funded program that invests in four food banks. Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle, Sen. DiDomenico, and food bank officials will speak, then advocates will go to the State House to lobby for $55.5 million in the fiscal 2026 budget. The program received $42.4 million in fiscal 2025. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., NBBJ Design, 1 Center Plaza, Suite 800, Boston)
LABOR, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a public hearing on five bills, primarily focused on higher education. A by-request petition from Rep. Day (H 70), submitted by Vincent Lawrence Dixon of Winchester, calls for a constitutional amendment that gives all Massachusetts residents the "right to employable skills training." It would permit Bay Staters to receive up to two years of technical or employable skills training, with tuition costs covered by the state. Bills from Rep. Vargas and Sen. Payano (H 2185 / S 1365) would ensure "fair wages" for employees at public colleges and universities based on collective bargaining agreements. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
LABOR, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds an informational hearing without any bills on the agenda. The committee says the forum is an opportunity for "interested parties" to introduce themselves. The hearing is penciled in for 11:30 a.m., but will start once the committee wraps up an 11 a.m. hearing that does have five bills on the agenda. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Livestream)
HOUSE DEMOCRATS CAUCUS: House Democrats gather for a private caucus, possibly to hear about the Ways and Means Committee's fiscal year 2026 budget proposal. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Hearing Rooms A-1 and A-2)
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL: MassDOT holds a webinar about the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program, with an overview of new tools and resources for schools, districts and municipalities. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
MERIT BOARD: Merit Rating Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Director Sonja Singleton. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | More Info)
MPTC HEARING: Police Standards Subcommittee of the Municipal Police Training Committee holds an open hearing, focused on the appeals of former instructors Earl Johnson and Steven Eramo. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., 42 Thomas Patten Dr., Randolph | Agenda and Livestream)
'ARTIVIST' TOWN HALL: Rep. Garballey speaks during a virtual "Artivist Town Hall" hosted by MASSCreative. Garballey, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, will discuss the legislative process with members of the creative sector. The event comes ahead of Creative Sector Advocacy Week, which spans April 28 to May 2. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
CITY AWAKE: Vivien Li, who helped transform the Boston Harbor waterfront and create the 43-mile HarborWalk trail, is the featured speaker at a "Words of Wisdom" event hosted by City Awake, the young professionals' arm of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Li also formerly led Riverlife, where she focused on ensuring public access and open spaces along Pittsburgh's riverfront. Networking and dinner is at 5:20 p.m., followed by the conversation with Li at 6 p.m. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., 265 Franklin St., Boston | Register)
PAPPAS COMMUNITY MEETING: Sen. Feeney and Rep. Galvin hold a community meeting about Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton, which serves patients ages 7-22 with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Gov. Healey proposed closing the public health hospital in her budget and renovating a wing at another state-run hospital in western Massachusetts, though the administration paused that plan after public uproar. Lawmakers say they will discuss "next steps" for advocacy as they chart a path forward for Pappas. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Congregational Church of Canton, 1541 Washington St., Canton)
ALLSTON I-90 PROJECT: Allston I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force meets. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center, 123 Antwerp St., Brighton | Zoom)
MCGOVERN COFFEE HOUR: U.S. Rep. McGovern hosts a "Coffee with your Congressman" at Wachusett Regional High School. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., 1401 Main St., Holden)
SPILKA AT ASHLAND BOARD: Ashland Select Board meets, where Senate President Spilka plans to deliver an annual legislative update. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Ashland Town Hall, 101 Main St., Ashland)
NATIONAL GRID HEARING: Department of Public Utilities hosts a virtual public hearing on National Grid's proposed Targeted Electrification Demonstration Program. National Grid wants to decommission parts of a leak-prone gas pipeline and transition 118 residential gas customers in Winthrop and Leominster to electric appliances. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
Thursday, April 17, 2025
GROUP INSURANCE: Group Insurance Commission meets. Gov. Healey's recently filed supplemental budget would steer $240 million to the GIC to handle unbudgeted costs. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)
ZONING 101: National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) holds a seminar on the zoning landscape in Massachusetts for those interested in developing, buying or selling commercial real estate. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Register)
FIRE SERVICE: Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes an annual budget presentation. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow | More Info)
JANE DOE INC. LOBBY DAY: Jane Doe Inc. hosts a launch of its legislative agenda. Among the priorities are a bill to curb so-called abusive litigation, when an abuser forces a survivor to appear repeatedly in court (H 1594 / S 1205); creating a Flexible Assistance for Survivors Grant Program (H 2466 / S 1562); and pausing the construction of new jails and prisons in Massachusetts. (H 3422 / S 2114). (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room 438)
DORCHESTER REC SPACE: Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester and the Martin Richard Foundation hold groundbreaking ceremony for The FieldHouse+, a 75,000-square-foot athletic and recreational facility that's slated to open next year. Speakers and attendees include Gov. Healey, Mayor Wu, Congressman Lynch, Reps. Michlewitz and Hunt, Sen. Collins and Councilor FitzGerald, according to organizers. The space, billed to be Boston's "first fully-inclusive" space for youth, will have an indoor turf field, teaching kitchen, community theater, indoor and outdoor courts, roof garden, indoor track, music studio and fitness center. The FieldHouse+ Capital Campaign has raised more than $40 million out of its $70 million fundraising goal. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 315 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester)
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)
FIREARM TECH: Special Legislative Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology holds a public hearing. Past hearings have featured testimony from invited speakers, while this hearing gives Massachusetts residents the opportunity to speak. The committee is also accepting written testimony through 5 p.m. on April 21. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
WORKFORCE INCLUSIVITY: Boston Business Journal releases its inaugural "Employers Inclusivity Index" at a program that explores building an "inclusive and thriving workforce." The event comes amid President Trump's executive orders seeking to halt diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Gov. Healey delivers opening remarks. A panel discussion features Mimi Gardner of NeighborHealth, Gayle O'Connell of Arbella Insurance Group, Aba Taylor of YW Boston and Chris White of Road To Responsibility. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Ritz-Carlton, 10 Avery St., Boston | Tickets)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission Board meets. Members plan to vote to issue the Cost and Market Impact Review report on the proposed clinical affiliation between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians. The HPC released a preliminary report on Feb. 27 that found the transaction would likely reduce spending on inpatient care, while raising spending on outpatient care. The Public Health Council recently approved plans for Dana-Farber to build a standalone cancer hospital in the Longwood Medical Area as part of its split from Mass General Brigham. The agenda also features a vote on establishing the 2026 health care cost growth benchmark. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
MUNI AI: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only introductory webinar on artificial intelligence. Serena Sacks-Mandel, field chief technology officer at MGT, will discuss different types of AI and their applications for municipalities. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
WORCESTER CHAMBER: Worcester Chamber of Commerce President's Council meets. Congressman McGovern speaks. (Thursday, 12 p.m., 311 Main St., Suite 200, Worcester)
ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health meets. Members will review objectives for subcommittees as part of the development of an oral health needs assessment. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PRINCIPAL PARTNERS: Boston Public Schools, the City of Boston, Boston Plan for Excellence, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Bank of America host "Principal Partners." Business leaders will join BPS principals to observe classrooms and meet with students and teachers from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. At 12:30 p.m. Mayor Michelle Wu, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper, and Chamber President and CEO Jim Rooney will speak at Bank of America. (Thursday, Speaking portion at 12:30 p.m., Bank of America, 100 Federal Street, Boston)
CLEAN ENERGY: Department of Public Utility holds another stakeholder session on the new clean energy siting and permitting reform law. State energy officials are seeking feedback ahead of releasing proposed regulations later this year. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)
GUN LAW HEARING: U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns holds a hearing on the state's motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its sweeping 2024 gun law. The case, Recchia III v. Healey et al, alleges that sections of the law updating the definition of assault-style firearms violate Second Amendment protections. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Courtroom 21, John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston)
CASH ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO FAMILIES: Lift Our Kids Coalition hosts an event to highlight progress in increasing cash assistance grants to low-income families with children and push for additional raises. Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Decker attend. Cash assistance grants on April 1 increased by 10% due to a fiscal 2025 budget provision, the first increase since October 2022. The coalition said the increase raises the maximum monthly grant for a family of three by $78, up to $861 per month, far below the federal poverty level of $2,220 per month for a family of three. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Room 350)
NORTH SHORE ECO DEV: North Shore Alliance for Economic Development hosts its annual Resource Showcase for Minority-Owned & Diverse Businesses. Attendees will learn about public and private resources. (Thursday, 3 p.m., 121 Loring Ave., Salem)
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Commission meets. Agenda items include a draft annual report, updates from the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention, and prevention initiatives from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
UMASS BOSTON LECTURE: Congressman McGovern delivers remarks at the Slomoff Memorial Lecture at UMass Boston. (Thursday, 4 p.m., 100 Morrisey Blvd., Boston)
EEC BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session about behavioral health resources. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
SOLDIERS FIELD ROAD: Department of Conservation & Recreation holds a virtual public meeting about intersection improvements for Soldiers Field Road at North Beacon Street. Officials say they want to improve safety and accessibility, plus create a "welcoming environment" that will reflect "the natural and cultural history of the site within the Charles River Reservation." (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
FRIENDS OF THE PUBLIC GARDEN: The Friends of the Public Garden hold its 2025 annual meeting. (Thursday, 6 p.m., UMass Club of Boston, 1 Beacon St., 32nd Floor)
NEWTON, WESTON BRIDGES: MassDOT holds its second public meeting of the week about planned construction to replace and rehabilitate eight bridges at the I-90/I-95 interchange in Newton and Weston. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)
Friday, April 18, 2025
MIDNIGHT RIDE 250th: Boston commemorates the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride, which alerted colonists and Minutemen to the approach of British Army troops prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord, with a reenactment and series of events. The Paul Revere House hosts an open house and serves as the start of the reenactment, which will take place on foot, by rowboat, and on horseback by costumed reenactors who will trace Revere's route from Boston's North End, across the harbor, and through the streets of Charlestown. Reenactement begins at 8 p.m. Mayor Wu offers remarks at 6:30 p.m. at the Paul Revere Mall. (Friday, 5:30 p.m., The Paul Revere House, 19 North Sq., Boston)
Saturday, April 19, 2025
MIDNIGHT MOTORCYCLE RIDE: Combat Veteran Motorcycle Association hosts a reenactment of Paul Revere's famous midnight ride, which alerted colonists and Minutemen to the approach of British Army troops prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord. Association members will recreate Revere's ride on motorcycles, navigating from his house in Boston to the Lexington Battle Green, sticking "as closely as possible to his historical path while adapting it for a modern ride," organizers said. Civil Rights Coalition, the group working to repeal last year's gun law, joins the ride. (Saturday, April 19, 3 a.m., Meet at Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston)
YMCA, VETS: YMCA and Executive Office of Veterans Services hold events to celebrate veterans and their families, with programming planned at YMCAs across Massachusetts. An opening ceremony will be held at the Charlestown YMCA at 9:30 a.m.. Participants will receive a free weekend pass they can use on any weekend they want by the end of August. (Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m., Charlestown YMCA, 150 3rd Ave., Charlestown | More Info)
COMMONWEALTH MUSEUM: The Commonwealth Museum is free and open to the public for a Patriots' Day weekend viewing of "Upon Such Ground: Massachusetts and the Birth of the Revolution." The special “America 250” exhibit features revolutionary artifacts held at the Massachusetts Archives, including an invoice from Paul Revere for a series of rides, a Paul Revere copper engraving, a drum used at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and a sword used by the officer who gave the order to fire on the British at Concord’s Old North Bridge. (Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m., The Commonwealth Museum, 220 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester)
