People, Power, and Politics

Massachusetts is not "in the vanguard" when it comes to addressing toxic "forever chemicals," according to the Senate sponsor of a bill meant to help municipalities and water systems clean up related contamination.  It's the second time House Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan and Senate Assistant Majority Whip Julian Cyr have filed legislation (S 1504, H 2450) that would phase out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of chemicals that do not break down fully in the environment and are linked to harmful health issues like thyroid disease, liver damage, some cancers and immune system suppression.

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!

A short work week for some with the holiday Monday (which doesn’t change the trash and recycling pick up schedule) is a week full of meetings.

The School Committee has a policy subcommittee meeting at 6 PM and their full committee session at 7 PM. Their full meeting gets an update on after school clubs (middle and high school) as well as a presentation by the Franklin Food Pantry.

The Town Council has an Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) meeting at 5:45 and then the full Council meeting at 7 PM. The EDC meeting picks up the discussion on the possible adjustments to the “Friendly 40b” policy. Also up for discussion is the citizen prompted move to consider a separate and more accurate Town 40b calculation. The current State calculation under represents the actual 40b units in the housing inventory.

The full Town Council meeting has a chock full agenda so it will likely be a long session. Swearing in of the Fire Dept recent promotions, a new alcohol license for King St Brick Oven Pizza, appointments of the Franklin 250 Committee, state interest in purchase of the SNETT extension the Town is buying from CSX, and the zoning second readings for residential commercial kitchens, and creation of Crossing Neighborhood District to highlight just a few.

Election season is fully underway. 23 candidate interviews have been completed. The videos are publicly available. The last of the audio recordings will be completed on Saturday. The candidate interviews can be found in the 2025 Election Collection. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/08/election-collection-2025.html

Per the Town Clerk, the ballots have been received. Mail ballots sent to those who requested them. Ballot testing is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 15 at 9 AM. Early voting at the Town Clerk’s office begins Friday Oct 17 and runs through Friday, Oct 31. Biennial Election day is Tuesday, Nov 4 from 6 AM to 8 PM with all voting in the FHS gymnasium.

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.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 10/10/25, 7:00 PM ***

Monday, October 13

Town & School buildings closed for Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day

Franklin School Committee Policy Subcommittee

Tuesday, October 14 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1949

Design Review Meeting - Cancelled

Tuesday, October 14 Time: 7:00 PM

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10142025-1948

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, October 14 Time: 7:00 PM

No posted agenda for this session

Franklin Q&A

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 11:00 AM

No posted agenda for this information sharing session, to participate remotely contact the Senior Center or use the form -> https://forms.gle/Q3i9SUGXzsDHoBvy7

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1954

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953

Town Council Office Hours

Thursday, October 16 Time: 8:30 AM

No posted agenda for this social gathering

Charles River Pollution Control District

Thursday, October 16 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10162025-1952

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 16 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/514?fileID=6655

Council on Aging Meeting

Friday, October 17 Time: 1:30 PM

no posted agenda for this session

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

The Police Station open house and tour generated a disappointing amount of interest. In two of the 3 sessions that I participated in, only a dozen folk attended. All were informed on the lack of sufficient space in the current facility and appreciated the frank discussion by Chief TJ Lynch. Video tours of the individual rooms of the station have been posted to the Police Station Building Committee project page -> https://www.franklinmapoliceproject.com/existing-conditions

The Planning Board meeting was broadcast by Franklin TV. The video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehDt5Ueh08Y

Franklin TV live streamed 3 high school sporting events during the week

• Volleyball on Tuesday, Oct 7 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sZJ3ZtbBpY
• Girls soccer on Weds, OCt 8 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4vjigi3e5k
• Football game on Fri, Oct 10 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAiKO3k0R90

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 Healey administration has talked a lot about negative consequences of diminished levels of support from the federal government. This week the administration bumps up against a checkpoint in state finance law requiring it to assess and potentially adjust expected revenues to snap them into line with the current thinking about the economy as well as state and federal revenues. An updated administration dashboard estimates $3.7 billion in short and longer-term cuts. Under state finance law, Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz, with Healey's approval, must by Wednesday (Oct. 15) prepare estimates of budgeted revenues that he believes will be available for the rest of fiscal 2026 and for fiscal 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. Gorzkowicz must take into account existing taxes and other state revenue, probable economic growth, capital gains tax revenue transfers, and anticipated federal funds and growth in wages and salaries. "Such estimates shall be delivered to the house and senate committees on ways and means and shall be made available to the general public in a conspicuous manner on the commonwealth's official website within 14 days of submission of such revisions to the governor," Chapter 29 says. "The secretary shall accompany any revision of previous estimates with explanations of any changes in the secretary's estimates for specific sources of revenue." Aside from state tax receipts, federal revenues are the biggest source of revenue for the annual state budget and significant markdowns in expected revenues have over the years come with the announcement of midyear spending cuts that the governor may make under Section 9C. The major alternatives to spending cuts are withdrawals from the state rainy day fund or efforts to raise taxes or borrow to meet needs.

House and Senate Democrats have joined Healey in denouncing shifts in federal policy, but the House this week blended additional appropriations in with its calls for fiscal caution at a time of uncertainty. The Senate now has an opportunity to complete budget veto overrides and pack more than $70 million in spending back into the $60.9 billion fiscal year 2026 budget. Senators also could set the dates of a special election that's anticipated to fill the seat held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Lowell. The Senate plans to hold a formal session Thursday to address bills governing menstrual product access (S 2640) and labeling (S 2641) as well as expansions of the state law requiring drivers to steer clear of emergency vehicles on highway shoulders (S 2642). If the House holds a formal session, it could return to Senate-approved bills that are now on the House calendar and would strike from state laws outdated and offensive language referring to people with disabilities (S 2563) and remove statutes criminalizing certain sex acts and blasphemy (S 2564).

Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025

MINOGUE ON KELLER: GOP candidate for governor Michael Minogue joins political analyst Jon Keller's weekly talk show "Keller at Large." (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

DeMARIA ON NBC: Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for his weekly "@Issue Sit Down" to discuss the soccer stadium, a city audit and federal immigration enforcement. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

PANGALLO ON THE RECORD: Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

FRAMINGHAM INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY: The City of Framingham hosts a ceremony to honor Indigenous Peoples Day that will include a formal proclamation by Mayor Sisitsky, student reflections and a keynote address. The event is "an opportunity for the Framingham community to reflect on the region’s Indigenous heritage, honor the past and commit to a more inclusive future," according to organizers. (Monday, 12 p.m., Greater Framingham Community Church, 44 Franklin Street, Framingham)

COLUMBUS / INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY: State, county, and municipal offices are closed for Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day. The state observes three more legal holidays this year: Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) and Christmas Day (Dec. 25). (Monday)

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025

MMA BOARD: Massachusetts Municipal Association Board meets and discusses long-range planning. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., The Conference Center at Waltham Woods, 860 Winter St., Waltham | More Info)

SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: The state's highest court hears arguments related to two first-degree murder appeals. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Room 1, John Adams Courthouse, One Pemberton Sq., Boston | More Info)

DPU TRANSPORTATION OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities' Transportation Oversight Division holds public hearings on applications for carrier certification. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Zoom)

ARCHITECTS BOARD: Board of Registration of Architects meets. Agenda includes a discussion on fraudulent seals, and an executive director's report on licensees. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure holds a public hearing on 30 bills dealing mostly with automobile-related matters. Legislation sponsored by Sen. Feeney, Rep. González and Attorney General Campbell (S 228 / H 379) looks to strengthen the state's Lemon Aid Law by ensuring timely vehicle inspections, increasing the maximum mileage allowed under warranty, enabling consumers to file claims against a car dealer's surety bond, and empowering the AG to file claims on behalf of Bay Staters. Proposals from Reps. Barber and Donato and Sen. Creem (H 323 / S 200) would require students seeking licensure in cosmetology and barbering to complete one hour of education on domestic violence awareness and sexual assault. Also on the agenda are local alcohol petitions affecting Topsfield, Walpole, Berkley and Westwood. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. Agenda includes an executive director report, and voting on a board chair and secretary. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

BUILDING STANDARDS, REGS: Board of Building Standards and Regulations meets. Agenda includes a board counsel report and an executive director report focused on the construction supervisor license. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

POST COMMISSION: POST Commission holds a pre-conference hearing in the matter of Imari Soares. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Zoom)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on about two dozen bills dealing with health insurance. Legislation from Rep. Higgins and Sen. Comerford (H 1188 / S 681) aims to remove insurance barriers for people seeking gender identity care. Proposals from Rep. Cruz and Sen. Lovely (H 1117 / S 784) would establish a midwifery workforce development fund and boost reimbursement rates for midwifery services and birth centers. Measures from Rep. Decker and Sen. Gómez (H 1130/ S 763) would ensure reimbursement parity for all telehealth services and create a task force to examine barriers to practicing telehealth across state lines. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

AVIATION FUELS: The Stop Private Jet Expansion at Hanscom or Anywhere group holds a rally, coinciding with the release of a new report from the Institute for Policy Studies on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). Sen. Barrett and Rep. Gentile give remarks. Organizers say that SAFs are based on "flawed science and industry hype." Ralliers will deliver a letter to Gov. Healey asking the governor and lawmakers to "reject SAF policy and SAF subsidies, and recognize them as an ineffective, unaffordable, unscalable pathway for reducing aviation emissions." Massport says SAFs are made from renewable feedstocks and deliver the "same performance and safety as conventional jet fuel but with a much smaller carbon footprint." A regional SAF Hub is working on strategies, partnerships and policy frameworks to embrace SAFs for "sustainable aviation." The Healey administration last year rejected a draft environmental impact report to expand the Lawrence G. Hanscom Field located between Bedford, Lexington and Concord; Massport has proposed adding 27 hangars, prompting concerns about increased carbon emissions. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., State House steps)

INTEGRATING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery co-chairs Sen. Velis and Rep. Domb, as well as Rep. Giannino, host a briefing and panel discussion about integrating behavioral health into health care systems. Giannino gives opening remarks. Panelists include family medicine physician Dr. Wayne Altman, Liz Friedman of GPS Group Peer Support, Jennifer Blewett of Massachusetts General Hospital, and Elizabeth Ganz of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare. (Tuesday, 10:45 a.m., Room 428)

DIWALI CELEBRATIONS: Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission, the Asian Caucus and Hindu temple BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir gather to celebrate Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, a five-day Hindu, Sikh and Jain festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Rep. Howard sponsors. Senate President Spilka is slated to speak. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall | Register)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on about 30 bills largely focused on personnel issues. School bus drivers would receive training on de-escalation techniques under legislation from Rep. Vargas and Sen. Payano (H 736 / S 435). Rep. Cabral and Sen. Crighton want the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a system for training, assessing and determining qualifications of interpreters for educational settings (H 520 / S 320). Legislation from Rep. Barber and Sen. O'Connor (H 514 / S 418) would ensure teachers receive training on augmentative and alternative communication technologies to help students who are nonverbal or have limited speech. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Information)

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

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

OBESITY TREATMENTS BRIEFING: Obesity Action Coalition, American Diabetes Association and Alliance for Patient Access hold a briefing and panel discussion "on the life-changing impact of obesity treatments." Panelists include Dr. Angela Fitch, Dr. Samar Hafida and patient advocates Michael Donnelly-Boylen and Joyce Linehan. Public Health Committee Co-chairwoman Marjorie Decker will deliver opening remarks. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., House Members' Lounge)

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a hearing on more than 35 bills related to tolls, transportation finance and transportation governance. Several bills up for a hearing would adjust or review the distribution of Chapter 90, the state's municipal transportation funding program. A Rep. Sabadosa bill (H 3777) would establish a compact with neighboring states including Connecticut, New York and Vermont meant to improve rail service to Western Massachusetts, and a Rep. Cusack bill (H 3644) would authorize the Inspector General to conduct an audit and investigation into Keolis Commuter Services. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., A-1 | Agenda & Access)

STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a public hearing on about 40 bills tied to land, state agencies and the open meeting law. A Sen. Tarr proposal (S 2225) directs the Office of the Inspector General to launch a special unit to provide oversight of the state's emergency assistance family shelter system "in response to the ongoing crisis attributable to the influx of migrants into the state"; the unit would analyze the cost-effectiveness of contracts and procurements, including for food and housing. Legislation from Treasurer Deb Goldberg's office (H 47) looks to create an Office of Economic Empowerment to promote "economic mobility and financial independence" for residents. Rep. Ferrante wants to establish the Executive Office of Food Resources and Security (H 3331) focused on supporting food producers, promoting job creation and economic development, supporting research on food production, developing and administering programs to improve nutrition and healthy eating, and creating statewide policies to boost demand for local foods, among other objectives. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

RACIAL EQUITY, CIVIL RIGHTS, INCLUSION: Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion holds an informational hearing "to assess the impact of recent federal actions on equity in higher education in Massachusetts." Oral testimony permitted by invitation only and includes remarks from Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega, Hildreth Institute Managing Director Bahar Akman Imboden, Boston University School of Law Professor Jonathan Feingold, Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents Executive Director Vincent Pedone, Framingham State University President Nancy Nieme, Roxbury Community College President Dr. Jonathan Jefferson and Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts President Rob McCarron. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., B-1 | Agenda & Access)

PCA WORKFORCE: Personal Care Attendant Quality Workforce Council meets. Agenda includes MassHealth PCA program updates and council concerns. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Zoom)

MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE USE, RECOVERY: Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery holds a hearing on 14 bills related to patient rights and carceral health. Rep. Higgins and Sen. Cyr bills (H 2211, S 1389) would "modernize" the fundamental rights of people receiving mental health services, and another bill filed by Sen. Creem (S 1386) would transfer the jurisdiction of Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., A-2 | Agenda & Access)

ELEVATOR APPEALS: Board of Elevator Appeals meets. Agenda includes a hearing on a case in Boston. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

250TH ANNIVERSARY COMMISSION: Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution meets in a hybrid format to hear an update from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism on the state's 250th anniversary celebration, an update from the group of organizations called Revolution 250 working to commemorate the events that led to the American Revolution, and a presentation about the Henry Knox Trail, which runs through New York and Massachusetts. Hybrid participants who plan to speak include co-chairs Sen. Mark and Rep. Garballey, Travel and Tourism Director Kate Fox, 250th American Revolution Anniversary Coordinator Sheila Green, Revolution 250's Jonathan Lane and event planner Dusty Rhodes. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art | Agenda & Access)

BOSTON FED PRESIDENT ON THE ECONOMY: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins is the featured speaker at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce event. Collins will share her perspective on the economy. The program starts at 3:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 600 Atlantic Ave., Boston | Register)

RNC FUNDRAISER: Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters headlines a fundraiser with the Massachusetts GOP. A press release for the event calls Gruters "Trump's right-hand man" and says, "Our Grassroots Army has been working so hard that Trump's people have noticed. Chairman Joe Gruters is coming to Massachusetts to hear all about our big plans heading into 2026 and help raise the support we need to win it all." The event is co-hosted by Trump for Massachusetts Chairman Sheriff Tom Hodgson, MassGOP Election Integrity and Registration Committee, MassGOP Black Republicans, Young Republicans, and Log Cabin Republicans of Greater Boston. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Dedham American Legion, 155 Eastern Ave., Dedham)

SHORTSLEEVE MEET & GREET: GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve holds a meet and greet. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Shortstop Bar & Grill, 99 Springfield Road, Westfield)

LIBERTY UTILITIES: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Liberty Utilities' petition to raise gas base distribution rates. The average rate increase is projected to be 55.5% across all customers. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Bristol Community College, Building L, 777 Elsbree St., Fall River | More Info)

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

STRIPED BASS LICENSE PLATE: Department of Fish and Game launches an auction for 20 low-number striped bass license plates. Proceeds will support awareness and conservation efforts for striped bass, which officials described as the state's "most iconic and prized saltwater species for anglers." Populations have rebounded from "historic lows" but are again experiencing declines, according to officials. "Whenever you see a striped bass license plate on the road, you know a commitment was made to sustaining Massachusetts premier saltwater recreational fisheries for generations to come," said Division of Marine Fisheries Director Daniel McKiernan. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | Auction Access)

HIGH SCHOOL TO CAREER: Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and The Boston Foundation host a forum on redesigning the high school experience to better prepare students for college and careers. Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez will talk about expanding career-connected learning, while Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper will discuss priorities and challenges in Boston. A panel including Lynn Superintendent Evonne Alvarez will discuss advising, course pathways and work-based learning strategies such as internships and apprenticeships. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Edgerley Center for Civic Leadership at the Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington St., Boston | Register)

HEALTH EQUITY BRIEFING: Health Equity Compact holds a briefing on a refiled omnibus health care equity bill (H 1416 / S 901) sponsored by Sens. Payano and Miranda and Reps. Garcia and Williams. The bill would mandate reimbursement from MassHealth and commercial payers for community health workers, patient navigation and interpreter services. It would also require MassHealth to fund medical education for residency programs in specialties facing workforce shortages, with a focus on placing residents in community-based settings that primarily serve Medicaid patients. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

MASS SAVE AWARDS: Mass Save sponsors host an award ceremony for "2025 Mass Save Climate Leaders," including the cities of Framingham, Gloucester, Lynn and Salem, as well as a number of companies and nonprofits. Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Mahony and Department of Public Utilities Commissioner McDiarmid will speak. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

PEER RESPITE BRIEFING: The Respite and Rights Coalition holds a legislative briefing on a Sen. Comerford bill (S 1383) that would establish peer-run respite centers. Peer respites — short-term, voluntary overnight programs that provide non-clinical care for people experiencing mental health distress — "divert people away from emergency rooms, hospitals and other more invasive interventions," according to organizers. The coalition includes the Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, Western Massachusetts-based Wildflower Alliance and Massachusetts Advocating Change Together. Ephraim Akiva, director of the state’s first peer respite facility, called Afiya, gives keynote remarks. One panel features peer respite researcher Bevin Croft and Wildflower Alliance Director Sera Davidow, and two other panels feature people impacted by stays in locked psychiatric units and those who have received help in peer respites, according to organizers. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 437)

MASS SAVE CLIMATE LEADERS: Energy efficiency program Mass Save recognizes its 2025 Mass Save Climate Leaders at an awards ceremony honoring 18 entities. Some of the honorees include the cities of Framingham, Gloucester, Lynn and Salem, Cumberland Farms, Mass General Brigham, New Bedford Public Schools, Stop & Shop and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)

SENATE CAUCUS: Senate Democrats hold a caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President Spilka's office and virtual)

MUNI CYBERSECURITY: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a members-only webinar focused on cybersecurity, including common threats and resources to implement a "robust" cybersecurity program. Speakers include John Petrozzelli and Meg Speranza of the MassCyberCenter. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

INVEST IN WATER: Utility Contractors' Association of New England, which represents New England's underground water and sewer industry, hosts Invest in Water Day. Senate President Spilka is expected to speak. (Wednesday, 12:00 p.m., Senate Reading Room)

MASSDOT BOARD: The MassDOT Board of Directors holds an in-person public meeting. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | Agenda and Access Info)

LEGISLATIVE REFORM RALLY: Activists associated with several legislative reform movements meet for a "We the People" rally. Participants support the effort to audit the Legislature pursuant to a new ballot law, and 2026 initiative petition drives to regulate legislative stipends and force greater access to public records Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who led the ballot campaign to audit the Legislature that legislative leaders have since resisted, is among the speakers. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., State House steps)

WATERSHED RALLY: Reps. Gentile and Sena speak as Sierra Club Massachusetts hosts a rally pushing to increase the percentage of state-owned forests that are designated as reserves, where logging is not allowed. The group said it is particularly focused on forests surrounding the Quabbin, Ware, and Wachusett watersheds that protect more than half of the state’s public water supply. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Front steps, State House)

EARLY EDUCATION: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 100 Myles Standish Blvd., Suite 100, Taunton | More Info and Livestream)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Service holds a hearing. Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Garcia have a bill (H 2839 / S 1823) to provide retirement benefits for employees of the Holyoke and Chelsea Soldiers' Homes who have worked with people with mental illness. Rep. Decker's bill (H 2802) seeks to expand retirement benefits to certain employees within the Department of Mental Health. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Livestream)

HOUSING COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Housing holds a hearing on bills related to seasonal communities and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Bills on the docket include a Sen. Cyr and Rep. Luddy proposal (H 4411 / S 967) to expand on the seasonal community toolkit created in the 2024 housing law, including by authorizing a local option transfer tax for these communities and increasing the minimum threshold of the circuit breaker tax credit. Rep. Diggs proposes (H 3989) expanding the definition of a seasonal community to all municipalities in Dukes, Nantucket, Barnstable and Berkshire counties. Sen. Durant has a bill (S 979) to limit the emergency family shelter system only to residents who have been in Massachusetts for longer than one year; Sen. Fattman would limit (S 986) it only to citizens of the United States. Rep. Gaskey recommends (H 1508) repealing the right to shelter law. ( (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds a hearing on bills related to public safety and corrections. Sen. Creem and Rep. Fluker-Reid have a bill (S 1651 / H 2608) requiring all inmates to receive at least eight hours out of their cells per day, with a minimum of one hour per day outdoors. The bill also requires facilities to provide inmates the chance to access vocational and educational training and work opportunities, and creates minimum and maximum heating and cooling levels in correctional facilities, among other provisions. Sen. Payano and Rep. Worrell propose a bill (S 1756 / H 2734) prohibiting deductions from inmate earnings for room, board or living expenses, so-called "pay-to-stay" fees. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Livestream)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets with 52 license decisions on the agenda. Commissioners will also get an update on "general matters legal billing" and could vote to form a committee after a "red tape removal discussion." (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Investment Committee meets virtually. Agenda topics include Start-Up/Entrepreneur Fund allocation, MassNextGen Awards and Pathmaker Awards. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

EARLY EDUCATION APPRENTICESHIP GRANT: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session on the GROW for Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Grant. Massachusetts in September secured more than $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor for registered apprenticeship and early childhood educator apprenticeships. Recipients can receive grants of up to $100,000, and they "must agree to provide selected ECE apprentices with tuition-free related technical instruction, utilizing a coursework and preparation sequence that has been approved by the MA Department of Early Education & Care," officials say. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Access)

MBTA RIDERS' ACCESS: MBTA Riders' Transportation Access Group meets. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. | Register)

FREETOWN-FALL RIVER STATE FOREST: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public listening session on the trail master plan for the Freetown-Fall River State Forest. The public can submit feedback through Oct. 29. "The Trail Master Plan will focus on promoting trail sustainability, enhancing recreational opportunities, and improving signage and circulation while protecting natural and cultural resources," DCR says. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)

SITING, PERMITTING REGS: Department of Energy Resources holds a virtual public hearing on draft regulations for small clean energy facility siting and permitting, as officials implement the 2024 clean energy law. Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 17. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

GIC: Group Insurance Commission meets. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

POST COMMISSION: Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission meets. Agenda includes an update from Executive Director Enrique Zuniga, a legal update, and election of the commission's treasurer and secretary. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

MUNI MANAGEMENT BOOT CAMP: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association hosts its annual boot camp. It's geared for new administrators and assistants, plus department heads and professional staff looking to move into town manager or administrator roles. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Sharon Community Center, 219 Massapoag Ave., Sharon | Register)

MASSPORT BOARD MEETING: Massachusetts Port Authority Board of Directors meets remotely. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

BOSTON STREET GANGS: CommonWealth Beacon hosts "The pull — and pain — of Boston street gangs," a conversation organizers say will explore the era of violent Boston street gangs in the late 1980s to early 1990s and the lessons that can be drawn from it today. A panel discussion includes author, former Boston Police officer and current chair of Salve Regina University's Criminal Justice and Criminology Department, Paul Joyce, director of the Boston Public Health Commission's Safe and Successful Youth Initiative, Roy Martin, and former Boston human services secretary and current Catholic Charities Boston Government and Community Relations President Larry Mayes. The panel is moderated by CommonWealth Executive Editor Michael Jonas and is followed by an audience Q&A and book signing with Joyce. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. (Thursday, 9 a.m., The Boston Foundation, 75 Arlington Street #300, Boston | Tickets & Agenda)

MBTA AUDIT AND FINANCE: The MBTA Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

RECREATION AND PARK ADVOCACY: Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association holds its annual State House advocacy day. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall | More Info)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission is expected to meet. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER NETWORK: Senate President Spilka speaks at a 10th anniversary celebration for the Family Resource Center Network. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Worcester)

SENATE FORMAL SESSION: Senate meets in a formal session and tackles bills boosting access to menstrual products in public schools and correctional facilities (S 2640); requiring ingredient disclosures on menstrual product labels (S 2641); expanding the state's Move Over Law to apply to disabled and utility vehicles (S 2642); and updating land use restriction on a former Foxborough state hospital (S 2141). (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda)

MBTA SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT: The MBTA Safety, Health and Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

HAZMAT WORK GROUP: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Hazmat Work Group meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Access)

GOLDBERG-HEALEY MEETING: Treasurer Goldberg and Gov. Healey have their monthly meeting. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Governor's Office)

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMIT: Strategies for Children hosts its Early Childhood Summit, bringing together educators, policymakers, parents and advocates to discuss improving early childhood systems. The event will feature a panel titled "Together in Worcester: Building a Stronger Early Childhood System." (Thursday, 2 p.m., Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester | Register)

BOSTON SENIOR HOME CARE: Boston Senior Home Care hosts the Legacy of Leading Gala, which is expected to bring together nearly 300 business and community leaders. The nonprofits provide home care, as well as long-term and supportive services. Honorees include John McDonough of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Suzanne Lee of the Chinese Progressive Association. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency Boston, One Avenue de Lafayette, Boston | Register)

LANDRY PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting on an improvement project at Landry Park. It's located within the Boston Manufacturing Company Historic District along the Charles River. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Zoom)

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

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025

MTF TAX POLICY CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation holds its annual Tax Policy Conference, featuring state and local officials, policy experts, and tax professionals discussing major tax issues affecting Massachusetts. Panels will examine recent federal tax changes and their implications for state policy, trends in tax litigation, and perspectives from senior Department of Revenue staff. A discussion on federal tax and policy changes will include Health Care Financing Committee Co-Chair Sen. Cindy Friedman, Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz, Boston CFO Ashley Groffenberger, and WilmerHale Senior Counsel Eric Lesser as moderator. MTF President Doug Howgate will deliver remarks on the current tax landscape in the state. (Friday, 8 a.m., WilmerHale, 60 State St., Boston | Register)

MMA CHELMSFORD BREAKFAST: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a legislative breakfast. MMA staff will discuss the latest activity on Beacon Hill, including the recently passed enhanced Chapter 90 bond law and the pending environmental bond bill. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Chelmsford Center for the Arts, 1A North Road, Chelmsford | Register)

AMBULANCE, WHEELCHAIR VAN SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on emergency regulations that took effect on Sept. 26 tied to rates for ambulance and wheelchair van services. The changes updated the formula for nonpublic ambulance supplemental payments. Officials say those payments are expected to tally $39.61 million in fiscal 2026. "The changes are intended to increase MassHealth members’ access to medical services and sustain services provided by nonpublic ambulance providers," the hearing notice says. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)

SOUTHBRIDGE SENSORY IMMERSION: Southbridge Public Schools hosts a ceremony for the opening of a sensory immersion room at Southbridge High School, which features immersive technology, virtual reality and sensory equipment. The room is supposed to create a therapeutic environment for students dealing with behavioral health challenges or sensory experiences. The district partnered with The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts and Clark University's Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise on the room, which organizers say is the first of its kind for a public school setting in Massachusetts. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., 132 Torrey Road, Southbridge)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue holds a public hearing on 40 bills tied to transportation, telecommunications and utilities. A Rep. Vieira bill (H 4083) would create the Bourne Bridge Replacement Fund, which would be partially seeded with a transfer of income surtax revenue. Cities and towns would be allowed to impose a gas tax under a Rep. Vitolo proposal (H 3274). Legislation from Rep. Haggerty and Sen. Driscoll (H 3117 / S 1965) aims to boost disaster response by ensuring out-of-state businesses that come to Massachusetts during a disaster or emergency are not subject to local taxes or registration with the Secretary of State's Office. (Friday, 10 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION, COLLABORATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets. Agenda includes a presentation from Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke. (Friday, 11 a.m., Room 428 | Agenda and Livestream)

JUMA FINANCIAL SERVICES: Division of Banks opens its public comment period on a petition from Juma Financial Services to operate as a check casher in Marlborough. Officials say objections or concerns can be submitted by Oct. 31 to Deputy Commissioner Aimee Desai at Aimee.Desai@mass.gov. (Friday | More Info)

HEAD OF THE CHARLES: The 60th annual Head of the Charles regatta, the world's largest three-day regatta that brings thousands of athletes and spectators to the Boston and Cambridge areas, kicks off. (Friday through Sunday | More Info)

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025

METROWEST WELLNESS FAIR: Senate President Spilka hosts her annual 55+ Health and Wellness Fair for MetroWest residents. There will be free breakfast and lunch, live music, and exhibitors highlighting their services and resources. The lunchtime keynote speaker is Phillip Gonzalez, CEO of MetroWest Health Foundation. The event runs through 1 p.m. (Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m., Keefe Technical School, 750 Winter St., Framingham | More Info)

TOWN FINANCE COMMITTEES: Association of Town Finances Committees holds its annual meeting. Workshops will focus on finance committee and budgeting 101, health care costs, revenue and expenditure forecasting and Proposition 2 1/2 overrides. Quentin Palfrey, the state's director of federal funds and infrastructure, gives opening remarks. (Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m., Sharon Community Center, 219 Massapoag Ave., Sharon | Register)

DEMYSTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH: A community forum called "Demystifying Mental Health" is hosted by the Department of Mental Health, the Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention, and William James College. The event includes a resources fair and a panel presentation about reducing stigma in underserved groups and communities of color. There will also be breakout sessions on maternal mental health, mental health and wellbeing among LBTQIA+ individuals, the role of spirituality in mental health, and building supportive communities, among other topics. (Saturday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m., Union United Methodist Church, 485 Columbus Ave., Boston | More Info)

NO KINGS BOSTON: ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, Mass 50501 and other partners host a "No Kings" rally to stand "together against the abuses of power, cruelty, and corruption" of President Donald Trump and his administration, according to organizers. One of a nationwide day of peaceful protests, organizers say Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to "headline" the event, which will also include action tables, creative resistance opportunities and entertainment on a main stage. (Saturday, Oct. 18, 12 p.m., Parade Grounds, Boston Common, near Beacon and Charles Streets | More Info)