People, Power and Politics

Wi-Fi will be available in all 94 courthouses across Massachusetts this summer, but it's coming with a cost to the Trial Court system.  Court leaders asked lawmakers this week to add $13 million to the budget Gov. Maura Healey filed this winter (H 2), explaining the need as the result of union-negotiated pay increases, lease and utility cost increases, and the cost of becoming a digital court system. The governor's budget proposed $999.8 million for the Trial Court, but Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino said the system needs about $1.012 billion, which would be an increase of about $42 million over the Trial Court's appropriation, just to maintain its current operations.

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!

Be wary pranksters may be around this week as April Fool’s day arrives on Wednesday.

The FY 2027 budget is now published so there really is no time to fool around. The Board of Assessors met early Monday morning. The Agriculture Commission, Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee and the Library Board of Directors all meet later Monday.

The Mass Strategic Health Group meets Tuesday afternoon, and the Design Review meets Tuesday night.

Wednesday the Board of Health is scheduled for 5 PM with the Town Council scheduled for 6. The Board of Health continues the discussion started last meeting on a potential ban of mind altering products. The Council gets into their first public hearings on zoning bylaws. Minor and technical changes to the Crossing Neighborhood District and to complete the MBTA compliance requirements are covered in 2 bylaws each (total 4 bylaws for hearings and first readings).

The Commission on Disability meets Thursday afternoon and the newly appointed Economic Development Subcommittee of the Town Council gets its first session in the Thursday evening broadcast time slot not being used this time by the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The ZBA are scheduled for a non-public, executive session meeting.

The agendas for these individual meetings are provided below.

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 3/27/26, 8:00 PM ***

Board of Assessors

Monday, March 30 Time: 8:30 AM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2212

Franklin Agricultural Committee

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2215

Franklin School Committee - Horace Mann Legacy Subcommittee

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2211

Library Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Monday, March 30 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03302026-2216

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting Notice

Tuesday, March 31 Time: 1:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312026-2225

Design Review Meeting

Tuesday, March 31 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03312026-2217

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, April 1 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2218

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 1 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04012026-2229

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, April 2 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2209

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2223

ZBA Meeting- NO Meeting

Thursday, April 2 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2213

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04022026-2228

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

The Planning Board met as scheduled on Monday, March 23. The video is available

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNdEd3y7QdY

The School Committee Budget subcommittee met on Tuesday at 6 PM before the full Committee met at 7 PM. The audio and recap of the Budget meeting can be found https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-budget-subcmte-reviews.html

The video and recap for the full School Committee meeting can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/03/school-committee-gets-update-on.html

The Conservation Commission met as scheduled on Thursday March 26. The video is available https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56oBa37n5j4

Nothing was happening on the school's front this week. On the All Access front, a video “Rockin’ the Boroughs” a concert of senior singers recorded in October 2025 in now available for viewing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwRuJZfpgrQ

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

Initiative petitions that would overhaul voter registration and election rules and deliver tax relief while upending state collections are up for discussion Monday and Tuesday. House Democrats on Tuesday will also hold their final budget hearing, and hear directly from the public for the first time, before they roll out a response in April to the annual budget bill that Gov. Maura Healey filed two months ago. With four months remaining for general-purpose formal sessions this year, there's also some heavy lifting to be done soon in the Senate, where the House this year has delivered major energy, spending and immigrant protection bills. Publicized meetings among top House and Senate Democrats and Healey have vanished in 2026 as those elected to run the state have retreated from regular public meetups that were often portrayed as symbolic of a shared and cooperative leadership style. On Monday, they'll bring back the old "leadership meeting" with a gathering in the governor's office. New rules this session enable the House and Senate to just get major bills into six-person conference committees by July 31, rather than pass them, which removes some of the pressure to strike deals but boosts the likelihood of major legislating during and after the elections.

Storylines in Progress

... Two Cabinet secretaries are scheduled to testify Tuesday afternoon on ways to address the racial wealth gap ... Healey's ever-changing Cabinet gets a new member Monday when Stephen Zrike comes on board as education secretary ... The last legislative special election of the year is set for Tuesday when voters on Cape Ann will elect a successor to the late Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante ... The Senate plans a formal session Wednesday to pass the so-called FARM bill, which would invest in food access programs and formally define and expand agritourism while easing zoning barriers ... The U.S. Navy commissions the USS Massachusetts, a Virginia-class fast-attack nuclear submarine, on Saturday in Boston. The city also host a "No Kings" protest against President Trump and Gov. Healey plans to speak there ... A final report is due from a commission that looked at xylazine as an additive to illicit drugs ... A coalition of environmental groups hosts the inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day on Tuesday ... Wednesday brings the annual health care cost growth benchmark hearing, as well as a gathering of opponents of driverless vehicles ... State officials concerned about potential federal changes to the definition of "preventive health services" plan a hearing Thursday as they explore safeguards here ...

Sunday, March 29, 2026

KELLER AT LARGE: Jon Keller talks with Auditor Diana DiZoglio. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

EVERETT MAYOR VAN CAMPEN ON @ ISSUE: Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen joins reporter Matt Prichard on NBC 10's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

TOURISM CHIEF FOX ON THE RECORD: Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Kate Fox joins WCVB's weekly political talk show, "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

HEALTH, COMMUNITY AND CONNECTIONS ON CITYLINE: WCVB's weekly urban magazine program CityLine focuses on how detection, prevention and education can improve health care outcomes. Colorectal cancer is on the rise among younger adults, and host Jessica Brown introduces Chris Kowalski, who was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 37. Massachusetts General Hospital's Dr. Leon Pappas and Boston Public Health Commission's Mark Kennedy then discuss warning signs and the importance of screening. Dr. Nicole Christian-Brathwaite discusses the effort of the Hyde Park Health and Wellness Initiative to create a health center and fill a care gap in the community. And president and CEO of the Saint Rock Haiti Foundation, Jocelyn Bresnahan, shares how the organization is improving health care, education and infrastructure in Haiti. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB)

Monday, March 30, 2026

RAHM EMANUEL IN NH: Rahm Emanuel is the guest speaker at the New England Council's "Politics & Eggs" series, which often features candidates considering presidential runs. Emanuel, a Democrat, was ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025, was mayor of Chicago between 2011 and 2019, worked as President Barack Obama's chief of staff in 2009 and 2010, and was a congressman from 2003 to 2009. Media should RSVP to alokken@newenglandcouncil.com. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, 100 Saint Anselm Dr., Manchester)

CIVIL DISCOURSE INSTITUTE: Boston College High School hosts New York Times columnist David Brooks as part of its launch of the Edmond D. Villani ’64 Institute for Civil Discourse, designed to help students learn how to communicate despite differences. Brooks will speak with students about civic culture and the role thoughtful dialogue plays in American public life. Institute head Charles Shaw and Brooks will be available to media after the session with students, at 10:40 a.m. Media RSVP to karynregal@gmail.com. (Monday, 9 a.m., Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester)

SCHOOL COMMITTEES DAY ON THE HILL: Massachusetts Association of School Committees hosts its "Day on the Hill." According to MASC, speakers include Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Doug Howgate, Education Committee Co-chairs Sen. Lewis and Rep. Gordon, Sen. O'Connor, Rep. LaNatra, Mohawk Trail Regional School Committee member Martha Thurber, and Sunderland School Committee member Jessica Corwin. (Monday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Info and Register)

FIRE PREVENTION: Board of Fire Prevention Regulations holds a public hearing on proposed changes to the Massachusetts Electrical Code. (Monday, 10 a.m., Department of Fire Services, 1 State Road, Stow | More Info)

WORKER OWNERSHIP: Sen. Mark and Rep. Sabadosa join the Coalition for Worker Ownership and Power for a legislative brunch with dozens of local advocates to discuss state budget requests and the “Opportunity to Own” bill (H 503 / S 305). That legislation would exempt up to $1 million from a qualified sale of a business to its employees from state capital gains taxes to encourage owners of small businesses to consider transferring ownership to their workers when they retire. (Monday, 11 a.m., Grange Hall, 10 Main St., Williamsburg)

ANTI-TAX CUT BALLOT RALLY: Community, faith and labor advocates hold a rally in downtown Boston opposing proposed income tax cut and revenue cap ballot initiatives, and march to the State House ahead of a hearing by the Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions on the measures. (Monday, 11 a.m., Post Office Square, 112 Congress St.)

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)

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Energy Efficiency Advisory Council Equity Working Group meets. (Monday, 11 a.m. | Register)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - INCOME TAX AND REVENUE COLLECTION CAP: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a public hearing on a measure (H 5007) to lower the state income tax from 5% to 4% over three years and another (H 5006) that caps the amount of revenue the state can collect each year and refunds excess revenue collected to taxpayers. Gov. Maura Healey has expressed opposition to both proposals and said dropping the income tax rate to 4% could take $5 billion out of the state budget. On March 18, the House passed a $1.8 billion spending bill with language that would decouple Massachusetts's state tax code from changes to the federal tax code that benefit Bay State businesses if the income tax cut ballot question passes, a condition meant to shield the state from a double-whammy decrease to tax revenues. Senate President Karen Spilka said the proposal capping revenue growth could cut another $2 billion out of the state budget. A recent poll by the UNH Survey Center found 58% of respondents somewhat or strongly support the income tax cut. Also, a recent report from the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University found "a tax cut would give households around the state more money to spend and save," adding that dropping the income tax from 5% to 4% over three years would "more than offset" revenue gains since a surtax on high income households went into effect in 2023 and "imperil efforts to balance the state budget and sustain core government programs moving forward." (Monday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-2 | More Info and Access)

CULTURAL COUNCIL: Mass Cultural Council holds an event celebrating grants made to Bristol County's cultural sector. Speakers include Sen. Montigny and Reps. Hendricks, Fiola and Howitt. (Monday, 1 p.m. | New Bedford Whaling Museum. 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford | Register)

LEADERSHIP MEETING: Gov. Healey joins Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano and Lt. Gov. Driscoll for a leadership meeting. A press availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Governor's office)

PIONEER VALLEY MOSQUITO CONTROL: Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District Commission meets. Agenda includes a discussion and vote on a cost-of-living adjustment for full-time staff, as well as a fiscal 2027 budget discussion and vote. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

GREEN LINE C BRANCH ACCESSIBILITY: MBTA is holding a hybrid meeting about accessibility improvements at all inaccessible Green Line C branch stations, including upgrades to make all stations along Beacon Street in Brookline ADA-compliant. The project would complete accessibility work on one of the nation’s oldest light rail lines, where many stations predate the Americans with Disabilities Act. Following a presentation, MBTA will host an open house from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Brookline Town Hall, Conference Room 103, 333 Washington St, Brookline | More Info and Register)

XYLAZINE COMMISSION REPORT: Final report from the Commission on Xylazine is due. The commission was tasked initially in 2024 with studying and making recommendations on ways to address the public health and safety concerns posed by the proliferation of xylazine as an additive to illicit drugs. Commissioners approved the report on March 24. (Monday)

ZRIKE'S FIRST DAY: Incoming Education Secretary Stephen Zrike Jr. will begin his tenure in Gov. Healey's Cabinet, succeeding Patrick Tutwiler following his departure last month. Zrike, currently superintendent of Salem Public Schools and a former leader in Holyoke and Wakefield, is credited with improving attendance, expanding early education, and strengthening college and career pathways. He takes office as the state continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, including challenges around student learning loss, mental health, early literacy and declining enrollment. Zrike will also confront ongoing debates over graduation requirements following the removal of MCAS as a statewide standard and will be expected to engage in discussions over changes to the Chapter 70 school funding formula, a key issue for districts seeking greater state support. (Monday)

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

DCR STEWARDSHIP: DCR Stewardship Council Policy Committee meets. Agenda includes an update on resource management plans and a rodenticide update. (Tuesday, 8 a.m. | Register)

CRIMINAL RECORD: Criminal Record Review Board meets. Members will go into executive session to discuss complaints about improper access to or dissemination of CORI records or regulatory violations. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Access)

ALPHA PHI ALPHA ADVOCACY DAY: Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the first intercollegiate fraternity established for African American men, hold an advocacy day supporting bills on same-day voter registration, juvenile justice reform and criminal record sealing. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 437)

GREATER LOWELL RESTORATION CENTER: Behavioral health and elected officials gather for a ribbon-cutting for the Restoration Center of Greater Lowell, a new 24/7 facility for people experiencing substance use and mental health crises. Operated by Vinfen and Spectrum Health Systems, the center is launching as a pilot program to offer walk-in access as well as drop-offs by police and first responders. It is meant to provide an alternative to emergency rooms and the criminal justice system. Services include triage, peer support, detox, and short-term respite care. Middlesex County Restoration Center Commission planned for the facility for more than seven years. Speakers include Congresswoman Trahan, Sen. Friedman, Sheriff Koutoujian, and Lowell City Manager Golden. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 10 Technology Dr., Lowell)

OCEAN DAY: A coalition of environmental groups hosts the inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day, bringing together advocates, scientists and students. The day includes panel discussions on biodiversity, plastics, coastal resilience, and the blue economy. Fish and Game Commissioner O'Shea will deliver a keynote address, Rep. Michlewitz will receive an "Ocean Champion" award, and Sen. Tarr gives a closing keynote. A media availability is planned for noon on the State House steps. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m., State House)

LOTTERY COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | For access contact (781) 917-6057 or email gpolin@masslottery.com)

AFTERSCHOOL CAUCUS: Massachusetts Afterschool and Summer Caucus holds a briefing on its efforts around the fiscal 2027 budget and out-of-school student learning bills. The Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership and Boston After School and Beyond are among groups sponsoring the briefing, which aims to bring lawmakers and afterschool providers together to discuss the Afterschool and Out-of-School Time grant and Summer Learning grant. The two grants together serve more than 20,000 children, according to sponsors. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 222)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a hybrid public hearing on a measure (H 5001) that would permit eligible voters to register to vote and then cast their vote on Election Day. The proposal would also enable people who are already registered to vote, but who need to change their name or address, to do so on Election Day. The existing deadline to register to vote, update registration, or change party in Massachusetts is 10 days before any election or town meeting. Secretary of State William Galvin launched the campaign measure, which has been presented to Beacon Hill lawmakers for years but has been met with resistance, particularly in the House. The ballot question committee YES on Election Day Voter Registration also formed to back the measure. Galvin said last year that "the only way to get it done is to get it to the people, and that's what we're doing." The William F. Galvin Committee twice donated $25,000 to the ballot committee, which also received $10,000 each from Robert Rivers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and $3,000 from the Richard Neal for Congress Committee. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Access)

PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING: After hearing mostly from state government insiders, the Joint Ways and Means Committee holds the one hearing at which members of the public are invited to share their thoughts on Gov. Healey's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal (H 2). Healey's $63.36 billion annual spending plan would increase spending by 3.8% over the budget she signed last summer, while tax revenues are projected to grow 2.9% and federal aid is in doubt. Unrestricted local aid, Chapter 70 school aid and other education spending, health and human services (HHS) spending, and debt service together eat up about 80% of the bill. Just the combination of MassHealth ($22.7 billion gross, net state cost of $9.3 billion) and other HHS spending adds up to about half of the budget, officials said. The House and Senate will redraft Healey's spending blueprint and debate their own versions, typically in April and May. Fiscal year 2027 begins July 1, but Massachusetts is often late with its budget and one of the last states to have a full-year budget in place. Committee says members of the public should register to testify by noon Monday. Anyone who signs up the day of the hearing will only be heard if time allows. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Access Info)

RACIAL WEALTH GAP: Labor Secretary Jones and Health and Human Services Secretary Mahaniah are among those who will testify at a Joint Committee on Racial Equity, Civil Rights, and Inclusion hearing to assess the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts after one year of the second Trump administration. "The overarching questions for the hearing are: (1) What is the status of the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts? (2) What historical and structural factors have shaped the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts? (3) What is the anticipated impact of new federal policy, including but not limited to the dismantling of DEI, cuts to the federal workforce, and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on the racial wealth gap in Massachusetts? (4) What can the Legislature do to close the racial wealth gap in the context of current federal policy?," the committee said. Oral testimony is by invitation only, but others can submit written comments until April 7. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

ORAL HEALTH: Special Commission on Oral Health. Agenda includes discussion and approval of an initial report. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

COMMITTEE ON INITIATIVE PETITIONS - ALL PARTY PRIMARIES: Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions holds a hybrid public hearing on a measure (H 5003) that would create a single primary system in which all candidates are listed on one ballot, and voters would be able to choose any candidate regardless of their party affiliation. The top two candidates with the most votes would move on to the general election. The measure is backed by a bipartisan group called Coalition for Healthy Democracy, which professor and 2022 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Danielle Allen chairs and former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour is a part of. Organizers say the all-party primary system would increase voter participation, reduce gaps in voter turnout and increase competition in elections. Massachusetts was named the state with the most uncompetitive state House and Senate races among states with contests in the fall of 2024. MassGOP has warned that "voters should be skeptical of this latest attempt to upend our election process in Massachusetts," and the Democratic Party hasn't weighed in. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room A-2 | More Info and Access)

PRIMARY CARE: Workforce Workgroup of the Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force meets to discuss administrative burdens facing primary care providers. Gov. Healey's Health Care Affordability Work Group is similarly examining ways to eliminate administrative waste, with recommendations expected in June. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Livestream)

NEWTON CORNER PLANNING: MassDOT convenes a virtual meeting of the Newton Corner Long-Term Planning Study Working Group. MassDOT is carrying out the study to develop and evaluate future travel conditions and alternatives for the Newton Corner I-90 Exit 127 (formerly Exit 17) Interchange and its neighboring areas. (Tuesday, 4 p.m. | More Info)

FILL THE FOOD BANK: Greater Westfield, Greater Holyoke, West of the River, ERC5/East of the River, and Greater Chicopee chambers of commerce host the third annual Fill the Food Bank event to combat food insecurity. Guests are encouraged to donate pasta, canned soup, or a monetary contribution to support regional food banks. Tickets are $25. (Tuesday, 4:30 p.m., Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Inc., 25 Carew St., Chicopee | Register)

COMMISSION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION: Deadline to submit public comment on proposed regulatory changes from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, aimed at reflecting its current practices. The regulations also include new rules for an online filing and case management system and updates for investigation and preliminary appeals procedures, plus "substantive changes to the rules with respect to motion practice, communications with the MCAD, and more," according to a notice. (Tuesday, 5 p.m. | More Info)

CHICOPEE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a public hearing to present the design for the proposed project that would install new sidewalks and replace existing sidewalks to improve connectivity to Hugh Scott Streiber Memorial School in Chicopee. The improvements are slated to be along Telegraph Avenue (from Prospect Street to the school), Streiber Drive (from Memorial Drive to the school), along Chicopee Housing Authority from Debra Drive to Streiber Drive, on Irene Court (from Irene Street) connecting to the school, and along the front of the school, per MassDOT. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Streiber Memorial School, Cafeteria, 40 Streiber Drive, Chicopee | More Info)

MBTA PROPOSED CAPITAL PLAN: MBTA provides a virtual overview of the agency's fiscal year 2027 through 2031 capital investment plan, which is the five-year financial plan that funds all of the MBTA's capital projects. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

SPILKA IN FRAMINGHAM: Senate President Spilka attends a Framingham City Council meeting, where she'll deliver an annual legislative update. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Framingham City Hall, 150 Concord St., Framingham)

NATIONAL GRID RATES: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on National Grid's proposal to increase gas base distribution rates, which would generate about $342 million in new revenue. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Haverhill High School, 137 Monument St., Haverhill | More Info)

CAPE ANN HOUSE SPECIAL: Voters in Gloucester, Essex, Rockport and Manchester-by-the-Sea go to the polls to elect a new state representative for the Fifth Essex District. Former Gloucester Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante died Nov. 27, 2025, at the age of 53 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She held the Cape Ann seat for nearly 17 years. The candidates on the ballot are Republican Christina Delisio, Democrat Andrew Tarr and unaffiliated candidate Gilbert Frieden. A former Manchester-by-the-Sea Planning Board member, Delisio won 59.1% of the vote in the Republican primary. Tarr, research and district director in Ferrante's office, ran uncontested on the Democratic side. Frieden is an Essex resident and former vice president of the Board of the Friends of the Essex Council on Aging. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

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

ENERGY FACILITIES HEARING: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on adopting application fees for the Energy Facilities Siting Board, based on the 2024 climate law. Officials are seeking testimony about potential alternative fee structures, such as tiered fees depending on megawatt capacity. DPU is also considering whether to require fees for utility applicants for consolidated permits and for non-clean energy facilities. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

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

DPU TECHNICAL SESSION: Department of Public Utilities holds a technical session as part of its investigation into gas and electric delivery charges and "bill redesign." DPU opened its investigation in December, with a focus on "containing customer costs, reducing utility bill volatility, and increasing utility bill transparency and accessibility," according to a DPU memo. Officials will speak with electric and gas utility companies about data they filed with DPU. The public is able to watch the session, and there's a possibility of additional sessions on Thursday and Friday. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Zoom)

MENTORING: Mass Mentoring Partnership hosts annual Youth Mentoring Day with remarks from Sens. Crighton and Kennedy and Reps. Duffy and Cahill. Organizers say they expect "hundreds" of attendees -- youth mentees, mentors, and youth-serving nonprofit representatives -- to advocate for support through the mentoring matching grants line item (7061-9634). (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

EDGARTOWN DISTRICT COURT: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Robert Manning Jr. as clerk magistrate of Edgartown District Court. He's currently first assistant clerk magistrate in Barnstable Superior Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

HPC COST GROWTH BENCHMARK: Health Policy Commission holds its annual cost growth benchmark hearing. The benchmark was created under a 2012 law, at a time when rate and spending caps were debated, and critics say it has failed to serve as a reliable check on spending increases. Total health care spending in 2024 eclipsed the benchmark for the fourth consecutive year, the Center for Health Information and Analysis reported this month. Total spending was $83.3 billion in 2024, a per capita increase of 5.7% over the prior year. Regulators have repeatedly set the benchmark at 3.6%. The HPC board and the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing will seek testimony on whether to change or keep that benchmark. The HPC will then vote on setting the 2027 benchmark during an April 16 meeting. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., HPC office, 50 Milk St., 8th floor, Boston | Livestream)

BOSTON MUNICIPAL COURT: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Michelle Licciardi as a Boston Municipal Court judge. She's a trial lawyer with nearly three decades of experience. (Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

ANTI-WAYMO BRIEFING: Labor United Against Waymo Coalition holds a briefing about a recently-released poll about driverless vehicles in Massachusetts. The coalition, which paid for the poll, includes UFCW Local 1445, the App Drivers Union, Greater Boston Building Trades Union, Teamsters Local 25, IAM, 32BJ SEIU, and Greater Boston Labor Council AFL-CIO. The poll shows that three-quarters of Massachusetts voters oppose allowing autonomous, driverless vehicles to operate in the state, and suggests that two-thirds of voters in Boston in particular are also opposed. Waymo announced in February plans to return to Boston for testing and urged state lawmakers to legalize fully autonomous vehicles so they can be regulated and incorporated into the transportation mix. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. | Zoom Access)

STATE INTEROPERABILITY: State Interoperability Executive Committee-Executive Management Committee meets. Agenda items deal with two new project and investment proposals. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 50 Maple St., Room 2122, Milford | Agenda and Livestream)

FIFA BIZ PREPARATION: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts an event aimed at preparing businesses for the seven FIFA World Cup matches happening in Massachusetts this summer. Ron O'Hanley, CEO of State Street and chair of the Boston 26 Honorary Board, discusses the scope and impact of the World Cup. Mike Loynd, president of FIFA World Cup Boston 2026, provides "essential information" to businesses. Chamber CEO Jim Rooney moderates a panel discussion with Loynd and Tanisha Sullivan of Sanofi about how businesses can "leverage global exposure, engage new audiences, and position themselves for success on the world stage," organizers say. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 265 Franklin St., Suite 1701, Boston | Register)

SENATE AGRITOURISM BILL: Senate holds a formal session with plans to take up a bill (S 3029) that supports agritourism, defined as farms offering recreational, educational or entertainment experiences like apple picking or corn mazes. A recent legislative commission report on agriculture found two-thirds of Massachusetts farmers operate at a loss on their crops and are turning to agritourism to stay afloat. The bill clarifies that local zoning bylaws can't prohibit agritourism activities on land that's mainly used for commercial agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, viniculture or similar activities. Senators filed 43 amendments to the bill. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate Chamber)

GIC OPEN ENROLLMENT: Open enrollment starts at the Group Insurance Commission and closes on May 1. Members will no longer be covered for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in the fiscal 2027 plan year, following a split GIC board vote as the agency tries to contain surging costs. Thousands of public employees will see an average premium increase of 7.5%, though the state will continue to pick up the largest share of members' benefits. (Wednesday)

Thursday, April 2, 2026

YOUTHBUILD COALITION: MA YouthBuild Coalition holds YouthBuild Day, an event sponsored by Sen. DiDomenico. YouthBuild offers programs for young people between the ages of 16 and 24 that combine academic instruction with workforce development training. The coalition provides its member programs with resources like peer support, technical assistance and funding applications. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

SPECIAL OLYMPICS DAY: Special Olympics Day at the State House is sponsored by Rep. Garballey. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall)

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression meets. Agenda includes co-chair updates, commissioner transitions and a planning discussion. In response to the 2024 maternal health law, the Department of Public Health has launched a website with resources to support people with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. (Thursday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MDAR PROGRAM: Department of Agriculture Resources holds an event about the development of its Buy-Protect-Sell program. MDAR now has the authority to buy and sell land, while ensuring it's permanently protected. "This will be an important tool in helping mitigate farmland loss and will allow the department to purchase farmland, apply a permanent agricultural preservation restriction, and sell it to a farmer or beginning farmer to ensure it does not convert to non-agricultural uses in the future," MDAR says. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Register)

HEALTH CONNECTOR HEARING: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a regulatory hearing on minimum creditable coverage standards, focused on updating the definition of "preventative health services." State law requires residents to have health insurance coverage that meets certain affordability standards -- or they'll otherwise face a tax penalty. The update ensures residents enroll in coverage that includes a "complete and medically appropriate set of preventive services without any cost-sharing," according to the hearing notice. Massachusetts currently relies on the federal definition of preventive health services, and Connector officials are concerned about Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy's authority to overhaul advisory bodies that recommend which type of care should be included in preventive health services, according to a Feb. 6 memo. While no changes have been announced yet from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the Connector memo warns future changes "could potentially upend the care access experience for Massachusetts residents." (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

ATHOL MUNI AGGREGATION: Department of Public Utilities holds a public hearing on Athol's municipal aggregation plan. (Thursday, 2 p.m. | Zoom)

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Community Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention Commission meets. (Thursday, 3 p.m. | More Info and Access)

HIGHER ED STUDENT ADVISORY: Student Advisory Council of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education meets. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m. | More Info)

STOP THE SWERVE: Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gullini's office holds its annual "Stop the Swerve" event that's focused on preventing impaired and distracted driving. The event features a new documentary about the consequences of a recent crash, interactive activities for students, and a presentation for parents' liabilities in hosting teen parties. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield)

SHORTSLEEVE IN YARMOUTH: Republican candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve holds a Cape Cod delegate meet and greet. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Tugboats at Hyannis Marina, Yarmouth | Register)

CONCORD SUPERFUND SITE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency holds an informational public meeting to provide updates on progress and upcoming work at the Nuclear Metals Superfund Site in Concord. Also known as the Starmet Corporation site, the 46-acre parcel is where Nuclear Metals made depleted uranium products, primarily for armor-piercing ammunition. From 1958 to 1985, waste was discharged into an unlined holding basin and facility operations contaminated soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals, the EPA said. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Concord Town House, 22 Monument Sq., Concord | More Info and Access)

Friday, April 3, 2026

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY: MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth holds an event for Transgender Day of Visibility. (Friday, 10 a.m., Grand Staircase)

AI AND PUBLIC COLLABORATION: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission holds a webinar called "AI: Making public collaboration smarter, not harder." Public sector leaders plan to discuss "how AI-powered meeting technology can help agencies overcome common challenges in hybrid collaboration while improving accessibility and engagement," according to the commission. (Friday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Register)

JUSTICE-INVOLVED WOMEN: Panel on Justice-Involved Women meets. (Friday, 1 p.m. | Access)

COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE DISRUPTION: Commuter rail trains will not service North Station. On the Newbury/Rockport Line, local and express shuttle buses will replace regular train service between North Station and Swampscott. Local buses will service Wonderland for a Blue Line connection. On the Haverhill Line, Orange Line service will replace regular train service between North Station and Oak Grove. On the Lowell Line, local and express shuttle buses will replace regular train service between North Station and Anderson/Woburn Station. On the Fitchburg Line, Red Line to Green Line service will replace regular train service between North Station and Porter Square. The lines are closed as the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Rail services seek to modernize the signal system that controls train movements into and out of North Station, and prepares for the replacement of the North Station drawbridges in the coming years. This is the second weekend of three weekend closures, with a final four day period from Friday, April 24 through Monday, April 27. Regular service will operate the weekend of the Boston Marathon (Friday through Sunday)

MARCH REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on tax collections for March, a "mid-size month" for receipts. The Healey administration expects to collect $4.292 billion ($100 million more than in March 2025) and to boost the year-to-date total to above the $30 billion mark. As of March 13, monthly collections were $1.975 billion, $68 million or 3.6% more than was collected during the same period in March 2025. Through February, fiscal year 2026 tax receipts have totaled $26.305 billion -- $817 million or 3.2% more than actual collections during the same period of fiscal 2025 and $589 million or 2.3% above the year-to-date benchmark. (Friday)