People, Power, and Politics

Building off a law last year guaranteeing students information about the FAFSA, advocates are pushing to go a step further and require all Massachusetts students to apply for financial aid.  A bill filed by Reps. Andy Vargas and Chyna Tyler and Sen. Jo Comerford (H 1467 / S 921) would 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. Above, Femi Stoltz, Massachusetts policy director at uAspire, speaks at a lobby day at the State House on Thursday

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!

School closes out this week with half days as Franklin prepares for redistricting starting in September. The last day to register for bus transportation is Friday, June 20. Any requests after Friday can not be guaranteed a bus seat for September.

A small slate of meetings are scheduled for this shortened week with Town and School facilities closed Thursday for Juneteenth.

The Planning Board meets on Monday and the Town Council on Wednesday. The Council agenda includes ratification of multiple union contracts. The School Committee approved their teacher contract in their last session June 10.

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.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 6/13/25, 10:30 PM

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, June 16, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Planning-Board-23/?#_06162025-1786

Brownfields Cleanup Plan Review for 21 Grove Street

Tuesday, June 17 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Legal-Notices-29/?#_06172025-1770

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, June 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Town-Council-4/?#_06182025-1788

Town officials office hours canceled

June 19 all Town, schools closed for Juneteenth Holiday

ZBA Meeting canceled

Thursday, June 19th https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Zoning-Board-of-Appeals-31/?#_06192025-1745

Council on Aging Meeting

Friday, June 20th. Time: 1:30 PM

No agenda posted

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

State Representative Jeff Roy hosted an appreciation event on Monday, June 9 to recognize the collaboration to bring a single family home back into the FHA inventory. It has been stuck in a legal limbo for about 20 years and finally got unstuck, renovated and is now occupied by a Franklin family. The audio and video of the event can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/audio-recording-of-fha-appreciation.html

The Franklin School Committee reluctantly approved their revised budget to account for the reduced allocation from the Town per the failed override. In addition to the 29 personnel cuts due to redistricting (saving the Town $3.1M annually), the District reduced an additional 12 personnel along with multiple sets of expenses to account for $2M less in revenue. This results in only a 1% increase over the prior year school budget the lowest annual increase since 2013.

The recap and recording of the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/school-committee-reluctantly-approves.html

The Finance Committee held its shortest meeting on Wednesday. It struggled to gain quorum, then when it did achieve that, determined to postpone the Technology topic for presentation.discussion in the fall. 3 new members are scheduled to be appointed in July and they would benefit from such information.

The very brief audio officially recording the short meeting https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/06/finance-committee-reschedules-their.html

—------------

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

The arrival of 20,000 people for an international life sciences convention in Boston and visits to the State House from regional governors and Canadian officials will provide tangible distractions next week to the budget work occurring behind closed doors. Gov. Maura Healey has to start thinking about whether to dust off another interim budget bill and file it with the Legislature since the new budget year starts July 1 and legislative negotiators usually do not agree on a full-year budget by that time. "Going well," Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues told the News Service on Thursday when asked about conference committee talks on the fiscal 2026 budget and bills allocating $1.3 billion in income surtax revenues. It's an assessment negotiators have offered in previous years, before budget talks have spilled into the new fiscal year. Asked for any evidence of progress, Rodrigues said with a grin, "Just my word. My word's not good enough for ya?" Budget conferees have met publicly only once and it's likely that no one, even the conferees themselves, can say with any certainty when they will reach an accord. Before Thursday's Juneteenth holiday, Healey will be busy next week playing host to the governors on Monday at the State House and to visiting scientists and business officials during the week at the BIO convention over at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. She's also waiting on lawmakers to return a series of key appropriations she is seeking. The Senate on Wednesday plans to take up a $532 million fiscal 2025 supplemental budget headlined by more than $340 million for hospitals and community health centers. House and Senate leaders have pushed few major bills to the floor so far in 2025, but non-budgetary agendas are emerging. The House has approved legislation overhauling cannabis laws and the commission that regulates that sector. Senate Democrats are inching toward an eventual floor debate on measures intended to protect reproductive and gender care rights from potential threats posed by other states and Republicans in Washington. Those following the evolution of legislation approved by the U.S. House that carries major nationwide impacts are watching the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and its chair Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho for redrafts affecting U.S. tax policy, the Medicaid program and state and local tax deductions.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

CARNEVALE ON KELLER: MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale is the guest on "Keller at Large" to discuss the state party's position on the Trump administration's handling of immigration issues and the future of GOP leadership on Beacon Hill. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

DRISCOLL ON THE RECORD: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joins WCVB's weekly "On the Record."(Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

BUNKER HILL PARADE: Bunker Hill Parade marks the 250th anniversary of the battle. Organizers say the parade will feature "more military units than ever." (Sunday, June 15, 12:30 p.m., Charlestown | More Info)

Monday, June 16, 2025

BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: The four-day BIO International Convention kicks off in Boston, with nearly 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe expected to attend. Breakout sessions throughout the day focus on AI and digital health, oncology investment themes, AI in biopharma, supercharging the United States' biomanufacturing infrastructure, psychedelics, building investor confidence, the role of state governments in supporting life sciences companies, how to scale cell and gene therapy, headwinds at the NIH, and the future of cancer care, among a bevy of other topics. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Massachusetts Pavilion is slated for 1 p.m., and MassBIO CEO Kendalle Burlin O'Connell gives remarks. (Monday, 9 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

MARKEY AT CHAMBER: U.S. Sen. Markey is the guest for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's government affairs forum. Markey plans to discuss energy, environmental protection and telecommunications policy, and more, according to the chamber. Following the keynote, he will join James Rooney, president and CEO of the Boston Chamber, for a fireside chat. (Monday, 9:45 a.m., Boston Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, 296 State Street, Boston)

NIH GRANT SUIT: Attorneys deliver arguments in American Public Health Association v. National Institutes of Health, a lawsuit challenging the abrupt cancellation of research grants through the NIH. (Monday, 10 a.m., John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Boston)

COLA COMMISSION: Special COLA Commission of the Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. (Monday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

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

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

HEALEY MEETING WITH GOVERNORS, CANADIAN PREMIERS: Gov. Healey meets with northeastern governors and Canadian premiers to discuss the impacts of President Trump's tariff policies "and how American and Canadian leaders can continue to work together to maintain economic relations that benefit local businesses and residents," according to Healey's office. The governors and premiers will talk about opportunities to partner on energy, trade, tourism and manufacturing. Afterwards, they'll have an open-to-press moderated discussion about the impacts of the tariffs and the opportunities for partnership they identified during the meeting. In addition to Gov. Healey, those participating include: Maine Gov. Janet Mills, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz, Premier of Nova Scotia Tim Houston, Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, Premier of New Brunswick Susan Holt, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador John Hogan, Québec Minister of the Economy and Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism Christopher Skeete (representing Québec on behalf of Premier François Legault), Connecticut Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection Katie Dykes on behalf of Gov. Ned Lamont, and a representative for New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte. Gov. Ayotte, a Republican who has criticized Gov. Healey, was the only New England governor to not sign onto a letter inviting the Canadian premiers to the meeting. Gov. Healey's office said she was invited to sign on but declined. (Monday, 12 p.m., State House Library)

NEAL IN HOLYOKE: OneHolyoke CDC hosts an event called "Building & Sustaining Livable Communities," which will explore how resources, innovation, advocacy and collaboration can help cities navigate uncertainty from the federal government and a potential recession. Congressman Neal is the featured speaker. Other participants include Richard Sullivan of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts and Elise Rapoza of the MassINC Policy Center. (Monday, 12 p.m., 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke | Register)

SMALL BIZ FAIR: Supplier Diversity Office and MassGaming host a diverse and small vendor opportunity fair. The event runs through 3 p.m. (Monday, 1 p.m., 1657 Worcester Road, Framingham)

SENATE CENSUS COMMITTEE: Senate Committee on the Census holds its first public hearing which will include informational presentations from experts, government representatives, and other states. The public is also invited to give testimony. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream)

MASSDOT TRIENNIAL REPORT: MassDOT holds a public meeting as it seeks feedback from disadvantaged business enterprises and sets goals to cover fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Public comment will be accepted through July 16. (Monday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hybrid public hearing on issues related to seniors and disability. They'll hear testimony on about 40 bills, including those providing for an income tax exemption for seniors (H 3095), creating a tax credit for families caring for elderly relatives and victims of Alzheimer's and dementia (H 3018 / S 2060), and allowing tax exemptions for home modifications for seniors (S 2069). (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Virtual)

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES: Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities holds a virtual public hearing. The commission is tasked with studying continuing care retirement communities, including their contracts, financial viability and impact on consumers, regulatory oversight, entrance fee policies, advertising practices, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Zoom)

HATE CRIMES: Hate Crimes Task Force meets, with plans to discuss pending legislation. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE SPENDING BILL AMENDMENTS: Senators face a 2:30 p.m. deadline to file amendments to the latest supplemental budget (S 2529), a $532 million package that steers additional funding to fiscally strained community health centers and hospitals, plus elder home care services and rental relief. (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

MAGISTRATE JUDGE PANEL: As the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts accepts applications through June 30 for a new magistrate judge, a panel discussion is held about the job and application process. There will also be a Q&A session and reception. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., Jury Assembly Room, 300 State St., Springfield | Register)

ARTS ACADEMY RECEPTION: Lt. Gov. Driscoll is the "special guest host" as Boston Arts Academy Foundation holds a cocktail reception to honor celebrity stylist and Waltham native David Josef. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Fenway Johnnies, 96 Brookline Ave., Boston)

MOULTON TOWN HALL: Congressman Moulton holds a town hall. Ahead of the event, Moulton plans to discuss the potential impact of Medicaid cuts at the North Shore Adult Day Care Center, and hold a Social Security listening session at the Wakefield Council on Aging. (Monday, 6 p.m., Tewksbury High School, 320 Pleasant St.)

EQUAL PAY FORUM: U.S. Rep. Clark holds a forum on closing the gender wage gap and supporting the economic success of women, in commemoration of President Kennedy's signing of the Equal Pay Act in June 1963. Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large for The 19th, moderates. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Stephen E. Smith Center at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Columbia Point, Boston)

PRESSLEY TOWN HALL: Congresswoman Pressley holds a town hall in Chelsea about her efforts to fight against "Trump and Republicans' harmful agenda." The location will be provided upon RSVP, Pressley's office said. Doors open at 6 p.m. (Monday, 7 p.m., Chelsea | Media RSVP)

FIREFIGHTERS CONVENTION: Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts holds its 46th biennial convention. Over 1,000 people are expected to attend, representing over 220 cities and towns. Treasurer Goldberg will provide remarks on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. (Monday through Thursday, DCU Center, 50 Foster St., Worcester)

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

CHELSEA BIZ FAIR: Supplier Diversity Office, City of Chelsea, La Colaborativa and the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce hold a diverse and small business opportunity fair. It runs through 11 a.m. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 63 Sixth St., Chelsea)

MIDDLESEX EDUCATION PANEL: Project LEARN, a Lowell-based nonprofit focused on expanding career opportunities to local students, along with the Middlesex 3 Coalition, hosts a panel discussion, "Pathways to Possibility: From Classroom to Career." U.S. Rep. Trahan and Lowell Public Schools Superintendent Liam Skinner will speak about bridging education and workforce development in the Middlesex region. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Middlesex Community College's Federal Building, Lowell)

BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: The second day of the BIO International Convention features a conversation with President George W. Bush during a session block that runs 9-10:30 a.m. Bush's speech is open to attendees with premier and general access registration, but is closed to the media. Gov. Healey gives welcome remarks at 10:20 a.m. that are open to media. At 10:30 a.m., Healey joins a fireside chat with Marc Casper, CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Kendalle Burlin O'Connell, CEO of MassBio. Healey also receives an industry award at 10:50 a.m. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro participates in a fireside chat with BIO CEO John Crowley at 1:45 p.m. about building and strengthening the country's bioscience industry. Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives remarks at 2 p.m., and at 2:15 p.m. is part of a discussion about Takeda's commitment to Kendall Square. Senate President Spilka receives the Commonwealth Catalyst Award from MassBio at 2:45 p.m. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Martin Makary participates in a fireside chat at 3 p.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

'CONSTRUCTING THE FUTURE' REPORT: MassINC Policy Center releases a new report called, "Constructing the Future: Workforce Strategies to Help Massachusetts Meet Its Clean Energy and Housing Goals." The event is expected to bring together leaders from the housing, construction and clean energy sectors. Speakers include Phil Jordan of BW Research, Jennifer Applebaum of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, Kristen Gowin of the Boston Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association, and Samantha Wood of Greenfield Community College. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., 32nd floor | Register)

SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS: Supporters of a bill to create an automated system to seal criminal records in Massachusetts host a legislative briefing for the Criminal Justice Reform Caucus. Sen. Friedman and Rep. Vargas will speak about their bill (S 1114 / H 1811), which also requires the commissioner of probation to maintain a database of individuals released from incarceration, and facilitate the sealing process. According to a bill summary, the legislation's passage would mean that individuals would no longer need to petition for the sealing of eligible criminal records after completing a designated waiting period. Records would be automatically sealed within 30 days of eligibility, with waiting periods set at three years for misdemeanors and seven years for felonies, provided there are no new offenses. Advocates will talk about the business and economic case for the bill, which received a favorable report from the Judiciary Committee. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission meets. Agenda calls for an update on the commission's general counsel position, consideration of a set of horse racing regulations, a fiscal 2026 budget update, briefings on "noncompliance matters" involving sports betting companies, a review of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight and commission considerations for a combat sports policy, and a handful of Community Mitigation Fund awards. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets. Executive Director Travis Ahern gives a review of the Cannabis Regulators' Association meeting, and commissioners dive back into regulations to allow for social consumption establishments. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

CANNABIS POLICY COMMITTEE: Committee on Cannabis Policy holds a hearing on assorted matters that were not addressed by the industry and oversight reform bill the House side of the committee has already produced. Bills on the agenda include H 159 / S 98 prohibiting employment discrimination based on legal use of cannabis, H 145 / S 89 expanding access to legal, regulated cannabis delivery, H 144 / S 93 dedicating 1% of the recreational marijuana excise tax to youth substance use prevention, and H 186 to create an open-container law for marijuana. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

EV PURCHASING: Operational Services Division and the Office of the Inspector General hold a webinar about a recent law that allows municipal organizations to procure electric vehicles and install EV charging infrastructure in a combined procurement. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force meets. Chris Koller, president of the Millbank Memorial Fund, will give a presentation about how other states increased primary care spending rates. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)

BOARD OF HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets, with plans to discuss whether to allow colleges and universities in Massachusetts to offer three-year bachelor's degrees, reducing the typical 120-credit requirement. The topic has gained some traction on the board in recent months, and Board Chairman Chris Gabrieli said in April there is enough interest among board members to soon look at draft regulations to allow the measure. Three-year bachelor's degrees are starting to gain traction around the country as a more affordable option for students in certain designated areas of study. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Zoom)

FOOD INSECURITY STUDY: Greater Boston Food Bank and Mass General Brigham present their fifth annual study on food insecurity. U.S. Reps. Clark and McGovern deliver remarks, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. The study delves into geography-based food disparities, and the impact of hunger on lost productivity, social disconnection, and health and wellbeing. The study, funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, also offers strategies to address food insecurity. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., MGH Revere Food Pantry, 300 Ocean Ave., Revere)

BOSTON RIVERS REPORT CARD: Local watershed groups representing the Charles, Mystic and Neponset Rivers release the 2024 water quality report card grades for Boston's urban rivers. Speakers will share trends in water quality, highlight areas of concern, and discuss what's needed to attain swimmable, fishable rivers. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Francis D. Martini Memorial Shell Park, 1015 Truman Parkway, Hyde Park)

VETERANS HOMES COUNCIL: Veterans Homes Council meets. Agenda includes informational presentations from Christine Baldini, executive director of the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea, and Michael Lazo, executive director of the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

BC CHIEF EXECUTIVES LUNCHEON: McKinsey & Company Global Managing Partner Bob Sternfels is the featured speaker at the Boston College Chief Executives Club luncheon. He'll talk with MassMutual CEO Roger Crandall. The luncheon starts at noon and the speaking program is at 1 p.m. (Tuesday, noon, Boston Harbor Hotel)

MERIT RATING BOARD: Merit Rating Board meets. Director Sonja Singleton gives an update. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

WOMEN VETERANS: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network holds a luncheon to honor women service members. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester | Register)

CLIMATE SUPERFUNDS: Institute for Energy Research and C3 Solutions hold a virtual forum about "climate superfund" legislation, which aims to hold polluters accountable by making them contribute to climate adaptation projects. Vermont and New York are facing lawsuits over their existing laws, while similar bills are being considered in Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)

ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health meets. Members will discuss a draft of their plan for conducting a statewide oral health needs assessment. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

KIDS' MENTAL HEALTH REPORT: Boston University School of Public Health releases a report on the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids, after 10 years of the program. MHAP for Kids provides attorneys and mental health assistance through Family Resource Centers around the state for children involved with or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. | Zoom)

"YOUTH JUSTICE DAY" BRIEFING: Rep. O'Day hosts a legislative briefing in partnership with over a dozen organizations, including ACLU Massachusetts, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, More Than Words and Progressive Mass. Among the bills they're supporting are the so-called raise the age legislation (H 1923 / S 1061) to move 18-to 20-year-olds out of the adult criminal justice system; requiring that an attorney by present during a police interrogation of a minor and that it's videotaped (H 1984 / S 108), and ensuring that school-aged youth incarcerated in adult correctional facilities still receive an education (H 620 / S 1721). (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Great Hall | Zoom | More Info)

JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Boston holds a Juneteenth flag raising ceremony. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza, Boston)

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to waste, toxins and pollution. Bills receiving testimony relate to greywater recycling (H 922 / S 591), an Ocean Acidification Council to track changes in water chemistry and ecosystem health in the state's waters (S 566), and bills related to reforming the state's Title V law related to septic inspections. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)

FARMWORKERS PROTECTIONS BRIEFING: The Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition, in partnership with Sens. Gómez, Sen. Eldridge, Rep. González, and Rep. Frank Moran, host a briefing on the Fairness for Farmworkers Act (H 2108 / S 2012 and H 3107 / S 2011). These bills would extend labor protections to farmworkers in Massachusetts, including a $15 per hour minimum wage, overtime pay, paid breaks and paid time off. They would also provide a refundable tax credit to farm owners to offset increased costs. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 428)

TRANSPO FORUM: Charles River Chamber of Commerce holds its annual transportation forum, featuring MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. Luc Schuster, executive director of Boston Indicators, discusses a recent report that asserts communities in Greater Boston are not building enough density to support transit; he's joined by Jarred Johnson of TransitMatters and Amy Dain of Boston Indicators. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., TripAdvisor headquarters, 400 1st Ave., Needham | Register)

ELECTION LAWS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a public hearing on bills related to election administration. Some bills have to do with ensuring a more complete and accurate census count (H 851 / S 533), a Sen. Lewis bill would allow town clerks to not be enrolled in a political party, and amends the requirement of registrars to be from two political parties to allow for unenrolled voter representation (S 522), and Sen. Tarr is seeking to require the the state treasurer to annually reimburse cities and towns for costs related to mandated early voting. (S 535) (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Livestream)

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a public hearing on bills related to sex offenses and domestic violence. There are over 70 bills on the agenda. They include imposing penalties of fines and imprisonment for anyone who creates computer-generated images or videos of child sexual abuse (H 1593), prohibiting name-changing for registered sex offenders (H 2008), and several bills related to tightening regulations around preventing educator sexual misconduct in schools. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Education holds a hybrid public hearing on bills related to school climate and safety. There are a number of bills related to regulating the use of cellphones in schools and to prohibit the use of Native American mascots in Massachusetts public schools. Rep McMurtry has a bill that would prohibit high schools from starting their school day earlier than 8:30 a.m., and middle schools earlier than 8 a.m. (H 647). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Livestream)

"PEOPLE'S HEARING" ON LEGISLATIVE REFORMS: Coalition to Reform our Legislature holds what it is calling a "people's hearing," led by a former House member, to address bills that the coalition believes will improve the operations of the Massachusetts Legislature. One bill (HD 4303) would reform the stipend system that the coalition says "presently gives leadership extraordinary control over legislators’ salaries, replacing it with a less costly and less leadership-controlled stipend system that rewards performance, rather than loyalty." The action listed on the Legislature's website for that bill, whose backers include former Reps. Jay Kaufman and Jonathan Hecht and former GOP Chair Jennifer Nassour, is "scheduled for the House Journal Addenda." The coalition's Scotia Hill says the coalition was unable to find a legislator willing to file the bill in a by-request manner, which is common and would have put the proposal into the legislative pipeline. She said that raises questions about the right to free petition in Massachusetts. The other bill (H 4303), a by-request petition presented by Rep. Farley-Bouvier, was referred in February to the Joint Rules Committee. It calls for new legislative research and fiscal analysis bureaus that the coalition says would "provide legislators with the tools necessary to craft legislation based on objective data, rather than reliance on special interests." The coalition says the bills "were filed consistent with House and Senate rules, yet both chambers bypassed the typical process of holding formal hearings on them, leaving the public in the dark on their benefits." Hill said Kaufman will lead the hearing, Hecht plans to attend and she said comments from former Congressman Barney Frank will be read. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdoin St., Boston)

COMPTROLLER ADVISORY BOARD: Advisory Board to the Comptroller meets to review a draft of the Statewide Single Audit Report for fiscal year 2024, which was conducted by external audit firm, CliftonlarsonAllen. The statewide single audit is an entity-wide audit of the state that includes its financial statements and the spending of federal awards by all state agencies. The audit reviews internal controls and compliance over financial reporting and federal programs, according to Comptroller William McNamara's office, and the focus is on the use of federal funds, which must be shown to be properly spent within program rules. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m. | Zoom)

SURVIVORS SAY: Survivors Say, a Boston-based nonprofit that supports survivors, victims and families, hosts a public awareness event. Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives the keynote address. The honorees are Liam Lowney, executive director of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance, and Rep. Farley-Bouvier. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., 32nd floor, Boston)

JALSA ANNUAL MEETING: Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action hosts its annual meeting. The group plans to give awards to local leaders for community advocacy and lifetime achievement. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., WBUR CitySpace, 890 Commonwealth Ave. | More Info)

SPILKA - LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Senate President Karen Spilka and Rep. James Arena-DeRosa provide an update "on local and statewide priorities, current legislative session, and fiscal year 2026 budget," according to the Hopkinton Select Board. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Hopkinton Town Hall, 18 Main St., Hopkinton)

ALLSTON I-90 PROJECT: Allston I-90 Multimodal Project Task Force meets. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

BUNKER HILL TRIBUTE CONCERT: A tribute concert honors those who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill. It's performed by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers' Chorus, and the Musical Ambassadors of the Army. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Hatch Memorial Shell, Boston)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

GROUP INSURANCE COMMISSION: Group Insurance Commission holds virtual meeting. In May, GIC Executive Director Matthew Veno informed the commission that CVS Caremark recently announced formulary updates for July 1, 2025 that remove Zepbound from coverage for weight loss, with Wegovy and Saxenda remaining preferred, due to lower unit costs. The commission was communicating with affected members. Veno also reported that the commission continues to receive "frequent" inquiries from municipalities and school districts about joining the GIC but has not received any formal letters of intent to join. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Livestream)

HEAT HEALTH PANEL: Metropolitan Area Planning Council, BU School of Public Health and Hariri Institute hold a symposium on advancing equitable solutions to "heat health." Data show a relationship between heat events and emergency department visits in the greater Boston region, according to the MAPC. Panelists include assistant secretary for resilience at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Mia Mansfield; emergency medicine physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Caleb Dresser; and senior climate resilience project manager at the City of Boston Office of Climate Resilience, Zoë Davis. Isabella Gambill, assistant director of climate, energy and resilience at A Better City will moderate the discussion. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Boston University Center for Computing and Data Services, 665 Commonwealth Ave., 17th Floor, Boston)

BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: The third day of the BIO International Convention starts with a fireside chat at 9 a.m. on a report from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology about maintaining the United States' global lead in biotech. Amy Comstock, director of the FDA's Rare Disease Innovation Hub, participates in a chat at 10:15 a.m. Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones moderates a discussion at 2:30 p.m. about how the commonwealth built a "comprehensive education and workforce development continuum." Super Bowl champion and Good Morning America anchor Michael Strahan speaks at 3:30 p.m. Sessions throughout the day focus on weight-loss drugs, health equity, partnerships for success in vaccine development, mobilizing the private sector to scale biotech products, building resilient global and national supply chains, and RNA therapeutics, among other topics. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Brian Doxtader as associate justice to the District Court. Doxtader has served as first assistant clerk magistrate in the West Roxbury Division of the Boston Municipal Court since last year. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Council Chamber |Livestream)

SMALL BUSINESS DAY: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Retailers Association of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association will host Small Business Day on Beacon Hill. Issues that will be discussed include erasing unemployment insurance debt, health care expenses, energy prices and labor mandates. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

MSBA MEETING: Massachusetts School Building Authority Board of Directors meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | For access email Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org)

GROTON ENERGY STORAGE: Ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for a battery storage project in Groton. Speakers include Kate Roy of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, Jonathan Patterson of the Groton Electric Light Department, Rory Jones of Lightshift Energy, Groton Town Manager Mark Haddad, Groton Superintendent of Schools Geoff Bruno, Rep. Sena and Undersecretary of Energy Michael Judge. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Florence Roche Elementary School, 342 Main St., Groton)

HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to meet in a formal session. No agenda items were announced as of Friday. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

INCLUSIVE CURRICULUM: Reps. Nguyen and Ultrino and Sen. Gómez and advocates with CARE Action hold a briefing on a bill (S 371 / H 655) that would set up a Comprehensive and Inclusive Curriculum Trust Fund, to implement curriculum materials in schools that "shall accurately represent and be inclusive of all people so that students learn about the histories, experiences, perspectives, heritages, and cultures of all Americans to promote mutual understanding and prepare them to become well-informed citizens," according to the bill text. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall of Flags)

JUNETEENTH FLAG RAISING: Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus hosts its annual Juneteenth flag raising ceremony outside the State House. Speakers include caucus chair Rep. Vargas, vice chair Sen. Miranda, Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Senate President Spilka. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., State House steps)

HEALTH CARE FINANCING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds a public hearing on about 15 bills. Perennial bills from Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Eldridge (H 1405 / S 86) look to establish a "Medicare for All," single-payer health care system. Eldridge's office says the legislation would slash health care spending and provide universal coverage for Bay Staters; it would be funded by imposing new taxes on businesses and workers, including a 7.5% employer payroll tax on organizations with more than 100 employees. A Sen. Rush proposal (S 907) would reinstate a license for Norwood Hospital, with the aim of attracting a new operator who could finish construction of the new facility. The hospital, a former Steward Health Care facility, closed after catastrophic flooding in 2020, and Steward last year walked away from the under-construction property. Other legislation before the committee aims to prevent discrimination against people with disabilities. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Angelo Gomez Jr. to the Parole Board. He's currently the chief parole supervisor for field services at the Parole Board. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

BU PREZ: Boston University President Melissa Gilliam is the featured speaker at a fireside chat hosted by the Women's Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Gilliam is the first woman and first Black woman to lead the university. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St. James Ave., Boston |Tickets)

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus, before the Senate debates a supplemental budget steering additional funding to financially strained community health centers and hospitals, elder home care services and rental relief, among other items. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Senate President's Office and virtual)

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

MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar about coverage options for businesses with one to 50 full-time employees. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

SENATE SESSION - SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET: Senate plans to take up a $532 million supplemental budget (S 2529) that includes some items featured in Gov. Healey's $756 million spending request from April. The bill contains $174 million for fiscally strained acute hospitals, $35 million for fiscally strained community health centers, and $134.5 million for the Medical Assistance Trust Fund that also supports hospitals. The bill funds a bevy of other depleted accounts, including rental assistance and elder home care services. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senate Chamber)

TELECOMMUNIATIONS, UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a public hearing on about 20 bills dealing with biomass and recycling. Sen. Creem's legislation (S 2245) aims to expand the state's bottle deposit system by including more containers like small nips and those as large as 1 gallon, as well as increasing the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents. A string of narrower proposals focus on the proper disposal of "miniatures," namely by imposing a 5-cent deposit on nips to prevent litter. Bills from Rep. Ramos and Sen. Gomez (H 3548 / S 2288) would curtail the use of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

MWRA BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority Board meets. Agenda includes a financial update, an update on pension funding status, final approval of fiscal 2026 budgets and water and sewer assessments, and discussion of a review and contract extension for MWRA Executive Director Frederick Laskey. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, Favaloro Meeting Room, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Agenda and Access Info)

HEALTH CARE APPRENTICESHIPS: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar about how states are advancing health care apprenticeships as a workforce development strategy. It will explore models between health care organizations and colleges and universities, as well as strategies for scaling apprenticeships for larger health systems and hospitals. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a public hearing on about 30 bills dealing with workers' compensation, independent contractors and workplace safety. Bills from Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Robyn Kennedy (H 2170 / S 144) aim to protect minors who are featured in for-profit family vlogs by setting aside a percentage of commission for them. Proposals from Rep. Saunders and Sen. Rausch (H 2172 / S 1367) would require the Department of Labor to develop regulations to protect public sector outdoor workers from heat-related illness. Legislation from Sen. Edwards (S 1308) aims to protect remote workers by ensuring employers incorporated or operating in Massachusetts are subject to state wage and hour laws. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

HHS BLOCK GRANT: Department of Public Health and the Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant Advisory Committee seek public comment tied to the federal grant opportunity from the CDC. The grant is a "flexible way for states to address priority health concerns," DPH says. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)

BECKET LEDGE REMOVAL: MassDOT's Highway Division holds a public meeting about a proposed project dealing with a ledge removal along Route 28 in Becket. Some of the ledge outcroppings and exposed rock faces "pose a potential safety hazard from falling rock or slope failure, which could injure highway users or shut down some sections of State Highway for an extended time," officials say. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Becket Town Hall, 557 Main St., Becket | More Info)

DUXBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT's Highway Division holds a public meeting about a proposed project to replace Powder Point Bridge over Duxbury Bay. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Duxbury Performing Arts Center, 73 Alden St., Duxbury | More Info)

Thursday, June 19, 2025

BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION: The final day of the BIO International Convention features a session about strengthening the future of biotech investing at 10:15 a.m. Breakout sessions explore the landscape for cell therapy and gene therapy, AI in drug discovery, physician and patient perspectives about the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, and a new era in organ transplants, among other topics. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

JUNETEENTH: State House and state offices are closed for Juneteenth, a state-recognized legal holiday. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom — over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. It's celebrated as the commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. (Thursday)

AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MUSEUM: Museum of African American History marks Juneteenth at both its Beacon Hill and Nantucket locations with a range of free events, including Underground Railroad walking tours, a children's story hour and musical performances by the Boston Public Quartet. Museum admission is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Boston and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Nantucket. (Thursday | More Info)

Friday, June 20, 2025

CAPE COD AIRPORT: Cape Cod Gateway Airport marks the start of seasonal service to Chicago and Philadelphia as it welcomes one of the first fights arriving from Philly. State lawmakers are expected to give remarks, along with representatives from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, American Airlines and the Cape Cod Gateway Airport Commission. (Friday, 11 a.m., Cape Cod Gateway Airport, Terminal Building, 480 Barnstable Road, Hyannis)

HOUSE SPECIAL ELECTION RECOUNT: Deadline for Republican candidate Larry Quintal to submit 38 signatures from the Third Bristol House District to initiate a recount in the special election to represent the district, which is made up of parts of Taunton and Easton. Democrat Lisa Field claimed victory, leading by 21 votes out of more than 5,100 cast. Quintal's campaign said it found discrepancies in the numbers reported on election night, which when accounted for narrows the margin between the candidates to 17 votes. If his campaign submits 38 signatures to local clerks to qualify for the districtwide recount, the certified petitions would then need to be filed with the Secretary of State's Elections Division to trigger a recount. The final deadline for signatures to be filed with the secretary's office is 5 p.m. on June 25. (Friday)

JOBS & UNEMPLOYMENT REPORT: The Massachusetts unemployment and jobs Report for May is scheduled for release. The Massachusetts jobless rate in April was 4.6%, up from 3.9% in April 2024. (Friday)