| | | |  | BY STEPHANIE MURRAY | Presented by the American Heart Association | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. BAKER HASN'T SEEN 'ANYTHING QUITE LIKE THIS' — The governor's annual State of the Commonwealth address is a time to set priorities for the year ahead. And along with combating the Covid-19 pandemic, Gov. Charlie Baker had the mood of the country on his mind last night. “I can’t recall in my brief time on earth, anything quite like this," Baker said, delivering a virtual address from his office at the State House. If you missed it, you can watch it here. The moderate Republican governor called for cooling down the country's temperature, saying "too many politicians and too many talking heads thrive on takedowns and judgments" fueled by social media. "It's become the source of so much anger and hatred in this world that I often wish I could just shut it all off for a month and see what happens," Baker said. "Over time, too much of our daily discourse has come to resemble it." It was classic Baker, who often criticizes partisanship. But his comments come as the country is at a fever pitch. Former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial will begin soon, just a few weeks after an angry mob stormed the U.S. Capitol and left five people dead. At home in Massachusetts, some members of Baker's own party want to censure him for supporting Trump's impeachment. Last night's address was the second-to-last one left in Baker's term, and everyone is wondering whether he'll run again in 2022. The other question is whether national Republican politics will continue to embrace Trump, or turn to GOP politicians in the mold of Baker, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor. Baker has faced some criticism for his handling of the pandemic but has maintained his popularity — 73% of registered voters approve of the job he's doing, according to a MassINC poll released this month. To make his point about the mood of the country, Baker turned to a scene in the television series "Ted Lasso," when the main character quotes some famous words attributed to Walt Whitman. “Besides putting Covid in the rearview mirror once and for all, my biggest wish for 2021 is for all of us to take Walt Whitman’s charge to heart: 'Be curious – not judgmental.'" Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu hosts a Roslindale for Wu virtual house party for her mayoral campaign. Rep. Jake Auchincloss is a guest on WBUR.
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A message from the American Heart Association: The facts on sugary drinks are simple. They pose a real health risk. Kids especially are drinking too many of them. All those sweet drinks contribute to major health problems, like diabetes and heart disease. And with Massachusetts already spending nearly $2 billion per year treating obesity-related diseases, we need to address the problem. Massachusetts should take a page from a growing number of places across the country and adopt a tax on sugary drinks. Learn more here. | | | | |
| | TRACK THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION: A new president occupies the White House and he is already making changes. What are some of the key moments from Biden's first week in office? Find out in Transition Playbook, our scoop-filled newsletter tracking the appointments, people, and emerging power centers of the first 100 days of the new administration. Subscribe today. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts reports 2,215 new COVID cases, 41 deaths on Tuesday,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “State health officials confirmed another 2,215 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the number of active statewide cases to 85,395. That’s based on 49,701 new molecular tests, according to the Department of Public Health.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Baker says Massachusetts ‘will beat this virus’ in State of the Commonwealth,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker on Tuesday night sought to reassure Massachusetts residents who’ve weathered a tumultuous year that better days are coming, using his annual State of the Commonwealth address to tout his administration’s plans to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations and navigate the crisis still ahead.” – “How underrepresented candidates in Mass. communities can be squelched by electoral systems,” by Stephanie Ebbert, Boston Globe: “In Everett today, white, non-Hispanic residents make up less than 44 percent of the population, but they dominate city government. Seventy-five percent of the elected councilors and school committee members are white. That’s no accident, critics say; it’s a natural outgrowth of the city’s electoral system.” – “Suicide enablers could face prison,” by Christian M. Wade, The Salem News: “Suicide enablers could face penalties and even prison under a proposal inspired by the case of Michelle Carter, who was convicted more than three years ago of using text messages to goad her boyfriend into killing himself. A bill filed by state Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, would set a maximum sentence of five years in prison for anyone who ‘intentionally coerces or encourages that person to commit or attempt to commit suicide’ by using physical acts or mental coercion.” – “Fewer firearms seized under 'red flag' law,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “Far fewer people have seen their weapons seized by police under the state's ‘red flag’ law, according to new state data. The law was used to confiscate firearms belonging to nine people last year, a decline of more than 50% from the previous year, when 22 so-called ‘extreme risk protection orders’ were issued, according to the state Trial Court.” | | VAX-ACHUSETTS |
| – “Massachusetts teachers slam drop in vaccine priority, say they feel like ‘pawns’ in a game,” by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: “Teachers unions in Massachusetts are pushing back on the state’s updated vaccine administration plan, saying it delays vaccinations for educators therefore slowing down the safe return to in-person learning.” – “Why Massachusetts Is Vaccinating Young, Healthy Researchers Before Seniors,” by Gabrielle Emanuel, GBH News: “In Massachusetts, many young, healthy people who work remotely have been rolling up their sleeves to get the COVID vaccine. Meanwhile, many at-risk seniors have waited on the sidelines, not yet eligible for the shots. This situation has infuriated many older adults.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Gyms, Movie Theaters, Museums Can Reopen In Boston On Monday,” The Associated Press: “Gyms, movie theaters and museums are among the businesses in Boston that will be allowed to reopen Monday with a limited capacity, Mayor Marty Walsh said Tuesday. The move will be the first part of a three-phase reopening plan that was made because of improving numbers around the spread of the coronavirus in the city, Walsh said at a City Hall news conference.” – “Harvard Cancels Course On Policing Techniques After Uproar,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “Harvard University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is canceling a new course focused on evaluating the efficacy of military-style counterinsurgency techniques used to fight crime in Springfield, Massachusetts, after critics raised concerns about the ethical implications of that approach.” – “Struck by a car in a freak mishap on Jan. 7, Larry DiCara is on the mend,” by Bill Forry, Dorchester Reporter: “Dorchester native Larry DiCara, a former Boston City Councillor and one of the city’s most sought-after attorneys on municipal matters, is recovering from serious injuries after he was struck by a vehicle in a tragic accident earlier this month in Marion, Mass., where he has a home.” – “October date set for 2021 Boston Marathon,” by Gintautas Dumcius, Boston Business Journal: “The 125th running of the Boston Marathon is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 11, the Boston Athletic Association said Tuesday. The date comes with an asterisk — the race will take place that day if it’s allowed under the state’s four-phase economic reopening plan.” – “Amazon plans to add 3,000 more jobs in major tech expansion in Seaport,” by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: “Amazon is delivering more jobs to Boston. The e-commerce giant announced on Tuesday a major expansion of its tech operations in the city, adding 3,000 jobs over the next few years in a 630,000-square-foot office to be built in the Seaport District.” – “National Grid seeks increase in gas bills,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI News: “National Grid customers could be digging deeper into their pockets to pay for upgrades to the utility’s aging natural gas system. The utility’s gas distribution companies, Colonial Gas and Boston Gas, are seeking approval from the state Department of Public Utilities to raise more than $138 million by hiking rates by 6.2% to 9% for residential users and upwards of 13.4% percent for industrial.” – “Record-breaking jackpots propel Mass. State Lottery ticket sales,” by Charlie McKenna, Boston Globe: “Lottery ticket sales in Massachusetts over the last four weeks more than tripled figures from the previous year, after jackpots for the Mega Millions and Powerball drawings neared record highs, lottery officials said.” | | THE RACE FOR CITY HALL |
| – “Every Boston mayor has been a white man. Will 2021 change that?” by Stephanie Murray, POLITICO: “ The departure of Walsh — President Joe Biden's nominee for Labor secretary — creates a rare open-seat opportunity in a city where no incumbent has lost reelection in 72 years. The free-for-all that’s likely to ensue, with a pile-on of Democratic candidates vying for one of the most coveted jobs in Massachusetts politics, means there’s no guarantee a woman or non-white candidate will win. But one thing is already clear: The race will be dominated by a debate about the issues surrounding race.” – “Boston councilors mull override of special mayoral election,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Barely anyone spoke against the proposal to override the special mayoral election — but that didn’t stop the Boston City Council hearing about the matter from including some sharp criticisms about how the process has moved forward.” | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Satanic Temple Sues Boston Over Opening Prayer Policy,” The Associated Press: “The Satanic Temple has sued Boston after the city council declined to allow Satanists to deliver an invocation at the start of its meetings. The Salem-based group, which has lodged freedom of religion challenges nationwide, said Tuesday that the council's policy for its opening prayer is discriminatory and unconstitutional because it does not permit prayer from every religious organization that wishes to deliver one.” | |
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| | | | | THE PRESSLEY PARTY |
| – “What Happens to the Federal Death Penalty in a Biden Administration?” by Madeleine Carlisle, Time Magazine: “The unprecedented spree of executions brought increased focus to the issue right as Biden assumed the presidency. On Jan. 22, U.S. Representatives Cori Bush and Ayanna Pressley, along with 35 other Democratic House members, sent a letter to Biden urging him to commute the death sentences of all 49 people remaining on federal death row.” | | TRUMPACHUSETTS |
| – “Members of MassGOP seek censure against Charlie Baker for support of Trump impeachment,” by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: “A pro-Trump faction of the Massachusetts Republican Party is calling for a censure of Gov. Charlie Baker for backing a second impeachment of the former president — a historic prosecution that took another step Monday night.” | | KENNEDY COMPOUND |
| – “After Senate defeat, Joe Kennedy III plots new path in politics,” by Victoria McGrane, Boston Globe: “Former Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, who ended his eight-year career in Congress three weeks ago after losing a bid to unseat Senator Edward J. Markey last summer, is launching a new political action committee aimed at bolstering grassroots organizing efforts in Massachusetts and overlooked states around the country.” | | IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN |
| – “Vineyard Wind says project back on track,” by Doug Fraser, Cape Cod Times: “What may become the nation’s first industrial-scale wind farm is back on track. Vineyard Wind Chief Executive Officer Lars Pedersen said Monday the company notified the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that it had no changes to its construction and operations plan.” | | ABOVE THE FOLD |
| — Herald: “JUMP IN," "FAT CHANCE!,” — Globe : “In so many ways, a new day in D.C.,'" "Mass. vaccine program expands." | | FROM THE 413 |
| – “Northampton to waive mitigation fees for pot shops,” by Bera Dunau and Greta Jochem, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “The city will no longer collect annual fees from marijuana businesses to mitigate their impacts, and it may be the first community in the state to do so. The city has collected $3.1 million in the so-called community impact fees over the past few years from marijuana businesses.” – “Amid frustration and confusion, Berkshire state delegation largely confident in local vaccine rollout,” by Francesca Paris, The Berkshire Eagle: “Over the past several weeks of the vaccine rollout, state representatives have heard from frustrated and confused constituents. But, with Phase Two around the corner, they have expressed confidence in the process and urged Berkshire residents to be patient.” – “Coalition: A new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home would need many more beds,” by Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald: “Plans for a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home should include about 100 more beds than the state has proposed, a group of veterans and their families said Tuesday, urging Gov. Charlie Baker and lawmakers to ramp up plans for the embattled facility, where 76 veterans died of the coronavirus last year.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “Weymouth High students file dueling petitions over ‘thin blue line’ flags in school,” by Christopher Gavin, Boston.com: “Students at Weymouth High School have filed dueling petitions arguing both for and against removing the ‘thin blue line’ American flag from campus. The initial petition, created by senior student Bodhi Kolwaite, was launched because students of color feel ‘upset, uncomfortable, and threatened by displays of police flags,’ the online petition reads.” – “Worcester report: Commission needed to remedy inequities in Latino community,” by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: “A report examining Latino educational attainment calls for an official commission on Latino affairs to rebuild trust, achieve racial/ethnic and gender equity, and more, to help the Latino community in Worcester.” – “Marshfield, Braintree, Milton planning vaccination clinics,” by Wheeler Cowperthwaite, The Patriot Ledger: “The town plans to open a large-scale drive-thru vaccination center at the Marshfield Fairgrounds within the next week, with hopes to vaccinate up to 600 people every day, six days a week, until the end of June and maybe later.” – “Lowell School Committee votes to bring 3% of students back Feb. 22,” by Alana Melanson, The Lowell Sun: In a joint meeting with the Board of Health Monday, the School Committee voted 5-2 to bring 3% of students back to in-person learning on Feb. 22, increasing to 25% on March 1. The initial 3% represents the district’s students in substantially separate special-education classes, who attended in-person classes up until the week before winter vacation.” TRANSITIONS – Boston City Council President Kim Janey tapped Gustavo Quiroga to serve as her mayoral transition director. – Fred Taylor is the new president of the NAACP Worcester Branch. Link. – Wynndell Bishop joins Benchmark Strategies as senior adviser. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Jenna Kaplan and Cherilyn Strader. 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 the American Heart Association: The facts on sugary drinks are simple. They pose a real health risk. Kids especially are drinking too many of them. All those sweet drinks contribute to major health problems, like diabetes and heart disease. And with Massachusetts already spending nearly $2 billion per year treating obesity-related diseases, we need to address the problem. Massachusetts should take a page from a growing number of places across the country and adopt a tax on sugary drinks. Learn more here. | | | | |
| | GET THE SCOOP ON CONGRESS IN 2021 : Get the inside scoop on the Schumer/McConnell dynamic, the new Senate Bipartisan Group, and what is really happening inside the House Democratic Caucus and Republican Conference. From Schumer to Pelosi, McConnell to McCarthy and everyone in between, our new Huddle author Olivia Beavers brings the latest from Capitol Hill with assists from POLITICO's deeply sourced Congress team. Subscribe to Huddle, the indispensable guide to Congress. | | | | | | |
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