What's ahead in state government this week
On Cape: Beaton in Woods Hole; Off Cape: Baker goes to the zoo, beach wheelchairs and Cape Cod Flyer in Brockton
- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/06/27/224930-Whats-ahead-state-government-week#sthash.wulzBnAQ.dpuf
To show his willingness not to dig on priorities and to work with the Legislature, Gov. Charlie Baker this year has grown fond of saying bills are combo platters. As the calendar is about to open on fiscal 2016 without a state budget in place, Baker is still waiting to be served, and now hoping it will happen by Independence Day. With Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and House Speaker Robert DeLeo at his side, Baker said Monday that he'd asked them if he should make plans for the Fourth of July and said they didn't offer much of an answer. Neither Rosenberg nor DeLeo, who have clashed intermittently this year, interjected with any assurances that they're getting close to an agreement. That may reflect continued icy relations, or they may just be holding back until they do strike an agreement. The branches called it quits for the week on Thursday so lawmakers will continue waiting for a budget while Massachusetts residents start to gear up for July 4.
Other storylines for the week ahead:
-- BOSTON OLYMPICS 2.0 PLAN: Boston 2024 continues its slow, deliberate rollout of proposed summer Olympics venues and officials expect to have their 2.0 plan fully unveiled by Monday or Tuesday. They plan to brief Gov. Baker and legislative leaders during a meeting Monday afternoon. A state-hired consultant looking at Olympics-related risks to the public dime is in turn expected to render its report by the end of July. Gov. Baker has repeatedly expressed interest in seeing the full plans of Olympics organizers, joining others who have complained that it's hard to understand the proposal's impacts when it's incomplete and rolled out piecemeal.
-- EARNED SICK TIME LAW KICKS IN: Regulations implementing the earned sick time ballot law are set to take effect on Wednesday. Attorney General Maura Healey's office wrote the rules. Supporters of the law say it will extend important benefits to thousands of workers. Business groups resisted the change, warning it is too prescriptive.
-- BAKER WORKING ON MINI-BUDGET, OPIOID BILLS: Gov. Baker said Monday that he hoped to file legislation within ten days aimed at implementing some of the recommendations of a task force that examined opiate addiction in Massachusetts. Baker's team is working on that legislation, as well as a so-called deficiency budget that will authorize spending to replenish fiscal 2015 state accounts that ran out of money.
-- MBTA DUE FOR A TUNEUP AT WAYS AND MEANS: The Transportation Committee this week released a redrafted version of Gov. Baker's MBTA reform bill and it did not include the governor's push to overhaul binding arbitration. Gov. Baker is expected to continue pressing for a bill more to his liking. The bill, which would place the MBTA under a fiscal control board, is going to be considered by the House Ways and Means Committee, according to House Speaker Robert DeLeo, who said Wednesday he's "hopeful we can try to get that out in a reasonable amount of time." Ways and Means Chair Brian Dempsey is occupied with the extended state budget talks, DeLeo noted, saying that was a concern for the T bill's timeline. The bill likely faces potentially significant changes from the draft offered by the Transportation Committee. "As we all know where a bill starts the process and where it ends up can be somewhat different," DeLeo said.
-- BROCKTON, NEW BEDFORD CASINO PLANS: Applicants for the last remaining commercial resort casino license are setting to work on more detailed application updates. Developers hoping to build casinos in Brockton and New Bedford face a Sept. 30deadline, under a 4-1 deadline extension vote that occurred during a Mass. Gaming Commission meeting on Thursday in Boston. The Mashpee Wampanoag continue to pursue federal approvals for a tribal casino in Taunton.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2015
IMMIGRATION INTEGRATION RESOURCE FAIR: The New American Integration Program will hold a resource fair sponsored by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition and Project Citizenship. The fair will bring together 17 organizations that offer immigrants and refugees free and low-cost community resources such as citizenship application assistance. Attendees will also be able to receive free legal assistance between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Saturday, 10 a.m., SEIU1199 @ Bayside Expo Center, 150 Mt. Vernon St., Dorchester)
SALUTE TO VETERANS: Wagner Motorsports holds its Second Annual Ride to Salute Our Veterans and Lt. Gov. Polito plans to attend. (Saturday, 9:30 a.m., 700 Plantation St., Worcester)
ROSENBERG IN SALEM: Senate President Stan Rosenberg attends a NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered Youth) event. (Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Colonial Hall, 227 Essex St., Salem)
SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2015
BAKER GOES TO THE ZOO: Gov. Baker plans to attend the Southwick Zoo's Golden Zoobilation. (Sunday, 2 p.m., 2 Southwick St., Mendon)
BOSTON, TEL-AVIV NONSTOP FLIGHTS: El Al Israel Airlines will launch the only non-stop service between Logan International Airport and Ben Gurion International Airport, with three weekly nonstop flights, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The inaugural flight from Israel will be kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport; upon arrival in Boston early in the morning, El Al passengers will receive a "ceremonial spraying" of the aircraft and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the arrival gate. There will also be a ceremonial raising of the Israeli flag at Logan International Airport. Israel's Consul General and Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Rich Doucette will witness the occasion with El Al President David Maimon. (Sunday, ribbon-cutting5:45 a.m. | flag-raising 6 p.m., Logan International Airport)
MASS. GOP CHAIR ON KELLER: Jon Keller will talk with Kirsten Hughes, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, about the budget process on Beacon Hill, MBTA reform, and the Olympics. They will also talk about the GOP presidential primary race in N.H. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
AG HEALEY "ON THE RECORD" | Attorney General Maura Healey discussed recent Supreme Court decisions and the state's approach to the opiate addiction crisis during her appearance on "On the Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB Channel 5)
IDEA2015 CONFERENCE: Global energy and urban sustainability experts convene to discuss the latest trends and innovations in district energy, CHP and microgrids for cities, communities and campuses. Speakers include Shannon Lawrence, Head of Energy Initiative, C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, London; Lily Riahi, Advisor, Sustainable Energy in Cities, United Nations Environmental Program, District Energy in Cities Initiative, Paris; Austin Blackmon, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space, City of Boston; Bill DiCroce, President & COO, Municipal and Commercial Business Lines, Veolia North America, Boston; Robert Thornton, President and CEO, IDEA; Kim Sung Hei, CEO, Korea District Heating Corporation; and Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower Energy Solutions, Dubai, UAE among others. The conference will end on Wednesday, July 1. (Sunday, 9 a.m., Hynes Convention Center)
THE MASSACHUSETTS MARCH FOR LIFE: Massachusetts Citizens for Life Inc. will hold a rally followed by a march on Boston Common. Speakers at the rally include students, post-abortive women, local leaders and state legislators. Following the rally a march will begin led by Cardinal Sean O'Malley. The event is aimed at raising money for pregnancy resource centers and other pro-life groups.(Rally: Sunday, 1 p.m., Parkman Bandstand. March: 2:30 p.m. Boston Common)
MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches meet in informal sessions at 11 a.m.
BOSTON OLYMPICS BRIEFING: Boston 2024 officials plan a media briefing to go over their updated plans, which call for sporting venues spread around Massachusetts. (Monday, 10 a.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center)
DIABETES CARE RIBBON CUTTING: Assistant Secretary for Business Development Nam Pham will participate in the Becton Dickinson Advanced Diabetes Care Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. (Monday, noon, 200 Bulfinch Dr, Andover)
ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judson will chair the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council's meeting on the 2016-2018 energy efficiency plans. (Monday, 1 p.m., MassHousing, 1 Beacon St., 4th Floor)
TOUR OF MARINE LAB: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton will join Cape Cod lawmakers for a tour of the Marine Biological Laboratory. (Monday, 1:40 p.m., 7 MBL St., Woods Hole)
FRAMINGHAM ROTARY CLUB: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will be the featured speaker at the Framingham Rotary Club meeting. (Monday, noon, Ken's Steak House, 95 Worcester Road, Route 9, Framingham)
STATE AUDITOR ON ACCESS FRAMINGHAM: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will be a guest on "Political Discussion" with David Hutchinson on Access Framingham. (Monday, 2 p.m., Access Framingham, 4 Vernon St., Framingham)
KENNEDY VISITS FALL RIVER SOLAR COMPANY: Congressman Joe Kennedy III will visit SolarCity in Fall River to tour the facility and discuss renewable energy development. (Monday, 11 a.m., SolarCity, 565 Commerce Drive, Fall River)
LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP GRANT: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton will make a Landscape Partnership Grant Announcement. (Monday, 11:45 a.m., Spohr Garden on Oyster Pond, 45 Fells Road, Falmouth)
SMILE MASS DONATES BEACH WHEELCHAIRS: Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Carol Sanchez will join Sen. Forry and Rep. Collins in receiving floating beach wheelchairs to be used at DCR beaches. SMILE Mass is donating the wheelchairs, also called Mobi-Chairs, to increase accessibility of DCR beaches for people with disabilities. DCR Universal Access Program Director Tom McCarthy and SMILE Mass President Lotte Diomede will also be present. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., DCR's Carson Beach, 2010 Day Boulevard, South Boston)
FREELAND RECEPTION: A reception is planned to recognize Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland in light of his retirement. Speaker Robert DeLeo plans to attend. (Monday, 4 pm, Framingham State University)
BAKER, LEGISLATORS MEET: Gov. Baker and legislative leaders are scheduled to meet privately on Monday. Boston 2024 officials are expected to brief state officials on their latest plans. (Monday, 2 p.m., Gov. Baker's office, Room 360, State House)
MASSPORT FLAG-RAISING: Attorney General Healey plans to offer remarks at Massport's annual flag-raising event in honor of LGBT Price Month. (Monday, 10 a.m., Logan Office Center, One Harborside Drive, second floor lobby, East Boston)
CLEAN WATER TRUST: Treasurer Deb Goldberg will chair the Clean Water Trust Board Meeting. Representatives from the Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative and Cape Cod Commission will be in attendance. (Monday, 3:30 p.m., State House, Room 373)
MASSDOT BOARD: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board meets. Discussion will include authorization to enter into a contract with New Flyer Inc., for the procurement of 150 hybrid and 175 compressed natural gas buses. Capital investment plans for MassDOT and the MBTA, and approval of MassDOT's Fiscal 2016 operating budget, are also on the agenda. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room 3830, Transportation Building, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)
DOER COMMISSIONER AT IDEA2015: Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judson participates on a panel at the International District Energy Association's 2015 conference. She will also attend part of the IDEA2015 municipal microgrid workshop. (Monday, 9:15 a.m., Hynes Convention Center)
ROSENBERG ON RADIO: Senate President Rosenberg is scheduled to appear live at 8 a.m. on WHMP news 96.9 FM in Amherst.
ROSENBERG MEETS WITH SHERIFFS: Senate President Rosenberg plans to meet with Massachusetts sheriffs. It's a closed press meeting. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Senate Reading room, State House)
ROSENBERG ON "GREATER BOSTON" | Senate President Stan Rosenberg appears on WGBH's Greater Boston to talk about Supreme Court's decision on marriage equality. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., 1 Guest Street, Boston)
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AWARENESS: Sen. Lovely, Sen. Tarr, and Rep. Story will host an event called "Bringing PPD into the Light: Decreasing Stigma, Supporting Families and Implementing Policy Change in Massachusetts." Sponsored by the Ipswich non-profit Birth to Three Family Center, the event aims to educate the public on postpartum depression and connect families with resources. Claudia Gold, pediatrician, author and faculty member of the Brazelton Institute, the Berkshire Psychoanalytic Institute and the Austin Riggs Center will be giving the keynote speech. Lt. Gov. Polito plans to offer remarks at 12:45 p.m. (Monday, 12 p.m., Great Hall)
HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VETERANS: A ceremony will mark the beginning of construction on first-of-its-kind housing for homeless veterans aged 55 and over. "Bedford Green," at the Bedford VA Hospital, will consist of 70 one-bedroom units of permanent, supportive housing for the veterans. Congressman Seth Moulton will join project partners including members of the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital (Bedford VA) at the ceremony. Bedford Green will span over four acres, will incorporate green building components, and will be Energy Star and Gold LEED certified. The housing is being developed through the VA's Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) initiative. (Monday, 1 p.m., 200 Springs Rd., Bedford)
CONGRESS AND THE 2016 ELECTION PANEL: A panel moderated by Boston Globe reporter Jim O'Sullivan will focus on what the 2016 presidential election means for Washington politics. The scheduled panelists are Anna Palmer, senior Washington correspondent at POLITICO; Paul Steinhauser, political director and anchor at NH1; Larry Rasky, chairman & CEO at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications Inc.; and David Tamasi, senior vice president at Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications, Inc. (Monday,12 p.m., The Harvard Club, Downtown, One Federal St.)
SUDDERS AT COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS: Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders will be giving the keynote speech at the 25th Annual Arc Legislative breakfast. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Campus Center, 1 College St., Worcester)
MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE: Bills dealing with a range of mental health issues are on the agenda for the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse's hearing. Those include a Rep. Scaccia bill relative to medical care for persons in mental health facilities (H 1822), a Rep. Malia bill relative to children's mental health services (H 1804), and a Rep. Balser-Sen. Flanagan bill regarding the Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Project (H 1785). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2155&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A2)
OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION TOUR: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton will join Cape Cod lawmakers for a tour of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. (Monday, 12:45 p.m., 86 Water St., Woods Hole)
SHLOMI SHABAT CONCERT: Renowned Israeli musician Shlomi Shabat and his 10-member band will perform his greatest hits. (Monday, 8 p.m., 180 Berkeley St., John Hancock Hall)
SUMMER JOBS EVENT IN CHELSEA: Attorney General Healey plans to announce recipients of grants for youth summer jobs and attend the Chelsea Collaborative's summer jobs orientation program. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 299 Everett Ave., Chelsea)
TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: With lawmakers waiting for a state budget out of conference committee, sessions are a possibility. Senate President Rosenberg's schedule lists no session on Tuesday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo has advised members of a possible formal session.
HOME CARE WORKERS CELEBRATE $15 AN HOUR | Home care workers say they've achieved a $15 an hour starting wage in a contract agreement reached in negotiations between the Baker administration, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. The $15 and hour starting wage would begin on July 1, 2018. Workers plan an event to mark the "historic moment." They had planned a 15-hour picket for Tuesday, but will celebrate instead. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., State House steps)
REVENUE COMMITTEE: The Joint Revenue Committee will hear a Rep. Garry bill that would provide a tax exemption for Massachusetts residents who lost one or more limbs during an act of terrorism (H 2521). Children will be a recurring topic at the hearing with a Rep. Chan bill to provide a child care tax credit (H 2466), a Sen. Fattman bill to reduce the costs for adoption (S 1481), and two bills dealing with deductions for contributions to college savings plans (S 1612, H 2696). Homeowner costs will also be on the table, with a Rep. Frost bill providing a deduction for certain heating costs (H 2507) and a Sen. Spilka bill providing a deduction for water, sewer, and trash fees for single-family homeowners (S 1561). A proposed hearing aid tax credit (H 2680) and a proposed deduction for purchase of a gun safe (H 2625, S 1488) will also be heard. Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2158&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy will deal with energy efficiency bills, including two promoting efficiency and green jobs (H 2909 and S 1766), and another to fuel job creation through energy efficiency (S 1774). A Rep. Jones bill to encourage investments in energy efficiency (H 2886) and a Sen. Brownsberger bill to require disclosure of energy usage data (S 1749) will also be on the table. The committee will also hear Rep. Garballey and Sen. Creem bills dealing with outdoor lighting and dark-sky visibility (H 2878, S 1751), and a Rep. Hill bill to establish an electric vehicle customer rebate program (H 2884). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2145&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-1)
FINANCIAL SERVICE COMMITTEE: Foreclosures and mortgages will be among the bill topics at a Joint Financial Services Committee hearing. A Sen. Rush bill relative to vacated foreclosed residential property (S 554), and Sen. Chandler and Rep. Keefe bills to facilitate alternatives to foreclosure (S 482, H 888) are on the agenda. The committee will also hear a Rep. Ayers bill providing mortgage customers additional mandatory information regarding their accounts (H 780) and a Rep. Sánchez bill to prohibit the issuance of mortgages to persons convicted of arson (H 935). A Sen. Hedlund bill to protect abandoned property owners (S 505) will also be heard. Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2157&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2)
STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION: Treasurer Deb Goldberg will chair the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission meeting. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., One Ashburton Place, 12th Floor)
CABINET SECRETARIES IN SPRINGFIELD: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash attends a meeting with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser and Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ron Walker. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., Springfield Technical Community College, One Federal Street, Springfield)
BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN PHARMACY MEETING: The Board of Registration in Pharmacy will hold its next board meeting. The agenda includes reviewing applications for new community pharmacies as well as proposed amendments and regulations. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 239 Causeway St., Room 417 A&B)
LT. GOV. AT JANE DOE INC. EVENT: Jane Doe Inc. will present the 2015 Economic Empowerment Grants totaling $10,000 to 11 sexual and domestic violence agencies on behalf of 14 survivors from across the state. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will speak along with Julia Reusch, communications manager at the Allstate Foundation; Alayna Van Tassel, deputy treasurer, Executive Director Office of Economic Empowerment; Debra Robbin, executive director at Jane Doe Inc.; and Amarely Oliver, director of domestic violence services and transitional housing program, YWCA Central Massachusetts; as well as two grantees. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Worcester Chamber of Commerce, 446 Main St., Worcester)
SOLAR FARM IN FREETOWN: NRG Home, a consumer energy solutions provider, will unveil the completion of its first shared solar project in Massachusetts. The project will provide solar energy to residential customers in the area. Steve McBee, president and CEO of NRG, will be at the ribbon cutting along with Kelcy Pegler Jr., president of NRG Home Solar; Rep. Paul Schmid; and a representative from the office of Congressman Kennedy. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 27 Locust St., Freetown)
AG AT MASS WOMEN'S CAUCUS: The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus holds a breakfast reception with Attorney General Maura Healey. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., University of Massachusetts Club, 225 Franklin St., 33rd Floor)
SICK TIME LAW PRESSER: The Coalition for Social Justice and SEIU 32BJ plan a press conference to mark the state's new earned sick time law's implementation. Attorney General Healey plans to participate. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Irish Famine Memorial, corner of Washington and School streets, Boston)
USOC MEDIA AVAIL: The US Olympic Committee Board will be available to the media in-person and simultaneously via teleconference following a meeting. Scott Blackmun, USOC CEO and Larry Probst, USOC Chairman will be among those at the avail. (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., dial-in number: 800-247-5110 | password: TEAM USA)
SEXUAL HEALTH LOBBY DAY: Lawmakers will hear the case for legislation expanding access to sexual health services and education on Tuesday at an event that will feature Attorney General Maura Healey, according to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Organizers say high school students from Fall River and Taunton and college students from around Massachusetts will speak at the event, as well as PPLM board member Jamie Sabino. Boston College student Olivia Baker, a Scituate resident, and recent Cambridge School of Weston graduate Joey Boots-Ebenfield are among the listed speakers. The lobby day events were scheduled for February, but cancelled due to snow. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Great Hall, State House)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: With lawmakers waiting for a state budget out of conference committee, sessions are a possibility. Senate President Rosenberg's schedule lists no session on Tuesday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo has advised members of a possible formal session.
SHERIFF ADDRESSES GOV'S COUNCIL: Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian will address a Governor's Council public policy forum. The event has been rescheduled from May 27. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Governor's Council Chamber, State House)
CAPE COD FLYER: Lt. Gov. Polito plans to attend an event pertaining to the Cape Cod Flyer. (Wednesday, 3 p.m., 7 Commercial St., Brockton)
FISHING EVENT: Attorney General Maura Healey plans to join Rep. Ferrante, Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken and the Northeast Seafood Coalition to talk with members of the Gloucester fishing community. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 4 Parker St., second floor, Gloucester)
MBTA PILOT YOUTH PASS LAUNCH: A priority among Metro Boston youngsters will become a reality Wednesday with the launch of a pilot youth pass on the MBTA. According to state officials, Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack, Boston Health and Human Services chief Felix Arroyo, other city officials and youth pass advocates plan to attend the event. At the last Massachusetts Transportation Board of Directors meeting, MBTA General Manager Frank DePaola said the pass would be available to 1,500 youth ages 12-21 in Boston, Malden, Somerville and Chelsea, who will participate in surveys and have their usage monitored. The monthly pass will cost $26, down from the normal rate of $75, and it will give youth more hours to travel on the T than the student pass. A weekly $7 pass will also be available. The program will include means-testing for the participating youths, DePaola said. In December when T officials announced their intention to launch the pass, the pilot was estimated to cost $800,000. "It's hard to envision someone building their way out of poverty without access to school and work," DePaola said at the last board meeting. The youth pass was intended to be launched alongside a university pass, funded by local higher education institutions purchasing discounted passes for all of their students and aimed at bringing in money to offset the youth pass, though as of the last board meeting that sister program had yet to develop. "We're still in discussion with higher education institutions," DePaola said at the last board meeting, describing that process as "like herding cats." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Dudley Station, Boston)
GAS AND ELECTRIC LIGHT COMPANY HEARING: The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will host a public hearing for a petition of Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company, d/b/a Unitil for approval of a mid-term modification to its Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan for 2013 through 2015; and Revised 2015 Residential Energy. (Wednesday, One South Station, 5th Floor, Hearing Room C)
THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: With lawmakers waiting for a state budget out of conference committee, sessions are a possibility all week. The Senate schedule calls for an informal session on Thursday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo has advised members of a possible formal session.
"WHAT TO THE SLAVE IS THE FOURTH OF JULY?" | House Speaker Robert DeLeo plans to join Rep. Byron Rushing at his annual reading of "What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?" (Thursday, noon, Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Memorial, across from the State House)
CABO VERDE ANNIVERSARY: Gov. Baker plans to attend an event to mark the 40th anniversary of Cabo Verde. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Great Hall, State House)
HOUSE BONDING COMMITTEE: The House Bonding Committee plans an oversight hearing Thursday to talk with officials from the Executive Office of Administration and Finance. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Room A-2)
FRIDAY, JULY 3, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: With lawmakers waiting for a state budget out of conference committee, sessions are a possibility all week. Sen. Rosenberg's schedule does not list a session for Friday. Speaker DeLeo says that unless a formal session is called to consider a budget agreement, the House will be closed Friday in observance of Independence Day.
SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015
42nd ANNUAL BOSTON POPS FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR: The Boston Pops will perform their annual Fourth of July concert followed by a fireworks show. (Saturday, 8:30 p.m., Charles River Esplanade). On the heels of terror attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait on Friday, the nation's top homeland security officials on Friday urged vigilance ahead of next week's Fourth of July celebrations around the U.S. "We stand in support of the people of those countries and mourn the loss of those killed," Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said. "Particularly with the upcoming July 4th holiday, here in the United States the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI continue to communicate with state and local law enforcement about what we know and see. We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared. We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people." Event Info: http://www.july4th.org/Event_Info)
STATE AUDITOR AT PITTSFIELD PARADE: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will march in the Pittsfield July 4th Parade. (Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Corner of South and East/West Housatonic streets, Pittsfield)
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