People, Power, and Politics

With 1 million Bay Staters expected to lose public food assistance benefits next week due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, state leaders and the United Way announced a relief fund Friday seeking private donations to help address hunger.

FRANKLIN

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

80% of the Franklin registered voters don’t care

Yes, 80% of the Franklin registered voters don’t care that this is the final week of early voting before the Biennial Town Election on November 4.

A very sad statistic but the numbers show that even during a Presidential election with major amounts of nauseating advertising, about 20% of the voters don’t vote. The State election doesn’t do any better with 40% of the voters not bothering to cast their ballot. Even when it comes down to specific dollar votes for Franklin, whether for school buildings or to fund the operational budget, 55% of the voters ignore the issue and don’t bother to vote.

Voting is easier now than ever before. Absentee ballot, vote by mail, early voting have all been added. While the numbers show a statistical shift away from in person voting on the Day, the percent of voters actively voting overall is NOT increasing. Sadly, 80% of the Franklin voters will do anything but vote on or before November 4, 2025.

You can do something about this sad state of affairs by talking with ALL your Franklin neighbors and friends. Ask them if they are planning to vote? If they are, thank them and remind them that information is available to make an informed decision.

If they are not planning to vote, please ask them why? It is a civic duty, an honorable right, to vote and help determine who governs for us on the local level. Our Town and School services are directly dependent upon these local elected volunteers to provide oversight on the entire Town and School operation.

If they don’t, or won’t vote, then I would have to assume that Franklin doesn’t matter.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 10/24/25, 8:00 PM ***

CANCELED: Police Station Building Committee - to be rescheduled

Monday, October 27 Time: 6:00 PM

Franklin Cultural Council

Monday, October 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272025-1969

Franklin Agricultural Commission

Monday, October 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10272025-1970

Library Board of Directors Regular meeting

Monday, October 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Search/?term=&CIDs=all&startDate=10/27/2025&endDate=10/31/2025&dateRange=&dateSelector=

Hennep Community Outreach Meeting Notice

Tuesday, October 28 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1946

Franklin School Committee Budget Sub Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 28 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1965

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, October 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1976

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, October 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10282025-1977

License to Store Propane Public Hearing

Wednesday, October 29 Time: 11:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1979

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Wednesday, October 29 Time: 5:45 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1964

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10292025-1978

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, October 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/519?fileID=673

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

This is Steve with a lookback at the week that was in Franklin MA from Oct 19 through Oct 25, 2025

The Planning Board Meeting was broadcast by Franklin TV on Monday, Oct 20 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgakMhebcRk

The Finance Committee had some good discussion on financial issues but didn’t get into the ‘deep dive’ on Technology in their session on Wednesday. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0

The Franklin Town Council met for their next to last time in this term on Wednesday in a 4 hour plus session to complete a bunch of the items on their goals list. Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SdsqXbknGQ

The Zoning Board of Appeals met as scheduled on Thursday. The proposed cell tower was denied by ZBA but it likely will still go forward in a legal challenge and Federal process seems to indicate the courts will approve. No decision yet as the 444 East Central proposal continues its public hearing. Franklin TV video is available for replay ->

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=td5Ggg5fwCk

FHS live streamed sports

Boys soccer on Tuesday, Oct 21 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUhz8K7k7IA

Football homecoming game on Oct 24 -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_Bra400IU

The 24 Biennial Election candidate videos conducted are available in a single YouTube playlist bit.ly/2025-ElectionCollection

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
Any questions, feel free to ask
Steve
--
Stephen Sherlock
Community Information Director (volunteer) for Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio
https://linktr.ee/franklinmatters

MEDWAY
Medway’s new website, likewise, does not readily support cut and paste. Go to medwayma.gov.

STATE HOUSE and BEYOND

The coming week looks poised for a collision between state government priorities and the growing impacts of the federal government shutdown on people and businesses in Massachusetts. The tone for the week could be set Sunday evening, when former President Joe Biden comes to town to accept an award at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and gives remarks. Biden maintained tight political and personal ties to Massachusetts throughout his time in Washington and this week completed radiation treatment following a prostate cancer diagnosis. The remainder of the week could be dominated by talk of Biden's successor and predecessor, President Donald Trump, and the Republicans who control Congress. The House and Senate will meet Monday and could send their fiscal year 2025 closeout budgets to be reconciled by a conference committee. One decision for negotiators: whether to adopt Sen. Edwards' amendment protecting federal workers and servicemembers from eviction and foreclosure while their pay is on hold throughout the federal government shutdown. When she pitched it Thursday, Edwards noted that it could help federal workers who haven't been paid since the government shut down Oct. 1 but face Nov. 1 rent or mortgage payments. That leaves little time for the branches to iron out a final version of the bill in time to be of assistance. With the closeout budget still pending in the Legislature, Comptroller William McNamara is once again unlikely to meet his statutory deadline of Oct. 31 for a key annual financial report he can only file once a closeout supplemental budget is signed by the governor. Tuesday looks to be a busy day for the Legislature, with a handful of committee hearings. Among the topics up for a hearing that day are the municipal reforms that Gov. Healey proposed again this session, including attempts to deal with pesky "double poles" and update procurement laws. Another committee will hear a slate of proposals dealing with the taxation of online advertising. Anti-hunger advocates on Tuesday also plan to rally for a solution to the threatened lapse of SNAP food aid benefits. Committee hearings continue Wednesday with a focus on decarbonization at the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee. Massachusetts is supposed to be working toward net zero emissions by 2050, but the state likely would not have hit its 2020 checkpoint if not for the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to offshore wind that was expected to supercharge the transition is on hold at best. Gov. Healey's Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) bill gets its hearing Thursday, which could give the governor and other Democrats another chance to hammer D.C. Republicans and the Trump administration's defunding of medical research — vital for both health care and the state's economy. That $400 million proposal could get the Legislature and advocates thinking more seriously about this term's economic development and jobs bill, generally one of the biggest packages of the session. The Halloween holiday will bring a deluge of costumed kids to Beacon Hill, but Friday tends to be a slow day at the State House. Next Friday, though, will see a hearing on about 60 gun bills including Rep. Gaskey's proposal to repeal last session's firearms reforms. The Civil Rights Coalition, made up of Second Amendment supporters, is also working to repeal that 2024 law through the 2026 ballot. There will be extra anxiety this year as the Health Connector's annual open enrollment period opens next Saturday, Nov. 1 amid the government shutdown and recent massive changes at the federal stage to Medicaid and health insurance access.

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025

MOULTON ON KELLER: Congressman Moulton joins political analyst Jon Keller on the weekly talk segment "Keller at Large" to discuss age and term limits for politicians, the Middle East ceasefire, and his run for U.S. Senate. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

CAMPBELL ON @ISSUE: Attorney General Campbell, who launched her reelection campaign this week, talks with NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the weekly "@Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10-TV)

AUCHINCLOSS ON OTR: Congressman Auchincloss is the guest on WCVB’s "On the Record" program, which also features a political roundtable. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

BIDEN IN BOSTON: Former President Joe Biden accepts a lifetime achievement award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and delivers remarks. Former U.S. labor secretary and Boston mayor Martin Walsh and retired U.S. Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti will also be recognized with leadership awards. (Sunday, 7 p.m., Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, 210 Morrissey Blvd., Boston | Livestream)

Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

FORENSIC SCIENCE OVERSIGHT: Forensic Science Oversight Board meets. Agenda includes an update from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

EAST BOSTON SCHOOL: A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the renovated Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School in East Boston, which now has a 3,900-square-foot addition, a new stairwell, a new elevator, accessible toilets and other upgrades. Boston Mayor Wu and Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper attend. (Monday, 10 a.m., 242 East Bennington St., East Boston)

TRAHAN ON SHUTDOWN: Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, Congresswoman Trahan visits Lazarus House food bank and soup kitchen in Lawrence to learn how the organization is being affected. According to her office, citing ProPublic reporting, some 1 million Massachusetts residents will lose their SNAP benefits starting on Nov. 1, and organizations are also dealing with another $500 million cut to food aid from the Trump administration. Lazarus House serves 4,000 individuals each week through its food pantry. (Monday, 10:15 a.m., 412 Hampshire St., Lawrence)

FRANKLIN & HAMPSHIRE CULTURE: Sen. Mark, chair of the Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development Committee, and Rep. Sabadosa join the Mass. Cultural Council and dozens of grantees to celebrate fiscal year 2026 grant investments in Franklin and Hampshire counties. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Cummington Community House, 33 Main St., Cummington)

FINANCIAL SERVICES: Health and dental care matters are before the Joint Committee on Financial Services. Rep. Lawn has a bill (H 1236) directing the Division of Insurance to regularly report on the performance of the merged non-group and small-group health insurance markets, Sen. Feeney and Rep. Hunt are proposing (S 746 / H 1198) to ensure insurance prior authorization for patient transportation remains valid for three business days to account for transport delays, and Sen. Edwards is proposing (S 732) to create a Commonwealth Dental Access Program that would provide access to standalone dental insurance plans to Bay Staters who don't meet federal eligibility criteria, including due to immigration status. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Access Info)

MOSQUITO CONTROL BOARD: State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board meets. Agenda includes appointing members to regional commissions, updates from mosquito control districts and projects regarding the 2025 season, and preliminary fiscal 2027 budgets. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

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

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

GOOD SCOUT LUNCHEON: Scouting America Greater Boston honors three leaders and celebrates a new era in scouting at the inaugural Merrimack Valley Good Scout Awards Luncheon. Honorees include U.S. Rep. Trahan; Maria Gonzalez Moeller, chief executive officer of The Community Group in Lawrence; and Joe Hungler, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Lanzi’s, 810 Merrimack Ave., Dracut)

BEE-ING SEEN: Ahead of a hearing on legislation (H 1041) to restrict the use of bee-killing pesticides, supporters in bee costumes and holding props of giant bees and signs saying "pesticides are scary" will gather for a photo and TV opportunity. Participants include representatives of Environment Massachusetts, Xerces Society and students from several state universities. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Ashburton Park)

DEFENSE SECTOR LEADERS: Gov. Healey convenes defense sector leaders from across Massachusetts for a discussion on strengthening the state's "national security leadership," according to spokesperson Karissa Hand. (Monday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)

RODENTICIDE RESTRICTION RALLY: Animal welfare and environmental advocates rally ahead of a hearing for a bill (H 965 / S 644) to phase out toxic anticoagulant rodent poisons that harm pets and wildlife. Falco, a red-tailed hawk from the New England Wildlife Center, will be at the rally to highlight the bill's impact on raptors and other predators. (Monday, 12 p.m., State House steps)

VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Veterans Quality of Life Commission meets. Members will discuss potential recommendations and subcommittee priority topics. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Access)

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a hearing on bills related to pollinators and pesticides. Bills on the docket seek to restrict the use of anticoagulant rodenticides that often kill animals higher up the food chain (H 965), and a handful of standalone proposals request permission from individual communities to impose similar limits. (Monday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

SITING AND PERMITTING: Energy Facilities Siting Board and the Department of Public Utilities hold the first public comment hearing on implementing regulatory reforms under the 2024 clean energy law. (Monday, 6 p.m., 1121 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford | More Info)

CONNECTED AND ONLINE: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session on the Connected & Online Program, which is a new initiative that will distribute 27,000 laptops, tablets, desktops and ancillary equipment to eligible Massachusetts organizations. "The goal of the program is to expand access to education, workforce training and telehealth by establishing public device lending programs and on-site device stations, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities," organizers say. "Devices will be fully loaded with software, selected accessories and warranties at no cost to awardees." The initiative is funded by the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund, according to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. (Monday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025

BOARD OF ED: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education holds its monthly meeting. The board will receive an update on ongoing STEM initiatives, including high-dosage math tutoring for students below grade level and the Science Curriculum Adaptations Project for Special Educators (SCAPE). The board will also take several votes, including on whether to solicit public comment on proposed amendments to the State Seal of Biliteracy regulations, which would align English proficiency criteria with changes to the competency determination. The board will also consider proposed amendments to the regulations on student records, updating the definition of "transcript" to remove references to the MCAS-based competency determination and include state-endorsed seals and awards. Finally, the board will vote to waive the November 1 reporting deadline for charter school annual audits due to federal delays. Other agenda items include informational reports on grants approved by the commissioner, chronically underperforming schools, innovative student learning time waivers and charter school loans beyond the charter term. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett | Livestream)

GATEWAY CITIES SUMMIT: MassINC's Gateway Cities Innovation Institute hosts its 13th Gateway Cities Innovation Summit, featuring discussion of urban policy and economic development through the lens of economic transition. Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke gives opening remarks. Economic Development Committee co-chair Rep. Fiola talks economic development in cities with Lowell City Manager Tom Golden and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell. In the afternoon, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley sits for a fireside chat with the Boston Globe's Jon Chesto. Event is sold out. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Lowell Memorial Auditorium, 50 E. Merrimack St., Lowell)

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

CANNABIS PUBLIC HEALTH SUBCOMMITTEE: Cannabis Control Commission's Cannabis Advisory Board Public Health Subcommittee holds a meeting. Agenda includes discussion and votes on social consumption draft regulations, medical marijuana program modernization and 2025 product safety advisories. The final review of social consumption regulations was pushed back upon the return of CCC Chairwoman Shannon O'Brien. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda & Access)

CANNABIS PUBLIC HEALTH: Public Health Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board meets and will discuss the CCC's draft regulations for social consumption and 2025 product safety advisories. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

HIGHER ED: Board of Higher Education meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development accepts testimony on about 20 bills concerning wage theft, the prevailing wage and collective bargaining. Among bills on the docket is one (S 1343 / H 2093) from Sen. Keenan and the late Rep. Doherty that would provide collective bargaining rights for legislative employees in Massachusetts. Also up for its hearing is S 1300 from Sen. DiDomenico, which would empower the attorney general to take civil actions for injunctive relief, damages, and recovery of lost wages in cases of wage theft violations. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

EQUIPMENT CODE COMMITTEE: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Equipment Code Committee meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

MASS MARKETING PARTNERSHIP: Board of Directors of Massachusetts Marketing Partnership meets. Agenda includes a welcome from Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley and an update on MA250 events. There will also be updates from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, the Mass. Office of International Trade and Investment, Massport and the Mass. Convention Center Authority, among other offices. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 1 Ashburton Place, Suite 2101, Boston | Agenda and Zoom)

LOTTERY COMPENSATION: Compensation Committee of the Mass. State Lottery Commission meets to hear a presentation on Executive Director Mark William Bracken's fiscal year 2025 goals and accomplishments, and to hear about goals for fiscal 2026. The committee could also make a recommendation to raise Bracken's salary, which currently stands at $237,600 a year. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Contact Lottery’s Legal Department at (781) 917-6057 or email gpolin@masslottery.com for access)

LOTTERY COMMISSION: Mass. State Lottery Commission meets. Agenda includes the monthly sales update from the executive director and could also feature action on any recommendations that emerge from the 10:30 a.m. Compensation Committee meeting. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Contact Lottery’s Legal Department at (781) 917-6057 or email gpolin@masslottery.com for access)

FUTURE OF AGING: Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services hosts its annual Future of Aging Forum. Dr. Kedar Mate, chief medical officer at Qualified Health, gives a keynote at 11:15 a.m. on how health care institutions, community groups and public health leaders "can use scalable, real-world solutions" for "age-friendly, equitable care." Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson participates in a fireside chat at 3:15 p.m. about "aligning social and health care for impact." Panel discussions will explore the financial sustainability of health care, long-term services and supports, and age-friendly systems, as well as workforce challenges and the role of technology. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Boston University Metcalf Trustee Center, 1 Silber Way #9, Boston | More Info)

SNAP FUNDING RALLY: The Make Hunger History coalition holds a rally to urge state and federal officials to ensure November SNAP benefits are issued despite the ongoing federal shutdown. Advocates warn that more than 655,000 low-income Massachusetts households could lose access to food assistance starting Nov. 1 if federal funding lapses. Speakers from Project Bread, the Greater Boston Food Bank, and other coalition members will call on the Trump administration to release emergency USDA funds and, if federal funding lapses, for Massachusetts lawmakers to tap into the state's $8 billion stabilization fund. The coalition says failure to act could force families to skip meals and overwhelm the state’s emergency food network. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., State House steps)

MUNICIPAL EMPOWERMENT BILL: The parts of Gov. Healey's so-called Municipal Empowerment bill come before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government as the only matter on the agenda. The governor's bill (H 56) would allow cities and towns to increase local taxes on meals, lodging and vehicle registrations, but those parts are before the Revenue Committee and no hearing has been scheduled. Among the raft of non-revenue reforms that the Municipalities Committee could consider are allowing the creation of regional boards of assessors, updating procurement laws, allowing remote meeting participation permanently, and boosting enforcement for "double poles." The bill also aligns the procurement of snow hauling with snow removal, repeals a law limiting school districts' ability to start their own school bus services when private transportation companies are available, and includes language eliminating criminal or civil liability for anyone who administers fentanyl strips. Though popular with municipal leaders who stand to gain greater taxation powers and leeway from state rules, the governor's bill has never caught on in the Legislature and the version she pitched last session was spiked. Tuesday's hearing was originally scheduled for early September. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

VETERANS AND FEDERAL AFFAIRS: Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs holds a hearing on bills dealing with tax and annuity adjustments. A number of the bills on the agenda affect Chapter 115 benefits, including a proposal from Sen. Rush (S 2493) to authorize the veterans services secretary to increase the Chapter 115 shelter allowance for veterans to keep pace with inflation and another from Sen. Feeney (S 2470) that would exclude payments received by veterans as reimbursement for out-of-pocket health care costs from the calculation of the veteran's gross household income. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Alcohol, online advertising and retail deliveries are among the things targeted with new or higher taxes under bills that will get a hearing before the Joint Committee on Revenue. Rep. Ramos of Springfield proposes (H 3217) an excise of 35 cents on each "retail delivery by any vendor of tangible personal property" with annual sales of $1 million or more. Sen. Lewis has a bill (S 2029) to require many in the alcohol industry to pay "an excise, for the privilege enjoyed by him as such manufacturer, winegrower, farmer-brewer wholesaler and importer, or licensee" with most of the additional funds being earmarked for public health services. A number of bills deal with either studying or imposing a tax on digital advertising services (H 3089, H 3118, H 3126, H 3224, H 3263, S 2004 and S 2017). (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

EDS & MEDS ECONOMIC IMPACT: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a forum on how Massachusetts's higher education and health care sectors drive the state's economy and adapt to fiscal and policy pressures. The event will feature former economic development secretary, now Flagship Pioneering COO Yvonne Hao, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association CEO Steve Walsh, AICUM President Rob McCarron, Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers CEO Michael Curry and Chamber President James Rooney. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Register)

MEDFORD MITIGATION: Mass. Gaming Commission members including Chair Jordan Maynard, Nakisha Skinner and Paul Brodeur meet with Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn, Reps. Donato and Garballey, Chevalier Theater General Manager Raul Morales, and others to highlight projects funded through the Community Mitigation Fund grant program. The program, which is generally funded with a portion of casino revenues, was not included in the latest state budget and the commission opted to spend down most money remaining in the account. Medford most recently got more than $1 million for public safety projects, pedestrian safety improvements, the development of a problem gambling strategic plan, and enhancements to the Chevalier Theater. Media asked to RSVP to thomas.mills@massgaming.gov. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Chevalier Theater, 30 Forest St., Medford)

BERKSHIRE WOMEN'S HEARING: Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and its regional body, the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women, hold a hearing to solicit testimony on issues facing women, children, and families in Berkshire County. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., BIC Works at MASSMoCA, 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams | Register)

GREENFIELD BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on a proposed bridge deck replacement project for Log Plain Road West over the G&W Railroad in Greenfield. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Register)

STATE OF THE SCHOOLS: Boston Mayor Wu delivers a State of the Schools speech to "celebrate Boston’s educators and lay out a shared agenda to make BPS the first choice for Boston families." (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Josiah Quincy Upper School, 900 Washington St., Chinatown)

ANTISEMITISM COMMISSION PANEL: Rep. Roy and the Franklin Interfaith Council host a panel discussion on antisemitism in the current moment. Panelists include Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston; Rabbi Rachel Putterman of Temple Etz Chaim; Dr. Miri Bar-Halprin, Director of Trauma Training and Services at Parents for Peace; Dr. Michael Rubin, Uxbridge High School Principal; and Rep. Cataldo, chair of the Committee on Combating Antisemitism. The conversation will touch on public school curriculum, according to the advisory, after controversy earlier this year regarding a Massachusetts Teachers Association online educational resource that was removed following concerns over antisemitism. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Franklin High School)

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council Policy Committee meets. Agenda topics include the resource management plan process, forest management plans and landscape designations, and a strategic oversight plan review. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

FIRE PREVENTION, PROTECTION: Board of Building Regulations and Standards' Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Advisory Committee meets. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

BLOOD DRIVE: Massachusetts State Lottery hosts a blood drive for Boston Children's Hospital. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 150 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester )

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Hazardous Materials Code Committee meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission is expected to meet, holding the meeting that was postponed from Friday, Oct. 24. Commissioners are expected to return to their review of social consumption regulations, with tentative plans to extend that review to Nov. 7 if necessary. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

MWRA BOARD: Mass. Water Resources Authority board meets. Agenda includes information on an updated combined sewer overflow control plan alternatives recommendation. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

PUBLIC PURCHASERS: Operational Services Division holds a workshop for contractor vendors on how to promote and market their businesses to executive agencies, municipalities, schools, quasi-public agencies, public hospitals and nonprofits. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Fort Taber Academy, 1000 S. Rodney French Blvd., New Bedford | Register)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Health Policy Commission Primary Care Task Force Holds a meeting. Agenda includes discussion on payment models to increase public and private reimbursement for primary care services. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda & Access)

CANNABIS POLICY BRIEFING: Sen. Miranda and Equitable Opportunities Now host a briefing on cannabis policy proposals that organizers say could strengthen the state economy, protect small businesses, and expand opportunity for all. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

SCHOOL BUILDINGS: Mass. School Building Authority board meets, with Treasurer Goldberg chairing. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Contact Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org for access)

PESTICIDE BOARD: Pesticide Board meets. Agenda includes updates from the Pesticide Program, Pesticide Advisory Council and the Conservationist Pesticide Advisory Council. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Gillian Feiner, nominated to join the Superior Court. Feiner worked as an assistant attorney general in the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office for 15 years and has worked since 2023 as senior counsel at States United Democracy Center, run by First Lady Lydgate. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a hearing on about 20 bills largely focused on commissions. Sen. Jehlen wants to create a commission on the status of transgender people (S 2155) that would submit annual reports with the aim of improving the lives of transgender individuals. A Sen. O'Connor proposal (S 2190) would establish a commission tasked with studying the feasibility and cost savings of using "conductive concrete" in future public works projects; the bill defines conductive concrete as a "compound that contains steel shavings and carbon particles to create enough conductivity to melt ice and snow while remaining safe to the touch." A commission focused on issues affecting Muslim communities would be established under legislation from Rep. Howard and Sen. Eldridge (H3351 / S 2134). (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

HOUSE FORMAL SESSION: House plans to hold a formal session, with a Democratic caucus planned for noon. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

DISABILITIES COMMISSION: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets to discuss feedback to its fiscal year 2025 annual report. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Zoom Registration)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Alessandra Petruccelli, nominated by Gov. Maura Healey to join the Probate & Family Court. Petrucelli has focused on family and domestic relations law as managing attorney of a solo practice in East Boston for the past two decades. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

MASS POWER FORWARD RALLY: Mass Power Forward coalition, which includes the Sierra Club of Massachusetts, 350 Mass and UU Mass Action, hold a Halloween-themed rally featuring activists delivering garlic to legislators "to ward off... 'vampire fossil fuel billionaires.'" The event highlights the coalition’s climate agenda, including bills to prevent gas expansion, restrict utility lobbying with ratepayer funds and improve air quality for low-income communities. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., State House steps)

CULTURAL COUNCIL: Massachusetts Cultural Council meets. Agenda includes reports and updates from the executive director and others. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 St. James Ave., 3rd Floor, Boston | Agenda)

TELECOMMUNICATIONS, UTILITIES AND ENERGY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a hearing on 16 bills dealing with decarbonization. A Rep. Vitolo bill (H 4052) would develop an opt-in specialized stretch energy code for municipalities that includes net-zero building performance standards and requirements for solar photovoltaic panels. Legislation from Rep. Meschino (H 3528) aims to expand the use of advanced leak repair technology and renewable thermal energy infrastructure. A Sen. Barrett proposal (S 2229) offers a timeline for state officials to set carbon pricing policies impacting various buildings, industrial processes, the transportation sector and residential heating and cooling. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Elena Tsizer, nominated to join the Probate & Family Court. Tsizer owns a solo practice in Framingham where she focuses on domestic relations and family law, probate law, estate planning and bankruptcy. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's board of directors meets. Agenda includes a report from CEO Kirk Taylor. Members will vote on MassNexGen Round 8 awards, the Start-Up/Entrepreneur Fund allocation and Pathmaker awards. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., 1075 Main St., Suite 100, Waltham | Agenda

DISABILITIES AT WORK: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council holds a virtual information session on supporting people with disabilities at work. (Wednesday, 4 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY SUMMIT: Supplier Diversity Office holds a summit with the Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England and the Center for Women & Enterprise. There will be workshops and networking opportunities. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Bridgewater State University, Rondileau Student Union, 191 Park Ave., Bridgewater | Register)

ASSISTED LIVING CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Assisted Living Association hosts its 2025 conference and tradeshow. Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson will deliver a special address at 10:05 a.m. Senate President Spilka will be presented with the 2025 policymaker of the year award at 1 p.m. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Boston Marriott Newton, 2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton | More Info)

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS, LAND SURVEYORS: Board of Registration of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors meets. Agenda includes reports from the board counsel and executive director, and a review of applications. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board is expected to meet virtually. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Contact MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us for access)

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Massachusetts Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association hosts an advocacy day. Their legislative priorities include modernizing the PT Practice Act and establishing a physical therapy licensure compact; members are opposed to bills regulating dry needling and requiring medical chaperones during certain sensitive exams. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

BUILDING DECARBONIZATION: A Better City hosts the second installment of its "Built to Lead" series, with this event focused on building decarbonization in new construction. Speakers include Kate Dineen of A Better City, Rustom Cowasjee and Tishman Speyer of the Enterprise Research Center, Heather Henriksen of Harvard University, David Gillespie of AvalonBay, Christoph Stump of Trinity Financial, Yanni Tsipis of WS Development and Randy Boles of Vertex. (Thursday, 10 a.m., One Financial Center, Loft on Two, 675 Atlantic Ave., Second floor, Boston | Register)

FINANCIAL SERVICES: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on banking matters, including Treasurer Goldberg's bill to create a Baby Bonds program. Goldberg is expected to testify. Other bills on the agenda would prohibit card interchange fees on tax or gratuity (S 688), create a statewide program for low-income families to match their savings 4:1 to put a downpayment on a home, improve credit, afford higher education or start a business (S 737), and create a Massachusetts Secure Choice Savings Board, a retirement savings program with automatic enrollment payroll deduction (H 1143). (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

SENATE: Senate meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

HOUSE INFORMAL SESSION: House plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m. House Chamber)

BIOMARKER TESTING: Patients and health care providers will share their experiences with biomarker testing at a forum hosted by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Commercial health insurers, as well as the Group Insurance Commission and MassHealth, would be required to cover comprehensive biomarker testing when "supported by medical and scientific evidence" under proposals from Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne and Sen. Jake Oliveira (H 1227 / S 809). The testing analyzes patients' genes and proteins to identify more precise and effective treatment options. Supporters say it can help some patients avoid broader regimens like chemotherapy and radiation. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room 428)

MUNI COMMUNICATORS: Massachusetts Municipal Communications holds a members-only roundtable focused on community engagement, graphic design and video, and digital accessibility. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

MEDICAID CHANGES: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts a webinar called, "Following the Money: What Federal Medicaid Changes Mean for Massachusetts Hospitals." It will explore how recent federal changes, including from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will affect the Health Safety Net and supplemental payment structures. "With billions in funding at stake, hospitals need to understand how federal scrutiny of provider taxes, state-directed payments, and waiver structures could affect their bottom line," organizers say. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

HEALEY'S DRIVE ACT HEARING: Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies holds a hearing on Gov. Maura Healey’s $400 million Discovery, Research and Innovation for a Vibrant Economy (DRIVE) Act (H 4375), which aims to bolster Massachusetts’ research and innovation sectors as federal funding for hospitals and universities declines. Healey has made the bill a top priority, launching a DRIVE Acceleration Team task force led by federal funds chief Quentin Palfrey. She has urged lawmakers to act quickly, calling the measure "critically important" to preserving the state’s competitiveness. The proposal would invest in research infrastructure and attract private capital, which the administration says would help retain scientists and medical researchers amid national cutbacks. The bill languished for nearly three months without a hearing after being filed July 31. House Chair Rep. Fiola has said the committee needs to "follow the process" and review the administration’s plan in the context of other pressing needs, while Senate Chair Sen. Finegold expressed eagerness to advance the discussion, citing the importance of staying "on the offensive" in the face of federal pullbacks. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

WHITE HOUSE TRICK OR TREAT: First Lady Melania Trump and President Trump open the South Lawn to ticketed trick or treaters. Calling it a "special White House tradition," organizers estimate that thousands of children and their parents will attend and visit various trick-or-treat booths. The event is "open to ticketholders, including military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and Administration officials with children," the White House said. (Thursday, 4 p.m., South Lawn, White House)

BGC METROWEST GALA: Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest holds its annual gala. Senate President Spilka attends. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., The Verve Hotel, 1360 Worcester St., Natick)

SPILKA @ SMOC: Senate President Spilka speaks at the 60th anniversary celebration of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council, a community action agency focused on human services and housing. (Thursday, 6 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel Westborough, 5400 Computer Dr., Westborough)

DOWNTOWN BOSTON SAFETY: Downtown Boston Neighborhood Association hosts a forum for the One Downtown Task Force to report on its progress, to highlight public safety initiatives underway, and to discuss and debate "the work that remains to ensure that residents, workers, students, and visitors are safe and feel safe." The task force is co-chaired by Mayor Wu, House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz, Suffolk County District Attorney Hayden, City Councilor Michael Flynn and association co-founder Rishi Shukla. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, 219 Tremont St., Boston)

Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE CENSUS: Senate Committee on the Census holds an informational hearing. Public officials, experts and community leaders will discuss how to boost participation and build trust in the 2030 population count. The Block Boundary Suggestion Project, which empowers municipalities to review their boundaries that create the foundation for census tracts, kicks off in December. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

CREATIVE EDUCATION AND CAREERS: Mass. Cultural Council and Boston University’s College of Fine Arts host a summit titled "Rethinking Creative Education and Career Outcomes." Organizers say the event will "address an acute and expanding area of need for the creative sector and the Massachusetts workforce at a critical time." (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Boston University School of Fine Arts, Brookline)

NURSING FACILITY PAYMENTS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on emergency amendments dealing with standard payments to nursing facilities. The updated regulations come with an annual fiscal impact of $105.8 million. The changes involve adjusting rates to a base year of 2023, applying a cost adjustment factor and removing certain quality improvement adjustments. Another provision, based on a policy in the fiscal 2026 budget, establishes supplemental payments for qualified nursing facilities on Martha's Vineyard. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

ELEVATOR APPEALS: Board of Elevator Appeals meets and holds a quasi-judicial closed session regarding a Boston property. (Friday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds a hearing on about 60 bills dealing with firearms. Legislation deals with the right to carry, firearm licensing, red flag laws, gun registration, civil rights and live fire training. A Rep. Gaskey bill (H 2618) looks to repeal the "misguided, unnecessary, and largely unconstitutional firearms law of 2024," according to its title. The Civil Rights Coalition, made up of Second Amendment supporters, is also working to repeal that 2024 law through the 2026 ballot. A Sen. Fattman petition (S 1685) would ensure medical marijuana patients are not disqualified from a license to carry or a firearm identification card. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)

HEALTH SAFETY NET: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a remote public hearing on regulations dealing with Health Safety Net payments and funding that took effect on Sept. 30. The change enabled EOHHS to pay "less than 85% of demand to acute hospitals designated as disproportionate share hospitals(DSH) for HSN purposes for HSN FY25." Under federal law, state Medicaid programs must make payments to hospitals serving a large volume of Medicaid and uninsured patients. EOHHS said the adjustment was "necessary" due to the "significant shortfall in FY2025." The House and Senate's closeout budgets for fiscal 2025 look to pump more money into the Health Safety Net, with Rep. John Lawn warning the fund faces a $300 million shortfall. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

OPEN ENROLLMENT: Open enrollment launches at the Massachusetts Health Connector. Tens of thousands of Bay Staters could lose access to some or all of their subsidies, which could translate into soaring premium costs. The future of enhanced premium tax credits, which are slated to expire at the end of the year, is at the crux of the federal government shutdown. Households earning above 400% of the federal poverty level will no longer qualify for heavily subsidized ConnectorCare plans unless the credits are extended. Open enrollment runs through Jan. 23. State law requires that residents have health insurance, and state lawmakers have not outlined plans to keep the state's high insured rate from dropping. (Saturday, Nov. 1)