1-25-2026 5:10am

People, Power, and Politics

Alan Earls Editor

The head of Greater Boston's chamber of commerce offered his view of some of the policies percolating on and around Beacon Hill, staking out his organization's opposition Wednesday to proposed state-level regulation of artificial intelligence technologies.

Massachusetts could undercut one of its greatest strengths if it pursues "hasty overregulation" of AI, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce CEO James Rooney said, by both stifling homegrown innovation and repelling investments Bay State companies might otherwise land.

AI issues "are best addressed through federal regulation, ensuring consistency and clarity across jurisdictions," he said, but state-level regulations balancing business needs with consumer protections may be possible.

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!

Snow, snow, snow… snowmageddon, or “Fern” … take your pick, if you wish, either way, please be prepared.

When folks ask me what I think of the coming storm, I say that I don’t do forecasts. Seriously, I am better at reporting on what is happening, or has happened. That in and of itself, is challenging enough.

There is a collection of the alerts, and reminders, all accurate information from the trusted sources, to help prepare and deal with however much we get. You can find it on the top of the page at Franklin.news for the duration of the storm event.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/franklin-ma-storm-center-collection-for.html

Assuming the strom aftermath is relatively clean (we have power, roads are clear…) then the Monday schedule for meetings may occur. If not, there’ll be updates to the storm collection. The curbside schedule for the week has already changed to a one day delay; Monday on Tuesday, etc.

Franklin Agricultural Commission, Franklin Public Library Board of Directors, Planning Board, and Recreation Advisory Board are all scheduled for 7 PM starts in their respective locations. Of note, the Planning Board has a public hearing on the 2 minor zoning changes to bring us fully into compliance with the MBTA Community guidelines.

We were almost there when the requirements came out due to the previous “Franklin For All” project and have managed to get closer with additional changes. Assuming the Planning Board approves, then these zoning changes come back to the Town Council for their public hearing, and given recent experience, a lengthy discussion before the vote.

The School Committee meeting on Tuesday gives us the first view into the Superintendent’s Recommended FY 2027 school budget.

The Conservation Commission has its 2nd monthly normal session scheduled for Thursday.

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 1/23/26, 10:00 PM ***

Franklin Agricultural Commission Agenda

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2102

Franklin Public Library Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2108

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

(Legal notice) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2091

(Agenda) - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2106

Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

Monday, January 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01262026-2097

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group

Tuesday, January 27 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272026-2100

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, January 27 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01272026-2111

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, January 29 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/551?fileID=7563

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

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday was another marathon 5 hour session. Almost 2 hours alone on the Zoning Board of Appeal appointments, which after all was said, both passed unanimously.

Brutus Cantoreggi introduced his entire DPW team before presenting an expedited update on the overall infrastructure operations provided by the DPW departments. A few of the managers had an opportunity to step up to answer specific questions. You can find the presentation doc on the Town page

Franklin TV video is available for replay. Franklin Matters Radio will shortly have the two primary audio segments of the meeting available to listen to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSZJNniE9Gk

The Zoning Board of Appeals met for the first time with their new members on Thursday.

https://www.youtube.com/live/RBO9UPZIdZk?si=qbWcn1l52HJ1Oq6Z&t=275

The first order of business was to reorganize and the results were: Ginelle Lang was elected as Chair, Jennifer Williams as Vice-Chair, and Isabella Carter as Clerk. All votes were 3-0.

On the FPS live streaming front:

FHS boys hockey on Monday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
FHS girls basketball on Tuesday - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
Lifelong Learning Strings School concert on Thursday https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmXSt0z6Fn4
FHS boys basketball on Friday - https://www.youtube.com/live/1h7Xo2FZIDc?si=l0fyJAY82W5fF36P&t=1634

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

Senate passage of an early literacy bill is expected Thursday and House Democrats are piecing together legislation to cut costs for utility ratepayers, but the state budget moves into the picture next week in a big way. Gov. Maura Healey by Wednesday will put on the table an election-year spending plan that will call for a 4.4% increase in local aid to cities and towns and more money for food banks. Healey's fiscal 2027 budget bill could be accompanied by a fiscal 2026 supplemental budget and a bill that allocates surplus income surtax revenues. The budget will be based on 2.9% growth in tax collections, including 2.4% growth in general purpose taxes. With inflation alone poised to consume a good portion of the new money, budget tightening is expected although the allure is always strong for election-year spending increases that are often made possible by various one-time revenue grabs that pull from resources that are outside of the budget mainstream. "It's certainly a challenging growth cycle," House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz told the News Service on Thursday. "Limiting it to 2.4% without taking into account the [income] surtax, that's a little slower number than we've had in the last couple of years. I think that her budget is probably going to reflect that to some degree. Both the House and the Senate budgets will reflect that as well. So I think trying to make that work while also trying to grow our economy, I think is a challenge that we face in this cycle, and we're going to work through it together." Once the budget is filed, the House and Senate Ways and Means committees will hold a series of joint public hearings to take testimony, with the House taking up its version of the budget in April and the Senate in May. Fiscal 2027 begins July 1.

Also on the near-term horizon: A Charles River Regional Chamber forum Tuesday in Newton will explore "the next round of housing policy." The Board of Education on Tuesday plans to vote on goals for K-12 Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez for the spring of 2026 as well as regulatory changes to the Seal of Biliteracy and updates to the definition of "transcript." Healey is scheduled Thursday to deliver remarks focused on the economy and health care at separate events. The Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking plans Thursday to release its five-year statewide plan to address sex trafficking.

Sunday, Jan. 25, 2025

COLLINS ON NBC: Sen. Nick Collins of South Boston joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the network's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

DEATON ON THE RECORD: GOP U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

WATCHING YOUR WALLET ON CITYLINE: WCVB's weekly CityLine program focuses on tips for saving money and resources that can make a difference during tough financial times. Guests include the Midas Collaborative Executive Director and President Rose Francois, whose organization works to advance the financial security of low and moderate-income people. Boston Building Resources Executive Director Andrew Thompson will share how the organization’s Reuse Center and workshops are saving homeowners money. Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción CEO Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, and the organization's Financial Empowerment program Director Leesandra Merced will discuss their affordable housing, financial empowerment and arts programs. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB-TV)

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP: New England Patriots (14-3) travel to Colorado to face the Denver Broncos (14-3) with the AFC title on the line. Under a previous regime, the Patriots lost AFC title games in Denver in 2013 and 2015 but Head Coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Drake Maye are looking to reverse the franchise's fortunes in the Rocky Mountains. As the game plays out, a major snowstorm is expected to overtake Massachusetts where fans will be rooting for the Pats and against any power outages. (Sunday, 3 p.m., Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colo. | WBZ-TV)

Monday, Jan. 26, 2025

FAMILY CHILD CARE BRIEFING: Latara Owens, Massachusetts state representative for the National Association for Family Child Care, gives an overview of the organization and its work supporting family child care educators. Owens will also discuss newer grassroots efforts in Massachusetts, including the Mass. Alliance for Family Child Cares, which works to connect providers, share training and resources, and support advocacy around compensation, policy and access to care. Strategies for Children, which hosts the call, says they plan to host the call despite the weather forecast, but will post any changes to social media. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Zoom)

COMPTROLLER ADVISORY BOARD: Advisory Board to the Comptroller plans to meet remotely to review the Statutory Basis Financial Report for fiscal year 2025. State law requires the state comptroller to file the annual Statutory Basis Financial Report by Oct. 31 but the report can't be assembled until the final fiscal 2025 supplemental budget is signed. The Legislature did not close the books on fiscal 2025, which ended June 30, until mid-November. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

ELECTRICIAN EXAMINERS: Board of State Examiners of Electricians meets. Agenda includes board elections and an executive director report. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Hazardous Materials Mitigation Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a vote on new technicians and a FIFA World Cup update. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

SENATE SESSION: Senate plans to meet in an informal session. A major winter storm is expected to hit Massachusetts beginning Sunday and into Monday. Under Senate rules, Senate President Spilka may cancel a session due to an "extreme emergency" and Spilka's office said the session may be pushed to Tuesday. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream | Agenda TBA)

HOUSE CLOSED: The House will be closed on Monday and its employees were advised Friday not to report to the State House but to work remotely if they are able.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities' Long-Term Services & Supports and Health Equity Subcommittee meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation about federal impacts and budget updates from Leslie Darcy, chief of staff at the MassHealth Office of Long-Term Services and Supports. (Monday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities' Disability Employment Subcommittee meets virtually. Agenda includes a presentation from officials at State Exchange on Employment and Disability, which the U.S. Department of Labor describes as a state-federal collaboration that helps state and local governments boost employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. (Monday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)

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. (Monday, 12 p.m., 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor, Boston | More Info and Zoom)

SENATE ART COMMITTEE: Senate Art Committee meets virtually. The panel is working on selecting a woman to be honored with a statute in the Senate Chamber. Agenda includes discussing a second-round artist proposal and developing a consensus recommendation. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

NATIONAL GRID, NEW ENGLAND HOSPITAL: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on a proposed transportation service agreement between National Grid and New England Baptist Hospital. The agreement deals with the hospital's fuel plant in Roxbury. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

EARLY LITERACY AMENDMENTS: Amendments to the Senate Ways and Means Committee's early literacy bill (S 2924) are due. (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

CANCELED: Keller @ Large LIVE with Sen. Warren Due is canceled due to weather. MASSterList and State House News Service are working on a new date. Questions? Contact Dylan.Rossiter@StateHouseNews.com

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2025

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council Policy Committee meets. Agenda includes updates on resource management plans and a rodenticide request for proposal. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

REAL ESTATE FORUM: Charles River Regional Chamber holds a discussion on "the next round of housing policy" at the Chamber’s Annual Real Estate Forum. Organizers plan a brief presentation on early MBTA Communities Act results and a "candid conversation about what they mean for our communities." A housing ideas panel features Sen. Will Brownsberger, Rachel Heller of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts, and Andrew Mikula of the Pioneer Institute who is leading the push for a starter home ballot question this year. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., UMass Amherst Charles River Campus, Newton)

BOARD OF ED: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. The board plans to discuss and vote upon goals for K-12 Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez for the spring of 2026. The board will also vote on regulatory changes to the Seal of Biliteracy and updates to the definition of "transcript" in the Regulations on Student Records, as the department combes through its regulations following the 2024 ballot law that changed high school graduation standards. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 135 Santilli Highway, Everett | Agenda & Access)

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Public Health Committee holds a public hearing on two bills. A Rep. Donato proposal (H 4796) would designate organ transplant vehicles as emergency vehicles when they're transporting human organs. A bill from co-chair Rep. Decker (H 4838) looks to expand access to perimenopause and menopause care, including creating a special legislative commission, directing the Department of Public Health to develop an awareness campaign, and requiring continuing education for health care providers. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream

BLOOD DRIVE: Sen. Bill Driscoll sponsors a Red Cross Blood Drive. The event runs until 3 p.m. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public meeting. Agenda includes comments and updates from the commissioner and an executive director and commission staff report on 2025 goals. Chair Shannon O'Brien and Commissioner Kimberly Roy are slated to give an update on the Red Tape Removal Working Group. The agenda also includes an update on preliminary referrals and discussion of the regulatory process timeline for delivery exclusivity/secret shopper, along with staff recommendations on changes of ownership, renewal licenses, provisional licenses, final licenses and responsible vendor training renewals. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

MASSACHUSETTS STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION: The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Remote | For public access, contact the Lottery’s Legal Department at (781) 917-6057 or gpolin@masslottery.com)

GIC INFO SESSION: Group Insurance Commission holds an information session about the fiscal 2027 plan year. The GIC board in February plans to vote on major benefit changes to cut costs at the agency, including potentially eliminating coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, raising the surviving spouse contribution rate and increasing copays for ER and urgent care visits. Healey administration officials have instructed the GIC to cut more than $100 million in spending. Gov. Healey plans to unveil her fiscal 2027 budget proposal Wednesday. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a public hearing on a dozen bills. The docket features local matters affecting Quincy, Salem, Haverhill, Colrain, Cambridge and Boston. A Sen. Payano proposal (S 2907) aims to ensure creditable service for police officers and firefighters who were bypassed on a civil service hiring list. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

RACIAL EQUITY, CIVIL RIGHTS AND INCLUSION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights and Inclusion holds an invite-only hearing about the impact of federal policy on the racial wealth gap. Lawmakers say they're trying to assess the effects of the federal government "dismantling" diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; cuts to the federal workforce; and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will overhaul eligibility for public benefits. The committee says it also wants to understand what the Legislature can do to close the gap. Confirmed speakers include Jeff Fuhrer, formerly of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; Kim Borman of the Boston Women's Workforce Council; Kimberly Goulart of Boston Indicators; Nicole Obi of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts; Lorna Rivera of UMass Boston's Gaston Institute; Diana Westerberg of the Massachusetts Psychological Association Advocacy Committee; and Erica Lee of the Massachusetts Psychological Association. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Livestream)

PCA COUNCIL: Personal Care Attendant Quality Workforce Council meets. The direct care workforce is facing strain as federal protections for Haitian workers are expected to expire next month. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

COMMUNITY MEDIA BILL BRIEFING: Reps. Joan Meschino, Margaret Scarsdale and Sen. Jason Lewis host a briefing on a pair of bills (H 91 / S 41) that aim to modernize funding for community media by placing an annual fee on streaming entertainment operators. The bills would also create a PEG - public, educational or governmental - Access Facilities Advisory Board charged with studying and recommending an annual fee for streaming operators. The revenue from the fee would fund community access media across the state. With 250 community media centers, Massachusetts has the highest of any state, Meschino said in an email. Community media staff, local officials and statewide community media organization MassAccess are expected to attend. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room 437 | Registration)

AMERICAN REVOLUTION: Special Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution meets. Agenda includes an update from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. There will also be updates on the Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day and Sail Boston. The state has distributed nearly 60 grants this fiscal year to communities to show off their revolutionary history. "We remain focused on ensuring Massachusetts 250 is inclusive, accessible and meaningful to all our residents and visitors," Sheila Green, MA 250 coordinator at MOTT, said this week. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

GIC INFO SESSION: Group Insurance Commission holds its second information session of the day about the fiscal 2027 plan year. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. |Register)

WATER QUALITY STANDARDS: Department of Environmental Protection holds a public hearing on updating regulations for surface water quality standards. The changes update bacteria criteria for protecting human health during recreational activities like boating, remove unused classifications, and make "minor improvements and corrections," according to regulators. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Access)

HUNTING LISTENING SESSIONS: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife holds a public listening session on ways to expand hunting access in the state including allowing hunting on Sundays, hunting with crossbows and changing the minimum setback distances for hunting. Massachusetts is one of two states that bans Sunday hunting. Crossbows are only allowed for hunters with a permanent disability and recently several New England states have changed their laws to allow crossbows for deer hunting, according to MassWildlife. Also, state laws prohibit hunting within 500 feet of a dwelling or building or within 150 feet of a road. MassWildlife said other states in the region have less restrictive setbacks for archery hunting. After the listening sessions, MassWildlife plans to assess the public input and any expected effects on wildlife to inform its recommendations. Feedback may also be provided with an online form or via mail sent to 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough by 5 p.m. Feb. 6. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Zoom)

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2025

MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT REPORT RELEASE: Boston Indicators releases its report “An Early Look at the MBTA Communities Permitting Pipeline.” The report examines whether, and how, the MBTA Communities Act is helping meet the region’s housing needs. Researchers did this by assessing early data on where housing supported by the MBTA Communities Act is being proposed, permitted and constructed. Specifically, it examined a list of almost 7,000 homes that have entered the permitted pipeline in MBTA Community Zones, or moved beyond it, according to Boston Indicators. The report also looks at how many of the projects are likely to move from permitting to construction, where housing is being built relative to transit and walkable areas, how effectively as-of-right zoning is reducing permitting risk and delay as well as what these findings signal about the law’s long-term effects on the state’s housing production. (Wednesday, 5 a.m.)

MASSBIO BREAKFAST: MassBio holds its annual policy leadership breakfast on the same day that Gov. Healey unveils her fiscal 2027 budget proposal. Lt. Gov. Driscoll and MassBio CEO Kendalle Burlin O'Connell give remarks. A panel discussion with biotech CEOs John Maraganore of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Daphne Zohar of Seaport Therapeutics will dive into the "realities of advancing innovation amid shifting federal priorities and financing challenges," organizers say. Sen. DiDomenico and Rep. Kilcoyne are on a panel about how patient needs and scientific progress affect legislative priorities. DiDomenico is receiving the Ann-Margaret Ferrante Legislator of the Year Award, and House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz will speak on the tribute to the Gloucester rep who died of cancer last year. A recent MassBio report found that Massachusetts-headquartered biopharma companies in 2025 brought in their smallest venture capital haul since 2019. Last year's state biopharma sector also saw decreased merger and acquisition activity, though there was an increased number of drug candidates in the U.S. pipeline. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., 32nd floor)

CHARLES RIVER TASK FORCE: Charles River Task Force meets for a "workshop-style session" at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., 60 Temple St., Boston | Register)

PALEY AT JVS BOSTON: Workforce development agency JVS Boston holds an event called "Preparing for a Changing Workforce." Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley gives a keynote speech. Mark Melnik of the UMass Donahue Institute gives a presentation on new state workforce data. There's also a panel discussion with JVS Boston CEO Kira Khazatsky, Mass. Business Roundtable CEO JD Chesloff and Mass. Association of Community Colleges Executive Director Nate MacKinnon. The event is held at ArLab, which is run by JVS Boston and Quincy College and provides training for jobs in health care and biotechnology. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 122 Arlington St., Boston | Register | Zoom

TAUNTON DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Taunton Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

VACCINE LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING: Massachusetts Families for Vaccines hosts a legislative briefing on bills from Rep. Andy Vargas and deceased Sen. Edward Kennedy (H 2254 / S 1557) that would eliminate the religious exemption for immunizations that are required for students to attend public, private and charter K-12 school. Kennedy's bill was sent to study on Dec. 18, while Vargas's bill is under an extension order through March. 18. Three out of four families support the bills, according to a September poll from the coalition. Massachusetts vaccine policy is now splintered from federal immunization guidance, a posture pushed by the Healey administration and Legislature in response to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. upending a federal advisory panel. Massachusetts recently unveiled its own childhood immunization schedule after HHS reduced the number of recommended vaccines. (Wednesday, 10 a.m, Room 428)

MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | More Info)

HEALTHY FAMILIES TAX CREDITS BRIEFING: Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition hosts a briefing to raise awareness about tax credits available for constituents this tax season, including from the recently expanded Earned Income Tax Credit and Child and Family Tax Credit. It is co-hosted by MASSCAP, Children's HealthWatch, Greater Boston Legal Services and the state Department of Revenue. Presenters will share district-specific resources on free tax preparation sites, offer communications toolkits for policymakers and staff to help answer constituent questions, and advocate for the credits in the fiscal year 2027 budget.(Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

WALK TO THE HILL: Equal Justice Coalition holds its annual "Walk to the Hill" lobby day to advocate for expanded access to civil legal aid through the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation's budget line (0321-1600). In fiscal 2025, MLAC-funded legal aid organizations helped over 98,900 low income residents with legal issues related to housing, domestic violence, unemployment insurance, veterans, education, consumer rights and health care access. People and families with incomes at or below 125% of the poverty level — $40,187 for a family of four or $19,562 for an individual — qualify for civil legal services. MLAC is requesting $53 million, up from $51 million. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

SENATE DEMOCRAT CAUCUS: Senate Democrats plan to hold a private caucus ahead of a formal session on Thursday where they will debate legislation to reform early literacy. They could talk about amendments to the bill, the governor's annual budget proposal or a range of other topics. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)

DOI INSURANCE SESSION: Division of Insurance holds an information session about individual health care practitioner contracts with payors, including their legal and regulatory requirements. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

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

NATIONAL UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY EVENT: Treasurer Goldberg participates in an event for National Unclaimed Property Day hosted by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Remote | Access)

WATER QUALITY STANDARDS: Department of Environmental Protection holds a second public hearing on updating regulations for surface water quality standards. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2025

MHA ANNUAL MEETING: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association hosts its annual meeting, as the sector deals with cost pressures and workforce challenges and shifts in federal immigration policy. Gov. Healey gives remarks at 12 p.m., according to spokesperson Karissa Hand. A panel discussion about "recovering" and "redefining" hospitals after the Steward Health Care bankruptcy includes Dr. Alastair Bell of Boston Medical Center Health System, John Fernandez of Brown University Health and Diana Richardson of Merrimack Health; it's moderated by former Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. MHA CEO Steve Walsh and American Hospital Association CEO Rick Pollack discuss "progress, challenges, and navigating what's next" for the country's health care system. A panel about competitiveness includes JD Chesloff of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Doug Howgate of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, Jim Rooney of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Brooke Thomson of Associated Industries of Massachusetts. State policy leaders participating in a session about "where innovation meets regulation" include Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw, Undersecretary for MassHealth Michael Levine, Undersecretary for Health Amy Rosenthal and Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz. Former Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao moderates a panel about embracing possibilities for the health care sector with Aimee Brewer of Sturdy Health, Dr. Eric Dickson of UMass Memorial Health, Amy Lee of Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Dr. Kevin Tabb of Beth Israel Lahey Health. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Ave., Boston | Register)

HEALEY'S BUSINESS ADDRESS: Gov. Maura Healey delivers her annual business address to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts. The address marks the fourth consecutive year Healey has made her first economic remarks of the year to AIM, according to the organization. AIM said Healey "will discuss her business policy agenda for the upcoming year and her administration's plans to make the state more attractive and affordable," and expects an audience of more than 500 business leaders to attend. Healey's business address follows her annual State of the Commonwealth speech on Jan. 22 and her reelection campaign launch on Jan. 20, both of which focused heavily on cost-cutting and affordability. Networking begins at 8 a.m. Healey is slated to speak at 9 a.m. Media RSVP to cgeehern@aimnet.org. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Boston Marriott Newton Hotel, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton)

EDUCATION "STATE OF THE STATE": Education leaders gather at the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy's annual "Condition of Education in the Commonwealth" event. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler will give remarks. A panel conversation about the "state of education in 2026 and beyond" includes Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, K-12 Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. Additional speakers include Rennie Center Executive Director Dr. Chad d’Entremont and Director of Policy Alexis Lian. Breakfast and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Speaking program begins at 9 a.m. RSVP to crauseo@renniecenter.org. The event is part of the Rennie Center's Condition of Education week, during which the organization says it will "release new research on realigning the Commonwealth’s education standards to better prepare students for life amid profound economic, social, and technological shifts." (Thursday, 9 a.m. | UMass Club, One Beacon Street, Floor 32, Boston)

GIC INFO SESSION: Group Insurance Commission holds another information session about the fiscal 2027 plan year. The GIC board is mulling drastic benefit changes, such as eliminating coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss to tamp down on surging health care costs. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Register)

MASSACHUSETTS STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Remote | For public access, email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)

NUTRITION EDUCATION: UMass Amherst Nutrition Education program and the Boston Public Health Commission hold a webinar about an online resource for child care programs. The resource, called Go NAPSACC, can help improve nutrition, physical activity, breastfeeding and social emotional strategies. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)

SENATE FORMAL SESSION: Senate meets in a formal session. The Senate is expected to take up a bill addressing early literacy (S 2924) — a Ways and Means Committee redraft of the literacy proposal (H 4683) the House passed in October. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream and Agenda TBA | Related)

YOUTH ORCHESTRA PERFORMS: Boston Music Project youth orchestra performance, featuring the Croft School in Jamaica Plain. Rep. Sam Montano sponsors. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall and Grand Staircase)

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities' Workforce Supports Subcommittee meets. Agenda includes a presentation from leaders of the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers about a September 2025 workforce metrics survey. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING FIVE-YEAR PLAN: Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking releases its five-year statewide plan to address sex trafficking. The plan was developed by the Human Trafficking Subcommittee (Sex Trafficking Branch) of the council, in collaboration with consultants from ForHealth Consulting at UMass Chan Medical School, according to the council. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Room 157 | More Info and RSVP)

DDS SELF-DIRECTION: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council holds a webinar about results from a statewide survey on experiences using self-directed services. The Department of Developmental Services says the model enables clients and families to "create more individualized supports based on their vision and needs." (Thursday, 4 p.m. | Register)

SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER: Springfield Regional Chamber holds its annual government reception, which brings together local, state and federal officials. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House, 1305 Memorial Ave., Gate 1, West Springfield | Register)

GLOBE CLIMATE SIT-DOWN: The Boston Globe, New England Aquarium and the Lowell Institute host a conversation called "The Reshaping of New England's Seasons: What's Happening To Our Weather?" Boston Globe lead meteorologist Ken Mahan moderates a panel featuring climate reporter Sabrina Shankman, Vermont State climatologist Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, and MIT research scientist Judah Cohen. "New England’s seasons are shifting dramatically because of climate change — warmer winters, erratic springs, hotter summers, and muted autumns — as bouts of extreme weather become more prevalent," organizers wrote. "These increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are redefining our region’s identity, blurring the lines between our distinctive seasons." The panel is expected to look at the science behind those changes to better understand the weather occurring. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Simons Theatre, New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf, Boston | More Info and RSVP

BERKSHIRE GAS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Berkshire Gas Company's petition to increase gas base distribution rates. The increase would generate nearly $28 million in additional revenues. Berkshire Gas also wants to implement a five-year performance-based ratemaking plan, which would allow for base distribution rates to be adjusted annually. Regulators say Berkshire Gas wants to implement a "fee free program" to eliminate transaction fees for credit and debit cards. The utility also plans to hire more employees to "address gas safety and reliability concerns and regulatory compliance," according to regulators. In her State of the Commonwealth address, Gov. Healey vowed to oppose "big" utility rate hikes. "Bills are too high, and people are hurting," Healey said. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Greenfield Middle School, 195 St., Greenfield | More Info)

ZDENO CHARA LOGAN GATE: A JetBlue dedication ceremony is held at Terminal C Gate 33 to honor former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. The gate will feature old seats from TD Garden, a framed jersey, a Chara silhouette and photos. Attendees include Chara, JetBlue President Marty St. George, Massport CEO Rich Davey and Massport Executive Director Ed Freni. (Thursday, Time TBD, Logan Airport, Terminal C, Gate 33, Boston)

Friday, Jan. 30, 2025

MBTA COMMUNITIES REPORT: Boston Indicators holds a virtual briefing on its newly released report, "An Early Look at the MBTA Communities Permitting Pipeline." Senior Fellow Amy Dain tracked more than 100 projects and evaluated a state list of more than 7,000 new homes that are in or beyond the permitting pipeline. The report also looks at how many of the projects are likely to move from permitting to construction, where housing is being built relative to transit and walkable areas, how effectively as-of-right zoning is reducing permitting risk and delay as well as what these findings signal about the law’s long-term effects on housing production. As of Jan. 20, 165 communities have submitted and/or adopted zoning that complies with the law, according to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Officials say 137 communities have been deemed fully or conditionally compliant with the law. In her State of the Commonwealth address, Gov. Healey noted Massachusetts must add 220,000 homes by 2035 to keep up with demand. "We're not just going to meet that, we're going to beat it," she said. We've got 100,000 new homes already going, and more are on the way." (Friday, 9:30 a.m. | Register)

STONY BROOK MIDDLE SCHOOL ON THE HILL: Stony Brook Middle School visits for its Day on the Hill. Rep. Jim Arciero sponsors the event. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

PINNACLE AWARDS: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network hosts its 2026 Pinnacle Awards, honoring nine women professionals for achievements in business, government, and management. Speakers include chamber President and CEO James Rooney, Argus CEO Caitlin Dodge, and WBZ-TV anchor Lisa Hughes. Media asked to RSVP to cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Friday, 11 a.m., Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, 450 Summer St., Boston)

DOER TOWN HALL: Department of Energy Resources hosts a virtual town hall to give anyone interested a brief introduction to the department, an overview of its key initiatives for 2026, discussion of timelines and opportunities for engagement throughout the year, and a Q&A session. (Friday, 12 p.m., Register)

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