Franklin Town MA
2-22-2026 4:46am

People, Power, and Politics

Chicopee says it will be the first municipality to take advantage of the authority extended last year for cities and towns to deploy cameras to catch people who illegally pass stopped school buses.
 City officials plan a press conference next Wednesday to demo what they say will be "Massachusetts’ first citywide school bus stop-arm safety program," powered by a technology company called BusPatrol. Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill in January 2025 allowing cities and towns to install monitoring technology on school buses to record vehicles that fail to stop when required, like when a bus is stopped to pick up or drop off students.

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!

From a quiet week to a full week of meetings

Another winter storm on the way seems to confirm that the ground hog did see his/her shadow.

If it gets to be a blizzard or not, we’ll find out as it arrives. In any case, we do have a full set of meetings for this week coming off the school vacation week.

The Agricultural Commission, Library Board of Directors and Planning Board are all scheduled for Monday.

Tuesday has the School Committee scheduled for their formal vote on the FY 2027 budget. The budget book and all the budget details you may want are now available on the School Budget page.

Wednesday has the Finance Committee scheduled to meet to look at a couple of financial funding options for an emergency replacement of one of the fire trucks due to frame corrosion. Also scheduled for their review is the updated 5 year fiscal forecast. Hopefully there will be a more earnest discussion on this than we saw at the Town Council meeting Feb 11.

The Council on Aging and the 250th Anniversary Celebration committees are also scheduled to meet on Wednesday.

The Conservation Commission closes out this meeting week with their regular session on 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 2/20/26, 6:00 PM ***

Franklin Agricultural Committee Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2140

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2147

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, February 23 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02232026-2149

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2151

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 24 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242026-2148

Council on Aging Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 11:00 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2153

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152

250th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee on Events and Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, February 25 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2141

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, February 26 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/559?fileID=8093

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

The only Franklin TV meeting broadcast during the past week was the short Zoning Board of Appeals session on Thursday. In the approx. 6 minute remote only session, the Board approved 2 sets of minutes for their prior meetings, and continued the one item per request from the homeowner to the March 5 meeting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ba6xwcXdBA

On the FHS live streaming front, the following were broadcast and are available on YouTube:

On the All Access front we can share the following:

The Franklin Ridge Senior Housing presentation and Q&A session at the Franklin Senior Center on Feb 6 is now available for viewing via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sD2t0uiwSY

On the Public Radio front, we have the following new shows to share

Franklin Matters Radio:

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

.Working together but apart, Democratic legislative leaders are slowly revealing a broad but somewhat disconnected legislative agenda with six months remaining for scheduled formal sessions this year. The major bills closest to final approval aim to improve sagging literacy levels among the state's youngest learners, and stabilize cannabis industry regulation while making it possible for consumers to buy more marijuana in one visit to the store. The Senate on Thursday plans to pass its version (S 2962) of House-approved legislation (H 4769) dedicating income surtax funds to finance long-term public higher education campus upgrades. Gov. Maura Healey, state representatives and education and transportation interests are waiting on top House Democrats to roll out a plan to appropriate surplus surtax revenue from the fiscal year that ended eight months ago. With a new month around the corner, annual budget hearings are on a hiatus until March 9. House Democrats continue to work on energy affordability and immigration-related legislation -- a public forum on Thursday will explore the PROTECT Act -- while Senate Democrats are trying to come up with housing production and primary care legislation. The House has held just two formal sessions over the first seven weeks of 2026, and Thursday's formal session will mark the fourth time this year that senators have gathered for major legislating. Joint committees have rendered verdicts on scores of bills but nearly 2,000 pieces of legislation are creating logjams in two committees, with 879 listed Friday in House Ways and Means and 1,014 in Senate Ways and Means. Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano are set to make a rare joint public appearance Wednesday at a discussion moderated by Jon Keller and hosted by MASSterList and State House News Service/State Affairs. They'll share their insights the morning after Healey addresses business leaders and on the heels of President Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night. The House plans to hold a formal session Wednesday afternoon.

Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026

DIZOGLIO ON THE RECORD: Auditor Diana DiZoglio joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

RESOURCES FOR HOMELESSNESS: WCVB's CityLine program focuses on community resources to fight homelessness. Pine Street Inn Executive Director Lyndia Downie will discuss surging demand this winter; Boston Health Care for the Homeless founding physician Dr. Jim O'Cnnell will reflect on the organization's work; and CEO of Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Leah Bradley will share information about the alliance's mission and programs. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB)

TREASURERS CONFERENCE: Treasurer Goldberg will attend the 2026 National Association of State Treasurers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. (Sunday through Tuesday | Washington, D.C.)

Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS BOARD: Architectural Access Board meets. Agenda includes an incoming case review, with properties located in Somerville, Cambridge, Worcester and Holyoke. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

EXAMINERS OF ELECTRICIANS: Board of State Examiners of Electricians meets. Agenda includes executive director and legal counsel reports, as well as a review of license applicants. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission holds a regulatory hearing on extending the exclusive availability of certain license types to Economic Empowerment applicants and Social Equity Program participants for another three years. The change applies to licenses for marijuana couriers, marijuana delivery operators and microbusinesses with delivery endorsements. Other regulatory changes deal with the CCC collecting data for social consumption licenses, and allow the CCC to use secret shoppers as part of enforcement efforts. (Monday, 10 a.m., CCC headquarters, Union Station, 2 Washington Square, Worcester | More Info and Access)

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

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

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 on a Department of Public Health center that offers training and technical assistance for MassHealth CARES for Kids provider teams. CARES is a case management service for children and youth with complex medical and social needs. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Register)

BRIGHT ACT AMENDMENT DEADLINE: Senators face a 2:30 p.m. deadline to file amendments on a $3.28 billion bond bill (S 2962) known as the BRIGHT Act that the Senate plans to take up Thursday. The bill would authorize up to $2.5 billion in special obligation bonds for repairing buildings across the state’s 29 public colleges and universities. It would also create a new Commonwealth Public Higher Education Capital Projects Fund credited annually with $125 million in income surtax revenues. The House took up its $3.275 billion version of the bill (H 4769) in November and passed it 148-5 after attaching a $370.5 million amendment packed with earmarks for college projects around the state. Gov. Healey proposed her version of the bill (H 54) in January 2025, urging the Legislature to address campus infrastructure built in the 1970s that is "unable to meet modern demands." (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

CABO VERDEAN CULTURAL CENTER: Special Commission on Cabo Verdean Cultural Center meets. Agenda includes introductions for 12 newly appointed members, an overview of the commission's mission, and a planning discussion for upcoming listening sessions. (Monday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Access)

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE HEARING: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife hosts a hearing on emergency regulations dealing with hunting and tagging of deer. The changes remove the on-island deer check requirement, remove the visibility requirement for unchecked harvested deer, extend the winter season in certain zones, and create an additional primitive and archery deer hunting season. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MINOGUE IN SANDWICH: Republican candidate for governor Mike Minogue stops by the Sandwich Republican Town Committee caucus. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., JD Burgers, 280 Route 130, Sandwich)

FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE HEARING: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife hosts a hearing on proposed regulatory changes, including eliminating the use of natural deer-based lures and scents, adding a second day to the Youth Deer Hunt, opening deer hunting in January in certain zones, and changing the start of archery season. Written public comment will be accepted through March. 9. (Monday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Access)

TREASURERS CONFERENCE: Treasurer Goldberg will attend the 2026 National Association of State Treasurers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. (Sunday through Tuesday | Washington, D.C.)

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

BOARD OF ED: Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets. Members will receive a briefing on the state’s Literacy Launch strategy, including PRISM grants, expanded Literacy Launch Institutes and coaching, educator preparation program reviews, and a $25 million high-dosage tutoring expansion serving more than 10,000 students. The board will also vote on whether to solicit public comment on proposed regulations tied to the Protect Education Equity Act, a 2025 law requiring updated special education discipline regulations and establishing statewide standards for interpretation and translation services in public schools. Members plan to vote on amendments to special education discipline procedures and new translation standards. Additional agenda items include an education budget update and a report on grants approved by the commissioner. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | 135 Santilli Highway, Everett | Livestream)

AMUSEMENT ADVISORY BOARD: Division of Occupational Licensure's Amusement Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes an agency update and amusement industry kickoff presentations. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 1 Federal St, Sixth floor, Room 6008, Boston | Agenda and Access)

HEALEY AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Gov. Healey speaks at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce forum, followed by a fireside chat with Chamber CEO Jim Rooney. The governor will be fresh off her trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Governors Association's winter meeting, and the Supreme Court's decision to strike down President Trump's could be a talking point. Healey last month filed a $63.36 billion budget for fiscal 2027, representing a 3.8% increase over last year's budget. The state continues to grapple with surging health care and housing costs, and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed August is leaving for the private sector. (Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., Westin Boston Seaport, 425 Summer St., Boston | Register)

BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS: Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts holds an advocacy day to raise awareness for its legislative agenda and the needs of those facing a brain injury. There will also be an “Unmasking Exhibit” for viewing on the fourth floor of the State House. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | Registration)

MERIT RATING BOARD: Merit Rating Board meets. The board maintains and updates individual driving records and reports the information to auto insurers and agencies. Agenda includes an update from board Director Sonja Singleton and an update about written warnings from Michael Powers of the Division of Insurance. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register and Agenda)

CORI TRAINING: Department of Criminal Justice Information Services holds Criminal Offender Record Information training virtually, which includes a brief overview of CORI laws and regulations for non-criminal justice agencies using CORI. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Access)

YOUTH SPORTS: Youth Sports Working Group meets. Agenda includes a discussion on recommendations and a potential vote on a report from the Subcommittee on Children. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC WORKERS GIC RALLY: Public employees rally in Boston and Springfield against benefit changes to Group Insurance Commission plans. The GIC, which provides health insurance for more than 460,000 public employees and retirees, could vote later in the week on raising deductibles and copays as well as eliminating GLP-1 coverage for weight loss. As it seeks to rescue the commission this year with an emergency appropriation, the Healey administration also tasked the GIC with slashing $120 million in fiscal 2027, which begins on July 1. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. in front of the State House | 4 p.m. at Gov. Healey's regional office, 436 Dwight St., Springfield)

EARLY ED DATA: Data Advisory Commission on Early Education and Care meets. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Access)

FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Financial Services holds a public hearing on a Rep. Peisch measure (H 4914) with updates to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, a Rep. Rogers bill (H 5112) to prevent insurance discrimination based on genetic information, and a Sen. Payano proposal (S 2921) offering a framework for travel insurance, including licensing requirements for insurance providers. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

CHELSEA VETS HOME BOARD: Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Superintendent Christine Baldini, department reports, and a report from CFO John Couillard. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 100 Summit Avenue, Long-Term Care Building, First Floor, Chelsea | Access and Agenda)

MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS: Reps. Barber and Livingston and the Mass NOW advocacy group host a legislative briefing on the "I AM Bill" (H 4611), which would ensure access to free menstrual products in schools, shelters and correctional facilities. The bill was sent to the House Ways and Means Committee on Dec. 4. The Senate passed its version of the bill (S 2640) on Oct. 16, and the House referred the measure to the Health Care Financing Committee. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., House Members Lounge)

THE ARC BRIEFING: Arc of Massachusetts hosts a briefing on the fiscal 2027 budget and its impact on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Speakers include Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Chairs Sen. Kennedy and Rep. Livingstone, as well as self-advocates and family members. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Room 428)

KINZINGER AT TUFTS: Former U.S Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an Illinois Republican, speaks at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life as part of the Solomont Speaker Series. He will discuss his career in Congress, including serving on the committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The conversation will be moderated by Alan Solomont, dean emeritus of Tisch College and former U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra. Media interested in attending should email Robin Smyton: robin.smyton@tufts.edu, 617-627-5392. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., ASEAN Auditorium in the Cabot Intercultural Center, 170 Packard Ave., Medford | More Info)

MARINE FISHERIES HEARING: Division of Marine Fisheries holds a public hearing on proposed regulations that affect the management of commercial fisheries for summer flounder, black sea bass, scup, horseshoe crab and sea scallop. The changes also deal with permitting and recreational bluefish limits. Written public comment will be accepted through Feb. 27. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 101 Academy Dr., Buzzards Bay | More Info and Access)

CHILD CARE BUSINESS INCUBATOR: State and local officials and community leaders mark the opening of the Family Childcare Success Project’s new incubator space at the Guild of St. Agnes’ Granite Street child care center. This is the first incubator of its kind in Central Massachusetts, designed to help licensed family child care providers overcome hurdles in creating small businesses, according to organizers. The incubator will offer a space for educators to operate child care businesses in two unused classrooms for up to two years while they find a permanent location. Attendees include: Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, Sen. Michael Moore, and Reps. Daniel Donahue, Mary Keefe and John Mahoney as well as Leslie Baker, program director for Seven Hills Foundation’s Center for Childcare Careers, Sharon MacDonald CEO and president of the Guild of St. Agnes and Amy Shei, CEO and president of the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Guild of St. Agnes 129 Granite St., Worcester)

BUDGET FORMATION DISCUSSION: Sen. Jason Lewis hosts “Community Conversation: Massachusetts Budget 101” on how the state budget is drafted. Panelists include Christopher Marino, assistant secretary for budget in the Executive Office for Administration and Finance and Viviana Abreu-Hernandez, president of MassBudget. Viewers will be able to ask questions through a live chat. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Live Stream)

MINOGUE IN PLYMOUTH: Republican candidate for governor Mike Minogue stops by the Plymouth Republican Town Committee caucus. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth)

MONTAGUE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing about a proposed project that would replace the structurally deficient bridge carrying North Leverett Road over the Sawmill River in Montague. The proposed work includes replacing the bridge superstructure and substructure, reconstructing roadway approaches, improving drainage, and installing safety features consistent with agency standards. (Tuesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

STATE OF THE UNION: President Trump will deliver the first formal State of the Union address of his second administration before a joint session of Congress, outlining the state of the nation and his legislative priorities for the coming year. House Speaker Mike Johnson invited Trump to deliver the address and praised his leadership, saying the country “stands stronger, freer, and more prosperous.” (Tuesday, 9 p.m., U.S. Capitol | Broadcast on major networks including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, NPR, PBS, and via online streaming)

TREASURERS CONFERENCE: Treasurer Goldberg will attend the 2026 National Association of State Treasurers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. (Sunday through Tuesday | Washington, D.C.)

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

BRISTOL MOSQUITO CONTROL: Bristol County Mosquito Control Commission meets. Agenda includes a fiscal 2026 budget review, end-of-year reports and a spring aerial larvicide update. (Wednesday, 7 a.m., 38R Forest St., Attleboro | Agenda and Zoom)

MASSTERLIST, SHNS HOST SPILKA, MARIANO WITH KELLER: MASSterList and State House News Service host Keller @ Large LIVE with Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Ron Mariano. The forum comes in the thick of fiscal 2027 budget season and amidst a flood of ballot questions and an election year gathering momentum. Massachusetts residents, businesses and Beacon Hill are contending with an array of affordability issues -- from health care to utility bills and housing -- that are straining budgets and causing thousands of Bay Staters to leave Massachusetts altogether. The branches are ironing out cannabis reform legislation in conference committee, and negotiations are expected to start soon on literacy education bills. Spilka and Mariano have resisted Auditor Diana DiZoglio's attempts to probe the Legislature under the 2024 voter law, and DiZoglio recently sued the top Democrats over the impasse. Two of the ballot questions target the Legislature directly by subjecting most records from the governor and Legislature to the public records law and reforming the stipend system that legislative leaders use to dole out extra pay to those assigned additional duties. Doors open for networking and light refreshments at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program at 9:30 a.m. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Pl., Boston | Register)

MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL: Governing Council of the Mass Cultural Council meets. Agenda includes chair, executive office, public affairs, business operations and program operations reports. The council also plans to cover the extension of a strategic plan, conflicts of interest and additional fiscal 2026 grant recommendations. The council's acting executive director is David Slatery, who started in the role on Jan. 1 after working as deputy executive director of the agency for over 13 years and the planned departure of former executive director Michael Bobbitt. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Livestream | Agenda)

MSBA BOARD: Treasurer Goldberg will chair a remote meeting of the Massachusetts School Building Authority Board. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Public access: contact Maria.Puopolo@MassSchoolBuildings.org)

PALEY AT AIM: Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley will deliver keynote remarks at an Associated Industries of Massachusetts Commonwealth Conversation, addressing business leaders on the state’s economic outlook, followed by a discussion with AIM President and CEO Brooke Thomson. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Amazon, 101 Main St., Cambridge | RSVP required)

RARE DISEASE DAY FORUM: MassBio hosts a Rare Disease Day Forum, which will focus on advancements in gene therapies and connecting patients to timely treatments. MassBio Chief Business Officer Laura Hamilton gives opening remarks. An update from the Rare Disease Advisory Council features Sen. Feeney and Rep. Livingstone. Peter Marks, former director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, gives a keynote on advancing rare disease innovation. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., MassBioHub, 700 Technology Sq., 5th floor, Cambridge | Register)

ADDP BUDGET FORUM: Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers hosts a legislative budget forum on the state of the human services workforce and the potential impact of federal Medicaid cuts on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and brain injuries. Attendees will hear from providers, advocates and families about the importance of their experiences with residential care and day services, and Sen. John Velis will be honored as ADDP’s 2025 “Senator of the Year.” (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. | Great Hall)

CHICOPEE BUS STOP-ARM PROGRAM: Chicopee leaders announce the state’s first school bus stop-arm safety program with BusPatrol. Each day, motorists illegally pass school buses more than three times per day, per bus, according to organizers who cited a recent pilot program in the state. Mayor John Vieau, school superintendent Marcus Ware, state elected officials and representatives from Bus Patrol will give remarks and demonstrate the technology. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Chicopee Comprehensive High School parking lot, 617 Montgomery St., Chicopee)

HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to meet in a formal session. Speaker's office did not specify the chamber's plans for the session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

TECHNICAL RESCUE COORDINATING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Technical Rescue Coordinating Council meets. Agenda includes discussion of committee correspondence, subcommittee reports on equipment, membership, policy and training, regional reports, and a legislation update. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

DISTRICT COURT NOMINEE: Governor's Council holds a hearing for attorney Shelly-Ann Sankar, who has been nominated to become an associate justice of the District Court. Sankar is first assistant clerk magistrate at the Springfield District Court. She previously worked as assistant clerk in charge of jury and an assistant clerk-magistrate in Springfield, and earlier in her career worked as an assistant district attorney in Hampden County. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber, Room 360 | Youtube Livestream)

HOUSE DEMOCRATS: House Democrats meet in a private caucus ahead of roll calls at a formal session. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Hearing Rooms A-1 and A-2)

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

MASSDOT BOARD: Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | More Info)

AUTHOR TALK: State Library of Massachusetts hosts a talk with author Anthony Jack on his book, "Class Dismissed: When Colleges Ignore Inequality and Students Pay the Price." The book explores higher education and diversity following the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly how "universities are undeserving their minority populations," according to the State Library blog. Jack is an associate professor of higher education leadership at Boston University. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 |More Info and Livestream)

DOI INFO SESSION: Division of Insurance holds its latest information session, with a focus on provider managed care processes. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

HIGH-DOSAGE TUTORING WEBINAR : Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education and Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Research and Reform hold a virtual webinar presenting findings on early literacy high-dosage tutoring. Last year, state leaders allocated $25 million to bring high-dosage tutoring to thousands of students. MBAE says the investment was based on an evaluation by Johns Hopkins of a high-dosage tutoring program during the 2023-2024 school year that showed tutored students gained at least five months of additional learning compared to national averages. The model has continued to be effective, according to a new Johns Hopkins assessment of experiences during the 2024-2025 school year. The webinar will focus on the latest findings on high-dosage tutoring, the statewide rollout of programs and considerations for future state investments. More details and speakers to be announced. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Register)

DISABILITY POLICY BRIEFING: Disability Policy Consortium hosts its annual legislative briefing. The hybrid event will feature speakers who plan to share lived experience and updates on bills including wheelchair repair reform, health care anti-discrimination and affordable, accessible housing, according to DPC. This year marks the consortium's 30th anniversary. CART and ASL interpreters will be provided at the event. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Room 428 | Register)

LIFE SCIENCES BOARD: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Board of Directors meets. Agenda includes a report from CEO Kirk Taylor, and a discussion on the BioBoost, Pathmaker and Biobank awards. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Dr., Suite 999, Somerville | Agenda)

VETERAN WOMEN WELLNESS: Massachusetts Women Veterans Network hosts a webinar to explore the impact of lifestyle factors for women veterans, the importance of social connections and community support and their impacts, and the role of personal meaning and purpose in health outcomes. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

WESTFIELD INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public hearing about a proposed project to improve the intersection at Southampton Road (Route 10/102), Servistar Industrial Way and Barnes Airport Drive in Westfield. The proposal would reconstruct the intersection as a roundabout and would include an eight-foot wide shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians around the outside of the roundabout. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Westfield City Hall - City Council Chambers-Second Floor, 59 Court Street, Westfield | More Info)

Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026

GIC: Group Insurance Commission meets and a decision could be made on contentious plan design changes, including scrapping coverage for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. The GIC board was expected to vote during its Feb. 12 meeting, though commissioners tabled that action as they requested a staff analysis into how the potential changes could impact members. Some 80 lawmakers have voiced opposition to the changes, which also involve raising copays and increasing the surviving spouse contribution rate. "Copays and deductibles could become so unaffordable that families may be forced to choose other essential items like food and shelter over medicine and wellness care," senators wrote in a letter. GIC Executive Director Matt Veno has warned the delayed vote could disrupt plans for open enrollment, which starts on April 1. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

ALLIED HEALTH: Board of Allied Health Professions meets. Agenda includes a vote on an "operational policy" tied to the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, which is a voluntary program for health care workers experiencing mental health and substance use issues. There's also a URAMP quarterly report. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

MED LICENSING: Board of Registration in Medicine's Licensing Committee meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

PRIM BOARD: Treasurer Goldberg chairs a remote meeting of the Massachusetts Pension Reserve Investment Board. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)

AGING AND INDEPENDENCE HEARING: Executive Office of Aging and Independence holds a hearing on proposed regulatory changes enabling basic health services to be provided at assisted living residences. Those services involve injections, wound care, oxygen management, and home diagnostic tests such as for COVID and the flu. The regulations are tied to implementing the 2024 long-term care reform law. Other changes look to boost fire and safety requirements, as well as update staff training on emergency equipment and medications. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

GAMING COMMISSION: Mass. Gaming Commission plans to meet. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda TBA and Access Info)

CHIA HEARING ON PBM ASSESSMENT: Center for Health Information and Analysis holds a public hearing on a proposed regulatory change to add a new assessment for pharmacy benefit managers, based on the 2025 prescription drug reform and health care market oversight laws. The Health Policy Commission earlier this month agreed to assess PBMs at 10% of the agency's expenses. Written testimony will be accepted through March 9. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

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

MENSTRUAL EQUITY ADVOCACY: Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women, or MASS NOW, holds a menstrual equity advocacy day. Speakers include Sens. Pat Jehlen, Jo Comerford and Reps. Marjorie Decker, Christine Barber, Mindy Domb and Jay Livingstone. The group’s legislative agenda includes S 2640 and H 4611 known as “The I AM” bill that would increase access to disposable menstrual products; S 2156 and H 3318 that would offer menstrual products in public buildings; and S 1483 and H 2375 requiring disclosure of ingredients on any menstrual product sold in Massachusetts. There will be networking opportunities as well as breakfast and lunch offered during the event. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | Registration and More Info)

STATE RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board holds a remote meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Public access: email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)

RARE DISEASE COUNCIL: Rare Disease Advisory Council Steering Committee meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Register)

UNIVERSITY STUDENT ADVOCACY: Students from state universities visit the State House for the State University of Presidents Advocacy Day hosted by Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Higgins. The event comes the same day the Senate is planning to take up a bill (S 2962) known as the BRIGHT Act that would use special obligation bonds to unlock $2.5 billion for capital upgrades at community colleges, public colleges and universities. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

PROTECT ACT PUBLIC FORUM: House members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a "hybrid public forum" to solicit written and oral testimony on Rep. Andres Vargas' PROTECT Act (An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment). The House chair of the joint committee is Rep. Dan Cahill, the Senate co-chair is Sen. John Cronin. While there is legislation on the agenda, the public forum notice appears to be careful not to call it a public hearing. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Rooms A-1 and A-2)

DISABILITIES WORKFORCE SUPPORTS: Workforce Supports Subcommittee of the permanent Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets virtually to discuss strategies to address the human services workforce crisis, including a presentation from Undersecretary of Labor Josh Cutler on recruitment and apprenticeship pathways. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Livestream | Accessibility requests: imene.bouzianesaidi@mass.gov)

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

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership holds a webinar about employee ownership trusts, which organizers describe as an "increasingly popular model." The webinar will explore how trusts work and differ from other ownership structures. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Register)

HEART BILL: Sen. Oliveira and Rep. Garry hold a press conference on their bills (H 2842 / S 1895) to update the 1950 Heart Law, which addressed job-related disability due to heart disease or hypertension. The bills would expand the reach of that law, encompassing an additional 400 publicly employed police officers at agencies including UMass Police, State Environmental Police, the Department of Mental Health, and state and community college police departments, according to the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. Garry's bill has been pending before the House Ways and Means Committee since Sept. 8, and Oliveira's bill has been in the Senate Ways and Means Committee since Oct. 2. A previous version of the bill stalled in SWM last session. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Room 437)

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

AUTISM COMMISSION: Autism Commission meets. For access, contact Carol.M.Gracia@mass.gov. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

GRID MODERNIZATION: Grid Modernization Advisory Council meets. Agenda calls for a discussion of how electric distribution companies forecast large loads, including data centers. Presentations are also planned on large load forecasting at the transmission level, efforts to improve the load connection process and economic development. The group is charged with reviewing and providing recommendations to investor-owned electric utilities' electric-sector modernization plans and increasing transparency of the Massachusetts grid planning process. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Register)

FREE SCHOOL MEALS PANEL: Rep. Andy Vargas and Sen. Sal DiDomenico join Project Bread and the Feed Kids Coalition to hold “Full Bellies, Full School Days: A Celebration of Feeding Kids.” The event marks the fifth anniversary of the Feed Kids Coalition and highlights the success of the state’s School Meals for All Program. Organizers say Massachusetts was the eighth state to permanently establish free school meals for K-12 students and the panel will discuss how this has affected students, families, schools and communities as well as lookback on lessons learned and importance of protecting the policy. (Thursday, 2 p.m. Room 437 | Livestream)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Commission for the Blind hosts a virtual town hall called, "Independence for Everyday Living." The event will provide tools, learning opportunities and resources. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | Register)

MEDICARE FOR ALL: Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care hosts a forum on a new report analyzing the impact of perennial legislation (H 1405 / S 860) to fund universal health care. "Switching to single payer would eliminate $54.53 billion of unnecessary spending (over 42% of current spending) by reducing burdensome billing expenses; administrative waste in the insurance industry; monopolistic pricing in hospitals and of drugs and medical devices; and fraud," the report says. The House bill is under an extension order until March 18, while the Senate bill was sent to study at the end of January. (Thursday, 7 p.m. | Register)

MINOGUE IN FRANKLIN: Republican candidate for governor Mike Minogue stops by the Franklin Republican Town Committee caucus. (Thursday, 7 p.m., The Rome Restaurant, 4 E Central St., Franklin)

SENATE: Senate meets in a formal session with plans to take action on a $3.28 billion bond bill (S 2962) known as the BRIGHT Act. The bill would authorize up to $2.5 billion in special obligation bonds for repairing buildings across the state’s 29 public community colleges, colleges and universities. It would also create a Commonwealth Public Higher Education Capital Projects Fund credited annually with $125 million in income surtax revenues. On Feb. 19, the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted 16-0 to advance its version of the bill. The House took up its $3.275 billion version (H 4769) in November and passed it 148-5 after attaching a $370.5 million amendment packed with earmarks for college projects. Gov. Maura Healey proposed her bill (H 54) in January 2025, urging the Legislature to address campus infrastructure built in the 1970s that is "unable to meet modern demands."(Thursday, Time TBA, Senate Chamber)

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

BLACK EXCELLENCE ON THE HILL AWARDS: Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus holds its annual Black Excellence on the Hill Awards to commemorate leaders of the Black community. “The MBLLC believes excellence deserves to be seen, celebrated, and supported. The Black Excellence Awards is our way of honoring the leaders, creators, and changemakers who continue to elevate our community,” the caucus said in a Feb. 6 Instagram post. (Friday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

MASSTRANSFER COMMITTEE: MassTransfer Steering Committee meets. The panel is tasked with supporting the MassTransfer program, designed to help students as they transfer between schools within the state's public higher education system. Public community colleges, state universities and UMass have developed pathways that are meant to help students save money as they earn their bachelor's degrees. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

SHERIFFS' SPENDING REPORT: Inspector General Shapiro is due to file his initial report on spending among the state's sheriffs offices. State aid to the sheriffs, who run county jails and houses of correction, rose to $878.9 million in fiscal 2025, prompting a strong legislative reaction. Shapiro was assigned in November to investigate sheriffs' spending, including an analysis of sheriffs’ offices’ compliance with state finance laws and a review of sheriffs’ spending on activities not specifically required by statue, case law or court order. His full report is due at the end of May. (Friday)

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

MWPC CAMPAIGN TRAINING: Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus hosts a training for members to gain campaign skills and meet young elected officials. (Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. | Register)

MOULTON TOWN HALL: Congressman Seth Moulton holds a town hall meeting for constituents in the Sixth District. "Whether it’s concerns about the President’s disastrous actions, the economy, immigration, foreign policy, or issues affecting your family, I want to hear from you," Moulton said. The congressman is running for U.S. Senate this year, challenging incumbent Sen. Ed Markey in the Democratic primary. Doors at 11 a.m. (Saturday, Feb. 28, 12 p.m., Lynn Memorial Auditorium, 3 City Hall Sq., Lynn)

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