People, Power, and Politics – Franklin Observer
On Friday, unsurprisingly, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper declared that drought conditions had returned to normal following above-normal rainfall for the month of June. All seven regions are at a Level 0-Normal Conditions, including the Western and Cape Cod Regions, which were previously declared at a Level-1 Mild Drought. The declarations are the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state and federal officials and other entities.
TOWN OF FRANKLIN
Tues.July 19
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Meeting
7:00pm
Weds, July 20
7:00pm
Thurs. July 21
Senior Coffee Hour w/ State & Local Officials
8:30am
8:30am
7:30pm
Friday, July 22
9:30am
STATE HOUSE AND BEYOND
State government limps into the third week of July with a bare-bones interim budget in place that lacks all of the hyped initiatives and new spending that House and Senate Democrats have been promoting all year. The interim budget keeps payrolls funded and services from shutting down, but as the month unfolds without a deal on the big budget, there may be a need for another temporary spending bill. “Well, you know, we’ll see,” Gov. Maura Healey said when asked this week if she would file another interim budget. “We’ll be prepared to do whatever is necessary to keep government going, of course, but I know that the Legislature is in the midst of conference right now and so we eagerly await the results of the conference.” So how are those behind-closed-doors budget conference committee talks going? After Thursday’s House session, where representatives sent an unrelated $693 million spending bill over to the Senate, Second Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Sarah Peake said the budget hadn’t even been discussed in a private meeting among House leaders hours earlier. Asked when an overdue budget might emerge, Speaker Ron Mariano said that was an “excellent question,” then deferred to House Ways and Means Chairman and chief budget negotiator Aaron Michlewitz on the answer. On the 13th day of the new fiscal year, Michlewitz then said it was “too early to tell” when Democrats might agree on an annual spending plan. He declined to outline areas where the branches are dug in, saying, “I don’t think it’s fair for us to, you know, talk about this out in a public setting like this.” Mariano is again advising House lawmakers of the potential for formal sessions next week, apparently in case a budget accord is reached, while Senate President Spilka on Friday didn’t include any potential formals on her Senate schedule, which lists informal sessions only on Monday and Thursday. House and Senate Democrats began their budget talks on June 7. Mariano also said he was “not party to the negotiations on the tax issues” and Michlewitz, the lead negotiator on tax relief — a topic that Democrats have been debating without a breakthrough since early 2022 — also declined to estimate any timetable on that, saying it was “dependent on negotiations.”
Gun Bill
It became crystal clear this week that top House Democrats want to pass major changes to gun laws before lawmakers take a traditional August break from significant business, and top Senate Democrats are wary about heading to a vote before subjecting the legislation to a committee review. House Democrats appear to be coalescing around Judiciary Committee Co-chair Rep. Michael Day’s bill, which aims to stem the flow of illegal firearms into Massachusetts, limit the impact of gun violence on communities, and modernize firearm laws to better deal with gun modifications. That legislation, and other gun bills filed for consideration this session, have yet to be put up for a formal public hearing to obtain feedback from the public. Still, House Democrats want to act very soon. “Talk to the Senate about what their thoughts are,” Peake said Thursday after meeting with other top representatives. “I think that we feel a sense of urgency here. And in fact, while we were talking in there, somebody looked at their phone and said, ‘Oh, there was a shooting in Mattapan. There was a shooting last night in the North End.’ As good as our gun laws are, clearly they need an update, and we have a sense of urgency about this. And this is why we hope to get this done before we recess.” If an effective response to gun violence is to become law, House and Senate Democrats will need to do something they’ve had trouble doing this year: agreeing with one another in a timely manner. The branches do not appear to be working together on this. House Democrats plan a pair of members-only meetings Monday and Tuesday to talk about the Day bill. Mariano said Thursday he had “three or four” options to get a gun bill to the floor even with the branches in disagreement over which committee should hold a public hearing on the bill, which means there is a possibility that controversial changes to gun laws will receive a House vote without the benefit of public input registered at a traditional joint committee hearing. As Division Chair Ruth Balser of Newton put it on Thursday, “We’re just gonna move it forward.” That attitude seems to have thrown up a red flag across the hall. Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, Public Safety Committee Co-chair Sen. Walter Timilty, and Sen. Jamie Eldridge — Day’s counterpart on the Judiciary Committee — rolled out a joint statement Friday afternoon calling for a public hearing about various gun legislation hosted by Timilty’s panel. “We must honor the many, many voices who have played a role in helping to craft the 47 gun bills currently referred to the [Public Safety] committee, and ensure that all voices are heard before any decisions are made,” they said.
Sunday, July 16, 2023
MARIANO ON 4: House Speaker Mariano talks with Jon Keller about tax relief deliberations, education issues, House-Senate relations, and Auditor DiZoglio’s efforts to audit the Legislature. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
MEEHAN ON 5: UMass President Meehan is the guest on “On The Record,” talking about the U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action and student loan rulings. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
SOX-CUBS WATCH PARTY: Boston Red Sox host an “out of the park” watch party on Boston Common to broadcast their game at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs. The event will feature “free food, free entertainment, family-friendly activities, Red Sox mobile experience” and a chance to meet Wally and Tessie, according to an advisory. First pitch is at 2:20 p.m. (Sunday, 12:30 p.m.)
GOLDBERG MALIBU-BOUND: Treasurer Goldberg attends the 2023 National Institute of Public Finance conference with the National Association of State Treasurers Sunday through Wednesday. (Sunday, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Malibu, California)
HEALEY RETURNS: Gov. Healey is slated to return to Massachusetts on Sunday evening, following her trips to New Jersey for the National Governors Association meeting and Michigan to meet with Gov. Whitmer and other female governors. (Sunday)
Monday, July 17, 2023
SENATE TUE: Senators members of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee meet for a hearing on 31 bills dealing with energy efficiency and energy pricing, many of which seek reforms to encourage clean energy reforms in the building sector. One proposal (S 2082) filed by committee co-chair Sen. Barrett would overhaul the MassSave energy efficiency and rebate program and stand up a new “clean heating initiative.” Other bills take aim at MassSave reforms (H 3160, H 3228, S 2103). The House side of the committee plans to meet Wednesday to consider many of the same bills, so lawmakers and members of the public will need to testify on two different days for all committee members to hear their remarks. House and Senate members of the committee can’t agree on a way to work together. (Monday, 9:30 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
BEACON HILL INTERNS AT SENATE “IMMERSION MODULE”: Nearly 100 State House interns participate in the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s Senate Immersion Module. They will roleplay as U.S. senators by drafting, debating and voting on legislation — focused on federal climate and energy policy — within a replica chamber. Sen. O’Connor and Kennedy Institute CEO Adam Hinds, a former state senator, give remarks. There’s also a panel discussion with Massachusetts politics reporters, including Steve Brown of WBUR, Alison Kuznitz of State House News Service, and Bill Forry of Dorchester Reporter. (Monday, 10 a.m., Edward M. Kennedy Institute, Columbia Point, 210 Morrissey Blvd., Boston)
EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Education holds a hybrid hearing to consider 29 bills dealing with student health. Several of the bills aim to improve student mental health supports in schools, such as a proposal from Sen. Rausch (S 346) that would set minimum requirements for the number of counselors, psychologists or social workers in each school, amid a rise in reports of poor mental health among youth. Other bills deal with suicide prevention (H 575, H 555), menstrual products (H 563) and epinephrine (H 507, H 490). The agenda also features standalone legislation (H 603 / S 261) that would make permanent a temporary pandemic-era program offering free meals to all students, which the House is seeking to accomplish in its fiscal year 2024 budget. (Monday, 11 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Livestream)
HOUSE AND SENATE: House and Senate hold informal sessions, their fifth sessions of the 2024 fiscal year and in the absence of a finished fiscal 2024 budget bill. (Monday, 11 a.m., House and Senate chambers | House Livestream | Senate Livestream)
EAST BOSTON EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: The East Boston Neighborhood Health Center unveils its newly rebuilt emergency department. The new department includes $250,000 worth of investments in public safety improvements, $1.6 million to establish an early diagnosis program, and $5 million for modernization and expansion of emergency and urgent care services. The new department is being unveiled at a time when there is concern about slower emergency responses in East Boston, as the Sumner Tunnel that connects the neighborhood to Boston’s largest hospitals is closed for the summer. Rep. Madaro, Rep. Michlewitz, former House Speaker Bob DeLeo, EBNHC President and CEO Greg Wilmot and EBNHC Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Jackie Fantes are scheduled to attend. (Monday, 11 a.m., East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, 10 Gove St., East Boston)
WARREN IN HYANNIS: U.S. Sen. Warren tours Cape Abilities, which receives federal funding to support vocational training programs for people with disabilities. She’s joined by Kim McElholm, president and CEO of Cape Abilities; James Barnes, vice president of philanthropy and engagement at Cape Abilities; and Sen. Cyr. (Monday, 11:30 a.m., Cape Abilities – Lyndon Center, 895 Mary Dunn Road, Hyannis)
WORKFORCE SUCCESS GRANTS: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones, Congresswoman Trahan and local officials announce the recipients of the Workforce Success Grant Program and tour Greater Lawrence Technical High School. (Monday, 1 p.m., Greater Lawrence Technical School, 57 River Rd., Andover)
CONSUMER PROTECTION COMMITTEE: Automotive issues are on tap at a hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. One bill filed by Rep. Finn (H 290) would amend the motor vehicle telematic data law, often referred to as an update to the “right to repair” law that voters approved in 2020. Finn’s bill would delay by three years a requirement that new vehicles with a telematics system feature an “inter-operable, standardized and open access platform” that can be used by vehicle owners and independent repair shops. The voter-approved law remains in limbo after vehicle manufacturers filed a legal challenge. Another bill on the agenda filed by Rep. Walsh and Sen. Velis (H 400 / S 220) would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to check if a vehicle is subject to an open safety recall before issuing a registration or a mailing registration renewal notice. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
BONDING HEARING: State Treasury officials sit down with the Legislature’s Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets Committee for a public hearing about bonding. Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings upgraded its rating of Massachusetts general obligation bonds from AA to AA+ in April, a bounceback nearly six years after it knocked the rating down. Deputy Treasurer Sue Perez and Debt Management Department Senior Debt Analyst Kathy Bramlage are the only witnesses scheduled to speak at the hearing, which is accepting testimony by invitation only. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | More Info)
VETERANS COMMITTEE: Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee holds a hybrid hearing to weigh bills related to the National Guard and reserve. A proposal from Rep. Duffy and Sen. Velis (H 3496 / S 2364) would extend eligibility for residence in the state-run soldiers’ homes to some members of the Massachusetts National Guard retired list. Another bill filed by Rep. Kilcoyne and Sen. Cronin (H 3514 / S 2313) would stand up a “Guard Enlistment Enhancement Program” to try and recruit and retain soldiers and airmen in the Mass. National Guard. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
COMPETITIVE ELECTRIC SUPPLY: Retail Energy Advancement League, which represents competitive electric supply companies that sell electricity directly to residential customers, hosts a virtual press conference to release a report analyzing retail energy markets and proposing reforms to “maximize the advantages,” according to an advisory. The report was produced by Paul Hibbard, a former Department of Public Utilities chair who is now principal of Analysis Group Inc. Competitive electric supply practices face increasing scrutiny from state regulators including AG Campbell, who wants lawmakers to prohibit the industry because of its alleged “predatory practices.” (Monday, 1:30 p.m., Zoom)
CHICOPEE HEALTH CARE PAYMENTS: Stephen Zajchowski, Chicopee’s new chief human resource officer, is introduced at a press conference alongside Mayor John Vieau and other officials. There will also be an update on Chicopee’s health insurance reconciliation process, as officials say a comprehensive review found “excessive” premium payments that the city is trying to get reimbursed. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., Chicopee City Hall, 274 Front St.)
SPILKA TALKS METROWEST PLANNING: Senate President Spilka of Ashland speaks about “regional economic needs and growth opportunities” at a MetroWest regional planning session hosted by the Executive Office of Economic Development. (Monday, 2 p.m., McCarthy Center, Framingham State University, 93 State St., Framingham | RSVP)
REPS TALK GUN BILL: Speaker Mariano’s leadership team convenes a closed-doors meeting with representatives to discuss a 140-page gun law reform bill that Mariano wants to pass the House by the end of the month. Representatives in the first and second divisions are invited to the meeting, one of two that bill author Rep. Day said are designed to clarify misconceptions and confusion about the proposal that has drawn intense opposition from gun ownership groups. (Monday, 3 p.m., House Members’ Lounge)
NEPONSET GREENWAY TO BLUE HILLS PATH: Department of Conservation and Recreation leads a site visit for a proposed multi-use path from Neponset River Greenway to the Blue Hills that requires a feasibility study. Participants will gather at Saint Pius X Parish before visiting the project site. (Monday, 6 p.m., Saint Pius X Parish, 101 Wolcott Road, Milton | More Info)
GREEN LINE B BRANCH CLOSURE: MBTA begins a nonstop 12-day closure of the Green Line’s B Branch that officials accelerated in the wake of a June 12 derailment near Packard’s Corner. Shuttle buses will replace trains between Kenmore and Boston College until Friday, July 28. During that span, crews will replace more than 2,000 feet of track. (Monday)
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano’s office advised House members to prepare for “potential” formal sessions Tuesday through Friday. (Tuesday)
SENATORS TOUR WORCESTER: Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester hosts a tour of her district for Senate members and staff as part of the “SenaTOURS” series. Senate President Spilka attends. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Polar Park, 100 Madison St., Worcester)
HOME BUILDERS LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING: Home Builders & Remodelers Association holds an in-person public legislative briefing and panel on research they commissioned which asserts that green building requirements will put homeownership out of research for many, unless lawmakers offer additional incentives or financial support for homebuyers. MIT and Wentworth researchers assembled the report, “Public Policy for Net Zero Homes and Affordability.” Participants include Jeffrey Brem, President, HBRAMA; Payam Bakhshi, Associate Professor of Construction Management, Wentworth; Gregory Janey, President & CEO, Janey Construction Management; Alisa Magnotta, CEO, Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod; Jeffrey Rhuda, Business Development Manager, Symes Associates Inc.; and Justin Steil, Associate Professor of Law and Urban Planning, MIT. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room 428)
REPS HUDDLE PRIVATELY OVER GUN BILL: Speaker Mariano’s leadership team convenes another closed-door meeting with representatives to discuss a 140-page gun law reform bill that Mariano wants to pass the House by the end of the month. Representatives in the third and fourth divisions are invited to the meeting, the second of two that bill author Rep. Day said are designed to clarify misconceptions and confusion about the proposal that has drawn intense opposition from gun ownership groups. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House Members’ Lounge)
MBTA ADVISORY BOARD: The MBTA Advisory Board meets, featuring remarks from Monica Tibbits-Nutt, undersecretary of transportation. The agenda also includes discussion and action to elect officers, committee members and committee charges. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Virtual | Livestream)
LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development holds a hearing on about 30 bills. Legislation from Rep. Decker and Sen. Feeney (H 1864 / S 1180) would require potential contractors for clean energy projects to outline their plan to expand workforce diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as implement safeguards to ensure employee wages and benefits. A grant program would be established under bills from Rep. Keefe and Sen. Miranda (H 1909 / S 1206) to support job training, creation and placement for people from communities “heavily impacted by crime and the criminal justice system.” Bills from Rep. Frank Moran and Sen. Cyr (H 1924 / S 1154 ) aim to boost the recruitment and retention of hospital workers by establishing a new grant funding program for workforce training providers, including community colleges, that serve culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse individuals; the bill would also establish a task force to tackle the hospital workforce shortage. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
CANNABIS POLICY COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy holds a hearing on about a dozen bills tied to regulatory matters. An internal special audit unit would be established within the Cannabis Control Commission to monitor “fraud, waste or abuse of public funds,” community host agreements, organizational structure and other operations under legislation from Rep. Donahue and Sen. Moore (H 106 / S 58). A Rep. Soter bill (H 121) would create a drive-up curbside pickup option for the sale of medical and recreational marijuana. Proposals from Rep. Ayers and Sen. O’Connor would direct 1 percent of the marijuana excise tax to the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund, which would support public health programs focusing on preventing youth substance use. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hearing on nearly 20 bills, mostly home rule petitions. Proposals from Rep. Owens and Sen. Creem (H 2094 / S 1280) aim to update the authority of tree wardens, who control “all public shade trees, shrubs and growth,” propose regulations to care for and preserve public shade trees, and approve the planting of trees in public ways. Legislation from Rep. Livingstone and Sen. Edwards (H 2078 / S 1292) would give municipalities local control of operating hours for waste collection in residential or commercial areas. Also on the agenda is a Rep. Nguyen bill (H 2091) that deals with postponing and rescheduling public hearings due to weather-related emergencies. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)
PUBLIC TRANSIT CONVERSATION: Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce holds an in-person forum on the future of the MBTA, featuring a conversation with Secretary of Transportation Gina Fiandaca and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. The chamber is promoting the speaking engagements as the “first major address to the business community” for both public officials. Chamber President James Rooney will moderate. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Wayfair, 4 Copley Place, Boston | More Info)
YOUTHWORKS ALUMNI CHAT: YouthWorks holds a virtual conversation for past program participants to discuss what they have done since leaving the program, which matches teens and young adults with paid, short-term jobs in the public and private sector to gain work experience. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Virtual | Access Info)
SOUTHEASTERN PLANNING MEETING: Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District holds a virtual public meeting. Organizers plan to vote on endorsing spending in the federal fiscal years 2023-2027 Transportation Improvement Plan Amendment 4 and to present updates regarding the Regional Transportation Plan. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Virtual | Access Info)
PUBLIC BANKING BRIEFING: Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus and the House Progressive Caucus host a legislative briefing about public banking. “Learn about how a public bank would advance economic opportunity for underserved borrowers and communities in Massachusetts, including women- and minority-owned businesses, coastal communities, climate initiatives, small farms, affordable housing and community land trusts, Gateway Cities, and more,” says an advisory about the briefing. The caucuses support a bill that would create a public bank (H 975 / S 632). Among its responsibilities, the bank would invest state funds, respond to unmet affordable financing needs of cities and towns, and help businesses and municipalities in recovering from economic repercussions of external shocks, such as pandemics, recessions and natural disasters. Briefing speakers will include Christine Desan, Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, and Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur, chair of the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. The Gateway Cities Legislative Caucus is co-chaired by Rep. Cabral and Sen. Cronin. The House Progressive Caucus is co-chaired by Reps. Farley-Bouvier and Lewis. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Eldridge and Reps. Cabral and Connolly. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room 428 | Virtual)
EMERGENCY PLANNING SEMINAR: Massachusetts Office on Disability and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency hold a virtual seminar on making municipal emergency plans accessible. Organizers will focus first on municipal emergency management standards, and then on accessibility. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., More Info)
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Higher Education holds a hearing on nearly 30 bills revolving around student aid. Bills from Rep. Rogers and Sen. Barrett (H 1285 / S 812) would provide subsidized tuition and fees at community colleges for individuals who are caregivers to adults with disabilities. Public school teachers and paraprofessionals working in the commonwealth could attend public college courses for free under under a Rep. Ultrino bill (H 1292). A bevy of bills would make higher education more affordable and accessible, including proposals from Reps. Garballey and Vargas and Sen. Comerford (H 1261 / S 813) calling for a “comprehensive redesign and reform of the financial aid system” that could close opportunity and achievement gaps, particularly for students of color and from marginalized communities. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Livestream)
JUDICIARY HEARING: Joint Committee on the Judiciary holds a hybrid public hearing on 42 bills related to civil actions. One proposal (S 980 / H 1694) would authorize so-called assisted outpatient treatment, sometimes called involuntary outpatient commitment. Massachusetts is one of three states that does not allow judges to mandate outpatient mental health care, WBUR reported. The Sen. Friedman and Rep Muratore bill would allow court-ordered outpatient mental health care in the state, and is expected to prompt debate. Many mental health groups oppose the legislation, saying that government should not force people into treatment who do not want it. Others, including Treatment Advocacy Center, say the court-mandated treatment “can be life-saving.” “Assisted outpatient treatment (AOT) serves those with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious mental illnesses, who as a result of the illness itself, are unwilling or unable to consistently engage in voluntary treatment … Studies show that AOT can dramatically improve treatment outcomes, keep people engaged with treatment within the community, and reduce the likelihood of arrest. It is specifically for individuals ‘caught in the revolving door’ of repeat hospitalizations, homelessness and incarceration,” says a release from Treatment Advocacy Center calling for people to testify in favor of the bill at the hearing. Other bills would establish a right to counsel in civil asset forfeiture cases, ban the use of tear gas by law enforcement, and establish penalties for selling tattooing, branding or body piercing devices to unlicensed individuals or minors. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Virtual)
BERKSHIRES TRANSPORTATION: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission holds a virtual Transportation Advisory Committee meeting. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Virtual | Access Info)
VALEDICTORIAN PROJECT CELEBRATION: Public school students from Boston, Brockton, Lawrence, Worcester and Chelsea participate in an event celebrating The Valedictorian Project, which aims to break down racial barriers by providing mentorships throughout the college journey. Elected leaders, mentors and project supporters also attend. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St.)
NEW MCAN DIRECTOR: New Executive Director for the Mass Climate Action Network Elischia Fludd meets with supporters during her second official day on the job. (Tuesday, 6 pm. | Zoom)
BEACON WIND MEETING: The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management holds a public meeting on the notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement for construction plans of the proposed Beacon Wind offshore energy project. Beacon Wind is planned for an area of 128,000 acres in federal waters about 20 miles south of Nantucket. The company estimates that the wind farm will provide 1,230 megawatts of renewable energy for households in the Northeast. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management initiated a 30-day public comment period that ends on July 31. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., The Market Place Dining Hall, UMass Dartmouth, 285 Old Westport Rd., Dartmouth | More Info)
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano’s office advised House members to prepare for “potential” formal sessions Tuesday through Friday. (Wednesday)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Public Health holds a hybrid public hearing on seven bills related to vaccines. One (H 2207) would determine that when there is a public health emergency and an insufficient supply of vaccines, that funeral home directors and funeral workers are included in the same category as health care providers in terms of prioritization of access. Other bills seek to update immunization requirements in schools, including a Rep. Soter bill that is intended to protect medical and religious exemptions from vaccines for school-aged children (H 582). (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Gardner Auditorium | Virtual)
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HEARING: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities holds a hybrid public hearing on six bills related to the Department of Developmental Services. A Rep. Day bill seeks to promote employment for people with disabilities (H 143) and a Rep. Finn bill would establish a pilot diversion program for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (H 163). Other proposals include legislation to regulate supported decision-making agreements for adults with disabilities, establish a special commission on the treatment of intellectually and developmentally disabled offenders in the criminal justice system, and expand the list of first responders who are mandated reporters of disabled persons abuse to include firefighters and EMTs. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Room A-1 | Virtual)
HOUSE TUE: House members of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee meet for a hearing on 26 bills related to energy efficiency and energy pricing, many of which seek reforms to encourage clean energy reforms in the building sector. A bill (H 3232) filed by Rep. Vargas would establish a zero carbon renovation fund to provide for the costs associated with energy efficiency renovations of some existing buildings, including affordable housing, public housing, municipal buildings, public schools and some small businesses. Senate committee members meet Monday to consider many of the same bills, so members of the public will need to testify on two different days for all committee members to hear their remarks. House and Senate members of the committee can’t agree on a way to work together. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1 | Virtual)
BIOMARKER TESTING PANEL: Lisa Lacasse, national president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, leads a roundtable discussion on expanding patient access to biomarker testing. The technology analyzes genes, proteins and molecules to determine the most effective and least invasive treatment plan. The roundtable panel will focus on advancements in biomarker testing and state policies around the technology. The panel includes Sen. Susan Moran; Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne; Dr. Amar H. Kelkar, Department of Medical Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School; Dr. Michael Constantine, medical oncologist/hematologist medical director at DFCI/Milford Community Cancer Care and president of the Massachusetts Society of Clinical Oncologists. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., Room 348)
GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL: Governor’s Council meets, and could vote on the seven pardons proposed by Gov. Healey in June. Council calendar also includes routine business like approval of the Treasury warrant, which allows the state to pay its bills and is currently funded by an “interim” budget in the absence of lawmakers agreeing on a consensus fiscal 2024 spending plan. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)
MASSDOT BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Department of Transportation Board of Directors hold an in-person public meeting. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | Agenda and Access Info)
STATUS OF GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN MEETING: Commission on The Status of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren holds a virtual public meeting. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., | Agenda and Access Info)
ASHLEY PARK GROUNDBREAKING: New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell and other city officials host a groundbreaking ceremony for Ashley Park. The event was originally scheduled to take place Friday, July 14 but was postponed due to weather. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Ashley Park, corner of Rivet Street and Bolton Street, New Bedford)
CYBERSECURITY PLANNING COMMITTEE: Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee holds a virtual public meeting with plans for an executive session to discuss state and local cybersecurity grant programs. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
MERRIMACK VALLEY HEARING ON VEHICLE GRANT: Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization holds virtual public hearing on Transportation Improvement Program Amendment 4 as it relates to the 133 wheelchair-accessible vehicles awarded to the Merrimack Valley through the Community Transit Grant Program. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
CENTRAL MASS. PLANNING: Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission meets to present on its 2023 regional infrastructure plan and the new Massachusetts Vehicle Census program. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
SOMERVILLE DEVELOPMENT WALKING TOUR: NAIOP Massachusetts leads a walking tour of Union Square and Boynton Yards in Somerville to preview ongoing building projects and discuss how the neighborhood is changing. Event organizers say development in the area will lead to new housing and retail, office, lab and green space. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. ahead of speakers at 4 p.m. and a walking tour at 4:30 p.m. (Wednesday, 4:30 p.m., 10 Prospect St., Somerville | More Info)
COMMONWEALTH WIND OPEN HOUSE: Avangrid, the developer of the proposed Commonwealth Wind offshore wind project, plans an in-person open house to discuss its work in Barnstable and the proposed 1,200-megawatt installation. The company is seeking to terminate previously agreed-to contracts and re-bid the project at a higher price in the next round of procurement, saying changing economic conditions mean the project “cannot be financed and built” under original terms. (Wednesday, 5 p.m., Osterville Library, 43 Wianno Ave., Barnstable | More Info)
WORCESTER FIRE OPEN HOUSE: Worcester Fire Department holds first of three open house sessions for those interested in becoming firefighters and reviewing the civil service process and eligibility requirements. Other sessions will take place on Saturday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 26. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., 141 Grove St., Worcester | More Info)
REVERE FIRE STATION: Metropolitan Area Planning Council holds a virtual public meeting to gather feedback on a concept plan for an arts and cultural community space in the Beachmont Fire Station. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Access Info)
MERRIMACK VALLEY HEARING ON VEHICLE GRANT: Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization holds virtual public hearing on Transportation Improvement Program Amendment 4 as it relates to the 133 wheelchair-accessible vehicles awarded to the Merrimack Valley through the Community Transit Grant Program. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Agenda and Access Info)
AI & COMMUNITIES OF COLOR: My City at Peace holds a forum on artificial intelligence and communities of color. Panelists include head of next practice and inclusive growth at MASS Challenge Damon Cox; Boston Globe technology columnist and deacon at Peoples Baptist Church Hiawatha Bray; and tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Embrace Boston Paul English. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Twelfth Baptist Church, 150 Warren St., Roxbury)
Thursday, July 20, 2023
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano’s office advised House members to prepare for “potential” formal sessions Tuesday through Friday. (Thursday)
LIBRARY TRUSTEE DEEP DIVE: Massachusetts Libraries Board of Library Commissioners holds a virtual public meeting for trustees to review policies, as part of a “Deep Dive” series aimed at briefing trustees on their roles and responsibilities. (Thursday, 10 a.m., More Info)
BIZGROW CONFERENCE: Lawyers for Civil Rights Boston hosts its annual BizGrow Conference. During the event, the legal group provides free legal assistance, business support and technical assistance to minority, immigrant and women business owners. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Suffolk Law School | Register)
SENATE: Senate plans to meet without a calendar. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
CLEAN ENERGY TALK: Mass Climate Action Network and Prince Lobel host a virtual discussion with state officials about clean energy infrastructure, environmental justice and community needs. Planned speakers include Climate Chief Hoffer; Undersecretary of Environmental Justice and Equity Maria Belen Power; Turner Smith, deputy chief of the energy and environment bureau in AG Campbell’s office; GreenRoot Director of Waterfront and Climate Justice Initiatives John Walkey; and Prince Lobel Renewable Energy Industry Group Chair Richard Kanoff. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Register)
OCPF REPORTING DEADLINE: House and Senate candidates must file their quarterly deposit reports, which outline contribution details for all deposits into campaign accounts, with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. (Thursday)
Friday, July 21, 2023
GOLDBERG IN SANDWICH: Treasurer Goldberg and the Massachusetts State Lottery participate in a Boston 25 “Zip Trip” in Sandwich. This will be the third scheduled “Zip Trip” feature of the channel’s summer season. (Friday, 8 a.m., Fishermen’s View Seafood Market & Restaurant, 20 Freezer Rd., Sandwich)
MASS. FOOD POLICY COUNCIL: Massachusetts Food Policy Council holds a virtual public meeting, hearing updates from staff of the Food System Caucus and Food System Collaborative, an organization monitoring progress on the council’s 2015 Local Food Action Plan. The director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund is scheduled to present on New England Feeding New England’s vision for the region to source 30 percent of its food through local agriculture. (Friday, 9:30 a.m., Virtual | Agenda and Access Info)
POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano’s office advised House members to prepare for “potential” formal sessions Tuesday through Friday. (Friday)
Source: News
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