What's ahead in state government this week
"Heroin: Cape Cod, USA" screenings in Boston and at Cape Cod Community College
- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2015/12/12/227375-Whats-ahead-state-government-week#sthash.wCQHL2lC.dpuf
A new state budget cycle gets underway next week and the proceedings this year will carry extra weight for one of state government's biggest annual outlays: local aid to cities and towns. During his 2014 campaign for governor, Charlie Baker pledged that in the second year of his administration he would ensure that total local aid, including education funding and unrestricted aid, will increase by the same percentage as revenue growth. On Wednesday, lawmakers are set to hear from economic experts about revenue growth projections, information they will use to try to come to agreement with the Baker administration on a growth benchmark they will use to develop the fiscal 2017 budget. In January, Baker's team and legislative leaders agreed to a 4.8 percent revenue growth rate for fiscal 2016. Five months into FY 2016 actual revenues are up 4.4 percent. The accord that will likely be struck in the next few weeks will also dictate how much money is transferred - before official budget debate even begins - to the state pension fund, the MBTA, the School Building Authority, and the Workforce Training Fund. In this year's budget, the revenue accord led to $3.783 billion in "off-budget transfers." Revenue estimators also have to factor in a likely income tax cut, to 5.05 percent, on Jan. 1, 2016.
Baker, in a holiday letter to all staff on Friday thanking them for their work and recounting some of the major accomplishments of the year, put the executive branch on notice that despite an "improving" fiscal climate the upcoming budget cycle "remains very difficult. The governor said work remains to wean the state off the use of "one-time money to pay for the ongoing costs of operating state government" after the fiscal 2016 budget - his first - cut the use of one-timers by 50 percent, or about $500 million.
"That means a tight budget plan for FY 2017, too," Baker said.
-- HEALTH CARE COST GROWTH: The August 2012 health care cost control law also requires the administration and finance secretary - Kristen Lepore - to reach agreement with House and Senate Ways and Means chairs Brian Dempsey and Karen Spilka on a gross state product growth benchmark for the ensuing calendar year to apply to health care spending. Spending on health care in Massachusetts climbed 4.8 percent to $54 billion in 2014, state officials reported in September, significantly outpacing both state economic growth and the current 3.6 percent benchmark set under the cost containment law. Officials said surging MassHealth costs drove the spending growth.
GREEN LINE EXTENSION
With staying-the-course now foreclosed, members of the public hoping to see the Green Line Extension to completion will be interested in the selection of an interim project manager and any clues about how the MBTA overseers plan to proceed. The MassDOT and Fiscal Management and Control Boards plan to gather again on Monday at 1 p.m. to continue their discussions. With no vote taken, but at the direction of appointed board members in a closed-door executive session,General Manager Frank DePaola moved to end contracts this week with White Skanska Kiewit, the general contractor, as the project's estimated costs jacked up from $2 billion to $3 billion. Mary Ainsley is being reassigned from her role as project manager and an interim project manager has not yet been assigned, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Few specifics have emerged to make the 4.7-mile trolley project cheaper and tap new sources of revenue, as a public meeting Wednesday transitioned to a closed-door executive session. While much of the action will take place at 10 Park Plaza, mayors and other officials in Cambridge, Somerville and Medford could have a major role to play if they are able to wrangle new funds to help pay for the project. Constituencies with something to lose as project managers seek to scale down are: Somerville's Union Square, which could see a commuter rail stop or shuttle bus service under alternate proposals; supporters of the community path, which would need to defend its proposal to run the path/emergency-egress alongside a raised portion of Green Line when a consultant has offered cheaper proposals; and fans of highly developed stations who could instead find barebones stops along the lines of Newton Center among the seven new Green Line stations planned for the extension.
SATURDAY, DEC. 12, 2015
HACKATHON FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION: The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the VA Innovators Network and VA Boston Healthcare System host an innovation hackathon for suicide prevention. The goal of the event is to use data to strengthen mental health awareness and reach veterans who are at risk of suicide. This is a follow-up to a suicide prevention program the White House held in October, and hackathons will also be held in New York City; Washington D.C.; Chicago and San Francisco on Saturday. The hackathon is free and open to the public, and registration is open on Eventbrite under the name "Open Data and Innovations for Suicide Prevention: #MentalHealthHackathon." (Saturday, 8 a.m., VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 South Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain)
CLIMATE RALLY: As the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference wraps up in Paris, 350 Mass for a Better Future holds a jobs, justice and climate rally and march. The rally begins at 1 p.m. on Boston Common with speeches from Derek Pelotte of 350 Mass, National Nurses United co-president Karen Higgins and New Bedford Worker Center executive director Adrian Ventura. The march begins at 1:30 with stops at McDonald's, Primark, Kinder Morgan and State Street Financial. At 2:30 there will be a rally at the State House, featuring speeches from MA Interfaith Climate Coalition founding member Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, CAIR-MA executive director John Robbins, Land Peace Foundation executive director Sherri Mitchell and Connecticut State Council of Machinists president John Harrity. (Saturday, 1 p.m., Boston Common, Parkman Bandstand)
SUNDAY, DEC. 13, 2015
KEATING "ON THE RECORD": Congressman William Keating is a guest of "On the Record." Keating will sit down with Channel 5 Anchor Ed Harding and State House reporter Janet Wu to discuss an array of topics including immigration, Syria, gun control, and the U.S. Postal Service. Keating used to be a letter carrier in college, according to the congressman's website. (Sunday, 11 a.m, WCVB-TV Ch. 5)
BUSH ON KELLER: "Keller at Large" welcomes Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush as a guest Sunday. Bush will discuss the war on terror, the future of the GOP, and his complaints about Donald Trump with host WBZ's Jon Keller. The interview comes ahead of the last GOP debate of the year, which is scheduled to air live on Dec. 15 and is hosted by CNN. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m, WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
TOYS FOR TROOPS: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg will co-host the 8th annual Holiday Toys for Troops event, which provides toys for the families of local soldiers. (Sunday, 11 a.m., Shaw's Center, 1 Feinberg Way, Brockton)
MONDAY, DEC. 14, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches meet in informal sessions at 11 a.m.
COLLEGE SAVINGS INITIATIVE: Treasurer Deb Goldberg announces a new college savings initiative. Following the announcement at Jacob Hiatt Magnet School in Worcester from 9 to 11 a.m., she will attend a town hall discussion at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce with president and CEO Tim Murray. Other scheduled attendees at the discussion include Worcester Mayor Joe Petty, Worcester interim superintendent Dr. Marco Rodrigues, Sen. Harriette Chandler, Rep. Jim O'Day, Office of Economic Empowerment executive director Alayna Van Tassel, United Way of Central MA president and CEO Tim Garvin, MEFA executive director Tom Graf and Santander director of social responsibility Michael Jones. (Monday, 9 a.m., Jacob Hiatt Magnet School, 772 Main St., Worcester)
GREEN LINE EXTENSION MEETING: The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors will continue discussion of the Green Line Extension project. (Monday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Conference Rooms 1,2,3, Boston)
MBTA CONTROL BOARD MEETING: The Dec. 15 is the deadline for the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board to submit a plan to the Legislature for boosting its own revenue sources, establishing clear lines between capital and operating budgets, improving customer relations, and creating beneficial real estate deals, among other priorities. The control board plans to discuss action items on alcohol advertising, digital urban panels, late-night weekend service and "premium" trips on The Ride, the subsidized door-to-door transportation service for people with disabilities. "The word "premium" makes it sound like these are non-essential trips, or some kind of luxury service. Nothing could be further from the truth. For those elders and disabled people who happen to live outside the ¾ mile limit-The Ride is a necessary essential mode of transport," Mass Home Care plans to tell the MBTA. The Massachusetts Senior Action Council is also vocal advocating for its constituents. "At 95 years old my transportation options are always limited." If the premium fare is discounted "so will my visits with my daughter," Dorothy Macaione, of Lynn, told the control board on Wednesday. She said, "We will work on a solution with you but will not accept a proposal that punishes people that do not have any other options." The control board will also meet in executive session to discuss real estate strategy. (Monday, 1 p.m., MassDOT Board Room, 10 Park Plaza, Boston)
HPC TOUTS INVESTMENT IN PLYMOUTH: Health Policy Commission staff join executives from Beth Israel Deaconess-Plymouth to launch the hospital's Phase 2 initiative for the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation investment program. HPC staff, hospital leaders and regional elected officials are expected to attend. (Monday, 1 p.m., 275 Sandwich St., Plymouth)
CONGRESSMAN CAPUANO ON GREATER BOSTON: Congressman Mike Capuano (D- Somerville) is a scheduled guest on Greater Boston with host Jim Braude. (Monday, 7 p.m., WGBH-TV Ch. 2)
ART COMMISSION: The Massachusetts Art Commission meets. (Monday, 5 p.m., Room 27)
MASSPIRG HOSTS RECALLED CARS PRESSER: Sen. Edward Markey will join MASSPIRG Education Fund and the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety Foundation for a news conference regarding the release of a new report on the sale of "dangerous recalled cars" by a car dealer. A consumer is expected to speak at the conference and the car they purchased will be on display. (Monday, 10 a.m., Between Park Street T Station and the State House on Boston Common, Boston)
STOP HANDGUN VIOLENCE UNVEILS BILLBOARD: The Newton-based gun control and safety group Stop Handgun Violence will unveil a new billboard, marking the three-year anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Twenty children and six adults were killed at the Newtown, Conn. school on Dec. 14, 2012. According to Stop Handgun Violence, the billboard is designed to honor the victims, highlight the effectiveness of Massachusetts gun laws and spur action by Congress. Stop Handgun Violence founder John Rosenthal, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans are scheduled to participate. (Monday, 2 p.m., 50 Dalton St., Boston)
GREENFIELD BROADBAND: The Massachusetts Broadband Institute will conduct a municipal outreach meeting. (Monday, 5 p.m., John W. Olver Transit Center, 12 Olive St, Greenfield)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Pamplemousse, "a European inspired gourmet market with lots of local New England charm," as part of a "Gifts & Gab Retail Listening Tour." (Monday, 6 p.m., Pamplemousse, 185 Essex St, Salem)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Pamplemousse, "a European inspired gourmet market with lots of local New England charm," as part of a "Gifts & Gab Retail Listening Tour." (Monday, 6 p.m., Pamplemousse, 185 Essex St, Salem)
TUESDAY, DEC. 15, 2015
UMASS BUILDING AUTHORITY: The UMass Building Authority meets with an agenda that will include discussion of fiscal 2015 audit reports and a fiscal 2016 financing plan, along with a summary of capital projects.(Tuesday, 9 a.m., University of Massachusetts Club, One Beacon St., 32nd floor)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Health holds a hearing on nine bills. Reps William Galvin and Louis Kafka have sponsored a bill (H 3468) allowing emergency medical technicians to restrain patients who present threats to themselves or others and patients suffering from apparent drug overdoses. A Rep. Nick Collins bill (H 3467) lays out trip form and testing procedures for when a first responder "sustains an unprotected exposure capable of transmitting an infectious disease." H 3736, sponsored by Rep. Stephen DiNatale, requires the commissioner of public safety to set up a system for inspecting exercise equipment in health clubs. A Rep. Elizabeth Poirier bill (H 3746) that has more than 45 cosponsors establishes a commission to study the unmet needs of people with pancreatic cancer, screening and recommendations for additional legislation. Full agenda:https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2341&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2)
MASS. BOARD OF EDUCATION: The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets, starting with a review and discussion of the recently released district and school accountability determinations for 2015. Votes are scheduled on a proposed increase to the grade span and maximum enrollment at Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School, and on whether the Global Learning Charter Public School in New Bedford should be removed from probation. At the request of the board's budget committee, members will discuss the report and recommendations from the state's Foundation Budget Review Commission, which found that the current foundation budget system underestimates the cost of educating students by at least $1 billion per year. Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester will discuss his department's progress in implementing the new student assessment plan, a PARCC/MCAS hybrid, endorsed by the board last month. Board members will also discuss the Dorchester Collegiate Academy Charter School, Sturbridge Public Schools and Holyoke Public Schools. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., 75 Pleasant St., Malden)
EDUCATION LISTENING SESSION: The Executive Office of Education holds a listening session to give the public an opportunity to comment on its regulations as part of a regulatory review ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., One Ashburton Place, room 1403, Boston)
HOUSING COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Housing holds a hearing on 19 bills that address the rights of condominium owners, especially regarding interactions with their condo associations. A Rep. John Scibak bill (H 1136) allows condo owners to remove an elected trustee of a condo association by a simply majority vote. Rep. Kevin Honan has sponsored a bill (H 1110) establishing an Office of the Condominium Ombudsman to investigate complaints and resolve disputes. Others bills seek to protect condo owners from unreasonable fees (S 696), require board owners to be given notice of all open board meetings of the organization of unit owners (H 1135) and provide regulations on the construction and development of the Orient Heights public housing project (S 1966). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2309&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Room B-1)
CNN GOP DEBATE: GOP Presidential candidates will meet for their final primary debate for 2015. The debate hosted by CNN will air live on CNN from Las Vegas. CNN's Wolf Blitzer will moderate accompanied by chief political correspondent Dana Bash and talk radio host Hugh Hewitt. Like prior debates, CNN will split the large group in two based on polling criteria. As of Friday, the GOP field includes: Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former New York Gov. George Pataki, Sen. Lindsey Graham, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, and former Virginia Gov. Jim Gilmore. Tier two candidates will debate at 6 p.m. First tier candidates who make the cut will debate at 8:30 p.m (Tuesday, 6 p.m., 8:30 p.m., CNN, Las Vegas, Nevada)
495/METROWEST PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE: The 495/MetroWest Corridor Partnership hosts its annual conference, featuring a keynote speech from Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. The partnership will release its 2015 annual report, and Framingham State University's Michael Harrison will present business climate survey results. Partnership deputy director Jessica Strunkin will moderate a discussion on expanding in the 495/MetroWest area, with panelists Linea Aspesi of Genzyme, John Finn of FIBA Technologies, and Jon Van Pelt from GE Healthcare Life Sciences. Media can RSVP to jessica@495partnership.org or 774.760.0495 x101. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., International Golf Club and Resort, 159 Ballville Rd., Bolton)
CAPITAL DEBT AFFORDABILITY COMMITTEE: The Capital Debt Affordability Committee of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance is due to make a recommendation on the affordable level of capital debt for the state. The committee met twice last week to discuss historical revenue growth, future debt service levels and the state's credit outlook. (Tuesday)
LGBTQ YOUTH: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth holds a full commission meeting. Attendees must RSVP by noon Tuesday by contacting coordinator Kevin Lam at kevin.lam@state.ma.us for building access. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Department of Public Health, 250 Washington St., Boston)
BAKER HOSTS SCREENING OF CAPE-BASED OPIOID DOCUMENTARY: Gov. Charlie Baker, eager to the see the Legislature take up his opioid abuse prevention legislation quickly in the new year, has invited lawmakers next week to a screening of the new HBO documentary that focuses on eight young adults struggling with drug addiction on Cape Cod. Baker partnered with the filmmaker behind "Heroin: Cape Cod, USA" to host the night next Tuesday at the Revere Hotel in downtown Boston. The governor has already invited key lawmakers to the event, but plans to expand the invitation to the entire House and Senate as well, and could open the screening to others depending on the response, according to an aide. "We're always looking for ways to educate the public and others about how serious the problem of opioids are," Baker spokesman Tim Buckley said. The documentary, directed by Steven Okazaki, will debut on HBO on Dec. 28 at 9 p.m. and a premiere has been scheduled for Dec. 17 at Cape Cod Community College's Tilden Arts Center. In 2014, doctors in Massachusetts, which has a population of just over 6.7 million people, wrote 4.6 million prescriptions for opioids totaling more than 255 million pills, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The Department of Public Health estimated 1,256 people died of unintentional opioid overdoses in 2014, a rate of nearly four people a day and up from 939 in 2013. The drug epidemic has been particularly potent in southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, according to health professionals. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Revere Hotel, Boston)
GENERATION CITIZEN CIVICS DAY: Generation Citizen, an organization that partners with local schools and colleges and promotes classroom-based civics education, holds Civics Day at the State House, gathering its students, democracy coaches and community leaders to "celebrate a year of young people engaging in local political action and to brainstorm strategies for leading change on important community issues." In an event Generation Citizen describes as "like a science fair for civic action," student teams will present projects to local decision-makers and influencers. Civics Day events have been held or are scheduled in New York, Providence and San Francisco. Attorney General Maura Healey will receive the Civics Day Community Change Maker award and plans to speak at 10:20 a.m. about her role as attorney general and the importance of civic engagement. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)
DRAWING FOR PRIMARY BALLOT ORDER: Secretary of State William Galvin, joined by students from Belchertown High School, will draw names to determine the order of candidate names on the March 1 presidential primary ballot. He will choose scraps of paper from a barrel to determine the order of the three Democrats, 14 Republicans and five Green-Rainbow members who have qualified for the Massachusetts ballot. In other races, the name of the incumbent appears first, followed by major party candidates in alphabetical order and then non-party candidates. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Doric Hall, State House)
SOLDIERS HOME TRUSTEES: The full board of trustees of the Soldiers' Home in Massachusetts is scheduled to meet. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 201 Captains Row, Admiral's Hill, Chelsea)
FORENSIC SCIENCES ADVISORY BOARD: The Forensic Sciences Advisory Board meets at the State Police Crime Laboratory. The agenda includes an update on the crime lab, proposed regulations, discussion of a software program that would track sexual assault evidence collection kits as they progress through the system, an update on the drug unit and on post-mortem toxicology, and an update from the Office of Alcohol Testing on defense challenges regarding the reliability of a particular breathalyzer instrument. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 124 Acton St., Maynard)
FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE BOARD: The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meets, with a report on the Blue Hills Reservation controlled deer hunt. Hunters killed 64 deer during the four-day period, the first time hunting was permitted in nearly 100 years in the reservation. Nearly 200 hunters received permits in an effort to control the deer population. Opponents to controversial hunt argued that the state failed to consider other alternatives, including injecting the deer with contraceptives. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Richard Cronin Building, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough)
GOLD STAR FAMILIES TREE DEDICATION: The fourth annual dedication of the Massachusetts Gold Star Families tree will be held to pay tribute to local service members and their families. At 12:30 - an hour before the dedication - Gold Star Families can personalize ornaments that will be placed on the tree. The project is a partnership between the Military Friends Foundation, Gold Star Wives of Greater Boston, Gold Star Mothers of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services. Gov. Charlie Baker plans to attend. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Memorial Hall)
CODE COMMITTEE: The Code Committee of the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations will meet to review submitted information. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 100 Grochmal Ave., Springfield)
FIRE SERVICE COMMISSION: The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission meets and will discuss the process for filling the position of state fire marshal. Fire Marshal Steven Coan, who has held the post since 1995, plans to retire. Coan has not set a date for his retirement, but had to inform the commission so it could begin the process of recruiting a successor, spokeswoman Jennifer Mieth said. Other agenda items include an update from the Department of Fire Services and the approval of fire service personnel for credentialing. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Department of Fire Services, State Road, Stow)
RESPIRATORY CARE: The Board of Respiratory Care meets, with an agenda that includes discussion of preventing the deregulation of the respiratory therapist profession in Massachusetts. Other discussion topics include proposed policies for probation and unlicensed practice, and proposed regulatory amendments. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 239 Causeway St., room 417, Boston)
CHAMBER INNOVATION FORUM: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts an Innovation Forum featuring Robert Urban, the head of innovation in Boston for Johnson & Johnson. Urban was the founding executive director of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which launched 17 startup companies during his tenure. Individual tickets are $40. Register: https://bostonmacoc.wliinc20.com/cwt/external/wcpages/wcevents/eventregistration.aspx?LK=BB5E3N8V699J9A703J8Z6Y0H&EventID=2N4B5D0R (Tuesday, 7:45 a.m., District Hall, 75 Northern Ave., Boston)
ANNA MARIA COLLEGE AND QUINSIGAMOND PARTNERSHIP: Anna Maria College and Quinsigamond Community College announce an "4-year degree for 40K" initiative for students in public service majors to save money on higher education costs. The Higher Education and Active Responsiveness through Transfer Initiative will allow students entering QCC to join the Anna Maria community, and eligible students would be guaranteed admission to Anna Maria for their last two years of college. At the launch, there will be remarks from QCC President Gail Carberry, Anna Maria President Mary Lou Retelle, Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus, Worcester District Attorney Joseph Early, Paxton Police Chief Robert Desrosiers and Auburn Fire Chief Stephen Coleman. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Worcester City Hall, third floor, Room 309, Levi Lincoln Chamber, 455 Main St., Worcester)
RETIRED JUDGE HOLDS MBTA ACCESSIBILITY HEARING: The MBTA holds a public meeting to discuss progress in complying with a 2006 settlement with the Boston Center for Independent Living and several plaintiffs, in which the T committed to undertaking major improvements to equipment, facilities and services to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. The case was filed in 2002 by individuals with disabilities who said that the MBTA had denied them equal access to public buses and subway trains by failing to maintain bus lifts, station elevators, and other accessibility equipment in good operating condition; failing to maintain subway stations and subway train platforms in safe and accessible condition; and failing to ensure that bus and train operators provided proper service. Judge Patrick King, a retired Superior Court justice appointed to evaluate the MBTA's compliance with the settlement, will host the hearing. King is tasked with holding a meeting on the issue every six months. The meeting is accessible to people with disabilities, and American Sign Language interpreters will be present. Full settlement: http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/About_the_T/Reports/Capital_Investment_Program/bcil_settlement.pdf (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, Boston)
HAPPY HOUR WITH STAN ROSENBERG: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg sits down with Boston Globe political reporter Joshua Miller for a live Political Happy Hour event. Miller has said he plans to talk to Rosenberg about "everything from his leadership style to his recent trip to Israel to his relationship with the governor and the House speaker." RSVP here:http://bit.ly/1XX3MKQ (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Suffolk University, 20 Somerset St., Boston)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Hitching Post, a "relaxed, friendly local respite" selling "jewelry, home decor, pottery" and other items for his Gifts & Gab Retail Listening Tour. (Tuesday, 5 p.m., Hitching Post, 2 Haven S., Reading)
POLITO SIGNS COMMUNITY COMPACTS: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will attend the community compact signings for Methuen, North Andorver and Andover (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 41 Pleasant Street, Methuen)
COMMUNITY COMPACT SIGNING: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will attend a signing ceremony for community compacts in Newbury and Groveland. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., 25 High Road, Newbury)
COMMUNITY COMPACT SIGNING: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will attend a signing ceremony for community compacts in Gloucester and Ipswich. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 32 Cherry Street, Gloucester)
WENHAM COMMUNITY COMPACT: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will sign a community compact with officials from the town of Wenham. (Tuesday, 2:15 p.m., 138 Main Street, Wenham)
POLITO SIGNS MULTIPLE COMMUNITY COMPACTS: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito join officials for a community compact signing for Melrose, Stoneham, North Reading, and Wakefield.(Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., 562 Main Street, Melrose)
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 2015
CONSENSUS REVENUE HEARING: At Wednesday's fiscal 2017 consensus revenue hearing, Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Karen Spilka and House Ways and Means Chairman Brian Dempsey will give opening remarks. The first panel will consist of Revenue Commissioner Mark Nunnelly and Kazim Ozyurt, of the Office of Tax Policy Analysis at the Department of Revenue. On the second panel, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg will testify with Massachusetts Lottery Executive Director Michael Sweeney; Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission Executive Director Joe Connarton; and James Lamenzo, an actuary at PERAC. The third panel will bring in non-governmental experts: Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Eileen McAnneny and Andy Bagley, the foundation's vice president for policy and research; as well as Paul Bachman, director of research at the Beacon Hill Institute. The final panel will feature economists: Professor Alan Clayton-Matthews, of Northeastern University School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs; Professor Michael Goodman, of the Department of Public Policy at UMass Dartmouth; and Professor Christian Weller, of the Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, McCormack Graduate School at UMass Boston. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Gardner Auditorium)
STATUS OF WOMEN COMMISSION: The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women holds a full commission meeting. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 19 Staniford St., room 307C, Boston)
CHARLESTOWN BRIDGE HEARING: The Department of Transportation holds a public hearing on the North Washington Street Bridge replacement project. Also known as the Charlestown Bridge, the span crosses over the inner Boston Harbor. The meeting will provide updates on the bridge replacement and information on the next phase of project development. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., West End Museum, 150 Staniford St., Boston)
NOMINATION HEARING -- SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT: The Governor's Council holds a hearing on Springfield District Court nominee Patrick Sabbs, an assistant attorney general who oversees the criminal bureau of the Western Massachusetts Regional Office. Sabbs spent over 18 years working in various capacities with the Hampden County District Attorney's Office and 12 years as a television director and producer with WWLP-22News in Chicopee. (Wednesday, 12:30 p.m., room 360)
NOMINATION HEARING -- PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT: The Governor's Council holds a nomination hearing for Probate and Family Court Judge Geoffrey German. German currently sits on the court in Springfield and was nominated by Gov. Baker for a similar post in Worcester. A native of San Antonio, Texas, German began private practice in 1985 and now lives in Worcester. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Room 360)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: The Governor's Council meets, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presiding. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Room 360)
EMPOWERING WOMEN FORUM: The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum hosts a forum on "Building a Better World: Empowering Women and Girls." Melanie Verveer and Kim Azzarelli, co-authors of "Fast Forward: How Woman Can Achieve Power and Purpose," will discuss women who have used economic power to create a better world. It will be moderated by Jill Abramson, former editor of The New York Times. Auditor Suzanne Bump is scheduled to attend. The event is free and open to the public, but registration (www.jfklibary.org) is recommended. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., JFK Library, Columbia Point, Boston)
BUMP ON THE AIRWAVES: Auditor Suzanne Bump is scheduled as a guest on Boston Herald Radio's Morning Meeting with co-hosts Hillary Chabot and Jaclyn Cashman. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., Boston Herald Radio)
MO COWAN AND KERRY HEALEY ON GREATER BOSTON: Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of ML Strategies and former interim U.S. Senator of Massachusetts Mo Cowan is a scheduled guest on Greater Boston. Hosts Jim Braude will also welcome former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey to the show. Healey served with Gov. Mitt Romney and is the president of Babson College. (Wednesday, 7 p.m., WGBH-TV Ch. 2)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION MEETING: The Health Policy Commission will preview preliminary findings from its 2015 Annual Cost Trends Report, which is scheduled to be released in mid-to-late January. HPC committees this month have discussed some preliminary findings, including data on drug spending, emergency department utilization and alternative payment methods. Findings released so far have included a 13 percent increase in per capita pharmacy spending from 2013 to 2014, high spending for Hepatitis C drugs and a sharp rise in behavioral health-related emergency department visits since 2010. The board will also discuss and vote on the continuation of two Cost and Market Impact Reviews, and consider and vote on the program design for a state budget-funded pilot program focused on improving provider treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is a clinical diagnosis resulting from in utero exposure to opioids and is a growing trend nationally and across Massachusetts.(Wednesday, 12 p.m., HPC Conference Center, 50 Milk St., 8th floor, Boston)
AIR PERMITTING FORUM: The Air Permitting Forum, an external advisory group to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, meets. The forum is a group of applicants, consultants, environmental advocates and other stakeholders that was formed to provide the agency with input on implementing the recommendations of its Air Permit Streamlining Initiative and Study. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., MassDEP Headquarters, One Winter St., second floor, Boston)
DENTISTRY REGULATIONS: The Board of Registration in Dentistry holds a regulatory work group meeting, to continue review of anesthesia and sedation regulations. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., 239 Causeway St., room 417, Boston)
WALSH ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Boston Mayor Martin Walsh will join Boston Public Radio co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan for the program's monthly "Ask the Mayor" segment. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
MWRA BOARD: The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Board meets, with approval of its fiscal 2017 proposed capital improvement program on the agenda. The board will also consider an MOA with the city of Newton for the use of Sudbury Aqueduct lands, an emergency water supply agreement with the town of Ashland, a bond counsel award to McCarter & English and a contract with Ewing Electrical for Quabbin power and security improvements. In executive session, the board will consider an update on security and "cross-harbor cable - MA DPU and Superior Court proceedings." (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston)
POLICE TRAINING: The Municipal Police Training Committee meets, with the standards subcommittee convening at 9 a.m. and the committee of the whole at 9:20 a.m. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Randolph Regional Police Academy, 6 Adams St., Randolph)
DIVISION OF STANDARDS: The Division of Standards will hold an Eastern Massachusetts Weights and Measures Interim Meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Chateau Restaurant, 48 Bay Road, Norton)
LIFE SCIENCES CENTER: The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will hold a board meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., One Ashburton Place, 21st Floor Conference Room, Boston)
WORTHINGTON BROADBAND: The Massachusetts Broadband Institute will conduct a municipal outreach meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Worthington Town Hall, 160 Huntington Road, Worthington)
LIFE SCIENCES CENTER: The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will hold a board meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., One Ashburton Place, 21st Floor Conference Room, Boston)
WORTHINGTON BROADBAND: The Massachusetts Broadband Institute will conduct a municipal outreach meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Worthington Town Hall, 160 Huntington Road, Worthington)
THURSDAY, DEC. 17, 2015
SENATE SESSION: The Senate plans to meet in an informal session at 11 a.m.
ROSENBERG ON THE AIR: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg will join Boston Herald Radio's Morning Meeting for a live interview. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Boston Herald Radio, 70 Fargo St., Boston)
BAKER ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Gov. Charlie Baker will join Boston Public Radio co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan for the program's monthly "Ask the Governor" segment. (Thursday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
BAKER AT BREAKFAST: Gov. Charlie Baker offers remarks at the Metro South Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. (Thursday,8 a.m., Conference Center at Massasoit, 770 Crescent Street, Brockton)
FOUR COMMUNITY COMPACTS FOR POLITO: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito meets with local officials from Grafton, Sutton, Charlton, and Oxford to sign community compacts with those communities. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., South Grafton Community House, 27 Main Street, South Grafton)
ROSENBERG TOURS ASTRAZENECA: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg will take a tour of bio-pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca's research and development center. (Thursday, 2 p.m., R&D Gatehouse Park, 35 Gatehouse Dr., Waltham)
LATINO ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNCH: Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez hosts a luncheon to recognize Latino elected officials in Massachusetts. Once the winners of November's elections take office, there will be almost 50 Latino elected officials in the state, up from seven 20 years ago, Sanchez said. Co-hosted by National Association for Latino Elected Officials executive director Arturo Vargas, the event will feature speakers from a variety of state agencies and organizations and serve as a kickoff for a statewide partnership among Latino elected officials. (Thursday, 12 p.m., House Members' Lounge)
BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN MEDICINE: The Board of Registration in Medicine meets. Discussion items include a demonstration of the online complaint system, the acting executive director's report and a budget report. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., 200 Harvard Mill Square, suite 330, Wakefield)
"HEROIN: CAPE COD, USA" SCREENING: Sen. Dan Wolf has announced an advance screening of the HBO documentary "Heroin: Cape Cod, USA" at Cape Cod Community College on Thursday. The documentary, from Academy Award-winning director Steven Okazaki, follows eight young Cape Cod residents struggling with heroin addiction. "Heroin: Cape Cod, USA" will air nationally on HBO on Dec. 28. The Dec. 17 advance screening is free and open to anyone over age 16, with tickets available on Eventbrite. An open discussion will follow the screening, which is also sponsored by Students Achieving Recovery Together at Cape Cod Community College; Sen. Vinny deMacedo; Reps. Randy Hunt, Tim Madden, Brian Mannal, Sarah Peake, David Vieira and Tim Whelan; 1199SEIU Healthcare Workers East; the Cape Cod Times and the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Cape Cod Community College, Tilden Arts Center, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable)
BRIDGES TO COLLEGE GRADUATION: House Speaker Robert DeLeo will honor 60 graduates of Bridges to College, a free 23-week Jewish Vocational Service program to help working adults enter college. Participants take classes four days a week and receive support from academic coaches in the college and financial aid application process. The majority of graduates will begin their studies at Bunker Hill Community College or Quincy College in January. Students enrolled at BHCC will transfer credits earned through Bridges to College to their program of choice, and those starting at Quincy College will enter the biotechnology and compliance certificate program. The graduation will include a speech from Jihane Berjane, a Bridges alumna now at Quincy College. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Great Hall of Flags)
HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS SURVEY: The U.S. Conference of Mayors will release the results of its 2015 Hunger and Homelessness Survey, featuring data from Boston and 21 other cities. Last year's survey found that Boston had 16,540 people in emergency shelter, more than any other city on the list. The budget for emergency food assistance in Boston was $31.4 million between Sept. 1, 2013 and Aug. 31, 2014 - a 7.5 increase from the previous year - and the requests for emergency food assistance decreased by 1.3 percent. The 2014 report also found that the number of homeless families and individuals in Boston increased by 5.8 and 3.8 percent, respectively, over the previous year. The Boston Public Health Commission found that the number of homeless families in Boston increased 25 percent between its 2014 and 2015 homeless censuses. The 2015 Hunger and Homelessness Survey results will be released in a conference call. The call-in number is 888-576-4398 and the passcode is 8844948. (Thursday, 12 p.m.)
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS: The Massachusetts Underground Storage Tank Program holds a full meeting of its board. The program administers the Massachusetts Underground Storage Tank Petroleum Product Cleanup Fund. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 100 Cambridge St., conference room 2A, Boston)
O'MALLEY FUNDRAISES IN BOSTON: Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley is making stop in Boston for a fundraiser. O'Malley is vying for the Democratic nomination against Hillary Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. He made fundraising stops in the Boston area in September and last month participated in a meet-and-greet at a young entrepreneurs competition in Dorchester. (Thursday, 6 p.m., The Kinsale Irish Pub and Restaurant, Cambridge Street)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Just Picked Gifts, which sells pillows, books, garden décor and food items. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Just Picked Gifts, 165 Yarmouth Rd, Hyannis)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Trailhead, which advertises camping and outdoor adventuring equipment, as part of his Gifts & Gab Retail Listening Tour. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Trailhead, 1 S Main St., Orange)
FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 2015
HOLIDAY LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg attends the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday legislative breakfast. (Friday, 8 a.m., Deerfield Academy, 7 Boyden Lane, Deerfield)
TEACHERS' RETIREMENT: The Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement Board meets. (Friday, 9 a.m., One Charles Park, Cambridge)
GIFTS AND GAB: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash will visit Williamsons Clothier, which sells "suits, sport coats, trousers, sportswear and accessories" as part of his Gifts & Gab Retail Listening Tour. (Friday, 3:30 p.m., Williamsons Clothier, 233 Exchange St, Chicopee)
SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2015
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: Candidates vying for the Democratic presidential nomination - former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley - will meet for a debate in Manchester, New Hampshire at Saint Anselm College. The debate will be moderated by World News Tonight anchor David Muir and ABC's chief global affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz. (Saturday, 8 p.m., Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire)
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