What's ahead in state government this week
Prez on the Vineyard; Aquinnah Wampanoags defend MV casino; Beaton fishes with youths in Yarmouth
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Nothing says summer recess like the president of the United States vacationing for two weeks on a Massachusetts island while the state's top elected officials shower themselves in ice in front of the capitol to raise money for charity. After grinding through the budget finish line in July state officials are starting to take this whole summer thing seriously.
The House and Senate plan to each meet twice next week, likely sending unfinished amendments to the $38.1 billion state budget back to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk. And the energy industry will have time to compare and contrast Baker's solar power legislation, filed on Friday, with a bill that cleared the Senate two weeks ago and won glowing praise from renewable energy supporters.
-- OBAMA'S VACATION IN MASSACHUSETTS: Obama's family vacations on Martha's Vineyard have by now become an annual tradition, creating some inconveniences for tourists and islanders as the president golfs and joins his family for ice cream outings and relaxation. White House pool reports will shed light on the president's guests and whereabouts.
Rep. Tim Madden, a Nantucket Democrat who also represents the Vineyard, said people on the islands are accustomed to visits that create buzz and raise the profile of the area. Madden said people tend to give space to Obama and other famous vacationers.
"I think it's just respect. We get excited about it but at the same time we understand they're here trying to relax, unwind," Madden told the News Service on Friday. Madden said he saw the Obamas fly off in Air Force One one year, describing the send-off as "lowkey." The lawmaker shook the president's hand and gave him a signed copy of the book "In the Heart of the Sea," by Nantucketer Nathaniel Philbrick.
"Thank you. I look forward to reading it," Madden said the president told him after receiving the book - a historical account of the disastrous journey of the whaleship Essex.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has a house on Nantucket, as does former U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, and Vice President Joe Biden has for years visited every Thanksgiving, Madden said. "He's out on the street. He's happy to meet people," said Madden, describing the vice president as "real personable" and "just a regular guy."
On Nantucket, Madden met President Bill Clinton when his wife Hillary Clinton was first running for U.S. Senate, and the islander said Obama's first presidential vacation on the Vineyard provided a welcome boost during the recession.
"Everyone gets excited about it," Madden said.
President Barack Obama and the First Family will for the sixth time visit Martha's Vineyard, starting Friday, Aug. 7, when they kick off a 16-day vacation, according to the Vineyard Gazette. The paper reported that the Obamas will once again stay in the home of Joanne Hubschman, in Chilmark, which offers "sweeping views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth islands." The Obamas' fondness for Dukes County has at times brought the world stage to the island. Former Gov. Deval Patrick has in the past visited with his friend, the president, during his vacation in the Bay State.
-- TOP OFFICIALS TAKE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE: The State House steps will be the place to be on Monday at 2 p.m. for anyone who wishes to see Baker and three of his fellow constitutional officers doused with ice water. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Auditor Suzanne Bump, and Treasurer Deb Goldberg plan to join Baker in taking the Ice Bucket Challenge.
-- SALES TAX HOLIDAY: Attention shoppers: the annual two-day suspension of the sales tax will take place the weekend of Aug. 15 and 16. Though some retailers have been advertising promotions connected to the so-called holiday for weeks, the suspension of the state's 6.25 percent sales tax was not made official until Thursday, when Gov. Charlie Baker signed the bill into law. If you're looking to buy a new flat screen TV, you'll be in good company. Baker said he and his family have been "thinking real hard" about buying a new flat screen TV to replace their current model, which has been on the fritz of late. Though shoppers won't have to pay the sales tax on most purchases, it will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500.
In the Legislature, the tax holiday bill drew strong support from Republicans, but divided Democrats, with critics of the idea calling it a "boondoggle" and a "gimmick" and minimizing the 6.25 percent savings that consumers would receive by buying items exempt from the sales tax. Tax holiday critics dispute claims that it leads to a burst of economic activity, asserting the holiday instead just shifts consumer buying patterns. And while supporters tout its benefits to the economy and jobs, few lawmakers have pressed to repeat the tax holiday during other times of the year.
SATURDAY, AUG. 8, 2015
MASS-CARE BOARD MEETING, ELECTIONS: The Massachusetts Campaign for Single Payer Health Care will hold a board meeting followed by board elections. (Saturday, 10 a.m., Friends Meeting House, Worcester)
SUNDAY, AUG. 9, 2015
JOE MATHIEU ON KELLER: Joe Mathieu, morning anchor at WBZ NewsRadio 1030, sits down with 'BZ TV & Radio political analyst Jon Keller for some "good old down-home political talk." They'll chat about the race for the GOP presidential nomination and Donald Trump's staying power. They'll also talk about the proposed tax-hike referendum in Massachusetts and the level of anti-tax sentiment in the state. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
COAKLEY ON THE RECORD: Former Attorney General Martha Coakley, currently the legal analyst at Ch. 5, breaks down the legal issues on Tom Brady, Aaron Hernandez, casinos, and marijuana ballot questions "On The Record." (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV Ch.5)
MONDAY, AUG. 10, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches plan to meet in informal sessions at 11 a.m.
SEAPORT ECONOMIC COUNCIL: Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito sign an executive order related to the Seaport Economic Council. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Governor's Office, Room 360)
LYME DISEASE FORUM: Kevin Cranston, director of the state's Bureau of Infectious Disease, and Harvard Medical School attending physician Nevena Zubcevik will speak at "Take A Bite Out of Lyme Disease," a forum about protection and treatment against Lyme. The event is sponsored by Rep. Jim Cantwell, Marshfield's Council on Aging and Board of Health, and the Mass. Department of Public Health. (Monday, 1 p.m., Marshfield Senior Center, 230 Webster St., Marshfield)
DIVISION OF INSURANCE - LIFE INSURANCE: Division of Insurance officials on Monday take testimony on life insurance and annuities regulations as part of a regulatory review ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., 1000 Washington St., Boston)
WAGE ESSAY LUNCH: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg has lunch with the winners of the Wage Gap essay contest. (Monday, 12 p.m., Treasurer's Office, Room 227)
BUMP ON WCAP: State Auditor Suzanne Bump is a scheduled guest on the Mara Dolan Show. (Monday, 10:45 a.m., WCAP-AM 980)
STATE OFFICIALS PARTAKE IN ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE: Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, state Auditor Suzanne Bump, and members of the legislature will join with Pete Frates and his family to participate in the ALS "Every August Until a Cure" Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and support a cure for ALS.(Monday, 2 p.m., Front steps, State House)
FORMER R.I. GOV. CHAFEE ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Former R.I. governor and Democratic presidential candidate Lincoln Chafee is scheduled to appear on "Boston Public Radio." He will talk with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Monday, WGBH-FM 89.7)
MARIJUANA BALLOT QUESTION BACKERS AND GOVERNOR'S COUNCILLOR ON GREATER BOSTON: Organizers of the marijuana ballot questions including Campaign manager at Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, Will Luzier and McLean Hospital Doctor Kevin Hill, MD, MHS are scheduled to appear as guests on Great Boston. Host Jim Braude will also talk to Governor's Councilor Robert Jubinville on his proposal to decriminalize heroin use by addicts. (Monday, 7 p.m., WGBH-TV Ch. 2)
BUMP ON TOCCI & ROSSI: State Auditor Suzanne Bump is scheduled to appear on Night Time Talk with Kevin Tocci and Joe Rossi. (Monday, 7 p.m, WATD-FM 95.9)
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE: The Department of Mental Health will convene a meeting of its Human Rights Committee to review patient complaints and to hold a period of open patient feedback. (Monday, 4 p.m., Worcester Recovery Center & Hospital, 309 Belmont St., Room J2-B5, Second floor, Worcester)
DCR CHIEF CELEBRATES POOL UPGRADE: Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Carol Sanchez will join local officials to celebrate completion of upgrades to DCR's Bradley Palmer Wading Pool at Bradley Palmer State Park. (Monday, 11 a.m., 40 Asbury St., Topsfield)
CONVENTION CENTER SEARCH: The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Selection Committee will meet in executive session to "consider or interview" applicants for the position of executive director. The authority's longtime leader James Rooney left the post to become president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Korn Ferry, the head-hunting firm conducting the search, will give members of the committee an overview of the market before the committee heads into the closed-door executive session. Monday will be the second meeting of the committee whose members are John McDonnell, the authority's board chairman who manages the international accounts for Tito's Handmade Vodka; Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore; TD Garden President Amy Latimer; David Sweeney, the chief financial officer and collector-treasurer for the city of Boston; and Michelle Consalvo, the assistant vice president of government and community affairs at Boston University. Jack Hart, a former state senator who is a member of the authority's board, has indicated an interest in the position. (Monday, 12 p.m., Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boardroom 201)
TUESDAY, AUG. 11, 2015
DIVISION OF INSURANCE - AUTO INSURANCE: Division of Insurance officials on Tuesday take testimony on auto insurance regulations as part of a regulatory review ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker. Under Gov. Deval Patrick, Massachusetts switched from a heavily regulated rate-setting system to a more deregulated system intended to stir competition and better policies and rates for Massachusetts drivers. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., 1000 Washington St., Boston)
DERSHOWITZ TALKS IRAN DEAL ON NIGHTSIDE: Alan Dershowitz, attorney and Harvard Law professor emeritus, is scheduled to talk about the Iran nuclear deal on "NightSide with Dan Rea." (Tuesday, 9 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
SEN. PAUL HOSTS TOWN HALL IN CLAREMONT, NH: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican candidate for president, will hold a town hall meeting in New Hampshire. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rand-paul-town-hall-claremont-nh-tickets-18007523989 (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Claremont Savings Bank Community Center, Grand Meeting Room, 152 South St, Claremont, NH)
RAND PAUL ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul is scheduled to appear as a guest on "Boston Public Radio" with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Tuesday, WGBH-FM 89.7)
PRIM MEETING: The Massachusetts Pension Reserves Investment Management board meets. Treasurer Deborah Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. 94 State St., 2nd floor, Boston)
REHABILITATION COMMISSION: The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission will hold a meeting of its State Plan Committee. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Bartels Conference Room, 600 Washington Street, Second floor, Boston)
TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE ADVISORY BOARD: The Pittsfield/North Adams Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance will convene for a meeting to receive an update from the director of the department and to set future meeting agendas. (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Pittsfield Transitional Assistance Office, 160 North St., Suite 201, Pittsfield)
CHAPTER 257 RATE INFO SESSION: The Executive Office of Health and Human Services's Purchase of Service Policy Unit and the Department of Developmental Services will host a Chapter 257 information and dialogue session to support the development of rates for a corporate representative payee service. The meeting is intended to provide information on the process of setting new contract rates for services as required under a law known as Chapter 257, and to collect feedback that could help EOHHS and DDS set contract rates for the service. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., University of Massachusetts Medical School, ASC Auditorium, 55 Lake Ave. North, Worcester)
BEATON AT 495/METROWEST "MEET THE CABINET": Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton plans to offer remarks at the 495/MetroWest Partnership's "Meet the Cabinet" series at IBM Littleton. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., 550 King St., Littleton)
PROTESTANT GUILD BUILDING: The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency will review the proposal for The Protestant Guild for Human Services to finance $14 million to purchase and renovate a building in Concord and the refinancing of other borrowings. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., 99 High St., Boston)
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12, 2015
AQUINNAH WAMPANOAG LAWSUIT: Lawyers for the state and an Indian tribe on Martha's Vineyard will square off Wednesday, arguing before a federal judge why or why not the tribe should have the right to build a casino. Both sides will argue motions for summary judgement in a case that could change the landscape of the island, home to 17,000 and a vacation resort for the president of the United States, among others. Massachusetts legalized casino gambling in 2011 under a law that granted authority to the Gaming Commission to award casino licenses. Taking its authority from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head authorized casino and slot parlor gaming on its lands. Those 485 acres had been taken into federal trust after the tribe agreed to "remain under the Commonwealth's jurisdiction and be subject to all state and local laws and that the Tribe had no authority to act in contravention of those laws," according to the state's filing. Judge Dennis Saylor issued a preliminary injunction ordering the tribe to stop work on turning its "unfinished community center building into a gaming facility without first complying with the permit requirements of the town of Aquinnah," according to the Martha's Vineyard Times. The tribe argues the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act supersedes the special act of Congress that granted the tribe land in trust, while the state argues the tribe's earlier agreement and the special act has precedence. The state initially sued in December 2013 in state court, and the tribe moved the proceeding to federal court. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Moakley Courthouse)
WALSH ON NIGHTSIDE: Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is scheduled to take calls during his monthly "Wednesdays With Walsh" appearance on "NightSide with Dan Rea." (Wednesday, 8 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
POLICE CHIEFS CLAMBAKE: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito plans to attend a Police Chiefs Clambake. (Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., 95 Cameron Way, Rehoboth)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: The Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presides. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Governor's Office, Room 360)
FINANCIAL LITERACY TOUR: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg visits NeighborWorks Southern Mass to discuss financial literacy. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton)
GOLDBERG AND GIRL SCOUTS: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg meets with Quincy Girl Scouts to hear about the money management skills they've learned through badge earning activities. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington St., Quincy)
DIVISION OF INSURANCE - MISCELLANEOUS: Division of Insurance officials on Monday take testimony on miscellaneous regulations as part of a regulatory review ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 1000 Washington St., Boston)
SEN. PAUL HOSTS TOWN HALL IN NASHUA, NH: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a republican candidate for president, will hold a town hall in Nashua, NH. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rand-paul-town-hall-nashua-nh-tickets-18006916171 (Wednesday,6:30 p.m., Hunt Memorial Building, 6 Main Street, Nashua, NH)
DUKAKIS ON GREATER BOSTON: Former Gov. Michael Dukakis is scheduled as a guest on "Greater Boston" with host Jim Braude.(Wednesday, 7 p.m., WGBH-TV Ch. 2)
CALL FOR MBTA ART SUBMISSIONS: Artists interested in submitting an entry for the Wollaston Station Improvements Integral Art Project are asked to attend an information session to be held by MBTA Wollaston Station Improvements - Integral Art Project staff and consultants. An artist will be commissioned as part of the T's Wollaston Station improvement project to create "public art that will be fabricated and installed by the contractor as part of the station construction ... except for porcelain enamel work, artists may be invited to bid to fabricate work," according to the MBTA. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., 100 Summer Street, Second floor, Lechmere Conference Room, Boston)
ALTERNATIVE LOCK-UP PROGRAM RATES: The Executive Office of Health and Human Services's Purchase of Service Policy Unit and the Department of Youth Services will host a Chapter 257 information and dialogue session to support the development of rates for an alternative lock-up program. The meeting is intended to provide information on the process of setting new contract rates for services as required under a law known as Chapter 257, and to collect feedback that could help EOHHS and DYS set contract rates for the program. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Department of Youth Services Central Area Office - Sharp Building, 288 Lyman St., Westborough)
MT. GREYLOCK VETERANS TOWER REPAIR MEETING: The Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold a public meeting to present the construction plans and schedule for repairs and improvements to the Massachusetts Veterans War Memorial Tower located on the summit of Mount Greylock. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., 740 South St., Pittsfield)
DPU HEARING ON FITCHBURG GAS/ELECTRIC: The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will hold a public hearing on the petition of Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil for an increase in base distribution rates for electric service and a proposal for implementing a Capital Cost Adjustment mechanism, and approval of changes in its schedules of rates for electric service, to become effective July 1, 2015, as well as the petition of Fitchburg Gas and Electric Light Company d/b/a Unitil for an increase in base distribution rates for gas service and approval to changes in its schedules of rates for gas service to become effective July 1, 2015. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., Fitchburg Memorial Middle School, 615 Rollstone St., Fitchburg)
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE REINSURANCE: The Governing Committee & Investment Committee of the Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Reinsurance Plan will meet. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 95A Turnpike Road, Westborough)
THURSDAY, AUG. 13, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches plan to meet in informal sessions at 11 a.m.
ASK THE GOVERNOR: Gov. Charlie Baker will take calls during the regular "Ask the Governor" segment on "Boston Public Radio." (Thursday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
NATIONAL HEALTH CENTER WEEK: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg plans to attend a National Health Center Week celebration at the Community Health Center of Franklin County. (Thursday, 4 p.m., 489 Bernardston Rd., Greenfield)
BUMP PARTICIPATES IN DIVERSITY PANEL: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will participate in the Diversity in Politics and Government panel as part of the Treasurer's Brown Bag Lunch series. (Thursday, 12 p.m., One Ashburton Place, 12th floor conference room, Boston)
DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH: The South Suburban Site Board of the Department of Mental Health meets to receive an update from Site Director Susanna Chan and to plan a series of community conversations. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Quincy Mental Health Center, 460 Quincy Ave., Fourth floor, Quincy)
MARLBOROUGH COMMUNITY COMPACT: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant plan to attend a community compact signing at Marlborough City Hall. (Tuesday, 2:30 p.m., 140 Main St., Marlborough)
COUNCIL TO ADDRESS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito is scheduled to chair a meeting of the Governor's Council to Address Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. (CLOSED PRESS) (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 335 Chandler St., Worcester)
MASS DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING: Office of Housing and Economic Development will host the MassDevelopment Board of Directors Meeting.(Thursday, 10 a.m., 99 High Street, Boston)
CARSON TO MEET WITH WINDHAM GOP TOWN COMMITTEE: Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson plans to meet with the Windham Republican Town Committee. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-ben-carson-in-windham-nh-tickets-18021687352?mc_cid=906930a9cc&mc_eid=2abad2e831 (Thursday, 7 p.m., Castleton Banquet and Conference Center, 92 Indian Rock Road, Windham, NH)
BEATON, FISH COMMISH PETERSON, AT YOUTH FISHING CLINIC: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton and Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson plan to participate in Division of Marine Fisheries' Youth Fishing Clinic. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Bass River Beach & Boat Access, South Shore Drive, next to the Ocean Club at Smuggler's Beach, South Yarmouth)
CLEAN HEATING & COOLING ANNOUNCEMENT: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton plans to attend an announcement regarding Mass. Clean Energy Center's (MassCEC) Clean Heating and Cooling Program. (Thursday, 12:30 p.m., 29 Mary David Rd., Yarmouth)
DPU HEARING ON AGAWAM WATER: The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) will hold a public hearing on the petition of Agawam Springs Water Company, Inc., for Approval by the Department of Public Utilities of the Company's Tariffs for effect on September 1, 2015. (Thursday, 2 p.m., One South Station, 5th floor, HR A, Boston)
MOULTON ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA6) is scheduled to appear as a guest on "Boston Public Radio" with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Thursday, WGBH-FM 89.7)
FRIDAY, AUG. 14, 2015
CABINET MEETING: Gov. Charles Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and members of the governor's cabinet meet. (CLOSED PRESS) (Friday, 10 a.m., Governor's Office, Room 360)
USS MASSACHUSETTS: Gov. Charlie Baker will attend the 50th anniversary commemoration of the effort to save the USS Massachusetts, a South Dakota-class battleship launched in 1941 and which saw action in both Pacific and European theaters of World War II. In 1965 the decommissioned battleship was spared from destruction and moved to Fall River. (Friday, 1:30 p.m., Battleship Cove, 5 Water Street, Fall River)
SOLAR CARPORT RIBBON-CUTTING: A week after filing legislation that he said will accelerate the growth of the solar power industry in Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie Baker will attend the opening of Bristol Community College's solar carport. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton also plans to attend. (Friday, 3:30 p.m., 777 Elsbree St., Fall River)
FISHERMAN'S FEAST: Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will attend the annual North End Fisherman's Feast, the North End's oldest continuously running Italian festival. (Friday, Polito to arrive at 6:30 p.m., Baker to arrive at 7 p.m., Hanover Street, Boston)
WALMART TAX HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito plans to attend a Walmart Media Open House Sales Tax Holiday event. (Friday, 1 p.m., Walmart, 770 Broadway - Rte. 1 North, Saugus)
ARTHUR BROOKS ON NIGHTSIDE: Arthur Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute, is scheduled to check in with Dan Rea on "NightSide." (Friday, 9 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
EX. DIRECTOR OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM WELCOMES USS MASSACHUSETTS: Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Rich Doucette attends the 50th anniversary commemoration ceremony celebrating the arrival of the USS Massachusetts to Fall River. (Friday, 2 p.m., 5 Water Street, Fall River)
MBTA CONTROL BOARD: The MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board holds its fourth meeting. At its last meeting, the board was expected to discuss Parcel 13, approximately 54,500 square feet of air rights over the Massachusetts Turnpike and portions of the MBTA Green Line tunnel across the street from the Hynes Convention Center. The board did not discuss the matter publicly but in an executive session with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors to discuss a real estate matter. (Friday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Suite 3830, Boston)
AUDITOR TOURS DENTAL CARE CENTER: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will tour Hillcrest Educational Center's dental facility. The facility provides full-scale dental services to 12,000 Berkshire County residents. (Friday, 1 p.m., 788 South Street, Pittsfield)
STATE AUDITOR TOURS HILLCREST EDUCATION CENTER CLASSROOM: State Auditor Suzanne Bump will tour Hillcrest Education Center - Housatonic Academy, which offers classrooms devoted to educating children on the Autism Spectrum. (Friday, 2 p.m., 349 Old Stockbridge Rd., Lenox)
SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 2015
STATEWIDE SALES TAX SUSPENSION: In what has become an annual holiday, the state's 6.25 percent sales tax will be temporarily suspended Aug. 15 and Aug. 16 on most purchases. The sales tax will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500. (Saturday, Aug. 15 and Sunday, Aug. 16, retailers statewide)
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