What's ahead in state government this week
Guv goes to Fenway; Special commission of sex offender recidivism; Baby Doe memorial mass
ARTICLE | POLITICS | JULY 25, 2015 06:00 AM | BY STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
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Months after the Baker administration sounded the alarm on a state government spending problem, leaders of the Massachusetts Legislature are looking over $162 million in budget vetoes (H 3675) and trying to gauge which spending initiatives to put back into the $38.1 billion state budget. As they do so, members of Baker's team are warning that any spending restorations will probably throw the budget out of balance, in part because major accounts like homelessness assistance and public counsel services are already significantly underfunded in the new budget, which is also unlikely to meet its non-tax revenue targets. Coming off a fiscal 2015 debacle that required midyear spending cuts, the House and Senate are not only considering adding money back to the new budget for education, tourism, and homeless assistance accounts, they're also poised to act for the third time in recent weeks on a tax break. The new budget, assuming the Legislature goes along with pre-negotiated deal to further delay a long stalled corporate tax deduction, will expand earned income tax credits for 400,000 low-income taxpayers. And lawmakers who plan next week to hold their final formal sessions before the summer recess are weighing plans to suspend the 6.25 percent sales tax for a weekend in August. The so-called sales tax holiday has become an annual tradition but support for the holiday has been less enthusiastic this year as critics assert it just shifts spending patterns while depriving the state of more than $20 million in tax revenues.
Developing storylines for the week ahead
-- Formal House and Senate session are likely on Wednesday and Thursday, and possibly Friday. The branches will begin the weekMonday with informal sessions. Legislative leaders are weighing budget vetoes and amendments, sales tax holiday legislation, and a public records reform bill that's awaiting action in the House Ways and Means Committee. The Senate has also penciled in an informal session on Tuesday, and would be ready to take up the Aug. 15-16 sales tax holiday legislation if it comes over from the House, and could potentially take action on the public records overhaul bill depending on whether the Houses passes it and what form it takes. Also, remaining on the Senate's calendar is a bill (S 1974) sponsored by Sen. Michael Rodrigues, which would direct the state to prepare for the possibility of a federal law requiring Internet shoppers to pay sales taxes.
-- The House is poised to take up a public records law reform bill that supporters say will make it more likely for government agencies to produce records in a timely way and less costly for those requesting records to receive them. A major provision in the bill would enable parties seeking public records to recover attorneys' fees in cases where they mount successful legal battles to access records.
-- The debate over whether Boston should host the Olympics in 2024 continues. After the Boston City Council threatened them with a subpoena, Boston Olympics proponents on Friday released original bid information that they've declined to make public for months. That will give the public, and Olympic opponents, something to chew on while they wait for the Brattle Group to complete its analysis of Boston 2024's "Bid 2.0," which Gov. Charlie Baker and Legislative leaders plan to use to inform their opinion of whether the city's bid is financially feasible and should proceed.
SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2015
GOVERNOR BAKER ATTENDS "RUN TO HOME BASE" at FENWAY: Gov. Charlie Baker is expected to attend this year's "Run to Home Base" to raise funds for the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program. The program is aimed at offering support to post 9/11 veterans and their families. ( Saturday, 7 a.m., Fenway Park, 22 Yawkey Way, Boston)
CELLUCCI TRIBUTE ROAD RACE: Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito are scheduled to attend the Governor Cellucci Tribute Road Race to raise money for ALS research at UMass Medical School. (Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge, 99 Park Street, Hudson)
BAKER ATTENDS COOKOUT: Gov. Charlie Baker is scheduled to make an appearance at Scoops 'N Hoops: The 10th Annual Food For Thought Cookout hosted by Youth in Crisis. (Saturday, 1 p.m., Mildred Middle Community Center, Walkers Park, Norfolk Street, Mattapan)
SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015
ON THE RECORD: House Speaker Robert DeLeo is scheduled to appear as a guest on WCVB's "On The Record" to discuss the Olympics, casinos and former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi. Earlier this week on Boston Public Radio DiMasi's wife, who just returned from visiting her husband in a prison, mentioned she has spoken to officials on Beacon Hill about the need to relocate him closer to home because of his health. Deborah DiMasi said she attributes a lack of action to the fact that "people just don't know what to do." (Sunday, 11 a.m, WCVB)
VIGIL FOR CHATTANOOGA VICTIMS: A candlelight vigil will be held for the five military victims of the Chattanooga, Tennessee shooting. Sgt. Carson Holmquist of Polk, WI; Sgt. Thomas Sullivan of Hampden, MA; Staff Sgt. David Wyatt of Burke, NC; LCpl. Squire K. Wells of Cobb County, GA; Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Smith of Chattanooga, TN were killed when a gunman opened fire on a military recruitment center and Navy building in Chattanooga. The event is hosted by the Foxborough Veterans Service and Hero Helpers of America. Organizers ask that participants wear red. (Sunday, 6 p.m., Foxborough Common)
TREASURER PARTICIPATES IN PUBLIC FINANCE CONFERENCE: Treasurer Deb Goldberg will participate in the 2015 National Institute of Public Finance conference. The conference, entitled "The Evolution of Public Treasury Management," will be held from Sunday to Wednesday at Pepperdine University. (Sunday, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California)
OUTGOING HARBOR ASSN. PRESIDENT ON KELLER: Vivien Li, outgoing president of the Boston Harbor Association, will talk with Jon Keller about the development of the Seaport, potential impact of the Olympics on waterfront development, and her experiences dealing with politicians over the last 25 years. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV Ch. 4)
AUDITOR BUMP ON WWLP: State Auditor Suzanne Bump is scheduled to be a guest on WWLP's "InFocus" and interviewed by Laura Hutchinson. (Sunday, 12 p.m., WWLP-TV Ch 22 Springfield)
MONDAY, JULY 27, 2015
HOUSE AND SENATE: Both branches plan to meet in informal sessions at 11 a.m.
BAKER, LEGISLATIVE LEADERS MEET: Gov. Charlie Baker and legislative leaders plan to meet. (Monday, 2 p.m., Senate President's Office, State House)
LAWMAKERS AT SOLAR RIBBON-CUTTING: Congressman Joseph Kennedy III is set to be the featured speaker at a ribbon-cutting of NRG Home's first community solar project in Massachusetts. Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Michael Rodrigues are also slated to attend. The solar panel array in Freetown is expected to provide energy to 160 customers. Also participating will be NRG Home President and CEO Steve McBee and NRG Home Solar President Kelcy Pegler Jr. (Monday, 10 a.m., 27 Locust St., Freetown)
WARREN, CUMMINGS AND GINGRICH TO TALK SCIENCE INVESTMENT: Sen. Elizabeth Warren will join Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings to host a forum with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, as well as researchers and experts from business and academia on the "importance of strengthening federal investments in scientific research to grow our economy and create jobs." The forum will be the sixth in a Middle Class Prosperity Project series hosted by the senators. (Monday, 3 p.m., 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. and streaming live on YouTube at https://youtu.be/6lY1J-f5Pn4.)
WALSH YOUNG ADULT INITIATIVE: Aiming to offer opportunities to Boston's "disconnected young adults," Mayor Marty Walsh will make an announcement with members of Boston Opportunity Youth Collaborative near the Ruggles Orange Line station. (Monday,12:30 p.m., Connection Center, Boston)
COFFEE WITH SEN. DOWNING: Sen. Benjamin Downing will host a "Coffee & Conversation" public forum at the Milne Public Library in Williamstown. The senator will provide refreshments and encourages constituents to ask questions or pitch ideas. (Monday, 2 p.m., 1095 Main St., Williamstown)
HEALTH CARE QUALITY ADVISORY MEETING: The Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) Statewide Quality Advisory Committee will meet at CHIA's office to discuss potential statewide health care quality priorities. Teleconference is also available: call-in number (866) 832-9294, passcode 744 0105. (Monday, 3 p.m., 501 Boylston St. - 5th floor, Boston)
MYSTIC RIVER INVASIVE REMOVAL ANNOUNCEMENT, BOAT TOUR: Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Carol Sanchez will join other officials to announce the 2015 Mystic River Invasive Removal Program. The program will remove invasive water chestnuts from the Mystic River waterway. Following the event, organizers say they will provide a boat tour of the Mystic River District to show the initiative's progress to date. (Monday, 1 p.m., 32 Shore Dr., Somerville)
TEACHERS' RETIREMENT SYSTEM HEARING: The Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System will hold a public hearing to solicit comments on an emergency amendment to the regulation that governs the election of its members. (Monday, 11 a.m., MTRS offices, 1 Charles Park, Cambridge)
UMASS LOWELL CHANCELLOR: The UMass-Lowell Chancellor Search Committee plans to consider applicants for the chancellor's position in an executive session. (Monday, 10 a.m., University of Massachusetts Lowell Inn & Conference Center, 50 Warren Street, Lowell)
DMH CENTRAL AREA: The Department of Mental Health's Central Area Board will meet to take up site committee updates, DMH area director updates and other business. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., 361 Plantation St., 1st Floor, John Ford Conference Room, Worcester)
SUNUNU ON NIGHTSIDE: Former N.H. Gov. John Sununu is scheduled to appear on NightSide with Dan Rea. (Monday, 9 p.m., WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015
SPECIAL COMMISSION ON SEX OFFENDER RECIDIVISM: The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center will present a report on a community-based approach to sexual violence prevention and Massachusetts Citizens for Children will discuss child sexual abuse prevention at a meeting of the Special Commission to Reduce the Recidivism of Sex Offenders. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 1 Ashburton Place, 21st floor conference room, Boston)
SNAPCHEF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER: SnapChef will be celebrating the opening of its new Dorchester culinary workforce development center and corporate headquarters. City of Boston Chief of Economic Development John Barros and Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Undersecretary Stephanie Neal-Johnson will attend the grand opening and ribbon-cutting event. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 420 Washington St., Dorchester)
INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE MEET: The International Olympic Committee Executive Board and 128th IOC Session is scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In addition to the executive board meeting, according information on olympic.org, the 128th IOC session "will take decisions on key policy issues, and in areas under its authority including the elections of the host city for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games and for the 2020 Youth Olympic Winter Games." The EB meeting and session will last from July 28 - August 3. Full agenda: http://www.olympic.org/Documents/Conferences_Forums_and_Events/2015-kuala-lumpur/detailed_schedule_of_events_ioc_eb_and_session_in_kuala_lumpur_v2-qc.pdf (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE: The Joint Committee on Public Health will hear testimony on 21 bills, including one (S 1229) that would bar anyone under the age of 18 from using a tanning device and would prohibit tanning salons from employing anyone under the age of 18 as an operator of a tanning device. The committee will also consider a bill (S 1139) to require the Administrative Council of the Toxics Use Reduction Act to publish a list of chemicals recognized as carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins found in children's toys and other products used by children. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room B-2)
INTERGENERATIONAL JUSTICE PROGRAM: Partners in the new Intergenerational Justice Program - VISIONS Inc., the Peace Institute, Span Inc., and UMass Boston - will host an event to talk about their efforts to "bridge the divide between all individuals affected by homicide: victims' families, inmates convicted of homicide, and inmates' families." Organizers hope to partner with other groups and individuals for mutual learning. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., UMass Boston Campus Center - Ballroom, Columbia Point, Boston)
JOINT COMMITTEE ON REVENUE: The Joint Committee on Revenue is scheduled to hear 41 bills relative to senior citizens. Bills on the docket include an act providing an income tax credit for families caring for relatives at home who are elderly or victims of Alzheimer's disease (H 2441) sponsored by Rep. Ayers; an act concerning senior property tax credit (H 2677) sponsored by Rep. Sannicandro; and an act relative to home modifications for seniors (S 1555). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2187&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room A-1)
DMH FALL RIVER: The Department of Mental Health's Fall River Site Board will hold a meeting, going over the site director's report, budget, positions and hearing from the National Alliance On Mental Illness. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., 49 Hillside Street, Fall River)
CONGRESSMAN RICHARD NEAL ON RADIO BOSTON: U.S. Congressman Richard Neal is scheduled to speak with Anthony Brooks on Radio Boston (Tuesday, 3 p.m., WBUR-FM 90.9)
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMITTEE: Twelve bills regarding substance abuse are on the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee's agenda for Tuesday. The bills cover treatment (H 3460), addictions training (H 1811), education on dispensing (S 1040) and updating definitions of drugs (S 1037, S 1038, S 1036). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2193&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Hearing Room A-1)
REVERE TORNADO ANNIVERSARY: House Speaker Robert DeLeo plans to attend an anniversary commemoration of the 2014 Revere tornado. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., American Legion, Revere)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GLOBAL WARMING, CLIMATE CHANGE: The Senate Committee on Global Warming plans a meeting to discuss progress of the Global Warming Solutions Act. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matt Beaton plans to testify. The hearing comes days after the Senate approved legislation roughly doubling a cap on net metering, which allows utility customers with solar panels to sell power back to the grid at retail rates. Utility companies have resisted efforts to lift the cap, arguing that customers without solar end up paying for it. Sen. Marc Pacheco is the committee's chairman. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Room 222)
PINE TREE REMOVAL PROJECT: The Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public forum on the pine tree removal project in Otter River State Forest. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., Athol Town Hall, 584 Main St., Athol)
JOINT COMMITTEE ON HOUSING: The Joint Committee on Housing will consider 15 Department of Housing and Community Development bills, including a bill (H 1095) establishing a preference for military veterans in all state-aided housing projects, and a bill (S 708) that would create a Disabled and Elderly Accessory Apartment Loan Program to encourage the development and preservation of affordable housing for people with disabilities and the elderly. Also on the agenda are six miscellaneous bills, ranging from the establishment of a homeless bill of rights to the prohibition of smoking in residential apartments. Full agenda:https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2163&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Hearing Room A-2)
CHILDREN, FAMILIES, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE: A miscellany of bills will be before the Children, Families and Persons With Disabilities Committee at their hearing Tuesday, including a Rep. Khan bill relative to the protection of minors' mental and physical health from sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts (H 97) and a Sen. Montigny bill to require employers to provide the same maternity leave benefits in the case of child adoption as in the birth of a child (S 92). Also on the docket is a Rep. Markey bill relative to medical treatment decisions on behalf of incapacitated patients (H 107) and a Sen. Spilka bill relative to the office of child advocate (S 103). Several bills on the agenda would establish commissions and other bodies -- a commission on the status of children and youth (S 88), a permanent commission on the social status of men and boys of color (H 94), a commission to study medical abuse claims (H 106), a missing child trust fund within the Department of Children and Families (H 102), and a Miracle League of Massachusetts to provide recreational resources for persons with disabilities (S 106). Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2190&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Room B-2)
"1776: THE MUSICAL" COMES TO STATE HOUSE: The Company Theatre will present selections from "1776: The Musical" at the Grand Staircase, hosted by Sen. Robert Hedlund's office. The story of the nation's birth will be told by a cast of 25, including: Paul Brennan, III, special counsel for energy policy at the Attorney General's Office (Joseph Hewes); Mark Reed, director of government affairs at Eversource (Caesar Rodney); and Dave Daly, legislative staff to the House Post Audit Committee playing Beacon Hill's own John Hancock. The Company Theatre will be performing "1776" in Norwell through August 16. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Grand Staircase, State House)
WALSH ON GREATER BOSTON: Mayor Martin Walsh is scheduled to be a guest Tuesday on Greater Boston with host Jim Braude. The appearance comes days after his return from the Vatican and in the wake of Councilor Tito Jackson's subpoena order against Boston 2024. (Tuesday, 7 p.m, WGBH)
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT HEARING: Colony Collapse Disorder, a growing problem for bee colonies and those who work with them, will be the subject of an Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee oversight hearingTuesday. The committee will hear from several apiarian and agricultural experts, including Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux, Mass. Farm Bureau President Richard Bonnano, and Worcester County beekeeper Dr. Dick Callahan. Two UMass Amherst professors will also testify -- Dr. Anne Averill, entomology professor in the college's department of environmental conservation, and Dr. John Burand of the microbiology department. Full agenda: https://malegislature.gov/Events/EventCurrentDetail?eventId=2191&eventDataSource=Hearings&isCurrent=True (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2)
ATTORNEY GENERAL HEALEY ADDRESSES INTERNS: Attorney General Maura Healey is scheduled to discuss public service with legislative interns as part of the intern speakers series. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., Hearing Room B-1)
AG AT YEAR UP BOSTON GRADUATION CEREMONY: Attorney General Maura Healey will deliver the commencement address to graduates of the Year Up training program. Year Up is a national organization whose mission is to provide urban young adults with the skills and support they need for their future careers and high education. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St, Boston)
DCR MEETING IN STONEHAM: The Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a public meeting to provide an update on plans to install guardrails along the Fellsway East northbound near Phillips Street and along the newly configured section of Ravine Road in Stoneham. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., Botume House Visitor Center, 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham)
REGIONAL ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS CONFERENCE: Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Assistant Secretary Mike Kennelly and Assistant Secretary Nam Pham will attend the Regional Economic Competitiveness Conference. ( Tuesday, 8 a.m., Marriott City Center, 30 S. 7th St, Minneapolis, MN)
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015
SENATE: The Senate plans to meet in a formal session at 1 p.m.
HOUSE: The House plans to meet in a formal session at 11 a.m., with roll calls occurring after 1 p.m. House Democrats plan to meet in a caucus at noon in Room A-1.
'BABY DOE' MEMORIAL MASS: Gov. Charlie Baker and House Speaker Robert DeLeo plan to attend a "memorial mass for 'Baby Doe,' the unidentified girls found on Deer Island in Winthrop. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Paulist Center, 5 Park St., Boston)
BOSTON CHAMBER SUMMER RECEPTION: The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts its sold-out summer reception. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., behind the New England Aquarium)
MAYOR WONG CELEBRATION: Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong will be feted at a rooftop tribute hosted by the Women's Pipeline for Change, an organization committed to "expanding horizons for women of color in public leadership." Wong became the first Asian-American mayor in Massachusetts with her victory eight years ago. She is finishing up her fourth and final term as Fitchburg's executive. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Bolling Municipal Building, rooftop, 2300 Washington St., Roxbury)
NEW ENGLAND REHAB HOSPITAL HEARING: The Department of Public Health will hold a public hearing on an "determination of need" application filed in regards to a change of ownership of New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn and its satellite locations. The change of ownership will result from the sale of the equity interests from Reliant Rehabilitation Hospital New England LLC to Cowboy Holding LLC, according to DPH. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Crowne Plaza Boston-Woburn, Salon B, 15 Middlesex Canal Park, Woburn)
EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE ADVISORY BOARD: The Emergency Medical Care Advisory Board Workforce Training Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, 400 Worcester Road, Framingham)
EARNED SICK TIME INFO SESSION: Attorney General's office will host an online informational session for people with questions about the new earned sick time law and regulations. Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/earned-sick-time-law-729-online-information-session-provided-by-the-attorney-generals-office-tickets-17750731917 (Wednesday, 2 p.m., ONLINE)
GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: The Governor's Council meets for its weekly assembly. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito presides. The council last week confirmed Justice Scott Kafker as chief justice of the Appeals Court, and now has no pending nominations before it. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Governor's Office, Room 360)
SHAKESPEARE ON THE COMMON: Gov. Charlie Baker plans to attend the official opening night of Shakespeare on the Common. The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will be performing King Lear this year through Aug. 9. Rehearsals started this week. (Wednesday, 7:40 p.m., Boston Common)
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2015
SENATE: The Senate plans to meet in a formal session at 1 p.m. Senate Democrats plan to meet in a closed caucus in Sen. Rosenberg's office at noon.
HOUSE: The House plans to meet in a formal session at 11 a.m.
BRAINTREE REHAB HOSPITAL HEARING: The Department of Public Health will hold a public hearing on a "determination of need" application filed in regards to a change of ownership of Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital and its satellite locations. The change of ownership will result from the sale of the equity interests from Reliant Rehabilitation Hospital Braintree LLC to Cowboy Holding LLC, according to DPH. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Braintree High School Auditorium, 128 Town St., Braintree)
BAKER, WALSH AT PUBLIC MARKET RIBBON-CUTTING: Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton and Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux attend a ribbon-cutting at the Boston Public Market on Thursday, and organizers say the governor and mayor will shop for products at the 28,000-square-foot market, which will include over 35 New England farmers, fishermen, and food producers. Organizers have advised the press to arrive via the entrance on Congress Street by Haymarket Station. (Thursday, 11 a.m., 100 Hanover St., Boston)
MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL GOVERNMENT HEARING: Twenty bills related to home rule petitions are set to be discussed at a Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government hearing Thursday. The committee plans to hear about bills concerning elections in Lawrence (H 3600), land authorization in Wakefield (H 3629), and an act relative to the creation of a treasurer-collector in the town of Plainville. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Hearing Room A-2)
BAKER, WALKER TO MEET WITH YOUTHWORKS USERS: Gov. Charlie Baker and Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ron Walker plan to meet with nearly 100 teenagers who are taking part in the YouthWorks program, which provides summer jobs around the state to low-income people aged 14 to 21 in the public, nonprofit and private sectors. This summer approximately 4,000 teens are participating in the state-funded program administered by Commonwealth Corp., on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, according to the Baker administration. The fiscal 2016 budget allocated a record $11.5 million for YouthWorks, according to an administration official. The program includes new requirements this year aimed at "ensuring teens leave with skills, including resume writing, to help them find their next job in the private sector," according to the labor secretariat (Thursday, 3 p.m., Action for Boston Community Development Inc., 535 River St., Mattapan)
STATE RETIREMENT BOARD MEETING: Treasurer Deb Goldberg will attend a meeting of the Massachusetts Retirement Board (Thursday, 10 a.m., MSRB headquarters, 1 Winter Street, 8th Floor, Boston)
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND CABLE PRESENTATION: The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable's (DTC) Consumer Division will host an informational session to explain its role in overseeing the telecommunications and cable industries. ( Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Newton Senior Center, 345 Walnut St, Newtonville)
BREADS IN LYNN: Gov. Charlie Baker plans to visit Traditional Breads. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 161 Pleasant St., Lynn)
CAMP WING: Gov. Charlie Baker plans to visit Camp Wing, a South Shore summer camp run by Crossroads for Kids that works to prepare youth for academic and career success. (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., 742 Keene St., Duxbury)
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2015
SENATE: The Senate plans to meet in a formal session at 11 a.m.
MALDEN CATHOLIC UPGRADES: Malden Catholic High School will appear before the Massachusetts Development Financing Agency seeking approval of $5.3 million in financing for prior renovations and asbestos abatement, a new sprinkler system, upgrades to athletic fields and capital improvements. (Friday, 11 a.m., 99 High St., Boston)
KENNEDY ADDRESSES SOUTHCOAST DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP: Congressman Joe Kennedy III is scheduled to address the SouthCoast Development Partnership. The program includes a discussion about the political climate in Washington D.C. and economic development on the South Coast. SCDP relaunched in April and aims to stimulate, facilitate, and support the economic prosperity of the South Coast with a mission in conjunction with the UMass Dartmouth Strategic Plan-UMassD Transform2020. (Friday, 8 a.m., UMass Law, 333 Faunce Corner Road, Dartmouth)
PIONEER FORUM ON SCHOOL CHOICE, HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Former mayor and Ambassador to the Vatican Raymond Flynn will be among the panelists at a Pioneer Institute-sponsored breakfast forum on 19th century Know-Nothing nativism, Catholic education, and school choice. The event follows a recent Colorado Supreme Court ruling that struck down a school voucher program, according to organizers. The panel will feature Salem State English professor Dr. Nancy Lusignan Schultz who will discuss 19th century anti-Catholic bigotry in Massachusetts, and senior Pioneer Institute fellow Dr. Cara Stillings Candal who will present findings from her new research paper on what a Massachusetts school voucher program could look like. Also included will be AFT-MA President Tom Gosnell and Kathy Mears, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Boston. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 101 Federal St. - 4th floor, Boston)
SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRESS CONFERENCE: Sen. Michael Rodrigues welcomes The Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs and The Herren Project for a press conference to discuss results from a substance abuse prevention program funded in fiscal 2015 by the Department of Public Health. Former basketball player and founder of The Herren Project, a non-profit organization, Chris Herren will be a guest speaker along with Peter Doliber from the Alliance of YMCA's (Friday, 3:30 p.m., State House, Room 428)
FIREFIGHTING ACADEMY GRADUATION: State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director George D. Kramlinger will present certificates of completion to members of the Career Recruit Firefighter Training Class #231 in a graduation ceremony featuring Fitchburg Fire Chief Kevin Roy. The 25 graduates will return to work for 15 fire departments across the state. (Friday, 1:30 p.m., Department of Fire Services, 1 State Road, Stow)
ASK THE MAYOR: Mayor Martin Walsh is scheduled to appear on Boston Public Radio for the "Ask The Mayor" segment. (Friday, 12 p.m., WGBH-FM 89.7)
PARK 'N PEDAL COMMUTING STATION: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton and Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Carol Sanchez attend a ribbon cutting ceremony at a "first in the nation Park & Pedal Multimodal Commuting System." (Friday, 8 a.m., Christian Herter Park, 1255 Soldier's Field Road, Brighton)
BEATON IN FAIRHAVEN: Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beaton offers remarks at the Nasketucket Bay Land Acquisition Celebration. (Friday, 2 p.m., Shaw Cove, Shaw Cove Road, Fairhaven)
CABINET MEETING: Gov. Charlie Baker and members of his Cabinet meet. (Friday, 10 a.m., Governor's Office, Room 360)
BAKER TEAM VISITS LAWRENCE: Gov. Charlie Baker plans to take his Education Secretary Jim Peyser, Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash and Labor Secretary Ron Walker to the Merrimack Valley to tour Lawrence Community Works. (Friday, 1:45 p.m., 168 Newbury St., Lawrence)
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