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At the outset of what felt like a typical "Budget Week," lobbyists, lawmakers, and reporters were gathered at the ropeline in front of the House Chamber on Monday. [Sam Doran/SHNS]
FRANKLIN WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, May 3
School Comm Policy Subcommitee agenda
5:30pm
7:30pm
Wednesday, May 4
2:00pm
School Comm. Negotiations Sub Comm. Agenda
3:00pm
5:00pm to 6:00pm
5:45pm
7:00pm
Thursdsay, May 5
Cultural District Committee Meeting
7:00pm
7:30pm
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
Massachusetts lawmakers heading into the final three months of formal sessions are on their way toward making Massachusetts a place that's more friendly for marijuana entrepreneurs, gamblers who like to place bets on sports, and undocumented immigrants who wish to obtain driver's licenses. House and Senate Democrats in recent weeks have generated momentum behind all three of those policy directives, with the Senate set on Thursday to pass its version of the licensing bill (S 2851). The House in February approved a similar licensing bill on a 120-36 vote. Senators are also newly in receipt of a $49.7 billion House-approved fiscal 2023 budget, which arrives in that branch at a time when data shows the state economy is cooling off, a situation that could affect the Senate's approach to spending. The Senate typically debates its annual budget during the week before Memorial Day, so those deliberations are a few weeks away. A House-Senate negotiating team could be named next week to attempt to find common ground on sports betting bills that differ on core topics like tax rates, advertising restrictions, and even which games would be eligible for wagering. The branches appear much closer in their approach to election system reforms, but bills (S 2554 / H 4367) to permanently sanction early and mail-in voting and same-day voter registration on Tuesday will mark their third month locked up in a six-member conference committee. Similarly, bills to improve operations at the state's two long-term care homes for veterans remain tied up in conference. There's also a lot of green space between the House and Senate on clean energy and emissions bills, as well as health care system reforms, although it's clear that both sides want to make policy strides in those areas this session. And a pair of major bills are expected to pass, but still haven't been tackled in either branch - an economic development bill and an infrastructure bond bill that could serve as the vehicle for enabling legislation to extend passenger rail service to western Massachusetts. The House next week has a pair of informal sessions planned, with its next formal sessions, according to a tentative agenda, planned for May 18 and May 19.
Storylines in Progress
... House and Senate candidates, as well as party candidates for county offices, have until Tuesday to file nomination papers and signatures with local election officials, a prerequisite on the path toward securing ballot slots ... Attorney general and gubernatorial race frontrunner Maura Healey is at the center of a dispute that will play out before the state's highest court on Monday, as critics say her office is advocating for language on this year's ballot that unfairly describes a constitutional amendment authorizing a surtax on household income above $1 million per year ... Monday's Supreme Judicial Court calendar also features a challenge to Healey's certification of a dental-benefits ballot question, and on Wednesday the court will hear arguments in similar cases involving app-based driver and liquor license questions ... A State House News Forum on Thursday features Gov. Baker and key legislative and industry stakeholders discussing the path toward reducing carbon emissions and growing the state's clean energy sources ... Rep. Maria Robinson of Framingham on Tuesday could get the vote she needs to join the Biden administration and resign her House seat ... MassDOT hosts virtual public meetings Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss plans for a Sumner Tunnel restoration project that will involve closing the tunnel for several weekends this summer and for four months in 2023 ...
Sunday, May 1, 2022
WHALEN FUNDRAISER: Tim Whelan holds a fundraiser as he seeks election as Barnstable county sheriff. Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Doughty attends. (Sunday, 1 p.m., Flying Bridge Restaurant, 220 Scranton Ave., Falmouth)
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE: Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston hosts a virtual event marking Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event will feature Holocaust survivor Freida Grayzel, who will share her story with winners of an essay contest held in tribute to the legacy of survivor Israel "Izzy" Arbeiter, and Arbeiter's son Jack Arbeiter. Other speakers are Yom HaShoah Commemoration Committee Chair Rick Mann; Ambassador Meron Reuben, the consul general of Israel to New England; Nicole Mezenbach, the consul general of Germany to the New England states; Janet Stein Calm of the Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Descendants of Greater Boston; Rabbi Moshe Waldoks of Brookline's Temple Beth Zion; Dachau concentration camp liberator Col. Cranston "Chan" Rogers; Mayor Wu; Rev. Nancy Taylor of Old South Church and Boston College history professor Charles Gallagher. (Sunday, 2 p.m., RSVP)
DOUGHTY IN MILFORD:
Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty meets and greets voters at a home in Milford. (Sunday, 4 p.m., 1 Kraft Road, Milford)
DOUGHTY AND CAMPANALE IN HINGHAM: Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty and Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Kate Campanale attend the Hingham Republican Town Committee meeting. (Sunday, 6:30 p.m., South Shore Country Club, 274 South St., Hingham)
Monday, May 2, 2022
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court meets to hear several cases, including a challenge to Attorney General Healey's certification of a potential ballot question seeking to establish a profit limits for dental insurers, a case involving the Quincy Conservation Commission's denials of Boston's proposed replacement of the Long Island Bridge superstructure, and a case stemming from a class action complaint by delivery drivers that alleged Grubhub violated Massachusetts wage laws. (Monday, 9 a.m., Livestream | Calendar)
NORFOLK COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY DAY: Norfolk County Sheriff's Office holds a public safety day for students at Archbishop Williams High School where Sheriff Patrick McDermott and NCSO Superintendent Danielle Frane will present an overview of the sheriff's office. Students will have an opportunity to meet the department's new comfort dog, Eddie, practice a drone unit obstacle course, learn how an investigation is conducted, and experience distracted driving and drunk goggles simulations. (Monday, 9 a.m., Archbishop Williams High School Auditorium)
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches begin the week with livestreamed informal sessions at 11 a.m. in the House and Senate chambers.
DIEHL, ALLEN PRESSER: Republican gubernatorial candidate Geoff Diehl and lieutenant governor candidate Leah Cole Allen host a press conference in front of the State House. Diehl's campaign did not provide details about topics to be discussed. (Monday, 11 a.m., State House front steps)
POST COMMISSION LAWSUIT: A court hearing is planned in a new lawsuit in which policy groups allege that the new state agency charged with licensing police and holding them accountable has repeatedly violated the state's open meeting law. The Massachusetts Coalition of Police, Boston Police Superior Officers Federation, and the Boston Police Detectives Benevolent Society are behind the legal action. The plaintiffs want a court order making null and void "all actions taken based on work product, advice, or recommendations" of commission subcommittees generated in violation of the Open Meeting Law. The commission this week pushed back against the allegations. "The POST Commission strongly believes that it has complied at all times with the Open Meeting law, and is reviewing the complaint filed today," POST Commission Executive Director Enrique Zuniga said. (Monday, 11 a.m., Courtroom 314, Suffolk Superior Court, Pemberton Square, Boston)
LG CANDIDATES FORUM: The Providers' Council hosts a forum with six lieutenant governor candidates -- Republican Kate Campanale and Democrats Bret Bero, Kim Driscoll, Tami Gouveia, Adam Hinds and Eric Lesser. State House News Service managing partner Craig Sandler moderates. The council says mask use is "requested" at the in-person event, and press may contact Alex Villanueva at 863-258-1742 or alex@ballcg.com for a livestream link. (Monday, 12:30 p.m., Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation St., Worcester)
BAKER, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Baker hosts Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano for a leadership meeting, their first such sitdown since March 28. A media availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Room 360)
LISS-RIORDAN EVENT: Candidate for attorney general Shannon Liss-Riordan holds media availability in connection with endorsements of her campaign from United Food & Commercial Workers locals. (Monday, 3 p.m., 33 Eastland Street, Springfield)
SENATE LICENSE BILL - AMENDMENT DEADLINE: State senators have until 5 p.m. Monday to file any amendments to the driver's license access bill (S 2851) teed up for debate Thursday. The bill would allow Massachusetts residents without legal immigration status to apply for a standard state driver's license provided they show certain documents proving their identity. (Monday, 5 p.m.)
SIGNATURES AND SHAKES: Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty shakes hands and collects signatures at the Westwood town meeting. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., Westwood High School, 200 Nahatan St., Westwood)
CAMPANALE IN STERLING: Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Kate Campanale shakes hands and collects signatures at Sterling town meeting. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., Chocksett Middle School, 40 Boutelle Road, Sterling)
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
ADVANCING YOUR CAREER: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Women's Network holds a discussion on examining approaches to growth, achieving goals, and advocating for yourself in business situations. Speakers are Sue Harvery of New Direction Strategy, Jacqueline Adams Carey of McKinsey & Company, Haobo Zuo of Global Distribution MFS, and Emily Neill of Robert Half Executive Search. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Registration)
PRIM INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Investment Committee, chaired by Treasurer Goldberg, meets virtually. The agenda calls for a report from chief investment officer Michael Trotsky and a summary of recent public market performance. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
U.S. SENATE PANEL CONSIDERS ROBINSON: U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources plans to consider Rep. Maria Robinson's nomination for a federal energy job, nearly two months after the panel delayed the vote in the face of Republican opposition. President Joe Biden in September tapped Robinson to become assistant secretary of energy in the Office of Electricity. If Republicans line up in opposition to Robinson's nomination -- which appears possible given concerns the panel's ranking minority member raised about her focus on renewable energy sources -- then all 10 Democrats on the U.S. Senate panel will need to be physically present and vote in her favor to push her through. Robinson's nomination is the first item on the committee's agenda ahead of consideration of 13 pieces of legislation. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 366, 50 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, D.C. | Livestream)
HIGHER ED BOARD: Board of Higher Education meets over Zoom and plans to discuss profile development in the ongoing search for the state's next higher education commissioner. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
K-12 PARENTS POLL DISCUSSION: MassINC Polling Group hosts a virtual event to discuss a statewide poll of parents of K-12 students and how parents feel about their childrens' academic standing, risks and summer programming plans. The event will include a panel discussion featuring SchoolFacts Boston Director of Family Advisory Vernée Wilkinson, Lawrence Community WOrks organizer Yaritza Rizzo and Mass. League of Community Health Centers CEO Michael Curry. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Register)
SOSSA-PAQUETTE NOMINATION PAPERS: Shrewsbury Republican Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette, a candidate for the seat held by U.S. Rep. McGovern, plans to submit his nomination papers to Secretary of State Galvin's elections division. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., One Ashburton Place, Room 1705, Boston)
DOUGHTY IN ASHBURNHAM: Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty shakes hands and collects signatures at the Ashburnham town meeting. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 9 Oakmont Dr., Ashburnham)
SUMNER TUNNEL MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss plans for a Sumner Tunnel restoration project that will involve closing the tunnel for several weekends this summer and for four months in 2023. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., More info)
ELECTION DEADLINE: Tuesday is the deadline for party and non-party candidates for district and county offices to submit nomination papers and signatures to local registrars. This includes candidates for House and Senate seats, and those running for district attorney or sheriff. The deadline will shed light on the extent of competition for legislative seats, both in the Sept. 6 primaries and the Nov. 8 state election, and any impacts stemming from newly drawn district boundaries in the wake of the 2020 U.S. Census.
CAMPANALE IN SHREWSBURY: Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Kate Campanale shakes hands and collects signatures during Shrewsbury's town election. (Tuesday, Shrewsbury)
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
BREAKFAST WITH KENNEALY: Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy is the keynote speaker at a breakfast hosted by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. Organizers promise to "save plenty of time for questions on all your pressing business needs." More Info (Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., Essex Room at Woodman's, 125 Main St., Essex)
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT: Supreme Judicial Court meets to hear several cases, including three that involve questions currently on track to appear before voters on November's ballot. The docket includes a pair of cases arguing that two ballot questions -- one involving the status and benefits for app-based drivers, and the other that would overhaul liquor-licensing rules -- improperly mix unrelated subjects. Another case, Anderson v. Attorney General, argues that voters will be misled by AG Healey's summary of a proposed constitutional amendment that would impose a 4 percent surtax on income over $1 million. (Wednesday, 9 a.m ., Livestream | Calendar)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL - MGB VOTES: Public Health Council meets, with votes planned on Mass General Brigham's determination of need requests for projects on the Massachusetts General Hospital main campus and at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. DPH staff recommended in early April that the council, with conditions, partially approve the MGH project and approve the Faulkner one. MGB had also been seeking a green light from regulators to build outpatient care centers in Woburn and Westborough and expand an existing facility in Westwood, but withdrew that more controversial proposal after learning DPH staff would not recommend approval. The vote comes as MGB is facing state scrutiny for its health care spending patterns. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
PRIM REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Real Estate & Timberland Committee meets virtually. Treasurer Goldberg attends. Agenda (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council plans a 10:30 a.m. hearing on attorney Barbara Burton's nomination to serve as clerk magistrate of Chicopee District Court., followed by an 11:30 a.m. hearing on attorney Brandon Freeman's nomination for a District Court judgeship. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Council Chamber | YouTube Access)
VIRTUAL SENATE CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus virtually ahead of Thursday's formal session. (Wednesday, 11 a.m.)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets, with a vote possible on Gov. Baker's nomination of Joseph Griffin Jr. to sit on the Boston Municipal Court. The assembly is scheduled for the same time as a nominee's interview. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Council Chamber | YouTube Access)
DOUGHTY IN ASHLAND: Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty shakes hands and collects signatures at the Ashland town meeting. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 65 E Union St., Ashland)
SUMNER TUNNEL MEETING: MassDOT hosts a virtual public meeting to discuss plans for a Sumner Tunnel restoration project that will involve closing the tunnel for several weekends this summer and for four months in 2023. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., More info)
MAYFLOWER WIND TOUR: Mayflower Wind hosts a 3D tour of its offshore wind project, providing an overview from the lease area located in federal waters and following the planned route of transmission through an intermediate crossing underneath Portsmouth, R.I., and to an onshore grid connection at Brayton Point in Somerset. Mayflower Wind's initial 804 MW project is early in its federal review process and is expected to be up and running in 2025. The developer also has a contract (pending state regulatory approval) for another 400 MW project for Massachusetts. That project is accompanied by an economic development package that includes "commitments to spend up to $42.3 million, including $27 million over 10 years to the SouthCoast Community Foundation." Project officials will provide a virtual overview of the project and how its power gets to shore, and will discuss next steps for its work on the South Coast. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Register)
APRIL REVENUES: Department of Revenue is due to report on April tax collections, with a monthly benchmark set at $4.884 billion. April is generally the single largest month for tax collections and through April 15 receipts totaled $2.428 billion, up $645 million or 36.2 percent over the same period of April 2021. "There are two main causes for April's relative strength: first, the individual tax filing season reaches its peak. Payments made with returns are concentrated in April, while refunds are spread across February, March, and April," DOR said in its mid-month report. "Second, the first income estimated payment installment for tax year 2022 is due in April." (Wednesday)
Thursday, May 5, 2022
PRIM ADMIN AND AUDIT COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management Administration & Audit Committee meets virtually with Treasurer Goldberg in attendance. The agenda will be posted online ahead of the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m.)
HOUSE SESSION: House plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
SENATE FORMAL: Senate meets in formal session to take up a driver's license access bill (S 2851) that would allow Massachusetts residents without legal immigration status to apply for a standard state driver's license provided they show certain documents proving their identity. Gov. Baker has expressed opposition to the idea of allowing unauthorized immigrants to obtain driver's licenses, and the House passed its version of the bill in February with a veto-proof majority. Sen. Gomez said that he is "pretty sure and very confident that the Senate will pass this," and that supporters will make sure they have sufficient votes for an override if Baker does return the bill. Sen. Crighton described the differences between the House and Senate versions as technical in nature. (Thursday, 11 a.m. Senate chamber)
HOME FOR GOOD: Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance hands out annual awards at its "Home for Good" fundraiser at Polar Park. Outgoing Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus will receive the Canon Brian S. Kelley Public Servant Award, Worcester Housing Authority CEO Alex Corrales will receive the Bob Ray Partnership Award, incoming chief of planning for Boston James Arthur Jemison will get the inaugural Rep. Byron Rushing Commitment to Housing Award, and Pamela Schwartz and her Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness organization will receive MHSA's Cornerstone Award. More Info (Thursday, 6 p.m., Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester)
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION: U.S. Rep. Neal holds a public reception and viewing for 2022 Congressional Art Competition submissions from high school students across the First Congressional District. Entries will be viewed by a panel of judges and a winner will be announced at the viewing. The winner's artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for one year representing the First Congressional District of Massachusetts. Music provided by Eileen Markland, music director at the Berkshire Waldorf School. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts' Feigenbaum Center for Science and Innovation, 47 Blackinton St, North Adams)
DOUGHTY IN UPTON: Republican candidate for governor Chris Doughty shakes hands and collects signatures at the Upton town meeting. (Thursday, 6 p.m., 90 Pleasant St., Upton)
Friday, May 6, 2022
TAX EXPENDITURE REVIEW: Tax Expenditure Review Commission meets virtually with an agenda that includes a presentation, discussion, and vote on suggested tax expenditure evaluation ratings. Auditor Bump attends. The commission was created to review the state's tax expenditures, their effectiveness, and forecast revenue impacts on state and local taxing authorities. (Friday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)
NUCLEAR DECOMMISSIONING: U.S. Sen. Ed Markey chairs a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee field hearing in Plymouth on nuclear decommissioning policies, including nuclear safety and security issues and state, local, and community stakeholder engagement. The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth went out of service in 2019 and is in the process of being decommissioned by owner Holtec International. Markey's office says media must RSVP to Markey_Press@markey.senate.gov to attend. (Friday, 10 a.m., Plymouth Town Hall, 1820 Court House, Plymouth)
CAMPANALE ON THE CAPE: Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Kate Campanale speaks at the Cape Cod Republican Women's Luncheon. (Friday, 11:30 a.m., Yarmouth House Restaurant, 335 Route 28, West Yarmouth)
