Franklin Town MA
3-08-2026 5:05am

People, Power, and Politics

On Wednesday, Governor Healey posted a photo on X of a Dunkin' cup with the phrase “COME AND TAKE IT” underneath. The post linked to a Boston Globe story quoting U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who singled out Canton-based Dunkin' while speaking at a Texas “Eat Real Food” rally about his efforts to encourage residents to consume less processed foods. “We’re going to ask Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks, ‘Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it,’” Kennedy said, per the Globe report. “I don’t think they’re gonna be able to do it.”

FRANKLIN

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

Marching forward to spring day by day.

Daylight is continuing to expand each day, now daylight savings has returned, and we have a full week of meetings for the Town of Franklin.

School Committee negotiations are scheduled for the Executive session on Monday. The Planning board has their regular meeting also on Monday.

The communications subcommittee for the Franklin 250 Celebration, the School Committee and Friends of Franklin Library all have scheduled sessions for Tuesday. The Friends is deliberately more of a social event than a meeting to attract potential members to find out more about what they do and consider joining.

The Norfolk County Commissioners hold a public hearing on Wednesday for their budget. The shared document shows a $2M deficit with no narrative on alternatives for balancing so that in and of itself is an incentive to participate to find out what’s up on the County front.

The Finance Committee gets to review the Town fiscal policies as well as take a deep dive into the grant process and what opportunities those have presented on Wednesday. The Cultural Council is also scheduled for a meeting that night with the recent Wreath of Franklin results and planning for the next one.

The Municipal Housing Affordable Trust is scheduled to meet Thursday afternoon. The agenda will likely be posted Monday for this session. The Conservation Commission has a full and verified set of items on their agenda for Thursday evening.

The Cultural District Committee gets updates on World Cup planning & MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau annual meeting among the several items on the agenda also for Thursday evening.

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 3/6/26, 7:30 PM ***

Franklin School Committee Negotiations Sub Committee Meeting

Monday, March 9 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092026-2162

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, March 9 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03092026-2171

250th Franklin Anniversary Communications Subcommittee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2121

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03102026-2175

Friends of the Franklin Public Library Meeting

Tuesday, March 10 Time: 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM

Social event, no agenda posted

Norfolk County Commissioners Public Hearing Notice

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2159

Public view budget for Norfolk County - https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/FY27%20BUDGET%20PUBLIC%20VIEWING%20COPY%203%205%2026.pdf?t=202603060812320&t=202603060812320

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2176

Franklin Cultural Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 11 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03112026-2167

Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

No agenda posted at this time

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/571?fileID=8589

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 12 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03122026-2170

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

To recap the Franklin TV. Franklin Public Radio meetings broadcast

On the High School front

On the All Access front

On the Public Radio/podcast 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.html

MEDWAY

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

STATE HOUSE and BEYOND

Lawmakers next week try to keep their eye on the prize -- their legislative agenda and development of a budget that's due July 1 -- but there are plenty of distractions that are factoring into their thinking. ICE raids, a new war in Iran, rising gas and oil prices, volatile financial markets and a super-sized slate of ballot questions, to name just a few. A significant amount of energy this session has been expended over a 2024 ballot law and the unending saga of Auditor Diana DiZoglio's unsuccessful bid to audit the Legislature. That arc continues to play out in court, on Beacon Hill and on the campaign trails. Republican candidates for governor, who plan to participate in a radio debate Wednesday, are doing their best to keep the legislative audit issue alive, mindful that it was popular with voters and aware that running against Democratic legislative leadership can be a winning strategy. House and Senate Democrats continue to take it one week at a time, awaiting word from Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka about which bills will surface for debate. Over the first nine weeks of 2026, lawmakers have found few reasons to convene formal sessions to take up major business. The Senate has held four formal sessions and three formals have unfolded in the House. Annual budget hearings are set to resume Monday in Barnstable, where the focus will be spending on economic development, housing, labor and technology services. The Joint Ways and Means Committee moves its operations to Amherst on Tuesday to hear testimony about spending levels affecting energy, the environment and transportation. Gov. Maura Healey is scheduled to address a Boston business breakfast Wednesday morning. Also, AI and data centers are just the tip of the iceberg in energy debates. Across the country, states are overhauling everything from coal and nuclear plants to electric rates and tax incentives to keep up with surging demand — and mounting voter frustration over higher bills. Be on the lookout next week as State Affairs takes you inside the new energy crunch, showing how it’s reshaping policy, politics and your wallet.

Sunday, March 8, 2026

MARTHA SHERIDAN ON NBC: With the Foxborough license for the World Cup games still in limbo, Meet Boston CEO Martha Sheridan joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the network's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." Sheridan is also on the board for Boston 26. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

MARIANO ON THE RECORD: House Speaker Mariano joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

HOPKINTON FARMERS MARKET: Department of Agriculture Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle tours the Hopkinton Winter Farmers Market, with the aim of encouraging residents to buy local during the winter. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., Weston Nurseries, 93 E. Main St., Hopkinton)

SHAMROCK SPLASH: Save the Harbor/Save the Bay and JetBlue host the annual Shamrock Splash fundraiser. Proceeds from the event benefit the Better Beaches Grant Program, which awards small grants to individuals and groups that host free public events during the summer on DCR beaches. There's also an aquatic-themed costume contest. (Sunday, 12 p.m., Constitution Beach, 199 Coleridge St., East Boston)

DEMS IN BRIDGEWATER: Bridgewater Democratic Town Committee hosts a moderated discussion with Sen. Bill Driscoll and Rep. Dennis Gallagher. (Sunday, 6 p.m., More Info)

Monday, March 9, 2026

ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS: Architectural Access Board meets. Agenda includes an incoming case review of properties located in Framingham, Holyoke, Cambridge, Pembroke, Chestnut Hill, Boston, Chelsea, North Andover, Medford, Wellfleet and Jamaica Plain. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets. (Monday, 10 a.m., Room 428 | More Info and Livestream)

FY27 BUDGET HEARING: Joint Ways and Means holds its first of several hearings around the state centered on a different part of Gov. Healey’s $63.38 billion fiscal 2027 budget proposal. The hearing, chaired by Rep. Diggs and Sen. Brady, is focused on economic development, housing, labor and technology services spending. Representatives from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Executive Office of Economic Development, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, and Executive Office of Technology Services and Security are set to testify. Other testifiers include those from Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Department of Business Development, Department of Housing and Community Development, Board of Library Commissioners, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Commission on the Status of Women, and the Cannabis Control Commission. Housing affordability has become a cornerstone of Healey’s time in office and her latest budget proposal includes a $1.2 billion investment at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities as well as a 9% bump in funding for the state’s three housing voucher programs. Healey’s spending plan also allocates $40 million for the Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program, which is designed to support job creation in the industry, as well as $30 million for the Economic Development Incentive Program, which helps early stage companies grow across the state. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Barnstable Town Hall, 367 Main St., Hyannis | Live Stream)

HEALEY AND GOLDBERG: Gov. Healey meets with Treasurer Goldberg. (CLOSED PRESS) (Monday, 11 a.m., Treasurer's Office)

SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING: State representatives participate in a Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training session. (Monday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

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)

MASS CULTURAL COUNCIL: Mass Cultural Council hosts a grant celebration event, with a focus on investments made into northeastern Massachusetts. Acting Executive Director David Slatery gives remarks, alongside Sen. Crighton and Reps. Armini and Nguyen. (Monday, 1 p.m., Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., Marblehead | Register)

PIONEER VALLEY MOSQUITO CONTROL: Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District Commission meets. Agenda includes an update from the Buckland Board of Health, and an update on a mosquito control project in Berkshire County. Members will also vote on seasonal contingency planning. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

ICE DETENTION RELEASE CONFERENCE: U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark joins Congressional House Democrats from Texas, California and Pennsylvania to call on the Department of Homeland Security to release families who are being detained at the Dilley Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center in Texas. (Monday, 3 p.m., San Antonio, Texas | Livestream)

DECLINING ENROLLMENT ACTION WEEK: More than 30 rural and declining enrollment school districts across Massachusetts plan to take action to sound the alarm about "the destructive consequences of underfunding and policy inaction." School committee members and municipal officials who have long called for the state to fund rural school aid at $60 million have declared March 9 through March 13 "Rural and Declining Enrollment Schools Week of Action." Planned actions include a visit to the State House on Monday by civics students at Mohawk Trail Regional School, who will share their concerns about inadequate rural school funding with elected officials. On Tuesday, members of the Shutesbury community plan to encircle Shutesbury Elementary School. And on Wednesday, fifth grade students from Buckland Shelburne Elementary School will visit the State House to advocate for rural aid. (Monday | More Info)

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

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

GAMING COMMISSION HEARING: Massachusetts Gaming Commission holds a hearing on a proposed regulatory change dealing with the protection of minors and underage youth from sports wagering. It ensures that operators deposit any winnings from prohibited sports wagering done by those under 21 years into the Sports Wagering Fund. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HEALEY AT BIG Y: Gov. Maura Healey speaks at a media event held by Big Y Foods, Inc. celebrating its 90 years in business and the opening of six new Big Y stores in Massachusetts. According to Big Y, the event will focus on the company's legacy, its job creation and local partnerships and its role in expanding access to food. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 357 Broadway, Saugus)

BUILDING STANDARDS: Board of Building Standards and Regulations meets. Agenda includes a board counsel report, an executive director report on construction supervisor licenses and a vote on code change proposals. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

WOMEN WHO LIFT MA UP: Center for Women & Enterprise holds an event to celebrate the role women-owned businesses play in the economy, part of the group's recognition of Women’s History Month. Senate President Spilka and Zenobia Moochhala, undersecretary of business strategies, will give remarks. The group will also present Women’s Economic Leadership Awards to Sen. Kennedy and Rep. Fiola, and other awards to 17 women identified as "Women Entrepreneurs Who Lift Up Massachusetts." The program will also feature a tribute to the legacy of the late Rep. Ferrante. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate Reading Room)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. Agenda includes revisions to the Unified Recovery and Monitoring Program, a voluntary initiative for health care workers experiencing substance use and mental health issues. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

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

'FREEDOM TO READ': Authors, publishers and nonprofits gather for "Mass. Freedom to Read Advocacy Day." They'll promote legislation (H 3594) from Reps. J. Moran and Scanlon that would install guardrails around book bans. The proposal has been in the custody of House Ways and Means since early October. The Senate passed a book ban bill (S 2726) on a 35-3 vote in November. The event includes a book fair, featuring works that have been challenged in Massachusetts. Moran and Sen. Cyr give remarks and a press conference is planned for 12:30 p.m. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 437)

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, THE ARC: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council and The Arc of Massachusetts hold their annual legislative reception. As advocates brace for federal funding cuts to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the reception's theme is "Protecting Our Lives: Now More than Ever." MassHealth is also weighing cuts to services, including community-based care, that are not required by the federal government. Senate President Spilka and House Speaker Mariano are slated to give remarks, alongside Maura Sullivan of The Arc and Cody Rooney of the council. Sen. Lovely and Rep. Livingstone will be honored. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS: Coalition for Homeless Individuals holds its annual lobby day, featuring remarks from homelessness service providers, advocates and individuals experiencing homelessness. Reps. Haggerty and J. Moran will speak, as will providers. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS: Joint Committee on Ways and Means holds a fiscal 2027 budget hearing focused on the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Executive Office of Transportation and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. It's chaired by Sen. Comerford and Rep. Sabadosa, both of whom are from Northampton. Healey's budget proposes $2.8 billion in total transportation funding, a 4% increase over fiscal 2026. MassDOT is slated to receive $645 million, which includes $85 million for snow and ice removal. "As winter storms grow increasingly more severe and unpredictable, the administration's $85 million investment aligns with the five-year average annual spending level of $84.6 million," a budget brief says. The MBTA stands to receive $1.9 billion in fiscal 2027, while regional transit authorities would get $217.5 million. Healey proposed funding the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at about $528 million. The Department of Public Utilities, which is supporting the state's clean energy transition and tackling rising energy costs, would get nearly $29 million under Healey's proposal. With a focus on emissions reductions and expanding access to jobs, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center would receive $10 million. The Disaster Relief and Resiliency Fund, established in fiscal 2025 as a permanent state resource in response to "increasingly severe natural disasters" would get $20 million, according to a budget brief. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., UMass Amherst, Campus Center, Amherst Room, 1 Campus Center Way, Amherst | Livestream)

SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING: State representatives participate in a Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training session. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

LGBTQ AGING COMMISSION: LGBTQ Aging Commission holds its quarterly meeting. It's chaired by Sen. Jehlen and Rep. Montaño. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Zoom)

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ADVISORY: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee Guideline Subcommittee holds a virtual public hearing. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Access)

AI IN HEALTH CARE: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association holds a webinar about the existing legal and regulatory landscape for AI in health care. There will also be a discussion on Southcoast Health's AI Center of Excellence. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Register)

CORE PLAN: Treasurer Goldberg chairs a meeting of the CORE Plan Statutory Committee. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Zoom)

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: Employee Ownership Advisory Board's Operationalizing the Center Committee meets. Agenda includes a budget update and discussion on a pilot stipend program. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

BROCKTON DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Brockton Advisory Board meets. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

DEP HEARING: Department of Environmental Protection holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes dealing with drinking water and methods to measure PFAS forever chemicals. There's also an evening hearing on the topic at 6:30 p.m. Written testimony will be accepted through March 20. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., More Info and Zoom)

VETERANS HOMES COUNCIL: Veterans Homes Council holds a virtual meeting. Agenda includes updates, informational presentations about the Massachusetts Veterans Homes at Holyoke and Chelsea, and fiscal 2026 and 2027 budget status for the homes. Business also includes an educational program on the 2030 strategic plan. (Tuesday, 5 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

ABINGTON INTERSECTION: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing about intersection improvements at Randolph Street, Richard A Fitts Drive (Route 139) and Chestnut Street. The proposed project consists of geometric improvements to address safety concerns, according to MassDOT. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

TAX SEASON PREP: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation invites small business owners and entrepreneurs to “Prepárate para la Temporada de Impuestos” as part of its Small Business Strong Initiative. The free workshop is offered completely in Spanish. Gladys Muñoz, founder of IntiNova Consulting, will provide attendees with strategies and tools to organize financial documents and streamline tax season. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Media RSVP to mholloway@bostonchamber.com)

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing about the replacement of a bridge located on Mendon Road over Abbott Run River. The project also includes pavement construction, roadway resurfacing, pedestrian curb ramps, improved signage and more. (Tuesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

WOMEN'S HISTORY: Mass. Trial Court and Massasoit Community College host a Women's History Month conference, with Attorney General Campbell giving the keynote address. Campbell is among 10 women who will be honored at the event, among others including an assistant chief probation officer in Middlesex County, a surgeon and former Olympic figure skater, one of the first Black female probation officers for the State Police, and others. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Skating Club of Boston, 750 University Ave., Norwood)

RGGI AUCTION: The 10 states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will hold the 71st quarterly carbon dioxide allowance auction. The compact among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont is designed to cap and reduce carbon emissions from the power sector. The compact states will offer for sale 18,234,876 carbon dioxide allowances, using the minimum reserve price of $2.69 established for 2026. This auction will also include a cost containment reserve of 7,853,278 allowances that will be accessed if the interim clearing price exceeds the trigger price of $18.22, RGGI said. Qualification applications and a notice of intent to bid were due in January. Auction results will be posted at www.rggi.org on March 13. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Notice)

PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: Public Health Council meets. Agenda includes updates from Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein, as well as informational presentations on maternal health and the Health Care Workforce Center. The 2024 maternal health law aimed to boost access to care, including requiring MassHealth to cover doula services and allowing for freestanding birth centers. (Wednesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

PLUMBING INDUSTRY DAY: Plumbers, contractors and other industry leaders hold a rally for legislation to improve water conservation and safety, upgrade aging infrastructure, explore ways to boost clean energy and protect union trade jobs. The plumbing industry generates more than $335 million in annual tax revenue for the state each year and supports tens of thousands of jobs, according to organizers. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Senate Reading Room)

MASSDOT FINANCE AND AUDIT: MassDOT Finance and Audit Committee meets. Agenda includes a discussion of the fiscal 2026 mid-year operating budget report. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

FIRE PREVENTION, PROTECTION: Board of Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Advisory Committee meets. Agenda includes a discussion of a code change tracker form. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

HEALEY AT BOSTON CHAMBER: Gov. Maura Healey joins the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce for a government affairs forum, after a previously scheduled event was canceled due to the Blizzard of 2026. Her appearance comes as businesses weigh competitiveness, cost and labor market concerns. It's also budget season on Beacon Hill, and the Healey administration and lawmakers are managing financial pressures across health care, energy and housing. Massachusetts in the past week scored new investments in health care startups, but the state has also recently experienced a spate of mass layoffs. Business leaders are monitoring the impact of proposed ballot questions, including a measure to slash the income tax rate. (Wednesday, 9:45 a.m., Westin Boston Seaport, 425 Summer St., Boston | Register)

AGRICULTURAL DAY: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources holds an Agricultural Day at the State House. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall, Grand Staircase and Gardner Auditorium)

FALL RIVER DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Fall River Advisory Board meets. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

MASSDOT CAPITAL PROGRAMS: MassDOT Capital Programs Committee meets. Agenda includes a fiscal 2026 capital budget mid-year report and fiscal 2027 through fiscal 2031 capital investment plan development. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

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

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities meets. Agenda includes federal work updates from Chief State Trial Counsel Katherine Dirks from the attorney general's office. Starting next January, MassHealth members will be subject to work requirements under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. There will also be updates on human services apprenticeships, apprenticeships for people with disabilities and statewide workforce development efforts. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 222 | Zoom)

HOSPITAL AT HOME, MOBILE HEALTH: UMass Memorial Health, Mass General Brigham, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association and other hospital systems host a legislative briefing on community-based care models, including hospital at home and mobile integrated health programs. The programs help reduce avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalization, advocates say, but they argue adequate reimbursement is needed to keep the initiatives afloat. Legislation from Sen. Driscoll (S 276) that was sent to study in January would have required coverage for state-approved mobile integrated health programs, including for community paramedic care, chronic disease management and post-discharge follow-ups. Speakers include Reps. Lawn, Donahue and Finn, as well as MHA President Steve Walsh and UMass Memorial CEO Dr. Eric Dickson. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Members' Lounge)

MUNI AI: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a webinar on how cities and towns can develop guidance for employees to use AI "responsibly." (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Register)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Service holds a hearing on about a dozen bills, dealing largely with local personnel matters in Petersham, Kingston, Peabody, Boston, Dighton, New Bedford and Pelham. Other matters deal with individual benefits at the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

ATHLETIC COMMISSION: Massachusetts State Athletic Commission meets. Agenda includes executive director and board counsel reports, and a discussion on licensing regulations. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

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

CIVIC LEARNING: MA Civic Learning Coalition hosts a legislative briefing that coincides with Civic Learning Week. This year's theme focuses on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the country's independence. A 2018 law requires public schools to provide student-led civics projects for eighth graders and high schoolers. While a fund is intended to support schools, advocates at least year's briefing warned about insufficient resources that could hamper the law's effectiveness. Sen. Rausch and Rep. Vargas attend. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Room 222)

LIFE SCIENCES INVESTMENT: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Investment Committee meets. Members will focus on various funding categories, including research infrastructure and equipment, and women's health. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Agenda and Livestream)

IRISH STEP: Dancers from Forbes School of Irish Dance perform. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., Nurses Hall)

CABO VERDEAN CULTURAL CENTER: Special Commission on Cabo Verdean Cultural Center meets. Agenda includes introduction of new commissioners. There will also be a discussion about what it would mean to have such a center and the goals of listening sessions. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Agenda and Livestream)

311 DAY: Boston city officials hold an inaugural 311 Day celebration, designed to help residents understand what happens after they call or submit service requests to 311. Several city departments will attend and give live demos. The event runs through 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan)

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council meets. Agenda includes committee reports and the state plan for 2027-2031. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

DEERFIELD INTERSECTION: MassDOT holds a virtual public information meeting about the proposed intersection safety improvement project in Deerfield, which includes reconstruction of the intersection of Routes 5/10, Mill Village Road and North Main Street. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | More Info and Register)

REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CONVERSATION: Dan Rea hosts Republican gubernatorial candidates for a two-hour conversation in the studio during his WBZ NightSide weeknight radio show. Candidates Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve will be participating, but Mike Minogue has not committed, Rea's office confirmed. Asked why that is, Minogue for Governor Convention Director John Milligan said in a statement that "Mike has already participated in a multi-candidate forum and looks forward to debates ahead. With just a few weeks left before the GOP convention, meeting voters is the priority. Mike is out taking direct questions from thousands of voters across the commonwealth on social media, on calls, and in person. We have the largest turnouts and are focused on continuing the grassroots momentum.” The three candidates participated in a forum in January in Rockport. (Wednesday, 8 p.m., Nightside with Dan Rea, WBZ NewsRadio 1030AM)

Thursday, March 12, 2026

MED BOARD: Board of Registration in Medicine's Quality and Patient Safety Committee meets, mostly in executive session to discuss "peer-review protected information," according to the agenda. (Thursday, 7 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

RED CROSS: American Red Cross of Massachusetts hosts its annual advocacy day while March is recognized as Red Cross month. Sens. Bill Driscoll and Julian Cyr and Rep. Steven Ultrino are set to provide remarks. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: Massachusetts Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs holds an advocacy day. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT Office of Outdoor Advertising holds a public meeting. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | More Info and Register)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council's Stakeholders Committee meets. Agenda includes updates on volunteers and the "north region." (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Lawrence Heritage State Park,1 Jackson St., Lawrence | Agenda and Zoom)

HPC REGULATIONS HEARINGS: Health Policy Commission holds public hearings for three proposed amended regulations relating to the Registration of Provider Organizations (958 CMR 6.00), notices of material change and cost and market impact reviews (958 CMR 7.00), and the assessment on certain health care providers and pharmacy benefit managers (958 CMR 9.00). (Thursday, 12 p.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. | Livestream)

STEPHEN BREYER: Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer participates in an Author Talk with the State Library. In 2024 he wrote, "Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism." Breyer was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. He's written several other books, including "The Authority of the Court and the Peril of Politics" in 2021. Breyer previously taught at Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. (Thursday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 | Livestream)

HPC HEARING: Health Policy Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes tied to the registration of provider organizations, based on the 2024 health care market oversight law. Providers are required to register for the program if they meet a certain service revenue threshold or receive a risk certificate from the Division of Insurance, with existing data capturing all general acute hospital systems and over 24,000 physicians. In response to the Steward Health Care bankruptcy, the 2024 law contained new reporting requirements for significant equity investors and real estate investment trusts. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Livestream)

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS: Sen. Rodrigues and Rep. Haggerty are speakers at the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs' annual legislative reception. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council meets. DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle gives a report. Agenda also includes a presentation from Mass Parks for All, a nonprofit focused on expanding and connecting public lands. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Lawrence Heritage State Park, 1 Jackson St., Lawrence | Agenda and Zoom)

HPC HEARING: Health Policy Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes tied to material change notices and cost and market impact reviews, based on the 2024 health care market oversight law. The HPC gained expanded authority to scrutinize proposed deals, including transactions involving significant equity investors and real estate lease-backs. The HPC can also require reporting from parties up to five years after a transaction. (Thursday, 1 p.m., More Info and Livestream)

HPC HEARING: Health Policy Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments for assessments on certain health care providers, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies and pharmacy benefit managers, based on the 2024 prescription drug reform and health care market oversight laws. The commission last month agreed to assess PBMs at 10% of the agency expenses; that regulation is in effect on an emergency basis and requires another board vote to make the policy permanent. (Thursday, 2 p.m., More Info and Livestream)

RENTAL HOUSING REPORT: Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies holds an online event related to the release of its "America’s Rental Housing 2026" report. The group said its research found the "number of renters with housing cost burdens reached another record high, with nearly half of renter households spending more than a third of their income on housing in 2024." Panelists will discuss the findings, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Council of Large Public Housing Authorities CEO La Shelle Dozier, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Managing Director Chris Herbert, and others. (Thursday, 4 p.m., Register)

HAVERHILL BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a public information meeting about the construction phase of the Private First Class Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge replacement project in Haverhill. The work will begin later this spring and last approximately six years, according to MassDOT. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Pinnacle at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill | More Information)

LYNN STREET REHABILITATION: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing about the rehabilitation of Essex Street in Lynn. The proposed project includes improvements for pedestrians, vehicle safety and operations along Essex Street between the Joyce Street/Rockaway Street intersection and Eastern Avenue intersection, per MassDOT. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., More Info and Register)

Friday, March 13, 2026

MMA BREAKFAST: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a legislative breakfast in Clinton. MMA staff will discuss the latest action on Beacon Hill, including the revenue outlook, the fiscal 2027 state budget and supplemental budgets. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 203 Union St., Clinton | Register)

MMA BREAKFAST: Massachusetts Municipal Association also holds a legislative breakfast in Harwich, bringing together local leaders, lawmakers and MMA staff. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 351 Pleasant Lake Ave., Harwich | Register)

IMMIGRANT RIGHTS CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition hosts its "Spring into Action" conference about immigrant rights. Featured speakers include Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Executive Director of Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition Mufalo Chitam, and Vice President of Immigrant Justice at the Chicago-based Resurrection Project, Eréndira Rendón. The conference is focused on education and advocacy, according to MIRA, and offers eight workshops that touch on "sustaining yourself and your organization and movement building." (Friday, 9 a.m., The George Sherman Union at Boston University | More Info and Tickets)

SOCIAL WORKERS: National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter holds a legislative education and advocacy day. Each participant will attend one of four workshops that goes in depth on one of the association’s legislative priorities. The association is backing four bills: S 2490 and H 4650 relative to social work uplifting practice and exam removal, S 252 and H 380 establishing the social work licensure compact, S 1393 and H 2196 relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment and S 2399 and H 3750 to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness. After breakout sessions, attendees are then encouraged to lobby their lawmakers. Tickets are $15 and attendees are asked to register as soon as possible. (Friday, 10 a.m., Great Hall, Nurses Hall, Grand Staircase and Gardner Auditorium | More Info)

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY: Board of Certification of Operators of Drinking Water Supply Facilities meets. Agenda includes an executive director report on applications processed and licensed since February, training applications and application reviews. (Friday, 12:30 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

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