Franklin Town MA
3-15-2026 5:25am

People, Power, and Politics

Above, wind turbine blades sit near Vineyard Wind's New Bedford offices on Jan. 23, 2025. (Michael P. Norton/SHNS).  Offshore construction on the first offshore wind project to serve Massachusetts is done. The final blades of the Vineyard Wind 1 project were installed Friday evening, a Vineyard Wind spokesman said, completing the project's offshore construction program. The spokesman said the project continues to deliver some power to the New England grid. More work remains before the project is fully operational.

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!

The snow has mostly gone but the drought is still here

Yes, all that snow simply stayed above the frozen ground and the aquifer will take time to absorb. Hopefully, April showers will bring some periods of steady rain.

In the meantime, the Franklin Housing Authority meets on Monday. The School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee is also scheduled to meet.

Design Review is scheduled to review an update to another Camford Property development along West Central St.

The major meeting of the week occurs Wednesday with a joint meeting of the School Committee and Town Council. The Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) will provide an update on Chapter 70 and hold harmless. This should be a most view (if not must participate) session.

The Council and School Committee will also discuss the potential for a strategic planning initiative. We have a set of plans (Master Plan, Housing Production Plan, Open Space & Recreation Plan) but need to get to the next level of detail on what is the priority for implementation and how it is going to be funded. The structural deficit is the major problem facing Franklin and needs to be solved.

The Board of Health added a session on Wednesday at 5 PM to discuss prohibiting the sale of mind altering products.

The School Committee has an open office hours session scheduled for Thursday evening at the Lincoln Elementary school.

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 3/13/26, 6:00 PM ***

Franklin Housing Authority

Monday, March 16 Time: 4:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2186

Franklin School Committee - Community Relations Subcommittee

Monday, March 16 Time: 6:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03162026-2181

Pole Petition Hearing

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 12:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2178

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 17 Time: 7:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03172026-2190

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 5:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2191

Franklin Public School Committee Special Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2182

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 18 Time: 6:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182026-2193

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Thursday, March 19 Time: 5:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192026-2161

ZBA Meeting- no meeting

Thursday, March 19

Charles River Pollution Control Meeting

Friday, March 20 Time: 3:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03202026-2192

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

To recap the Franklin TV. Franklin Public Radio meetings that were broadcast

On the High School front, it was a quiet week as the playoff runs were complete and the new Spring season hasn’t started.

On the All Access front a new episode of Aging Boldfully is up on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y3e4ShaBXo

On the Public Radio/podcast front, audio exclusive for the Commission on Disability meeting March 5 is available - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/exclusive-audio-of-franklin-commission.html

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 continue to plow through hearings on possible ballot questions next week, with legislative stipend reforms, union rights for public attorneys, and the housing policy changes encompassed in rent control and starter home zoning proposals all up for debate. The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions plans doubleheader hearings both Monday and Tuesday. Health and human services spending goes under the annual budget hearing microscope with a public hearing Friday in Mattapan. Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell on Friday launched an online portal to allow residents to report alleged misconduct by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in Massachusetts, and deliberations continue Wednesday with an official public hearing on legislation (H 5158) that would add restrictions to local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and significantly expand protections against immigration arrests at courthouses. A downsized version of Healey's proposals to invest in higher education research to offset federal cuts is on the move at the committee level, while the wait continues for a more expansive economic development bill from the governor. The Senate plans a formal session Thursday to take up legislation restricting retail pet sales and boosting pet ownership opportunities for public housing residents. Senate President Karen Spilka on Friday also surfaced a priority that some might not have seen coming: support for ending the twice-yearly clock change and establishing a "permanent, consistent time system" in Massachusetts. Spilka surfaced a possible Senate vote on legislation (S 2157) that seeks to implement the 2017 recommendations of a special commission. As geopolitical tensions rise over the two-week-old war in the Middle East and its impacts in the United States, everyone is monitoring local repercussions ranging from the potential of increased threats to surging gas and oil prices that are roiling markets and budgets. Amid it all, St. Patrick's Day activities unfold across Massachusetts on Tuesday. There will be a surge in social events before, during and after the holiday including Sunday's political breakfast in South Boston. "Evacuation Day, March 17 here in Massachusetts, when the Bostonians and the Colonists threw the Brits out of here," Healey said last week. "It's basically a month-long celebration of a lot of beer, a lot of cabbage, a lot of terrible political jokes. And it's sort of the dread of most politicians, if they're being honest with you. One doesn't have enough green outfits to get through March."

Sunday, March 15, 2026

ST. PATRICK'S DAY BREAKFAST: Sen. Nick Collins hosts the annual St. Patrick's Day political breakfast in South Boston, where elected officials are known to give remarks and tell jokes alongside local groups' musical performances. Irish Minister of Defense, Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee and Boston Archbishop Richard Henning of the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston will be in attendance, along with leaders of the Irish Defence Forces, the Massachusetts National Guard, the USS Barnum and the USS Massachusetts, per Collins' office. The event will feature performances by The Irish Tenors, the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Curragh’s Fancy, the Woods School of Irish Dance, and the Tryder Sisters. “For the 250th, we’re pulling out all the stops," Collins said in a statement. The breakfast will be broadcast live on NECN, NESN and Boston Neighborhood Network, and on the radio via WROL 950 AM and 100.3 FM. "Behind-the-scenes coverage" can be accessed via Caught in Southie. Senate President Spilka attends.(Sunday, 9 a.m., Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall, South Boston | More Info)

NEAL ON NBC: Congressman Richard Neal joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard on the network's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

COLLINS ON THE RECORD: South Boston Sen. Nick Collins is the guest on WCVB's weekly political talk show, "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

NEW BEDFORD DEMS DELEGATES: New Bedford Democrats convene to elect 44 delegates and 24 alternates to represent the city at the 2026 State Democratic Convention. Those who are 16 or older as of March 29 may vote and be elected during the caucus. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Our Lady of Angels Band Club 1446 Acushnet Ave., New Bedford)

MBTA COMMUTER RAIL SCHEDULE CHANGES: MBTA and Keolis will run modified Commuter Rail schedules on several southern lines to accommodate increased ridership for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Changes include adjusted departure times and additional service on lines including Fairmount, Fall River/New Bedford, Franklin/Foxboro, Greenbush, Kingston, Providence/Stoughton, and Framingham/Worcester Lines. Some trains that do not typically stop at Ruggles and Back Bay Station will make stops there, and some will operate earlier than usual. North Station lines and the Needham Line will operate on regular weekend schedules. Riders are encouraged to check updated schedules online before traveling. (Sunday | Schedulees)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Deadline for Primary Care Task Force to file its latest report on new payment models to boost public and private reimbursement in the sector. At a March 4 meeting, members discussed their draft recommendation for an "advanced primary care payment model" that looks to transition away from a fee-for-service structure to capitated, predictable payments. Health Policy Commission staff say the recommendation aims to reduce administrative burden and award "enhanced" payments based on care capabilities and performance outcomes. The payment model would be voluntary for providers, but all insurance plans vetted by state regulators must offer it as an option. The recommendation will likely be incorporated into a primary care bill, which Sen. Friedman says could surface in April. Lawmakers face the tricky task of pushing more money into primary care without also forcing overall health care costs even higher. (Sunday)

Monday, March 16, 2026

DPH NEWBORN REGS: Department of Public Health holds a public hearing on proposed regulatory changes for newborn blood screenings for treatable diseases and disorders. Eight new disorders could be screened, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as required under the 2024 maternal health law. (Monday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

FAIR HOUSING: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities holds a listening session to help guide policies and programming for the new Office of Fair Housing. Attendees include office director Whitney Demetrius, Brian Scales of RCAP Solutions and Susan Gentili of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council.(Monday, 10 a.m., Worcester State University Student Center, 486 Chandler St., Worcester | Register)

CCC LICENSE RENEWALS: Cannabis Control Commission meets. Agenda includes two license renewals. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

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)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - LEGISLATIVE STIPENDS: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a public hearing on the measure (H 5009) that would allow workers at the Committee for Public Counsel Services to unionize. After securing a collective bargaining agreement, CPCS would request an appropriation from the Legislature, according to a summary. CPCS staff include public defenders, social workers, investigators and administrative staff. The entity's work made headlines last year, as bar advocates representing indigent clients stopped taking on new cases as they demanded higher pay. The work stoppage resulted in hundreds of cases being dismissed, and yielded criticism from lawmakers who demanded attorneys get back to work. Gov. Maura Healey called the stoppage a "matter of public safety" that was also impeding defendants' access to due process. The Legislature agreed to a $20-an-hour raise over two years, but also sought to limit the state's reliance on bar advocates by allocating $40 million to CPCS, with the aim of hiring about 320 public defenders. Since that expansion effort kicked off, CPCS says it has hired about 130 employees through early February, including 106 attorneys. The potential ballot question measure would give CPCS workers the same collective bargaining rights as other state employees. "From our estimation, we believe that they're state employees in every way, and they deserve the same pathways as other state employees," SEIU Local 888 President Tom McKeever told reporters last August. (Monday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC ABUSE AWARENESS: Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, holds an advocacy day. Advocates plan to meet with lawmakers on several bills aimed at boosting support for survivors of abuse. Ahead of the meetings, attendees will gather in the Great Hall to hear public remarks. Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Rep. Michael Day and former Rep. Paul White are expected to attend along with representatives of advocacy groups, organizations offering support services and Jane Doe Inc. (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health's Integration Subcommittee meets. (Monday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

MENTAL HEALTH FOR KIDS: Health Law Advocate’s Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids holds a legislative briefing via Zoom. Patricia Elliott of Boston University’s School of Public Health, and Mahly Alejandro of Worcester Family Resource Center will share insights on how the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids is boosting mental health of youth and families while reducing costs. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Zoom Registration)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - HOUSING PROPOSAL: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a public hearing on the legislation (H 5000) allowing single-family homes to be built on smaller lots, in a bid to alleviate housing shortages. The lot must be at least 5,000 square feet with at least 50 feet of frontage, and have access to public sewer and water services. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities would develop guidelines or regulations to enforce the potential voter law. A recent University of New Hampshire poll found 36% of voters support the question, 21% are neutral, 17% oppose it and 27% aren't sure. Supporters say the measure would reduce costs for homebuyers, expand opportunities for Bay Staters to become homeowners and boost the supply of affordable homes. A so-called "Yes in My Back Yard" (YIMBY) bill (S 2836) would similarly eliminate minimum lot sizes and boost the construction of starter homes. The legislation is in the custody of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. At a housing forum in January, Sen. Will Brownsberger said the Senate is pursuing "bold" housing reforms as he reflected on the YIMBY bill. "We recognize that what has been done so far is not enough to achieve the goals that we've articulated for ourselves," Brownsberger said. (Monday, 2 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream

PET SHOP AMENDMENT DEADLINE: Senators have a 2:30 p.m. deadline to file amendments to a bill (S 2720) banning the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops. The Senate on Thursday plans to take up the bill, and a Ways and Means amendment substituting the text of S 3014.(Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

EVACUATION DAY COMMEMORATION: Commemorative events are held to mark the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day during the American Revolution. There will be a service at Saint Augustine Chapel at 9 a.m., followed by a procession at 10:30 a.m. from the South Boston Boys and Girls Club on West Sixth Street that will finish at Dorchester Heights. A program is then slated at the refurbished monument. Evacuation Day marks the end of the Siege of Boston, when more than 11,000. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Saint Augustine's Chapel, 181 Dorchester St., Dorchester)

PESTICIDE BOARD: Pesticide Board Subcommittee meets and votes on the registration of a product with a new active ingredient. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

AMUSEMENT ADVISORY: Amusement Advisory Board meets. Agenda items deal with amusement licenses and inspection requests, inspection procedures and amusement industry presentations. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 1 Federal St., Suite 600, Boston |Agenda and Livestream)

METROWEST FOOD COLLABORATIVE: Senate President Spilka attends the MetroWest Food Collaborative's annual Food Access Summit. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Framingham State University, Framingham)

REAL ESTATE BROKERS, SALES: Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons meets. Agenda includes executive director and board counsel reports, and an executive session to protect personal information. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

WINTER STORM FERN HEARING: U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chair, Kentucky Congressman Brett Guthrie, and Subcommittee on Energy Chair, Ohio Congressman Bob Latta, hold a hearing titled "Winter Storm Fern Lessons: Supplying Reliable Power to Meet Peak Demand." The January storm brought heavy snow and ice across the country, causing outages, states of emergency and road and highway closures. “As Winter Storm Fern swept across the country and energy needs were at their highest, it was baseload, dispatchable power sources like coal, nuclear power, and natural gas that kept the lights on for millions of American families,” Guthrie and Latta said in a press release. The hearing will "provide an opportunity to examine lessons learned from the storm that will support the reliable supply of power to the grid, especially during peak demand," they said. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. | Livestream)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS: 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 Senate on Thursday voted to seek an advisory, non-binding opinion from the Supreme Judicial Court on whether the stipends and public records ballot questions are unconstitutional. For the stipends measure, the Senate said it has "grave doubt" that if the petition, if enacted, would "violate and intrude upon the ability of the Senate and House of Representatives to set their own rules of proceeding." 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, at two minutes per person. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

IMPROVING CONNECTIONS: MassHousing and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs host an "Electric Connections Improvements Forum" for utilities, developers, state agencies and other stakeholders interested in discussing issues related to connecting new buildings to the electric grid. A second session is planned for September. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 100 Cambridge St, Conference Rooms B and C, 2nd floor, Boston | Register)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - RENT CONTROL: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a public hearing on the proposed rent stabilization measure (H 5008). It would limit the annual rent hike from exceeding the annual rise in the Consumer Price Index or 5% -- whichever is lower. The measure would not apply to units in owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units; units that are regulated by public authorities; units rented to "transient guests" for less than 14 consecutive days; units in facilities for educational, religious or nonprofit purposes; and units that received their residential certification of occupancy within the last decade. Voters in 1994 approved a question to ban rent control, and efforts to revive the policy have failed since then, leading to the ballot push. A recent University of New Hampshire poll found that 56% of voters support the rent stabilization measure, while 4% are neutral, 26% oppose it and 13% aren't sure. A new study released Thursday by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis said the measure would eliminate $300 billion in property values after a decade, which could upend funding for municipal services. "When property values decline, local tax bases shrink, putting pressure on essential services like police, fire, schools, and infrastructure," Holyoke Mayor Josh Garcia said. "Cities like ours already struggle with inadequate revenue to meet basic municipal needs. Simply put, Holyoke can’t afford the risks that come with this ballot measure." Homes For All Massachusetts, the campaign backing the question, sees rent control as a crucial solution to the housing crisis, said Executive Director Carolyn Chu. "We're in an affordability crisis, and we believe rent control is one of the key ways we can work to address the affordability and displacement crisis that we hear about every day across the state," she said in December. At a recent campaign stop in Attleboro, Gov. Maura Healey warned rent control would dry up investment and stop housing production. House Speaker Ron Mariano spoke against the proposal at a recent MASSterlist/State House News Service event. "I just don't think the rent control question that's on the ballot is going to improve the ability for housing investors to get into the marketplace, I think the barriers are very high, the amount of money that it's going to cost, it's almost going to keep people from even entering into it," Mariano said. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room A-1 | More Info and Livestream)

FUEL CELL: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Fuel Cell Work Group meets. Members will review regulations on stationary fuel cell power systems. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access

MEDICAID FRAUD HEARING: U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a hearing on the role of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in combatting Medicare and Medicaid fraud. Committee chair Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and subcommittee chair Rep. John Joyce of Pennsylvania said the hearing is the next step in their investigation of fraud, which they expanded earlier this month by sending letters to health officials in Massachusetts and nine other states they said "displayed concerning cases of Medicaid fraud over the last several years." The letters asked for responses to a series of questions by Tuesday. The hearing will also feature discussion of "common fraud schemes and programs that are vulnerable to fraud." MassHealth has said it has "one of the country’s most robust programs to aggressively fight fraud, waste and abuse." (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. | Livestream | Notice)

SPILKA IN HOPKINTON: Senate President Spilka and Rep. Arena-DeRosa give updates to the Hopkinton Select Board. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 18 Main St., Hopkinton | Zoom)

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

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

FEDERAL VACCINE PANEL: The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets over two days, with plans to discuss COVID-19 vaccine injuries and long COVID. Massachusetts has distanced itself from the panel, with the state Department of Public Health gaining expanded authority to issue its own vaccine recommendations. DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein affirmed this week that, "No matter the outcome of this meeting, DPH remains committed to protecting and maintaining access to vaccines in Massachusetts." The meeting continues on Thursday at 8 a.m. (Wednesday, 8 a.m. | More Info)

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee's Standards Subcommittee meets to review the March agenda. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | More Info and Access)

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds a public hearing on five bills, including the "PROTECT Act" (H 5158) sponsored by Rep. Andy Vargas. House committee members held a "forum" earlier this month on the proposal, which would ban civil immigration arrests in and around courthouses. The legislation would also block the creation or renewal of 287(g) agreements that allow local officers to carry out the duties of federal immigration agents. House Speaker Ron Mariano, who's emphasized the state's limitations in wading into immigration policy, has said his branch will "vote this spring on pragmatic legislative solutions that seek to protect Massachusetts residents from federal immigration agents, within the confines of state law." Senate President Karen Spilka has also acknowledged the urgency of strengthening immigration protections, though no proposal has emerged for consideration. Also on the hearing docket is a Sen. Fernandes bill (S 2860) to bolster public health and safety standards in communities near aging nuclear power plants or waste dump sites. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

MIRA IMMIGRANTS' DAY: Gov. Healey, Senate President Spilka, Rep. González and Sen. Friedman are slated to speak as Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition hosts the 30th annual Immigrants' Day at the State House to push for policies supporting immigrant communities. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)

MUNI POLICE: Municipal Police Training Committee meets. Agenda includes updates on disciplinary dismissal appeals and instructor certification revocation appeals, as well as an executive director's report. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 42 Thomas Patten Drive, Randolph | Agenda and Access)

PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT NOMINEE: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Mary Ferriter as a Probate & Family Court judge. She brings nearly 40 decades of experience, including as a litigator and client advocate. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

CANNABIS WORKER SAFETY: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public listening session on cannabis industry worker safety concerns. In January 2022, a 27-year-old cannabis cultivation facility worker, Lorna McMurrey, died after a shift at Trulieve's Holyoke facility. OSHA fined the company $35,200 upon finding that McMurrey inhaled ground cannabis dust and could not breathe. State public health officials in late 2023 detailed steps the cannabis industry should be taking to prevent work-related asthma and sent a bulletin to health care providers urging them to be vigilant in identifying work-related asthma among cannabis workers. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Public meeting room, 2nd floor, Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | Agenda and Access Info)

GAMING AGENDA-SETTING: Gaming Commission meets to select topics for further discussion at regular business meetings. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

STATE LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: Special Collections Department at the State Library of Massachusetts holds a tour of historic materials, with some dating back to the 1600s. Participants can view maps, photographs, rare books, broadsides and manuscripts. A second tour of the day is slated for 12:15 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Room 55 | Register)

JUVENILE COURT NOMINEE: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Mary Gallant-Cote as a Juvenile Court judge. She's worked as clerk magistrate for the Berkshire County Juvenile Courts since 2022. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

YOUTH NICOTINE AWARENESS DAY: Hundreds of youth and adults gather to celebrate Ending Nicotine Use For the Future, or ENUFF: The 84 Movement’s Youth Day of Action meant to highlight how young people fight the influence of tobacco and vaping industries. Attendees plan to educate lawmakers about the effects of tobacco and vaping in their communities. Meetings with lawmakers will be followed by a program where Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein is scheduled to give remarks and present the Statewide Youth Leadership Award. The event will close with a rally outside the State House. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Great Hall)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets and could vote on Gov. Healey's nomination of Shelly-Ann Sankar as a District Court judge. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

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

HOWARD SWEARING-IN: Special election winner Rep. Vanna Howard is slated to be sworn in as senator for the 1st Middlesex District seat. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senate Chamber)

PESTICIDE BOARD: Pesticide Board Subcommittee holds a public hearing on its individual review of rodenticides. An October 2025 report prepared for the Department of Agricultural Resources examined the health and environmental impacts of anticoagulant rodenticides. Public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on March 20. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

BIKE, PED BOARD: Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meets. Agenda topics include micromobility, the MassDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Vision Map, and the MassTrails Priority Trails Network. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

FUTURE OF PAYMENTS, CREDIT CARDS: Special Legislative Commission to Study the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses meets for the first time. It's chaired by Sen. Feeney and Rep. Murphy. Created under the 2024 economic development law, the commission is tasked with seeking public input on payment trends, the prevalence of cashless transactions and cashless businesses, credit card fees, mobile payments and "buy-now-pay-later financing." The commission was supposed to file a report by Dec. 1, 2025 on recommendations on the future of credit cards and other types of payments to support the long-term success of small businesses." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1 | More Info and Livestream)

CANNABIS LICENSE FREEZE: Cannabis Control Commission holds a public listening session on a potential freeze of new cultivation licenses and a temporary moratorium on approving additional canopy capacity. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Public meeting room, 2nd floor, Union Station, 2 Washington Sq., Worcester | Agenda and Access Info)

ELECTRIC ROOM: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations' Electric Room Work Group meets. (Wednesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

STOUGHTON DISTRICT COURT NOMINEE: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of John Riordan as clerk magistrate of the Stoughton District Court. He's currently clerk magistrate in the Northeast Housing Court. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

CHARLES RIVER TASK FORCE: Charles River Task Force holds a workshop. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

REGIS COLLEGE HEALTH PANEL: Regis College and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care hold a virtual panel discussion on how federal policies have affected health care costs, access, overall public health and patient outcomes. Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein is a panelist on the topic of public health infrastructure and infectious disease response on the federal and state levels. Michael Doonan, professor and associate dean of academics at Brandeis University’s The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, will discuss the Affordable Care Act and federal and state health policy. Carlene Pavlos, executive director of Massachusetts Public Health Association and Massachusetts Public Health Alliance, will discuss advocacy at the state level. Colin Reusch, director of policy at Community Catalyst; and Amy Rosenthal, undersecretary of health in the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will speak about initiatives and advocacy at the federal level. Registration is required by 3 p.m. March 18. (Wednesday, 6:15 p.m.. More Info and Zoom Registration)

NATIONAL GRID BASE RATES: Department of Public Utilities holds the first of eight public hearings on National Grid's proposal to increase base distribution rates, as it looks to generate an additional $342 million in revenue. Customers in the Boston Gas Company service area could see their monthly bills increase by about $24 during the winter. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., 276 Broadway St., Lowell | More Info)

MASSDOT WESTON: MassDOT holds a design public hearing on a proposed project in Weston to replace the bridge that carries Merriam Street over the B&M and MBTA railroad. (Wednesday, 7 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, March 19, 2026

MENTAL HEALTH COUNCIL: Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council meets. Agenda includes presentations on the "ketogenic diet as a treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders" and "the role of mind body medicine in the modern healthcare system." (Thursday, 8:30 a.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

MASSPORT BOARD: Massport Board meets. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

DRISCOLL CHAMBER CONVO: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll participates in a fireside chat hosted by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Network. Aisha Francis, CEO and president of Franklin Cummings Tech, moderates the discussion. Driscoll is expected to reflect on career milestones, offer insights on leadership and discuss the work underway to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. There will be an audience Q&A session after the conversation. Press should RSVP to Casey Baines at cbaines@bostonchamber.com and Mattie Holloway at mholloway@bostonchamber.com. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., The Westin Copley Place 10 Huntington Ave., Boston)

YOUTH TRANSITION ADVOCACY: Children’s League of Massachusetts holds an advocacy day for adults who are leaving state care for independent living, also known as Transition Age Youth. Rep. Marjorie Decker and Sen. Jo Comerford are scheduled to give remarks along with youth who will discuss resources they need. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall | Register)

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE: Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano, Sen. DiDomenico, and Reps. Peisch, Gordon and Vargas are slated to speak at Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care's lobby day. MADCA represents 600 early education centers and family child care systems. Executive Director Bill Eddy and Massachusetts Business Roundtable President JD Chesloff also speak. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

MATERNAL HEALTH: Maternal Health Access and Birthing Patient Safety Task Force meets. Members will discuss findings and policy recommendations for an upcoming report. The task force was formed through the 2024 maternal health law, which aimed to increase access to care and boost the maternal health work force. The Department of Public Health is gearing up to launch a doula certification process and expand home visiting programs. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

SENATE PET BILL: The Senate plans to take up a Ways and Means amendment (S 3014) replacing the text of a bill (S 2720) banning the retail sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in pet shops. The bill would also direct the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create a program allowing elderly residents and tenants in state public housing to keep pets in accordance with the facility’s requirements. The bill also gives EOHLC a Dec. 31, 2027 deadline to study and develop recommendations on the prevalence and effects of pet-related fees charged to rental tenants in the state. Additionally, the bill bars state public housing facilities from banning pets, discriminating based on breed, size, weight or appearance of a pet, requiring an animal to be declawed or evicting compliant tenants solely because they have a pet. Manufacturers and contract testing facilities would be banned from using traditional animal testing methods for cosmetic or household products, product formulation, chemicals or ingredients. The bill includes an exemption for medical researchers who could conduct animal testing for their work. On March 12, the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted 17-0 to advance the substitute bill. Senators had a 2:30 p.m. deadline on Monday to file amendments to the bill. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL BRIEFING: League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and advocacy organization Who Governs the Governor’s Council hold a legislator and community briefing on the Governor's Council, and its role in and effects on the judicial system. Sen. Barrett, who filed a bill (S 497) that would ensure that the elected office is listed as “Governor’s Councillor” rather than “Councillor" on ballots, is among the speakers. That bill was reported favorably by the Election Laws Committee's senators and has been before the Senate Rules Committee since July. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Hearing Room B-1)

YOUTH GAMBLING AWARENESS: Rep. Adam Scanlon and Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health hold an event focused on the risks young people face in the rapidly evolving legal gambling market. The program will include a presentation of new research and initiatives, including: development and assessment of curriculum for youth betting risks, data from the Massachusetts Youth Health Survey and research on gambling behaviors from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s research agenda. Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. John Keenan, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, will participate along with the Attorney General’s office, Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the Office of Problem Gambling Services. (Thursday, 11:45 a.m., Room 437)

COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds a public hearing on bills from Rep. Badger and Sen. Lovely (H 5012 / S 2927) to boost information on food offered at K-12 public, private and charter schools, as well as public and private colleges, for students with medical restrictions like celiac disease or allergies. School websites under the legislation must outline food handling procedures for gluten-free and allergen-free meals, instructions for accessing meals, and contact information for service personnel. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

CLEANING PRODUCTS: Operational Services Division holds a webinar about choosing cleaning products that could boost health and safety in schools, municipalities and public facilities. Experts from the Department of Public Health and the Toxics Use Reduction Institute speak. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | Register)

BOSTON ARTS ACADEMY CHAMPION AWARDS: Boston Arts Academy holds its annual Champion Reception to honor those who reflect the school’s mission to develop artists and boost access to arts education. This year’s honorees are: Auditor Diana DiZoglio; Robert Chambers, vice president for strategic engagement and chief of staff at Massachusetts College of Art and Design and former Chair of the Boston Arts Academy’s Board of Trustees; Lorena Silva, CEO of Vitra Health and Boston Arts Academy Foundation board member; and Chris Herman, executive vice president and head of retirement and wealth at Inspira Financial. The event will also be the opening night of the school’s student-led performances. Organizers say they hope to raise $300,000 for the school during the event. Tickets start at $125.(Thursday, 6 p.m., Boston Arts Academy 174 Ipswich St., Boston | More Info and Tickets)

DIDOMENICO'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY ROAST: Elected officials gather for Sen. Sal DiDomenico's annual St. Patrick's Day celebration and roast. DiDomenico said Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senate President Karen Spilka and District Attorney Marian Ryan are among the more than 70 electeds and 400 people expected to attend. City councilors, school committee members, mayors, state reps and other senators in DiDomenico's district are also planning to attend. The agenda includes jokes, an Irish band, bagpipers and an Irish dinner. Tickets are going for $45 per person and tables are going for $400. Proceeds go to The DiDomenico Foundation. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m., Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus, Charlestown)

Friday, March 20 2026

MMA BREAKFAST: Massachusetts Municipal Association holds a legislative breakfast in Montague, bringing together local leaders, lawmakers and MMA staff. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Shea Theater Arts Center, 71 Ave. A, Turner Falls | Register)

MMA BREAKFAST: Massachusetts Municipal Association hosts a legislative breakfast in Boxford. MMA staff will discuss recent action on Beacon Hill, including the fiscal 2027 budget and energy affordability legislation. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall, 7A Spofford Road, Boxford | Register)

COVID HEALTH PAYMENT RATES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services holds a public hearing on a proposal to rescind regulations dealing with COVID-19 and public health emergency payment rates for certain community health providers. Officials say certain codes are no longer covered by public insurers, with services covered through other existing regulations. MassHealth is expected to save $63,000 annually with the change, officials say. (Friday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)

FY 2027 BUDGET HEARING: Joint Committee on Ways and Means holds the first of two hearings focused on health and human services funding included in Gov. Healey’s $63.38 billion fiscal 2027 budget proposal. Health care spending continues to dominate the budget and Healey’s proposal aims to address the financial squeeze residents are facing from costly prescription drugs and greater patient needs as well as invest in services needed to keep up with the state’s aging population. Healey is proposing $22.7 billion for MassHealth, up from $22.1 billion in fiscal 2026. Included in MassHealth’s budget is $30 million to implement changes under the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act that establish work requirements and more frequent enrollment eligibility checks. The budget would allocate $3.35 billion to the Department of Developmental Services, $1.32 billion for the Department of Mental Health and $1.08 billion for the Department of Public Health. The budget also proposes $1.06 billion for the Executive Office of Aging and Independence and $13.4 million for senior nutrition services. Healey is proposing using $100 million in surtax revenues for health and human transportation costs. The Department of Transitional Assistance would get a $147.7 million investment for caseworkers. Healey is also proposing to extend for another year the ConnectorCare pilot program that helps make health insurance more affordable for middle-class residents. Representatives of the following agencies are scheduled to testify: Executive Office of Veteran Services, including Soldiers Homes, Office of the Veterans Advocate, Department of Children and Families, Department of Developmental Service, Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Youth Services, MassAbility, Massachusetts Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and Office of Refugees and Immigrants. Sen. Lydia Edwards and Rep. Russell Holmes will chair the meeting. (Friday, 10 a.m., Mattapan Library 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan| Livestream)

DAY HABILITATION SERVICES: Executive Office of Health and Human Services hold a public hearing on setting rates for day habilitation services that will take effect on or after Sept. 1. Officials are proposing no changes to the current rates. (Friday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

ALLIED HEALTH: Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services meets. Members will vote on approving applications. (Friday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

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