What's ahead in state government this week
State senators in Colorado for pot primer
- See more at: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2016/01/09/227658-Whats-ahead-state-government-week#sthash.bnNjzTtG.dpuf
The House on Wednesday is set to take up legislation intended to slow the state's opioid addiction epidemic, setting the stage for a likely conference committee with the Senate, which approved opioid legislation last year. Baker administration officials host hearings Monday and Tuesday on rising health insurance costs, Attorney General Maura Healey welcomes testimony Tuesday on regulations to protect consumers who play fantasy sports games, and state budget chieftains face a Friday deadline to agree on a tax revenue estimate that will serve as a building block for debates over the fiscal 2017 state budget.
Experts advised lawmakers and Baker aides in December to expect moderate growth in tax revenues, or an average of just over 4.1 percent, according to the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation. The business-backed foundation, which monitors government finances, also projects a gap between available revenues and maintenance spending in fiscal 2017 of $795 million to $1.05 billion. That gap, combined with unbudgeted expenses and underperforming non-tax revenues in fiscal 2016, influenced $50 million in unilateral budget cuts that Gov. Charlie Baker announced late Friday as part of a larger plan to close a $320 million midyear budget gap.
Among other highlights of the week ahead: an $800 million Powerball jackpot that has generated $12.6 million in local aid revenue over the course of 18 drawings, continued pressure on a House-Senate conference committee that's been unable to reach agreement on a bill to keep solar energy projects flowing, and a road trip for eight state senators who will spend the week in Colorado learning about marijuana legalization in that state and potential impacts at home should voters here agree to a ballot question.
Representatives from the Council on State Governments Justice Center meet on Tuesday with the state's new Criminal Justice Working Group to present their initial findings and baseline analysis on the Massachusetts criminal justice system. On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on the Judiciary hears 23 bills, including a proposal from Rep. David Rogers and Sen. Patricia Jehlen to legalize marijuana and establish a tax on the cannabis industry (H 1561). And with the White House up for grabs in November and voting set to commence in less than a month, Republican presidential candidates are set to meet up on Thursday in South Carolina for a debate.
SATURDAY, JAN. 9, 2016
SANDERS CAMPAIGN OPENING MASS. HQ: Sen. Jamie Eldridge of Acton plans to officially endorse the candidacy of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and help Hillary Clinton's rival open his first official campaign office in Massachusetts. (Saturday, 10 a.m., 89 Cambridge St., Charlestown)
ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE: The Northeast Organic Farming Association's Massachusetts chapter holds its 29th annual Winter Conference at Worcester State University. Seventy workshops are planned on top of an all-day seminar with keynote speaker Ben Burkett. The workshops range from horticultural (biopesticides, cover crops, vegetable pests) to business ("How To Run Your Own Payroll," "Making Major Money with Minor Crops"). Burkett serves as president of the National Family Farm Coalition. An award-winning cooperative farmer in Mississippi, his coop's watermelon and other native Southern produce is sold in the Boston area. (Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., 486 Chandler St., Worcester)
SUNDAY, JAN. 10, 2016
COUNCIL PRESIDENT WU "ON THE RECORD": WCVB's "On the Record" moderators Ed Harding and Janet Wu welcome newly-elected Boston City Council President Michelle Wu as a guest on the program. Wu is the first Asian-American to hold the position in the council's history. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB-TV, Ch. 5)
COUNCIL PRESIDENT WU ON "KELLER": WBZ's Jon Keller welcomes newly elected Boston City Council President Michelle Wu as his guest on "Keller at Large." After a unanimous vote, Wu was elected to lead the 13-member council. She is the first Asian-American to hold the position. In the interview Wu will addresses city issues, including crime, traffic congestion and economic development as well as Asian-American political involvement and share her opinion about how she thinks Mayor Walsh is doing.(Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
CORY BOOKER AT LIBRARY CONFERENCE: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, will join American Library Association President Sari Feldman as speaker on the President's Program. Feldman is executive director of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, Ohio. (Sunday, 3:30 p.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Ballroom West)
CAMBRIDGE LIBRARY, ACLU CELEBRATE MLK: Civil rights attorney and ACLU Massachusetts racial justice program director Rahsaan Hall speaks at the Central Square branch of the Cambridge Public Library to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hall will discuss his voting rights advocacy and work with the ACLU and Boston Diversity Task Force. (Sunday, 3 p.m., 45 Pearl St., Cambridge)
MLK CELEBRATION: Gov. Charlie Baker gives remarks at a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 12th Baptist Church in Roxbury. The church holds its annual MLK convocation on the second Sunday in January. (Sunday, 4 p.m., 150 Warren St., Roxbury)
CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY: Gov. Charlie Baker attends the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade change of command ceremony at the Massachusetts Army National Guard Readiness Center. (Sunday, 1 p.m., 149 Speen St., Natick)
MONDAY, JAN. 11, 2016
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches plan informal sessions at 11 a.m.
OPIOID HOUSE PRESSER: House Speaker Robert DeLeo, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brian Dempsey, Rep. Elizabeth Malia and Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez hold a press conference to discuss the opioid abuse prevention bill that is expected to hit the floor for debate and a vote on Wednesday. The bill (H 3926) is anticipated to be released by the House Ways and Means Committee in time for its mid-week consideration. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., House Members Lounge)
BAKER, POLITO MEET WITH LEGISLATIVE LEADERS: Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, House Minority Leader Bradley Jones, and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr plan to meet for a leadership meeting. (CLOSED PRESS) (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's Office)
INSURERS TESTIFY ON RATE FILINGS: The Division of Insurance will hold a two-day public informational hearing on small group health insurance rate filings for the second quarter of 2016. Massachusetts health carriers will make presentations on the data and assumptions used to develop their rates and discuss the most significant factors. First quarter rate changes averaged out to a 6.3 percent increase, ranging from a 0.3 percent decrease at the Boston Medical Center Health Plan to a 13 percent increase at United HealthCare. Insurers are scheduled to testify throughout the day, beginning at 9:15 a.m. with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, followed by Boston Medical Center Health Plan, Fallon, Health New England, ConnectiCare of Massachusetts and the United HealthCare Insurance Company. After a lunch break, the afternoon session begins at 1:15 p.m. with Harvard Pilgrim, Minuteman Health Plan, CeltiCare Health Plan of Massachusetts, Neighborhood Health and Tufts. (Monday, 9 a.m., 1000 Washington St., room 1-E, Boston)
EDUCATION REGULATIONS LISTENING SESSION: As part of a regulatory reform initiative across all state agencies, the Executive Office of Education hosts a listening session to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on any of its regulations. (Monday, 3 p.m., 465 Dwight St., room 305, Springfield)
SENATORS IN COLORADO - DAY 1: Eight members of the Senate's Special Committee on Marijuana will kick off their trip to Colorado with a welcome from the Milbank Memorial Fund, which is sponsoring the event. Senators planning to travel to the Centennial State include committee chairman Sen. Jason Lewis and Sens. Michael Moore, Linda Dorcena Forry, John Keenan, Michael Rodrigues, James Welch, Vinny deMacedo and Richard Ross. They will then hear from Colorado Health Institute President and CEO Michelle Lueck and Andrew Freedman, director of marijuana coordination for the Colorado governor's office. At 11 a.m., Larry Wolk, the executive director of the state's Department of Public Health and Environment will discuss marijuana and public health. In the afternoon, Liquor Control Board officials from Washington will discuss marijuana implementation in their state and Erie, Colorado Police Chief Marc Vasquez will speak on public safety. Vasquez was previously the chief of investigations for Colorado's Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., Colorado Health Institute, Denver)
MBTA CONTROL BOARD: The Green Line Extension project and an update on the fiscal 2016 budget will be on the agenda for the MBTA's Fiscal and Management Control Board on Monday. Sharp escalation in the estimated cost of the trolley extension has put the project in jeopardy. The board will also meet in a closed-door executive session to discuss "the North Quincy Real Estate Development Project RFP." Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve will also give updates on overtime and absenteeism. (Monday, 1 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, third floor, Boston)
CHELSEA CLINTON AT CONFERENCE: Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton will deliver the closing remarks at the American Library Association's mid-winter meeting. Clinton will speak to Jill Santopolo about her book "It's Your World: Get Informed, Get Inspired & Get Going!" (Monday, 2 p.m., Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Ballroom)
COMMISSIONER EVANS ON THE RADIO: Boston Police Commissioner William Evans is a scheduled guest on Boston Public Radio with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan for their monthly "Ask the Commissioner" segment. (Monday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
MSBA REVIEW PANEL: The Massachusetts School Building Authority holds a meeting of its Owner's Project Manager Review Panel, an 11-member volunteer and expert panel that helps the authority develop policies and review selections made by school districts. The panel will view presentations from Westport, Lynn and Waltham. (Monday, 2 p.m., 40 Broad St., 5th floor Boston)
NANNY CENSUS RELEASE: The Matahari Women Workers' Center holds a press conference to announce the results of its first Nanny Census, a survey of over 350 nannies, au pairs and childcare providers in Greater Boston neighborhoods including Cambridge, Brookline, Jamaica Plain and the South End. The census found a wide disparity in pay among nannies, with some receiving as little as $4. Matahari will announce the full findings and strategies to address the issues and raise awareness. (Monday, 1 p.m., 50 Milk St., 16th floor, Boston)
FIORINA ON 'NIGHTSIDE' | Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina checks in with Dan Rea on "NightSide." (Monday, 8 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
DOWNING IN CHESTER: Sen. Benjamin Downing holds a "coffee and conversation" public forum. Downing plans over the first six months of 2016 to hold similar events in Dalton, Otis, Alford, Westhampton, Egremont and Windsor. (Monday, 2 p.m., Chester Town Hall, 15 Middlefield Rd., Chester)
HEALEY CHANGING THE GAME IN QUINCY: Attorney General Maura Healey will team up with Quincy Mayor Tom Koch and Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey to meet with students and faculty from North Quincy and Quincy High School to discuss their involvement with Game Change: The Patriots Anti-Violence Partnership. A partnership between Healey's office and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, the program aims to educate high school students, teachers and coaches on preventing relationship violence. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., Quincy City Hall, 1305 Hancock St., Quincy)
MELROSE MAYORAL INAUGURATION: Gov. Charlie Baker administers the oath of office to Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan. Dolan has led the city since 2002 and previously served on its School Committee and Board of Aldermen. Baker will also speak about "Melrose and cities and towns across Massachusetts," according to Dolan's office. (Monday, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Hall, 590 Main St., Melrose)
WALSH AT HOURLYNERD: Boston Mayor Marty Walsh greets employees at HourlyNerd, an online marketplace that connects companies with independent business consultants. (Monday, 6:30 p.m., 280 Summer St., 7th floor, Boston)
TUESDAY, JAN. 12, 2016
CRIMINAL JUSTICE WORKING GROUP: Representatives from the Council on State Governments Justice Center meet with the state's Criminal Justice Working Group to present their initial findings and baseline analysis on the Massachusetts criminal justice system. The center's researchers are conducting a months-long review, after which they plan to present policy recommendations to lawmakers. This is the Justice Center's first meeting with the working group, which has a bipartisan membership comprised of lawmakers, sheriffs, judges, and others representing law enforcement, parole, probation, the judiciary, legal services and the executive branch. The 25-person group is co-chaired Gov. Charlie Baker's chief legal counsel Lon Povich, Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey and Judiciary Committee chairmen Sen. William Brownsberger and Rep. John Fernandes. Other legislators on the working group include Sen. Cynthia Creem, Rep. Randy Hunt and Rep. Christopher Markey. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., room 157)
DEMO FOR SPRINGFIELD CASINO: MGM Springfield will take a step toward constructing a casino in the city's downtown Tuesday with plans to raze the Zanetti School, which the gaming company says "suffered some of the worst damage caused by the 2011 tornado." The demolition job is expected to last several weeks. The first company to receive a casino license in Massachusetts, MGM plans a $950 million complex on 14.5 acres of land. Plainridge Park Casino, the state's only slots parlor, opened last summer and has since generated less gaming revenue that expected. Wynn Everett has won a license and began remediation on its polluted site in October. Southeastern Massachusetts remains a question mark after the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, state gaming compact in hand, secured the necessary approval to put land in federal trust. Rush Street Gaming is also vying for a commercial casino license in the area, with plans to build in Brockton. (Tuesday, Jan. 12, 9 a.m., 59 Howard Street, Springfield)
CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY: The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center Board of Directors meets. Agenda items include a presentation on the 2015 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry report, proposed investment in OptiRTC, and updates from interim CEO Steve Pike and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, who chairs the board. The board is scheduled to enter executive session to discuss litigation and "trade secrets, commercial or financial information or competitive position in a particular field of endeavor." (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 63 Franklin St., 3rd floor, Boston)
"ASK THE GUV": Gov. Charlie Baker will take to the airwaves as part of the monthly Boston Public Radio segment "Ask the Governor" to chat with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan and answer questions callers. (Tuesday, 12 p.m, WGBH-FM 89.7)
FANTASY SPORTS REGULATION HEARING: Attorney General Maura Healey will hold a public hearing on her proposed consumer protection regulations for the fantasy sports industry. The proposed rules are intended to protect Massachusetts consumers from "unfair and deceptive acts and practices," according to the AG's office. The proposal includes a minimum age for players -- 21, and a ban on fantasy games based on college or amateur sports. While they battle other states -- including New York and Nevada -- in court, industry leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel have said they are willing to work with Healey's office to craft agreeable regulation. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 100 Cambridge St., 2nd floor - rooms B thru D, Boston)
TREASURER'S TWITTER TOWN HALL: Treasurer Deborah Goldberg hosts her first Twitter town hall forum to discuss the issue of wage equity. Goldberg will answer questions submitted with the hashtag #AskDeb. In July, Goldberg joined other constitutional officers and activists to push for a bill that aims to eliminate the wage gap for women and people of color. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., @MassTreasury)
PUBLIC COMMENT ON INSURANCE RATES: In the second day of its informational hearing on rate filings for small group health insurance, the Division of Insurance will accept public comment. Anyone wishing to speak can notify the division by 4:30 p.m. on Monday by emailing healthcare2016@state.ma.us. People who do not provide advance notice will be able to speak after those who did. Written comments, which must refer to the Health Plans Informational Hearing, will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, and can be sent by email or by mail to the Division of Insurance at 1000 washington St., Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118. (Tuesday, 1 p.m, 1000 Washington St., room 1-E, Boston)
MASSHOUSING: The MassHousing Board of Directors meets. Board members include Michael Dirrane of National MI Holdings, Ping Yin Chai of Salem Five Bancorp, Andris Silins of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, Marc Cumsky of Cumsky & Levin, Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay, Secretary of Administration and Finance Kristen Lepore, Mary Nee of the Animal Rescue League of Boston and Rosemary Powers, chief operating officer for the New York Department of Transportation. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., One Beacon St., Boston)
CHART GRANTS EVENT: Health Policy Commission staff will join executives from HealthAlliance Hospital to launch the hospital's Phase 2 initiative for the Community Hospital Acceleration, Revitalization, and Transformation (CHART) Investment Program. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 60 Hospital Road, Leominster)
STUDENT HEALTH POLICY FORUM: Health Policy Commission Executive Director David Seltz will present at the Student Health Policy Forum. The event, organized by the Massachusetts Health Policy Forum, is an annual student forum designed to give advanced graduate students in public health, medicine and health policy direct access to the workings of state government. Students have an opportunity to meet with the senior legislative and state administrative officials to discuss the operations and responsibilities of state government. (Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., Center for Health Information and Analysis, 88 Newbury Street Entrance, Boston)
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Service will accept testimony on 35 bills pertaining to retirement allowances, retirement boards and post-retirement earnings. Among the bills up for consideration is one filed by Rep. Robert Fennell to change the makeup of the state's Pension Reserves Investment Management Board. Fennell's bill (H 2289), co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of about 15 legislators, would add to the board the president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts or his designee and the president of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems or his designee, bringing the total board size to 11 members. The committee will also consider a bill filed by Rep. Mary Keefe (H 2351) providing for the valuation of the PRIT fund and other retirement systems on a calendar year basis. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1)
BUMP HANGS IN CUTLER'S CORNER: Auditor Suzanne Bump will be the special guest on Rep. Josh Cutler's cable access television show, "Cutler's Corner," on Whitman-Hanson Community Television. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 115 South Ave., Whitman)
ROSENBERG AT THE FED: Senate President Stan Rosenberg attends the monthly Jobs for Mass meeting. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Federal Reserve Bank, 31st Floor, 600 Atlantic Avenue, Boston)
DDS EMPLOYEE FINGERPRINT REGULATIONS: The Department of Developmental Services hears comments on proposed regulations for mandatory fingerprint background checks of DDS employees and contractors. The checks were made mandatory by a 2014 law that went into effect at the beginning of this month (Chapter 234, Acts of 2014). (Tuesday, 10 a.m., John W. McCormack Building, 21st floor, conference room 3, One Ashburton Pl., Boston)
OBAMA'S LAST STATE OF THE UNION: President Barack Obama will deliver his last State of the Union address to the nation where he will outline his vision for his final year in office. (Tuesday, 9 p.m.)
HEALTH INSURANCE BILLS BEFORE COMMITTEE: The Financial Services Committee will hear a number of health insurance reform bills. A proposal filed by Rep. Barber (H 790) would establish a division of health insurance to improve the efficiency and coordination of health insurance. Also on the agenda are S 487 relative to special education health care costs, S 535 to alleviate health care burdens for Massachusetts employers, and a Rep. Frost bill (H 851) to require health insurers to offer a buy-in plan for parents and parents-in-law over age 50. Also on the docket are two House bills (H 812, H 838) regarding small group health insurance, three bills (H 777, H 837, H 887) regarding medically necessary treatments required by a student's individual educational program, and a Rep. Ehrlich bill (H 839) relative to tobacco premium ratings. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room B-2)
BOARD OF EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE MEETING: The Board of Early Education and Care meets. The meeting agenda will be posted at:http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/board-of-early-education-and-care/eec-board-meetings/eec-board-meeting-dates-and-current-materials.html.....(Tuesday, 1 p.m., 51 Sleeper St., 4th floor, Boston)
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 13, 2016
HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS: House Democrats will gather for a caucus before roll call votes. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m., Room A-1)
HOUSE FORMAL SESSION: House members will meet for a formal session. Members have been asked to be prepared to consider an opioid abuse prevention bill titled "An Act Relative to Substance Use,Treatment, Education and Prevention (H.3926), pending a report from the Committee on Ways and Means. Roll call will begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary hears 23 bills, accepting testimony on legislation related to marijuana as well as late-file and miscellaneous bills. The marijuana bills include a proposal from Rep. David Rogers and Sen. Patricia Jehlen to legalize marijuana and establish a tax on the cannabis industry (H 1561). Rep. Timothy Whelan has filed multiple bills that would allow entities like municipalities, property owners and landlords to regulate and prohibit the smoking of medical marijuana on their properties. Also up are a Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier bill that would create a bill of rights for sexual assault victims (H 1278) and a bill from Reps. Angelo Puppolo and Michael Finn that would authorize the state to appeal bail decisions. Full agenda:https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2348&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Wednesday, 1 p.m., room A-1)
CONGRESSMAN MCGOVERN ON THE RADIO: Congressman Jim McGovern is a scheduled guest on Boston Public Radio with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
ASH AT GROUNDBREAKING: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash attends a groundbreaking ceremony for the Residences at Harvard Commons, a 54-unit subdivision of single family homes with attached garages. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 6 Snowden Way, Dorchester)
GOLDBERG VISITS BC: Treasurer Deb Goldberg participates in a panel for a Boston College Law School class at the Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy. (Wednesday, 5:15 p.m., Rappaport Center for Law and Public Policy at Boston College, 885 Centre St., Newton)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: The Governor's Council meets, with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presiding. The council could vote Wednesday on Gov. Baker's nomination of Melanie Gargas to serve on the Probate and Family Court. Gargas, of Peabody, started her career as a law clerk and later an associate at Atwood & Cerhny in Boston. She spent four years as an associate at the domestic relations practice at Taylor, Anderson & Travers and then formed Travers & Gargas in 1995. Since 2000, she has been principal at her own firm. (Wednesday, noon, Council Chamber)
HPC COST TRENDS: The Health Policy Commission's Cost Trends and Market Performance Committee meets to continue the discussion on findings from the 2015 Cost Trends Report. Board members will also discuss options for increasing the transparency of provider-to-provider discount arrangements. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., 50 Milk Street, 8th Floor, Boston)
HEALTH POLICY COMMISSION: The Health Policy Commission Executive Director's Advisory Council will host a meeting to discuss the HPC's care delivery certification programs, "innovation investment" programs, and findings from the 2015 Cost Trends Report. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 50 Milk Street, 8th Floor, Boston)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL - PETERSON INTERVIEW: Lee Peterson, Gov. Baker's nominee for a Probate and Family Court judgeship, is set to appear before the Governor's Council for her nomination hearing. Peterson, of Dedham, has been an associate since 2005 at McCarter & English in Boston. She started her career at Norfolk Probate & Family Court, first as a probation officer and later as assistant judicial case manager. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber)
SENATORS IN COLORADO - DAY 3: The Massachusetts senators studying marijuana legalization in Denver will meet with a host of Colorado officials to discuss the issue throughout the course of the day. At 9 a.m, former Colorado House Speaker Frank McNulty will give the legislative perspective. Colorado Department of Agriculture plant industry division director Mitchell Yergert will speak on about regulating marijuana at 10:30 a.m. Rep. Jonathan Singer, vice chair of the Colorado House's Public Health Care and Human Services Committee is scheduled to speak at 1 p.m. on the impact of legalization. State Bank Commissioner Chris Myklebust and Partner Colorado Credit Union President and CEO Sundie Seefried will wrap up the day with a discussion of policy issues relating to banking and finance. PCCU offers depository services to 20 legal marijuana shops and began serving the industry in January of last year. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Colorado Health Institute, Denver)
FED OFFICIAL SIZES UP U.S. ECONOMY: Boston Federal Reserve President Eric Rosengren plans to provide an outlook for the U.S. economy during his scheduled remarks Wednesday before the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce's Government Affairs Forum. (Wednesday, 7:45 a.m., Seaport Hotel, Boston)
'WEDNESDAYS WITH WALSH' | Mayor Martin Walsh makes his regular "Wednesdays with Walsh" appearance on "NightSide with Dan Rea." (Wednesday, 8 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
KIMMEL, KRAPELS AT ABL LUNCH: Anbaric Transmission Founder and Director Ed Krapels joins Union of Concerned Scientists President Ken Kimmel at an Alliance for Business Leadership brown bag lunch on Wednesday. They plan to discuss regional energy policy. (Wednesday, noon, Northwind Strategies, 55 Court St., # 340, Boston)
MWRA BOARD MEETING: Secretary Beaton chairs the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's board meeting. The agenda includes three contract awards and, in executive session, "Cross-Harbor Cable - MA DPU Proceedings - Engagement of Outside Counsel and Expert Witness to Provide Professional Services." MWRA committees meet starting at 11 a.m., and the water policy committee will consider an update on MWRA/DCR invasive aquatic plant management at source and emergency reservoirs, an update on potential lead and copper rule revisions, a report on 2015 water use trends, and an item pertaining to the Wachusett watershed railroad (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Charlestown Navy Yard, 100 First Avenue, Boston)
NURSING REGISTRATION BOARD: The Board of Registration in Nursing will meet, in part in an executive session "for the purpose of discussing the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual." (Wednesday, 11 a.m., 239 Causeway St., Room 417 A&B, Boston)
PUBLIC HEALTH COUNCIL: The Department of Public Health's Public Health Council meets to receive an update from Commissioner Monica Bharel and vote on a new regulation related to licensure of substance abuse treatment programs. The council will also hear informational briefings on proposed regulatory amendments governing licensing of radiologic technologists, the proposed rescission of regulations on vaccination of dogs and cats against rabies, proposed rescission of regulations on reporting and control of sexually transmitted disease, proposed rescission of regulations on the establishment of state-certified clinics for the diagnosis, treatment and control of sexually transmitted diseases, the proposed rescission of regulations determining Active tuberculosis, and proposed regulatory amendments dealing with the operation, approval, and licensing of clinical laboratories. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Henry I. Bowditch Public Health Council Room, 2nd Floor, 250 Washington St., Boston)
"INCLUSIVE SECURITY" TALK: Swanee Hunt, a diplomat and founder of the Women and Public Policy Program will moderate a discussion on "inclusive security" with experts from with experts from Iraq, Mexico, Myanmar, South Sudan, Sudan, and Ukraine. "It's time for a different approach to security -- one that draws on the talents of 100 percent of the population," read a calendar listing on the event. "Women from Colombia to Syria are preventing conflict, negotiating ceasefires, and helping their countries rebuild after war." (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Harvard Institute of Politics, Cambridge)
EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE HEARING: The Department of Early Education and Care holds a public hearing on Massachusetts' Child Care Development Fund State Plan. The draft plan is posted at: http://www.mass.gov/edu/birth-grade-12/early-education-and-care/notice-of-public-hearings-ccdf-state-plan.html.....(Wednesday, 10 a.m., 10 Austin St., Worcester)
EDUCATION REGULATIONS LISTENING SESSION: As part of a regulatory reform initiative across all state agencies, the Executive Office of Education hosts a listening session to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on any of its regulations. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Rd., Maureen M. Wilkens Hall, Room 117, West Barnstable)
LOTTERY COMMISSION: Treasurer Deb Goldberg chairs a meeting of the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., One Ashburton Place, 12th floor, Boston)
THURSDAY, JAN. 14, 2016
SENATE: The Senate plans to meet in an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)
HOUSE INFORMAL SESSION: The House will meet for an informal session. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)
GOP PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: Candidates contending for the White House will gather in South Carolina for their first debate of the new year. The debate will be the second hosted by Fox Business. The GOP candidates will again be split into two tiers based on polling data. Tier two candidates will be featured in a debate airing at 6 p.m. Tier one candidates will be featured in a prime time debate airing at 9 p.m. with Fox Business anchors Maria Bartiromo and Neil Cavuto as moderators. The debate comes weeks before the Iowa Caucus set for Feb. 1 and the New Hampshire Primary contest on Feb. 9. (Thursday, 9 p.m., North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, South Carolina)
SENATORS IN COLORADO - DAY 4: In their final day in Colorado, members of the Senate's special committee on marijuana will hear from Denver officials on the impact marijuana legalization has had on local government. Speakers include Ashley Kilroy, the city's director of marijuana policy; marijuana policy deputy director Molly Duplechian; and Dan Rowland, who directs communications and marketing for the city's Office of Marijuana Policy and Department of Excise and Licenses. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Colorado Health Institute, Denver)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Lawmakers plan to visit southeastern Massachusetts next week to talk about economic development opportunities in the Fall River area. Members of the Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Committee have scheduled a roundtable that will feature members of the area's business community as well as Carolyn Kirk, deputy secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Kirk is the former mayor of Gloucester. At the age of 23, City Councilor Jasiel Correia last November defeated one-time Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter in Fall River's mayoral race. Correia was sworn in this week as the Spindle City's youngest mayor. The jobless rate in the metropolitan statistical area centered in New Bedford was 6.6 percent in November, compared to the statewide unemployment rate of 4.7 percent in November. (Thursday, noon, Heritage State Park Visitors Center, 200 Davol St., Fall River)
DDS EMPLOYEE FINGERPRINT REGULATIONS: The Department of Developmental Services holds a public hearing to receive comments on proposed regulations for mandatory fingerprint background checks of DDS employees and contractors. The checks were made mandatory by a 2014 law that went into effect at the beginning of this month (Chapter 234, Acts of 2014). (Thursday, 10 a.m., Northborough Free Library, 34 Main St., Northborough)
LYNCH AT 'POLITICAL HAPPY HOUR' | Congressman Stephen Lynch joins Joshua Miller for the latest installment of the Boston Globe's "LIVE Political Happy Hour" sponsored by Suffolk University. The menu includes local and national politics, Lynch's trips abroad, and his priorities on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Modern Theatre, 525 Washington St., Boston)
STATE-CHARTERED CREDIT UNIONS - PARITY REGULATIONS: Regulatory amendments dealing with parity with federal credit unions are up for a public hearing Thursday before the Division of Banks. According to the division, the regulations would authorize the commissioner of banks to promulgate regulations to grant state-chartered credit unions expanded powers in parity with federally chartered credit unions. The regulations add the authority to engage in "certain derivatives activities and charitable-related activities." The amendments also clarify the authority of state-chartered credit unions relative to making or investing in loan participations. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., 1000 Washington St., Hearing Room 1-E, Boston)
BOSTON SCHOOLS TOWN HALL: The Boston Education Justice Alliance hosts an "emergency town hall meeting" on the future of the city's public schools. Discussion topics will include school closures; the ballot initiative to lift the cap on charter schools and its impact on Boston schools; the Boston Compact and Enroll Boston; and how to improve the Boston school system. All parents, students, teachers and community members are invited to attend (Thursday, 6 p.m., Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, 75 Malcolm X Blvd., Roxbury)
LAMB HOSTS GOP DEBATE WATCH PARTY: Marty Lamb, a one-time candidate for Congress and a state representative seat, will host a GOP presidential debate watch party to officially kick off his latest campaign, this one for a slot on the Republican State Committee. Rep. Geoff Diehl is expected to attend as a special guest. An RSVP to electmarty@yahoo.com is requested. (Thursday, 7 p.m., Cornell's Irish Pub, 229 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton)
MOULTON ON 'NIGHTSIDE' | Congressman Seth Moulton checks in with Dan Rea on "NightSide." Moulton announced last week his reelection campaign which will formally get underway with an event in February. (Thursday, 8 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
'NETWORK AFTER WORK' AT NIGHTCLUB: Network After Work hosts a face-to-face networking event open to professionals and entrepreneurs. Color-coded name badges will help attendees scan the club for members of their industry. VIP tickets include a free drink before 7 p.m. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/network-after-work-boston-at-the-stage-tickets-19853846389 (Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Stage Nightclub, 19 Boylston Pl., Boston)
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS: The Board of Registration of Physician Assistants will meet to review relevant regulations and to set its meeting schedule for 2016. (Thursday, 9:30 a.m., 239 Causeway St., Room 417 A&B, Boston)
DCR STEWARDSHIP: The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Stewardship Council meets. (Thursday, 12 p.m., Dunn State Park, 289 Pearl St., Gardner)
FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE: The state Fisheries and Wildlife Board meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m., 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough)
ROSENBERG ON WESTERN MASS. RADIO: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg joins Bill Newman for his monthly interview on WHMP radio in Northampton. (Thursday, 9:20 a.m., WHMP Radio, 96.9 FM and 1400 AM)
MASSDEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING: The MassDevelopment Board of Directors meets. A meeting agenda was not available as of Friday afternoon. (Thursday, 10 a.m., 99 High St., Boston)
FRIDAY, JAN. 15, 2016
FISCAL 2017 TAX REVENUE ESTIMATE: Friday is the deadline for Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore and the House and Senate Ways and Means committees to agree on a fiscal 2017 revenue estimate. It's a major decision since an overly optimistic estimate can lead to major budget problems and a overly pessimistic estimate can force excessive spending cuts by sweeping money off the negotiating table. Gov. Baker during his first year in office had until Jan. 31 to reach the revenue agreement but the deadline in his second year in office is Jan. 15. Under state finance law, the consensus tax estimate must include the amount necessary to transfer from the General Fund to the Commonwealth's Pension Liability Fund to amortize the unfunded liability of the system and amounts transferred to the MBTA State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund. The estimate must also include an estimate of taxes collected under Chapter 62 for capital gains income, and shall be net of any transfers of capital gains income tax revenue to the stabilization fund. State finance law calls for the consensus tax revenue forecast to be included in a joint resolution and placed before the the Legislature for its consideration. "Such joint resolution, if passed by both branches of the general court, shall establish the maximum amount of tax revenue which may be considered for the general appropriation act for the ensuing fiscal year," according to Chapter 29 of the laws.
WALSH ON BOSTON PUBLIC RADIO: Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is back for Boston Public Radio's "Ask the Mayor" segment where he'll discuss issues facing the city in 2016 and current events with co-hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan. (Friday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
CABINET MEETING: Gov. Charlie Baker meets with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and other members of his cabinet. (CLOSED PRESS) (Friday, 10 a.m., Room 360)
UMASS P3 COMMITTEE: The UMass Building Authority's Public Private Partnership Committee meets. (Friday, 9 a.m., One Beacon St., 31st floor, Boston)
AIM ECONOMIC OUTLOOK: Associated Industries of Massachusetts hosts the 2016 Economic Outlook, featuring the State of Massachusetts Business address by President/CEO Rick Lord and a discussion among business leaders. Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash will attend. (Friday, 8 a.m., Waltham Westin Hotel, 70 Third Ave., Waltham)
ASH TOURS BROCKTON: Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash meets with city officials and tours downtown Brockton. (Friday, 3 p.m., 45 School St., Brockton)
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The State House News Service has covered Massachusetts government news since 1911.
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