Gov. Charlie Baker is in New York City Thursday to attend an annual invitation-only science summit, where he is expected to discuss his administration's work fighting the opioid epidemic.
He will attend private meetings and return to Massachusetts Thursday night, his office announced Thursday morning.
The Alexandria Summit, according to Baker's office, brings together representatives of the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotech, medicine, academia, finance, philanthropy, advocacy and government to tackle global health care challenges.
"We are looking forward to Governor Baker sharing insights on his administration's work to combat the opioid epidemic in Massachusetts with 2019 Alexandria Summit attendees," Joel Marcus, the founder and executive chairman of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, said in a statement. "Governor Baker has been a national leader on the issue of addiction, having passed major bills that have helped serve as models for other states fighting the epidemic and dedicated key resources toward prevention, education, treatment and recovery since coming into office."
Back in Massachusetts, lawmakers have not yet wrapped up their work on this year's state budget, and a collective bargaining dues bill responding to last year's Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court ruling remains on Baker's desk, with action due by Saturday. Baker has said he has privacy concerns with that bill.
Acting Gov. Karyn Polito will be in Worcester Thursday for a grant announcement and the groundbreaking ceremony for Polar Park, the future home of the minor league baseball team that's now the Pawtucket Red Sox.
