People, Power, and Politics

Above, Canadian Hydro Plant now connected to New England grid. "Bringing Canadian hydropower into Massachusetts is a major milestone that strengthens our energy reliability, advances our clean energy goals, and—most importantly—delivers a robust new source of power to consumers at a reasonable and predictable price," said  State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy, former Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy (D-10th Norfolk). This long-anticipated moment is the culmination of nearly a decade of careful planning, legislating, and implementation, carried forward despite significant legal, political, and logistical obstacles. I had the opportunity to see the source of this power firsthand when I visited the St. James Bay hydropower facilities—an engineering marvel—in Quebec last March, and it is deeply gratifying to see that work come to fruition.”

Other Key facts about the New England Clean Energy Connect:
Contracted to supply 9.5 terawatt hours of renewable hydroelectricity to New England for 20 years;
Enough electricity to power a million homes;
Will annually displace 3 million tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent of removing 700,000 gasoline-powered cars from the road;
Deeper interties between neighboring systems enhances grid reliability on both sides.
Significant economic benefits to ratepayers across New England (as discussed in the press releases of Governors Healey and Mills).

FRANKLIN

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

“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” —“Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” written by Martin Luther KIng Jr in 1963. The complete letter is a worthy read and you can find the link to it https://letterfromjail.com/

The week starts with Martin Luther King Day on Monday, while legally designated a holiday it is not fully observed. For example, the MBTA commuter rail runs a ‘normal’ weekday schedule.

Worthy of note is that there is a scheduled virtual only meeting on Sunday evening for the 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee at 5:30 PM.

Tuesday we see the normal schedule for a Design Review meeting. The site (12 Main St) of the former book store is potentially a convenience store and their proposed signage is up for review.

Wednesday is the Town Council meeting with some key items on its agenda.

2 appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeal are up for approval. That action alone may not shut down the vociferous calls for a ‘new’ board from some community members but we’ll see what the Council does.

The Council gets an update on the infrastructure of the Town from DPW Director Brutus Cantorregi. The dollars for continuing to maintain all our water, sewer, roads, fields, etc. has continued to grow. A plan is needed for funding. “Pay me now, or pay me more later” becomes very real.

The budget timeline for the FY 2027 cycle is presented. The recent capital budget items reviewed by the Finance Committee come before the Council on Feb 11. The official town budget is on schedule to be filed in late March.

Thursday, the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to meet and likely for the first time with their new membership (depending upon the outcome at the Council meeting on Weds).

We’ll close this outlook with a referral back to the MLK quote we opened with: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly” . You reading this, are either a close or remote neighbor. Either way, WE are faced with some challenges this year. On the one hand, I am very grateful for what we do have. On the other hand, there is a lot of work and tough conversations to be held to ensure we can maintain the community we all live in and love.

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 1/16/26, 6:00 PM ***

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (remote only)
Sunday, January 18 Time: 5:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01182026-2096

Design Review Meeting
Tuesday, January 20 Time: 7:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01202026-2099

Town Council Meeting
Wednesday, January 21 Time: 6:00 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01212026-2101

GATRA Regional Bus Meeting (at Franklin Senior Center)
Thursday, January 22 Time: 2:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222026-2085

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting (remote only)
Thursday, January 22 Time: 7:30 PM
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222026-2093

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

On Monday, the School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee met. On Tuesday, the Policy subcommittee met before the full School Committee meeting. Both audio recordings will be available shortly.

The School Committee recap and video is available for their 4 hour plus session https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/school-committee-approves-trip-…

SchCmte member Reis Hansen joined me in a recap of the session which is available via video and audio formats https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/chalkboard-chat-condenses-4-hou…

The Finance Committee had a lengthy discussion on the ‘economics of development’. Personally, it was not what I expected. The primary reason being “It is complicated.” The first pass on the Capital budget was also reviewed at length and ultimately recommended to the Council for their review and vote.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/finance-committee-hears-economi…

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday, the video of their session is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=881gI4sj0kM

On the FHS sports live streaming front
FHS boys basketball on Tuesday vs Stoughton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdzU98jvr34
FHS boys hockey on Thursday vs Oliver Ames -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4tkF2a8r7U
FHS girls basketball on Friday vs Milford -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ3CkRa4IIU

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html
Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

MEDWAY

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

STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND

House members will hold a series of consequential private meetings next week that will influence the roadmap for energy affordability and decarbonization efforts in Massachusetts. And hours after the last of those meetings ends Thursday, lawmakers will stick around on Beacon Hill to hear Gov. Maura Healey deliver her first reelection-year State of the State address at 7 p.m. in the House Chamber. With three Republicans eyeing her job, Healey will have an opportunity to speak directly to voters and perhaps indirectly to her political opponents, including President Trump. Likely topics include her efforts to make Massachusetts more affordable and to stick to the values she believes are important to retain here while Trump works to move the country in a different direction. All governors devote a substantial amount of these speeches to their past work and Healey will likely do the same, likely reflecting on new measures to prevent people from losing their health insurance and to stop insurance companies from getting in the way of people accessing care. It is perhaps fortuitous for Healey that her speech will come before she offers her annual budget plan on Jan. 28 since one administration official said this week that the spending plan is going to land in "very tough fiscal times" and will feature "some really tough changes across the board everywhere."

After a day off Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, House members return to the State House on Tuesday, and again Thursday, for the private energy affordability meetings. The Division of Insurance also holds an information session Tuesday on the 2024 prescription drug reform law. An update is expected Wednesday from the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership on MA250 and plans to celebrate the nation's next big anniversary. Municipal officials from across the state arrive Thursday at the Menino Convention Center in Boston for a three-day meeting. They will hear from Healey on Friday. The governor has been unable to find traction in the Legislature on her sweeping proposal to empower cities and towns, including through new local option taxes, and municipal leaders are now calling on the state to deliver much larger local aid allocations to preserve local services. Friday also marks the last day of open enrollment for people seeking health insurance plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026

MLK YOUTH BREAKFAST: Worcester State University hosts its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast. The event includes performances and awards for community service and youth service. Congressman McGovern gives remarks. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Wellness Center, Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester | Register)

PROJECT 351 LAUNCH DAY: Eighth grade leaders representing every city and town in Massachusetts kick off a year of service as part of Project 351’s annual Launch Day. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will mark the program’s 16th year with a morning ceremony at Faneuil Hall, followed by an afternoon of service projects across greater Boston honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Project 351 is a youth-led program that selects one eighth grader from each Massachusetts community to participate in leadership and service projects throughout the year. (Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Faneuil Hall; service projects 12 p.m. at sites in Dorchester, Newtonville, and Chelsea)

COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE: Commuter rail service will be suspended at North Station through Sunday due to signal improvement work being done just outside the station, according to the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services. Service disruptions are planned for select weekends through April. Along the Newburyport/Rockport Line, local and express shuttle buses will run between North Station and Swampscott, and local buses will serve Wonderland to connect to the Blue Line. On the Haverhill Line, Orange Line service will replace regular train service between North Station and Oak Grove. On the Lowell Line, local and express shuttle buses will replace regular train service between North Station and Anderson/Woburn Station. On the Fitchburg Line, Red and Green Line service will replace regular service between North Station and Porter. (Saturday, Jan. 17 | More Info and Schedules)

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026

IMARI PARIS JEFFRIES ON NBC: For Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, Embrace Boston CEO Imari Paris Jeffries joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the network's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

BELCHERTOWN FOOD DRIVE: Rep. Saunders and Sen. Oliveira host the Belchertown Community Food Drive through 2 p.m. The drive will benefit the Amherst Survival Center, and lawmakers say the event has "generous support" from Window World of Western Mass. The public is asked to bring non-perishable food items to help address food insecurity this winter. (Sunday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m., Belchertown Town Hall, 2 Jabish St., Belchertown)

BREADON ON THE RECORD: New Boston City Council President Liz Breadon joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

PATS-TEXANS PLAYOFF GAME: New England Patriots (14-3) host the Houston Texans (12-5) in a divisional round playoff matchup with a trip to the AFC championship game on the line. The Patriots are 24-5 (.828) in home playoff games in franchise history including two wins against the Texans, the team said. The game will be the final one of the season at Gillette Stadium, unless the Patriots win and the Buffalo Bills upset the Denver Broncos in Saturday's matchup. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Gillette Stadium, Route 1, Foxborough)

SNEAKER GALA: Gov. Healey and Boston Mayor Wu attend as Embrace hosts its annual "sneaker gala." Event honors the group of 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King honorees and the Embrace Honors MLK Champion Award recipient, former Rep. Marie St. Fleur. Guests are encouraged to "pair their finest formal attire with their flyest sneakers for a night of elegance, self-expression, and fun," organizers said. (Sunday, 5:30 p.m., SoWa Power Station, 550 Harrison Ave., Boston)

Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

MLK BREAKFAST - WORCESTER: Quinsigamond Community College and Assumption University host their annual community breakfast to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. The keynote speaker is Jennifer Carey, the former executive director of the Worcester Education Collaborative. Congressman McGovern also gives remarks. (Monday, 8 a.m., Plourde Recreation Center, Assumption University, 500 Salisbury St., Worcester | More Info)

MLK BREAKFAST - BOSTON: Attorney General Campbell gives remarks at the 56th annual Martin Luther King Jr. memorial breakfast, an event focused on King's legacy and the importance of his teachings today. (Monday, 9 a.m., Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave., Boston)

BOSTON MLK DAY: Boston celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in partnership with Boston University, where King received his Ph.D. This year's King Day Celebration will center on the theme of "Justice Indivisible: Fighting Racism, Greed and War," inspired by King's 1967 Three Evils of Society speech, which names racism, poverty and militarism as threats to American democracy. The program will feature a keynote address by Dr. Eve Ewing, associate professor at the University of Chicago and author of books about racism as well as Marvel Comics. (Monday, 12 p.m., Metcalf Hall, George Sherman Union, Boston University, 775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)

COMMUTER RAIL SCHEDULE: Updated schedules for the Fairmount, Franklin/Foxboro and Providence/Stoughton lines go into effect, according to the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services. The schedules restore service levels that were cut as a result of a fire at a signal bungalow on Aug. 1, 2025. The Fairmount Line will operate according to its fall/winter schedule. On the Franklin/Foxboro Line, shuttle buses will continue to offer mid-day service between Walpole and Foxboro while construction at Foxboro Station continues in preparation for the World Cup. But buses will connect with different trains than they currently do. Weekday Franklin/Foxboro trains temporarily operating via the Fairmount Line will resume operating through Back Bay. Weekend Franklin/Foxboro trains temporarily operating through Hyde Park will resume operating via Fairmount. Weekday Providence/Stoughton trains will no longer stop at Readville. Shuttle buses will stop running between Hyde Park and Readville. All outbound weekend Providence trains will stop at Hyde Park. (Monday | More Info)

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026

TPS FIELD HEARING: U.S. Rep. Pressley and Sen. Markey hold a field hearing as they push for extending Temporary Protected Status for people from Haiti. The TPS designation is slated to expire Feb. 3, which could put more than 350,000 Haitian nationals at risk of being deported. That includes 4,700 individuals in Massachusetts, according to the lawmakers. The hearing will include panels of individuals, advocates and community leaders. A federal notice from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security about the termination states, "After reviewing country conditions and consulting with appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the Secretary determined that Haiti no longer meets the conditions for the designation for Temporary Protected Status." The hearing location will be provided upon RSVP. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Livestream)

PESTICIDE BOARD SUBCOMMITTEE: Pesticide Board Subcommittee meets. Members will vote on an emergency exemption request and vote on the registration of a new active ingredient that's "labeled for use on various crops and ornamentals to control fungal diseases," according to the agenda. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. |Agenda and Zoom)

SCHOOLS OF RECOGNITION: Education officials present certificates to representatives of 63 Schools of Recognition, including 55 identified through the state's accountability system for high achievement, significant improvement or high growth; six National Blue Ribbon School nominees; and two National Elementary and Secondary Education Act Distinguished Schools. Education Secretary Tutwiler and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Martinez attend. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., the Grand Staircase)

LOWELL DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Lowell Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 10 a.m.| Agenda and Access)

AI ETHICS ROUNDTABLE: Sen. Moore hosts a roundtable to explore issues around artificial intelligence and how regulators can ensure that "trust and human judgment remain at the center" as AI accelerates. Moore and Rep. Farley-Bouvier give opening remarks ahead of a discussion among Technology Services and Security Secretary Snyder, Mass. High Tech Council’s Elizabeth Mahoney, ACLU of Massachusetts’ Gideon Epstein, Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Yunus Telliel, and National Science Policy Network’s Tepring Piquado. Shauna Conway, founder of Human Edge, will serve as moderator. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428 | More Info and Access)

ELECTRICAL INTERPRETATION CODE: Department of Fire Services' Electrical Code Interpretation Committee meets and considers questions dealing with battery energy storage systems. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HOUSE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY TALKS: House members in Division 1 meet privately to discuss legislation aimed at reducing energy costs in Massachusetts as representative work to build consensus. The session, hosted by Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz and Energy Committee Co-chair Mark Cusack, will focus on House energy affordability legislation (H 4744) and its intersection with the state’s clean energy and decarbonization mandates. Lawmakers are weighing constituent pressure over rising utility bills against concerns from environmental advocates about weakening statutory decarbonization targets. Republicans and Democrats are invited as leadership seeks broad input before moving the bill forward. The meetings come after House leaders paused work on the bill in November amid internal disagreement over whether affordability measures should reopen or delay the state’s 2030 emissions reduction mandates. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., House Members’ Lounge)

AG's TRUMP ACTION: Attorney General Campbell hosts a roundtable discussion to mark the one-year anniversary of President Trump’s second term. Campbell plans to highlight the impacts of the federal government’s "unprecedented attacks on Massachusetts’s economy and residents’ rights, and uplift the ways in which the Attorney General’s Office has fought back." A brief media availability follows. Media asked to RSVP to Allie.Zuliani@mass.gov. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., One Ashburton Place, 20th floor, Boston)

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

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

ASK THE MAYOR: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins GBH News’ Boston Public Radio for “Ask the Mayor,” taking questions from listeners and a live audience with hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., GBH Studio, Boston Public Library)

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: Division of Insurance holds an information session on the 2024 prescription drug reform law. It limits out-of-pocket costs for drugs to treat diabetes, asthma and the two most prevalent heart conditions. Coverage for brand-name insulin cannot exceed $25 for a 30-day supply. Insurers must annually report to the DOI about the drugs selected with none or limited cost-sharing. The DOI is also holding an evening session at 6 p.m. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

MCCA DIVERSITY HEARING: Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion holds a hearing on diversity efforts at the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. The committee is co-chaired by Sen. Liz Miranda of Boston and Rep. Bud Williams of Springfield and each have convention center properties in their communities. Testimony is by invite only. The committee said it "expects to be informed about the reforms the Authority and its board have implemented, the outcomes achieved to date, and the areas where reforms have fallen short or require further action. The Committee also seeks to understand what is required to complete the remaining reforms necessary for the Authority to regain public confidence." The hearing notice says the hearing "will not consider allegations of wrongdoing against any singular employee, current or former, of the MCCA." Former CEO Marcel Vernon Sr. resigned from the agency's top job in December, just over a year into his tenure, departing with a severance package worth $500,000. Vernon was appointed in October 2024 following an almost year-long search triggered by the resignation of former executive director David Gibbons. Gibbons stepped down in late 2023 following a series of disputes with the board, allegations of racial discrimination within the agency, and an outside report on diversity and inclusion. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | More Info and Access)

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Board of Directors meets in executive session to discuss "matters pertaining to compensation committee," according to the notice. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

HOUSE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY TALKS: Representatives seated in Division 2 convene for a closed-door discussion on House Democrats’ approach to energy affordability and cost relief for ratepayers. The meeting continues leadership’s effort to revive legislation paused last fall amid debate over whether affordability measures could undermine long-standing decarbonization goals. Members are encouraged to offer feedback on H 4744 that ties into the state's clean energy efforts and its competitive positioning. The conversation comes as energy costs remain a top concern for constituents across the state. The bill under discussion has yet to advance to the House floor, with leaders signaling it may be revised based on feedback gathered in these sessions. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., House Members’ Lounge)

FOOD POLICY COUNCIL: Massachusetts Food Policy Council's Advocacy Committee meets. Agenda includes a review of successes and challenges in 2025, and plans and priorities for 2026. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

CAPE COD BRIDGES: MassDOT holds an open house through 8 p.m. on the proposed replacement of the Cape Cod bridges as officials kick off the public notice and comment period surrounding the "direct use" of parks and recreation properties. Officials will also discuss the status of the project and bridge designs. MassDOT says the project calls for the "direct use" of Bourne Scenic Park, Sagamore Recreation Area, Bourne Recreation Area, Gallo Ice Arena, and Keith Field Recreation Area. "MassDOT intends to make a determination that use of these properties constitutes a 'de minimis' impact because the work will not adversely affect the activities, features, or attributes that make these properties eligible for protection under Section 4(f) of the DOT Act." That federal law involves considering park and recreation lands, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites during transportation project development, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Public comment should be submitted within two weeks of the open house, according to MassDOT. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Bourne Elementary School, 41 Ernest Valeri Road, Bourne | More Info)

WOMEN'S CAUCUS ANNUAL MEETING: Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus holds its annual meeting for caucus members only. Members will vote on 2026 board members. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Downtown Boston location provided upon RSVP)

MWPC ANNUAL MEETING: Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus holds its 2026 annual meeting, featuring remarks from Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata and a discussion of the organization’s path forward this year. Members will vote on the 2026 board slate. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Boston | Location provided upon RSVP)

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

BRISTOL COUNTY MOSQUITO CONTROL: Bristol County Mosquito Control Project meets. Agenda includes a discussion on the fiscal 2026 budget and a review of the end-of-season mosquito surveillance report. (Wednesday, 7 a.m., 38R Forest St., Attleboro | Agenda and Zoom)

MASS. HEALTH COUNCIL: Massachusetts Health Council holds a closed-press panel discussion on advancing health equity. Speakers include Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Boston Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, and Eliza Lake, director of health policy and strategic initiatives at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The discussion will touch on life expectancy gaps, structural inequities in health care systems and collaborative strategies that are underway. The event is open to MHC members and invited guests. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston)

PRIM STEWARDSHIP, SUSTAINABILITY: PRIM Stewardship and Sustainability Committee meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs. Agenda includes the 2026 stewardship annual plan and a vote on draft proxy voting guidelines. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee meets. Agenda includes updates on disciplinary dismissal appeals and instructor certification revocation appeals, as well as updates on the fiscal 2026 budget and recruit training. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Dr., Randolph | Agenda and Access)

PARENTS ON TECHNOLOGY: EdTrust in Massachusetts and The MassINC Polling Group hold a virtual meeting to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing students and schools as artificial intelligence reshapes learning, work and communication. MassINC Polling Group's Steve Koczela will present poll results and Andréa Coté, assistant director of EdTech at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, will discuss the AI landscape in Massachusetts. A panel discussion and Q&A follow. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Register)

MASS. MARKETING PARTNERSHIP: Massachusetts Marketing Partnership meets. Agenda includes a welcome from Economic Development Secretary and Chair Eric Paley and an MA250 update. There will also be updates from agencies including Massport, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., One Ashburton Place, 21st floor, Room 2101, Boston | Agenda and Zoom)

MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: MassDOT Board of Directors' Capital Programs Committee meets. Agenda includes a discussion on Boston bridge deck preservation on I-93 and a midyear update on the fiscal 2026 highway capital plan. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

BUSINESS OUTLOOK: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts its virtual Massachusetts Business Outlook 2026. Chamber CEO Jim Rooney will discuss the economy and headwinds, and how they impact businesses, residents and policymakers. The event comes a week before Gov. Healey unveils her fiscal 2027 budget proposal, as the state confronts surging health care costs and affordability challenges that are exacerbated by federal funding losses. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Register)

HIGH SCHOOL GRAD FRAMEWORK WEBINAR: MassPotential co-hosts a virtual discussion on Massachusetts’ proposed high school graduation framework following voters’ decision to eliminate MCAS as a graduation requirement. The webinar will examine the framework released by the Governor’s K-12 Graduation Council, including the potential use of end-of-course assessments, and highlight findings from a Voices of Academic Equity report on maintaining objective and equitable standards. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez will offer opening remarks and join a panel of education leaders moderated by Boston Globe editorial writer Shira Shoenberg. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

AG BOARD: Massachusetts Board of Agriculture meets. Agenda includes a presentation on the Buy-Protect-Sell program, which the Department of Agricultural Resources says will help prevent farm loss and allow MDAR to buy farmland and apply permanent restrictions. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 225 Turnpike Road, Southborough | Agenda and Access)

BIKE, PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY BOARD: Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meets. The panel advises MassDOT and other state agencies. Agenda includes remarks from Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng, a recap of 2025 and goals for 2026. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

PIONEER VALLEY MOSQUITO CONTROL: Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District meets. Agenda topics include district growth and potential new member communities, with a focus on budget impacts, staffing and operational logistics. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

NORWELL, PEMBROKE, MARSHFIELD MASSDOT: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing on a proposed project to replace the northbound and southbound bridges along Route 3, and to make roadway improvements through Norwell, Pembroke and Marshfield. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

RIDERS TRANSPORTATION ACCESS GROUP: The MBTA Riders Transportation Access Group holds a general meeting. The citizen-led group recently assumed formal oversight authority following the conclusion of the Daniels-Finegold v. MBTA settlement, taking over enforcement of long-standing accessibility commitments. RTAG now has the responsibility to monitor elevator uptime, staffing, training and other accessibility standards. The meeting includes an update on bus lane and bus stop enforcement, including discussing camera enforcement legislation. (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. | Zoom)

Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026

WBUR BREAKFAST CLUB: Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert talks with Ari Shapiro, former host of NPR’s All Things Considered, at the first event in the new "The WBUR Breakfast Club" series. The series intends to offer "behind-the-scenes conversations with newsmakers from across the country about business trends and insights for navigating complex leadership issues." Tickets are $75. (Thursday, 8 a.m., WBUR CitySpace, 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston)

ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS: Board of Allied Health Professions meets. Members will go into executive session to "discuss and evaluate the physical condition or mental health of a licensee as it relates to a licensee's petition for reinstatement." (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HOUSE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY TALKS: House members whose seats are in Division 3 of the chamber gather to weigh in on proposed energy affordability legislation (H 4744) as leaders seek to unify the body around a path forward. Discussions will center on balancing clean energy commitments with pressure to lower costs for households struggling with high utility bills. The meeting comes after House leaders paused work on the bill in November amid internal disagreement over whether affordability measures should reopen or delay the state’s 2030 emissions reduction mandates. Input from members is expected to shape next steps before the bill advances. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., House Members’ Lounge)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

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

LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION, TRANSLATION SERVICES: Operational Services Division holds a bidders' conference on a statewide contract for foreign language interpretation and translation services. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Register)

MMA CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Municipal Association kicks off its three-day annual conference, Connect 351. Registration starts at 1 p.m. and the trade show opens at 2 p.m. A Women Leading Government session at 2 p.m. features local government leaders who will discuss "hot topics" facing their communities while "eating progressively spicier hot wings," according to organizers. There's a welcome reception from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. An "equity-centered" networking reception at the Omni Boston Hotel at Seaport from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. will bring together municipal leaders, minority business owners and community stakeholders; a fireside chat includes Sen. Miranda, Sharon Select Board Chair Kiana Baskin and Boston City Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

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

HOUSE ENERGY AFFORDABILITY TALKS: House members seated in Division 4 meet to provide feedback on an energy affordability proposal (H 4744) under consideration by House leadership. The session is part of a broader series of meetings designed to collect input from across the chamber on the bill, which aims to address rising energy costs. Lawmakers from both parties are invited. The discussions unfold ahead of Gov. Maura Healey’s State of the Commonwealth address, where energy policy is expected to feature prominently. (Thursday, 2 p.m., House Members’ Lounge)

FRANKLIN CUMMINGS TECH OPENING: Franklin Cummings Tech opens its new campus in Nubian Square with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Boston Mayor Wu, Labor Secretary Jones, BlueHub Capital CEO Elyse Cherry, Preservation of Affordable Housing President and CEO Michelle Volpe and others will attend. (Thursday, 3 p.m., 1011 Harrison Ave., Roxbury)

FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session about applying to join the Family Advisory Council, which will help with the development of programs and policies. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | Register)

JOINT SESSION: House and Senate meet in a joint session for the purpose of the governor delivering her State of the Commonwealth address. Members are asked to be in their seats by 5:50 p.m. (Thursday, 6 p.m., House Chamber)

STATE OF THE COMMONWEALTH: Gov. Healey delivers her third State of the Commonwealth address, about nine months before she plans to be on November's ballot for reelection. Likely themes include affordability for residents and businesses and the Democrat governor's response to the actions of the Trump administration. A red-carpet program is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m., and Healey is scheduled to start speaking to a joint session of the Legislature at 7 p.m. Her address will be televised, broadcast on the radio, and streamed live over the internet. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., House Chamber)

GOP RESPONSE: Rep. Ken Sweezey delivers the Mass. Republican Party's response to Gov. Healey's State of the Commonwealth address. A first-term member of the House, Sweezey has been critical of the MBTA Communities Act and the withholding of state grant money from noncompliant communities. The Republican worked in forensic science for law enforcement before joining the House. He represents parts of Duxbury, Pembroke, Hanson, Halifax and Marshfield. Media can arrive starting at 7 p.m. (Thursday, 8 p.m. expected start time, MassGOP headquarters, 85 Merrimac St., Boston)

Friday, Jan. 23, 2026

MMA CONFERENCE: The second day of the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Connect 351 conference features a keynote address at 9:30 a.m. from Timothy Shriver, chair of the Special Olympics. Shriver is also CEO and founder of UNITE, which created the Dignity Index that scores political speech on a range from "dignity to contempt." Fresh off delivering her State of the Commonwealth address the night before and a week before unveiling her fiscal 2027 budget proposal, Gov. Healey speaks at around 11 a.m., according to spokesperson Karissa Hand. In a report last month, the MMA called on Beacon Hill to increase unrestricted local aid by $351 million and overhaul the parameters of Proposition 2 1/2. The Senate on Jan. 15 passed a "tax-shock bill" that will enable cities and towns to deliver relief from their own coffers to certain residents when the residential property tax levy increases by more than 10%. Healey at last year's conference unveiled a Chapter 90 reform bill and her Municipal Empowerment Act that would allow cities and towns to increase certain local-option taxes like meals and lodging. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the trade show opens at 8 a.m. The general session is at 9:30 a.m. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)

DISABILITY SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on increasing rates for general programs-disability services. The services are purchased by the Department of Developmental Services, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and MassAbility. The adjustment comes with an annualized cost of about $592,750, officials say. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

TEAM EVALUATION SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on increasing rates for team evaluation services. A team evaluation involves a multidisciplinary team assessing all areas tied to a child's "suspected need" for special education and services, according to regulations. (Friday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

YOUTH STABILIZATION SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on increasing payment rates for youth intermediate-term stabilization services. The update comes with an annualized cost of $3.3 million, according to EOHHS. (Friday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION: Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination holds a public hearing on proposed changes to its rules and procedures regulations. The update looks to improve readability and reflect the commission's current practices, including new rules around MCAD's online filing and case management system, updates to investigation and preliminary appeals processes, and "substantive changes to the rules with respect to motion practice, communications with the MCAD, and more," officials say. There will also be hearings on Jan. 26 and Jan. 28, with a deadline to submit written comments by 5 p.m. on Jan. 30. (Friday, 12 p.m., 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor, Boston | More Info)

PROSTHETIC, ORTHOTIC DEVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on rates for prostheses, prosthetic devices and orthotic devices. The changes update the effective date to July 1, 2026, but make no adjustment to current rates. EOHHS said it determined the approach "of no change to the current rates is adequate to meet the costs incurred by efficiently and economically operated facilities providing care and services in conformity with applicable state and federal laws." EOHHS added there are "no issues" tied to accessing orthotics and prosthetics services. (Friday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Access)

CARROLL CENTER FOR THE BLIND: Carroll Center for the Blind hosts a free webinar to help people learn about and better understand assistive technology. It's focused on magnification apps on iOS and Android devices. (Friday, 3 p.m. | Register)

OPEN ENROLLMENT: Friday marks the deadline to enroll in insurance coverage through the Massachusetts Health Connector. It's been a tumultuous cycle, after enhanced premium tax credits expired. As the Dec. 31 expiration deadline neared, Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier said residents contacting the call center were voicing emotional duress as they grappled with surging premiums. Then, Gov. Healey announced Jan. 8 the state would invest an additional $250 million into heavily subsidized ConnectorCare plans, ensuring 270,000 residents earning between 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level would see little to no premium increases. As of Jan. 11, more than 24,000 people had terminated coverage, which is more than double the number compared to that point last year, according to the Connector's open enrollment dashboard. More than 30,000 people have newly enrolled in coverage, which is about 3,000 fewer than this point last year. (Friday)

Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026

MMA CONFERENCE: The final day of the Massachusetts Municipal Association's Connect 351 conference features a keynote speech at 9:30 a.m. from Clarence Anthony, CEO of the National League of Cities. Ahead of that, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association holds its annual business meeting and breakfast at 8 a.m.; MIIA last year imposed double-digit rate increases due to surging cost pressures, according to MMA Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine. The MMA's annual business meeting is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Lt. Gov. Driscoll speaks at around 10:30 a.m., spokesperson Karissa Hand said. Members will vote on a resolution to strengthen the fiscal partnership between municipal and state governments in fiscal 2027, including allowing municipal aid to grow by at the least the same growth rate as state tax collections, increasing Chapter 70 school aid, fully funding the Special Education Circuit Breaker Program, passing the Municipal Empowerment Act, and granting expanded local-option flexibility for targeted property tax relief programs. The day also includes business meetings for the Massachusetts Mayors' Association, Mass. Select Board Association, Mass. Municipal Management Association and the Mass. Municipal Councillors' Association. (Saturday, Jan. 24, Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, 415 Summer St., Boston | More Info)