Franklin Town MA
3-01-2026 4:23am

People, Power and Politics

The Franklin Republican Town Committee (RTC) met as a caucus on Thursday. Some 31 delegates were selected to represent the town at the state convention in Worcester in several weeks  Those attending,  pictured above, included members of the RTC and a local Turning Point USA group, State committee woman Amanda Peterson, and Milford RTC Vice Chair Andy Johansson. Brian Shortsleeve, (below) a Republican candidate for governor, also spoke after the voting.  

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!

Happy birthday, Town of Franklin! Yes, March 2, 1778 was the day Franklin was officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Stop by the Historical Museum on Sunday, March 1 for a piece of cake and to view the movie from the 200th anniversary celebration.

Plans for the 250th Anniversary in 2028 are underway by that Committee. One of their subcommittees meets Sunday, and the full committee is scheduled for a special session on Tuesday to authorize the deposit for a gala to be held at Lake Pearl on November 3, 2028.

The first measles case has appeared in MA and there might be something of a discussion touching on that at the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Health on Wednesday.

The Town Council picks up the goals discussion again this week. Whether they will decide on goals, or defer to a future meeting, remains to be seen? The Council will need to decide on the funding recommendation to replace Engine 3 as put forward by the Town and Fire Dept. and approved by the Finance Committee. This is time sensitive, so if they don't resolve, we lose an opportunity to replace for multiple years.

The Council also gets to find out about parking meter revenue from the downtown lots as well as approve a subcommittee they requested to look at potential charter changes. Potential charter changes have come up in discussion and gone over the years and usually overtaken by other priorities.

This Council apparently would rather attempt to tackle charter changes than to try and fix the more serious issue of the strategic budget gaps we have including important work that can’t be done because resources are lacking (i.e. the Town Administrator's office).

A helpful reminder to those frustrated by lack of this or that related to the aftermath of the blizzard.

  • Ancient proverb: "If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy, but the same amount of snow"

We should be grateful for 4 days moving about town that the South Coastal communities of MA didn’t have. 3 days of school for our kids that those same communities didn’t have. And while trash pickup wasn’t perfect in the blizzard aftermath, most did get picked up. Let’s be grateful for what we do have.

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 2/27/26, 6:00 PM ***

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget and Fundraising Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, March 1 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03012026-2160

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2157

Recreation Department Meeting

Monday, March 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03022026-2158

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee Special Meeting

Tuesday, March 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03032026-2165

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2164

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 4 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042026-2166

Franklin Commission on Disabilities Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2163

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, March 5 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052026-2146

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

For Franklin TV meeting broadcasts:

For FHS live streaming:

For All Access programing:

From Franklin Matters/ Franklin Public 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

Legislators dive into the pile of possible ballot questions next week by first considering the two measures that would most directly affect them. Stipends that top legislative Democrats have long dished out to boost the base pay of colleagues who are assigned additional duties usually do not garner much public attention, but reformers determined to change a system that they see as too closely resembling loyalty pay are pushing the topic near the top of the state's agenda. Some of the same people who object to the Legislature's unwillingness to an audit by the state auditor's office, despite a 2024 voter law authorizing one, are also circumventing the House and Senate with a second initiative petition that would remove the public records law exemption that applies to the Legislature and governor's office under current state law. A committee chaired by Rep. Alice Peisch and Sen. Cindy Friedman plans a morning-afternoon ballot question doubleheader Tuesday, kicking off what is setting up as a robust hearing schedule that will eventually also delve into questions about taxes, housing, election reform, recreational cannabis, land conservation, and unionization and voting rights. One of the possible ballot questions would let unregistered voters show up at the polls on Election Day and both register and then cast a ballot. If that proposal were law today, it would enable would-be voters to participate in two special legislative elections scheduled for Tuesday to fill the seats of two lawmakers who passed away. The deadline to register to vote in those special elections was Feb. 21. Voters will choose someone to take the Senate seat formerly held by Edward Kennedy of Lowell, and settle primary elections in the contest to fill the House seat formerly held by Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester. That House special election will be settled March 31. Candidates running for district or county offices in the regularly scheduled elections (Sept. 1 primaries, Nov. 3 general election) must file nomination signatures just a few weeks later, by April 28.

Storylines in Progress

... Gov. Healey's sweeping bill to fund local road and bridge improvements and a range of other transportation priorities gets a public hearing Tuesday. An administration official said the bill's all-in costs total $5.5 billion ... Early literacy and cannabis regulation bills are pending before conference committees and could pop out any time if Democrats can resolve their differences ... Members of a legislative committee focused on public safety and homeland security gather Wednesday for a public forum on a bill that supporters say would address increasingly aggressive and unlawful federal immigration enforcement. Reformers are growing agitated by the lack of action on the measure and legislative leaders appear in the throes of trying to understand what they can accomplish through state law on a topic that is largely in the federal realm ... The latest challenge to the MBTA Communities Act is before the state's highest court Wednesday ... MBTA GM and Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng assesses the state of public transit at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce event Thursday ... There's another week left before annual budget hearings resume March 9 ... The wait continues for a House Ways and Means Committee bill allocating the substantial income surtax surplus left over from fiscal 2025 ...

Sunday, March 1, 2026

DIZOGLIO ON NBC: Auditor Diana DiZoglio joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the network's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

CAMPBELL ON THE RECORD: Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

WHALE PROTECTION AREAS: Starting March 1, state law requires all vessels, regardless of size, to adhere to a 10-knot speed limit within the Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area to protect North Atlantic right whales. The speed restriction remains in place at least through April 30. NOAA Fisheries also imposes annual speed restriction for vessels 65 feet or longer throughout the Off Race Point Seasonal Management Area from March 1 through April 30. (Sunday | Map)

Monday, March 2, 2026

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in four cases, including a matter dealing with when the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission may refuse to issue a lottery sales agent license. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | More Info)

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION: Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, labor leaders, apprentices and other state and local officials celebrate Women in Construction Week. The event is meant to bring together those who want to advance women in construction and women apprentices. Women working in construction will also share their experiences and discuss efforts to increase women’s diversity in construction. (Monday, 9 a.m., Pipefitters Local 537, 40 Enterprise St., Dorchester)

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

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

EARLY ED APPRENTICESHIP: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session on the GROW for Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Grant program. It allows individuals to earn credentials as they also learn and work in classrooms. (Monday, 2:30 p.m. | Register)

POST PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training, or POST, Commission and the Municipal Police Training Committee invite public comments on a proposed model use of force policy through Monday. Comments can be emailed to POSTC-comments@mass.gov or mailed to POST and MPTC. (Monday, 5 p.m. | Draft Regulations)

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINAR: Sen. Tarr hosts a local tax seminar, partnering with the Department of Revenue's Tax Auditor Brian Lynch, to help seniors take advantage of increased benefits to alleviate tax burdens. The Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Relief program is meant to provide relief for seniors over 65 years old. It is a refundable tax credit available on the Massachusetts personal income tax return, based on actual real estate taxes either paid directly or through rent for the principal residence. As of the tax year 2025, eligible seniors can claim a maximum credit amount of $2,820. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., 6 Manuel F. Lewis St., Gloucester | (978) 281-9765)

FIRE PREVENTION REGULATIONS APPEALS: Fire Prevention Regulations Appeals Board meets virtually with plans to conduct a hearing on a Shrewsbury appeal case. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

CREATIVE SECTOR DAY: Artists, cultural organizations and advocates gather for Creative Sector Day, hosted by MASSCreative and Action Network. The third annual event features speakers and performers, meetings with lawmakers, and afternoon exhibitions and demonstrations highlighting the creative sector’s impact on communities and the economy. Advocates will push for increased arts funding and accessibility. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall | Register)

DEP HEARING: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection holds a hearing on extending a regulatory deadline for the cumulative impact analysis program. MassDEP was supposed to complete its review of certain air quality permits for facilities in or near environmental justice communities by Dec. 31, 2025. Officials are seeking an extension through Dec. 31, 2027 to "allow MassDEP, permit applicants, and EJ populations to gain experience implementing the CIA program before conducting a program review." One facility has submitted an air permit application, which is being reviewed, according to DEP. Another facility has started the CIA process. There will be a hearing on the matter at 6 p.m. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Register)

SOUTHBRIDGE HIGH SENSORY IMMERSION: Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez visits a new sensory immersion room at Southbridge High School. The room opened in October and is the first to be launched in a Massachusetts public school. Sensory immersion rooms are multisensory spaces that integrate immersive technology, virtual reality, and sensory equipment to create calming and therapeutic environments for students, especially those facing behavioral health challenges. Southbridge High School’s sensory immersion room was part of the town’s CARE Project, a school-based mental health initiative. Martinez’s visit will begin with a brief reception and presentation, followed by a tour of the space and a demonstration. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Southbridge High School 132 Torrey Rd., Southbridge)

STATE LIBRARY BDAY: State Library of Massachusetts hosts its 200th birthday celebration. Gov. Healey gives remarks at 11:30 a.m. Attendees can view a new exhibit and play library trivia. The event runs through 1 p.m. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., State Library, Room 341)

LEGISLATIVE STIPENDS HEARING: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds its hearing on the initiative petition advancing towards November's ballot that would change the method for calculating stipends paid to some state legislators on top of their base salaries (H 5010). The proposal would allow a stipend of up to 75% of the base salary for the House speaker and Senate president, a 50% stipend for the next tier of leadership and 33% for the next group, which would include most committee chairs. Legislators who do not otherwise get a stipend but are on a committee that handles a certain volume of bills would get 20% stipends. The proposal also seeks to tie half of the stipend amounts for each legislative leader to "compliance" with things like committees holding a public hearing "and public mark-up session" on all their bills before a specified cutoff date and having committees vote on reports in public meetings. The Legislature's deadline to enact initiative petitions this year is May 5. If the House and Senate do not address the measures by then, petitioners will have to collect 12,429 additional signatures to stay on track for the Nov. 3 ballot. The committee said it plans to take testimony from invited subject matter experts, proponents and opponents. There will also be a 30-minute period held aside for public comment (two minutes per person), but people interested in testifying must register to do so by Monday at noon. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR: A town hall on the Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor Program and the MA Contractor Hub is hosted by the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Homeowners can review contractor registration status and disciplinary history through the program, as well as file complaints and request arbitration. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Register)

SENIOR CIRCUIT BREAKER SEMINAR: Sen. Tarr hosts a local tax seminar for seniors, partnering with the Department of Revenue's Tax Auditor Brian Lynch, to help seniors take advantage of the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Relief program. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., 299 Bay Road, South Hamilton | (978) 468-5595)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind's Statutory Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a member-only webinar with the Department of Public Health focused on the State Action for Public Health (SAPHE 2.0) program. Included in the 2024 economic development law, the program looks to modernize local public health infrastructure. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a public hearing on about a dozen bills, including home rule petitions affecting Holyoke, Lexington, Wilbraham, Uxbridge, Raynham, Plymouth, Boston, Orange, Tewksbury, Newton, Burlington and Berkley. A Rep. Worrell bill (H 4924) would create the Boston Inspector General Oversight Commission, which would appoint an inspector general who has the "authority to investigate any and all business of the City of Boston." Legislation from Rep. Ashe (H 4849) looks to build upon Ollie's Law -- meant to boost safety at dog daycares and kennels -- with additional safety and enforcement measures. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 222 | Agenda and Livestream)

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Transportation holds a public hearing on two bills, including Gov. Healey's proposal (H 4987) to authorize $1.2 billion in Chapter 90 municipal road and bridge funding over four years. The package maintains last year's "elevated" annual funding level of $300 million for local road aid, with $100 million of that amount allocated based on lane miles. It also contains $500 million for MassDOT's road and bridge lifecycle asset management programs, $200 million for DCR transportation infrastructure, $200 million for an MBTA rail reliability program, and $200 million for transportation infrastructure to support new housing development. Healey has also proposed $3.2 billion in authorizations, including for federal and non-federal highway programs, that were originally part of the 2022 transportation bond bill. "We have directed resources where they are needed most, including rural communities," the governor wrote in her filing letter on Jan. 23. "The infrastructure improvements unlocked by this bill will enhance our competitiveness, improve mobility, boost resilience to climate change, put people to work on construction projects, benefit our economy, and support Massachusetts residents in every city and town." (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

PUBLIC RECORDS PETITION HEARING: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds its hearing on the initiative petition advancing towards November's ballot that would subject most records held by the Legislature or governor's office to the state's public records law (H 5004). The proposal would still exempt documents related to the development of public policy and communications between legislators and their constituents, as long as the communication is reasonably related to a constituent’s request for assistance. The Legislature's deadline to enact initiative petitions this year is May 5. If the House and Senate do not address the measures by then, petitioners will have to collect 12,429 additional signatures to stay on track for the Nov. 3 ballot. The committee said it plans to take testimony from invited subject matter experts, proponents and opponents. There will also be a 30-minute period held aside for public comment (two minutes per person), but people interested in testifying must register to do so by Monday at noon. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

FOXBOROUGH FIFA: Foxborough’s Select Board meets with several items related to the FIFA World Cup on its agenda, most notably a discussion on “deadlines for financial assurance and review of possible termination of World Cup 2026 planning by all town departments.” The town is facing a March 17 deadline to award the license necessary for FIFA to host the World Cup at Gillette Stadium, which is set to kick off June 11. The board has threatened to withhold the license unless the town receives its request of $7.8 million for safety and security costs. During a Feb. 17 board meeting, members met with FIFA World Cup 2026 CEO Mike Loynd and Kevin Clark, venue operations director for FIFA 2026, who offered little clarity on the funding. “For me, it’s gonna be a flat no unless we know the money is there. We cannot do that to our taxpayers,” board chair Stephanie McGowan said during the meeting, adding the funds account for almost 10% of Foxborough’s budget and the town is home to about 18,000 residents. Gov. Maura Healey has offered assurance that the issues in Foxborough will be ironed out. "I'm confident that all the parties can work out what they need to with the town of Foxborough, and that everything will go forward with FIFA and we will have a great World Cup here in Massachusetts in just a few months' time," Healey said during a Feb. 10 announcement that Boston will host FIFA World Cup fan festivities. The board’s agenda also includes an executive session discussion on deployment and funding for “security personnel or strategy” related to World Cup security as well as the announcement of Memorandum of Agreements between the town and its police and firefighter associations for World Cup staffing considerations. (6 p.m., Tuesday, Gala Room Foxborough Town Hall 40 South St. | More Info)

"WHAT'S UP WITH THE MASS DEMS?": Progressive grassroots political group Our Revolution Massachusetts hosts a Zoom event called "What's up with the Mass Dems? How Party Insiders Control Policy." Democratic state committee members including Norfolk Democratic Town Committee Chair John Bowman, Governor's Councilor Tara Jacobs, strategist Elaine Almquist and Our Revolution's Michael Gilbreath plan to share their experiences with documentary filmmaker Aaron Singer, according to the invite. "Last year, Democratic leaders gutted core platform commitments on health care, labor, climate and civil rights. When members objected, party officials tried to shut them out," the invite reads. "Frustrated? Learn who really runs the party and how to make it work for us." (Tuesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION: Voters will select the next senator representing the First Middlesex district Wednesday. Sen. Ed Kennedy of Lowell died Oct. 2 at the age of 74, and had held the seat since 2018. The district near the New Hampshire border includes Lowell, Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsborough. Rep. Vanna Howard, a Lowell Democrat, and Sam Meas, a Republican write-in candidate from Lawrence, secured their spots on the ballot during a Feb. 3 primary. Joe Espinola, an unenrolled Independent candidate from Dracut, also qualified for the ballot. If Howard wins the spot, her 17th Middlesex House seat, which includes parts of Lowell and Tewksbury, would be up for grabs in this fall's elections. (Tuesday)

HOUSE SPECIAL ELECTION PRIMARY: Candidates running for the 5th Essex District seat formerly held by the late Ann-Margaret Ferrante square off in a special election primary. Dru Tarr, research and district director in Ferrante's office, is the sole Democratic candidate on the ballot. Rockport Democrat Sarah Wilkinson has confirmed to the News Service that she is running a write-in campaign. Republican candidates are Ashley Sullivan, who charted a campaign against Ferrante in 2022, and Christina Delisio of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Unaffiliated candidate Gilbert Frieden, an Essex resident and former vice president of the Board of the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging, also launched a campaign for the seat. Because primaries are for nominating candidates from each political party, unaffiliated candidates skip primaries and head straight to the general election. Ferrante died on Nov. 27 after a years-long battle with pancreatic cancer. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in five cases. The docket features an appeal from the Town of Marshfield concerning the controversial MBTA Communities Act. Marshfield was the first municipality to sue the state and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities over the law, which requires designated cities and towns to adopt multi-family zoning by right. Marshfield contended in its original lawsuit that the law was an unfunded mandate and that the state "impermissibly compelled Town Meeting voters to approve a zoning compliant district." The Superior Court dismissed the case in June 2025 and concluded that Marshfield is a "subordinate agency of state government" and that "the powers of a town are subject to the will of the Legislature." Marshfield is appealing that dismissal. As of Feb. 10, EOHLC says 166 MBTA communities have submitted and/or adopted zoning that complies with the law. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | More Info)

ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources holds a public hearing on seven bills. Home rule petitions look to ban or restrict the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in Chelmsford, Bedford, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Billerica. Legislation from Rep. Scarsdale and Sen. Cronin (H 5113) would name a trail in the J. Harry Rich State Forest in Groton as the "Marion Stoddart riverwalk." (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 222 | Agenda and Livestream)

GAMING COMMISSION: Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds an agenda setting meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Livestream)

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

GAMING AGENDA: Mass. Gaming Commission meets to select topics that it will consider in greater depth at future commission business meetings. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

"GREAT OFFICE REINVENTION" | Boston Real Estate Times hosts “The Great Office Reinvention: What Actually Works in 2026 and Beyond.” The discussion will focus on topics including what tenants and employees are looking for from office spaces amid the rise of remote and hybrid work, successful office designs and insights on the future of Boston’s office market. Speakers include Suzanne Leblanc, director of corporate real estate at FM and Reetika Vijay, managing principal of IA Interior Architects’s Boston studio. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Boston Marriott Burlington at 1 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington | Registration)

TALENT PIPELINE BRIEFING: Sen. Crighton and Rep. Livingstone host a briefing with Thrive Scholars, an organization that helps high-achieving but under-resourced students from economically disadvantaged communities get into and graduate from top colleges. The briefing features Thrive Scholars Boston Executive Director Dan Navisky, Calculus Project CEO Adrian Mims, Angelica Martinez from La Vida Scholars, Mindy Wright from The Upward Project, and Jonathan Allen from Leadership Brainery. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council Executive Committee meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Register)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Primary Care Access, Delivery and Payment Task Force meets. The panel faces a March 15 deadline to submit its next set of recommendations for increasing public and private reimbursement in the sector, as well as evaluating how health plan design affects health equity and access to primary care services. Sen. Friedman says she expects a long-promised primary care reform bill to be filed in April. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 50 Milk St., 8th floor, Boston | Livestream)

PROTECT ACT: House members of the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security will hold a rescheduled "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 committee is Rep. Dan Cahill, and the Senate co-chair is Sen. John Cronin. While there is legislation (H 5158) on the agenda, the notice does not label the gathering as a public hearing. The Senate on Feb. 25 concurred with the House sending the bill to the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room B-1 | Livestream)

GUV COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Shelly-Ann Sankar to the District Court. Sankar is currently first assistant clerk magistrate at the Springfield District Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

GREEN JOBS: Roca Chelsea, a youth violence prevention organization, hosts an event recognizing Transitional Employment Program partners. Eight graduates of a green jobs training pilot with WIN Waste Innovations will also be recognized. The participants gained experience in natural resource management, urban forestry and environmental conservation. "When businesses like WIN Waste Innovations step up and invest in young people who have faced significant barriers, the results speak for themselves," said Christian Calvo, Roca's director of employment. Attendees include Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez and Massachusetts Competitive Partnership CEO Jay Ash. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 101 Park St., Chelsea)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats huddle behind closed doors for a private caucus. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

STATE 911 COMMISSION: State 911 Commission meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 151 Campanelli Drive, Middleborough | More Info)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind's Rehabilitation Council meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

CLEAN WATER TRUST: Massachusetts Clean Water Trust Board of Trustees meets remotely. The agenda includes an executive committee report and votes on the Clean Water Loan and Financing Agreement as well as the School Water Improvement Grant. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., for access email masswatertrust@tre.state.ma.us or call 617-367-9333 ext. 515)

WOMEN'S DAY GATHERING: Massachusetts AFL-CIO hosts an International Women's Day Gathering, featuring remarks from Senate President Spilka. (Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., JFK Library, Columbia Point, Dorchester)

COASTAL CLIMATE CHANGE: Save the Harbor/Save the Bay holds an opening reception of "Bay State Without Beaches," an exhibit exploring how coastal climate change is affecting individuals and communities. Sen. Crighton, co-chair of the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, gives remarks. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Lynn Museum & Arts Center, 590 Washington St., Lynn | Register)

BRIDGEWATER STATE HOSPITAL: A free screening of the documentary "Titicut Follies" is hosted by Bridgewater State Hospital Family and Friends and other advocacy groups. Organizers say the documentary was banned in 1967 and offers a "stark and graphic portrayal of the conditions" inside the state hospital. The event also includes a presentation from the Disability Law Center. A Sen. Creem bill (S 1386) to transfer the hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental is pending before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Similar legislation from Rep. Barber (H 3291) is before the House Ways and Means Committee. (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Coolidge Corner, 290 Harvard St., Brookline)

FEBRUARY REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on February tax collections. The Healey administration has set its monthly benchmark for February at $2.277 billion, which would be $149 million more than was collected last February. By mid-month, DOR had already taken in $1.13 billion, $366 million or 48% more than was collected during the same period in February 2025. February generally brings in about 6% of annual tax revenue while tax refunds begin to reach more substantial levels, DOR said. Through January, the state had collected roughly $23.97 billion in tax revenue -- $611 million or 2.6% higher than collections by the same checkpoint last fiscal year and $532 million or 2.3% ahead of the Healey administration's year-to-date expectations. (Wednesday)

Thursday, March 5, 2026

WOMEN LEADING GOVERNMENT: Massachusetts Women Leading Government network holds its annual conference. It's focused on supporting women as they advance in their careers and gain leadership skills. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Hogan Conference Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester | Register)

FED IMPACT ON NONPROFITS: New survey data is released on the impact of federal policies on Massachusetts nonprofits. The event is hosted by the Boston Foundation, with the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and MassINC Polling Group. Nearly 500 nonprofit leaders responded to the survey, which found the last year "has been marked by federal funding cuts, fundraising challenges and a significant uptick in the level of need, none of which are showing immediate signs of abating." No formal report will be released, but the survey data has topline results. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 75 Arlington St, Boston | Register | Livestream)

EARLY ED ADVISORY COUNCIL: Advisory Council on Early Education and Care meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

CANNABIS RESEARCH SUBCOMMITTEE: Research Subcommittee of the Cannabis Advisory Board of the Cannabis Control Commission holds a meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | More Info)

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TRUST: Economic Empowerment Trust Board meets remotely. (Thursday, 10 a.m., For access email sophie.m.stevenson@tre.state.ma.us or call 351-667-3840 )

STATE OF PUBLIC TRANSIT: Interim Transportation Secretary Phil Eng, who is also general manager of the MBTA, will assess the state of public transit at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's first Transportation First event of 2026. Eng is expected to share insights into the current state of the MBTA, the strategic direction guiding the future of public transportation, and the Healey administration’s approach to improving transportation infrastructure. Eng will also join chamber President James Rooney, a former MBTA official, for a fireside chat. Media RSVP to mholloway@bostonchamber.com and cbaines@bostonchamber.com. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, 265 Franklin St., Suite 1701, Boston)

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

MIRA LAUNCH: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition launches MIRA Forward New England, described as a political advocacy nonprofit that will support and recruit elected officials "who will further immigrant and refugee support." The organization will target politics at the local, state and national level. "By launching MIRA Forward New England, MIRA will now have an additional avenue in which to best advocate for the needs of immigrants," MIRA Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Sweet said. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Carrie Nation, 11 Beacon St., Boston)

HAVERHILL BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT hosts a public meeting to present the current status of the Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge replacement in Haverhill. The project includes a full replacement of the existing bridge over the Merrimack River and Bradford Rail Trail. The work is set to begin later this spring and last approximately six years, according to MassDOT. (Thursday, 6 p.m. Pinnacle at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack Street, Haverhill | More Info)

WU OFFICE HOURS: Boston Mayor Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet hold office hours for the first time. City residents will have the chance to meet directly with city staff for help registering to vote, completing census registration, getting copies of birth, marriage and death certificates, applying for handicap parking, paying parking tickets, and submitting permits to host events. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building, Roxbury)

Friday, March 6, 2026

IOWA SEN. ERNST IN NH: Republican Sen. Joni Ernest of Iowa is the featured speaker at "Politics & Eggs," an initiative of the New England Council and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. Ernest is not running for reelection and the forum is geared toward "presidential candidates, political leaders, and other political analysts and commentators to address regional business leaders as they visit New Hampshire, home of the nation’s first presidential primaries." She's currently chair of the Senate Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester, New Hampshire)

SJC: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in two cases. (Friday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | More Info)

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCE FAIR: Department of Agricultural Resources hosts its annual Resource Fair, featuring exhibits from all MDAR divisions and organizations like the USDA and Farmers Food Assistance Bureau. MDAR will give a presentation on its land stewardship program and the Franklin County CDC will make a presentation on food processing. (Friday, 9 a.m., Mount Wachusett Community College, 444 Green St., Gardner | More Info and RSVP)

ACADEMY GRADUATION: Recruits graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Their ceremony was postponed a week due to the blizzard. They represent fire departments in Bourne, Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Fall River, Hanover, Harwich, Kingston, Milton, North Attleboro, Provincetown, Rockland, Sandwich and Scituate. (Friday, 11 a.m., 911 Conant St., Bridgewater)

SPRINGFIELD CHAMBER: Gov. Healey speaks and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins is the keynote speaker for the Springfield Regional Chamber's Outlook 2026 event. Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also speak. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal gives remarks via video. (Friday, 11 a.m., MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield | Register)

ACADEMY GRADUATION: Recruits graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, representing fire departments in Agawam, Holden, Marlborough, Monterey, Northampton, Palmer, Pittsfield, Springfield, Stockbridge and Turners Falls. (Friday, 11 a.m., 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)

MASSDOT PUBLIC HEARING: MassDOT holds a public hearing on proposed regulations that establish a first of its kind process for the RMV to allow the use of electronic signatures and electronic vehicle titles for certain transactions. Written public comment is accepted until 5 p.m. (Friday, 2 p.m., MassDOT Board Room 2nd Floor at 10 Park Plaza, Boston | Remote Acess and More Info)

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