People, Power and Politics

Senate and House lawmakers met for a brief joint session Wednesday and recessed the gathering until October. There was no action taken on three constitutional amendments on the calendar: S 11, filed by Sen. Comerford of Amherst, relative to agricultural and horticultural lands; S 12, filed by Sen. Tarr of Gloucester, capping the state income tax at 6.25%; and S 13, also filed by Sen. Tarr, requiring a supermajority vote for the use of rainy day funds. In April 2025, the Revenue Committee voted 5-1 to shoot down both of Sen. Tarr’s proposed amendments. The Constitutional Convention is scheduled to resume Oct. 28 but Senate Democrats who oversee the gathering have shown no interest in taking up pending amendments. – Katie Castellani

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!

Spring is here, the budget discussion blossoms. The trees are budding and will shortly start filling out with their leaf cover.

The Finance Committee spent 16+ hours reviewing the FY 2027 budget and will bring their findings to the Town Council hearings in May and to the Joint Budget Subcmte meeting this week.

The School Committee meets on Tuesday and is scheduled for a District and School improvement plan update.

The Town Council meets on Wednesday and is scheduled for presentations from NationalGrid, as well as the Police & Fire Departments where the Council will get some background and updates on those key public safety operations.

The Joint Budget Subcommittee gets to meet for the first time in this new set of terms with new membership from the Finance Committee, School Committee and Town Council. They get a grounding in the FY 2027 budget approach and as mentioned, an update from the FinCom on what they have found and will recommend to the Council.

The 250th Anniversary celebration has a subcommittee meeting on Sunday and another subcommittee meeting on Wednesday. The ZBA is not holding a meeting on Thursday.

Thursday morning at the Senior Center local town officials will meet for an informal discussion and coffee.

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 pages 4/10/26, 10:00 PM ***

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget and Fundraising Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, April 12 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04122026-2248

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting - Executive Session

Monday, April 13 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04132026-2197

Franklin School Committee Meeting

Tuesday, April 14 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04142026-2250

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2251

250th Anniversary Celebration Subcommittee on Events and Logistics Meeting

Wednesday, April 15 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04152026-2245

Town Council Monthly Office Hours

Thursday, April 16 Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2252

ZBA Meeting-no meeting

Thursday, April 16 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04162026-2236

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

Town/School meetings

The Finance Committee spent 16+ hours reviewing, questioning, and deliberating on the FY 2027 budget over 4 nights. The YouTube videos are available on the TV Town Hall Channel. The meeting recap for each session is available at Franklin.News

Monday, April 6 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7KSV5MTfHs&t=140s

Tuesday, April 7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SrQw4jc-r0

Wednesday, April 8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Hb_pCl64A&t=164s

Thursday, April 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oIsBHQ73Ts&t=1170s

The Planning Board met on Monday and the video is available on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyyk7XtPsLM

The Conservation Commission met on Thursday and the video is available on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDH7mr4BEbw&t=1s

FHS sports live streaming

Girls lacrosse vs Taunton https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i81AGqEiQxk

Girls softball vs North Attleboro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCcxtb2IKkg&t=192s

All Access Programs

Frank Falvey interviews Jason Poulos, a candidate for US House of Representatives, District 4 in Democratic primary in Sept 2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtiVLSvBe64

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

A major spending bill (H 5280 / S 3041) and legislation aimed at curbing some of the negative effects of cellphones and social media (S 2581 / H 5366) appear bound for conference committee talks among lawmakers, who already have negotiating panels working on final details of bills designed to spark public higher education campus upgrades (H 4769 / S 2962) and roll out new early literacy instruction methods in an effort to lift young readers (H 4683 / S 2940). A cannabis regulation reform bill (H 5350) awaits action from Gov. Maura Healey after it popped out of conference this week and was rushed to her desk Thursday. The bill hands Healey full authority over appointments to the Cannabis Control Commission, which is scheduled to meet next Thursday. The mostly private conference committee action is picking up as the state budget begins to take center stage. The House Ways and Means Committee is poised in the coming days to roll out its redraft of Healey's $63.6 billion fiscal 2027 budget (H 2), which is marked for floor deliberations during the last week in April. The spending blueprint will show how House budget writers are addressing a gap between spending needs and sustainable revenues that the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation in early March estimated at $3.5 billion. While representatives are dreaming up ways to amend and expand the budget, the Senate on Wednesday plans to pass a $3.64 billion environmental bond (S 3050) that will add scores of projects and plans for executive branch leaders to wedge into their limited capital budget. And at a time when the Massachusetts health care system seems to be screaming out for help, both in response to federal policy shifts and soaring costs, Beacon Hill's top Democrats on Monday plan to join former Govs. Mitt Romney and Deval Patrick at Faneuil Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2006 health care access law that has helped Massachusetts to consistently hold down its rate of uninsured residents. Health insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts and those without it face penalties on their taxes, which are due Wednesday. Election season is also creeping closer with Republicans set to hold their nominating convention in Worcester on April 25 and candidates for legislative seats and county offices facing an April 28 deadline to turn in nomination signatures.

Sunday, April 12, 2026

BROWN ON KELLER: Former U.S. senator and ambassador Scott Brown joins political analyst Jon Keller on his weekly talk segment "Keller at Large." (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

PRESSLEY ON NBC: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joins reporter Matt Prichard for NBC's weekly "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

LYNCH ON THE RECORD: Congressman Stephen Lynch joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, April 13, 2026

HOUSING CHOICE: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Matias announce all Housing Choice designations statewide, with a particular focus on the first designations made under the new Rural and Small Town variant. Sen. Comerford and Rep. Whipps attend. (Monday, 9 a.m., Town Hall, 2nd Floor, 325 Main Road, Gill)

’ROMNEYCARE’ 20TH: Gov. Maura Healey and former Govs. Mitt Romney and Deval Patrick gather with other state leaders to mark the 20th anniversary of the state’s landmark health care law known as “Chapter 58” or “Romneycare” in honor of the governor who signed the law. The legislation's mandate helped to expand access to affordable coverage that meets minimum standards for hundreds of thousands of state residents. The Massachusetts Health Connector was created under the law as a health insurance clearinghouse. Before it was enacted, almost 10% of state residents were uninsured, now more than 97% of Massachusetts residents have coverage. The law also introduced consumer protections, offered financial aid for coverage and set requirements for most adults to carry health insurance. The Connector is co-hosting the event with Healey, and noted the law was used as the model for the federal Affordable Care Act, which provides health insurance to more than 20 million Americans. “I’m proud to have been part of a team that expanded access to health insurance for so many people across Massachusetts,” Romney said in a press release. “As a result, over a million residents have been able to receive preventive, wellness, and life-saving care from our world-renowned healthcare professionals.” Healey added, “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded of what’s possible when we work together and of our responsibility to keep building a health care system that works for everyone.” The event will include remarks from Healey, Romney, Patrick, legislative leaders and Health Connector enrollees. There will also be panel discussions with local leaders in business, health care, government and policy who will reflect on the collaboration that was required to pass the law and momentum needed to implement it. The event will be held in Faneuil Hall, where the legislation was signed. Organizers say more details will be announced closer to the event date. (Monday, 10 a.m., Faneuil Hall, Boston)

BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH: In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, a legislative briefing will bring together providers, advocates, public health professionals and community leaders. Reps. Decker and Cruz, and Sen. Miranda give remarks. There will be a panel discussion with leaders in the maternal and child health field, and updates on the Department of Public Health's implementation of the 2024 maternal health law. (Monday, 10 a.m., State House | Register)

METCO ADVOCACY DAY: Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity hosts its annual advocacy day, celebrating the METCO program's 60th year operating in Massachusetts. It is a program meant to desegregate schools in urban and suburban communities, by creating the voluntary option for students in Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring suburban districts. Advocates will ask for increased funding to METCO's annual budget line item (7010-0012) to address rising transportation costs and invest in social-emotional supports for METCO students. The Senate approved a $1 million infusion into METCO for these purposes in its version of a supplemental budget last week. Sen. Miranda plans to speak at the event, as well as Reps. Worrell, Linsky and Gordon. Awards will be presented to Education Committee Chair Sen. Lewis and House Ways and Means Chair Michlewitz. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall)

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)

INTERNET EFFECTS ON CARBON: Massachusetts Climate Action Network holds a virtual presentation from Eric Masanet, professor and Mellichamp Chair of Sustainability Science for Emerging Technologies at UC Santa Barbara, on the carbon impact of internet usage. After the program and Q&A there will be an open discussion until 1:30 p.m. (Monday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Access)

NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION: Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Matias announces all Neighborhood Stabilization Program awards statewide. The program offers capital grant funds for redevelopment, reconstruction, renovation or repair of substandard and/or blighted properties. The latest round of awards goes to 10 projects, totaling more than $8 million for the creation or rehabilitation of 49 units of affordable housing. Springfield Mayor Sarno, Sen. Gomez and Rep. Gonzalez attend. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., Way Finders City of Homes, 524 Union St., Springfield)

STEAMSHIP AUTHORITY REPORT: Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro attends a public meeting on his office's December report on the Steamship Authority's website development project. Sen. Cyr and Rep. Moakley host the meeting. (Monday, 1 p.m., Town Hall, Lower Level Meeting Hall, 56 School St., Oak Bluffs)

UMASS LOWELL COACH: UMass Lowell hosts a press conference to introduce its new women's head basketball coach, Brianna Finch, who brings more than 20 years of collegiate and professional experience. Finch gives remarks alongside UMass Lowell Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. Finch most recently was assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at George Washington University. (Monday, 1 p.m., Kennedy Family Athletic Complex, 275 Riverside St., Lowell)

MBTA CAPITAL PLAN: MBTA holds a public meeting about its fiscal year 2027 - 2031 Capital Investment Plan. The five-year CIP includes more than 600 capital projects, including regular maintenance and longer-term projects such as regional rail modernization, bus fleet overhauls, and Green Line upgrades. Public comment is open until April 16. (Monday, 6 p.m., State Transportation Building, 2nd Floor, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)

FISHERIES, WILDLIFE DIVISION: Division of Fisheries and Wildlife hosts a public hearing to set dates and bag limits for the 2026-27 migratory game bird seasons. (Monday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Access)

I-93 BIG DIG TUNNEL: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a proposed project to rehab part of the I-93 tunnel, or Central Artery North tunnel. The project involves upgrading infrastructure, including lighting, drainage, structural elements and safety systems, plus modernizing ventilation buildings. (Monday, 6 p.m., Bunker Hill Community College, Room C-202, 250 Rutherford Ave, Boston | More Info)

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. (Monday, 7 p.m. | Zoom)

SURPLUS PROPERTY: Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities accepts written testimony through 11:59 p.m. on proposed regulations dealing with surplus real property. The regulations, stemming from the 2024 Affordable Homes Act, create a framework for municipalities and developers to handle surplus state land for residential development as of right. (Monday | More Info)

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

HEROES BREAKFAST: American Red Cross of Massachusetts hosts its annual Boston Heroes Breakfast to honor "extraordinary individuals who demonstrate courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others." The Red Cross of Massachusetts said that, in fiscal 2025, it responded to 721 disasters and assisted 1,822 households; collected 112,709 blood products at more than 5,690 blood drives; provided food and nutrition support to more than 339,000 individuals, distributing more than 2.7 million pounds of food; and trained more than 122,000 people in lifesaving skills like CPR, first aid and AED use. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., InterContinental Boston, 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston)

ROMNEYCARE LOOKBACK: Massachusetts Health Council hosts the first of two events to mark 20 years since the signing of the state's landmark 2006 health care law. Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz gives opening remarks. A panel features Employer Coalition on Health President Eileen McAnneny, Dr. Alan Sager from the Health Reform Program at Boston University School of Public Health, and Boston Medical Center VP of Government Affairs Melissa Shannon. Second part in the series is scheduled for late May. (CLOSED PRESS) (Tuesday, 9 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., Boston)

DPU TRANPSO OVERSIGHT: Department of Public Utilities holds public hearings on applications for carrier certification, with businesses located in Methuen, Framingham, Worcester and Holbrook. (Tuesday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Zoom)

BECMA VANGUARD AWARDS: Black Economic Council of Massachusetts holds its inaugural Vanguard Award Ceremony to celebrate those whose work boosts the council’s network and efforts to uplift Black communities across the state. Honorees include former Congressman Chet Atkins, Rep. Russell Holmes of Boston, OneUnited Bank founder Teri Williams, Sidney Baptista CEO and founder of PYNRS as well as Natasha Holmes, CEO and founder of And Still We Rise. Media interested in attending should RSVP to Julia Demopoulos, jdemopoulos@thecastlegrp.com, (978) 319-5856. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., The State Room, 33rd floor, 60 State St., Boston)

MIDWIFE ADVOCACY: Bay State Birth Coalition and other maternal health organizations host Midwife Advocacy Day. Speakers include Sen. Miranda, Reps. Decker and Cruz, and Emily Anesta of the coalition. Attendees will advocate for reimbursement parity from commercial insurers and MassHealth for certified professional midwives, certified nurse midwives and birth centers. The 2024 maternal health law removed barriers to opening freestanding birth centers, but the state's only such center is at risk of closing due to the persistent low reimbursement rate compared to hospital births. Attendees are also seeking the creation of a midwifery workforce development fund and state investments to scale up freestanding birth centers and maternal health programs. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Church on the Hill, 140 Bowdowin St., Boston)

SAFETY DAY: Metropolitan Area Planning Council hosts Community Safety Day in support of the Shannon Safety Initiative grant program and the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative. The event features community leaders, municipal officials and youth advocates who will highlight the impact of the program on reducing youth violence. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)

PODIATRY BOARD: Board of Registration in Podiatry meets. Members will discuss a licensing exam update. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION: Legislators, family support staff, advocates and families gather in front of 64 children’s shoes for an event marking Child Abuse Prevention Month. This visual represents the average 64 children who are confirmed as abused or neglected every day in Massachusetts, according to advocates who plan to highlight the importance of family support programs and policies that address the causes of child abuse and neglect like economic instability and mental health. Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep. Jay Livingstone are set to be honored for their work supporting children and families. After the event, the shoes will be donated to programs supported by the Children’s Trust. Installation of shoes starts at 9:30 a.m. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Grand Staircase)

CFA BOSTON SUMMIT: Treasurer Deb Goldberg keynotes the CFA Society Boston’s 2026 Financial Literacy Summit. The event is meant to bring together money experts, educators, nonprofit leaders, volunteers and sponsors to advocate for advancing youth’s financial capabilities. After the address that’s scheduled for 12:45 p.m., there will be three panel discussions with financial experts and educators and a networking reception. The panel discussions will touch on protecting seniors from scams, improving financial education and how to provide financial literacy for economically-challenged communities. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 9th floor at 100 High St., Boston)

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE: Restorative Justice Advisory Committee meets. Agenda includes a 2025 annual report and a public comment period. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

SENATE DEMS CAUCUS: Senate Democrats meet in a private caucus the day before they are set to take up a policy-heavy $3.64 billion environmental borrowing bill. (CLOSED PRESS) (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Senate president's office and virtual)

SAMARITANS TRAINING: Samaritans Inc. holds a training on "Supporting Constituents in Crisis: Suicide Prevention for Immigrants, Youth, and Other High-Risk Populations." It will focus on better understanding risk factors for mental health crises and suicide, particularly in high-risk populations; developing skills to support those who are struggling; and learning about Samaritans' suicide prevention and mental health resources. Remarks are expected from Sen. Rausch and Rep. Philips, who have led legislative efforts to secure funding for Samaritans and its "Hey Sam" peer-to-peer youth texting service. Coffee and networking begins at 12:45 p.m. with the speaking program and training starting at 1:00 p.m. (Tuesday, 12:45 p.m., Room 437)

HOUSING, HOMELESSNESS: Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness's Committee for Supportive Housing Production and Services meets. For access, contact Joshua.cuddy@mass.gov. (Tuesday, 1 p.m. | More Info)

FEDERAL RESERVE FORUM: Susan Collins, CEO and president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, attends a forum hosted in Washington D.C. by the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. "Strengthening America’s Economy through Rural Investment: A Working Forum" is held in partnership with the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston, Cleveland, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Richmond and St. Louis. The event is focused on the landscape of rural economies and how to boost the flow of capital to rural communities. Collins is scheduled to participate in a fireside chat moderated by Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr along with Federal Reserve Bank presidents Tom Barkin of Richmond and Anna Paulson of Philadelphia. Media interested in attending in-person should contact media@frb.gov. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Federal Reserve Board of Governors at 20th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington D.C. | Live Stream)

LGAC MEETING: Local Government Advisory Commission meets; Lt. Gov. Driscoll participates. Agenda calls for discussion of revenue trends and the budget picture with Secretary Gorzkowicz, discussion of the in-progress surtax supplemental budget process, an update on the Chapter 90 and transportation bond bill, and more. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 157 | Zoom)

PCA WORKFORCE: Personal Care Attendant Workforce Council meets. Agenda includes a report on abuse and prevention from the Disabled Persons Protection Commission and the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. There will also be an update on the MassHealth PCA program. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: Public Service Committee holds a public hearing on bills related to benefits for individuals and a Rep. Cusack bill to provide equitable access to military credible service for judges (H 5359). (Tuesday, 2 p.m. Room A-2 | Agenda and Access Info)

CARPENTRY GRADUATES: Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office and Skilled Purpose celebrate the first class of graduates from a new program that provides access to a 12-week carpentry course to incarcerated individuals from the Barnstable County Correctional Facility and community members in early recovery. Sheriff Donna Buckley and Skilled Purpose Co-Founder Vincent English participate. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Bridge Center, 3195 Main St., Barnstable Village)

BREAKING BARRIERS GALA: Reproductive Equity Now holds its Break Barriers Gala honoring those who have supported the group’s work to protect reproductive health care. This year’s honorees are: Rebecca Hart Holder, outgoing president of Reproductive Equity Now; Loretta Ross and Marlene Gerber Fried, co-authors of “Abortion and Reproductive Justice: An Essential Guide for Resistance”; and Dr. Shelly Sella, the first woman OB-GYN to openly provide abortion care later in pregnancy in the U.S. and author of “Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester Abortion Care.” Tickets start at $150. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., The InterContinental Boston at 510 Atlantic Ave., Boston | More Info and Tickets)

DORCHESTER PLAYGROUND: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a meeting about renovations to Toohig Park and Playground in Dorchester. Officials will discuss the final design, and give an update on the construction timeline. (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

MASSDOT CROSSWALKS: MassDOT holds a virtual public hearing on projects in Chicopee, Worcester, Billerica, Salem, Woburn, North Attleborough and Falmouth on upgrading existing pedestrian signal features and installing new crosswalks. MassDOT says the projects will be "particularly helpful for people using the bus system" and that a "disproportionate number of crashes involving pedestrians have historically occurred near bus stops." (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Register)

GREEN LINE BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a public hearing on a proposed project in Newton to replace the bridge on Boylston Street over the Green Line's D branch. The project will make more space for pedestrians. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

MANAGED CARE SUMMIT: Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association holds its inaugural managed care summit, which will delve into AI in health care, value-based contracting, payer-provider collaborations, and insights from regulators. Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz will discuss efforts to boost health care affordability. Dr. Ryan Schwarz, chief of the Office of Accountable Care and Behavioral Health at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, will speak about how MassHealth is tackling cost pressures and pursuing strategies to "ensure a strong, sustainable program for the future." (Wednesday, 9 a.m., MHA Conference Center, 500 District Ave., Burlington | Register)

DISABILITY COMMISSION: Statewide Commission on Disability meets. The Massachusetts Office on Disability will discuss resources for local commissions on disability. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. | Register)

GAMING AGENDA-SETTING: Gaming Commission meets to select the topics it will discuss in greater detail and/or act on at future business meetings. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security holds a hearing on three bills, two of which deal with student transportation. Sen. Mark's S 2861 would create a commission to review and recommend updates to school bus safety standards and operator training requirements, including potential adoption of safety sensors, additional monitors, enhanced training, and more. Sen. Crighton's S 3021 deals with the requirements for smaller vehicles used to transport school pupils for hire under terms of a contract. Committee also accepts testimony on Sen. Rausch's S 2743, which would addressed staged suicides by requiring training, education and certification standards for law enforcement investigations of a death following a history of domestic violence. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room B-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: Conference committee tasked with reconciling House and Senate versions of bills designed to spark public higher education campus upgrades (H 4769 / S 2962) meet for the first time. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 428A)

SENATE: Senate meets in a formal session with plans to debate a $3.64 billion environmental bond bill (S 3050) recommended by the Senate Ways and Means Committee as a redraft of Gov. Maura Healey’s proposal. The bill includes a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, disposable utensils and other food service products. These provisions are similar to those included in Senate bag ban attempts that never reached the House floor for a vote in 2019 and 2024. The legislation also adds a 10-cent fee for recycled paper bags, which is listed as an acceptable alternative to single-use plastic bags. In terms of borrowing, the Senate increased the recommended amount to fund upgrades at Department of Conservation and Recreation properties to $789 million, up from Healey’s proposed $764 million. Also, the Senate is seeking $500 million for a program that helps build climate resilience into public works projects, up from the $315 million in Healey’s proposal. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

OCPF GUIDE FOR JOURNALISTS: Office of Campaign and Political Finance hosts a webinar on the state's campaign finance system for journalists. The session will include a guided tour of OCPF’s online reporting system and a demonstration of how to register for E-Notify, OCPF's alert system that sends a notification when a candidate, PAC, ballot question committee or political party files reports. Questions should be sent to Director of Communications and Public Education Jason Tait: jason.tait@mass.gov. (Wednesday, 11 a.m. | Registration)

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

ORGAN DONOR MONTH: Sen. Gomez and Rep. Murray host New England Donor Services to raise awareness for National Donate Life Month. There was a record number of transplants last year, with New England Donor Services coordinating donations from 640 deceased donors resulting in 1,692 life-saving transplants. It's their fifth consecutive year of growth. Sen. Gomez, who is a kidney transplant recipient, plans to speak. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., Senate Reading Room)

CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection holds a hearing on Rep. Domb's H 5036 requiring the disclosure of consumer information related to tariffs, and Rep. Chan's H 5138 relative to consumer protections for low valued legal tender scarcity. With the penny no longer in production and becoming scarce in change drawers, Chan's bill seeks to simplify things for people who pay with cash and eliminate a situation in which each retailer pinches pennies differently by setting a standard set of rounding rules for cash transactions across Massachusetts businesses. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1 | Agenda and Access Info)

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

LIFE SCIENCES: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center's Investment Committee meets. Members will discuss funding for various initiatives, including novel therapeutics and women's health. (Wednesday, 2 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

MBTA FOCUS 2050: Focus 2050, a focus group tasked with helping the MBTA build a long-term plan for transit investments, meets. The group is charged with providing a framework for the MBTA, Department of Transportation and policymakers. It is the latest update to the Program for Mass Transportation, a plan required by state law. "This long-range plan and framework will incorporate input from riders, residents, and local stakeholders over 18 months beginning in spring 2026. These investment priorities and potential capital improvements will aim to deliver safer, more reliable and accessible transit that supports our region," the MBTA posted on Facebook in February. The group began meeting in March, starting with focusing on a community engagement process, and will publish a plan in the summer of 2027. "We encourage riders, advocacy organizations, municipalities, and community groups to partner with us throughout the process," says the group's page on the MBTA website. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., La Colaborativa, 63 Sixth Street, Chelsea | More Info)

CNN MORNING HOST AT TUFTS: Randolph native Audie Cornish, a CNN morning host, discusses her career and the role of the media in the current political landscape at Tufts University’s Edward R. Murrow Forum on Issues in Journalism. Press should RSVP to robin.smyton@tufts.edu. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., ASEAN Auditorium, Cabot Intercultural Center, 170 Packard Ave., Medford)

DUXBURY BRIDGE REPLACEMENT: MassDOT holds a public meeting on the Route 3 bridge replacement project in Duxbury. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

NATICK SELECT BOARD: Senate President Spilka and Rep. Linsky attend a meeting of the Natick Select Board and give a 2026 legislative update. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Town Hall, 13 East Central St., Natick | Zoom)

PEACE MVP AWARDS: Sen. Creem and Rep. Day are honored by the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence with "Peace MVP" awards, in recognition of their work on the 2024 gun law. Event also features a wine tasting and open bar, small plates, a silent auction, craft mocktails, and guest speakers. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston | More Info and Tickets)

NATIONAL GRID RATES: Department of Public Utilities holds its final hearing on National Grid's plan to raise gas base distribution rates. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., One South Station, Third floor, Boston | More Info)

MASSDOT BRAINTREE: MassDOT holds a public meeting about a project to reconstruct Allen Street in Braintree. The project will address issues like deteriorated pavement, narrow roadways with insufficient street parking, and "troublesome" intersections, officials say. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Braintree Town Hall, Cahill Auditorium, 1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree | More Info)

INCOME TAX DEADLINE: Massachusetts taxpayers must file state income and fiduciary tax returns, or apply for an extension, by midnight. As of Friday afternoon, the Department of Revenue has processed more than 2.6 million personal income returns for 2025, according to department spokesperson Nathalie Dailida. That's slightly down from the 2.7 million returns filed at this point last year, and Dailida said minor changes from year to year are normal when assessing counts throughout the filing season. Electronic returns have risen to 96% for the current tax season, up from last year's 95%. Those who are eligible for an extension have until Oct. 15 to file their tax returns. In order for an extension to be valid, a taxpayer must pay at least 80% of their liability on or before April 15. Any amount that hasn't been paid before the deadline will incur interest, even if a taxpayer has been granted an extension, according to DOR. Last week, the department reported March income tax collections totaled about $2.2 billion, 7% over benchmark and 9.1% higher than the same period last year. (Wednesday)

Thursday, April 16, 2026

MUNI MANAGEMENT, HR: Massachusetts Municipal Management Association and Massachusetts Municipal Human Resources hold a joint meeting. Agenda includes an update from Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine, and a session about the evolving role of HR in municipal leadership. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square W, Salem | Register)

ACUPUNCTURE COMMITTEE: Board of Registration in Medicine's Committee on Acupuncture meets. Agenda includes a presentation on acupoint injection therapy, and the board will also meet in a closed adjudicatory session. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission has a meeting scheduled. Gov. Healey has a bill on her desk that would dissolve the commission as it currently exists, re-establish it in another section of state law, and give her another 30 days to appoint a new membership of three commissioners. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

FIRE SERVICE: Fire Service Commission meets. Agenda includes votes on credentialing and re-credentialing, and updates from the Department of Fire Services. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

SALEM HISPANIC CENTER: North Shore Community Development Coalition announces the first Ambassador City partnership between the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Salem. It is the only national center in the country dedicated to advancing and protecting Hispanic and Latino arts, history and language. Lt. Gov. Driscoll plans to attend the event, in her hometown. Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, Rep. Cruz and Center Executive Director Zack Quintero are also on the guest list. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., North Shore Community Development Coalition, 96 Lafayette St., Salem)

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

MASSDOT OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: MassDOT's Office of Outdoor Advertising meets. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston | More Info)

HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: Health Policy Commission Board meets and votes on setting the health care cost growth benchmark for 2027. Massachusetts has blown past the benchmark, which is set at 3.6%, for the past four years. The benchmark was established under a 2012 law but critics say it is not effective at reining in spending. David Auerbach, the HPC's senior director of research and cost trends, at a recent hearing said that price alone is not driving spending increases. Rather, he pointed to other trends such as shifts toward pricier prescription drugs and receiving care like routine colonoscopies in more expensive settings, increases in C-section rates for low-risk births, and "rapid growth" for some "very high-priced procedures." The HPC will also issue a preliminary report on the cost and market impact review on a proposed partnership between CVS and Mass General Brigham. MGB and MinuteClinic's Primary Care practice want to team up and deliver primary care services at 37 clinics. Some primary care physicians and Sen. Cindy Friedman have questioned whether the arrangement would deliver adequate care. The agenda also calls for finalizing regulations tied to the 2024 health care market oversight and prescription drug reform laws. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

GENERATIONAL ECONOMIC REPORT: Boston Indicators holds a virtual webinar as part of its racial wealth equity research and conversation series. Researchers from Brandeis University's Institute for Economic and Racial Equality are set to unveil findings from their new report "Leveraging Mobility in Boston," based on a qualitative longitudinal study following 15 Boston families from the late 1990s through 2025. It focuses on how wealth, opportunity and financial security evolved within families across generations as well as how race, class and occupation affected the families. Researchers found homeownership, defined-benefit pensions and intergenerational support can help families deal with economic challenges. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | More Info and Registration)

MASSDOT BUCKLAND: MassDOT holds a public hearing on proposed bicycle and pedestrian improvement along Route 112 in Buckland. The project is meant to encourage students to walk or bike from the village of Shelburne Falls to Mohawk Trail Regional High School and the Buckland Recreation Area, officials say. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Buckland Town Hall, 17 State St., Shelburne Falls | More Info)

Friday, April 17, 2026

CHELSEA DTA: Department of Transitional Assistance's Chelsea Advisory Board meets. (Friday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

Saturday, April 18, 2026

SWAN BOATS: Boston Mayor Wu and the family of original shipbuilder Robert Paget officially launch the Swan Boats for the 2026 season in the Boston Public Garden. This will be the 149th season for the pedal-powered lagoon cruisers, and the oldest swan still swimming has completed 116 of them. The Swan Boats were first launched and operated by Paget in 1877 and his family still owns and operates them, the city said. Paget designed the Swan Boats "after attending the opera Lohengrin in New York City. At the end of the opera, the hero crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan," according to the city. (Saturday, April 18, 10 a.m., Public Garden Lagoon, Boston)