GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS.
FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: MARKEY PUSHES TO HALT DEPORTATIONS — Sen. Ed Markey is announcing a new bill today aimed at halting deportations during the coronavirus crisis.
The legislation would halt arrests and apprehensions of non-citizens in the United States during the pandemic, pause in-person check-ins and other procedures for some immigration prosecutions and would prohibit some federal funds from being used for "automatic explusions" of asylum-seekers at the border.
Markey's "Immigration Enforcement Moratorium Act" is co-sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal. Markey called for halting deportations back in March due to health concerns amid the pandemic.
MERMELL RELEASES TAX RETURNS, CALLS FOR DEBATE — Jesse Mermell, a Brookline Democrat running in the crowded race to replace Rep. Joe Kennedy III, is releasing five years of her tax returns today, dating back to 2014. She’s also calling on her opponents to participate in three debates across the district ahead of the Sept. 1 primary.
Mermell says both moves are part of an effort to be "open" and "transparent" with voters, and she drew a contrast with President Donald Trump in a statement about the move. The 4th District congressional candidates have participated in several forums and one debate before the pandemic, but don’t yet have future debates on the calendar.
“With Donald Trump lying, cheating, and deceiving his way through a failed presidency, Democratic candidates at all levels have an obligation to lead by example," Mermell said in a statement. “We have a shared responsibility to provide the people of the Fourth District with all of the information they need and deserve to make their decisions, and I hope that my opponents will join me in fulfilling that responsibility.”
Mermell's campaign has reached out to media outlets, colleges and other organizations as potential debate hosts. Candidates in other congressional districts across the state also haven't held debates yet this cycle, which has been complicated by Covid-19. Rep. Richard Neal is facing a primary from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Rep. Seth Moulton has two primary challengers -- Jamie Belsito and Angus McQuilken -- and Rep. Stephen Lynch is being challenged by Dr. Robbie Goldstein.
Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com.
TODAY — Sen. Ed Markey joins a virtual town hall hosted by The Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire chapter. Congressional candidate Angus McQuilken hosts an LGBTQ+ rights town hall. Rep. Richard Neal attends a press event with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Washington. Rep. Ayanna Pressley talks about her bill to end qualified immunity with Rep. Justin Amash on Facebook Live hosted by NowThis and The Appeal.
TODAY - A POLITICO LIVE CONVERSATION WITH MICROSOFT PRESIDENT BRAD SMITH: The Covid-19 crisis and the nationwide outrage since the killing of George Floyd created a watershed moment for the tech industry. From using data to track, trace and curb the spread of the virus, to working remotely and using telehealth — technology is more prevalent than ever. Join POLITICO technology reporter Cristiano Lima for a conversation with Microsoft President Brad Smith to discuss the tech sector’s role in pandemic relief and recovery, whether the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington has changed, and how the industry is grappling with the recent mass protests for racial justice. REGISTER HERE.
 | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
– “Mass. reports 266 new coronavirus cases, 69 new deaths as key metrics continue to fall,” by Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: “State officials reported Wednesday that the coronavirus death toll in Massachusetts had risen by 69 to 7,734 and that the number of people testing positive for the virus had climbed by 266 to 106,151, as key metrics monitored by the state continued to indicate progress in the battle against the outbreak.”
| DATELINE BEACON HILL |
– “Baker unveils police reform bill, pushes certification of officers,” by Matt Stout, Travis Andersen, Martin Finucane and Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker on Wednesday unveiled details of legislation designed to ramp up accountability of the state’s police departments, including by creating of a system licensing officers for the first time in state history. The bill, which Baker expects to file with lawmakers Wednesday, would create a certification system for police officers with licenses needing to be renewed every three years, a database where the public could look up the status of individual officers, and a process for de-certifying police who ‘don’t live up’ to their oath.”
– “Legislature feels locked out of reopening process,” by Christian M. Wade, The Salem News: “State lawmakers are frustrated at the pace of restarting the state's economic engine, and complain they've been locked out of the decision-making process. As Gov. Charlie Baker's administration moves ahead with a phased reopening of the state's coronavirus-battered economy, lawmakers say they're fielding daily questions and complaints from constituents and business owners.”
– “Lawmakers considering novel budget approaches,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “In a typical year, it takes six months of back and forth for the House, Senate and administration to agree on a state budget. This year, could they cut a deal behind closed doors? With two weeks left before the end of the fiscal year, no budget is in sight. And instead of the usual process, policymakers are floating the idea of an interim budget – one that may be agreed on by the House, Senate, and administration before it is released.”
– “Feeling the moment after Floyd killing,” by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: “Where do we go with the outrage and window for a reckoning on matters of race in the country that’s been opened by the police killing of George Floyd? Two themes emerged from a conversation on that question led yesterday by former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick. It’s important, Patrick said, for people first to feel genuinely the emotions being stirred in order to begin shaping the policy prescriptions that should follow.”
| FROM THE HUB |
– “Amid defunding debate, Boston police payroll surges. Dozens of officers earn more than $300K a year,” by Matt Rocheleau and Dugan Arnett, Boston Globe: “As calls for police defunding gain momentum nationwide, a Globe review of city payment records shows that the police payroll has jumped dramatically in the past decade, increasing by $125 million — or 43 percent — since 2011. Overtime growth has been even more significant, with an additional $35.5 million — 84 percent — spent over the same period.”
– “Mayor, activists differ on call to cut police budget,” by Morgan C. Mullings and Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: “The youth protestors who led a crowd of 2,000 to demonstrate in front of City Hall on Wednesday of last week made their demands clear: cut 10% of the $414 million police budget and invest the funding in youth development and violence prevention programs. Their calls were echoed by city councilors and criminal justice reform activists, many of whom have long advocated for shifting funding from law enforcement to prevention.”
– “After Initial $12 Million Cut, Mayor Walsh Says He Has No Plans To Reallocate More Of BPD Funding,” by Jen Sifferlen, WGBH News: “After pledging to reallocate $12 million of the Boston Police Department’s overtime budget to trauma counseling, homelessness programs and other community services, Mayor Marty Walsh said Wednesday he had no plans to make any more cuts from law enforcement funding.”
– “Boston councilors push for Juneteenth official holiday,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Boston City Council has declared Friday ‘Juneteenth’ in the city in celebration of black people’s freedom from slavery, and some councilors plan a continued push to make it an official holiday in Boston. ‘When I think of Juneteenth being a celebration of black lives, it’s also a celebration — and more important — of black liberation,’ City Council President Kim Janey, one of the advocates for the holiday, said.”
– “Mass General Brigham Imposes Pay Cuts, Freezes Wages And Benefits As Pandemic Losses Mount,” by Martha Bebinger, WBUR: “Mass General Brigham, formerly Partners HealthCare, is joining the long list of health care systems cutting pay and benefits to address major losses during the coronavirus pandemic. The company said it lost $800 million through May, according to a statement released Wednesday.”
– “Developer set to buy Widett Circle for potential mega-project,” by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: “It has been talked about for years, but the plan to develop Widett Circle is finally moving forward. Boston developer Bill Keravuori is leading a group of investors that’s set to close Friday on two real estate deals — worth as much as $175 million combined — that would put together 25 acres in what is known as Widett Circle.”
– “Boston chamber of commerce president calls for more clarity about the next steps in the state’s reopening plan,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Retail sales may be starting to bounce back, but the head of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce says that local businesses still have questions about Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan. ‘There could have been clarity along the way, even up to today,’ Jim Rooney, the president and CEO of the chamber, said during a virtual roundtable Tuesday hosted by The Boston Globe.”
– “MIT won’t allow all students to return to campus in the fall,” by Laura Krantz, Boston Globe: “The Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced Wednesday that probably fewer than 60 percent of undergraduates will be allowed to return to campus this fall, and all courses are likely to conclude in-person teaching by Thanksgiving, part of a massive effort to curb the spread of coronavirus.”
– “Dueling Black Lives Matter, pro-police rallies take place in Boston,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “The Holy Name rotary in West Roxbury played host to dueling protests Wednesday evening as hundreds showed up to chant ‘Black Lives Matter’ — and even more came to say ‘Back the Blue.’ Simultaneous rallies — the ‘Stand for the Blue’ gathering in support of police and the ‘Black Lives Matter Vigil for all victims of police brutality’ both started shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday, and, for the most part, the two rapidly swelling groups stayed slightly separated by a neutral zone where several police officers kept watch.”
– “'Columbus Can't Represent Us': Some Massachusetts Italian Americans Call For Statue Of Italian Explorer To Be Removed,” The Associated Press: “Generations of Italian Americans embraced Christopher Columbus with little thought to the dark side of his legacy. But as the nation grapples with racial injustice, that ship may have sailed. Now, some Italian Americans in Massachusetts are publicly casting the explorer as a symbol of white supremacy who touched off centuries of European oppression and the decimation of indigenous peoples.”
– “Boston-area businesses look to make Juneteenth a paid holiday,” by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: “A small but growing number of Boston-area businesses are giving their employees time off for the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, part of the national reckoning that has followed the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota. Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 each year — this upcoming Friday — commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S.”
– “In a shift, UMass pulls away from launching new online college,” by Hilary Burns, Boston Business Journal: “About 15 months ago, UMass officials laid out plans to launch a new online college to serve adult learners, an effort to boost the system as New England's higher-education sector braced for a decline in the region's student-age demographic. The goal was to launch the new entity by the end of 2019.”
| PRIMARY SOURCES |
– “FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Dan O’Connell, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Under Governor Deval Patrick, Endorses Jake Auchincloss for Congress,” from the Auchincloss campaign: “Dan O’Connell, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Governor Deval Patrick, has endorsed Jake Auchincloss for Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional seat. Before joining Patrick’s administration, O’Connell worked for the Massachusetts Port Authority as Director of Planning and Development and served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency (now MassDevelopment).”
– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “Sheriff Tompkins Endorses Rob Consalvo,” from the Consalvo campaign: “Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins today announced his endorsement of Rob Consalvo for the open 14th Suffolk District legislative seat. Consalvo, a former Boston City Councilor with a reputation as a bridge builder and problem solver, officially announced his campaign for State Representative on June 11.”
– FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: “David Halbert Endorses Jordan Meehan for State Representative,” from the Meehan campaign: “Today, David Halbert, 2019 candidate for Boston City Council At-Large, announced his endorsement of Jordan Meehan for State Representative. ‘I am proud and honored to endorse Jordan Meehan to be the next State Representative for the 17th Suffolk District,’ said Halbert.”
– “4th District hopeful Cavell launches ‘digital door-knocking’ platform,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Coronavirus has forced all political candidates to find new ways of reaching voters. Now Dave Cavell, who is seeking the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District, is trying to bring digital innovation to the most old-school of electioneering tactics: door-knocking.”
| PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
– “MBTA Transit Police prohibit ‘chokeholds, strangleholds and neck restraints’ following death of George Floyd,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “The MBTA Transit Police have banned “chokeholds, strangleholds and neck restraints,” the agency said on Wednesday. The agency also said that effective this week, all Transit Police officers have a duty to intervene if they see another officer using ‘excessive force,’ according to a Tweet on Wednesday.”
| ABOVE THE FOLD |
— Herald: “DEATH AT THE DOORSTEP,” — Globe: “I'm out of the office -- permanently," "Police payroll has surged in past decade.”
| THE LOCAL ANGLE |
– “Newton Police Chief David MacDonald Set To Retire After 27 Years On Force,” by Esteban Bustillos, WGBH News: “David MacDonald, the chief of the Newton Police, informed Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller yesterday morning that he will be retiring. In a statement announcing the retirement, Fuller wrote that MacDonald had been contemplating his retirement from the Newton city government ‘for some time’ and that he wants to focus more on his health and family.”
– “South Shore police departments see surge in support,” by Mary Whitfill, The Patriot Ledger: “Holding signs that read ‘Back the Blue’ and ‘Defend PD,’ friends Cherie Manning and Jennifer Buckley stood on the side of Sea Street, waving to cars and smiling broadly. Before taking up their post on the side of the road, the pair walked into the police department and dropped off a bouquet of blue flowers tied with a black ribbon.”
| MEDIA MATTERS |
– “WBUR Will Lay Off More Than 10% Of Staff And Drop A National Program,” by Callum Borchers, WBUR: “WBUR will lay off more than 10% of the station’s staff, including several newsroom leaders, and stop producing the nationally syndicated sports program ‘Only A Game’ in a restructuring made more drastic by the coronavirus-induced recession. The announced cuts come less than a week after the station, whose broadcast license is owned by Boston University, reached its first, tentative collective bargaining agreement with a union that includes reporters and producers.”
– “‘It’s unacceptable’: Northeastern student journalists urge college to be more transparent, communicative,” by Diti Kohli, Boston Globe: “Reporters at The Huntington News, a student publication at Northeastern University, took to social media this week to demand increased transparency from the school and its media relations office, which they say routinely prohibits access to key college officials.”
TRANSITIONS – Briana Blueitt joins Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s office as communications manager. Blueitt previously worked on the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign.
– Cobalt Technical Solutions, a veteran-owned defense contracting and acquisition services firm, is expanding its services to include integrated business strategy and public affairs consulting for health care and defense. The expanded services are led by Cobalt founder and President USAF Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Andrew Platt and partner L.D. Platt, who was previously at UnitedHealth Group.
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