Franklin Town MA
5-03-2026 4:19am

People, Power and Politics

Members of the Franklin High School Mock Trial Team came to the Franklin Historical Museum on Saturday as part of the Horace Mann 230th Birthday Celebration. The trio delivered a lively (and humurous) reprise of some of the key debates in which Horace Mann and other historic 19th century figures played a prominent role. The team included, Arsh Tyagi, Saumy Jani, and Hasemi Garrepalli, as well as Shravan Dev, who wasn't able to attend.

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!

Budget, budget and in May, there is more budget before it gets finalized in June

You should recall that April (April 6 - April 9) saw the Finance Committee (FinCom) spend 16+ hours going over the budget with each department. Some of the FinCom members thought that they would be able to avoid using much of the proposed $2M in free cash to balance the budget.

Alas, they did not. If my notes and math come close, they do propose use of $1.8M.

There is one big number outstanding, in that with May 1 behind us (and health care enrollments complete), the cost for coverage provided by the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) plans will be revealed later this month. Maybe by the time the Town Council conducts their budget hearings (May 20 & 21), but more likely by the next FinCom meeting, May 27.

So what will the Council budget hearings reveal?

Will they agree with the budget as proposed, or make adjustments of their own?

The FY 2027 budget narrative is being published, one section per day (started April 13) and it may not be completed by the time the Council hearings actually roll around. That is a whole lot of reading material. Many questions that were asked and answered during the FinCom hearings were actually detailed in the FY 2027 budget narrative.

All this in preparation for the June 10 Town Council meeting and vote to approve whatever will be as the FY 2027 budget. Read to be informed. Follow along with the meetings as the discussions progress.

The listing of the agendas for the meetings scheduled this week 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 pages 5/01/26, 7:30 PM ***

The FY 2027 budget information can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=577

250th Anniversary Celebration Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Sunday, May 3 Time: 7:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05032026-2290

Franklin School Committee Contractual Negotiations Meeting (Executive Session)

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 4:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2254

250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - Communications Subcommittee

Tuesday, May 5 Time: 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052026-2278

Board of Health Meeting

Wednesday, May 6 Time: 5:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05062026-2246

Franklin Commission on Disability

Thursday, May 7 Time: 4:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2279

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072026-2286

Conservation Commission Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/593?fileID=9052

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

Town & School meetings

FHS live streaming

Radio - Podcast Interviews published this week

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 this session are operating under new rules that don't require them to complete major business by July 31. But they are behaving as if they intend to give themselves a decent shot at wrapping up major laws before hitting the campaign trail this summer, with primary elections falling early this year on Sept. 1. Senate Democrats on Tuesday plan to unveil an alternative to the $63.4 billion fiscal 2027 annual state budget that cleared the House this week. On Thursday, the Senate intends to pass a bill designed to protect immigrants from civil arrests in the face of heightened deportation efforts under the Trump administration. Those two major bills would next head to House-Senate negotiating panels, which already have custody of other major legislative priorities such as early literacy legislation, bills spending surplus income surtax funds on education and transportation, and legislation designed to bankroll long-term public higher education infrastructure upgrades. Negotiators could also be tasked with reconciling bills regulating social media and cellphone use by young people. With three months left to at least get major bills into conference committees, if not through them, emerging topics that appear most likely to generate serious bicameral legislative responses include environmental and transportation bond bills, an economic development bill, another supplemental spending bill, data privacy and energy affordability legislation, and possibly bills regulating AI use in elections and forcing more frequent campaign finance disclosure by ballot question committees. A joint legislative committee that has looked askance at a potential record number of 2026 ballot questions is expected to formalize its opposition to the proposals by a deadline that hits Tuesday, and which will send petitioners back to the streets to collect the final round of signatures needed to ensure ballot access. Ballot questions addressing the state income tax, the recreational cannabis law and rent control all face hearings next week before the Supreme Judicial Court, where lawyers plan to outline their arguments to toss those matters from consideration. Legal arguments will center on Attorney General Andrea Campbell's role in getting those questions to this point in the process. Campbell will also be the focus of a high court hearing Wednesday since she has moved to strike Auditor Diana DiZoglio's bid to gain legal representation in an effort to force compliance with a 2024 ballot law authorizing the auditor's office to audit the Legislature. Also next week, the most momentous monthly tax revenue report is due Tuesday when the Department of Revenue will detail collections during April.

Sunday, May 3, 2026

KELLER TALKS YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA: Dr. Michael Rich of Boston Children's Hospital joins political analyst Jon Keller on his weekly talk show "Keller at Large." Rich is a scholar on the impact of social media on child health and the author of "The Mediatrician's Guide: A Joyful Approach to Raising Healthy, Smart, Kind Kids in a Screen-Saturated World." He'll discuss legislation regulating cellphone and social media use, per Keller. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

RODRIGUES ON @ ISSUE: Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues joins NBC 10 reporter Matt Prichard for the station's weekly show, "@ Issue Sit Down." (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

MINOGUE ON THE RECORD: Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue joins WCVB's weekly political talk show "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV)

"SAFETY, SUPPORT, AND HOPE AT HOME" ON CITYLINE: The weekly CityLine program zeroes in on "critical conversations about domestic violence." Stephanie Brown, CEO of local nonprofit Casa Myrna that focuses on solutions to end domestic and dating violence, discusses statistics and warning signs, and a domestic violence survivor shares how the organization impacted him. Harvard Medical School associate professor and Mass General Brigham research scientist Dr. Eve Valera explains new findings about strangulation and blunt force trauma. Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs Maeve Kidney discusses how federal funding reductions are putting services at risk. (Sunday, 11:30 a.m., WCVB-TV)

Monday, May 4, 2026

CLIMATECH OPENING: Lt. Gov. Driscoll and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Tepper speak at a women's leadership breakfast that kicks off ClimaTech, a two-day climate technology conference. After a day of speakers and sessions, Boston Mayor Wu speaks at the 5 p.m. opening reception. Wu said conferences like ClimaTech "help connect new technologies with the communities they're meant to serve and build the partnerships that move solutions forward at scale." (Monday, 8 a.m., Boston Center for the Arts campus, South End | More Info and Register)

SJC HEARING ON KALSHI: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments for Kalshi's appeal of a Superior Court ruling. In February, a Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting one of the largest prediction market operators in the country from offering sports-event contracts in Massachusetts. In September, Attorney General Campbell sued the company, alleging it was running a sportsbook without a proper license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Kalshi has argued that its federal status as a Designated Contract Market (DCM), which it earned from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, preempts state law. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq.| More Info | Livestream)

INCOME TAX BALLOT QUESTION: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in a lawsuit that activist Lew Finfer and others filed challenging Attorney General Campbell's summary of the potential ballot question to lower the income tax rate from 5% to 4%. Opponents want the court to toss the question, saying the summary Campbell's office prepared and that appeared on signature-gathering papers was "unfairly inaccurate and misleading on a key point." The lawsuit says the summary, which Campbell's office is constitutionally required to produce, failed to clarify the measure would also apply to long-term capital gains income. Campbell's office says it accurately summarized the proposal and that the impact on long-term capital gains taxation is the result of an existing state law, not directly the ballot proposal. But in a footnote at the end of a brief, Campbell's office wrote, "should this Court determine the summary is not fair and concise, the appropriate remedy is removal of [the initiative petition] from the ballot, rather than alteration of the summary, under this Court's prior precedent." Question backers have said the court should not throw the question off the ballot if it finds a minor error in Campbell's summary. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | Livestream)

SJC HEARING ON CANNABIS BALLOT INITIATIVE: A proposed ballot question to repeal the recreational marijuana law is the subject of a Supreme Judicial Court hearing. Lawyers are arguing that Attorney General Campbell did not properly certify the question for the ballot. Among arguments outlined in a brief, lawyers say the initiative petition does not include subjects that are "related or mutually dependent on each other" – which is one of the limited criteria Campbell is charged with assessing before certifying questions for the ballot. They say Campbell's summary of the petition also fails to include "critically important information" for voters. Lawyers are also arguing the initiative petition considers taking private property from certain cannabis licensees without compensation. Campbell has disputed all of those arguments, saying they are "misguided" or "meritless" in briefs her office has filed with the court. (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | More Info | Livestream)

ALL-PARTY PRIMARIES CHALLENGE: Supreme Judicial Court hears arguments in a challenge of Attorney General Campebell's certification of an initiative petition that would replace party-based primaries with a single preliminary ballot featuring all candidates, regardless of party. Plaintiffs say the proposed ballot question "significantly interferes with the fundamental rights protected by Article 9 and is inconsistent with the freedom of elections." Campbell's office argues that the all-party top-two primary proposed by the ballot question "imposes only a modest burden on candidates and voters" and "is justified by rational interests in increasing voter choice at primary elections and focusing candidate selection and public debate for the general election." (Monday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1, 1 Pemberton Sq., Boston | Docket | Livestream)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON THE CENSUS: Senate Committee on the Census meets with a focus on privacy protection and data sharing. Experts from Marquette University and Georgetown University will discuss the type of data Massachusetts has historically shared with the federal government to boost census counts, and how the current federal climate may affect future collaboration. (Monday, 9 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

REVENUE COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Revenue accepts written testimony on 10 bills, including a Rep. Moakley proposal (H 3931) to create a real estate transfer fee in Falmouth with the aim of funding affordable housing. A Rep. Scanlon measure (H 5160) would establish a commission to explore current distribution of lottery revenues to municipalities and offer recommendations to improve equity. Legislation from Sen. Mark (S 2694) looks to ensure zero-emission vehicles don't face disproportionately high taxes. (Monday, 9 a.m. | More Info)

PCA SERVICES: MassHealth holds a public hearing on proposed changes to personal care attendant services, including imposing a 60-hour weekly work limit and a seven-hour weekly meal prep limit. The parameters would take effect no earlier than July 3. The changes stem from work group recommendations that are expected to save the state $32 million. Gov. Healey's fiscal 2027 budget directs the group to identify another $68 million in savings, while the House budget gives the panel more authority to make decisions about future cuts. "We're mandating that any additional cuts to the program can only occur when an agreement is reached of the working group," House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said at a budget briefing on April 15. (Monday, 9 a.m. | More Info and Access)

MAHA SUMMIT: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks at Make America Health Again Institute's Mental Health and Overmedicalization Summit. Press are asked to RSVP at press@mahainstitute.us. (Monday, 9 a.m., Washington D.C. - Location provided upon RSVP)

APPEALS COURT - IMMIGRATION : U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit hears arguments on a class-action lawsuit that's challenging the Trump administration's practice of denying bond hearings to people arrested by federal immigration officials. The suit was filed in September by the ACLU of Massachusetts, ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, the ACLU of New Hampshire, the ACLU of Maine, Araujo and Fisher law firm, Foley Hoag law firm and the Harvard Immigration and Refugee Clinic. "The government's policy — based on a novel reinterpretation of detention statutes — has been implemented nationwide and subjects millions of people to the risk of detention without any possibility of release on bond, solely because they are in ongoing civil immigration proceedings," the ACLU of Massachusetts said. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this week struck down the Trump administration's interpretation. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Moakley Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Ways, Boston | Live Audio)

SMALL BIZ RESOURCES: A small business resource forum is hosted by the State Treasury's Small Business Initiative Team, alongside the Town of Stoughton and the Executive Office of Economic Development. Treasurer Goldberg and Undersecretary of Business Strategies Zenobia Moochhala give remarks. There will also be panel discussions and networking opportunities. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Stoughton Public Library, 84 Park St., Stoughton | Register)

MASSAGE THERAPY: Board of Registration of Massage Therapy meets. Agenda includes an executive director's report, with an update on applications and the implementation of a new licensing system. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

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

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

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

REALTORS DAY: Sens. Rodrigues and Feeney speak at the annual lobby day for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS. The group said it supports the Crumbling Concrete Stakeholder Working Group findings and will urge legislators to adopt the final recommendations, supports a bill (H 343 / S 2959) requiring fair housing and diversity education for Massachusetts real estate licensees, opposes all transfer tax bills that would impose a sales tax on homes, and opposes all rent control policies "as they lead to the decay of rental stock, reduce available rental units, and intensify the challenge of housing access and affordability." (Monday, 11 a.m., Nurses Hall)

APARTMENT ENERGY TOUR: State officials tour the ongoing energy retrofit construction at the Brian J. Honan Apartments in Allston. Department of Energy Resources commissioner Elizabeth Mahoney, Rep. Kevin Honan and leaders from the Massachusetts Community Climate Back at MassHousing attend. Organizers say the apartments will completely remove fossil fuels and the project will reduce the property's energy consumption by an estimated 62% and reduce carbon emissions by 51%. (Monday, 11 a.m., 57 Everett St., Allston)

CORRECTIONAL CONSOLIDATION, COLLABORATION: Special Commission on Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration meets. Testimony is expected from the Massachusetts Correction Officers Federated Union and other labor groups. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Livestream)

BIOVERSITY LAB OPENING: Biodiversity, a spinoff of MassBio, and leaders from UMass Lowell cut the ribbon on a laboratory that's designed for students participating in Bioversity's workforce training programs at the university. Speakers include MassBio President Kendalle O'Connell, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center CEO Dr. Kirk Taylor, along with program participants and UMass Lowell and Bioversity leaders. (Monday, 1 p.m., Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center, third floor, at 110 Canal St., Lowell)

HATE CRIME TASK FORCE: Hate Crime Task Force meets. Agenda includes membership updates, a presentation on the Cross Tracking System from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, an update on hate crime bills, and an update from reps of the Hate Crimes Task Force Working Group. (Monday, 2 p.m. | Access and Agenda)

FIRE FUNDS: Sen. Oliveira presents a ceremonial $50,000 check to Jason Houle, acting fire chief of the South Hadley Fire Department District 1. The funds are meant to support radio and communications upgrades. (Monday, 2 p.m., South Hadley Fire District 1 Station at 144 Newton St, South Hadley)

MCGOVERN IN WORCESTER: Congressman McGovern attends and speaks at a dedication service for the new Hart-Wood Free Medical Program. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., 90 Main Street, Worcester)

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

GAMING COMMISSION: Gaming Commission holds a public hearing on proposed regulations, including around medications and banned substances in horse racing and how to decide penalties when violations occur. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info and Access)

BUSINESS BLUEPRINT: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosts an in-person session to equip attendees with information about building a practical business roadmap and to help small business owners expand their networks. Bank of America representatives will also be on hand. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Suite 1701, 265 Franklin St., Boston)

PRIM INVESTMENT: Pension Reserves Investment Management Investment Committee meets remotely. The agenda includes reports from the executive director and chief investment officer. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. | Access and More Info)

SKIN CANCER SCREENING DAY: Rep. Murphy and Sen. Feeney host their annual Skin Cancer Screening Day, part of a kickoff for Skin Cancer Awareness Month. There will be free skin checks performed by board-certified dermatologists, on a first-come first-serve basis. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., Room 428)

EVICTION SEALING: Sen. Edwards, representatives from the Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities, other government officials and advocates hold a press conference to mark one year since an eviction sealing provision of the 2024 housing law took effect. As of March, 5,646 petitions to seal eviction documentation have been filed, Edwards's office said. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 222)

DEP HEARING: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection holds a hearing on proposed regulatory changes that would allow the agency to electronically send noncompliance and penalty notices. (Tuesday, 10 a.m. | More Info)

MCGOVERN PRESSER IN WORCESTER: Congressman McGovern holds a press conference highlighting a $1.2 million federal earmark to develop affordable senior housing in Worcester. (Tuesday, 10:15 a.m., 128 Providence Street, Worcester)

OLLIE'S LAW: Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, alongside the Senate Committee on Post Audit and Oversight, hold a hearing on the implementation of the 2024 dog kennel safety law. Senators will hear testimony from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the Animal Rescue League of Boston and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Under "Ollie's Law," boarding and training kennels must show proof of a current municipal license in order to house dogs. Municipalities must also submit an annual list of active kennels to MDAR. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room B-2 | Livestream)

HEALEY AT CLIMATECH: Gov. Healey is expected to touch upon clean energy deployment, "climate-forward" economic development, and accelerating investment in next-generation energy and infrastructure technologies in remarks to the ClimaTech conference. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Boston Center for the Arts campus, South End | More Info and Register)

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE: Massachusetts Nurses Association hosts a lobby day to promote workplace violence prevention legislation (H 4767/S 1718) that cleared the House in November. The bill is supported by the nurses union, the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, and 1199SEIU. Supporters of the legislation say too many health care workers have experienced workplace violence and stronger state laws are needed to address the problem. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Grand Staircase, State House)

PRIMARY CARE: Primary Care Access, Delivery, and Payment Task Force meets and discusses recommendations for two upcoming reports. They're focused on examining how health insurance plans affect health equity and patient access, and tracking residents' primary care needs and service delivery. Senate budget chief Michael Rodrigues said Thursday that health care affordability measures are in the works. (Tuesday, 2 p.m. | Livestream)

COMMISSION FOR THE BLIND: Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Statutory Advisory Board meets. Agenda includes a report from Commissioner John Oliveira and program updates. (Tuesday, 12 p.m. | Agenda and Access)

EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a public hearing on a Rep. Reid bill (H 3895) that would allow Lynn Vocational Technical Institute to create a pilot program for certain eighth graders, and a Rep. Sabadosa bill (H 5157) that would install guardrails around the role of school resource officers, including prohibiting them from using "police powers" to address school disciplinary issues. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)

QUABBIN RESERVOIR: Sens. Oliveira and Comerford host an event focused on the importance of the Quabbin Reservoir and efforts to protect and invest in the region. The reception coincides with a photo exhibit by Belchertown native photographer Ed Comeau. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Senate Gallery, Third floor)

MCGOVERN IN SOMERVILLE: Congressman McGovern speaks at Community Servings' annual Access to Medically Tailored Nutrition through Policy and Leadership event. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., 399 Revolution Drive, Somerville)

CHARLES RIVER TASK FORCE: Charles River Task Force holds a public hearing on draft recommendations due June 30 about how the Department of Conservation and Recreation can improve outreach, communications and programming to Cambridge communities with an emphasis on "environmental justice." (Tuesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

REVERE SCHOOL ROUTE IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT holds a design public hearing to discuss a proposed Safe Routes to School project that consists of sidewalk improvements in the vicinity of Beachmont Veterans Memorial School. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Revere City Hall, Council Chambers, 281 Broadway, Revere | More Info)

HOLBROOK SUPERFUND: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hosts an informational meeting as it solicits input for an interim cleanup plan to address groundwater contamination at the Baird & McGuire superfund site at 775 South St. in Holbrook. (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Holbrook Middle-High School, auditorium, 245 South Franklin St., Holbrook)

INITIATIVE PETITION DEADLINE: Lawmakers face a Tuesday deadline to enact any of the 11 initiative petitions making their way to the 2026 ballot. If lawmakers don't address the measures by the deadline then petitioners must collect 12,429 more signatures to secure their spot on the Nov. 3 ballot. The ten lawmakers that make up the Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions have spent hours over the past three months hearing testimony from neutral experts, supporters and opponents of the ballot initiatives, which range from cutting the income tax to repealing the state's recreational cannabis laws. The committee also faces a Tuesday deadline to report to the Legislature on whether or not to enact the initiative petitions as they are written. The committee does not have to issue a report on an initiative petition reforming legislative stipends, according to an advisory opinion from the Supreme Judicial Court which found the proposal is unconstitutional. Lawmakers have also signaled interest in reaching a compromise with the campaign backing a proposal to cut the income tax from 5% to 4% over three years. In 2024 - when the committee was first created – committee members decided none of the ballot initiatives should be enacted by the Legislature. Lawmakers didn't take any action on them, leaving the ballot questions' fate up to the voters. The panel this session has balked at many of the pending initiative petitions. (Tuesday)

SENATE W&M ANNUAL BUDGET RELEASE: Senate budget writers plan to release the chamber's fiscal year 2027 spending plan Tuesday, according to Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues. He said the budget will reflect "a lot of the themes that I heard loud and clear from my Senate colleagues." "Primarily, the need to provide all the help and support we can give to our local municipalities who are struggling with the cost of operating their local governments," Rodrigues said. The budget is set to come out days after the House passed its roughly $63.4 billion budget that was amended with $81 million in earmarks and new spending over three days of deliberations. Rodrigues added the Senate's budget will "manage" fiscal concerns surrounding MassHealth. (Tuesday)

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

NORTHERN ESSEX IMPACT AWARDS: Northern Essex Community College holds its annual Impact Awards ceremony, recognizing community partners, alumni and advocates. Honorees include Merrimack Valley Transit, alumnus Michael Costello '12, the Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation, Senior Program Officer Marjorie Ringrose, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger, and Opportunity Works. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Haverhill Campus | Contact Allison Dolan-Wilson for tickets and sponsorship information)

DIZOGLIO V. CAMPBELL: Auditor Diana DiZoglio's ongoing quest to audit the Legislature based on a 2024 voter-approved law comes before the Supreme Judicial Court. Proceedings will focus on Attorney General Campbell's motion to strike the lawsuit that DiZoglio filed against top Beacon Hill lawmakers in her bid to secure outside counsel and force the Legislature to turn over records. Campbell argues her office functions as the "gatekeeper" for intergovernmental disputes that may require court intervention. DiZoglio's office contends that if Campbell's motion is successful, the AG is violating constitutional separation of powers by blocking the judiciary from weighing in on whether the audit can move forward. Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, who ran against Campbell for the AG post, will argue on behalf of DiZoglio's office. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, Room 1 , 1 Pemberton Square, Boston | Livestream)

RENT CONTROL BALLOT QUESTION CHALLENGE: Supreme Judicial Court hears a challenge to the ballot proposal that would cap annual rent increases statewide at 5% or the Consumer Price index, whichever is lower. Plaintiffs in the suit wrote that the petition "impermissibly 'relates to religion' because whether a dwelling unit is regulated depends on whether it is used for solely religious purposes." They're also arguing that Attorney General Andrea Campbell's summary of the petition isn't "fair" because it doesn't inform voters that the petition would repeal an existing law that banned rent control in Massachusetts. Plaintiffs also argue that the petition violates the "relatedness requirement." Plaintiffs filed the suit against Campbell and Secretary of State William Galvin. Aamicus briefs have been filed by groups including the California Apartment Association, Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, MassLandlords, Inc., Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Retailers Association of Massachusetts, Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Massachusetts Teachers Association, and Millbury National Bank. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., John Adams Courthouse, 1 Pemberton Square, Suite 2500, Boston | Case Docket)

PATIENT SAFETY: Massachusetts Association of Health Plans hosts a policy forum on advancing patient safety and reducing health care costs, with a focus on work underway at the Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety. About one in four hospital patients will experience a "harm event," which generates roughly $2.14 billion each year in excess health care costs, according to MAHP. The center is piloting an automated adverse event monitoring initiative aimed at increasing the identification of serious issues and helping hospitals reduce risks. Speakers include Sen. Feeney, Rep. Kilcoyne, Betsy Lehman Center Executive Director Barbara Fain and Ruth Ann Dorrill, a former assistant inspector general at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., UMass Club, 1 Beacon St., 32nd floor)

VETERANS SEMINAR: Disabled American Veterans holds an information seminar to offer professional support throughout claims and appeals processes and help veterans access services and benefits. Veterans attending the seminar should bring identification, their Social Security number and any other important document related to their military service. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., VFW Post #443 at 50 Jefferson St., North Attleboro)

PRIM REAL ESTATE AND TIMBERLAND: Pension Reserves Investment Management Real Estate and Timberland Committee meets remotely. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | More Info)

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

WATER QUALITY GRADES: Water quality grades for the Neponset, Charles and Mystic rivers are announced by watershed associations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. This year's theme is "upgrading outdated infrastructure." Tensions have been high between the watershed associations and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, as state officials hashed out long-term recommendations to limit untreated sewage overflows into the rivers. Speakers include Undersecretary for Environment Stephanie Cooper, Ken Moraff of the EPA, and MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston)

CORI SEALING: People with criminal records can receive free legal assistance, learn about the record sealing and expungement process, obtain a copy of their CORI (criminal offender record information), and connect with employers and community resources committed to fair chance hiring at a job fair hosted by Western Mass CORE, Community Legal Aid, MassHire Holyoke, the Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative, and Western New England University School of Law's Center for Social Justice. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield | Register)

FIRE TRAINING COUNCIL: Massachusetts Fire Training Council meets. Agenda includes a fiscal affairs report, legislative update, live burn policy revision, academy activities report, and more. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Boards and Commissions Room, Department of Fire Services, 1 State Road, Stow | More Info and Agenda)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Thomas Trilla as clerk magistrate to the Northeast Housing Court. He's acting clerk magistrate and has worked for the Housing Court since 2014. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

OLDER ADULTS: Mass Aging Access hosts its annual Older Adult Lobby Day, alongside AARP Massachusetts, Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Massachusetts Senior Action Council and the Older Adult Behavioral Health Network. The event will bring together older adults, caregivers and advocates pushing for funding for the Senior Nutrition Program, which supports 73,000 people. The state's exploding population of older adults has led to budget pressures amid surging demand for services like elder home care. Attendees include Sen. Jehlen and Rep. Stanley, who are the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, and Mass Aging Access Executive Director Betsey Crimmins. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Great Hall)

IMPACTS OF CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS, TRANSACTIONS ON SMALL BIZ: Commission to Study the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card and the Impacts for Small Businesses holds a hearing. The third public meeting of the commission is meant to give small business owners, restaurant associations, retail groups and consumer advocates the chance to testify about issues that impact them, per the committee. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | More Info and Livestream

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council holds its weekly assembly, and could confirm Kristin Michud to the Juvenile Court and Vincent DeMore to the Parole Board. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

HEALTH CONNECTOR WEBINAR: Massachusetts Health Connector holds a webinar on insurance options for individuals and families looking to enroll in coverage offered through the state's exchange. People can qualify for a special enrollment period during life changes, such as losing job-based coverage or changes in household size. (Wednesday, 12 p.m. | Register)

STATE LIBRARY SPEAKER: Former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discusses the U.S.-China relationship at an event hosted by the State Library of Massachusetts. The Wellesley native has three decades of experience in foreign service working under Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, with his travels taking him around Europe, Asia and the Middle East. He's also taught at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., State Library, Room 341 | More Info and Livestream)

ELEVATOR REGS: Board of Elevator Regulations holds a public hearing as it seeks proposals for possible regulatory changes tied to elevator construction, operation and inspection. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 1 Federal Street, 6th floor, Boston | Livestream)

CLEAN WATER BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Massachusetts Clean Water Board of Trustees meets remotely. The agenda is not yet available. For access, email masswatertrust@tre.state.ma.us. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.)

SALEM FOR CAMPBELL: Sen. Lovely, Rep. Cruz, Salem Mayor Pangallo, Essex DA Tucker and Register of Deeds Duff host a fundraiser for Attorney General Andrea Campbell's reelection effort. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., location upon RSVP, Salem)

DEP HEARING: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection holds its second public hearing on proposed regulatory changes tied to sending noncompliance and penalty notices electronically. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

FORT PHOENIX STATE PARK: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting about its "Project Shade" efforts at Fort Phoenix State Park in Fairhaven. Officials will discuss alternatives for the parking lot layout, a new shade pavilion and plantings. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

DCR HEARING: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public hearing on regulatory changes tied to disorderly conduct, the use of public address systems or audio devices on DCR property, and the enforcement of DCR regulations. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Holyoke Range State Park, Notch Visitor Center, 1500 West St., Amherst | More Info)

ACUSHNET MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION: MassDOT holds a public informational meeting to discuss a proposed project that consists of reconstructing South Main Street from the Acushnet-Fairhaven town line to Maine Street. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Ford Middle School Auditorium, 708 Middle Road, Acushnet | More Info)

NORTH ANDOVER ROUTE 114 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS: MassDOT hosts a public information meeting to provide updates on the status of the Route 114 Corridor Improvements in North Andover. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Merrimack College Arcidi Center, 20 Rockridge Road, Andover | More Info and Register)

C BRANCH SUSPENSION: Green Line C Branch service will be suspended between Kenmore and Cleveland Circle for 12 days beginning May 6. The suspension is designed to facilitate the T's continued installation of Green Line Train Protection System infrastructure. There will be free shuttle buses replacing service between the stations that are shut. Shuttle bus service won't be available at Saint Mary's Street, Kent Street or Brandon Hall in both directions, and riders are asked to utilize shuttle bus service at the next nearest stop. (Wednesday, May 6 through Sunday, May 17 | More Info)

Thursday, May 7, 2026

MAYORS FORUM: The mayors of Easthampton (Salem Derby), West Springfield (Will Reichelt), Holyoke (Joshua Garcia), Agawam (Christopher Johnson), Chicopee (John Vieau) and Westfield (Mike McCabe) discuss initiatives shaping their region and challenges ahead in a forum hosted by the Springfield Regional Chamber. (Thursday, 7:30 a.m., Marriott Springfield Downtown, 2 Boland Way, Springfield | Register)

AI REVOLUTION IN MASSACHUSETTS: State House News Service and MASSterList host panels as part of an event dubbed "The AI Revolution in MA: Disruption, Risk, Opportunity." Lawmakers have drafted and passed bills addressing several artificial intelligence-related issues including election misinformation and data privacy, and AI is seeping into myriad business and policy conversations and practices. Gary Blank, the Pioneer Institute's senior fellow for government effectiveness, gives an opening presentation. SHNS Reporter Sam Drysdale moderates a government panel with Sen. Barry Finegold, Rep. Francisco Paulino, and Executive Office of Technology Services and Security General Counsel and Chief Privacy Officer Thomas Myers. GBH State House reporter Katie Lannan moderates an industry panel with speakers that include minister and technologist at The Hope Group, Rev. Chris Hope; Ceres Inc. Chief Program Officer Steven Rothstein; Endicott College associate professor Dr. Allan Glass; and Head of AI Transmission, Strategy and Investments for KPMG LLP Kevin Bolen. Networking begins at 8 a.m. Programming begins at 9 a.m. (Thursday, 8 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Register)

BUILDING CODE APPEALS: Building Code Appeals Board meets and hears cases for properties in Pittsfield, Boston, Topsfield and Newburyport. (Thursday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Access)

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE: Health Policy Commission's Behavioral Health Workforce Center hosts an event about policy solutions to promote a sustainable workforce. The event features a research presentation and panel discussion. Speakers include Undersecretary for Health and Human Services Amy Rosenthal, Rep. Domb, HPC Board Vice Chair Martin Cohen and HPC Executive Director David Seltz. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston | More Info and Livestream)

BOARD OF BOILER RULES MEETING: Board of Boiler Rules meets. Agenda includes a review of inspection extension requests and an update from Department of Fire Services staff. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Department of Fire Services, Boards & Commissions Room, 1 State Road, Stow | More Info and Agenda)

JAPAN DAY AT THE STATE HOUSE: Rep. Sangiolo sponsors Massachusetts Japan Day, marking the day John Manjiro landed in New Bedford. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Nurses Hall)

PRIM ADMINISTRATION AND AUDIT: Pension Reserves Investment Management Administration and Audit Committee meets. (Thursday, 10 a.m. |More Info)

ANTI-POVERTY LEGISLATION: Sen. DiDomenico hosts a press conference with Harlem Children's Zone President Geoffrey Canda on anti-poverty legislation dubbed the ENOUGH Act (S 3022 / H 5187). It would create the Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments and Households (ENOUGH) Fund, with money flowing to the "most distressed neighborhoods" with the aim of reducing poverty, expanding opportunity for low-income individuals, and increasing community health, education and jobs. Other attendees include House sponsors Reps. Lipper-Garabedian and Cabral and former Education Secretary Paul Reville. The bills have a hearing Thursday before the Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Business. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Room 222)

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

SENATE SESSION: Senate meets in a formal session with plans to take up a Ways and Means proposal that aims to protect immigrants (S 3072) at a time when the Trump administration has ramped up deprtation efforts. The bill expands on the House-approved PROTECT Act (H 5316). The Senate committee bill would restrict civil arrests in state courts, child care facilities, public schools, houses of worship and health care providers. It would also ban new 287(g) agreements; allow parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported; and with exemptions prohibit state and local law enforcement officers from inquiring about, recording or maintaining a person's citizenship or immigration status. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

ALL ACADEMIC TEAM: Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges honors 38 inductees to the 2026 Phi Theta Kappa All Massachusetts Academic Team based on academic achievement. Students, college presidents and staff, and elected officials are expected to attend. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Great Hall | More Info)

DRINKING WATER WEBINAR: Barrett Planning Group hosts "What Watershed Associations Wish Municipalities Knew," a free webinar that's focused on how watershed organizations can help cities and towns understand and respond to challenges with drinking water. Jill Slankas, principal planner for Barrett, moderates the panel discussion. (Thursday, 12 p.m. | Access)

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SMALL BUSINESSES HEARING: Joint Committee on Community Development and Small Businesses holds a hybrid public hearing. Bills before the committee include Rep. Lipper-Garabedian and Sen. DiDomenico bills (H 5187, S 3022) that would create an "engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments and households fund." (Thursday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 and Virtual | More Info and Livestream)

LYNNWAY MULTIMODAL CORRIDOR OPEN HOUSE: MBTA hosts an open house to teach the public about the draft design for the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor project. The city of Lynn, Department of Conservation and Recreation and MassDOT are planning to redesign the Lynnway "to create a safer, more connected, and more multimodal corridor that supports the City's long-term vision for the Lynnway and Lynn's South Harbor," according to the MBTA. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Welcome Center, Lynn Public Schools, 195 Market Street, Lynn | More Info)

"FOCUS 2050" PUBLIC MEETING: MBTA hosts a public meeting about "Focus 2050," the T's long-range plan for transit investments that will aim to help guide decisions, connect strategic goals with its five-year Capital Investment Plan, and identify investment priorities, per the agency. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Action for Boston Community Development, 178 Tremont Street, Boston | More Info)

DCR HEARING: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds its second public hearing of the week on regulatory changes addressing disorderly conduct and enforcement, among other topics. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Botume House, 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham | More Info)

SPRINGFIELD BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS: MassDOT hosts a public information meeting to present the design for the proposed project that would replace a bridge from St. James Avenue over CSX tracks and from St. James Avenue over Interstate 291, along with related roadway and traffic improvements on St. James Avenue, Page Boulevard, and the St. James Avenue/I-291 Interchange in Springfield. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Register)

ONLINE CHILD SAFETY: Massachusetts U.S. Attorney's Office hosts a webinar about keeping children safe online, including when it comes to social media, gaming, sextortion, extremist threats and generative AI. (Thursday, 6:30 p.m. | Register)

Friday, May 8, 2026

CAPE COD SMALL BUSINESS: National Federation of Independent Business along with Retailers Association of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association host the second event of its Main Street Matters Tour. The event is meant to bring Cape Cod small businesses to gather, network, discuss issues they're facing and learn what lawmakers are working on. (Friday, 8 a.m., Canalside Dining Room of Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School at 220 Sandwich Road, Bourne.)

AUTO SEALING CRIMINAL RECORDS WEBINAR: Responsible Business Initiative for Justice holds a remote webinar focused on employers titled "Unlocking Massachusetts' Untapped Talent: The Business Case for Clean Slate." Local and national executives are set to make the case for a policy change that automates the sealing of eligible criminal records for those who maintain clean records over time. Speakers include Jay Ash, CEO and president of Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, and Nan Gibson, executive director for JPMorgan Chase Policy Center. (Friday, 9:30 a.m. | Zoom access)

LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL: Rep. Cahill and Sen. Rush sponsor a reading roll for fallen officers at the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial. Rain location is Gardner Auditorium. (Friday, 10 a.m., Ashburton Park)

APPRENTICESHIP AWARDS: Sen. Oliveira hosts the first annual Massachusetts Apprenticeship Awards. (Friday, 1 p.m., Great Hall)

Saturday, May 9, 2026

COFFEE WITH MCGOVERN: Congressman McGovern hosts "Coffee with your Congressman." (Saturday, May 9, 9:30 a.m., 557 South Barre Road, Barre)

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