People, Power, and Politics

Massachusetts is mired in a work zone safety "crisis," and allowing state transportation vehicles to utilize blue lights at sites on high-speed roadways would slow down drivers and save lives, the state's top highway official told lawmakers on Tuesday. "Something as simple as the color of a light can save someone's life," Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver said at a State House hearing. "Highway workers spend more time on the ground in high-speed situations than anybody else in Massachusetts, and we deserve that protection." The Rep. Edward Phillips bill (H 3763) would apply to all vehicles owned by, operated by or under contract with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for construction projects.

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!

With the new world of less than level service approaching July 1, the Town of Franklin will continue to do business and plan for what’s next. The operational budget years for FY 2027 and FY 2028 are not rosy pictures.

The School Committee Budget Subcommittee will preview the adjustments to their budget required by the reduction in revenue authorized by the Town Council. The failed override is expected to reduce school personnel by an additional 12 while keeping fees high (at this year’s levels). “Additional” as they already had reduced by 29 as part of redistricting which will save the community $3.1M. Specific details will be available in the full School Committee meeting later Tuesday evening, June 10.

The Finance Committee on Wednesday, June 11 gets a “deep dive” on the Technology budget and capital plan. As more and more technology is utilized in delivery of services across the Town and schools, this should be insightful.

The Strawberry Stroll comes back on Friday, June 13 with a change or two. It will extend up Main St to School St to include the Library front lawn and make it easier for all to also combine with the Farmers Market at the Town Common; The Market is open from 2 to 6 PM. The stroll opens from 4 to 8 PM.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 6/06/25, 7:30 PM

Franklin School Committee - Budget Subcommittee

Tuesday, June 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1779

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Mtg

Tuesday, June 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1775

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, June 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/417?fileID=5006

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, June 10 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06102025-1780

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, June 10 Time: 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM

No agenda posted for this meeting

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Wednesday, June 11 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_0611202…

Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, June 11 Time: 6:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, June 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meetings

Thursday, June 12 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, June 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/418?fileID=5134

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee - Strawberry Stroll

Friday, June 13 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_0613202…

*** Looking back at the week that was ***

With 15,451 registered voters sitting out the special election on June 3, the No’s won the democratic process by a 196 vote margin, effectively saying that the level of services provided by Town and Schools wasn’t worth funding.

In addition to the 29 personnel the Schools cut in the redistricting effort, another dozen will go out the door effective July 1 to join 8 from the Town side of the operational budget. Road conditions will worsen, sidewalks won’t get fixed, class sizes will increase, and school fees will remain high, etc.

The official override results can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/official-override-results-nos-t…

The unofficial results announced Tuesday evening

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/unofficial-override-results-nos…

The Town Council quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the 4 hour Council session as they made the required reductions to the budget following the override results

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/tom-mercer-i-condense-4-hour-co…

The override and debt exclusion history of Franklin voters was updated with these results

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdDVWaFU0N2ZsTE…

Tri-County Regional Voc Tech Class of 2025 graduation was held June 5

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/tri-county-class-of-2025-gradua…

Franklin High School’s Class of 2025 graduation was held June 6

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/fhs-class-of-2025-graduation-ce…

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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 are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

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.

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

Apart from spending legislation, House and Senate Democrats five months into the new term have found few other bills that they consider ripe for floor debate and consideration. Legislative committees in the week ahead plan public hearings on dozens more proposals, and their choice to so far refrain from major legislating contrasts with the near-daily calls for action from various advocacy and special interest groups. Both branches plan informal sessions only through next week. The House broke away from its streak of budget bills this week to pass a cannabis bill that's been in the works for months. Senate Democrats are actively working on data privacy and reproductive rights bills, but haven't pushed anything to the floor yet. The most substantive proposals closest to reaching Gov. Maura Healey's desk are a $1.3 billion bill spending income surtax funds and the annual state budget. Senate Democrats are also working on a House-approved supplemental budget. Both the surtax and the fiscal 2026 budget bills are pending before six-member conference committees. The big budget is not due until July 1 and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz has suggested the surtax spending bill might emerge first. Lawmakers in recent years have approved interim budgets in June to allow the state to pay its bills and make payroll while budget talks spill into July. This year's budget talks are unfolding while Republicans in Congress, in the face of opposition from Democrats, try to agree on landmark legislation cutting taxes and spending. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to get that bill to President Donald Trump's desk by early July, but it hasn't emerged yet in the U.S. Senate. If lawmakers back on Beacon Hill can push an on-time budget to Healey this year, they could leave it to the governor to decide how to respond to any near-term ramifications of a bill that Trump and other supporters call the "big, beautiful bill." Johnson says the House bill features the "largest spending reduction in at least three decades," but the final size of reductions and timelines for implementation are not known. U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls it "one big ugly bill" that he says will cause 16 million Americans to lose health insurance and cut SNAP nutrition benefits by $300 billion to facilitate "massive tax breaks" to wealthy Americans.

Sunday, June 8, 2025

KERRIGAN AND KELLER: Mass. Democratic Party Chairman Steve Kerrigan sits for an interview with political analyst Jon Keller. Kerrigan will discuss Gov. Healey's reelection and the national party's soul-searching over 2024 losses. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

ON THE RECORD: UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco is the guest on "On The Record" with co-hosts Sharman Sacchetti and Ben Simmoneau. Democratic political analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican political analyst Andrew Goodrich participate in a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, June 9, 2025

JUDGE JOSEPH HEARING: Commission on Judicial Conduct begins its hearing on the charges filed against Judge Shelley Joseph, who was indicted in 2019 on federal obstruction of justice charges for alleged involvement in helping an undocumented immigrant evade immigration authorities by using a courthouse backdoor in 2018. In 2022, Joseph struck an agreement with the U.S. attorney's office in which she stipulated to certain facts of the case and agreed to refer herself to the Commission on Judicial Conduct. The feds moved to dismiss the charges against her based on that agreement. The commission alleges that Joseph "has engaged in willful judicial misconduct that brought the judicial office into disrepute, as well as conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice and unbecoming a judicial officer." Joseph denies the allegations and her lawyers wrote in a formal response to the charges that she "has committed no misconduct, and certainly no willful judicial misconduct." Joseph's response claims that the situation in 2018 was the result of the defense attorney in the case "secretly arranging with a court officer for his client to evade ICE" and that the attorney "falsely implicated Judge Joseph in order to obtain immunity for himself" once the federal government began investigating. The hearing will be presided over by a hearing officer appointed by the Supreme Judicial Court, Attorney Denis McInerney. (Monday, 7:30 a.m., Starting at Newton District Court then moving to Suffolk County Courthouse, Courtroom 1309, 3 Pemberton Sq., Boston)

MARKEY AT NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL: U.S. Sen. Markey addresses business leaders at a New England Council breakfast. The senator will discuss recent federal policy developments and update guests on matters before the U.S. Senate, as well as his priorities in Congress. Not open to the public. (Monday, 10 a.m., The Boston Harbor Hotel, Wharf Room, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston)

ACUPUNCTURE DAY: Acupuncture Society of Massachusetts hosts Acupuncture Day on the Hill. Attendees will advocate in support of legislation calling for insurance coverage of acupuncture (H 1148 / S 834) and dealing with the practice of so-called dry needling (H 2415). (Monday, 11 a.m., Grand Staircase)

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

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

CLIMATE ACTION WEBINAR: Massachusetts Climate Action Network President Fred Davis discusses state data on decarbonization measures like heat pumps, electric vehicles, solar and more, and lays out "new and different" strategies for local climate action. (Monday, 12 p.m., Register)

ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION: Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism meets. Alan Solomont, a former U.S. ambassador and former chair of J Street's National Board, leads a discussion about the "weaponization of antisemitism." Professor David Webber of Boston University School of Law discusses the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. Adam Katz, president of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, gives a presentation on the "digital landscape of antisemitism." Owen Zaret, a former Easthampton city councilor, talks about the response to Jewish advocacy on the municipal and school district level. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

UNIVERSAL PRE-K ROADSHOW: Education Secretary Tutwiler and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw continue their universal pre-K roadshow. Healey administration education officials have been visiting preschool programs across Massachusetts supported by the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative to promote their push for universal access to pre-K. (Monday, 1 p.m., Joyful Noise Preschool, 136 Main St., Sandwich)

GRADUATION COUNCIL: Gov. Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council holds a listening session focused on the Cape Cod region. (Monday, 5 p.m., 744 W. Main St., Hyannis | Register)

COCHITUATE STATE PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about shade proposals at Cochituate State Park, including a new pavilion, tree planting and hammock posts. (Monday, 5:30 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

QUINSIGAMOND STATE PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about shade proposals at Quinsigamond State Park - Lake Park. Those include shade canopies and tree plantings. (Monday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Joint Conservation and Policy Committees of the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meet. Agenda includes discussions about trails and resource management plans. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

IMMIGRANT REPORT: Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation and The Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy release a report on immigrants in Massachusetts searching for work credentials. The study "captures the lived experiences of immigrants in Massachusetts who face systemic barriers to reentering their professions due to complex and inequitable credentialing requirements." (Tuesday, 9 a.m., The Edgerly Center for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., 3rd Floor, Boston | Register)

U.S. ENERGY BUDGET: U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy holds a hearing on the Department of Energy's fiscal 2026 budget. “Under President Trump and Secretary Wright, we have begun to once again unleash American energy,” said House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairmen Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and subcommittee chairman Bob Latta of Ohio. “As we work to meet the energy demands of AI and secure our grid, this hearing will offer a chance to discuss what steps we can take to produce and manufacture energy that is abundant, reliable, and affordable.” Offshore wind development in Massachusetts that was encouraged under President Biden's administration is out of favor under President Donald Trump whose term runs through 2028. The sharp shift in the federal government's position is causing problems for private developers and state policymakers who are counting on wind power to meet their own emission reduction mandates. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. Agenda includes an executive director's report. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

FRAMINGHAM DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Framingham Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds public hearing on health insurance and pharmaceutical matters. Among the items on the agenda are bills to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from reclassifying drugs to prevent them from being prescribed through a community pharmacy (H 1322 / S 734), restrict insurance companies from forcing patients to switch medications for non-medical reasons (H 1125 / S 693), and help patients sync their medications so they receive them on the same day each month, instead of having to make multiple visits to the pharmacy (S 781). (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)

PORTUGAL HERITAGE DAY: Portuguese American Legislative Caucus hosts the 41st annual Heritage Day of Portugal. Duarte Freitas, regional secretary for finance, planning and public administration for the Regional Government of the Azores, is the guest of honor and keynote speaker. The event will also honor the late Rep. Doherty, who died in February, and former Sen. Pacheco. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., House Chamber)

CANCER ACTION LOBBY DAY: American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network holds its annual State House lobby day. Advocates will urge lawmakers to support legislation that increases access to biomarker testing (S 809 / H 1227) filed by Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Kilcoyne and to ensure that people insured by MassHealth have access to evidence-based patient navigation services provided by community health workers (S 692 / H 1173 from Sen. Crighton and Rep. Giannino). Oliveira, Kilcoyne, Giannino and Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante are among the speakers. Organizers also present awards to Sens. Rush and Lovely, Rep. Murphy and former Rep. Balser for their work last session on a law that eliminates cost-sharing associated with supplemental and follow-up breast cancer screening through the diagnosis of cancer. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Grand Staircase)

LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds public hearing on about 20 bills. Proposals from Sen. Fernandes and Reps. Arriaga and Uyterhoeven would create a four-day work week pilot program. A Sen. Oliveira bill (S 1361) would require employers to give their workers 24 hours of paid prenatal leave during the calendar year. Parents and guardians would be allowed to bring their infants, ages six weeks to six months, into the workplace under a Sen. Edwards bill (S 1304) that aims to promote infant bonding and workforce retention. A Sen. Crighton petition (S 1296) would mandate that employers give their workers paid time off to vote if they do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to cast their ballots during an election or early voting. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

FEDERAL FUNDS INFO SESSION: The Healey administration's Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office hosts an information and listening session about municipal infrastructure priorities, technical assistance, and state matching funds for local infrastructure projects. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Cape Cod Community College, Wilkens Science and Engineering Center, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable | More Info)

LGBTQ AGING COMMISSION: Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging holds a listening session to seek input about what "what is and isn't working well for LGBTQ+ older adults and caregivers,” according to the notice. The commission works to improve access to benefits and services, and focuses on core issues like health, housing and social connections. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., The Pryde Community Center, 59 Harvard Ave., Boston | Register)

MATERNAL HEALTH BRIEFING: Caucus of Women Legislators, Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression, Bay State Birth Coalition, and Mind the Gap Massachusetts host a legislative briefing on the maternal health landscape in Massachusetts following the passage of the 2024 maternal health law. The briefing will touch on how new programs and policies related to midwives, birth centers and perinatal mental health are being implemented. Program includes remarks from Sen. Miranda, Rep. Decker, and Rep. Fluker-Reid, as well as the Department of Public Health and advocates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Room 437)

CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds public hearing on about 15 bills pertaining to the Department of Developmental Services. They include bills to establish training curriculum for law enforcement officers in schools for appropriate interactions with people on the autism spectrum (H 286), to remove outdated language regarding people with disabilities from state laws (S 137), and to establish guardians as providers of medical care (S 154). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Virtual)

LGAC: Local Government Advisory Commission meets remotely. Administration and Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz gives an update on tax revenue collections and a budget outlook for fiscal 2026. Gorzkowicz, Executive Director of Energy Transformation Melissa Lavinson and Undersecretary of Energy Mike Judge discuss the administration's Energy Affordability Agenda. Administration officials also discuss the Massachusetts Means Business Initiative, which Gov. Healey recently unveiled to eliminate regulatory barriers. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds public hearing on over 60 bills related to juvenile justice. Bills on the agenda include measures prohibiting courts from granting custody or visitation rights to parents who have been convicted of or charged with certain serious sexual or violent crimes (H 1674 / S 1069), preventing certain tactics from being used during a police interrogation of a juvenile (H 1847 / S 1136), and prohibiting an employer from firing an employee because of their choice to receive a vaccination or wear a mask, or other health decisions (H 2011 / S 1227). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)

MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds public hearing on about 40 bills dealing with animal welfare, water infrastructure and home rule petitions. A Sen. Brownsberger bill (S 1427) blocks cities and towns from banning the wearing of face coverings for "protective or medical use." A Rep. Ayers bill (H 2245) looks to regulate commercial breeder kennels and crack down on puppy mills, while a Rep. Sylvia bill (H 2342) deals with the process for impounding "dangerous dogs." Tree wardens, who control all public shade trees, shrubs and growths in their cities and towns, would see their regulatory powers updated under a Sen. Creem bill (S 1429). Local bills involve Lanesborough, Haverhill, Cambridge, Arlington, Leicester, Wayland, Wellesley and Medford. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

GEORGE FLOYD'S LEGACY: MassINC and GBH host an event to reflect on the legacy of George Floyd, five years after his death at the hands of a police officer fueled police reform efforts and conversations about race relations across the country. Panelists are Ron Bell, a former Gov. Deval Patrick aide who founded Dunk the Vote; Karen Groce Horan, co-founder of Courageous Conversations Towards Racial Justice in Milton-Mattapan; and Sgt. David Hernandez, co-founder and chair of the Latino Law Enforcement Group of Boston. Rahsaan Hall, president and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, moderates. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Register)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON POST AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT: Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight holds a hearing and receives invite-only, expert testimony about stroke care. Massachusetts participates in a national stroke program that looks to boost collaboration across hospitals, ambulances and post-acute facilities, according to state health officials. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Room 222 | More Info)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets remotely. Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein gives an update. Members will vote on a Determination of Need request from Beth Israel Lahey Health for a substantial capital expenditure and substantial change in service. The council also plans to vote on regulations dealing with prescription medications in public and private schools. Agenda also includes an informational presentation on the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program for Health Professionals. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Zoom)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health convenes hearing on 45 bills dealing with children's health, disease prevention, screening and treatment, health equity, pharmacies, reproductive and sexual health, environmental health, patient safety and quality, professional licensure, scope of practice, and vital records. One bill on the agenda from Rep. Rogers of Cambridge would ban the use of polystyrene foam food containers (H 2521), while several others (H 2394 / S 1477) would restrict its use. Other topics of focus include health care for individuals with Long COVID (H 2399 / S 1577, H 2400) and diet pills or muscle-building supplements (H 2440, H 2530). (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

WORKERS COMP: Workers' Compensation Advisory Council meets virtually. Agenda includes a judicial update from Senior Judge Omar Hernández. The executive director's report includes the fiscal 2025 annual report. For access, contact Maureen.OConnell@mass.gov. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

HEALTH EQUITY TRENDS: Health Equity Compact hosts a day-long Health Equity Trends Summit. Senate President Spilka plans to deliver opening remarks at 9:15 a.m. Rep. Lawn, who co-chairs the Health Financing Committee, speaks at 12:10 p.m. (Wednesday, 9:15 a.m., JFK Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston | More Info)

FALL RIVER DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Fall River Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SCHOOL BUILDING AUTHORITY: Massachusetts School Building Authority announces the winner of the 2025 MSBA's 16th annual "My Ideal School" contest. Treasurer Goldberg, MSBA CEO James MacDonald and MSBA Executive Director Mary Pichetti will announce the winner. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)

MENTORSHIP ROUNDTABLE: New England Council hosts a roundtable discussion of mentorship featuring Patrick Bench, president of Benchmark Strategies; Alia Hamada Forrest, director of business development for the city of Boston; and John Valentine, senior director of MassChallenge. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Register)

ADULT FOSTER CARE: Adult Foster Care families, caregivers, providers and staff members gather for the Massachusetts Council for Adult Foster Care's annual State House day. Advocates will discuss how the adult foster care program enables people to live in the least restrictive setting, in their homes and communities. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Nurses Hall)

PRIDE FLAG-RAISING: Officials and lawmakers raise the LGBTQ Pride flag as part of Pride Month. Senate President Spilka attends. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., outside State House)

JOURNALIST SHIELD BILL: Coalition of media and civil rights organizations hosts a briefing on legislation (H 1738 / S 1253) meant to protect journalists and electronic communications providers from being compelled to disclose protected information. Bill sponsors Rep. Richard Haggerty and Sen. Becca Rausch participate. Organizers said the briefing will feature "real stories of how the lack of these protections has already impacted Bay State newsrooms." (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 437 | RSVP)

COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Commissioners will elect new officers and receive status updates from the commission's subcommittees. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 222 | Zoom)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds public hearing on about two dozen bills focused on fire safety, building standards and emergency response. A Rep. Barber bill (H 2569) aims to boost the supply of adaptable housing for seniors and people with disabilities. Window guards would be required in homes where children under age six can access windows on the third floor or higher under a Rep. Garry proposal (H 2616). A Rep. Silvia petition (H 2698) aims to bolster the public safety workforce in Gateway Cities by awarding grants to departments that offer retention incentives. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health meets in the second of two hearings it has scheduled Wednesday. The afternoon session involves 45 bills dealing with disease prevention, screening, treatment and pharmacies. Several bills deal with local opt-outs from fluoridation treatment (S 1630, S 1575), a topic in the spotlight as the Trump administration moves to alter fluoride guidelines. One bill from Rep. Fiola of Fall River focuses on gambling addiction (H 2416), while a Sen. Velis of Westfield proposal would authorize pharmacists to provide treatment for opioid use disorder (S 1635). (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

EARLY ED BOARD: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 1968 Central Ave, Needham | Livestream)

"PEOPLE'S LOBBY DAY": Common Cause Massachusetts hosts its 2025 lobby day, dubbed "The People's Lobby," where attendees will push for legislation to expand the right to vote and reform campaign finances. The group supports legislation allowing prospective voters to register and cast a ballot on the same trip to the polls (H 834 / S 505), guaranteeing hybrid access to public meetings (H 3299), and imposing new financial reporting requirements on ballot question campaigns (H 868 / S 507). (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)

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

SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: Springfield Regional Chamber hosts its annual meeting and "Spotlight" event. The chamber will award WWLP 22News anchor Richard Tettemer with the Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year award. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., MGM Springfield, One MGM Way, Springfield)

LAWRENCE RIVERFRONT: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about shade proposals at Lawrence Riverfront State Park, including a new pavilion, bench shade shelters and tree plantings. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

WOMEN OF THE YEAR: Emerge Massachusetts hosts its annual Women of the Year awards fundraiser, honoring U.S. Rep. Pressley, Sen. Lydia Edwards, Rep. Marjorie Decker and Essex Register of Deed Eileen Duff. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Foley and Lardner LLP, 111 Huntington Ave., Boston | Tickets)

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council meets. Agenda includes a presentation from Attorney General Campbell's office, plus a self-advocacy and training update. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)

ALLSTON MULTIMODAL COMMUNITY MEETING: Charles River Watershed Association holds a meeting about the Allston multimodal project to reconfigure I-90, Soldiers Field Road and the Framingham/Worcester railroad line along the Charles River in Allston. There will be a free presentation, panel discussion and Q&A discussing the upcoming project and its potential impact on the Charles River. The event, called "I-90 Project: Is This The Best We Can Do? Know What's Coming" will go over design options to improve water quality while maintaining the overall goals of the project. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., 123 Antwerp St., Brighton)

Thursday, June 12, 2025

UMASS LOWELL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives opening remarks and Amy Waryas, the Boston Red Sox's executive vice president and chief people and culture officer, is the keynote speaker at UMass Lowell's Women’s Leadership Conference. Before joining the Red Sox, Waryas was the director of human resources for The Boston Beer Company. UMass Lowell's Lynn Coutts, the school's first female director of athletics, moderates. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Tsongas Center, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell | Register)

WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP: UMass Lowell hosts its annual Women's Leadership Conference. Lt. Gov. Driscoll delivers a welcome address to kick off the event. Panel discussions over the course of the day will feature C-suite executives, athletic team leaders, a discussion about generative AI, and more. (Thursday, 8:15 a.m., Tsongas Center, 300 Arcand Drive, Lowell | Conference Agenda)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission plans to meet. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

FAFSA BRIEFING: Sen. Comerford, Rep. Vargas and uAspire hold a briefing on bills (H 1467 / S 921) to require all high school students to complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), unless an eligible student, their parent or guardian, or the school district submits a waiver. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

HOMEOWNERSHIP PROGRAM: Lawmakers join the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network to host an open press legislative briefing on bills (S 1010/H 1576) calling for a program to subsidize the development of homes for first-time buyers, and ensure that they remain affordable for generations. Sen. Liz Miranda and Rep. Chris Worrell are among the organizers. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., House Members Lounge)

MED BOARD: Board of Registration in Medicine meets. Agenda includes discussions about revising a board policy for approving initial, full and limited license applications, as well as modifying probation agreements. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

DEBORAH SAMPSON AWARD CEREMONY: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network hosts the Deborah Sampson Award ceremony and honors individuals who embody the Revolutionary War hero who disguised herself as a man in order to fight. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Memorial Hall)

ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD: Lt. Gov. Driscoll is the keynote speaker as Metro South Chamber and Eastern Bank present the 27th annual ATHENA Leadership Award to Jeni Mather of JM Pet Resort + Veterinary Clinic. (Thursday, 11:45 a.m., Massasoit Community College, 1 Massasoit Blvd., Brockton)

SENATE DEMS HUDDLE: Senate Democrats caucus privately. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Senate President's Office)

CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES: Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance holds a virtual event about upcoming construction projects, bidding laws, certification and other topics. Representatives from the Supplier Diversity Office will also be available to answer questions. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Register)

"STATE OF THE AIRPORT": Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts Massachusetts Port Authority CEO Richard Davey for a hybrid "State of the Airport" discussion. Davey plans to discuss the future of the state's airports including Logan, investments in terminal infrastructure and modernization, and sustainability, according to the Chamber. Press asked to RSVP to cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Thursday, 2:45 p.m., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, 265 Franklin St., 17th Floor, Boston | More Info)

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Commission meets. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

VACCINE PURCHASING: Massachusetts Vaccine Purchasing Advisory Council meets. The panel helps distribute recommended childhood vaccines. For remote access, contact cmcreynolds@mcaap.org. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Massachusetts Medical Society, 860 Winter St., Waltham | More Info)

SPECTACLE ISLAND GALA: Boston Harbor Now holds its "Spectacle on Spectacle" gala to celebrate and safeguard Boston Harbor, the waterfront and Harbor Islands. The event features a cruise from Long Wharf to Spectacle Island and a brief speaking program. House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz will be honored for his work to make the waterfront more climate resilient and accessible, organizers say. "Coming from the North End, I know how valuable Boston Harbor, the waterfront, and the harbor islands are to the welfare of the city," Michlewitz said in a statement. "I look forward to continuing to work with Boston Harbor Now in the future to help protect these resources." (Thursday, Ferries depart Long Wharf at 4:30 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. | More Info and Tickets)

SISTERHOOD CELEBRATION: Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center hosts the Rising Up in Sisterhood networking event, which also includes dinner, silent and live auctions, and a fashion show with items to bid on. Auditor DiZoglio gives the keynote speech. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Blue Ocean Event Center, 4 Ocean Front N., Salisbury)

CHARLES RIVER WATERSHED: Charles River Watershed Association holds a virtual informational session on how the association and local communities are working to reduce flooding and build resilience to climate change. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

Friday, June 13, 2025

CHAMBER WOMEN'S CONFERENCE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives welcoming remarks at Charles River Regional Chamber's first women's conference. Tickets are $150, open to members and non-members. (Friday, 8 a.m., Wellesley College, Wellesley | Tickets)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Stakeholders Committee of the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meet. Agenda includes an update on hiring and strategic partnerships. (Friday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

COMMUNITY-BASED DAY SUPPORT SERVICE: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds remote public hearing on increasing rates for community-based day support services and active treatment services. The annualized cost is about $17.8 million. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)

YOUTH STABILIZATION: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold remote public hearing on increasing payments for certain youth intermediate-term stabilization services. The rates apply to clinically intensive residential treatment and intensive residential treatment programs, among other services. The annualized cost is about $35.4 million. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

SEXUAL, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold remote public hearing on increasing rates for sexual and domestic violence services. The annualized cost is about $4.8 million. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

LEAD AGENCY RATES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds remote public hearing on increasing rates for certain "lead agency services." Lead agencies work with the Department of Children and Families. The annualized cost is about $2.55 million. (Friday, 11:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

FAMILY STABILIZATION SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds remote public hearing on increasing rates for family stabilization services. The annualized cost is $3.1 million. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

WOMEN OF COLOR NETWORK: Massachusetts Women of Color Network Inc. hosts "A Night of Heroes" annual fundraiser, with the aim of celebrating advocates who promote "justice and healing." Auditor DiZoglio receives an award. (Friday, 6:30 p.m., Venezia Restaurant Boston, 20 Ericcson St., Boston | More Info)

Saturday, June 14, 2025

MARINE QUEST FESTIVAL: Division of Marine Fisheries hosts Marine Quest, a free, educational outdoor event for children and families meant to highlight local efforts to conserve the ocean and preserve sustainable fisheries for future generations. Activities include learn-to-fish-clinics, short science lectures, games, seafood samples, and "touch tanks." (Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m., Cat Cove Marine Laboratory, 92 Fort Ave., Salem)

QUINCY FLAG DAY PARADE: Quincy hosts the Flag Day Parade, featuring elite national bands and drum corps, new floats honoring the city's history, a fleet of classic cars and more than 1,000 youth waving flags. The parade route is extended this year to celebrate Quincy's 400th anniversary. It starts at the corner of Hancock Street and Hannon Parkway in Quincy Center, and wraps up at Vietnam Veterans Drive and Adams Field. There’s flag-raising and musical performance at Pageant Field after the parade, and fireworks are slated for 9 p.m. over Black's Creek. Auditor DiZoglio participates. (Saturday, June 14, 6 p.m., Quincy | More Info)