26° and Sunny
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Above, an aerial view of the Souza Baranowski Correctional Center in the small town of Shirley. More than a quarter-century after voters revoked the right to vote from Bay Staters incarcerated on felonies, the Massachusetts body politic might be asked to revisit the topic. Criminal justice and voting rights advocates are beginning the work required to potentially put a question on the 2028 ballot that would once again allow thousands of people serving prison time on felony convictions to vote in state elections while behind bars. It's the latest effort in a series of so-far unsuccessful attempts to reverse a constitutional amendment adopted by voters in 2000, which eliminated that voting right. Organizers are optimistic public sentiment has changed enough in the past two-plus decades for the new proposal to pass. "The real push behind this effort is definitely coming from folks who are currently incarcerated, who want to be able to participate fully in what exists of our democracy," said K. Melchor Quick Hall, a Women's Studies Research Center scholar at Brandeis University who is the campaign's universal voting restoration co-coordinator. It is not clear how a substantial new bloc of voters would impact local elections in towns like Shirley.
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!
The slow season of summertime lingers this week. Only 1 ‘major’ meeting and 3 ‘minor’ meetings on tap for the week.
The Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday previews zoning bylaw changes proposed for the Crossing Neighborhood District located at the junction of Union and & Cottage.
Stop by the Senior Center for breakfast and open conversation with State and Town officials on Thursday morning. A good breakfast at a very good price and usually a good conversation opportunity.
The ZBA meeting scheduled for Thursday has been rescheduled for July 31.
If you have other Town of Franklin questions, you can also take advantage of the Franklin Q&A session on Wednesday morning either remotely or in person at the Franklin Senior Center. Open to all in Franklin, you bring your questions, I’ll provide the answers either then or via follow up.
* Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 7/11/25, 8:00 PM
OPEB Board of Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, July 15 Time: 11:00 AM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152025-1813
Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, July 16 Time: 5:45 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07162025-1818
Coffee Hour with State & Local Officials
Thursday, July 17 Time: 8:30 AM
No agenda for this open session
Zoning Board of Appeals ZBA Meeting
Thursday, July 17 Time: 7:30 PM -> rescheduled to July 31, 2025
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07172025-1811
Council on Aging Meeting
Friday, July 18 Time: 1:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06202025-1790
*** Looking back at the week that was ***
The only meeting broadcast or recorded by Franklin TV was the
Conservation Commission - July 10, 2025
Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuhuJNjwcrk
The Memorial Day breakfast was published to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04CztHlxZKE
The Memorial Day parade and ceremonies was published to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79er1B_Cpd0
And from the archives of Franklin TV, the video of Poetry Day at the Senior Center held Oct 25, 2017 was published to YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4LPTfBJ_vk
—------------
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
House and Senate Democrats appear to be in the throes of deciding how much work to get done before their traditional summer recess. An annual road funding bill emerged from committee this week and supporters are trying to get it some traction. The Senate on Thursday plans to pass bills governing debt collectors and child custody laws. Gov. Maura Healey is poised to reenter the picture after some time away. The House has a formal session planned on Wednesday, with no announced agenda. House Democrats haven't given any indication about when they might join their Senate counterparts and pass a reproductive rights and gender-identity care protection bill. Similarly, senators have been meeting with state cannabis regulators, but haven't laid out a timeline for taking up their own version of House-approved legislation overhauling the Cannabis Control Commission and some marijuana laws. House Speaker Ron Mariano told reporters on June 23 that his branch could take up the expanded reproductive shield bill "as soon as next week or the week after." Sen. Cindy Friedman, her branch's point person on the bill, during floor remarks on June 26 thanked Senate President Karen Spilka "for her commitment to responding swiftly and strongly to the unpredictable and oftentimes deplorable actions of this current administration." Sen. Jason Lewis says he thinks the Senate by the end of July will take up legislation aimed at cracking down cellphone use by students in classrooms. The Legislature is about a year away from the period when they need to get bills on which the House and Senate differ into conference committees. Until then, the bills most likely to advance all the way to the governor are those where supporters can demonstrate a need to meet deadlines or a sense of urgency. Spending bills fall into that category and this Legislature has made a habit of passing supplemental budgets in addition to the annual budget that was put in place when Healey signed it July 4. The House and Senate have supplemental budgets that are awaiting reconciliation (H 4151 / S 2540), which tackle topics such as money for fiscally strained hospitals and community health centers, elder care services, and electronic benefits cards. Healey this month also placed a new supplemental proposal (H 4251) before them that features a request for special budget-cutting powers, and a budget bill closing the books on fiscal 2026 is expected later this year as well.
Sunday, July 13, 2025
McGOVERN ON KELLER: Congressman Jim McGovern talks with host Jon Keller about local fallout from the Trump tax and spending bill and Democratic Party messaging for the midterm elections. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)
AUCHINCLOSS ON THE RECORD: Congressman Jake Auchincloss is the guest on the weekly "On The Record" show, with co-hosts Ed Harding and Sharman Sacchetti. Analysts Adrian Walker and Virginia Buckingham participate in a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)
SWIM IN THE CHARLES: Charles River Conservancy and Department of Conservation and Recreation host the eighth annual "City Splash" event, a state-sanctioned swim in the Charles River. Registration is free and required for swimmers in 25-minute slots. Several elected officials plan to attend and swim, according to organizers, including Sen. Brownsberger, Rep. Ryan and Cambridge City Councilor Patricia Nolan. (Sunday, 12 p.m., Fiedler Field, Charles River Esplanade, Boston)
PASTORAL INSTALLATION: Lt. Gov. Driscoll gives remarks at the Peoples Baptist Church's Pastoral Installation Service for Rev. Art Gordon. (Sunday, 3 p.m., 830 Tremont St., Boston)
"JAWS" GAME SHOW: Massachusetts State Lottery officials host a live game show on Martha's Vineyard themed around the film "Jaws," coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its theatrical release. One person will win $1 million, and 29 others will be guaranteed prizes between $500 and $10,000. The 30 contestants were selected through five separate Second Chance Drawings during an initial run of the Lottery's "Jaws"-themed instant ticket game. Media asked to email rguerra@masslottery.com for credentials. (Sunday, 4 p.m., Martha's Vineyard Film Center, 79 Beach Road, Martha's Vineyard)
Monday, July 14, 2025
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health holds a public hearing on about 45 bills dealing with professional licensure, clinical laboratories and food safety. Proposals aim to establish interstate licensure compacts for physical therapists, emergency medical services, dentists, dental hygienists, psychologists and physician assistants, with the aim of making it easier for providers to practice across state lines. Bills from Rep. Barber and Sen. Cyr (H 2371 / S 1502) would eliminate barriers for physician assistants, including requiring them to have a supervising physician in order to practice. A Sen. Driscoll bill (S 1512) would allow for home kitchens to be licensed and able to sell food products in online marketplaces. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
MOULTON AT NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL: Congressman Moulton is the featured speaker at the New England Council's "Capitol Hill Report" breakfast. Moulton will discuss current business in the U.S. House and his legislative priorities. Organizers say more than 120 local business leaders are expected to attend. (Monday, 10 a.m., Hampshire House, 84 Beacon St., Boston)
CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection convenes a hearing on 15 bills dealing with real estate. Bills from Rep. Madaro of East Boston and Sen. Gomez of Springfield (H 431 / S 245) aim to crack down on housing discrimination by streamlining the process of suspending licenses of rental brokers who engage in discriminatory rental practices. Other measures on the agenda concern commercial interior design (H 324), water rates for tenants (H 467) and real estate appraisals (S 196). (Monday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
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)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health holds a public hearing on about 45 bills focused on children's health, tobacco and professional licensure. So-called "nicotine-free generation" bills from Rep. Vitolo and Sen. Lewis (H 2562 / S 1568) would ban the sale of tobacco products to individuals born on or after Jan. 1, 2006. Proposals from Rep. Giannino and Sen. O'Connor (H 2434 / S 1602) would create a trust fund to support pediatric cancer research. A Sen. Fattman bill (S 1528) would repeal the state menthol ban. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
SANITARY CODE HEARING: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on updated regulations for billing procedures for residential rental property owners who are cited for violating the state sanitary code. The change would align DPU regulations with the state sanitary code, officials say. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
SHORTSLEEVE IN QUINCY: GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve holds a meet and greet event in Quincy. Shortsleeve in the past week has repeatedly criticized Gov. Healey for not disclosing information about her out-of-state vacation. "Everyone is entitled to time off, but taxpayers are entitled to transparency," Shortsleeve wrote in a campaign email announcing the event. "As your next governor, I will disclose my out of state travel plans in advance because I know that I am accountable to you." (Monday, 6 p.m., Common Market Restaurants, 97 Willard St., Quincy)
FEMALE SPORTS REBELLION: Gov. Healey attends a "Female Sports Rebellion" reception with the Connecticut Sun to celebrate the impact of women's sports and the return of the WNBA to TD Garden ahead of Tuesday's game featuring the Sun. First Lady Lydgate also attends. (CLOSED PRESS) (Monday, 7 p.m., Boston Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston)
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
HEALTH EQUITY RALLY: Community health leaders, providers and advocates with the Health Equity Compact rally in support of omnibus health equity legislation (H 1416 / S 901) ahead of a Joint Committee on Health Care Financing hearing. The compact comprises more than 85 leaders of color; its board includes the leaders of Beth Israel Lahey Health, Good Works, Fallon Health, the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, Takeda, Mass General Brigham, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and Lowell Community Health Center. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., State House steps)
POST HEARING: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission holds a hearing dealing with Robert Devine, one of the Stoughton police officers named in a 2022 internal affairs report about the alleged sexual grooming of Sandra Birchmore in the years before she was found dead. The hearing is closed to the public. (Tuesday, 10 a.m.)
GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission meets. Agenda includes an administrative update, briefings on a handful of sports betting "noncompliance" incidents, and a quarterly report on the GameSense responsible gambling program. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: Thirty-two bills related to agriculture, land use and environment are on the agenda at a Joint Committee on Revenue hearing. A proposal from Sen. Barrett of Lexington (S 1925) would impose new charges on electric vehicles based on how many miles they are driven. Several other bills deal with tax credits or rebates for conservation land (S 2083, H 3147), farm fuel (H 3034), historic buildings (H 3036), solar and wind energy systems (H 3179), and more. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a hearing on 22 bills concerning health insurance contracting. Several of the measures take aim at prior authorization requirements, including by requiring carriers to list medications and services that require prior authorization (H 1136) or requiring insurers to have enough staff during evenings, weekends and holidays to handle any prior authorization request within 24 hours (H 1118). Other topics on the agenda include surprise billing, referrals for gynecological care and reimbursement. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SMALL BUSINESSES: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses holds a hearing on about 20 bills. Proposals from Rep. McMurtry and Sen. Lewis (H 304 / S 181) would create the Office of Massachusetts Main Streets to help promote downtown and commercial districts, as well as provide marketing and technical assistance. Sen. Velis wants to launch the MassMade Program (S 186) to promote businesses that are headquartered and make products in Massachusetts. Legislation from Rep. Williams (H 314) would establish the Western Massachusetts Balanced Sustainable Development Commission to create a "more racially and economically integrated, economically vital, and environmentally sustainable region in the future." (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
HEALTH CARE FINANCING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing holds a public hearing on about 30 bills regarding MassHealth benefits, provider reimbursement, health equity and the health safety net. A Sen. Friedman bill (S 1403) would ease administrative burdens among health care providers by requiring commercial insurers to submit information to the Division of Insurance about the number of services and medications subject to prior authorization requirements that are approved, denied or approved upon appeal; require carriers to respond to urgent or emergency prior authorization requests within 24 hours; and ensure continuity of care for patients, including for 90 days after changing plans. Proposals from Rep. Worrell and Sen. DiDomenico (H 1420 / S 852) aim to prevent medical debt by raising the health safety net eligibility threshold and establishing a task force to analyze the financing structure of the Health Safety Net program. Proposals favored by the Health Equity Compact (H 1416 / S 901) would create a Cabinet-level Executive Office of Equity, boost career growth opportunities for diverse health workers, increase the number of doctors in high-need areas, ensure patients can receive affordable telehealth services, and remove immigration status as a barrier to full MassHealth access. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Info and Livestream)
ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE: Department of Public Utilities holds its second technical session to tackle "unresolved matters" tied to the implementation of advanced metering infrastructure among Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)
LOWELL DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Lowell Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)
COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a public hearing on about 25 bills tied to employment rights. A Rep. Decker bill (H 2088) would strengthen collective bargaining rights for teachers and other school employees in underperforming schools, according to AFT Massachusetts. A Sen. Eldridge bill (S 1311) would similarly enable educators and other public employees to strike after six months of unsuccessful negotiations. Legislation from Sen. Crighton (S 1296) would require employers to provide paid time off workers to vote if those workers do not have sufficient time outside of working hours to cast their ballots. Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Chrissy Lynch is slated to testify on bills from Rep. Decker and Sen. Feeney (H 2086 / S 1327) that would protect private sector union members by removing barriers to organizing. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
PRIVATE ROADS: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar about private roads, including legal boundaries for private road repair and maintenance, recommendations on approving new private roads, and considerations for accepting roads. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Register)
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FEDERAL FUNDING, POLICY AND ACCOUNTABILITY: House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability holds an informational, invite-only hearing. It's focused on how federal policy changes and funding cuts will impact tourism, arts and cultural development. The hearing is chaired by Rep. LaNatra, and members of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development are invited guests. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | More Info and Livestream)
HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS COUNCIL: Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness's Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services meets. Agenda includes an update on the Affordable Homes Act. For access, contact @cedac.org or 617-727-5944 ext. 100 (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a public hearing on about 40 bills focused on emerging technology, public policy and privacy. A Sen. Finegold bill would allow victims of "malicious doxing" -- which involves the sharing of personally identifiable information about themselves or family members -- to bring a civil action against another person, with additional penalties tied to the doxing of information around reproductive or gender identity health care services. Bills from Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Moore (H 1978 / S 1208) ban the manufacture, sale or use of a robotic device or drone with a mounted weapon, though there are exceptions for the U.S. Department of Defense and its contractors, plus companies that get a waiver from the attorney general. Another proposal from Sen. Moore (S 1210) would enable law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges to request the removal of their home addresses and home phone numbers from online databases. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a public hearing on about 45 procurement-related bills. In an apparent response to the Healey administration's handling of the emergency assistance family shelter system, a Sen. Tarr proposal (S 2224) would require all EA services to be subject to the competitive bidding process. Legislation aimed at promoting American manufacturing from Rep. Roy and Sen. Lovely (H 3411 / S 2167) would require that construction contracts from public agencies contain a provision that iron, steel, fabricated steel and manufactured goods must be made in the United States. The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance would adopt an embodied carbon emission standard, aimed at reducing embodied carbon emissions in construction projects and renovations, under bills from Rep. Garballey and Sen. Driscoll (H 3337 / S 2127). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a public hearing on Gov. Healey's $2.9 billion environmental bond bill (S 2542). The bill incorporates funding for upgrades tied to Department of Conservation and Recreation properties, flood control projects, clean water infrastructure and food security programs. Healey's proposal would also streamline environmental permitting and launch a "Resilience Revolving Fund" to support local projects. The governor unveiled the legislation on June 24 in Braintree. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
ROURKE BRIDGE MEETING: MassDOT staff host a public meeting to present a status update on a project to replace Lowell's Rourke Bridge. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Collegiate Charter School of Lowell Gymnasium, 1857 Middlesex St., Lowell | More Info)
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee's Standards Subcommittee meets to review and discuss the July agenda. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Livestream)
PRIM STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: Pension Reserves Investment Management Stewardship and Sustainability Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Andrew Don to serve on the Juvenile Court. Don has worked as a trial panel director for CPCS's Children and Family Law Division since 2021, where he oversees 750 private attorneys. He previously had a solo practice in Scituate. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
DORCHESTER HOUSING: Housing Secretary Augustus provides remarks at the groundbreaking of the Cheney Homes Apartments in Dorchester, a project to create 48 affordable new supportive homes for older adults and community space. It is to be managed in partnership with the Uphams Corner Health Center. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 3 Schuyler St., Boston)
HOUSE FORMAL: House meets in a formal session, with roll call votes expected to begin at 1 p.m. Speaker Mariano's office did not say what would be under consideration by the full House when it emailed the schedule to representatives and staff members Friday afternoon. The last formal session calendar in the House had two budget bills on it, which were both approved, and a sick leave bill. No other bills have made it onto the calendar. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Lisa Core to serve on the District Court. Core has been a solo practitioner for the last decade, with her focus on court-appointed and private criminal defense. (Wednesday, 11:15 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
HOUSE DEMS CAUCUS: House Democrats caucus privately before roll call votes begin. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 and A-2)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly and could confirm Gov. Healey's nomination of Nibal Raheb as associate justice of the Juvenile Court. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session about becoming a "Design Team" member to help with the development of the new Family Advisory Council. The council is intended to boost family involvement while incorporating parent and caregiver voices. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Zoom)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing on about a dozen bills tied to pensions and investments. Proposals from Rep. Luddy and Sen. Fernandes (H 2904 / S 1861) would allow independent retirement systems to divest from fossil fuel companies. A Rep. Uyterhoeven bill (H 2984) would divest state pension funds from any company that sells weapons to Israel. Legislation from Rep. Livingstone and Sen. Gomez (H 2900 / S 1869) would block state pension funds from being invested in any ammunition or firearm company. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)
MUNI AGGREGATION PLANS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on municipal aggregation plans from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Rockport, Shutesbury and Leyden. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)
WACHUSETT RESOURCE PLANS: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on draft resource management plans for seven properties in the Wachusett Complex, including Dunn State Park, Hubbardston State Forest, Johnny Appleseed State Park, Lancaster State Forest, Leominster State Forest, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation and Westminster State Forest. Public feedback will be accepted through Aug. 15. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)
Thursday, July 17, 2025
SWIFT ADDRESSES EMPLOYEE SKILL BUILDING: Former Gov. Jane Swift is a featured speaker at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation event called, "Skills for the Future: How to Upskill Early Talent for Success." Swift, now working as president of Education at Work, will discuss the most in-demand skills across various industries and strategies for developing and retaining the next generation of talent. The event will also explore a new initiative from the College Board to prepare students for careers in cybersecurity and business. Other speakers include Clare Bertrand of the College Board and Carol Geremia of MFS Investment Management. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Omni Boston Hotel Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston | More Info)
STOLBA MUNI MANAGEMENT: Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba is the featured speaker at the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association's summer meeting. Closed press. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Granite Links Country Club, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy | Register)
SANTIAGO IN NEW BEDFORD: Veterans Services Secretary Santiago holds a town hall in New Bedford to discuss the HERO Act. The 2024 law updates benefits and services for military veterans. (Thursday, 11 a.m., New Bedford Whaling Museum, 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford)
SENATE CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate President Spilka's office)
HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: Department of Transportation Office of Outdoor Advertising meets virtually. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)
MBTA SAFETY COMMITTEE: MBTA Board of Directors Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)
JOHN LEWIS MARCH & RALLY: Groups including ACLU Mass., Embrace Boston, Indivisible Mass. Coalition, Mass. AFL-CIO, and more organize a march and rally to honor the legacy of civil rights icon and late Congressman John Lewis, and to "stand up against the authoritarian excesses of the Trump administration." March departs Copley Square at 5 p.m. and the rally is planned for 6 p.m. on Boston Common across from the State House. (Thursday, 5 p.m., Boston)
T RIDERS ACCESS: MBTA's Riders' Transportation Access Group, which advises the T on transportation issues affecting riders with disabilities, meets virtually. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Access Info)
MASSPORT BOARD: Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors meets remotely. (Thursday, Time TBD, Agenda and Access Info)
SENATE SESSION: Senate is slated to deliberate and vote on two pieces of legislation dealing with child custody disputes (S 2550) and debt collection practices (S 2551). The bill cleared the Ways and Means Committee on July 10. The Senate is poised to once again adopt the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which updates standards for jurisdiction, allows remote participation in hearings and clarifies notice requirements for proceedings happening in more than one state. The bill is based on legislation sponsored by Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem. The branch is also expected to pass stronger protections for Bay Staters who are in debt, including by expanding the amount of a person's paycheck that is shielded from debt collection and establishing a five-year statute of limitations. Both bills cleared the Senate last session but then failed to emerge from the House Ways and Means Committee. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Senate Chamber)
Friday, July 18, 2025
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds a public hearing on about 25 bills mainly focused on financial aid. A Sen. Montigny proposal (S 942) would create a reduced fare pilot program for Bridgewater State University students who commute on the new South Coast Rail. Tuition and fee waivers would be awarded to students raised by grandparents or other relatives under legislation from Rep. Donato and Sen. Cyr (H 1428 / S 924). The "SUPER Act" sponsored by Rep. Barber and Sen. DiDomenico (H 1423 / S 218) would boost the state's mental health workforce by removing an exam requirement to become a licensed certified social worker, providing master's level social work students with stipends for field placement, and allowing LCSWS to receive continuing education credits for providing supervision. (Friday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
