| | | |  | BY STEPHANIE MURRAY | Presented by Uber | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF! NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY — Massachusetts officials are practically begging people to stay home on Thanksgiving as coronavirus cases rise in the state. The Bay State reported 2,532 new cases of Covid-19 on Thursday. And that's been echoed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency just put out new guidance advising Americans to stay home next Thursday, and to avoid mingling with anyone who does not live in their household. That includes college students who will return home after the fall semester just in time for the holiday. It's hard to know just how many college students are traveling to Massachusetts from other states for Thanksgiving. An aide in the state's Executive Office of Education said they don't have a way to track how many Massachusetts residents go to college in other states, or who plans on returning home this week. Many colleges restructured their schedules to send students home for the semester at Thanksgiving to avoid travel to and from campus during the anticipated surge in cases. Students are frequently tested for the virus, but traveling poses a risk with cases on the rise in nearly every state. Baker and a group of Northeast governors are calling on colleges and universities to offer widespread testing for students before they leave campus. And Baker said during a press conference this week that college students heading home should have a negative Covid-19 test within 72 hours of leaving school. Amid worries over Thanksgiving, other New England states doubled down on new rules to prevent the spread of the virus yesterday. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo slashed the state's social gathering limit to one household, and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu's new mask mandate goes into effect today. Sununu's order is not as strict as Baker's recently updated mask requirements in Massachusetts, which were put in place at the beginning of November and require people to wear masks any time they are in public, regardless of their ability to social distance. PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook will not publish Thursday Nov. 26 and Friday Nov. 27. I’ll be back in your inbox Monday Nov. 30. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Attorney General Maura Healey is a guest on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio.” Rep. Lori Trahan participates in a House Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a guest on WBUR. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh holds a press conference on winter preparedness. | |
A message from Uber: CA voters & app workers voted overwhelmingly to protect workers’ flexibility and provide new benefits. Time for Massachusetts to follow, see how here. | | | | |
| | DON'T MISS NEW EPISODES OF GLOBAL TRANSLATIONS PODCAST: The world has long been beset by big problems that defy political boundaries, and these issues have exploded in 2020 amid a global pandemic. Global Translations podcast, presented by Citi, unpacks the roadblocks to smart policy decisions and examines the long-term costs of the short-term thinking that drives many political and business decisions. Subscribe for Season Two, available now. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “COVID hospitalizations climb to 917 as Massachusetts reports 2,532 new cases, 27 more deaths,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “State health officials confirmed another 2,532 coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the number of active cases statewide to 34,664. Thursday’s positive cases were based on 92,139 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health.” – “62 Massachusetts cities and towns are now at high risk for coronavirus transmission,” by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: “The number of Massachusetts cities and towns at high risk for coronavirus transmission more than doubled this week to 62 — a sharp increase that comes as state and local leaders warn that neglecting public health guidelines over Thanksgiving could lead to ‘dangerous’ consequences.” – “COVID cases at Massachusetts schools rise with 398 students, 254 staffers testing positive in past week,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “A total of 652 coronavirus cases were reported in Massachusetts schools from Nov. 12 to Nov. 18, education officials said Thursday, excluding children who are learning remotely. Those cases are among 398 students and 254 staffers at districts, education collaboratives and approved special education schools.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Top Mass Election Official Calls For Investigation Of Trump Campaign's Efforts To Reverse Election Results,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin wants the incoming Biden administration to investigate President Trump's re-election campaign if Trump's efforts to reverse the election results continue. Responding to reports that Trump and his team have contacted election officials in Michigan, Galvin said the president's effort to interfere with local election certifications might be illegal.” – “Behind closed doors at State House, police reform stuck in neutral,” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “In June, amid protests across the nation, Governor Charlie Baker joined legislators and advocates and declared ‘now is the time’ to pass law enforcement reforms and usher in a new era of policing in Massachusetts. The state’s Senate and House quickly approved their own sweeping reform bills and vowed to agree on a final legislative package.” – “Congressional reps back calls for more inclusive State House,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Eight of Massachusetts’s nine members of the US House of Representatives have signed a letter to State House leaders in support of a group of Beacon Hill staff members of color, who demanded reforms to create a more inclusive environment for diverse staffers.” – “From abortion protections to sports betting flop: 5 takeaways from the Massachusetts Senate’s $46 billion budget for fiscal 2021,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “Four months into fiscal 2021, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously approved a roughly $46 billion budget that includes a measure codifying and expanding abortion access, oversight at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and other provisions. Many proposals filed to be considered as part of the budget, like in the House, deal with local allocations, but a handful were filed in response to a series of calamities and developments that shaped 2020.” – “Massachusetts breaks record with more than 3.6 million voters casting ballots in 2020 election,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “Massachusetts voters didn’t come out in droves on Election Day, but with the implementation of mail-in voting to prevent spreading COVID-19 they still broke turnout records last set in 2016. More than 3.65 million Massachusetts voters cast their ballot in the 2020 election, Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin said Wednesday. That accounts for more than three-fourths of registered voters.” – “Mass. hemp farmers view amendment as lifesaver,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Massachusetts hemp farmers are lobbying for a seemingly simple change in state policy that would vastly expand the market for their product. But the change – which would let hemp products be sold in marijuana dispensaries – carries complex policy implications that highlight the unusual regulatory system governing different aspects of the cannabis plant.” – “‘A real commitment ... to right this ship:’ State Senate passes $1.4 million in budget increases for Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “The state Senate is working to bring a budget cavalry to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, passing a $400,000 amendment Wednesday night to finance a new ombudsman’s office and better equipment and services for the long-term care facility ravaged by a COVID-19 outbreak this spring.” – “Massachusetts House staffer tests positive for COVID-19; offices undergo ‘environmental cleaning,’” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “A Massachusetts House of Representatives staffer tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email obtained by MassLive. The employee was last at the State House Tuesday but reported not having any close contact with other state representatives or House staffers, according to an email that went out to the staff. The staffer was not in the building during formal sessions last week when lawmakers debated a $46 billion budget proposal.” | | HEALTH CHECK |
| – “Pfizer seeking emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine in US,” by Lauran Neergaard, The Associated Press: “Pfizer said Friday it is asking U.S. regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine, starting the clock on a process that could bring limited first shots as early as next month and eventually an end to the pandemic -- but not until after a long, hard winter.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Boston School Committee elects new chair, apologizes for not standing up to racism,” by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: “The Boston School Committee unanimously elected Alexandra Oliver-Dávila as its new chair Wednesday night, while apologizing for hurtful comments made by the board’s former chair, even as some members defended him.” – “During the pandemic, there are revenue question marks for Boston,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Amid a still-rampaging COVID-19 pandemic and suggestions from city councilors that Boston is facing a projected shortfall, the city’s budget director said this week that given the fiscal uncertainty, the city may continue cost-saving measures undertaken earlier this year, including a hiring freeze and a suspension of ‘non-essential’ city purchases.” – “Harvard petition demands ‘accountability’ before Trump officials are invited to campus,” by Marisa Iati, The Washington Post: “A petition circulating at Harvard University is drawing the ire of some allies of President Trump for demanding that the school require ‘accountability’ for members of his administration before they are allowed to speak or teach on the campus.” – “Renters struggle with investor landlords,” by Morgan C. Mullings, Bay State Banner: “When the Morton Village tenants in Mattapan found out their building was sold to a California investor, fears of displacement rose and they demanded immediate negotiations. After months of protests and a $4 million investment from the city, the Morton Village Tenant Association secured five-year leases and a plan for reasonable rent increases.” – “‘Terrifying’ COVID-19 trends raise fears in Mass. with holiday looming,” by Martin Finucane and Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “Showing no sign of a letup, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Massachusetts rose by 2,532 on Thursday, as the number of communities considered high-risk for the virus doubled and nearly 400 new cases were reported among public school students.” – “Residents Call For Urgent Relief In COVID-19 Impacted Mass And Cass Neighborhood,” by Tori Bedford, GBH News: “Nearly 2,000 residents from neighborhoods surrounding Melnea Cass Boulevard and Mass Ave in Boston have signed a petition criticizing the city’s task force for what they say is a failure to maintain safety in the neighborhood while serving people who are experiencing homelessness or struggling with substance use disorder.” – “Critics Fear Bayside Expo Redevelopment Plan Will Create Another Exclusive Seaport Area In Dorchester,” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Jared Hicks sees a vibrant community and a spot with the potential to add value when he looks out at the vacant parking lot of the former Bayside Expo Center in Dorchester. ‘It feels like a neighborhood to me, with the Boston skyline in the background,’ he observed during a recent interview with GBH News.” – “The 2020 Top Places to Work in Massachusetts,” by Katie Johnston, Boston Globe: “Let’s be honest. It’s been a rough year at work. Those fortunate enough not to lose their jobs have spent months at home hunched over their computers or hidden behind masks trying to ward off COVID-19. You’d think it would be a less than ideal time to ask employees what they like about their jobs.” | | CABINET WATCH |
| – “Joe Biden's top Cabinet contenders come into focus,” by Bo Erickson, Nancy Cordes, Ed O'Keefe and Paula Reid, CBS News: “Also in the mix at the Justice Department: former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who briefly mounted a presidential campaign of his own and is considered a contender. He ran the Civil Rights Division as assistant attorney general during the Clinton administration. But his past work for Bain Capital, a leading investment and corporate consulting firm, could be a roadblock to confirmation.” | | PARTY POLITICS |
| – “State parties get involved in Georgia Senate races,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI News: “The fight for control of the U.S. Senate has come down to a pair of races in Georgia, and it's all hands on deck for the two major parties who are expected to pour big money and resources into the runoff campaigns. In January, incumbent Republican Sen. David Perdue will again face Democrat Jon Ossoff, while GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock will go toe-to-toe again in a race to serve out the term of retired Sen. Johnny Isakson.” | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| – “Low traffic at Logan prompts Massport job cuts,” by Greg Ryan, Boston Business Journal: “The Massachusetts Port Authority plans to reduce its headcount through layoffs, furloughs and voluntary buyouts, as Logan International Airport continues to face historically low passenger traffic b ecause of Covid-19. Massport’s board approved the headcount reduction at a meeting Thursday." – “Officials are reinstating the I-93 carpool lane in Somerville and Medford earlier than expected. Here’s why.” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “Massachusetts officials are bringing back the southbound I-93 carpool lane in Somerville and Medford — a bit earlier than expected. The state’s Department of Transportation announced Wednesday evening that it will reestablish the separated high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, which had been opened to all vehicles as part of a multi-year Tobin Bridge construction project, this upcoming Monday, as part of a settlement with the Conservation Law Foundation.” – “South Shore continues fight against looming MBTA cuts,” by Joe Difazio, The Patriot Ledger: “The South Shore continued its fight against looming MBTA cuts on Thursday as legislators and activists rode the ferry from Hull into Boston to raise awareness that the service is on the chopping block. The MBTA proposed a series of temporary cuts earlier this month to contend with diminished revenue and ridership amid the pandemic.” | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Former Haverhill nursing home administrator indicted for larceny,” by Jill Harmacinski, Eagle-Tribune: “The former business manager of a Haverhill nursing home has been indicted on larceny charges after allegedly stealing tens of thousands of dollars from elderly residents, Attorney General Maura Healey confirmed Thursday. Bridget Briand, 48, of Haverhill, who previously worked at Penacook Place, was indicted by the Essex County grand jury.” | | WARREN REPORT |
| – “Something Elizabeth Warren and Jamie Dimon agree on: The presidential transition must begin.” by Ephrat Livni, The New York Times: “The consequences of President Trump’s refusal to concede the election has leaders in government and business worried. Speaking at the DealBook Online Summit Tuesday and Wednesday, they said administrative delays threaten a smooth transition that’s especially critical in a pandemic and amid economic crisis. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren said she was “very worried about the transition process.” | | THE CLARK CAUCUS |
| – “Rep. Katherine Clark Is Now The Most Powerful Congresswoman Ever from Massachusetts,” WBUR: “We talk to Congresswoman Katherine Clark about making history. She's now assistant speaker, the fourth-ranking position in the House. That makes her the second-highest-ranking Democratic woman in the history of the House, after speaker Pelosi, and the most powerful congresswoman ever from Massachusetts.” | | YOU'VE GOT MAIL |
| THE MASS GOP SUPPORTED AND PROMOTED LOSERS! DON'T BLAME YOUR FAILURES ON THE PROCESS! WHEN SUMMER SCHMALING WAS ON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, SHE OPPOSED REPLACING 20 YEAR OLD SCIENCE TEXT BOOKS BECAUSE SHE SAID SCIENCE HADN'T CHANGED MUCH IN 20 YEARS. WHO VOTES FOR SUCH AN IGNORANT CANDIDATE? “It’s discouraging for future candidates to have any questions surrounding the integrity of the election,” said Summer Schmaling, the Republican candidate for 12th Plymouth District representative. “They’re all losing candidates. They didn’t just lose, they lost badly,” Galvin said. “They’ve had nothing to say that makes any sense at all.” Thirty-seven percent of people who requested mail-in ballots were Republicans, Galvin said, “So obviously they’re not sharing the opinion of these folks.” The state’s top election official also praised the Senate’s passage Thursday of an amendment to extend mail-in ballot measures expanded amid the pandemic through June 30 of next year. “That’s important,” Galvin said, adding that the Republican naysayers “are simply out of touch.” – “Former Republican candidates slam mail-in voting in Massachusetts,” by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: “Former Republican office-seekers are speaking out against mail-in voting in Massachusetts, claiming its continued widespread use would open ‘too many doors for fraud’ — but Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin is dismissing their concerns as ‘out of touch.'” | | ABOVE THE FOLD |
| — Herald: “A BRIDGE TOO FAR,” “INSIDE A BEAUTIFUL MIND,” — Globe: “Push for police reform stalls," "Relentless spread is worsening," "Trump sees Mich. as key in his bid to subvert vote.” | | FROM THE 413 |
| – “State office flags errors in DA Andrea Harrington's campaign accounts,” by Amanda Burke, The Berkshire Eagle: “Two accounts related to District Attorney Andrea Harrington’s inauguration and campaign committees were flagged this month by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance for running afoul of state campaign finance law. The office’s review looked at the Berkshire DA’s political finances during 2020 and found failure to comply with Massachusetts law governing inauguration funds.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “Vogue story raises cluster questions,” by Brian Dowd, MV Times: “A wedding on the same day and at the same venue that started the Island on a COVID skid was featured online by Vogue for two days before the story was pulled. The Vogue piece made no mention of the Island’s struggle with the coronavirus after that weekend, and instead had an upbeat tone, with the headline, ‘This outdoor wedding on Martha’s Vineyard was all fall elegance.’Photos showed very few people wearing masks, and guests sitting elbow-to-elbow.” – “Controversy over monitoring of Plymouth Select Board member's email,” by Dave Kindy, Wicked Local: “Select board member Betty Cavacco alleges breach of privacy. Town Manager Melissa Arrighi says she is just doing her job. A controversy has sprung up in Plymouth about email monitoring of a select board member by the town administrator. Arrighi said she has been monitoring Cavacco’s emails for months, something the select board member says she learned about only recently.” – “Peabody teacher asked to move police officer memorial,” by Erin Nolan, The Salem News: “Controversy erupted online last week after a Peabody Veterans Memorial High School teacher was asked to move a memorial to police officers who died in 2020, according to Peabody Federation of Teachers President Mary Henry. The display was moved from the hallway to the office of a school resource officer, she said.” – “Worcester officials clear about Thanksgiving plans as COVID case in city rise: ‘I’m imploring you to cancel them,’” by Michael Bonner, MassLive.com: “A week away from Thanksgiving, Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. and Medical Director Dr. Michael Hirsh were adamant that residents should avoid celebrating the holiday with others who don’t live in their household.” – “Methuen Council to investigate police leadership,” by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: “The City Council this week voted unanimously to launch an official investigation into the Police Department's leadership team. The 9-0 vote Monday night invokes Section 2-11 of the City Charter which gives the council authority to investigate ‘the conduct and operations of any city agency.’ Councilor Mike Simard said Thursday that the vote gives him the power to subpoena witnesses and demand documents.” – “Smith alum under fire for role in blocking Biden transition,” by Jacquelyn Voghel, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A Smith College alumna and federal government official has come under fire nationally and at her alma mater for refusing to issue a letter facilitating President-elect Joe Biden’s transition to the White House.” ONE FUN THING: “Christmas tree honoring century-long partnership with Nova Scotia will arrive in Boston Common Friday,” by Matt Berg, Boston Globe: “A Christmas tree representing a century-long partnership between the City of Boston and Nova Scotia will arrive via police escort at the Boston Common Friday morning, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Thursday. Every year, the Canadian province sends the city a festive tree as a symbol of thanks for providing emergency assistance following the Halifax Explosion over a century ago, according to a statement from the mayor.” TRANSITIONS – Dan Black ends his time in Rep. Joe Kennedy III’s office as a press aide today, and is headed to Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell's office. Christina Rankin, a Kennedy legislative staffer, is headed to Rhode Island Rep. David Cicilline's office. – Gavriela M. Bogin-Farber joins Sherin and Lodgen LLP as an associate in the firm’s employment law department. ICYMI: I was a guest on GBH’s “Greater Boston” on Thursday. Link. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY – to Sean Rourke, director of communications & operations at the Alliance for Business Leadership, who celebrated Thursday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Rep. Jim McGovern, state Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, Samuel M. Gebru of Black Lion Strategies, and Valerie Frias, CEO of Ethos. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to Saturday birthday-ers Grafton state Rep. David Muradian, Matt Martinelli, Michael Lipson and Timothy Cronin. NEW EPISODE: THE KIDS ARE NOT ALRIGHT – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Murray discuss new polling on K-12 schools during the coronavirus pandemic, and an investigation by the U.S. Attorney which found the Massachusetts Department of Correction violated the constitutional rights of some incarcerated people. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com. | |
A message from Uber: In order to raise the standard for independent work for all, government and business need to work together. That’s why Uber created our Working Together Priorities, which can help people who earn through app-based work receive more security, protection, and transparency. This work is already underway in California, where voters overwhelmingly approved Prop 22. | | | | |
| | TRACK THE TRANSITION, SUBSCRIBE TO TRANSITION PLAYBOOK: As states certify their election results, President-elect Biden is building an administration. The staffing decisions made in the coming days, weeks, and months will send clear-cut signals about his administration’s agenda and priorities. Transition Playbook is the definitive guide to what could be one of the most consequential transfers of power in American history. Written for political insiders, it tracks the appointments, people, and the emerging power centers of the new administration. Stay in the know, subscribe today. | | | | |
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