Franklin Town MA
2-08-2026 4:26am

People, Power, and Politics

On Thursday, Waymo announced its intention to bring its driverless cars to Massachusetts. There is no federal policy regulating driverless vehicles and 25 states have laws allowing them on the roads. Beacon Hill hasn't made a move on driverless cars. Legislation (H 3634 / S 2379) supported by the industry and opposed by unions would establish a "regulatory framework" for autonomous vehicles to be deployed and create an autonomous vehicle network in Massachusetts. Both bills have been in the Transportation Committee for almost a year. The committee has a March 18 to vote on the House bill under an extended deadline.

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!

More snow, more cold, ah, yes, it is winter in New England.

February also brings a beginning to the FY 2027 budget cycle. And yes, there is more daylight in the forecast so there is hope on that side. Hope not so much on the budget front especially if you were looking for prior cuts to get restored.

Tuesday, Feb 10 the School Committee holds the public hearing on their FY 2027 budget proposal. Of note, the meeting also moves to a 6 PM opening to provide sufficient time for line item review by committee and community.

Per the preview we received at the Jan 27th meeting, they will bring in a level service budget at 2.5%. Which also means cuts made last year don’t come back. Fees at this point, don’t change (up or down).

Wednesday, Feb 11, the Town Council gets the Capital budget and the 5 year fiscal forecast with plenty of info on the seriousness of our budget situation especially given the prior override failures.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen writes that using one time money to balance this budget “I have provided a model to give everyone time to strategize a game plan for the future without any department cuts or conversations about property tax increases in FY27.”

What that statement doesn’t say is

  • nothing previously cut gets restored (especially on the School budget, but also across the Town departmental budgets)
  • AND we will start out the next budget cycle (FY 2028) in the hole (by however much one time funds are used)

The Capital budget proposal is less than normal as $2 million in ‘free cash’ is held aside to help balance the (FY 2027) budget as noted above. And by kicking the can down the road again (using ‘free cash’), digs us a hole for the next budget cycle.

Fasten your seat belt for these budget conversations, they won’t be easy.

There are a number of other regular board and committee meetings scheduled for this week. Some adjusted to avoid the school vacation coming next week.

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 2/06/26, 7:00 PM ***

Franklin Housing Authority Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2126

Franklin Public Schools Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2123

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, February 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02092026-2124

Bi-County Collaborative Meeting

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 2:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2132

Franklin School Committee

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02102026-2129

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, February 10 Time: 7:00 PM 

No agenda for this session

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, February 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02112026-2130

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 2:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Charles River Pollution Control District Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2131

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/553?fileID=7915

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, February 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122026-2125

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

The School Committee conducted their brief and ‘remote only’ meeting to authorize the transfer of accounting for health care to the Town budget line 910. Franklin.news has the recap and video link

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/school-committee-votes-to-move-health.html

The Town Council conducted their shortest session of this new term in part by punting on setting goals and reserving time for a lengthy executive session to review property decisions. Franklin.News has the recap and video link

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/02/town-council-discusses-goals-hears-last.html

On the High School video performance recorded/broadcast by Franklin TV

On the Community video front

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.htm

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

STATE HOUSE and BEYOND

When she returns from a fundraising and Super Bowl trip to California, Gov. Maura Healey is scheduled Wednesday to pitch the Joint Ways and Means Committee on her fiscal year 2027 budget plan at the committee's first hearing on the $63.36 billion annual spending plan she filed in late January. The committee also expects to hear from Attorney General Campbell, Treasurer Goldberg, Secretary Galvin, Auditor DiZoglio and Inspector General Shapiro, each of whom will be able to tell lawmakers whether the budget Healey has proposed for their office will be sufficient. The governor's budget (H 2) would increase spending by 3.8% over the budget she signed last summer at a time when tax revenues are projected to grow 2.9%, federal aid is in doubt, and supplemental spending has significantly padded some accounts. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz, who will also testify, said the administration's goal in development of the budget was to limit the growth of accounts and seek efficiencies rather than have to eliminate programs. After the Ways and Means Committee concludes its series of budget hearings, the House and Senate will each redraft Healey's spending blueprint and debate their own versions, typically in April and May. Fiscal year 2027 begins July 1, but Massachusetts usually misses the annual budget deadline. Also in the week ahead: Legislative leaders are expected to make appointments to a new committee charged with reviewing 11 possible ballot questions; the Group Insurance Commission meets Thursday as it wrestles with budget imbalances and health care benefit changes affecting public employees; the Senate is poised to pass a trio of consumer protection bills affecting car buyers, certified public accountants and training pertaining to housing discrimination.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026

BOSTON WORKERS CIRCLE STUDENTS ICE RALLY: Fifth grade students from the Boston Workers Circle Center for Jewish Culture and Social Justice and their families join Neighbors United for a Better East Boston and community members to hold a rally calling for an end to ICE arrests in Massachusetts courthouses and for lawmakers to pass legislation banning the practice. (Sunday, 2:30 p.m., outside the State House)

SUPER BOWL LX: New England Patriots meet the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX for a chance to claim the NFL's championship. The Foxborough-based squad has a chance to break a tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers and win their seventh Super Bowl, which would be the most in NFL history. The Patriots have also lost five Super Bowls. Both the Patriots and Seahawks finished the regular season 14-2. Thanks to a goal line interception by Malcolm Butler, the Patriots defeated Seattle, 28-24, in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1, 2015. Gov. Healey and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson placed a friendly wager on the contest -- the losing team's governor will send the winning team's state a package of local seafood and coffee. (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. | NBC and 98.5 FM)

Monday, Feb. 9, 2026

ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS: Architectural Access Board meets. Agenda includes a review of incoming cases in Lawrence, Cambridge, Barnstable and Boston. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

POST COMMISSION: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission holds a status conference dealing with James Fermin. (Monday, 9:30 a.m. |More Info and Zoom)

XYLAZINE COMMISSION: Special Commission on Xylazine meets remotely. Agenda includes a presentation about the draft report process and feedback. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

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

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

SENATE ART COMMITTEE: Senate Art Committee meets remotely. Agenda includes a guest historian panel with Jonathan Michael Square and Donna Tesiero. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION, COLLABORATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets. Agenda includes a presentation and discussion with Massachusetts Parole Board Chair Angelo Gomez. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Agenda and Livestream

EVERETT MUNI AGGREGATION: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Everett's municipal aggregation plan. (Monday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

PIONEER VALLEY MOSQUITO CONTROL: Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District Commission meets. Agenda includes updates on the budget and a vehicle acquisition. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

YOUTH SPORTS: Youth Sports Working Group's Subcommittee on Parents, Money in Sports and Facilities meets. Members will discuss and vote on recommendations. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

SENATE AMENDMENT DEADLINE: Deadline to file amendments to three redrafted consumer protection bills advanced by the Senate Ways and Means Committee and scheduled for floor deliberations on Thursday. One of the bills (S 2945) updates the state law that protects automobile buyers in cases where substantial defects affect safety, use or value. The bill, a version of a petition by Sen. Paul Feeney and Attorney General Andrea Campbell, expands the timeline consumers have to get their vehicle inspected under the Lemon Law by allowing a buyer to cancel a sale if the vehicle doesn’t pass inspection within seven days of delivery, instead of the current timeline of within seven days of purchase. Another (S 2946) is a version of a petition from Sen. John Cronin that updates educational requirements to obtain certification as a CPA by allowing a mix of college education and work experience. It also allows CPAs licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts as long as they meet Massachusetts’ educational requirements and have passed a uniform CPA exam. Fair Housing Law training would be required for real estate agent applicants by “training them on how to avoid discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability, or age," according to a committee summary of the third bill (S 2947). The bill, a version of legislation Sen. Adam Gomez filed, would also include training as part of the license renewal process. (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

STATE HOUSE YOUTH SUMMIT: Gov. Maura Healey’s Youth Advisory Council holds a Youth Summit. There will be guest speakers and the program is meant to create a community of “civically engaged youth who are committed to youth advancement in Massachusetts,” according to organizers. Registration closed Feb. 2. (Monday, 3 p.m., Great Hall)

MERRIMACK VALLEY EDUCATORS RALLIES: Educators from across the Merrimack Valley, including teachers, paraprofessionals and higher education unions, rally against Gov. Healey’s proposals to trim spending and alter coverage at the Group Insurance Commission, including eliminating coverage GLP-1 weight loss drugs, raising ER and urgent care copays, and reducing hearing aid benefits. Ralliers will urge all GIC commissioners to vote no on these measures at their Feb. 12 meeting. (Monday, 6 p.m., North Andover Town Hall, 120 Main St., North Andover)

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026

OLLIE'S LAW: Ollie's Law Advisory Committee meets. The group, created in response to the 2024 law, is helping the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to develop standards and regulations to improve safety at commercial boarding and training kennels. Agenda includes a review of committee recommendations and a discussion of possible penalties for unlicensed kennels. Members will also review kennel regulations from other states. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

HEAD START ADVOCACY: Massachusetts Head Start Association holds an advocacy day. Senate President Karen Spilka speaks at 11 a.m. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)

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

GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulations dealing with its Investigation and Enforcement Bureau. The change would allow the commission to decide "whether to request an interim authorization report from the IEB or to proceed to a full suitability review on a case-by-case basis." Another proposed change deals with how the commission notifies patrons that their wagering activity is limited. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

PRIM INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: Massachusetts’ Pension Reserves Investment Management’s Investment Committee holds a remote public meeting chaired by Treasurer Deb Goldberg. The agenda includes an executive director and chief investment office report and votes on an asset allocation recommendation and global equity recommendations. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS APPEALS: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board meets virtually. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

REGISTRATION IN PODIATRY: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets virtually. Agenda includes an executive director report and discussion about a residency program affidavit. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

FIRE OFFICIALS GRADUATE: State Fire Marshal Jon Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership honor 43 fire chiefs and senior officers as they graduate from the four-month Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program. This year's class represents the fire departments of Ashburnham, Berkley, Blackstone, Boxborough, Brewster, Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, Charlton, Chicopee, Devens, East Bridgewater, East Longmeadow, Falmouth, Hamilton, Hatfield, Haverhill, Hopkinton, Lawrence, Longmeadow, Lynn, Mashpee, Massport, Medway, Mendon, Millville, Montague, Natick, North Attleborough, Northborough, Oak Bluffs, Pembroke, Plainville, Provincetown, Reading, Scituate, Sharon, Somerset, Walpole, Wellfleet, Wendell, Westfield, Westford and Wrentham. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 1 State Road, Stow)

BUILDING STANDARDS, REGS: Board of Building Standards and Regulations meets. Agenda includes a board counsel report, executive director report, and discussion and vote on code change proposals. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

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

FIREARMS LICENSE REVIEW BOARD: Firearms License Review Board meets remotely. The board plans to approve past meeting minutes and then go into executive session. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public meeting. The agenda includes discussion on delegation of powers to approve licenses, policy surrounding the open meeting law, and release of executive session minutes and a stipulated agreement with Assured Testing Laboratories LLC. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m. | More Info and Access)

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets virtually. Agenda includes a guidelines subcommittee update, a 2025 annual report and public comment. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

FUTURE OF PRIMARY CARE: Primary care physicians from Mass General Brigham plan to brief lawmakers on the "escalating primary care crisis in Massachusetts and its impact on patient access." Organizers say the doctors will call on lawmakers to support so-called Primary Care For You legislation and talk about "how chronic understaffing, excessive workloads, and loss of clinical autonomy are driving physicians out of primary care and limiting patient access." The doctors also plan to discuss why they voted to unionize to be represented by Doctors Council SEIU, though MGB does not recognize them as such. A Sen. Friedman primary care bill (S 867 relative to primary care for you) received a 6-0 favorable report this session from the Committee on Health Care Financing and now sits in Senate Ways and Means. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Room 437)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE CENSUS: Senate Committee on the Census meets, with a focus on how Massachusetts population trends could impact congressional representation and state redistricting. Newly released census data showed 33,340 Bay Staters left and went to other states between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025. Agenda includes an informational presentation from Susan Strate, senior manager of the UMass Donahue Institute's Population Estimates Program. Speakers are to be determined from the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: Local Government Advisory Commission meets. Agenda features remarks from Lt. Gov. Driscoll and LGAC Chair and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove. After Administration & Finance Secretary Gorzkowicz gives an update on tax revenue collections and an overview of Healey's fiscal 2027 budget, local government officials will have a chance to offer feedback and pitch their priorities. The governor's budget does not increase local aid nearly as much as municipal officials had asked for. Agenda also calls for discussion of the governor's Chapter 90 local road and bridge funding proposal and her legislative proposal to address ICE enforcement. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Agenda and Access Info)

COUNCIL ON HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS: Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness' Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services meets. Agenda includes agency updates and a presentation on the Affordable Homes Act Commission Report. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access Info)

MASS211 DAY: Senate President Spilka speaks at an event held to mark the 20th anniversary of Mass211 as the state's information and referral line. By dialing 211 from a phone in Massachusetts, residents can be connected to various health and human services, including housing, emergency shelter, child care, utility assistance, mental health support and more. Dawn Brantley from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Carrie Niemy from the Executive Office of Housing Livable Communities and Glenn Daly from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services also participate. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Grand Staircase | More Info)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON ELECTION LAWS: Joint Committee on Election Laws holds a public hearing on two ranked-choice voting bills. A Rep. Gordon bill (H 4916) deals with Bedford, while a Rep. Montaño bill (H 4262) would impact Boston. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | More Info and Livestream

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on a Rep. Barrett bill (H 4867) that deals with school choice and a Rep. O'Day bill (H 4927) that aims to protect access to applied behavioral analysis services in schools. O'Day's bill defines ABA as "evidence-based therapeutic interventions to improve socially significant behaviors and address behavioral challenges." Public, charter and private schools would be required to offer ABA services for students who are on the autism spectrum. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

CHILDREN'S LEAGUE BRIEFING: Children’s League of Massachusetts’ Family Preservation Coalition hosts a briefing with Sen. Kennedy, Rep. Livingstone, program participants, direct support staff and providers. Briefing will focus on funding of services to promote family and youth support and stabilization. Gov. Healey's fiscal 2027 budget proposes $129.6 million for the line item, compared to $139.2 million in projected fiscal 2026 spending. (Tuesday, 1:15 p.m., Room 428)

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council's Public Policy Committee meets. Attendees will learn about state and federal policy changes that affect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Tuesday, 3 p.m. | Register)

HOLYOKE VETERANS' HOME BOARD: Board of Trustees of the Massachusetts Veterans' Home at Holyoke meets. New business on the agenda includes updates from the executive director and CFO and treasurer, a DCAMM building update, and a quality/key performance indicator update. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

TEXTBOOK AFFORDABILITY: Students and MASSPIRG hold a series of news conferences across Massachusetts to release a new report on college textbook costs. The report finds that the majority of students must pay for online homework access codes, even when course materials could be free. Students, faculty, and state lawmakers, including Rep. Domb in Amherst, will speak on efforts to expand free, open-source textbooks. Locations and times include: Salem State University, 10 a.m.; UMass Amherst, 11 a.m.; UMass Lowell, 11 a.m.; and UMass Dartmouth, 2:30 p.m. (Tuesday | More Info)

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein gives an update. The council will vote on a determination of need request from Mass General Brigham Ambulatory Surgery - Cambridge, LLC to establish a freestanding ambulatory surgery center. The project would be a joint venture between Mass General Brigham and Regent Surgical Health, and is meant to tackle a backlog of patients needing an endoscopy screening. Agenda also includes a review of preliminary regulations dealing with blood screening of newborns for treatable diseases and disorders. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

ABEC AAPI CAPITAL SUMMIT: Asian Business Empowerment Council hosts its inaugural AAPI Capital Summit. The event will convene AAPI entrepreneurs, financial institutions and business support organizations focused on capital readiness and access for funding. Rising costs, tighter lending conditions and economic uncertainty are limiting immigrant and AAPI-owned businesses’ access to capital, organizers say. Economic Development Secretary Paley and ABEC senior director Q.J. Shi will give opening remarks, followed by a fireside conversation, lender presentations, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with banks, CDFIs and capital providers. “AAPI business owners are driving growth across Massachusetts, yet too many are locked out of the systems that support scale and stability,” Shi said. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Suffolk University, fifth floor, 120 Tremont St., Boston)

WORKERS' COMPENSATION ADVISORY COUNCIL: Worker's Compensation Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes an update from Department of Industrial Accidents Director Sheri Bowles, a judicial update from Senior Judge Omar Hernández, and a vital statistics update from Director of Administration Bill Taupier. The executive director's update includes talk of legislation. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access Info)

PRIM REAL ESTATE AND TIMBERLAND: Massachusetts’ Pension Reserves Investment Management’s Real Estate and Timberland Committee meets. The agenda is not available yet. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)

MVRP COOKIE DAY: Mass Alliance of HUD Tenants holds its annual Cookie Day to advocate for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. Advocates, community members and lawmakers are set to hear personal stories of those using MRVP and from lawmakers focused on affordable housing. After the speaking portion, people will head to legislative meetings to hand out house-shaped cookies. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Hall of Flags | More Info and RSVP)

PRIMARY CARE WORKFORCE MEETING: Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force, co-chaired by the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission and Executive Office of Health and Human Services, holds a Workforce Workgroup meeting. Members will discuss supporting team-based care models in primary care and the integration of behavioral health into primary care. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Livestream)

WORLDBOSTON BRIEFING: WorldBoston holds a briefing with House Committee on Federal Funding, Policy and Accountability Chair Rep. Kathy LaNatra and committee member Rep. Michelle Badger. The briefing will focus on the economic and diplomatic effect of WorldBoston's international peer-to-peer professional exchanges known as Citizen Diplomacy programs. Those planning to attend are asked to email Justin Dynia at jdynia@worldboston.org. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall)

GUV'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Craig Mulcahey, who has been nominated to become an associate justice of the District Court. Mulcahey has worked in private practice since 2004, accepted court-appointed work as a bar advocate since 2010, and spent time as an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County. (Wednesday 10 a.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors Capital Programs Committee meets. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3510, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

GUV'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney LaKeshia Parker Small, who has been nominated to become an associate justice of the Juvenile Court. Parker Small has worked since January 2024 as assistant clerk magistrate in Norfolk Juvenile Court, and for nearly a decade worked as assistant regional counsel at the Department of Children and Families. She began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in Suffolk County. (Wednesday 11 a.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

FIRST BUDGET HEARING: Gov. Healey is scheduled to pitch the Joint Ways and Means Committee on her fiscal year 2027 budget plan at the committee's first hearing on the $63.36 billion annual spending plan she filed in late January. The committee also expects to hear from Attorney General Campbell, Treasurer Goldberg, Secretary Galvin, Auditor DiZoglio and Inspector General Shapiro, each of whom will be able to tell lawmakers whether the budget Healey has proposed for their office will be sufficient. The governor's budget (H 2) would increase spending by 3.8% over the budget she signed last summer at a time when tax revenues are projected to grow 2.9%, federal aid is in doubt, and supplemental spending has significantly padded some accounts. Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz, who will also testify, said the administration's goal in development of the budget was to limit the growth of accounts and seek efficiencies rather than have to eliminate programs. Unrestricted local aid, Chapter 70 school aid and other education spending, health and human services (HHS) spending, and debt service together eat up about 80% of the bill. Just the combination of MassHealth ($22.7 billion gross, net state cost of $9.3 billion) and other HHS spending adds up to about half of the budget, officials said. The governor's budget was built on an estimate that Massachusetts will collect $44.9 billion in tax revenue, 2.9% more than is expected to come in this year, in fiscal 2027. It also goes beyond that consensus revenue accord to assume the Legislature will pass her tax conformity delay bill, which would make about $108 million available to her in the budget. It also uses about $1 billion in one-time revenues. For municipalities, the budget dedicates $10.4 billion across local aid accounts, marking a $438.5 million, or 4.4%, increase over fiscal year 2026's budget. Healey's budget fully funds the final year of the Student Opportunity Act with $7.6 billion in Chapter 70 aid. That represents a $242 million increase over fiscal 2026 and would guarantee a minimum per-pupil aid of $75 for all school districts, the administration said. After the Ways and Means Committee concludes its series of budget hearings, the House and Senate will each redraft Healey's spending blueprint and debate their own versions, typically in April and May. Fiscal year 2027 begins July 1, but Massachusetts usually misses the annual budget deadline. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Access and More Info)

ELEVATOR EXAMINERS: Board of Elevator Examiners meets. Agenda includes approval of applications for the upcoming Massachusetts State Elevator Mechanic's License Examination. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access

PERAC COMMISSISION: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission meets. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 10 Cabot Road, Suite 300, Medford | More Info)

GUV'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance holds an event about upcoming construction projects, bidding laws and certification. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

GUV'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Paul Anthony, who has been nominated to become an associate justice of the District Court. The veteran criminal defense attorney would bring nearly three decades of experience as a solo practitioner if confirmed. He has been a member of the Suffolk Lawyers for Justice program since 1997, and was a professional ice hockey player in France in 1988 after playing at Salem State College. (Wednesday 1 p.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Livestream)

ATHLETIC COMMISSION: State Athletic Commission meets. Agenda includes executive director and board counsel reports, as well as applications for roles including boxing judge and boxing referee. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

DOI BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Division of Insurance holds an information session on behavioral health for children and adolescents. An evening session will also be held at 6 p.m. A DOI bulletin says insurers must provide mental health benefits on a "non-discriminatory basis." (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

EARLY ED AND CARE: Board of Early Education and Care meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., 50 Milk St., Boston | More Info and Livestream)

EV PROGRAMS: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on electric vehicle supply equipment plans from Eversource, National Grid and Unitil. Officials say the plans are meant to help with "the deployment of right-of-way or pole-mounted electric vehicle supply equipment." The DPU is also seeking public comment on EV charging infrastructure proposals from Eversource and National Grid.(Wednesday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Investment Committee meets. Agenda topics include the BioBoost, Pathmaker and Biobank awards. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

HEALTH CARE SERVICES BOARD: Health Care Services Board within the Department of Industrial Accidents meets. Agenda includes a presentation about treatment of traumatic brain injuries. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Access Info)

DUXBURY POWDER POINT BRIDGE: MassDOT hosts its third public information meeting about the Powder Point Bridge Replacement project in Duxbury. The agency plans to present early design concepts to the community and gather feedback. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Duxbury High School Cafeteria, 71 Alden St., Duxbury | More Info)

METROWEST CHAMBER RECEPTION: Senate President Karen Spilka speaks at the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce's Annual Legislative Reception. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Framingham)

EARLY CHILDHOOD BUDGET BREAKDOWN: Strategies for Children and Neighborhood Villages hold a Zoom to review Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal focusing on funding for early education and care. Organizers noted specific investments for early education and care in Healey’s $63.36 billion budget, including: level funding of $475 million for Commonwealth Cares for Children operational grants; a $233 million increase for the Child Care Financial Assistance program to account for a fiscal 2026 reimbursement rate increase; a $11.45 million increase for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative; and level funding of $20 million for both Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and Head Start. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. | Registration)

LOWELL CONSTRUCTION: MassDOT hosts a virtual meeting to present the design for the proposed connector reconstruction from Thorndike Street to Gorham Street in Lowell. Among other details, the proposed project would reconstruct the intersection of the Lowell Connector at Gorham Street, replacing the existing traffic signal with a roundabout. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

QUALITY AND PATIENT SAFETY: Board of Registration in Medicine's Quality and Patient Safety Committee meets. Agenda includes a public session featuring educational outreach and membership before the committee goes into executive session. (Thursday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

GROUP INSURANCE COMMISSION: Group Insurance Commission meets and is expected to vote on benefit changes for the fiscal 2027 plan year. Commissioners last month pushed back against a proposed staff change to eliminate coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, warning the move could worsen health disparities. Other potential changes involve increasing co-pays and the surviving spouse contribution rate. The GIC, which last year ran out of money to pay claims partly due to the costly GLP-1 drugs, is supposed to find $120 million in savings this budget cycle. The supplemental budget Gov. Healey filed Jan. 2 contains $300 million for the GIC, which she attributed to "higher-than anticipated utilization and pharmaceutical expenses." The administration projects the GIC will need that funding by April 30 to continue paying claims. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

HEALTH CONNECTOR: Massachusetts Health Connector Board meets. The authority continues to grapple with the impact of expired federal tax credits, which sharply increased the number of Bay Staters turning to unsubsidized coverage options. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. Agenda includes a report from DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle and a presentation from the Western Mass Climbers Coalition. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

MBTA AUDIT AND FINANCE: MBTA Board’s Audit and Finance Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)

PRIM ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT: Massachusetts’ Pension Reserves Investment Management’s Administration and Audit Committee holds a meeting chaired by Treasurer Deb Goldberg. The agenda is not yet available. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info)

YMCA ADVOCACY DAY: Alliance of MA YMCAs hosts its annual advocacy day, which features celebration of the YMCA's 175th anniversary with citations from the governor, Senate, and House. The organization will recognize Senate President Spilka, Rep. Barber and retiring Greater Boston Food Bank CEO Catherine D'Amato. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

MA CLUBHOUSE COALITION: Massachusetts Club House Coalition holds its legislative advocacy day. The coalition is a nonprofit focused on helping those with long-term mental illness find employment, housing, education and support through dozens of recovery and rehabilitation centers called clubhouses. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

WOMEN’S BAR ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: Women’s BAR Association of Massachusetts hosts its annual legislative breakfast. Speakers include Sens. Cindy Friedman and Patricia Jehlen, and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus ahead of a formal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office)

SENATE: Senate holds a formal session with plans to take up three consumer protection bills the Senate Ways and Means Committee has advanced in a redrafted form. One of the bills (S 2945) updates the state law that protects automobile buyers in cases where substantial defects affect safety, use or value. The bill, a version of a petition sponsored by Sen. Paul Feeney and Attorney General Andrea Campbell, expands the timeline consumers have to get their vehicle inspected under the Lemon Law by allowing a buyer to cancel a sale if the vehicle doesn’t pass inspection within seven days of delivery, instead of the current timeline of within seven days of purchase. Another (S 2946) is a version of a petition from Sen. John Cronin that updates educational requirements to obtain certification as a CPA by allowing a mix of college education and work experience. It also allows CPAs licensed in other states to practice in Massachusetts as long as they meet Massachusetts’ educational requirements and have passed a uniform CPA exam. Fair Housing Law training would be required for real estate agent applicants by “training them on how to avoid discrimination against potential buyers or renters based on demographics like race, national origin, religion, disability, or age," according to a committee summary of the third bill (S 2947). The bill, a version of legislation Sen. Adam Gomez filed, would also include training as part of the license renewal process. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

MBTA SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT: MBTA Board’s Safety, Health & Environment Subcommittee meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., State Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: Office of Outdoor Advertising of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation holds a meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Conference Rooms 5 and 6, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info and Register)

FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Department of Fire Service's Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, legislative update, academy activities report, a policy presentation/adoption and a live burn policy revision. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Boards and Commissions Room, Department of Fire Services, 1 State Road, Stow | Agenda)

SMALL BUSINESS ADMIN: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Strong initiative hosts an event with Shelly Gillis, outreach and marketing specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration's Massachusetts District Office. Gillis will discuss programs and services that are available for start-ups and existing businesses. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS: Reps. LaNatra and McMurtry and Sen. Oliveira host a briefing on registered apprenticeship "success stories." Labor leaders, apprentices and sponsors from "traditional" and "expansion" industries will be on hand. Other attendees include Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones, Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler and Division of Apprentice Standards Lara Thomas. The Healey administration last month announced employers offering apprenticeship programs with AI-related credentials can qualify for a state tax credit worth up to $4,800 per participant. (Thursday, 1 p.m., House Members Lounge)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON STATE ADMINISTRATION AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHT: Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight holds a public hearing on three bills. A Rep. Rogers bill (H 5047) would allow the state to take the Norwood Hospital land parcel by eminent domain. The former Steward Health Care hospital was being rebuilt after catastrophic flooding in 2020, but Steward walked away from the property during bankruptcy proceedings. Rogers' office told the News Service last month that negotiations are ongoing between hospital owner Medical Properties Trust and other operators about finishing construction and reopening the facility. The bill offers another path to open the hospital should negotiations fall through. Also on the docket is a Sen. DiDomenico bill (S 2922) enabling the state to grant an easement to Eversource to clear land for installing electric transmission and distribution infrastructure near Magazine Beach and the Charles River. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Room B-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

CONTENT ACCESSIBILITY: Massachusetts Digital Service holds a free, virtual Content Lab session about accessibility practices for content authors. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | More Info and Register)

ENERGY PROCUREMENT: Foley Hoag and Renew Northeast host a discussion on clean energy procurement strategies and how each intersects with consumer affordability. Foley Hoag's Peter Ross and Renew's Francis Pullaro participate. (Thursday, 2:30 p.m., Foley Hoag, 155 Seaport Blvd., Boston | Register)

BARRE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public hearing to present the design for the proposed bridge on Old Coldbrook Road over the Prince River in Barre. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Barre Town Hall, Selectboard’s Room, 40 West St., Barre | More Info)

MA CITIZENS FOR LIFE WEBINAR: Massachusetts Citizens for Life holds a webinar with Monica Snyder, executive director of Secular Pro-Life, focused on how to engage with abortion supporters as well as a live Q&A. (Thursday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Registration)

MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board meets. Time TBA. (Thursday | More Info)

HEALTH CARE AFFORDABILITY: Health Care Affordability Working Group meets privately for the first time. Gov. Healey announced the group's formation last month to tackle cost pressures that are straining the health care system. Healey wants recommendations by June. Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz, who's on the work group, said Thursday that he committed "our staff, our resources, our data, our evidence, our 12 years of policy recommendations to help support this important effort." The group's reporting deadline falls about a month before the end of scheduled formal sessions for 2026. (Thursday)

Friday, Feb. 13, 2026

NATIONAL DONOR DAY: New England Donor Services, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell, Sen. Dooner, a local heart donation recipient and the donor family hold an event to honor National Donor Day, which is on Valentine’s Day. Dooner is set to give remarks along with Irene Frechette, grandmother of an organ donor, and Kenny Laferriere, a heart recipient and NEDS Hospital Donation strategist. NEDS says it set a new record for organ donations and transplant in New England with 640 deceased donors contributing to 1,692 transplants in 2025. Since 2020, NEDS says it has also raised the number of organ transplants from New England donors by 65%. (Friday, 11 a.m., Taunton City Hall, 15 Summer St., Taunton)

LONG-TERM CARE HEARING: Department of Public Health holds a public hearing on proposed regulations tied to the 2024 long-term care law intended to improve oversight and standards at long-term care facilities. The law requires DPH to review facilities' outbreak response plans, develop staff training, inspect facilities every 12 months and conduct suitability reviews on any management company and long-term care facility looking to enter into an agreement. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

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