Last Week
After 50 years of public service, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to the President, announced that he would be stepping down from his position in December. Fauci, 81, has directed National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for 38 years. Dr. Fauci lead the federal public health response to HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, as well as to Ebola and Zika viruses; most recently he as the face of the federal government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Biden administration on Wednesday announced it was canceling up to $10,000 of student debt for millions of people and up to $20,000 of debt for low- and middle-income borrowers who previously received a Pell Grant. The loan relief will be limited to borrowers who earn less than $125,000 a year or families earning less than $250,000. In addition, the White House plans to extend the moratorium on monthly payments and interest for a “final time” through December 31, 2022.
Business on Beacon Hill was quiet as Legislators are campaigning in the final weeks before Primary Election Day on Tuesday, September 6.
This week
Early in-person voting began on Saturday, August 27 and continues this week through Friday, September 2.Voters can check the Secretary of State’s website for a list of in-person early voting hours and locations in each municipality.
The Board of Higher Education will convene for a virtual special meeting on Tuesday to vote on its recommendations for the next higher education commissioner. The finalists include Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn, Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development associate Dean Mary Churchill, former Pennsylvania Education Secretary Noe Ortega, and California Community College Vice Chancellor Marty Alvarado. Education Secretary James Peyser, a Gov. Baker appointee, will make the final decision on a commissioner after the board submits its recommendation.