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Governor Maura Healey welcomed Ambassador H.E. Chen Li, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, to the Massachusetts State House last week. Massachusetts was the first state to initiate trade with China in 1784. “Today we welcomed Ambassador H.E. Chen Li to Massachusetts. We discussed our shared economic and cultural ties, and our commitment to continuing to work together for the benefit of our people and our economy,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts is home to a vibrant community of nearly 200,000 people of Chinese heritage, and they make valued contributions to our communities and our economy.”
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!
A very full week of Town and School business meetings scheduled
Both the Recreation and Planning Board are scheduled to meet on Monday. Housing Authority, Design Review, Friends of the Library, and School Committee and School Policy Subcommittee are scheduled for Tuesday. The Board of Health, Cultural Council and Historical Commission are scheduled to meet on Wednesday. Thursday morning starts with the Town and State official coffee social (8:30AM) at the Senior Center, followed by ribbon cutting for the new van and pavilion also at (10:00AM) the Senior Center. Thursday evening has the regular meeting of the Conservation Commission. Friday, the School Committee has a contract negotiation session to close out the busy week.
Over 200 volunteers, yes, some of your neighbors may be part of this group of non-paid volunteers spending some number of hours willingly to provide oversight for the Town and School operations. As a general rule, we should all be kind to our neighbors, and even more so to those who volunteer to help make this community work for us.
There may be disagreements on specific items but we are all here because we chose to be. We need to work together to make it a better place. Step away from the vitriol on the social webs and have a civil conversation with your neighbors. Franklin will be a better place for us.
*** The agendas for the week ahead can be found here:(as of 8:00 PM Friday, MAy 9, 2025)
Recreation Advisory Board Agenda
May 12, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122025-1713
Planning Board Meeting
May 12, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122025-1727
Franklin Housing Authority Meeting
May 13, 2025, 4:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1733
Design Review Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1732
Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting
May 13, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1737
Franklin School Committee Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735
Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting
May 13, 2025, 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM
No agenda posted
Board of Health
May 14, 2025, 5:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1722
Franklin Cultural Council Meeting
May 14, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05142025-1731
Historical Commission Meeting
May 14, 2025, 6:00 PM
No agenda posted at this time
Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials
May 15, 2025, 8:30 AM
No agenda for this informal gathering
Conservation Commission Meeting
May 15, 2025, 7:00 PM
No agenda posted at this time
SC Negotiations - Franklin School Committee
May 16, 2025, 4:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05122025-1713
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The Town Council met on Wednesday, May 7. The audio is once again “clean” and we also heard of the renewal for our AAA bond rating. This provides significant financial value to the Town. The recap and video can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-hears-of-clean-audit-and.html
The Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the almost 3 hour meeting to about 30 minutes can be found
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-quarterbacking-condenses.html
The Zoning Board of Appeals had a contentious but informative session on Thursday. More discussion on the key zoning and building topics, including the 40b topic will be coming. In the meantime, catch up on the meeting here (recap and video)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/zba-listens-town-administrator-attempts.html
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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
Medway’s new website, likewise,
does not readily support cut and paste. Go to medwayma.gov.
Mon. May 12
6:30 PMSelect Board Meeting - Pre-Special and Annual Town Meeting
Tues. May 13
9 AMElection Equipment Testing
2 PMCouncil On Aging Board Meeting
Weds, May 14
12:30 PMHousing Authority Regular Meeting
6:30 PMBoard of Parks Commissioners
Thurs, May 15
4:30 PMMemorial Committee Meeting
STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND
While the Senate Ways and Means Committee's $61.3 billion fiscal 2026 budget proposal sits for a week ahead of floor debate, legislators have lined up a succession of public hearings in the week ahead to explore everything from primary care access to Chapter 70 local school aid to state versus local control of alcoholic beverage licensing decisions. It's been nearly a decade since voters approved a ballot law that authorized so-called cannabis cafes, and state regulators on Monday plan to focus on a draft framework for allowing people to use marijuana in public social settings. Also Monday, mayors and managers from 17 municipalities gather at the Museum of Science in Boston to sign a commitment outlining regional climate goals for the next decade. Lawmakers will have their eyes and ears on Washington on Tuesday for a committee markup of legislation that is expected to outline the possible contours of Medicaid spending cuts and reforms. Tuesday will also bring voters to the polls to elect a successor to former Rep. Jerald Parisella of Beverly, who is now a judge, and to advance primary candidates in the race to succeed the late Rep. Carol Doherty of Taunton. On Wednesday, Gov. Maura Healey, who is ready next week to roll out her long-promised energy affordability bill, plans to deliver keynote remarks at a conference in Boston focused on how emerging technologies can impact climate change. Legislators on Wednesday plan to also launch this session's Constitutional Convention, though there's little buzz out there about actually debating and voting on any pending constitutional amendments. House and Senate Democrats over the winter approved major reforms to the joint rules that were intended to smooth the flow of bills and make the legislative process more transparent, but are in the familiar position of being unable to agree on a single path forward. The House-Senate conference committee charged with finding compromise will hold its second public meeting on Thursday. Democrats this year have come to see the federal government under President Donald Trump as attacking Massachusetts and its traditional strengths in higher education and research, while undercutting the economy through global tariffs. The latest look at unemployment, which has been inching upwards, is marked for release Friday, when April's jobless rate and related data are due.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
MOTHER'S DAY WALK: Louis D. Brown Peace Institute holds its annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace. The theme is "Cultivating Cycles of Peace," as participants are encouraged to move beyond cycles of violence, invest in healing and support survivors. Organizers say the walk is meant to boost awareness about the impact of homicides and to raise $600,000 to support services and training at the Peace Institute. Attendees include Boston Mayor Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, according to organizers. Programming starts at 8 a.m., and the walk is at 9 a.m. (Sunday, 8 a.m., Town Field Park, 1565 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester)
REPORTERS JOIN KELLER: The Boston mayoral race, Gov. Healey's national profile, and Sen. Markey's age are topics for reporters Gin Dumcius of CommonWealth Beacon and Kelly Garrity of Politico during their TV appearance with Jon Keller. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Channel 4)
SPILKA "ON THE RECORD" | Senate President Karen Spilka is the featured guest on "On The Record" with hosts Ed Harding and Ben Simmoneau. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Channel 5)
Monday, May 12, 2025
CONSUMER PROTECTION, LICENSURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional holds a public hearing on about 30 bills dealing mostly with reforming alcohol laws and local liquor license petitions. A proposal from Treasurer Goldberg (H 36) aims to overhaul conditions for granting liquor licenses and where alcoholic beverages can be sold. Legislation from Rep. McKenna and Sen. Oliveira (H 437 / S 279) looks to move liquor licensing control away from the Legislature and back to municipalities, a perennial request that lawmakers have denied. Manufacturers of hemp-derived products, including alcohol, would face new oversight under bills from Rep. Day and Sen. Driscoll (H 357 / S 222). (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
WORKFORCE GRANTS: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones joins state and local officials, grantees, employers and supervisors to announce Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund workforce success grants. (Monday, 10 a.m., 100 Franklin St., Lower Level, Boston)
LIFE SCIENCES TRAINING: University and MassBio leaders visit students of the inaugural life sciences workforce training program run in partnership with UMass Lowell and Bioversity, a nonprofit provider of biotech workforce training. Bioversity, which spun out of MassBio in 2023, is a partner in the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), a 1.2 million square foot, mixed use development project in the city. Expected speakers include UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, MassBio President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, Bioversity Executive Director Zach Stanley and students from the training cohort. (Monday, 10 a.m., UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 110 Canal St., Lowell)
MUNI CLIMATE COMMITMENT: Mayors and managers from 17 municipalities sign a commitment outlining regional climate goals for the next decade during the Metro Mayors Coalition Climate Summit. Speakers include U.S. Sen. Markey, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper, Boston Mayor Wu, and Metropolitan Area Planning Council Executive Director Marc Draisen. A panel discussion will feature Department of Public Utilities Commissioner Staci Rubin, Undersecretary for Decarbonization and Resilience Katherine Antos, Medford Mayor Brianna Lungo-Koehn,Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang and Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez. The commitment signing is slated for noon. (Monday, 10 a.m., Boston Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston)
CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets to continue its discussion of draft rules for the social marijuana use licenses first contemplated in the 2016 legalization law. The agenda also calls for an update on the regulatory timeline. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
AGING, INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Aging and Independence holds a public hearing on two dozen bills focused on home- and community-based services, assisted living residences and continuing care retirement communities. A panel of older adults at risk of homelessness and service providers plans to testify on a bill (S 475) setting up a statewide bridge subsidy program for low-income adults aged 60 years and older who are facing housing instability. A similar program is being piloted in Somerville, according to supporters of the legislation, who say 39% of extremely low –income households in Massachusetts are older adults. Bills from Rep. Thomas Stanley and Sen. Pat Jehlen (H 791 / S 474) aim to expand access to the Frail Elder Waiver, which supports older adults who clinically qualify to be in a nursing facility but want to remain at home in their communities. Proposals from Rep. Frank Moran and Sen. Julian Cyr (H 782 / S 464) look to bolster the home care workforce, a sector facing acute budget strains and heightened demand from the state's growing population of older residents. Senior centers would be required to provide universal breakfast and lunch meals under a Rep. Michelle Badger bill (H 4039). (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
COLA COMMISSION: Special Cost of Living Adjustment Commission, part of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, meets. Agenda includes a presentation about potentially creating a COLA reserve. (Monday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hybrid public hearing on 10 bills related to voluntary contributions, sales tax, property tax and economic development. A proposal (H 3104) from Rep. Garry would make assisted living programs eligible for tax increment financing, and allow municipalities to provide flexible targeted incentives for the programs. A Rep. Higgins bill (H 3124) will be considered to create a sales tax exemption for used books and other items sold by libraries for fundraising purposes, as well as a Rep. Cabral bill (H 3037) to allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute all or part of tax refunds to a new Massachusetts Fund for Vulnerable Countries Most Affected by Climate Change. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Virtual)
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS: Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers hosts its annual advocacy day, which will explore ideas to address access to primary care, the financial stability of community health centers and their workforce needs. A legislative briefing at 10:30 a.m. will be followed by a "brief" media availability at 11:30 a.m., according to organizers. Participants include Mass League President Michael Curry; Maria Celli, CEO of Brockton Neighborhood Health Center; Jordina Shanks, CEO of Fenway Health; Maggie Brennan, President and CEO of North Shore Community Health; and Tania Barber, President and CEO of Caring Health Center. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Room 222)
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)
AG'S DEI GUIDANCE: Attorney General Campbell hosts a diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility guidance webinar with fellow Democrat attorneys general Kwame Raoul of Illinois, Aaron Ford of Nevada, and Rob Bonta of California. For media access, RSVP to Alexis.Algazy@mass.gov. (Monday, 11 a.m.)
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Department of Fire Services' Hazardous Materials Mitigation Advisory Board meets. Members will vote on new technicians. Agenda also includes updates tied to the Boston Marathon and 250th American Revolution commemorative events. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
HOME CARE LAB: UMass Boston opens the Home Care Digital and Simulation Lab, which will train nursing students about home care technologies. The lab is funded by $3 million in federal dollars secured by U.S. Rep. Lynch. Attendees include Lynch, UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Stephen Karam and UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. (Monday, 11 a.m., Quinn Administration Building, UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston)
INDIGENOUS DAY OF ACTION: Massachusetts Indigenous Agenda Coalition hosts a lobby day. They're advocating for bills that seek to prohibit the use of Native American mascots by public schools (H 575 / S 312), establish Indigenous Peoples Day (H 3292 / S 2113), teach Native American cultures and history in Massachusetts K-12 curriculum (H 628 / S 444), create a permanent commission for the education of American Indian and Alaska Natives (H 649 / S 412), and ensure that Native American sacred objects or those of traditional or historical importance that are held in government and nonprofit collections are not sold for profit. (H 3597 / S 2335). (Monday, 11:30 a.m., State House Steps. Briefing at 1:30 p.m. in Room 428)
ART PHARMACY: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar about using arts and culture activities for substance use treatment and prevention. Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt will discuss the agency's partnership with Art Pharmacy, which is focused on "social prescribing." The model connects patients to workshops, classes, gallery visits, and performances to bolster their mental health and address chronic illnesses. Leaders from Franklin will share how the town became the first Massachusetts municipality to use social prescribing for substance prevention and recovery. (Monday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing on about 25 bills focused on mostly individual matters tied to creditable service and retirement benefits. A Rep. Smola bill (H 2970) would ensure that the next of kin of a state police officer killed in the line of duty receives a state flag during the memorial services. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on bills dealing with school buildings, school finance, and technology and data. A bevy of bills revolve around Chapter 70 reform, including delivering inflation relief, and a bill from the late Rep. Doherty (H 555) to establish a commission to make Chapter 70 funding formula recommendations. Legislation sponsored by House Minority Leader Jones (H 610) would permanently establish the Foundation Budget Review Commission, which would be tasked with analyzing which educational programs and services are needed for students to achieve education goals. Rep. Cahill and Sen. Crighton aim to support school construction under their proposals (H 526 / S 318), including by revamping the Massachusetts School Building Authority's funding formula. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALTH CARE FINANCING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds a public hearing on nearly 20 bills focused on primary care, workforce development and medical debt. Proposals from Rep. Haggerty and Sen. Friedman (H 1370 / S 867) would establish spending targets and benchmarks for primary care spending across public and private payers. Lawmakers and Gov. Healey have identified primary care, including bolster access to care and investment in the sector, as a priority this session. Bills from Rep. Keefe and Sen. Keenan (H 1377 / S 872) would create a nurse practitioner residency program at community health centers, with the aim of increasing access to primary and preventive care. A health care industry recruitment and education advisory council would be launched under legislation (H 1380) from Reps. Lawn and Decker, as well as a fund intended to boost the diversity of the primary care and behavioral health care workforce. (Monday, 1 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)
HIGHER ED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Board of Higher Education Executive Committee meets. (Monday, 2:30 p.m. | Zoom)
TRIAL ATTORNEYS' DINNER: Attorney General Campbell gives remarks at the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys' annual dinner. (CLOSED PRESS) (Monday, 6 p.m., Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center, 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham)
STATE OF ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY: Lt. Gov. Driscoll give remarks at a reception celebrating the 77th Independence Day of the State of Israel hosted by the Consul General of the State of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni. (Monday, 6:45 p.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St, 32nd Floor, Boston)
MYSTIC RIVER BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed project for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge crossing the Mystic River, with paths in Somerville and Everett. The bridge would connect the DCR Draw Seven Park to the Gateway Park trail and boardwalk at the Encore Resort. (Monday, 7 p.m., Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Drive, Somerville | More Info)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
MUNI COUNCILLORS: Massachusetts Municipal Councillors' Association Board meets. Closed to the public. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | More Info)
KERSHAW VISIT: Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw visits two Somerville early education providers, and participates in a roundtable discussion with early ed leaders about the Somerville Partnership for Young Children. SPYC leads a network of licensed early education and care providers to expand access and improve quality to Somerville's early childhood education programs. SPYC receives grants through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to fund their work. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen St., Somerville)
DPU TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities' Transportation Oversight Division holds virtual public hearings on applications for carrier certification. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Zoom)
HELFRICH BROTHERS TOUR: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones joins members of the business community and the MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board to continue the MassHire 250 Workforce Innovation Tour, celebrating local and regional workforce innovations across the state with a tour at Helfrich Brothers Boiler Works. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 39 Merrimack St., Lawrence)
LIVE THEATER TAX CREDIT: Executive Office of Economic Development holds a public hearing about a new regulation for live theater tax credits. The 2024 economic development law created a five-year pilot program for a live theater tax credit, with an annual cap of $7 million. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
FIREARMS LICENSING: Firearms Licensing Review Board meets remotely. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)
PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MMA BOARD: Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors meets. Closed to the public. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hybrid public hearing on bills dealing with home, life and food insurance, and civil service petitions. A proposal (H 1217) from Rep. Kearney seeks to modernize flood insurance, through requiring insurers to base rates on actuarial data and not produce rates that are "excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory." Other bills under consideration would provide living organ donor protections (H 1258), require sufficient notice to homeowners by insurance companies prior to an inspection (H 1225), and provide prompt payment following settlement by an insurance company (H 1303). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)
GAMING AGENDA-SETTING: Mass. Gaming Commission meets to select the topics it will discuss in greater detail at future business meetings. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
PRIM ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Administration and Audit Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. The committee will vote on a draft fiscal year 2026 operating budget, and receive a legislative update. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)
AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Agriculture holds a hybrid public hearing on about 30 bills dealing with food systems. The bills deal with the impact of climate change on farms and fisheries, establishing healthy soil performance guidelines, and promoting equity in agriculture. A Sen. Cyr bill (S 57) would make the Atlantic Horseshoe Crab the official marine invertebrate of Massachusetts. Rep. Hendricks is seeking with H 127 to establish penalties for the aquaculture of any species of octopus for human consumption. The committee will also hear testimony on Rep. Boldyga's "Make America Healthy Again" resolve (H 113) to have a commission investigate the safety of certain foods and food additives. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-2 | Virtual)
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES: Leaders of refugee resettlement agencies participate in a panel discussion about the "critical needs" among refugees and immigrants due to changes in the federal landscape. Sens. Robyn Kennedy and Cindy Creem and Reps. Jim O'Day and Tram Nguyen are slated to speak. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)
LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a hybrid public hearing on about 40 bills related to workers rights and protections. The committee will hear testimony on a number of bills related to bereavement leave, apprenticeship programs, workplace safety and disclosure of violations. A Rep. Owens bill (H 2153) seeks to expand access to commuter transit benefits offered by employers. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room B-1 | Virtual)
OLDER ADULT LOBBY DAY: Hundreds of older adults and advocates, led by the Mass Aging Access coalition, join an Older Adult Lobby Day. Sen. Jehlen and Rep. Stanley, who co-chair the Joint Elder Affairs Committee, plan to speak at the event emceed by former AARP Massachusetts state president Sandra Harris. Attendees will focus on topics such as affordable housing, age-friendly transit, community- and home-based service expansions, and more. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Great Hall)
TROTTENBERG LECTURE: Former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation Polly Trottenberg offers a public lecture, "Mind the Gap: Mass Transit, Equity and the Future of Public Goods in American Democracy." Trottenberg served in the Biden administration and is the 2025 Robert C. Wood visiting professor of public and urban affairs at UMass Boston. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Campus Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor, UMass Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston)
YOUTHWORKS GRANTS: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones, Rep. Hong, Lowell city officials and members of the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board announce a new round of Youthworks grants. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 375 Merrimack St., Lowell)
CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a hybrid public hearing on 15 bills related to human services and child welfare. A bill filed by Rep. Farley-Bouvier and Sen. Comerford bill (H 227 / S 105) seeks to protect the welfare benefits that children may be eligible for when they are placed in foster care. Human service workers were on Beacon Hill last week lobbying for bills (S 119 / H 283) filed by Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Roy to create a loan repayment program for employees in the sector. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Virtual)
DTA BROCKTON: Department of Transitional Assistance's Brockton Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)
STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hybrid public hearing on bills concerning public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations. A perennial bill (H 3422 / S 2114) establishing a jail and prison moratorium will be heard, as well as legislation to establish election day as a holiday and provide paid voting leave. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)
MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hybrid public hearing on nearly 50 bills, many of them home rule petitions having to do with district and regional government. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Virtual)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a hybrid public hearing on about 40 bills related to motor vehicle sales, transactions and registration. A Rep. Pease bill (H 3760) would suspend a car's registration if its inspection sticker has been expired for over 60 days. Rep. Arriaga (H 4053) seeks to legalize Kei vehicles, ultra-compact cars and trucks mostly made in Japan known for being affordable and fuel efficient. Other bills have to do with making car rentals more affordable, clarifying vehicle transfer and registration laws, and allowing for temporary license plates. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Virtual)
LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission and its executive committee meet. Secretary of Administration and Finance Gorzkowicz gives an update on state tax collections and a budget outlook for fiscal 2026. Gorzkowicz will also discuss the supplemental budget that's being assembled to allocate excess income surtax revenues. Agenda also includes a discussion on the Municipal Empowerment Act. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Zoom)
ENERGY & COMMERCE COMMITTEE MARKUP: U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, which is charged with finding $880 billion in federal budget savings from its portfolio that includes Medicaid, is expected to begin reviewing and potentially amending its portion of a megabill that is central to President Donald Trump's domestic agenda. POLITICO reported Thursday that a committee official said the markup session will be continuous and could take more than 24 hours. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Tuesday that the bill his chamber puts forward will not change the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) rate, the portion of state Medicaid costs paid by the federal government, for states like Massachusetts that have expanded Medicaid. Beacon Hill is closely watching for the details of the GOP plan. Cuts in Medicaid would ripple through MassHealth, the largest single chunk of spending in the state budget and a program that affords health care coverage to about 2 million Bay Staters. Under Gov. Healey's budget plan, federal reimbursement for MassHealth spending was expected to increase by $1.8 billion to $14.2 billion in fiscal 2026. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., U.S. Capitol)
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING: The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education holds its 2025 celebration honoring Excellence in Teaching to recognize 31 educators. Education Secretary and Interim Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Tutwiler will attend, alongside Deputy Commissioner Regina Robinson and Acting Deputy Commissioner Lauren Woo. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens)
CLINTON POOL COMPLEX: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about planned updates to the Philip Weihn Memorial Pool Complex in Clinton. The wading pool will be converted to a fully accessible spray deck as officials look to reduce safety concerns. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
STOLBA AT CHARLES RIVER CHAMBER: Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba gives remarks at the Charles River Regional Chamber's annual spring business breakfast. Organizers say she will be introduced by former secretary Yvonne Hao, who resigned from Gov. Healey's Cabinet at the end of April. Mary Burke, a principal economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, gives a presentation about stalled employment growth in Massachusetts, the impact of federal policy uncertainty and "several downside risks that could have an outsized impact on our state." (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Needham Sheraton, 100 Cabot St., Needham | Register)
MASSDOT PREQUALIFICATION: MassDOT's Prequalification Committee meets. Members will go into executive session around 8:40 a.m., and resume for a public session and voting at around 9:50 a.m. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)
WORKERS' COMP: Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes an update from Department of Industrial Accidents Director Sheri Bowles and a judicial update from Senior Judge Omar Hernández. For virtual access, contact Maureen.OConnell@mass.gov. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda)
MASSDOT AUDIT, FINANCE: MassDOT Board of Directors' Finance and Audit Committee meets. Discussion topics include the fiscal 2026 budget update and S&P global rating upgrade. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein gives an update. There will be informational presentations about DPH data and the DPH Heat Education Alert Tool. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
STELLWAGEN SANCTUARY MEETING: Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council holds its 74th meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Annex, 175 Edward Foster Rd., Scituate | Draft Agenda | Register)
CLIMATECH CONFERENCE: Boston hosts the second annual ClimaTech conference focused on innovation and emerging technologies that could combat climate change and contribute to economic growth. Clean energy and technology experts from around the world descended on Boston last year for the inaugural ClimaTech, and President Trump's arrival and support for fossil fuels has changed the landscape since then. Gov. Healey is scheduled to give a keynote address during the full-day of activities on Wednesday, and Lt. Gov. Driscoll will welcome participants on Tuesday night. Panels will cover topics such as unlocking the power grid, using AI sustainably, the Massachusetts offshore wind industry, the intersection of climate and industry, innovating real estate, navigating sustainability in life sciences, and more. (Wednesday, 9:15 a.m., MGM Music Hall, 2 Lansdowne St, Boston)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING: Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming holds a virtual hearing focused on gas company climate compliance plans and GSEP. The Department of Public Utilities recently issued orders requiring gas companies to immediately reduce their Gas System Enhancement Plan revenue caps to 2.5%. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
CAREER CONSTRUCTION DAY: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Jones joins members of the business community and the MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board to continue the MassHire 250 Workforce Innovation Tour at Massasoit Community College's Career Construction Day. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 1 Massasoit Blvd., Brockton)
PERAC ADMIN: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission Administrative Subcommittee meets. Members will vote on the executive director's annual performance evaluation and vote on the proposed budget for fiscal 2026. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: MassDOT Board of Directors Capital Programs Committee meets. They'll discuss a draft fiscal 2026 through fiscal 2030 capital investment plan. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3510, Boston | More Info)
BENEFITS CLIFF PILOT: Women's Money Matters, Springfield WORKS, Boston Medical Center and The Boston Foundation launch the "Bridge to Prosperity Benefits Cliff Pilot." The three-year pilot will evaluate the impact of cash "bridge" payments that make up for the value of lost benefits for up to 100 participants, who will also receive job training and financial coaching. It seeks to explore a "new approach to social safety net policy, addressing 'benefit cliffs' that trap families in lower-paying jobs, dependent on social safety net programs." (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., The Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., Boston)
JOINT SESSION: House and Senate meet in a joint session to potentially put proposed amendments to the Constitution on the calendar. Senators on the Revenue Committee advanced a Sen. Joanne Comerford constitutional amendment (S 11) dealing with agricultural land assessments. That proposal would allow parcels of land less than five acres in area that were actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural uses for the two years preceding any given tax year to be valued at less than fair market value using the agricultural tax rate, according to Comerford's summary. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds its regular weekly assembly. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber, State House)
HEALTH CARE PLANNING: Honoring Choices Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hold a webinar about encouraging adults to designate a health care agent and fill out a health care proxy. The organizations want care professionals to be "healthcare planning ambassadors" who are able to "confidently engage adults in simple conversations using a structured process and free downloadable tool kit." (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES AND ENERGY: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a public hearing on about 20 bills tied to electric transportation. Bills from Rep. Cahill and Sen. Crighton (H 3455 / S 2254) would accelerate and streamline the permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations. A Rep. Soter bill (H 3572) would allow the state to postpone implementing zero-emission vehicle requirements depending if the inventory from manufacturers falls short of annual required goals. Legislation from Senate Majority Leader Creem (S 2246) seeks to align transportation plans, including those approved by metropolitan planning organizations, with state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
DEVENS WORKING GROUP: Devens Working Group holds its final meeting. Members will discuss a final draft of a report about current zoning and residential uses in Devens, especially the Innovation and Technology Center zoning district. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)
VOTING ACCESS: Election Modernization Coalition announces its 2025 legislative campaign, focused on same-day voter registration, disability voting access and oversight, and separating the annual local census from maintaining active voter rolls. Advocates will also highlight how 66% of 5,106 provisional ballots cast in November were "unnecessarily rejected" and "could likely have been counted if same-day voter registration was an option in Massachusetts." Advocates will be on hand from Common Cause Massachusetts, ACLU of Massachusetts, Disability Law Center, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, and the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Nurses Hall)
EARLY ED BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 50 Milk St., 5th Floor, Boston | Livestream)
CCMV BRIEFING: The Massachusetts cCMV Coalition and Sen. Lovely hold a briefing on congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), "the most common virus you never heard of" and the leading infectious cause of hearing loss and developmental disabilities in the United States, according to Sen. Lovely's office. One in 200 babies are born with cCMV, or over 400 babies in Massachusetts annually, yet less than 10% of women have ever heard of it, according to the coalition. A Sen. Lovely bill (S 1573) would require universal newborn screenings, prenatal education, and mandating reporting of the incidence of cCMV. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Room 428 | Virtual Access)
DEMS CHINATOWN FUNDRAISER: MassDems host a "Chinatown Banquet Dinner" fundraiser. Boston Mayor Wu and House Ways and Means Chairman Michlewitz will join Democratic Party Chair Steve Kerrigan. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Empire Garden, 690 Washington St., Boston)
Thursday, May 15, 2025
QUALITY, PATIENT SAFETY: Board of Registration in Medicine's Quality and Patient Safety Committee meets. There will be a public membership update before the meeting moves into executive session to discuss "peer-review protected information." (Thursday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)
MASS HEALTH COUNCIL: Former Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders is the guest speaker at Massachusetts Health Council's members-only meeting. Now a senior policy advisor at Smith, Costello & Crawford, Sudders was HHS secretary under former Gov. Baker. Members only. (Thursday, 9 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., 32nd Floor, Lowell Room, Boston | Register)
PRIVATE ED LOBBY DAY: Massachusetts Affiliate of the Council for American Private Education holds its annual lobby day. They're advocating for increased funding for school nurses and mental health counselors in nonpublic schools and to include private schools in state-level school safety initiatives. They're also a member of the Common Start Coalition, supporting increased funding for early education programs and increased subsidies for families, and for private school representation on the state Early Education and Care Advisory Board. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
EV CHARGING: Office of the Inspector General and Operational Services Division hold a webinar about a new law that allows municipal organizations to buy electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure in a single procurement. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing hosts an informational hearing where agencies, government offices, and organizations within the committee’s purview will introduce themselves and be given 10 minutes to provide a general overview of housing within Massachusetts and provide committee members housing resources. No bills will be heard. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Virtual access & list of those testifying)
JOINT RULES CONFERENCE: The legislative conference committee tasked with reconciling House and Senate joint rules proposals convenes its second public meeting. The six-member panel, chaired by House Majority Leader Moran and Senate Majority Leader Creem, held its first meeting on April 1, keeping the full 45-minute proceeding open to the public in a departure from the typical approach. Lawmakers failed to agree to joint rules packages in each of the past two terms. Democrats in both branches agreed on some major changes earlier this session but they're now more than four months into the two-year session without an agreement so the old rules are still in play. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Room 437)
STATE UNIVERSITY EDUCATORS: The nine-campus Massachusetts State University System recognizes nine educators who graduated from its teacher preparation programs. Educators will be recognized for their teaching excellence as well as their contributions to the communities in which they live and work. Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega speaks. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Great Hall)
DCAMM CERTIFICATION: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and the Supplier Diversity Office hold a seminar for the construction community about DCAMM certification. (Thursday, 3 p.m., 121 Loring Ave., Salem | More Info)
ARC ANNUAL MEETING: Arc of Massachusetts hosts its annual meeting and awards presentation. Sen. Cindy Friedman is the keynote speaker. Registration is required and tickets are $50. (Thursday, 5 p.m., The Charles River Center, 59 E Militia Heights Dr., Needham)
LOWELL HERITAGE STATE PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about a renovation project at Lowell Heritage State Park. The project is located next to the Rynne Bathhouse, and officials want to convert the space into a splash pad, playground and picnic area. DCR says the goal is to create a family-friendly outdoor recreation area, while also improving public safety and pedestrian access. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)
ALLSTON I-90 MULTIMODAL PROJECT: Allston I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force meets. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center, 123 Antwerp St., Brighton)
BOSTON MAYORAL FORUM: Mayoral candidates in Boston meet for a virtual forum hosted by several Boston Democratic Ward Committees. Organizers say Mayor Wu and challengers Josh Kraft, Domingos DaRosa and Kerry Augustin have confirmed they will attend. GBH News political reporter Saraya Wintersmith moderates. (Thursday, 6:15 p.m., RSVP)
Friday, May 16, 2025
BUILDING TRADES: Senate President Spilka gives remarks at the Massachusetts Building Trades Union annual legislative breakfast. (Friday, 9 a.m., Massachusetts Laborers' District Council, 7 Laborers' Way, Hopkinton)
ADULT HOUSING, COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a remote public hearing on increasing the rates for adult housing and community support services that are provided to people on public health insurance. The total annualized cost will be $711,000. The services are purchased by the Department of Mental Health. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)
FERRY COMMISSIONING: Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority celebrates the commissioning of its new freight vessel M/V Aquinnah with a public ceremony and open house at its Oak Bluffs terminal followed by an open house at its Woods Hole terminal. The Oak Bluffs ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to last one hour. The Aquinnah will be available for self-guided tours until 11:30 a.m., then it will depart for Woods Hole. In Woods Hole, the ship will be available for self-guided public tours from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. before returning to the SSA's Fairhaven maintenance facility. Media RSVP to sdriscoll@steamshipauthority.com by noon Thursday. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Steamship Authority Oak Bluffs Terminal, 1 Seaview Ave., Oak Bluffs)
INDEPENDENT LIVING COMMUNITIES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing about increasing the rates for certain independent living communities and services that are provided to people on public health insurance. The services are purchased by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, MassAbility and the Department of Mental Health. The total annualized cost will be about $849,000. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions meets. Members will hold hearings on denials of applications, and vote on new restrictions tied to the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
RESPITE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing about increasing the rates for certain respite services provided to individuals on public health insurance. The Department of Mental Health purchases the services, which will come with a total annualized cost of $5.2 million. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)
