10-19-2025 4:51am

People, Power, and Politics

Alan Earls Editor

MBTA General Manager and Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng (left) and Highway Administrator and Transportation Undersecretary Jonathan Gulliver speak to reporters at a media availability on Oct. 16, 2025..Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt resigned Thursday and Gov. Maura Healey's administration tapped MBTA General Manager Phil Eng to serve as interim transportation secretary while he also runs the sprawling transit agency. The Healey administration announced Thursday morning that Tibbits-Nutt "has made the decision to step down" from her roles as secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. There was no specific reason given for her departure.

FRANKLIN

Glorious fall New England weather for this weekend to kick off the full week of Town meetings and early voting in the Town Clerk’s office during office hours Monday through Friday, with Saturday early voting and last day to register to vote both available by appointment.

Monday is the busiest day with Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Housing Authority, Board of Assessors, and Planning Board all scheduled for meetings.

Tuesday is quiet but then Wednesday the Cultural District has a meeting at Franklin TV while the Finance Committee and Town Council go with back to back sessions. FinCom at 5:30, Council rescheduled from last week at 7.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets for the only time this month on Thursday at 7:30 PM.

Special events for the week, a webinar on educational aspects of AI at the Franklin TV Studio, Monday at 6:00 PM. Homecoming week at the HIgh School leading to the homecoming game Friday. The Lions hold their annual Trunk or Treat at the High School on Saturday from 4 to 6 PM.

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 10/17/25, 5:00 PM ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

Monday, October 20 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1957

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, October 20 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1958

Board of Assessors

Monday, October 20 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1960

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, October 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1955

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961

Cultural District Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7219/FCD_Agenda_October-2?bidId=

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1962

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, October 23 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10232025-1947

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

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday was broadcast by Franklin TV. The recap and video link is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/school-committee-gets-updates-on-after.html

The Conservation Commission meeting on Thursday was broadcast by Franklin TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxXeA21lueQ

On the sports front for Franklin High School broadcast of the following are available:

Volleyball on Tuesday, Oct 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxXeA21lueQ

Girls soccer on Weds Oct 15 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-LEaPRdYM

Boys soccer on Friday, Oct 17 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-LEaPRdYM

Football on Friday, Oct 17 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M9EyN_YfzY

The 23 Biennial Election candidate videos conducted are available in a single YouTube playlist bit.ly/2025-ElectionCollection

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

TowTown of Medway No Longer Posts Calendar with Linksn
of Medway No Longer Posts Calendar with Links

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

Monday is the busiest day with Municipal Affordable Housing Trust, Housing Authority, Board of Assessors, and Planning Board all scheduled for meetings.

The Zoning Board of Appeals meets for the only time this month on Thursday at 7:30 PM.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 10/17/25, 5:00 PM ***

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

Monday, October 20 Time: 9:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1957

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, October 20 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1958

Board of Assessors

Monday, October 20 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1960

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, October 20 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10202025-1955

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961

Cultural District Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7219/FCD_Agenda_October-2?bidId=

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 22 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1962

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, October 23 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10232025-1947

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

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday was broadcast by Franklin TV. The recap and video link is available -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/10/school-committee-gets-updates-on-after.html

The Conservation Commission meeting on Thursday was broadcast by Franklin TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxXeA21lueQ

On the sports front for Franklin High School broadcast of the following are available:

Volleyball on Tuesday, Oct 14 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxXeA21lueQ

Girls soccer on Weds Oct 15 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-LEaPRdYM

Boys soccer on Friday, Oct 17 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-LEaPRdYM

Football on Friday, Oct 17 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M9EyN_YfzY

The 23 Biennial Election candidate videos conducted are available in a single YouTube playlist bit.ly/2025-ElectionCollection

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

House and Senate Democrats head into the teeth of the fall legislative period without a unified agenda apart from their continuous focus on spending bills. The Senate next week plans to take up its version of a House-approved $2.25 billion bill (H 4615) to close the books on fiscal year 2025. Senators are also gearing up to complete some or all of the $70 million in fiscal 2026 budget veto overrides that the House started earlier this month. House Democrats are working on an early literacy bill that Speaker Ronald Mariano has identified as a fall priority, and legislative committees are populating the floor calendars with more and more bills that are eligible for votes. While branch leaders from the same party here appear to be working off of different playbooks, Republicans and Democrats in Washington continue to talk right past each other. Their starkly differing views of the country's priorities have led to a prolonged federal government shutdown whose impacts continue to pile up. In addition to the usual slate of legislative committee hearings, lawmakers and special interest groups are ready to try to make news in the week ahead. Education advocates on Monday plan to share their recommendations for high school graduation requirements, based on a series of public forums they held across the state. The Senate is poised to set the schedule for a special election to fill the vacancy left by the Oct. 1 death of Sen. Edward Kennedy of Lowell. Senate Rules require the president to schedule a special within 20 days. The First Middlesex District along the New Hampshire border includes Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsborough. Supporters of controversial legislation that would create a superfund and force large oil and gas companies to pay for their share of climate-related damage plan a rally outside the State House on Tuesday. The Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight holds a hearing Wednesday to examine MassDOT’s controversial procurement of a new highway service plaza operator, following Applegreen’s withdrawal from lease negotiations and ongoing disputes with rival bidder Global Partners. The Healey administration on Thursday holds its first public listening session on the Chapter 70 K-12 school finance formula, the primary funding program that establishes how the state distributes education aid to cities and towns. And the Cannabis Control Commission has meetings scheduled for Thursday and Friday as it works to finish its final review of regulations to implement social consumption licenses.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025

KOLE ON KELLER: Bill Kole, former New England AP Bureau chief, joins joins political analyst Jon Keller's weekly talk show "Keller at Large." (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

MOULTON ON @ISSUE: Congressman Seth Moulton, who declared he's running against U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for his weekly "@Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

WORCESTER POLS: Congressman McGovern, Sen. Robyn Kennedy and Worcester City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj host a community conversation in Worcester. (Sunday, 10 a.m., Guild of St. Agnes, 248 Mill St., Worcester)

SHORTSLEEVE ON OTR: Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve is on WCVB's "On The Record" political talk show. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

LIVE FIRE SPRINKLER DEMONSTRATION: Shrewsbury Fire Chief Seth Colby, Shrewsbury firefighters and the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services hold a live fire sprinkler demonstration, meant to show the "life-saving power" of home fire sprinklers. The demonstration will include real fires set in two simulated residential environments, one protected by home fire sprinklers and one not. Residential occupancies are the least likely to be protected by fire sprinklers, according to the department, though "changes in building construction mean that today’s residential fires burn faster than ever before." (Sunday, 2 p.m., Shrewsbury Fire Department, 11 Church Street, Shrewsbury)

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS: Architectural Access Board meets. Incoming case reviews involve properties in Boston, Belmont, Lynn, West Tisbury, Winchester, Lexington and Waltham. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

STEM WEEK KICKOFF - GRANT PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT: State and Framingham State University officials kick off STEM Week and its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and careers. The event will include an announcement about the Skills Capital Grant program. This year's theme is "STEM Starts Now," which the Healey administration says "reinforces the message that STEM learning can start at any age and plays a crucial role in shaping the future workforce of the state." Education Secretary Tutwiler, Senate President Spilka, Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Martinez, Higher Education Commissioner Ortega, Framingham State President Nancy Niemi and STEM Advisory Council members are expected to attend. The event begins with a tour, which will be followed by a press conference. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Christa McAuliffe Center for Integrated Science Learning at Framingham State University, 53 State St, Framingham)

CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Bills dealing with retail sales, animals and local alcohol petitions get a hearing before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. Rep. Frost is looking (H 371) to take away from local boards of health "the power to ban the community-wide sale of any legal consumer product" without broader municipal approval as proposals to ban or limit the sale of nicotine products in individual communities have come under fire in recent months from a convenience store trade group. Rep. Turco's H 470 would require retailers that offer digital coupons to offer paper coupons of the same value, and to apply available digital coupons to the orders of anyone who presents an ID showing they are 65 or older. Sen. Feeney has a grocery store idea, too -- S 237 would limit grocery stores to having no more than eight self-service checkout stations operating at any time and would require a minimum of one traditional checkout station operating for every two self-checkout stations open. Rep. Garry's H 376 looks to restrict the sale of baby food, drugs and cosmetics, and anything with an expiration date at flea markets. (Monday, 10 a.m., hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

FRANKLIN STATION UPGRADES: MBTA COO Ryan Coholan, Housing Secretary Augustus, Sen. Rausch and Rep. Roy are expected to attend as the MBTA holds a ribbon cutting for upgrades at Franklin Station, which made the station accessible for the first time. (Monday, 10 a.m., Franklin Station; 75 Depot St., Franklin)

GRADUATION READINESS: Advocates with Citizens for Public Schools share their recommendations for high school graduation requirements, based on a series of public forums they held across the state. Speakers include Jal Mehta of the Harvard Graduate School of Education; Erik Fearing, who's on the governing board of the Massachusetts Consortium for Innovative Education Assessment; and Soleei Guasp, an undergraduate at Harvard. Lawmakers, educators and Healey administration officials are working to develop a new framework after voters last year scrapped the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. "People want their children to develop critical thinking skills and have a strong academic foundation. The MCAS graduation requirement narrowed the curriculum and did not accurately or fairly measure what all students were capable of," said CPS Executive Director Lisa Guisbond. "We now have an opportunity and a responsibility to redefine our state's vision of a graduate and how to prepare students for their lives after high school." (Monday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

ELECTRICIAN EXAMINERS: Board of State Examiners of Electricians meets. Agenda includes an executive director report, featuring a continuing education audit update. (Monday, 10 a.m., 1 Federal St., Suite 600, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar, and could entertain an order setting the date for a special election to fill the seat last held by the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Lowell. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Agenda | Livestream)

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

YOUTH SPORTS WORKING GROUP: Special Working Group on Youth Sports meets. The panel, created through the 2024 economic development law, is tasked with making recommendations on maximum participation hours, licensing of businesses and coaches, and player safety standards. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations meets. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda & Access)

COUNCIL CENTENNIAL: New England Council caps off celebrations of its 100th anniversary at a 2025 Centennial Celebration. Event features the presentation of the Centennial Award and Rising Star Awards. The three youngest members of the region's congressional delegation -- U.S. Reps. Auchincloss of Mass., Amo of Rhode Island and Goodlander of New Hampshire -- are recipients of the Rising Star Awards. Centennial Award goes to Sandy Edgerley, co-founder of The ‘Quin House. Maria Stephanos, NewsCenter 5 anchor, is the emcee. Dinner program starts at 6 p.m. Media asked to RSVP to eheisig@newenglandcouncil.com. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., Encore Boston Harbor, One Broadway, Everett)

SUPPER & SEALING: Sen. Edwards, Sen. Miranda, Rep. Worrell and community organizations host a "Supper and Sealing" event to provide residents with free legal resources to seal their eviction and CORI records. A 2024 housing law allows tenants to petition to seal certain eviction records. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., 31 Erie St., Dorchester | Press RSVP)

DEFENDING PUBLIC HIGHER ED: Massachusetts Teachers Association holds a virtual forum with lawmakers and their staff called "Protecting Progress: Defending Public Higher Education in Massachusetts." The discussion will revolve around bills the MTA is supporting as "the Trump Administration is undermining progress by cutting and freezing vital federal funds that support research, student success, and other academic pursuits," organizers say. Bills include one that would increase pay and benefits for adjunct faculty (S 940, H 1429) and two Gov. Healey files — the higher ed- and research-focused "DRIVE Act" (H 4375), which is slated for a hearing on Oct. 30, and the higher education infrastructure-focused "BRIGHT Act" (H 54), which had a hearing in June. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Register & More Info)

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025

BUILDING CODE APPEALS: Building Code Appeals Board holds virtual hearings, with dockets involving properties in Boston, Charlemont, Pittsfield and Lee. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CITIZENS' LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR: Senate Office of Education and Civic Engagement holds the first day of the 90th Citizens' Legislative Seminar, a two-day program that aims to better educate the public on the functions of the Massachusetts Legislature. Participants must be sponsored by their senator to partake. Programming includes presentations by senators and staff, a simulated Senate session and a simulated Senate hearing. Senate President Spilka is expected to speak to citizens involved at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, according to her office. Closed to press. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Senate Reading Room | More Info)

MANUFACTURING MASH-UP: Center for Advanced Manufacturing hosts its fifth annual Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, featuring awards, exhibitions, live demonstrations and more. Organizers say the manufacturing industry is a key driver of the state economy, estimated at over $56 billion. Listed attendees include Gov. Healey, Economic Development Secretary Paley, Education Secretary Tutwiler, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Martinez, Massachusetts Tech Collaborative CEO Carolyn Kirk, Sen. Feeney, and Rep. Roy. Media asked to RSVP to press@masstech.org. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Gillette Stadium, 1 Patriot Pl., Foxborough)

SENATE SOLAR: Senate Committee on Climate Change and Global Warming holds a virtual hearing on "supporting solar deployment." Testimony is expected from the Department of Energy Resources, Solar Energy Business Association of New England, MassSolar, and others. "Massachusetts used to be one of the top states for solar installation, and now we're in the middle of the pack. I want to change that," Gov. Healey said last month. Healey has recently taken to calling solar "the cheapest and fastest energy that can get built." Clean power generation from offshore wind installations has bogged down in the face of opposition from the Trump administration. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

EMBALMING, FUNERAL DIRECTING: Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing meets. Agenda includes approval of applicants for funeral home assistants and embalming apprentices, and swearing in funeral directors. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 1 Federal St., Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

CLIMATE ADAPTATION SUPERFUND RALLY: Better Future Project and the Make Polluters Pay Coalition hold a rally in support of bills (S 588, H 1014) that would create a "climate adaptation superfund," which organizers say would require large oil and gas companies to "pay their fair share for climate-related damages in Massachusetts." The event will include street theater, and culminate in the delivery of a petition with more than 7,500 signatures to Gov. Healey, Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano and the chairs and members of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. "Fossil fuel companies have knowingly endangered our world for decades, putting our lives and livelihoods at risk. They should be responsible for the costs, not taxpayers," organizers said in a release. They say the bill will generate billions of dollars over 25 years, and that the superfund would support climate change adaptation projects across the state. An Associated Industries of Massachusetts official has urged lawmakers to spike the latest version of the bill, calling it "legally dubious" and warning that it would "significantly increase the costs of living and doing business in Massachusetts to a degree that could devastate the state's economy." "The assessments would likely cost the [fossil fuel] industry more than $70 billion dollars for activity that was legal and in demand over the course of decades. This proposal would have massive repercussions on the state's economy," Samuel Larson, vice president of government affairs at AIM, wrote to lawmakers. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., State House Steps)

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation takes testimony on bills concerning motorcycles, accessibility, water transportation and more. Rep. Ayers's H 3610 would create a commission to study "the feasibility and plan for the expansion of public waterway transportation in the greater Boston area." Sen. Montigny's S 2422 would prohibit anyone under 13 years old from sitting in the front passenger seat of a car, unless there is no back seat or the back seats are occupied by other people under 13. Legislation (H 3762 / S 2392) from Rep. Philips and Sen. Feeney would require the MBTA to provide The Ride services for medical appointments to any town within 25 miles of Boston, roughly the distance between the city and medical facilities in Foxborough. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

PLAINVILLE RACING HEARING: Mass. Gaming Commission holds a hearing to accept public input on Plainridge Park's application to hold a live harness horse racing schedule in 2026. Plainridge is scheduled to wrap up 110 racing days in 2025 next month and has applied for the same number of race days next year, from April through November. The track at Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville has been the only home of live horse racing in Massachusetts since Suffolk Downs ran its last race in June 2019. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Town Hall, 190 South St., Plainville | Agenda and More Info)

CORI TRAINING: Department of Criminal Justice Information Services holds Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) training, which includes a brief overview of the state's CORI laws and regulations for non-criminal justice agencies using CORI for various purposes. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | More Info & Access)

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a public hearing on about 50 bills focused on housing and property. Legislation from House Minority Leader Jones and Senate Minority Leader Tarr (H 1798 / S 1260) would block individuals convicted or charged with a violent felony or a sexual assault from accessing state emergency assistance shelters. Measures from Rep. Ultrino and Sen. Lewis (H 2020 / S 1152) would allow seniors, people with disabilities and residents who are low- to middle-income to break their lease without incurring a fine if they provide 30 days' notice of being placed in a nursing home, assisted living residence, elderly housing, public housing or age-restricted housing. Proposals from Rep. O'Day and Sen. Lovely (H 1294 / S 1171) call for postpartum defendants charged with criminal offenses to be screened for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum psychosis and postpartum depression, and to be committed if necessary for treatment. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

ELECTRICAL INTERPRETATION CODE COMMITTEE: Department of Fire Services' Electrical Interpretation Code Committee holds a meeting. Agenda includes going over requests for interpretation related to Massachusetts Electrical Code. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda & Access)

GOLDBERG-HEALEY MEETING: Treasurer Goldberg and Gov. Healey meet, after their meeting last week was canceled. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Governor's Office)

ELEVATOR REGS: Board of Elevator Regulations meets. Agenda includes variance petitions for properties in Newton and Boston. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1 Federal St., Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

ELECTIONS LAWS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a public hearing on about two dozen bills focused on campaign finance. Measures from Rep. Cataldo and Sen. Cyr (H 806 / S 506) seek to expand the scope of the state's campaign finance law to also include activities that could impact Town Meeting warrant articles; individuals and groups that are spending $1,000 or more would need to file "detailed financial reports," with the aim of ensuring that "voters are informed about advocacy efforts," according to a summary from Cyr's office. Proposals from Rep. Ryan and Sen. DiDomenico (H 868 / S 507) aim to bolster campaign finance reporting among ballot question committees, including by mandating detailed reporting of in-kind contributions worth $50 or more. A Sen. Rasuch bill (S 530) requires presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns from the past four years at least 60 days before the primary in order to appear on the ballot. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 222 | Agenda and Access Info)

TOURISM AND ARTS COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development holds a hearing on about two dozen bills. Among them is Sen. Oliveira's resolve (S 2336) to establish a State House Restoration and Management Commission to create a tourism plan for the building as well as a master plan to restore the State House and its grounds "in order to preserve the people’s building and further welcome the public into the building," according to the senator's summary. Other proposals cover establishing a choreographer laureate of the commonwealth (H 3589 / S 2337), authorizing the acquisition of land, the development and construction of an underground railroad, civil rights and black heritage museum and cultural center in Springfield (H 3601), and establishing a program for local art and community engagement (H 3592 / S 2332). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a public hearing on about 55 bills dealing with animals, hunting, fishing and wildlife. Several proposals look to regulate pet shops by blocking the sale of animals like dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs. A Rep. Ayers of Quincy resolve (H 892) would create a special commission tasked with studying the long-term management and maintenance of Moon Island and Long Island in the Boston Harbor. Legislation from Rep. Livingstone and Sen. Lewis (H 3935 / S 616) would ban the sale of ivory or rhinoceros horns in Massachusetts. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a hearing on bills concerning the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Legislation (H 237 / S 162) from Rep. Fluker-Reid and Sen. Miranda would authorize EOHHS to establish a direct care worker medication administration program registry; Rep. Armini has a bill (H 199) to amend the safe haven law to extend the timeframe for voluntary placement of newborns; and Rep. Meschino's H 267 would provide notice to counsel of changes in a child’s placement and other events. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

EARLY ED DATA: Data Advisory Commission on Early Education and Care meets. Agenda topics include the commission's charge and focus, EEE strategic action plan metrics, and the panel's "initial direction" for recommendations. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

CHARTER SCHOOL REIMBURSEMENTS: Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance holds a "Speak Out! Fully Fund Our Public Schools" rally. The group is calling on lawmakers to restore "critical funding to reimburse local school districts for funds lost to charter schools" that was vetoed by Gov. Healey, organizers say. The Senate has plans to complete some House-approved veto overrides, which may include Healey's reduction of nearly $20 million in the public charter school reimbursement line item 7061-9010. Healey got no support for that reduction on Oct. 8 as House Democrats and Republicans overrode her veto 155-0. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., State House Steps | Register & More Info)

CLF PETITION: Department of Energy Resources holds a public meeting in response to a May 2023 petition from the Conservation Law Foundation. CLF had asked DOER to initiate rulemaking proceedings in order for the state to issue and update regulations tied to the Commonwealth's Global Warming Solutions Act, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, and An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind. Within 10 days of the meeting, DOER must notify CLF about any actions it plans to take. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

DUXBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting and listening session about the design of the Powder Point Bridge Replacement Project in Duxbury. The meeting is meant to gather feedback from the community that can be incorporated into the design. The project is planned to begin in the spring of 2027 and be funded via the 2027 Transportation Improvement Program for the Old Colony Metropolitan Planning Organization, according to MassDOT's website. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Duxbury High School Cafeteria, 71 Alden Street, Duxbury | More Info)

SOUTHEASTERN MA TEACHERS: A coalition of educator unions based in southeastern Massachusetts hosts a forum about issues affecting public schools in the region. Topics to be discussed include safety and school staffing, school funding, working conditions, wages and benefits, and increasing pay for education support professionals. Educators from Attleboro, Easton, Foxborough, Norfolk, Norton, Wrentham and the Briston-Plymouth regional district will join local and state elected officials at the forum. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, Attleboro)

MYSTIC RIVER BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a live virtual design public hearing to present the design of the Mystic River Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge in Everett and Somerville. The proposal involves building a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge crossing the Mystic River and connecting the path networks on the Somerville and Everett sides of the river. The bridge is proposed to connect the DCR Draw Seven Park to the Gateway Park trail and public boardwalk at the Encore Resort. "There is currently no safe or viable off-road, bicycle and pedestrian shared use connection over the Mystic River between the Fellsway and Route 99/Alford Street," according to MassDOT, which says the bridge is "a vital missing link between the communities of Everett and Somerville." (Tuesday, 7 p.m. | More Info | Register)

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

NONPROFIT NETWORK CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Nonprofit Network holds its annual conference, this year titled "Stronger Together." Attorney General Campbell is slated to speak. A keynote panel covers the ways in which nonprofits are responding to new challenges this year, and more than 25 workshops and expert roundtable sessions are planned. Organizers expect the event to bring together more than 550 people, calling it one of the largest gatherings of nonprofit professionals in the state. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., DCU Center, 50 Foster Street, Worcester | More Info)

HEALTH CARE WELLBEING SUMMIT: The Healthcare Well-Being Summit aims to help leaders tackle burnout, promote resilience and build a culture of "well-being" at their organizations. It's hosted by the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society. Dr. Chantal Brazeau, chief wellness officer at Rutgers Health, delivers the morning keynote. Panel discussions and sessions will explore survey results to boost clinician well-being, engaging the next generation of workers, retention through resiliency, professional coaching, peer support and using AI in care delivery. Dr. Kirsten Meisinger, of the Center for Primary Care at Harvard Medical School, gives the afternoon keynote on creating a more supportive and sustainable environment for employees. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MHA Conference Center, 500 District Ave., Burlington | Register)

BLOOD DRIVE: The Massachusetts State Lottery hosts a blood drive for Boston Children's Hospital. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 1515 Washington St., Braintree)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services meets to hear testimony on bills related to auto insurance and transportation and delivery network companies. Items on the docket include bills dealing with eliminating insurance surcharges for driving with an expired inspection sticker and offering insurance discounts to drivers who receive marijuana impairment education (H 1213). Sen. Edwards has a bill (S 733) to define a "delivery network company," specifying companies that use digital networks to assign couriers for pre-arranged delivery services. It creates a department responsible for overseeing rules related to these couriers, and introduces a per-delivery surcharge on delivery services to generate revenue for small businesses and public transportation. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

COUNCILS ON AGING: Massachusetts Councils on Aging holds the first day of its fall conference. Sessions will explore collaboration between aging service access points and councils on aging, creating community with memory cafes, communication techniques to interact with individuals who have Alzheimer's, accommodating transportation needs, hoarder disorder, building vaccine confidence, reaching older adults experiencing homelessness or living under guardianship, AI and technology for dementia care and caregiver support, and social prescribing to arts and cultural programming, among other topics. (Wednesday, 10:45 a.m., Sea Crest Beach Resort, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth | More Info)

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

SEAFOOD DAY: Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership, Massachusetts Seafood Collaborative and Fishing Partnership Support Services host 2025 Seafood Day to highlight the work of the commercial fishing industry. Sen. Tarr and Rep. LaNatra co-sponsor the event, which will feature a variety of freshly prepared seafood, according to organizers. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Hall of Flags)

TECHNICAL RESCUE COORDINATING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Technical Rescue Coordinating Council holds a meeting. Agenda involves subcommittee reports, regional reports and a discussion of tech rescue committee correspondence. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | More Info & Access)

HOUSE FORMAL SESSION: House holds a formal session, according to Speaker Mariano's office. There will be a session calendar loaded with bills up for consideration, and Mariano's office on Friday did not identify any specific bills that are expected to advance. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

IMMIGRATION-RELATED CAMPAIGN LAUNCH: Immigrant and union groups launch a Protecting Massachusetts Communities campaign to urge lawmakers to pass legislation addressing cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (S 1681 and H 2580) and the Immigrant Legal Defense Act (S 1127 and H 1954). Organizers include the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, ACLU of Mass., 1199 SEIU, SEIU 32BJ, SEIU 509, and SEIU State Council, JALSA and Massachusetts Teachers Association. Speakers include MIRA Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet, Milford community member Marcelo Gomes da Silva, and Brazilian Workers Center Executive Director Lenita Reason. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., State House steps)

HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: House Democrats meet in a private caucus. (Wednesday, noon, Rooms A-1 and A-2)

WOMEN ELECTED MUNI OFFICIALS: Women Elected Municipal Officials host a members-only mentorship session focused on incivility. Attendees will learn how to prevent or deescalate situations of incivility, how to support colleagues experiencing incivility, and how to "foster a culture of respect and civility," according to organizers. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

AI IN SMALL BIZ: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Strong initiative hosts a webinar on "practical strategies" for using AI. Jessica Pang, senior user experience designer at Centene Corporation, is the featured speaker. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

MASSDEP 50TH: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection celebrates its 50th anniversary. Senate President Spilka is expected to attend and receive the Legislator of the Decade award. Rep. Hogan in June received the award from MassDEP's Central Region, and Sen. Tarr received it in September from its Northeast Region. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Great Hall, State House)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor’s Council holds a confirmation hearing for Benjamin Mann, nominated by the Gov. Maura Healey to join the Juvenile Court. Mann is an assistant clerk magistrate at Springfield Juvenile Court and has worked as a prosecutor, litigator and counsel for the Department of Children and Families. He began his career as a music teacher before earning his law degree from Western New England University. The hearing is one of the few held outside the State House, offering western Massachusetts residents a rare chance to observe the judicial confirmation process. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., The Great Room, Old Chapel, UMass Amherst, 144 Hicks Way, Amherst)

MWRA BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets. Agenda includes a financial update and an executive session to cover a handful of topics. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MWRA Administration Facility, Board Room 2C/2D, 2 Griffin Way, Chelsea | Agenda and More Info)

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management holds a hearing. Items on the docket include a Sen. Durant bill (S 539) to prohibit schools and businesses from requiring the COVID vaccine for entry, and a proposal from Sen. Driscoll (S 538) to require insurance carriers to waive prior authorizations in the event that hospitals in a particular region exceed 85% capacity for hospital beds. With S 541, Sen. Finegold would expand the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency's purview to include cybersecurity threats. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Livestream & More Info)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

SENATE POST AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: The Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight holds a hearing to examine MassDOT’s controversial procurement of a new highway service plaza operator, following Applegreen’s withdrawal from lease negotiations and ongoing disputes with rival bidder Global Partners. Lawmakers will likely question transportation officials about the procurement process, financial impacts highlighted by KPMG analyses, and concerns over potential conflicts of interest. Committee Chair Sen. Montigny has already called for a full rebid, citing a lack of transparency and MassDOT’s refusal to appear at the previously scheduled hearing. Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver announced this week that MassDOT will rebid the contract and temporarily assume management of the 18 service plazas to minimize service disruptions. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room 222 | More Ino)

ELECTRIC GRID ENGAGEMENT: RENEW Northeast hosts a virtual event on how modernizing and expanding the high-voltage transmission backbone of the grid could boost renewable energy, bolster reliability, and protect households from climate-related disruptions. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Register)

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025

MUNI HR: Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources holds its annual labor relations seminar. Agenda includes a labor law update, managing the ADA disability interactive process, a legislative update from the Massachusetts Municipal Association, navigating layoffs and furloughs, and conducting internal investigations. Registration is $90 for members and $110 for nonmembers. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens | Register)

COUNCILS ON AGING: Massachusetts Councils on Aging holds the second day of its fall conference. Sessions will tackle a new federal dementia care pilot program, elder mediation, navigating Medicare and its plan finder tool, promoting healthy aging, designing senior centers, digital inclusion, Protective Services to prevent elder abuse and neglect, building the human services workforce, addressing loneliness in seniors, reverse mortgages, and financial exploitation of seniors, among other topics. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Sea Crest Beach Resort, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth | More Info)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets and is expected to begin its final review of regulations to implement social consumption licenses. The regulatory structure that CCC commissioners approved in late July calls for three social consumption license types: a "supplemental" license for existing marijuana establishments like retail stores and cultivation facilities that want to offer their customers the ability to consume products purchased on-site, a "hospitality" license category that would allow for on-site consumption at new or existing non-cannabis businesses like yoga studios or theaters, and an "event organizer" license category that would allow for temporary on-site consumption at events like rallies and festivals. For the first five years, the licenses will only be available to applicants who qualify for the CCC's social equity or economic empowerment programs, microbusinesses and craft marijuana cooperatives. Massachusetts would become the 11th state to allow social consumption of cannabis. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

MBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MBTA Board of Directors meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

REPORT ON LANGUAGE BARRIERS IN THE COURTS: Courts Language Access Working Group of the Massachusetts Language Access Coalition hosts a virtual launch for a new report, "Justice Disrupted: Improving Language Access at the Massachusetts Trial Courts." Organizers say the report highlights "persistent language access barriers faced by Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and those whose primary language is not English." Authors Miriam Berro Krugman and Iris Coloma-Gaines will discuss findings and recommendations. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Register)

JANE DOE PRESS CONFERENCE: Sen. Lovely and Rep. Blais speak at a press conference held by Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, to highlight a recent $7 million cut to Mass. Department of Public Health funding for survivors, and to call for the restoration of the resources. Organizers say the 10% cut was included in this year's state budget. (Thursday, 10 a.m., State House steps)

FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: Department of Fire Services' Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes vice chair nominations and election, a vote on credentialing and re-credentialing and general issues and updates from the department. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Access & Agenda)

INTERIOR DESIGN DAY: Interior design industry professionals gather for the New England chapter of the International Interior Design Association's Day on the Hill. Organizers say they will advocate for commercial interior design legislation and highlight the value of the profession. The program will include opening remarks, a presentation of the 2025 "legislator of the year" award, and a tabling session featuring design firms and educational institutions and industry partners. They'll lobby for bills (H 4354 / S 2620) to allow interior designers to get licenses, and allow them to sign and seal their drawings. The supporters say this change would encourage recent college graduates to remain in the state and establish their careers. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

HOUSE SESSION: House plans to hold an informal session, according to Speaker Mariano's office. (Thursday, 11 a.m. House Chamber)

SENATE FORMAL SESSION: Senate holds a formal session. The chamber is expected to override at least some of the more than $70 million of Gov. Maura Healey's $130 million in fiscal 2026 budget vetoes that were already passed by the House. Senate President Spilka said last week that the chamber also plans to take up the $2.25 billion fiscal year 2025 closeout budget, which the House passed after packing it with additional health care policy. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Access | Agenda TBA)

HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission Board meets. The commission plans to hold its annual health care costs trends hearing on November 12, and commissioners will review the plans and agenda for that event. Commissioners also plan to discuss the HPC’s investment program strategy and the two programs in development, and review and release new research on pharmacy deserts in Massachusetts. Findings from the agency’s annual cost trends report will be previewed, with the report slated for release later this year. The meeting will conclude with agency updates from Executive Director David Seltz. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Livestream)

HEALTH CONNECTOR HEARING: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a public hearing on emergency amendments tied to eligibility and enrollment regulations for Connector programs. The changes will update the federal poverty level eligibility threshold for heavily subsidized ConnectorCare plans "to align with changes in federal law concerning premium tax credit eligibility that take effect January 1, 2026," according to the hearing notice. The Health Connector Board approved the changes on an emergency basis during its Sept. 11 meeting. Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info Zoom)

HAZARDOUS CODES: Hazardous Code Committee of the Department of Fire Services meets. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Access)

GREENFIELD DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Greenfield Advisory Board meets. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education's Student Advisory Council meets. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. | More Info)

K-12 FUNDING HEARING: The Healey administration holds its first public listening session on the Chapter 70 K-12 school finance formula, the primary funding program that establishes how the state distributes education aid to cities and towns. The sessions are part of the "Chapter 70 Local Contribution Study" included in the fiscal year 2026 budget, and will be conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services. Many school leaders have warned state officials that due to inflation, the rising costs of special education, health care and school transportation, that their latest annual Chapter 70 increase wasn't sufficient and they're facing shortfalls leading to layoffs and service cuts. This is the first of five listening sessions. DESE and DLS expect to release a final report next summer. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Masconomet Regional High School, 20 Endicott Road, Boxford)

GEORGE ENGLESBY ELEMENTARY IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public hearing to present the design of the proposed improvements at George Englesby Elementary School in Dracut, related to the Safe Routes to School Program. The proposed improvements include new crosswalks, one pedestrian signal and eliminating sidewalk gaps along portions of Lakeview Avenue, Turgeon Avenue and New Boston Road. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Fire House Main Room, 488 Pleasant Street, Dracut | More Info)

SPILKA IN FRAMINGHAM: Senate President Spilka delivers remarks at the 5th anniversary celebration of the Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State University. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Framingham)

JCRC FUNDRAISER: Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston holds a gala, which includes a live conversation between Dana Bash, CNN anchor and chief political correspondent, and Jeremy Burton, CEO of JCRC of Greater Boston. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info & Tickets)

LEE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public hearing to present the design of the proposed bridge replacement on Mill Street over Washington Mountain Brook in Lee. The proposed replacement bridge would include two travel lanes, two shoulders and a sidewalk on the east side of the roadway and bridge. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Town of Lee Town Hall, Courtroom, 32 Main Street, Lee | More Info)

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025

SEPTEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEX: Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes its September 2025 Consumer Price Index. The bureau noted in a release that the release enables the Social Security Administration to meet statutory deadlines, but that "no other releases will be rescheduled or produced until the resumption of regular government services." The CPI for all urban consumers rose 0.4% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis, with a year-over-year increase of 2.9% before seasonal adjustments. (Friday, 8:30 a.m.)

COUNCILS ON AGING: Massachusetts Councils on Aging wraps up its fall conference. Sessions will delve into door-to-door transportation models, elder abuse and neglect, MassHealth integrated care plans, and the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly that's administered by MassHealth and Medicare. (Friday, 9 a.m., Sea Crest Beach Resort, 350 Quaker Road, North Falmouth | More Info)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission has a meeting scheduled as it works to finish its final review of regulations to implement social consumption licenses. (Friday, 10 a.m., More Info TBA)

WHITE CANE AWARENESS: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind hosts a White Cane Awareness Day celebration. The cane helps identify and empower people who are blind or have low vision, organizers say. Winners will also be announced for the Meg Robertson Mobility Awards, which honors individuals who "demonstrate mobility skills at their level and incorporate the white cane into their lives to increase independence." The State House's accessible entrance is at Ashburton Park. (Friday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025

FALL RAIL RIDE: MBTA hosts its first "Fall Rail Ride," a scenic leaf-peeping special train meant to connect riders with guided bicycle tours on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in West Concord as well as to shuttle buses at Wachusett Station for connections to Wachusett Mountain’s AppleFest. (Saturday, Oct. 25, 9:15 a.m., North Station, Boston | More Info)

COLOR FLOWS FAMILY FEST: The Color Flows Family Fest features family-friendly activities in Downtown Crossing, coinciding with the "Color Flows on Winter Street" art installation. There will be a dog costume parade, photo booth, face painting and free treats. Activities run through 6:30 p.m. (Saturday, Oct. 25, 12 p.m., Winter Street, Downtown Crossing)

CBES GALA: Central Boston Elder Services hosts its annual “Care Unites Us” fundraiser to support in-home services for older adults and people with disabilities in Boston. Awards will be presented to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kaime Mahaniah, Boston Arts Academy Foundation President and CEO Denella J. Clark and Rep. Stanley for their work on behalf of vulnerable residents. (Saturday, Oct. 25, 5 p.m., Westin Copley Place | More Info & Tickets)

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