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Powerful House Speaker Ronald Mariano plans to run for reelection in 2026 and for another term as speaker in 2027, his office confirmed Friday afternoon. Next year would be the 19th time that the Quincy Democrat asks voters to elect him to the Third Norfolk District seat. Mariano won a December 1991 special election for the seat and since 1992 has been reelected every two years. He was first elected speaker of the House on Dec. 30, 2020. Mariano reportedly intends to ask fellow representatives to again elect him as speaker if he wins reelection to the House next year. Mariano, 78, would turn 80 years old just before Election Day 2026.
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!
Summertime. “Summertime, and the living is easy”
The Fiscal Year 2025 comes to a close on June 30. Town business starts to shift gears from one fiscal year to the next as the cycles continue. FY 2026 opens July 1 and we’ll start seeing confirmation of the budget cuts due to the failed override to fund the level service budget. No level service? Correct, town delivery of services will decline in various aspects. Some will be more noticeable than others.
With schools closed, the Recreation dept has temporarily moved to use Parmenter while construction on the Beaver St interceptor continues to work in their yard as well as disrupt traffic on Beaver St. They take this week off fortunately but are likely to be back as steel plates in the road remain.
The School Committee and its policy subcommittee both meet virtually on Tuesday. The Conservation Commission meets on Thursday.
For updates and reporting on the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar and information 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 6/20/25, 6:30 PM
Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting
Monday, June 23 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_06232025-1776
Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee Meeting (virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 6:00 PM
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06242025-1792
Design Review Meeting (virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/429?fileID=5164
Franklin School Committee (Virtual only)
Tuesday, June 24 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_06242025-1793
Arts and Culture Symposium Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, June 25` Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Tri-County Regional Vocational School Committee Appointment Meeting
Thursday, June 26 Time: 2:30 PM
no agenda available at this time
Conservation Commission Meeting
Thursday, June 26 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/430?fileID=5169
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The groundbreaking for Habitat for Humanity to formally take title to the Old South Meeting House took place on Wednesday, June 18. The exterior will be preserved while the interior will be renovated to become a single family affordable residence.
The most significant meeting of the week was the Town Council session on Wednesday, June 18. The agenda was a typical variety of business appointments, recognitions, and a surprise. Fire Chief James McLaughlin announced his retirement effective on or before Oct 1, 2025. The video replay of the full meeting is available.
Chair Tom and I met virtually to record our Council “quarterbacking” session. We recap the meeting and condense it answering 2 key questions:
- ok, what just happened?
- What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
You can also find the audio at Franklin.News
—------------
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
Gov. Maura Healey may need the full 10 days allotted to review the annual budget before signing it. If she takes the time afforded to her to look over what will be a gargantuan legislative proposal, it would mean it's already too late for Massachusetts to have an on-time budget. Top Democrats entered this session with an interest in improving the flow of bills and avoiding the chaotic logjams that have clouded previous sessions, but the term has so far unfolded along familiar lines and without any new approaches to address old problems. If anything, branch leaders in 2025 seem even more poised and empowered to go their own way and see whether the other branch will come along. Underfunded accounts in the state budget Healey signed in the summer of 2024 have been the focus of steady attention in the Legislature over the first six months of 2025. Healey's staff likely has an interim budget ready to be filed to keep state government operating and bills paid while legislative talks continue on a permanent fiscal 2026 budget. She has on her desk a nearly $1.4 billion bill, largely funded by income surtax revenue, making investments in transportation and education. And the fourth budget bill in play is another fiscal 2025 supplemental budget that could be deposited into a new conference committee next week since the Senate passed its version Wednesday. The Senate plans a formal session Thursday to take up legislation expanding the scope of protections to ensure that reproductive and gender-identity care can continue to be delivered in Massachusetts without stakeholders becoming tangled in legal challenges stemming from other states or the Republican-controlled federal government. The House has potential formal sessions on Wednesday and Thursday, with no pre-announced agenda items. Two issues connected to Healey are up for public consideration next week as lawmakers hold a hearing on her energy affordability bill and on legislation that would make the governor's office and the Legislature subject to the public records law. Top Democrats and Healey have shown no interest in seeing their offices and operations opened up in a way that other government operations can be due to their lack of exemptions, and the Legislature continues to quietly resist compliance with a new voter law granting the state auditor's office the express power to audit the Legislature.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
BOSTON CANNABIS JOBS: City of Boston and New Dia host a panel and opportunities fair to highlight cannabis career opportunities. Attendees will hear from "budtenders," entrepreneurs and industry professionals. (Sunday, 1:30 p.m., New Dia Fenway Weed Dispensary Boston, 71 Lansdowne St., Boston | Register)
CLARK ON KELLER: U.S. Democratic House Whip Katherine Clark is the guest on "Keller at Large" to discuss the Congressional budget bill, its potential impact on the Massachusetts economy and the relationship between her office and the executive branch. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ)
GULLIVER ON THE RECORD: MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver joins WCVB's weekly "On the Record" segment. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)
AMHERST PRIDE: Amherst holds its first Pride parade, with 30 community groups slated to participate. There will also be a rally and community resource fair. Speakers include Rep. Domb, Amherst Town Councilors Pat De Angelis and Mandi Jo Hanneke, and Rabbi Deb Kolodny of the Human Rights Commission. The parade starts at 12 p.m. at the Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and ends at Amherst Town Common. The post-parade celebration and rally run from 1-3 p.m. on Amherst Town Common. (Sunday, 12 p.m., 21 Matoon St., Amherst)
Monday, June 23, 2025
PLANNED PARENTHOOD PRESSER: Women of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation host a press conference with the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts on the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade and as a budget bill moves through Congress seeking to pull funding from Planned Parenthood care centers. The so-called Big, Beautiful Bill would also bar private health insurers on the ACA marketplace from offering abortion coverage and slash Medicaid coverage, according to U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark's office. Clark, Sen. Elizabeth Warren. Rep. Lori Trahan and Rep. Ayanna Pressley will join Dominique Lee, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, for the press conference. (Monday, 9 a.m., Location to be provided upon RSVP | Livestream)
CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a hearing on about two dozen bills focused on racing, gaming, lottery and local alcohol petitions. Legislation from Rep. Cahill and Sen. Feeney (H 332 / S 235) looks to regulate online casino gambling. A Sen. Montigny bill (S 260) would protect the privacy of lottery winners by giving them the right to refuse public disclosure of personal information. A Rep. Garry bill (H 4159) would enable businesses to impose a surcharge on individuals who use a credit or debit card instead of paying by cash or check. Local alcohol bills are tied to Somerset, Swansea and West Springfield. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1| Agenda and Livestream)
UTILITY POLES: Department of Public Utilities and the Department of Telecommunications and Cable hold virtual technical sessions exploring utility pole attachments, conduit access, double poles and other considerations about utility work done on public rights-of-way. Technical sessions run daily this week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
SEAL, FLAG, MOTTO COMMISSION: Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission meets virtually. The commission in early May launched a call for the public to participate in redesign efforts. Agenda includes an update from co-chairs and a review of evaluation criteria. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Zoom)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)
SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)
FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes a vote on credentialing and re-credentialing, and updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
XYLAZINE COMMISSION: Special Commission on Xylazine meets for the first time. The commission was created in a December 2024 law and charged with developing recommendations "to address the public health and safety concerns posed by the proliferation of xylazine as an additive to illicit drugs, including, but not limited to, fentanyl." The 2024 law called for a commission report and recommendations by June 30, 2025; a provision in a pending House supplemental budget would push the reporting deadline forward to March 31, 2026. Members will hear invite-only testimony. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities holds a hybrid networking and resource-sharing event. It's expected to bring together youth and young adults with disabilities, direct support professionals and job coaches. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., Room 428 | More Info and Livestream)
QUÉBEC FLAG RAISING: Québec Government Office in Boston hosts a Québec flag-raising ceremony to celebrate La Fête Nationale, Québec’s national holiday, also known as St. Jean Baptiste Day. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston)
VOICES OF PRIDE: Greater Boston PFLAG, which advocates for LGBTQ+ communities, and Rep. Hogan hold a closed-press event called, "Voices of Pride: Families, Youth & Lawmakers in Conversation." Families, LGBTQ+ youth and policymakers will discuss inclusion, acceptance and equality as part of Pride Month. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 350)
VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Veterans Quality of Life Commission meets. Agenda includes a discussion about caregivers, family life, elderly veterans, suicide prevention, transportation and access to health care. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALEY, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Healey meets privately with legislative leaders. A press availability will follow in the Senate Reading Room. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's office)
CAMPBELL TO WASHINGTON: Attorney General Campbell joins other Democratic AGs to testify in front of the Joint Congressional Judiciary Committee "to highlight the actions they are taking to hold the Trump Administration accountable," according to her office. She'll testify alongside Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate Hart Office Building, SH-216, 120 Constitution Ave. NE, Washington D.C.)
SENATE AMENDMENT DEADLINE: Senators face a deadline to file amendments to a bill (S 2538) updating the 2022 law protecting reproductive and transgender care providers and patients from legal action elsewhere. The Senate plans to take up the bill Thursday. (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)
DOER WEBINAR: Department of Energy Resources holds a webinar on its new Solicitation and Procurement Effectiveness Report. DOER helms offshore wind and energy storage procurements. "Following our review of previous procurements and the procurement process for other states, DOER finds that, while our solicitations have had successes, the procurement process needs a new framework to meet the Commonwealth's clean energy needs," DOER said. The report offers a new procurement framework, intended to be more flexible and expand the state's clean energy resource portfolio, officials say. The yield from the state's push for offshore wind power has so far come up well short of original expectations. (Monday, 3 p.m. | Register)
LITHIUM ION BATTERY STEWARDSHIP: Rep. Hogan and the Zero Waste Caucus hold a virtual legislative briefing on a bill (H 986 / S 556) to create a lithium-ion battery stewardship program, a proposal to establish a battery recycling system meant to reduce fire risks and recover valuable materials. It would be funded by producers of small and medium lithium-ion batteries. Speakers from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, Fire Chiefs Association, waste and recycling industry professions, Rep. Hogan and Zero Waste Caucus chairs Rep. Ciccolo and Sen. Lewis will join the discussion, according to a release from Hogan's office. (Monday, 3 p.m. | Microsoft Teams, Meeting Code: 296 985 972 319 6, Passcode: NZ2CC7yR)
GREENFIELD CLEAN-UP: City of Greenfield holds a meeting about the Lunt Public Involvement Plan, as part of environmental clean-up efforts tied to the former Lunt Silvermith property. Officials will share a progress report and a status report on "the environmental bond bill." (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Greenfield City Hall, 14 Court Square, Greenfield | Zoom)
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
BOARD OF ED: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. Education Secretary and Interim Commissioner Tutwiler plans to give an update on the statewide graduation council, the transition to new leadership under incoming commissioner Pedro Martinez, and updates on the administration's early literacy program. The board plans to vote on regulations to further restrict controversial "timeout" and seclusion policies in schools, the next step in a years-long effort to reduce the use of the practices. They'll also discuss an annual report on chronically underperforming schools, and receive an education budget update. (Tuesday, 9:15 a.m., 135 Santilli Highway, Everett | Livestream)
ELDER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Elder Affairs holds a hearing on bills related to health, safety and training. On the agenda is legislation (S 468 / H 769) from Sen. Gomez and Rep. Gregoire to "improve care and prepare for the new era of Alzheimer’s and dementia." The bill would establish a director of dementia care and coordination within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, direct the Department of Public Health to launch a public awareness campaign focused on brain health and dementia, require MassHealth to incorporate dementia care coordination services in certain plans for members diagnosed with dementia, and require health care providers to participate in updated dementia training programs. House bills on the agenda will face a committee action deadline of Aug. 23. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access)
STATE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight accepts testimony on bills concerning state agencies, public records and honorary designations. S 2105 from Sen. Brady would make records maintained by the governor's office subject to public access under state public records laws, while S 2210 from Sen. Rausch would extend public records laws to the governor's office and the Legislature. The docket also includes proposals to name "official" emblems of Massachusetts, including making the blue-spotted salamander the official amphibian (S 2151 / H 3397), naming the Eastern brook trout the official freshwater fish of Massachusetts (H 3404), designating the song "Roadrunner" by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers as the official rock song of Massachusetts (H 3383 / S 2218), and making the spring peeper the official frog of the state (H 3373). House bills on the agenda will face a committee action deadline of Aug. 23. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access)
COMMUNITY POLICING: Community Policing Behavioral Health Advisory Council meets. There will be a presentation about jail/arrest diversion grant programs from the Department of Mental Health. Another presentation is focused on the Center for Community Policing and Crisis Intervention at Boston College. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
HIGHER ED QUALITY, AFFORDABILITY: Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability meets. Members will review draft recommendations. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)
FIREARMS LICENSE: Firearms License Review Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a hearing on bills related to veterans and service members. Agenda includes H 3021 extending sales tax exemptions to veteran's organizations, H 3100 exempting disabled veterans from sales tax when leasing a motor vehicle, H 3140 exempting veterans’ organizations from state and local meals tax, H 3188 providing for line-of-duty death benefits for firefighters, H 3242 establishing a property tax exemption for members of the National Guard, and S 2050 exempting active duty military personnel from state income tax while based out of state. House bills on the agenda will face a committee action deadline of Aug. 23. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access)
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services accepts testimony related to health insurance and other insurances. Among the bills on the docket is H 1178 / S 836, which would amend the prosthetic coverage law to require health insurance plans to cover an additional prosthetic or custom orthotic device necessary for physical activity. Also up for a hearing is H 1302 / S 813 relative to the remediation of home heating oil releases; H 1191 / S 689 improving access to infertility treatment; and H 1223 / S 832 providing health insurance coverage for scalp and facial hair prostheses. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Access)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meets. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Email gpolin@masslottery.com for access)
SPILKA AND MTF: Senate President Spilka speaks at a closed-to-press Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation event. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Verizon, 98 Causeway St., Boston)
ANIMAL LOBBY DAY: The annual Lobby Day for Animals event is hosted by the MSCPA, Animal Rescue League of Boston, Animal Legal Defense Fund and Humane World for Animals. Advocates will promote animal protections bills. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
VOC-TECH LOTTERY FORUM: Massachusetts Vocational Technical Coalition, Pioneer Institute and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce host a discussion of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's decision to implement a lottery-based admissions system on vocational technical schools. Panelists include Kevin McCaskill, principal of Brockton High School; Gerson Monteiro, a Brockton teacher on the Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School District; Tim Murray, president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce; Aaron Polansky, superintendent-director of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School; and Tracy Steward, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School committee member. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, 311 Main St., Suite 200, Worcester)
WHITE STADIUM COMMUNITY PRESS CONFERENCE: Local residents and park advocates hold a press conference to call on elected officials to reconsider Boston Mayor Michelle Wu's plans for White Stadium in Franklin Park, and to discuss "the lack of transportation planning" for planned professional soccer games. The Franklin Park Defenders plans to release a new analysis of "the project's limited transportation planning documentation, highlighting the many flaws and unresolved issues with plans to bring 11,000+ people in and out of Franklin Park on game days," they say. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 426 Walnut Ave, Franklin Park, Boston)
MATERNAL HEALTH TASK FORCE: Maternal Health Access and Birthing Patient Safety Task Force meets. Members will discuss the outline of their report. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Livestream)
VETERANS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs meets to accept testimony on bills related to veterans benefits and family affairs. Agenda includes Treasurer Goldberg's bill (H 50) to expand eligibility for state veterans bonuses (including to include veterans who were discharged with "other than honorable" conditions due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV status) and to codify specific timeframes to be used when considering whether an applicant served during certain conflicts. The hearing also includes a handful of bills relative to benefits for surviving spouses, cost-of-living adjustments for veterans bonuses and more. House bills on the agenda will face a committee action deadline of Aug. 23. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access)
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation accepts testimony on bills related to autonomous vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, street design, and specialty vehicles. S 2392 from Sen. Feeney would require that autonomous vehicles meet federal standards for a motor vehicle and do not transport commerce or passengers without a human operator physically present in the vehicle. H 3682 from Rep. Holmes would change the name of the American Legion Highway, a road in Boston that connects Hyde Park Avenue with Blue Hill Avenue, to American Legion Parkway. A bill (H 3629 / S 2350) from Rep. Blais and Sen. Comerford would allow tandem trucks operating on approved public roads to weigh up to 99,000 pounds if they have a permit, a change the sponsors say would ease the impact of a burden on rural towns that have to haul their trash and recycling in multiple costly trips due to the current 85,000-pound weight limit. House bills on the agenda will face a committee action deadline of Aug. 23. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access)
MUNICIPALITIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hearing on home rule petitions, and bills dealing with local governance and municipal finance. Agenda includes H 2252 to establish a commission to study the distribution of unrestricted local aid, H 2304 / S 1468 regional school assessment reserve fund, H 2303 / S 1469 special education reserve funds, H 4158 expanding the select board of Weston, and H 2307 / S 1442 authorizing local control of waste collection hours of operation. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access)
HOLYOKE CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public meeting on proposed corridor improvements on High and Maple streets in Holyoke. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St., Holyoke)
LAWRENCE SAFE ROUTES: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing as part of the Safe Routes to School project for Community Day Arlington Elementary School in Lawrence. Upgrades are planned for Arlington Street/Lawrence Street and Arlington Street/Hampshire Street. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)
MYSTIC RIVER PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge across the Mystic River to connect Somerville and Everett. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave., Somerville)
HEALING RACISM INSTITUTE: Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley holds a "community dialogue" to help shape the organization's programming and impact. Organizers say the event comes as "programs that support marginalized groups are being defunded or under-resourced." (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center, 1500 Main St., Suite 260, Springfield | Register)
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
HEALEY AT NEC: Gov. Healey is the featured guest at the latest breakfast hosted by the New England Council, where she will address business leaders. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Omni Parker House, 60 School St., Boston)
VACCINATIONS & IMMUNITY: Massachusetts Health Council holds a members-only briefing on Sen. Rausch's Community Immunity Act (S 1618). The legislation would maintain medical and religious exemptions for school vaccination requirements, though it would create standardized immunization and exemption policies across the state. It would also bolster data reporting and outreach, as well as improve family and community outreach. The bill had a hearing before the Public Health Committee on June 6. Check-in and networking starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by a presentation from Rausch at 10:05 a.m. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Room 222)
AFT ADVOCACY DAY: American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts hosts an advocacy day to call on the Legislature to invest more in public education. The bills the union supports include one to reform the Chapter 70 school funding formula (S 345), provide teachers and municipal employees with Paid Family Medical Leave (H 2079), resume reimbursements for in-district day and special education transportation (S 348 / H 597) and boost retirement benefits for long serving educators (H 2932 / S 1884). (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Room 438)
TAX CREDITS FOR JOB GROWTH: Economic Assistance Coordinating Council meets. Members will review proposed Economic Development Incentive Program projects in Stow, Westborough, Concord, Fitchburg, Billerica, Boston, Methuen and New Bedford. The program provides tax credits to companies that commit to creating full-time jobs. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., McCormack Building, 21st floor | Agenda and Zoom)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Health conducts a hybrid public hearing on bills related to emergency medical services, municipal public health, and executive agencies. Bills on the agenda include those to create a task force to regulate illicit drink spiking including testing protocol and care for victims of date rape drugs (S 1537), requiring AEDs in clubs and fraternal organizations (S 1606), and authorizing emergency medical technicians to restrain patients who present immediate or serious threats of bodily harm to themselves or others. (H 2420). (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access)
DIGITAL EQUITY: Massachusetts Digital Equity Coalition hosts a briefing on digital equity bills. Sen. Payano and Reps. Mendes and Sabadosa are slated to speak. Advocates are promoting bills that would require internet providers to offer a $15 flat monthly rate for high-speed plans, as well as create a statewide credentialing program commission for digital navigators. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 437)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Jennifer Allen as associate justice of the Appeals Court. She's currently a judge on the Probate and Family Court. Allen's confirmation would eliminate all vacancies on the Appeals Court, according to Healey's office. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
TAUNTON DTA: Taunton Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly. The council could vote to confirm Brian Doxtader Jr. as associate justice of the District Court and Angelo Gomez Jr. to the Parole Board. Both nominees had hearings June 18. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
SPRINGFIELD BIOMASS UPDATE: Sen. Gomez and activists associated with the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition hold a briefing to update the status of a long-planned biomass facility in East Springfield that would burn wood to generate energy and legislation filed by Gomez to eliminate state financial incentives for biomass, making the proposed plant less viable. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., More Info and Register)
RURAL SCHOOLS: Rep. Blais and Sen. Comerford host a briefing on their legislation (H 517 / S 314) that looks to boost funding for rural and regional schools, school building construction and renovation, and transportation and special education costs. The bills also ensure western Massachusetts representation on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The briefing will also feature a discussion with school administrators, school committee members, students and municipal officials. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Zoom)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a public hearing on Gov. Maura Healey's bill (H 4144) to save ratepayers $10 billion in persistently high energy costs over the next decade. It would require the Department of Public Utilities to review and reform all charges on energy bills, and establish a cap on month-to-month bill increases. It would allow Massachusetts to procure energy directly, reduce the value of net metering credits for new and large solar hookups or other facilities that transfer energy back to the grid in exchange for a bill credit, and phase out the Alternative Portfolio Standard program by 2028. The governor's bill would also repeal a law put in place by voters in 1982 that requires that the state secure approval of a majority of voters through a statewide ballot initiative to pursue new nuclear energy projects, including "small modular reactors" which could provide an estimated 15 gigawatts of power to New England. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing conducts a hybrid public hearing on bills related to affordable housing. Rep. Kilcoyne and Sen. Cronin recommend (H 1542 / S 964) forming a commission to design a building code to allow for single-stair multi-family residential buildings up to six stories. Affordable housing advocates say allowing a multi-family dwelling where all units share a single staircase can lead to more efficient use of space on small footprints, and lower construction costs. The bill, if approved, would instruct public officials to build upon a report called "Legalizing Mid-Rise Single-Stair Housing in Massachusetts" produced by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Boston Indicators, and Utile. Sen. Fattman has a bill to exempt towns with less than 30,000 residents from the Chapter 40B (S 987) affordable housing law. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Access)
LEGISLATIVE INTERNS: Legislative interns gather for a "Seminar Series," according to Senate President Spilka's office. Spilka plans to speak and field questions from interns. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Gardner Auditorium)
MASS LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Board of Directors meets. Agenda includes votes on the fiscal 2026 operating budget, the 2035 Fund, STEM Equipment & PD Grant Program awards, Workforce Development Capital Grant Program awards, Pathmaker 2.0 awards, the 2024 MLSC Tax Incentive Program, and additional funding requests for research infrastructure. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, 1075 Main St., Suite 100, Waltham | More Info)
AQUARION WATER HEARING: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on the sale of Aquarion Water from Eversource to Unitil. Aquarion Water distributes water to roughly 12,000 customers in Dover, Millbury, Oxford, Plymouth and Sheffield. DPU says Unitil is not proposing any rate or service changes. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
MIRA WEBINAR: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition hosts a "Know Your Rights" webinar about interacting with immigration enforcement. Attendees will learn about family preparedness, how to get legal help, and immigration scams. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)
INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENT: Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region holds a briefing on Section 35 involuntary commitments for substance use disorders. Section 35 permits courts in Massachusetts to involuntarily commit individuals with an alcohol or substance use disorder to an inpatient treatment facility when their substance use presents a serious risk of harm to themselves or others. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Register)
MASS LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Finance and Compensation Committee meets. Agenda includes the fiscal 2026 finance and compensation plan. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, 1075 Main St., Suite 100, Waltham | More Info)
WATERFRONT LEAGUE: Waterfront Historic Area League, based in New Bedford, holds its annual meeting and celebrates the 2025 Preservation Award recipients. Mayor Jon Mitchell gives opening remarks. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program starting at 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Rotch-Jones-Duff House, 396 Country St., New Bedford | More Info)
GRAD COUNCIL LISTENING SESSION: Gov. Healey's K-12 Statewide Graduation Council hosts a virtual listening session. (Wednesday, 5 p.m. | Zoom)
WIRELESS RADIATION WEBINAR: Massachusetts for Safe Technology holds a free webinar on health risks of wireless radiation. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)
SPILKA IN NATCK: Senate President Spilka presents an annual legislative update to the Natick Select Board. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Natick Town Hall, 13 E Central St., Natick)
FIRE ACADEMY GRADUATION: Massachusetts Firefighting Academy holds a graduation ceremony for 26 recruits. They represent fire departments in Brimfield, Gill, Hadley, Hampden, Hatfield, Huntington, Orange, Palmer, South Hadley, Southwick, Spencer, Sturbridge, Three Rivers, Turners Falls, Warren, Whately and Windsor. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)
AMBASSADOR ON CAPE: Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Sullivan gives a lecture on U.S.-Russia relations and shares his insights into what unfolded the night Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts behind the scenes as part of the Cape Cod Speaker Series. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Cape Cinema, 35 Hope Lane, Dennis)
Thursday, June 26, 2025
WU WITH BIZ LEADERS: Associated Industries of Massachusetts and M&T Bank host Boston Mayor Wu for the latest "Commonwealth Conversation" event. Wu, who is up for reelection this fall, will "share her thoughts on where the city is headed regarding issues related to workforce, commercial development, transportation, housing, DEI and navigating the challenges of the new federal administration," organizers say. (Thursday, 9 a.m., M&T Bank, 115 Federal St., 18th Floor, Boston | More Info)
BOARD OF MED: Licensing Committee of the Board of Registration in Medicine meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Board of Registration of Allied Health Professions meets. Members will vote on a new regulation for lactation consultants. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)
PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE: Sen. Lovely hosts a briefing on "the fight against child sexual abuse and efforts to advocate for a set of legislative proposals to help ensure the safety of children," her office said. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Room 428)
STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us for access)
COMMONWEALTH HEROINES: Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the 2025 Commonwealth Heroines, a group of 125 women nominated by lawmakers and chosen for making outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities. MCSW Chairwoman Mary-dith Tuitt makes introductory remarks before special recognition of all 125 awardees. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation Stewardship Council meets. The meeting is at Peddocks Island Visitor Center, and a public ferry is available from the Hingham Shipyard. Kathy Abbott, CEO of Boston Harbor Now, gives a presentation. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Peddocks Island Visitor Center, Boston Harbor Islands | Agenda and Zoom)
TALENT AND COMPETITIVENESS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Massachusetts Business Roundtable co-host a virtual event, "Talent & Competitiveness 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times." Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones will speak, along with MBR CEO and President JD Chesloff, Chamber CEO Jim Rooney, and others. A recent MBR survey of employers found the state's competitiveness is under threat by high costs of living and doing business as well as dramatic changes in federal policies. The chamber and roundtable will discuss the results. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Register)
SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus privately before meeting in a formal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate President's office)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in a formal session to consider a bill (S 2538) updating the 2022 law protecting reproductive and transgender care providers and patients from legal action elsewhere. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
ENERGY FORUM: Contrarian Boston holds a virtual forum on the state's "energy crisis." Speakers include Sen. Barrett; Mike Monahan, former board member of the Boston Planning & Development Agency; and Paul Levy, president of the Charles River Watershed Association and former chair of the DPU. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
IMMIGRATION RECORDS: New England First Amendment Coalition hosts a webinar aimed at helping local reporters access immigration records. Amid a wave of immigration raids across the country, organizers say it's been difficult to obtain public records, including records on arrests and criminal charges. The webinar will explore how the Freedom of Information Act can help. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)
CELEBRATION OF CULTURE: The Chica Project nonprofit hosts Culture Fest, featuring free food, music, arts and crafts, face painting and performances. The event runs through 6 p.m. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Gallivan Community Center, 61 Woodruff Way, Boston)
MGB SUPPLIER DIVERSITY: Mass General Brigham's Supplier Diversity Program is highlighted during the Pacesetters Doing Business series, an initiative from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Speakers from MGB include Dennis MacDonald, program manager for IT contracts; Lisa Scannell, vice president of supply chain management; and Todd Turner, senior director of strategic sourcing. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Register)
LAWYERS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS: Lawyers for Civil Rights hosts a reception. Global law firm Goodwin and its Neighborhood Business Initiative, which promotes equal opportunity and supports wealth creation in communities facing barriers, will be honored. The initiative started in Boston and has expanded to Goodwin's offices in California, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Beth Chandler, executive director of Point32 Health foundation, will also be honored. (Thursday, 6 p.m., 60 State St., 33rd floor, Boston | Tickets)
REVOLUTION LIVES ON: Boston Globe Ideas holds an event called "The Revolution Lives On," which is tied to the paper's recent special issue. Globe Ideas Editor Brian Bergstein moderates a discussion with historian Ted Widmer, Angela Tate of the Museum of African American History, and Kostya Kennedy, who wrote "The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America." (Thursday, 6:15 p.m., Old South Meeting House, 310 Washington St., Boston | Register)
ABORTION IMPACT ON MEN: Massachusetts Citizens for Life holds a webinar exploring how abortion affects men. Featured speaker Jeff Joaquin will share his personal story. There will also be a Q&A session. (Thursday 7 p.m. | Zoom)
Friday, June 27, 2025
HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WAIVERS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on updating rates for day services tied to home- and community-based services waivers. Officials also want to adjust rates for assisted living, home delivered meals, independent living supports, adult companions, chore services, homemaker, laundry and personal care. The changes would take effect on or after Nov. 7. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
CULTURAL FACILITIES FUND: Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment announce 74 new recipients of the Cultural Facilities Fund awards, totaling nearly $6.5 million. The grants support nonprofits, colleges and municipalities that own or operate facilities focused on the arts, humanities and sciences. Attendees include Mass Cultural Council Executive Director Michael Bobbitt, MassDevelopment CEO Navjeet Bal and Rep. Madaro. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., Zumix, 260 Summer St., East Boston)
FIRE ACADEMY GRADUATION: Massachusetts Firefighting Academy holds graduation ceremony for 31 recruits. They represent fire departments in Amesbury, Avon, Lexington, Littleton, Lynn, Milford, Nantucket, Salem, Somerville, Stoneham, Waltham, Wayland, Westborough and Wilmington. (Friday, 11 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow)
BOSTON ZBA: Boston City Council Committee on Government Operations holds a hearing on a petition from Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata for a special law tied to the Zoning Board of Appeal. The proposal would update the ZBA's membership and appointing structure, as well as the notice timeline ahead of a hearing. The City Council Committee on Planning, Development and Transportation would hold a public oversight hearing on at least a quarterly basis for the ZBA to explain its decision-making process and justify any variances. The City Council could also establish a Variance Review Panel to annually review and audit the ZBA's variance approvals and "issue findings on compliance with zoning laws and equity in the application of variances across Boston neighborhoods," according to the petition. (Friday, 11:15 a.m., Iannella Chamber, Boston City Hall, Boston | More Info)
PCA SERVICES: MassHealth holds a remote public hearing on updates and clarifications to the Personal Care Attendant program. Proposed changes involve establishing criteria for complex care payment and prior authorization, setting rules that PCAs must be at least 16 years old, setting a maximum weekly hour limit of 66 hours for consumer safety, and establishing email requirements for consumers, PCAs, surrogates and administrative proxies. The changes would take effect no sooner than Jan. 1. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)
Saturday, June 28, 2025
QUINOBEQUIN INTERTRIBAL PADDLE: Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton cohost the third annual Quinobequin Intertribal Paddle, a watery trek meant to recognize "the historic and continued relationship indigenous peoples in Massachusetts have with the Charles— originally named the Quinobequin." All skill levels welcome and an experienced paddler will be in each vessel. Event is free for Native American participants, and organizers suggest a $100 donation for all other adults (or $25 for people under the age of 16). (Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m., Newton Boathouse, 2401 Commonwealth Ave., Newton)
GUV'S ACTION DUE: Gov. Healey is due to act on the $1.4 billion supplemental budget spending more than $1.3 billion in surplus income surtax revenue on transportation and education. The House and Senate sent the bill to the governor's desk Wednesday, June 18. (Saturday, June 28)
