People, Power, and Politics

Massachusetts Democrats gathered Saturday in Springfield to vote on a revamped party platform that features new sections on artificial intelligence and shifting federal directives, while leaving behind specific policy planks from 2021 surrounding voting, legislative reforms, LGBTQ+ rights and veterans. The platform, which is revised every four years and attempts to chart an overarching direction for the party, comes as Democrats here continue to dominate Beacon Hill and the congressional delegation while struggling to find their footing nationally after losing the 2024 presidential election. Image above shows the Democrat 'watch party' in Boston, Nov. 5, 2024.

FRANKLIN

New
Town Website Does Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar
entries. Go to https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
to
view directly.
Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has kindly
compiled and and shared the below information. Thanks Steve!

The middle of September is here already.

The Biennial Election ballot gets close to final this week as all the nomination papers are due Monday, Sep 15. Candidates can still change their mind by Sep 22 to withdraw. After the 22nd, the ballots will get sent out for printing and be back in time for the in person early voting scheduled to begin Oct 17.

The in person early voting schedule has been posted by the Town Clerk and added to the Community Calendar.

The Town Council agenda is full. Among the key items are:

• Some Police Dept personnel are sworn in as back fill for retirees
• There are zoning bylaws in a couple of categories; a set of six to create the Crossing Neighborhood District, and a couple of others for commercial kitchens in residential areas as long as the unit is on septic (not Town sewer)
• There is also a presentation on the solicitation permit process by Chief Lynch and Deputy Chief West
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is also scheduled to provide a personnel update; i.e word has it the replacement for Bryan Taberner has been hired

2 additional options for getting your questions answered occur this week. Steve Sherlock holds his Franklin Q&A at the Senior Center, Wednesday, Sep 17 at 11 AM. The Town and Local officials also hold their coffee hour at the Senior Center on Thursday at 8:30 AM.

Buckle those seat belts, driving safely now that school is settling into their schedule. The Biennial Election campaign period is about to get real active over the next several weeks.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 9/12/25, 9:30 PM

Library Board of Directors Regular meeting

Monday, September 15 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Library-Board-of-Directors-20/?#_09152025-1904

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, September 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09152025-1867

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09172025-1911

Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, September 18 Time: 8:30 AM

no agenda for this open discussion

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, September 18 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/497?fileID=6384

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

Franklin TV broadcast two meetings during the week that are available for replay

1 - Planning Board Meeting

Monday, September 8 Time: 7:00 PM

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSttQT8spbE

The agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082025-1897

2 - Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, September 9 Time: 7:00 PM

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38uXznSNhM8

The agenda can be found ->

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09092025-1902

The Franklin TV studio was also busy with school sports broadcasting 4 competitions during the week

FHS girls soccer 9/8/25 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb_52WSHUpw

FHS volleyball 9/8/25 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bVwmEEaQ4U

FHS boys soccer 9/10/25 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U5xsFYOM3k

FHS football 9/12/25 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5uLubdGr2c

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar 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 State House is rumbling back to life following the Legislature's August-into-September recess, and next week will bring a blur of activity at the committee level and from advocates who are busy trying to persuade those committees to move their priority bills a square or two closer to the House or Senate floor. The Senate will meet in a formal session on Thursday -- its members and the Ways and Means Committee this week prepared three bills for consideration by the full body next week. Those bills deal with legal protections for people who use or provide strips to be used to test for the presence of fentanyl in other drugs, an expansion of a registry of caregivers who have had substantiated claims of abuse lodged against them, and insurance for rental cars. Several joint committees will be busy throughout the week identifying legislation that could find itself on the House or Senate floor later in the session.

Monday features a hearing on the long-discussed idea of legalizing supervised injection sites, places where people could use illicit drugs under the watch of others who could intervene in the event of an overdose. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley in April called such sites "categorically illegal." Another hot-button issue -- diversity, equity and inclusion policies in state government -- is the subject of an informational hearing the same day. On Tuesday, committees will dig into an assortment of matters affecting the long-term care sector, election laws and transportation options. Perennial legislation to codify sexual health education frameworks for schools around the state will get its hearing of this session as well. In the morning on Tuesday, a couple committee chairs will join MassBudget for back-to-back discussions of whether state tax revenue from cannabis and gambling is meeting the "public good." The Chapter 40B affordable housing program is the subject of a hearing on Wednesday. If at least 10% of a community's housing stock is not considered "affordable," the 1969 law allows developers to bypass certain zoning requirements if a project includes a certain percentage of affordable units. Local zoning and planning boards often resist a full embrace of the law. The group that's been trying to get its arms around the state's primary care challenges is due to release its first report Wednesday, too. Thursday will bring scores of people connected to the League of Women Voters to the State House for the group's annual advocacy day on Beacon Hill. That will also be the day senators return for their first formal session since late July. Meanwhile across the state, it's Massachusetts Day at the Big E, which Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll are slated to attend. And the latest check-up on employment will come Friday, when the latest unemployment rate and related reports are expected. The Massachusetts jobless rate held at 4.8% in July, up 0.7% over July 2024. The unemployment rate here is at its highest level in nearly four years (5% in August 2021).

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025

REPORTERS ON KELLER: MASSterList Editor Gin Dumcius and Politico's Kelly Garrity join political analyst Jon Keller on his weekly show "Keller at Large." The reporters will discuss the Boston mayoral race, the gubernatorial race and the "Trump effect" in Massachusetts politics, according to Keller. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

LYNCH ON NBC: U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch sits down with NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

CYR "ON THE RECORD" | Sen. Julian Cyr joins NewsCenter 5 political reporter Sharman Sacchetti and anchor Erika Tarantal on WCVB's "On the Record" political talk show. Democratic political analyst Mary Anne Marsh and Republican analyst Ginny Buckingham join after for a roundtable discussion. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, Sept. 15, 2025

EARLY ED FUNDING: Victoria Bergeron from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and Amy O’Leary from Strategies for Children host a presentation on early education funding and programs, in conjunction with the offices of Joint Committee on Education Co-Chairs Sen. Lewis and Rep. Gordon. The briefing will focus on the frequently asked questions around early education capacity in the state, funding mechanisms, and state programs. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room 428 | Register)

NEEDHAM BLOOD DRIVE: Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office and the Needham Rotary Club hold an American Red Cross blood drive. (Monday, 10 a.m., Powers Hall at Needham Town Hall, 1471 Highland Ave | Register)

FIRE PREVENTION: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' General Requirements Code Committee meets and reviews code change proposals. (Monday, 10 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow | Agenda)

BOSTON AND MAINE LOCOMOTIVE: MBTA presents the first of three recently overhauled locomotives, which give homage to the Boston and Maine Railroad, the New Haven Railroad and the New York Central Railroad. The trains will operate as part of regular MBTA Commuter Rail Service. "The MBTA is proud to return a fully overhauled locomotive to Commuter Rail service, featuring the historic colors of the Boston and Maine Railroad—which once made up the entire Northside of today's network," the agency said. The Boston and Maine train will be running next week, and the New Haven and NY Central trains will be in service by the end of the year, the MBTA said. Media is invited to take photos and videos. (Monday, 10 a.m., North Station, Track 8)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on about 20 bills tied to home insurance issues. A Sen. Crighton proposal (S 700) would require the Division of Insurance to issue recommendations on regulating the use of drones by insurance companies. Legislation from Rep. Sabadosa and Sen. Creem (H 1310 / S 686) would establish the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness plus grant program, enabling cities and towns with an MVP plus designation to automatically receive funding without needing to go through an application process. Rep. Owens and Sen. Keenan want to create a special commission on affordable housing insurance (H 1279 / S 768), with the aim of developing a framework to address how insurers set rates for properties with affordability restrictions or where tenants use rental vouchers. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

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 | Agenda)

MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE AND RECOVERY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee holds a public hearing. Agenda features contentious refiled proposals from Rep. Decker and Sen. Cyr (H 2196 / S 1393) that would legalize overdose prevention centers, in which trained on-site workers would supervise individuals taking pre-obtained substances. The legislation also provides legal protections for harm reduction program operators, owners and users who access services. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley in April called safe injection sites "categorically illegal." The Senate last session had embraced overdose prevention centers, though the policy did not survive negotiations with the House in a compromise addiction and substance use disorder bill. The centers are also supported by the Department of Public Health and Gov. Healey. Massachusetts logged a more than 36% decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths last year, which state health officials attributed to investments in substance use prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction efforts. (Monday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Hazardous Materials Emergency Mitigation Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes an update about a planning group for the FIFA World Cup. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a public hearing on about 40 housing-related bills. Several proposals look to support first-time homebuyers, including by creating savings accounts or providing tax credits. A Sen. Feeney proposal (S 2001) would create a tax credit of up to $10,000 for Bay Staters who downsize and move into a new home that's at least 50% smaller in square footage. Legislation from Rep. Worrell and Sen. Edwards would establish a graduated deed excise tax on the sale of land or property, which has the potential to generate millions of dollars to address the state's housing crisis and be used for affordable housing, according to a sponsor summary from Edwards. A Rep. Livingstone bill (H 3166) creates a pathway for a local-option affordable housing surcharge. (Monday, Room A-2, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets. Agenda includes a presentation from Department of Corrections Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a hearing on more than 40 bills related to individuals and creditable service. Bills range from several that would address veteran buybacks (H 2963, H 2957, H 2911, S 1828), to those that would address call firefighters' rights (H 2883, S 1915). (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda & Livestream)

DEI HEARING: Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion holds an informational hearing on diversity, equity and inclusion programs and policies. The committee said it is inviting Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, representatives of the attorney general's office, and others "to provide accurate information about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and programs to legislators and the public, and to assess the impact of anti-DEI federal actions." Co-chair Rep. Bud Williams said it will be the first of four planned hearings this fall on DEI. Co-chair Sen. Liz Miranda said the committee's goal "is to illuminate the true meaning and impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, not just as words, but as essential frameworks that strengthen our communities and institutions." (Monday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-2 | More Info and Livestream)

MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT COMMISSION: Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District Commission holds a virtual public meeting. Agenda addresses projected expenses and revenues for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, payments owed for fiscal 2025, surveillance and larval control, and a vehicle acquisition update. (Monday, 2 p.m., Fernald Hall, UMass Amherst, 270 Stockbridge Road | Agenda & Access)

ACCESSIBLE TRAILS: Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation holds an accessible trails public forum. Officials will present draft recommendations on making trails more accessible. (Monday, 6 p.m. | Register)

AMERICAN PUBLIC TRANSIT CONFERENCE: Top officials at the MBTA plan to attend the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform Conference in Boston from Monday through Wednesday. Featured speakers include Marcus Molinaro, administrator of the Federal Transit Administration; Phil Eng, general manager and CEO of the MBTA; Paul Skoutelas, president and CEO of the American Public Transportation Association; and MJ Maynard, APTA Vice Chair and CEO of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. The conference will include sessions and workshops on "next-gen AI and automated technologies; transformative mega projects; World Cup security challenges; fare evasion strategies; workforce strategies; transit at the ballot box." (Monday through Wednesday, Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston | To register as press contact athompson@apta.com)

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025

HEALTHCARE SAFETY AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association holds its annual Healthcare Safety and Violence Prevention Summit. MHA President Steve Walsh delivers opening remarks alongside MHA's vice president of clinical affairs Patricia Noga. Bonnie Michelman, former vice president and chief security officer at Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, offers a "retrospective and prospective review" of workplace violence. Panel discussions will explore strategies to prevent violence in "complex cases," how to use simulations to mitigate violence, best practices for supporting health care workers, and building follow-up systems for violence prevention and staff support. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., MHA Conference Center, 500 District Ave., Burlington | Register)

BETTING ON GREEN: MassBudget hosts back-to-back policy discussions on whether revenues from legal cannabis and legal gambling are aligning with the public good. Cannabis is up first, featuring a panel that includes Cannabis Policy Committee co-chair Rep. Dan Donahue and former Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz. The 11 a.m. gambling revenue discussion features Economic Development Committee co-chair Rep. Carole Fiola and Marlene Warner from the Mass. Council on Gaming and Health. Researchers this summer flagged for the Gaming Commission that sports betting appears to have started to eat into the state's casino tax revenue. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., TSNE Nonprofit Center, West Room, 89 South St., Boston | Register)

MASS READS PRESSER: Mass Reads Coalition hosts a press conference to support legislation (S 338, H 698) that would ensure all Massachusetts schools provide "high-quality, comprehensive" literacy instruction. The majority of students in 561 elementary schools were not proficient in reading last year, advocates from Mass Potential, a statewide education advocacy group said. Officials scheduled to attend include Sen. DiDomenico and Reps. Sena and Cataldo, alongside EdTrust MA Executive Director Jennie Williamson, National Council on Teacher Quality President Heather Peske, Latinos for Education Massachusetts Executive Director Jorge Fanjul, and Mass Potential Founder & Executive Director Mary Tamer. The press conference is held prior to an 11 a.m. hearing before the Joint Committee on Education, where bill sponsors and supporters are expected to testify. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., State House Steps)

GUN VIOLENCE BRIEFING: Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Stop Handgun Violence, GIFFORDS Law Center, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown host a legislative briefing to support legislation (S 1653, H 2672) that aims to address firearm industry accountability and access to justice for gun violence. Panelists are expected to provide an overview of the legislation, its potential impact on survivors and examples of similar efforts in other states, according to organizers. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate Reading Room)

AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES: Joint Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries holds a public hearing on about 20 bills. Proposals from. Rep. Arena-DeRosa and Sen. Comerford (H 109 / S 56) look to ban the land application of sludge and the sale of fertilizer containing biosolids unless manufacturers can prove the product doesn't contain measurable PFAS forever chemicals. Looking for guidance on their bill, Massachusetts lawmakers last month visited Maine, which was the first state to ban spreading sewage sludge in 2022. Bills from Rep. Gómez and Sen. Gómez (H 126 / S 62) would install guardrails around operating community fridges to address food security, including asking the Department of Public Health to provide guidelines for safe and sanitary food storage. Foreign governments would be blocked from purchasing, leasing or holding any interest in agricultural land in Massachusetts that's within 20 miles of a U.S. military base under a Rep. Vaughn bill (H 141). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

AGING AND INDEPENDENCE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Aging and Independence holds a public hearing on about two dozen bills largely focused on long-term care. Proposals from Rep. Turco and Sen. Tarr (H 793 / S 492) would require every nursing home to create a human rights committee that has the authority to receive and investigate complaints about residents' rights. Co-chair Rep. Stanley has a bill (H 790) that would require the Department of Public Health to create a Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Team that could evaluate facilities that need interventions to protect health and safety. Hospitals would be required to offer flu shots to all patients ages 65 and older before discharge during flu season under a Rep. Consalvo measure (H 760). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

MICROMOBILITY COMMISSION: MassDOT holds its third meeting of the Special Commission on Micromobility. The meeting theme is "Innovation and Expansion," and items on the agenda include E-Bike subsidy programs and bike share funding and operations. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

GREEN SCHOOLS: House Speaker Mariano, Energy and Environmental Secretary Tepper and Quincy Mayor Koch join the Mass. Clean Energy Center to tout the Green School Works Program, which is designed to advance the electrification and decarbonization of school buildings across the state. MassCEC awarded over $52 million in Green School Works awards to 18 public school districts across Massachusetts in June. Media RSVP to vking@masscec.com. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Snug Harbor Elementary School, 333 Palmer St., Quincy)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a public hearing on nearly 50 bills tied to children, families and health. Measures from Rep. Cruz and Sen. Payano (H 3064 / S 2067) would create a trust fund to support bilingual education programs, seeded by tax revenue from sports betting and marijuana sales. Taxpayers who provide family child care services could receive a $3,300 tax credit under bills from Rep. Frank Moran and Sen. Jehlen (H 3197 / S 2019). With her bill (H 3086), Rep. DuBois wants to create a Workplace Child Care program tax credit for businesses that offer on-site licensed child care programs. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

SOCIAL WORK: Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers holds a "mini lobby day." They're prioritizing legislation from Sen. Robyn Kennedy and Reps. Gordon and O'Day (S 252 / H 380) for Massachusetts to join an interstate licensure compact for social workers. Advocates are also promoting the "SUPER" Act that would expand and diversify the workforce; the legislation (S 2590) cleared the Higher Education Committee and was sent to the Senate Ways and Means Committee on Sept. 8. Bill sponsors give brief remarks, including Sens. Kennedy and DiDomenico and Reps. O'Day, Gordon, Barber and Kushmerek. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m, Room 437)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on 55 bills focused on curriculum and instruction. The docket includes the Healthy Youth Act from Rep. O'Day and Sen. DiDomenico (H 656 / S 340) that requires municipalities and school districts that have sexual health curriculum to "provide a medically accurate, age-appropriate, comprehensive sexual health education consistent with the Massachusetts Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Curriculum Framework." The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2023 adopted new frameworks meant to be more inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and teach about bodily autonomy. Advocacy organization the Massachusetts Family Institute has vocally opposed the legislation for several years, in a recent email notice calling it "a threat to local control [that] would result in an increase in controversial topics like gender identity." A Sen. Oliveira proposal (S 432) would require health education curriculum to address prescription opioid abuse prevention. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would need to create a curriculum framework for interdisciplinary climate literacy under bills from Rep. Domb and Sen. Lewis (H 560 / S 391). (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

PATIO LOBBYING: Northeast Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association hosts an advocacy day alongside the Propane Gas Association of New England. Organizers say the associations want to "showcase the hearth, patio, and barbecue industries' contributions to the state's economy and communities." Lunch is provided. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Employee Ownership Advisory Board's Operationalizing the Center Committee meets. Agenda includes a review of activities planned for fiscal year 2025 and a discussion on funding sources for employee ownership. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

POVERTY AND CASH ASSISTANCE: Members of a coalition that supports raising cash assistance grants hold an event to promote their bills (H 214 / S 118) before a public hearing on the legislation. The bills would increase cash assistance by 20% each year until they rise to half of the federal poverty level and also provide for an annual cost of living adjustment to preserve the value of grants in the face of inflation. The Lift Our Kids Coalition says it has achieved four increases to cash assistance grant amounts over the last five years. In 2025, the maximum TAFDC grant of $861 a month for a family of three with no income is still less than "deep poverty," which is $1,110 a month for a family of three, according to the coalition. (Tuesday, 11:30, State House steps)

CHILDREN, FAMILIES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a public hearing on 30 bills tied to the Department of Transitional Assistance. Proposals from Rep. Decker and Sen. DiDomenico (H 214 / S 118) would gradually raise cash assistance grants to 50% of the federal poverty level and require annual cost-of-living adjustments. Organizations would receive funding to provide diapers to low-income families under a pilot program proposed by Rep. Domb and Cataldo and Sen. Lovely (H 220 / S 151). Domb and Sen. Comerford want to codify the Healthy Incentives Program (H 222 / S 104) into state law and establish a fund backed by public and private dollars; the Healey administration last year had to temporarily reduce benefit levels due financial constraints. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

ELECTION LAWS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a public hearing on about 30 bills dealing with voting access and local matters. Measures on the docket look to establish same-day voter registration. Proposals from. Rep. Arriaga and Sen. Creem (H 799 / S 503) would decouple the municipal census from voter registration, ensuring residents who don't fill out the annual census are not dropped from the voter rolls. Residents ages 16 and 17 could gain the right to vote in municipal elections in Somerville, Conway, Northampton, Sunderland and Whately under other bills on the docket. Other measures look to extend voting rights to non-citizens who are legally present in municipal elections in Somerville, Northampton, Lexington, Shutesbury and Amherst. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs holds a public hearing on 14 bills dealing with the Massachusetts National Guard and the U.S. Armed Forces. A Sen. Lovely proposal (S 2482) would establish the National Guard Museum in Salem. Legislation from Rep. Kilcoyne and Sen. Cronin (H 3860 / S 2458) looks to boost recruitment and retention efforts at the National Guard by providing active members and retirees with up to $1,000 for each new recruit. A Sen. Lewis bill (S 2473) would ensure the governor cannot authorize the National Guard under active duty to violate laws or the state constitution. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a public hearing on about 45 bills dealing with public transit and low emission vehicles. Legislation from Rep. Diggs and Sen. Fernandes (H 3654 / S 2394 ) would establish year-round MBTA commuter passenger train service between Buzzards Bay station and South Station. Sen. Rush has a resolve (S 2442) that would ask MassDOT to explore the feasibility of extending the Orange Line to Roslindale Village. Rep. Barber and Sen. Jehlen want to create a pilot program for fare-free buses (H 3623 / S 2397) for the MBTA and regional transit authorities, including at least 10 priority MBTA bus routes and "10 routes that are not top 20 routes, but that experienced higher than average ridership between March 2020 and December 2020. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS: Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness' Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services meets. Agenda includes an update on the Affordable Homes Act. For access, contact pchan@cedac.org (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda)

ELEVATOR REGULATIONS: Board of Elevator Regulations out of the Division of Occupational Licensure's Office of Public Safety and Inspections holds a public meeting. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1 Federal St., Floor 6, Boston | Agenda & Access)

VINEYARD POWER PRESENTATION: Vineyard Power hosts a presentation on energy-saving initiatives and programs available to Martha's Vineyard residents. Attendees are encouraged to bring their most recent electric bill so the team can review suppliers and costs, according to organizers. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Edgartown Free Public Library, Program Room | More Info)

QUINSIGAMOND ENTREPRENEURSHIP EVENT: Quinsigamond Community College and Auxilium Worcester host an event for the Auxilium Center for Entrepreneurship at QCC, a new hub for innovation and startup development in Worcester. The event will include networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, investors, mentors and community leaders, according to organizers, who said the event will also feature presentations on the Center's mission to support early-stage businesses in Central Massachusetts. Speakers are slated to include Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Murray, Rucker Investments Founder Cliff Rucker, Auxilium Worcester Executive Director Zachary Dutton, and QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja. RSVP to Rose D’Errico at rderrico@qcc.mass.edu. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Auxilium Worcester, 311 Main Street, Third Floor)

HOPKINTON/WESTBOROUGH I-495/I-90 INTERCHANGE: The MassDOT Highway Division holds a public informational meeting to discuss updates to the planned construction and traffic milestones for the I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvements Project, which involves five stages spanning from 2022 through 2027. "For years, the I-495/I-90 Interchange has experienced traffic demands exceeding its capacity," according to a project fact sheet. "On an average day, over 100,000 vehicles travel on both I-90 and I-495, with about 75,000 vehicles traveling through the interchange, including approximately half of all trucking entering eastern Massachusetts." The project will replace the interchange, eliminate the old toll booth area and weaving areas; improve ramp spacing, acceleration and deceleration lanes; and add an auxiliary lane from I-495 northbound to Route 9, according to MassDOT. The project will include new bridges constructed on I-495 over I-90, on I-495 and I-90 over the MBTA/CSX/Amtrak lines, on I-495 northbound over Flanders Road, and on Fruit Street. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info & Access)

SHREWSBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT Highway Division holds a virtual public informational hearing about the bridge replacement on Centech Boulevard over Pratts Pond inlet in Shrewsbury. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info & Access)

CHARLES RIVER SOIREE: Charles River Watershed Association holds a 60th anniversary "sunset soirée," featuring a cruise around Boston Harbor. Guests can begin boarding the Charles River Boat Company's Lexington at 5:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Rowes Wharf | Tickets)

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025

NEW ENGLAND PUBLIC WORKS EXPO: New England Public Works Expo kicks off the first day of its 2025 event, dedicated to the public works sector and recognized as one of New England's largest equipment and trade expos, according to organizers. The 46th annual expo, organized by the Massachusetts Highway Association, runs through Thursday and includes both expo hours and educational seminars for attendees. Organizers report that the 2024 expo sold out with over 200 vendors and over 2,000 visitors. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlborough | Agenda & More Info)

HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds a public hearing on more than 20 bills focused on zoning and Chapter 40B. The 1969 law has helped facilitate housing production and affordable housing development particularly in communities that have not attained minimum affordable housing thresholds. Zoning rules are established at the local level and can both encourage and limit housing growth. Massachusetts is facing a housing crisis and analysts say the state needs to build more than 220,000 new housing units over the next decade in order to meet demand. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda & Livestream)

PERAC EMERGING ISSUES: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission holds its annual Emerging Issues Forum. Agenda includes an actuarial roundtable, a Social Security Panel, and a fraud prevention speaker. Doug Howgate, president of the Mass. Taxpayers Foundation, presents on the state of the state economy and budget. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 5400 Computer Drive, Westborough | Register)

OLLIE'S LAW ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resource's Ollie's Law Advisory Committee holds a virtual public meeting. Agenda includes discussion about staffing number guidelines and proposed ratios, new business, and staffing and operator education and training. The 2024 law requires the state to establish rules and regulations for boarding kennels and dog daycare facilities. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda & Access)

SCHOOL BUILDING FACILITIES ASSESSMENT: Facilities Assessment Subcommittee of the Massachusetts School Building Authority holds a meeting. Anticipated topics of discussion include presentations from the Franklin County Regional Vocational Technical School District and the town of Dracut, as well as staff updates regarding designs for the proposed East Bridgewater Central Elementary School and Lexington High School. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

WOMEN'S NETWORK: Women's Network of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a fireside chat with Helen Doody, managing director and head of Abbey Capital (U.S) LLC. Doody, the mother of three boys, has more than two decades of experience in trading and business development in Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States. She "will share candid reflections on transitioning between countries and roles, the challenges, and triumphs of being a career-driven mom in high-stakes finance, and how she’s carved out a path that aligns with both her professional ambitions and personal values," organizers say. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Gupta Media, 131 Dartmouth St., 4th floor, Boston | Register)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Primary Care Access, Delivery and Payment Task Force meets and finalizes its first report, which faced a Sept. 15 deadline under state law. The report is supposed to focus on recommendations for defining primary care services, and developing standardized data and reporting requirements for public and private payers, providers and provider organizations. The task force is required to submit another report in December on establishing a primary care spending target. Members will also discuss how primary care reform can help residents amid federal policy changes. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

ECON ASSISTANCE COORDINATING COUNCIL: Economic Assistance Coordinating Council meets. Agenda includes proposed economic development incentive program projects, including for Hasbro, Inc. that plans to relocate its headquarters to Boston. Hasbro could receive tax credits of $20,000 per job relocated to the commonwealth; with plans to relocate 700 jobs, that could translate into $14 million. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., McCormack Building, One Ashburton Place, 21st floor, EOED Conference Room A, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

STURDY SPECIALTY CARE: Sen. Feeney and Rep. Hawkins join Sturdy Health President Aimee Brewer and Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sturdy's new Cancer and Specialty Care Building. The opening of the facility, Sturdy said, will allow it to "increase patient access and shorten appointment wait times." (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Cancer & Specialty Care Building, 20 O’Neil Blvd., Attleboro)

HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES: Arc of Massachusetts holds a legislative briefing on Home and Community-Based Services, which could be impacted by federal Medicaid cuts. CEO Maura Sullivan speaks, alongside Sen. R. Kennedy and Reps. LaNatra and Livingstone. Other speakers include parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

PIPEFITTERS AND SPRINKLER FITTERS: Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians and Sprinkler Fitters, of the Division of Occupational Licensure's Office of Public Safety and Inspections, holds a remote meeting. Agenda includes executive director and board counsel reports, as well as discussion about bureau applications for examination and bureau apprentice license renewals. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., | Agenda & Access)

BOARD OF ELEVATOR APPEALS: Board of Elevator Appeals, out of the Division of Occupational Licensure's Office of Public Safety and Inspections, holds a public meeting. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda & Access)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: A day before their first formal session since July, Senate Democrats meet for a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

AUTHOR TALK: State Library hosts an Author Talk with Elizabeth Heslop Sheehy on her book, "A Home in Woods Hole: Life and History on Eel Pond." The book explores the history of Woods Hole by focusing on the lives of Walter Nickerson and Helena Nugent, who built a house there more than a century ago. A former retail executive, Sheehy bought a house in Woods Hole in 2018, which inspired her book. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 | More Info and Livestream)

MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors holds its September meeting. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | More Info)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on health insurance bills. A Rep. John Lawn and Sen. Brendan Crighton bill (S 690, H 1230) would mandate access to cancer screenings for firefighters by requiring any associated costs be paid by either firefighters' health care plans or programs provided by their employer. Other measures include those that would address insurance coverage for IUD pain management (H 1315, S 824) and coverage for colon cancer screenings (H 1076, S 776). (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda & Livestream)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing addressing civil service, earning limits and age exemption bills. A Rep. Dan Donahue bill (H 2812) on the docket with more than 20 cosponsors aims to provide "fair and affordable" public retiree benefits in Massachusetts. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., B-2 | Agenda & Livestream)

GAMBLING FORUM: Gambling reform organization The Campaign for Fairer Gambling hosts a panel on the economic, social and regulatory impacts of online gambling. The group, which reports having expertise in gambling business practices in both the U.S. and U.K., is committed to "promoting fairer gambling through research, advocacy and reform." Event panelists include Campaign for Fairer Gambling's Brianne Doura-Schawohl, Les Bernal of the group Stop Predatory Gambling, a labor representative, and an advocate with lived experience. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 222)

WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets. Agenda includes a presentation on progress toward the development of an updated combined sewer overflow control plan, a discussion of climate change adaptation, and contract and personnel votes. Subcommittee meetings start at 10 a.m. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Deer Island Reception/Training Building, 1st Floor, 33 Tafts Ave., Boston | Agendas and Remote Access)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY MEETING: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources holds a meeting. Council members are tasked with guiding the development of energy efficiency plans by Massachusetts' gas and electric utilities and energy providers. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Access | More Info)

EARLY COLLEGE: Early College Joint Committee meets remotely. Agenda includes program updates and early college designation approvals. (Wednesday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

PERINATAL HEALTH CHALLENGES: The Cord Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to bringing awareness to people who experience severe perinatal health challenges, hosts a "soft-launch" and dinner honoring Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Sen. Miranda and Rep. Madaro for their work on 2024 maternal health legislation. The perinatal period encompasses the time from pregnancy to the first year after a child is born. Jessie Colbert, executive director of the Mass. PPD Fund, will present awards to honor work done to "enhance the health of parents and their children," according to organizers. The fund works to raise awareness, training and advocacy for parents facing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, which it names the number one complication of pregnancies.(Wednesday, 6 p.m., UMass Club, Floor 32 | Register)

WORKER SAFETY: Mass. Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health hosts its annual Celebrating the Movement event, this year highlighting the Occupational Health Surveillance Program. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Democracy Brewing, 35 Temple Pl., Boston)

CANTERBURY STREET BRIDGE: The MassDOT Highway Division holds a public hearing about the proposed rehabilitation of the Canterbury Street Bridge. The project involves replacing the superstructure and roadway deck and making sidewalk repairs to the bridge carrying Canterbury Street over Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, according to MassDOT. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Brooke Charter School Gymnasium, Boston | More Info)

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025

BIG E: Thursday is Massachusetts Day at the Big E, or the Eastern States Exposition. The annual event runs from Sept. 12-28. Gates open at 8 a.m., with buildings and the Avenue of States opening at 10 a.m. Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Driscoll are slated to attend at 1 p.m. Adult tickets cost $20. (Thursday, 8 a.m., 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield | More Info)

GROUP INSURANCE: Group Insurance Commission meets. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

MUNI HR CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources holds its annual fall conference. The first day features a keynote workshop of recruitment strategies for greater diversity, a roundtable discussion on recruitment best practices, a networking reception and trip to the Big E. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Marriott Springfield Downtown, 2 Boland Way, Springfield |Register)

FALL RIVER TECHNICAL RESCUE TRAINING: About 72 rescue technicians drawn from the Massachusetts fire service conduct the 2025 Battle of the Masses Tech Rescue Challenge. During the exhibition, participants will complete a variety of tech rescue scenarios on and around the USS Massachusetts. "Crews will be tested in confined space scenarios and rope operations that demand grit, control, and tight coordination – from blind navigation to vertical entries," according to organizers. The Massachusetts Association of Technical Rescue Specialists and the Bristol County Technical Rescue Team are coordinating the event. Media are encouraged to attend from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., a period that will include a welcoming orientation and a guided tour of three scenarios. Dive team demonstrations are expected to occur after noon. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 5 Water St, Fall River)

CANNABIS ADVISORY BOARD RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE: Cannabis Advisory Board's Research Subcommittee holds a virtual public meeting. Agenda includes a discussion and vote on recommendations to create regular cannabis stakeholder meetings. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info & Access)

HOUSING PRODUCTION AND CREDITS: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation and Associated Industries of Massachusetts hold a joint housing policy event entitled, "Tax Credits and Housing Production." Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Augustus gives an introduction, MTF President Doug Howgate provides an update on the state's housing production goals and AIM President Brooke Thomson moderates a panel on how the state's housing tax credits can be an effective tool to reduce tax liability while helping the state meet its production goals. MassHouing CEO Chrystal Kornegay is among the panelists. Media RSVP to cgeehern@aimnet.org. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., AIM, 5th floor, 30 Federal St., Boston)

HOUSE: House is expected to meet. (Thursday, Time TBD, House Chamber)

SAPHE HEARING: Department of Public Health holds a public hearing on implementing requirements from SAPHE 2.0, or State Action for Public Health Excellence. Officials say the requirements boost "the capabilities of local public health agencies to provide sustainable and equitable public health services to build stronger, more resilient communities across the state." (Thursday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MASSDOT OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a public meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Register)

COMPTROLLER ADVISORY BOARD: Advisory Board to the Comptroller meets with an agenda that includes updates on the development and implementation of the state's new accounting system and the agency's cybersecurity and anti-fraud initiatives. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Agenda | Access)

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS LOBBY: League of Women Voters of Massachusetts holds its lobby day, focused on "legislation that defends the Commonwealth against federal threats," according to organizers. Bills include a Sen. Creem measure (S 197) that would ban the sale of cellphone location information, Rep. Gentile and Sen. Creem bills (H 834, S 505) that would establish same-day voter registration, and Sen. Gomez and Reps. Barber and Rogers bills (H 1588, S 1122) that address immigration detention and collaboration agreements. Sen. Lovely is scheduled to speak at 11:15 a.m. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 428)

HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: The reconstituted Health Policy Commission Board meets for the first time since new members were appointed, including Gov. Healey's controversial selection of Massachusetts Health and Hospital CEO Steve Walsh. Agenda includes a review of the proposed affiliation between CVS and Mass General Brigham, with the retail pharmacy chain expanding into the primary care space. HPC staff will also share new research on the "hospital at home" care model. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in its first formal session since July 31. The chamber is expected to further consider three bills it advanced last Thursday: to create legal protections for people who administer fentanyl test strips; expand an abuse registry to protect day habilitation participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and shift insurance responsibility for rental cars as a way to lower costs. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION: Water Supply Protection Trust meets. Agenda includes a fiscal 2025 end-of-year report, a fiscal 2026 workplan and budget review, and hiring update. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

HEALTH COUNCIL AWARDS: Mass. Health Council hosts its annual awards celebration, this year honoring Attorney General Campbell, Family Health Center of Worcester President Louis Brady, UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Science Dean Anna Maria Siega-Riz, and Boston Globe reporter Jessica Bartlett. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Artists for Humanity, 100 W 2nd St., Boston | Tickets)

DCR ERVING COMPLEX: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on draft resource management plans for 11 properties within the Erving Complex. They include Erving State Forest, Federation of Women’s Clubs State Forest, Lake Wyola State Park, Montague State Forest, Mount Grace State Forest, New Salem State Forest, Northfield State Forest, Orange State Forest, Shutesbury State Forest, Warwick State Forest and Wendell State Forest. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

ALLSTON I-90 TASK FORCE: MassDOT's I-90 Allston Multimodal Project Task Force holds a hybrid meeting. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center, Brighton | Register)

HOLYOKE BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS: MassDOT's Highway Division holds a virtual public hearing about the replacement of the Appleton Street bridges over the first and second level canals in Holyoke. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info)

Friday, Sept. 19, 2025

GREATER BOSTON VETERAN STAND DOWN: New England Center and Home for Veterans hosts the 2025 Greater Boston Stand Down. The event will include more than 100 service providers, employers and community organizations that will be able to provide "immediate and comprehensive" support services to veterans, according to organizers. Services include employment and housing assistance, medical care, wellness programs, legal support and more. The event will involve food, music and prizes. (Friday, 8 a.m., Boston City Hall Plaza | More Info)

MUNI HR CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources holds the second day of its annual fall conference. There will be a networking breakfast, panel discussion on employee wellness and morale, and a workshop on employee resource groups. (Friday, 8 a.m., Marriott Springfield Downtown, 2 Boland Way, Springfield |Register)

ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions meets and reviews applications. The meeting also includes a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes dealing with licensure requirements. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

NEWTON DISABILITY BREAKFAST: Newton-based nonprofit human services agency The Price Center hosts a legislative breakfast to discuss challenges for the disability community and providers. The discussion will include an overview of the agency's mission and work, as well as anticipated challenges in the wake of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, according to organizers. Reps. Sangiolo and Schwartz, Newton City Councilors Marc Laredo and Stephen Farrell, Newton Housing and Community Development Director Lara Kritzer, and The Price Center's Abigail Parrilla are expected to attend. (Friday, 11 a.m., The Price Center, 27 Christina Street, Newton)

AUGUST LABOR REPORT: State officials release the state unemployment rate for August and related jobs report. The Massachusetts jobless rate held at 4.8% in July, up 0.7% over July 2024. The unemployment rate here is at its highest level in nearly four years (5% in August 2021). The US unemployment rate rose to a nearly four-year high of 4.3% in August. "The labor market data for July showed mixed signals, but the underlying narrative points to gradual slowdown in the labor market," state Department of Economic Research Chief Economist Mark Rembert said. “On one hand, fewer residents filed for unemployment benefits in July. On the other, the data suggests that it is taking longer for those looking for work to land a new position." (Friday)

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025

FALL SAFETY FEST: Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott's office and Rep. Roy host a free Fall Safety Fest. The event brings together public safety agencies, community organizations and Franklin area residents. There will be interactive displays, K9 and safety demonstrations, a touch-a-truck, and public safety vehicles. The event runs through 2 p.m. (Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m., Fletcher Field, 45 St. or 84 Wachusett St., Franklin)