| | |  | BY STEPHANIE MURRAY | Presented by Uber Driver Stories | GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF! CLARK Q&A: ‘CHILD CARE IS INFRASTRUCTURE' — On the heels of passing a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package, lawmakers in Washington are gearing up for another big fight. This time, it’s over President Joe Biden‘s $2 trillion infrastructure plan. Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark, the fourth most powerful House Democrat, is a key player in what happens next. I caught up with Clark in Medford yesterday at the McGlynn elementary and middle schools, where she was promoting the so-called American Rescue Plan. We spoke about Covid-19 relief, how to define infrastructure, and how cities and towns should handle the MCAS test after an unprecedented year. Our conversation was edited for length and clarity. You're here promoting the American Rescue Plan. What is the most important thing that's going to come out of this package for Massachusetts? Hope for communities. It is saying that help is on the way, that we see what you've been through, and that in Congress we are committed to making sure that our local communities and our state have the funding they need to put the pieces back together for families across the commonwealth. President Joe Biden just introduced a $2 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan. Rep. Richard Neal pledged that child care needs to be a guarantee in that package, and that’s something you’ve been pushing for a long time. What’s the ideal outcome? Child care is infrastructure. We understand that it is as critical to our recovery as roads and bridges and investing in broadband across the country. The bill that I've introduced, aptly named Child Care is Infrastructure Act, is making a $10 billion investment in the capital infrastructure, which we know is in deplorable state in child care centers and family child care homes around the country. Let's give them a chance to upgrade those facilities without having to pass those costs on through expensive tuition increases to families. It's also going to establish a way for child care providers to be able to further their education, earn more money and be able to have those student loans repaid as they continue to work in early education. We look forward to including child care and changing that paradigm, that this is a private decision between parents and a child care provider, to understanding and investing in it as the public good that it is. There’s been plenty of debate over what the Biden administration is calling infrastructure, like child care, which isn’t traditionally thought of that way. What do you make of that? There's nothing soft or second-tier about child care as infrastructure. That's what it is. And I can tell you that the business community recognizes this, that this is as important to them as transportation modes for recruiting and retaining the workforce that they have, and getting them back to work. The pandemic revealed so much about the inequities, and the under-investment in child care was one of those glaring areas. Senate Democrats may continue to rely on budget reconciliation to pass bills if they can’t get Republicans on board. Do you agree with using budget reconciliation again? The president's been very clear. Every big piece of legislation like this is open to compromise and change, but you have to start by setting out your priorities and seeing where we can find that middle ground. I hope that's the path the Republicans will take with us and join us in that work. But if not, the American people cannot wait for this investment. We are going to do our best to work with Republicans to make this a bipartisan bill, but the reconciliation process is there if they do not want to meet us in meeting the challenges of the American people. Kids across the state are returning to in-person classrooms this month. How should districts handle the MCAS test? It's very much a local school district decision. But I do think that if local school districts feel that is in the best interest to delay the MCAS to the fall, that I'm hearing from many educators, that they are supported in that. Our kids have been out of school and that has not only hurt them academically, but it is a mental health issue, it is a food insecurity issue, and we have to make sure that those needs are met. In the American Rescue Plan, we’re very clear that 20 percent of that funding has to go to helping children recuperate those losses, whether that's an afterschool program or a summer program. That's where I think our time and funding needs to be focused. The MCAS are an important part of our evaluation, but I think that we need to work with local school districts to make the right decisions for their students and families. Would you support a local school district that wants to cancel the test for this year? Hypothetically, if that's what they feel is the best. But what I'm hearing from educators is a delay. Let us get our schools reopen, let us make those assessments of where kids are, and we know that kids have fallen behind in so many crucial ways. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Rep. Ayanna Pressley is a guest on GBH’s “Basic Black,” and speaks with the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts on Instagram Live. Rep. Jake Auchincloss attends a groundbreaking ceremony at Blanche A. Ames Elementary School in Easton. | |
A message from Uber Driver Stories: Meet Olivia. Because of her multiple sclerosis (MS) and fibromyalgia, Olivia has trouble standing for long periods of time. A traditional 9-to-5 job just won’t work for her. Driving with Uber gives Olivia the flexibility to decide when to work, when to spend time with her family, and when to focus on rest. Watch her story in her own words below . | | | | |
| | JOIN AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION, SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" NEWSLETTER: Power dynamics are shifting in Washington and across the country, and more people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that all politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. "The Recast" is our twice-weekly newsletter that breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics, policy and power in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear from important new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel. | | | | |
|  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Is Massachusetts’ latest COVID surge slowing? Data shows new cases dipped last week,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “Active COVID infections in Massachusetts rose to 35,149 on Thursday, up from 35,075 on Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Department of Public Health. Yet some data suggests the latest surge is slowing.” – “77 Massachusetts cities and towns at high risk for coronavirus transmission, continuing rise,” by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: “The number of cities and towns at high risk for COVID-19 transmission rose for the fourth consecutive week, with 77 communities landing in the ‘red’ zone as local officials keep close tabs on infections linked to variants.” – “821 students, 157 staff members positive for COVID in Massachusetts schools as full-time learning begins for grades K-5,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “A total of 978 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Massachusetts schools as elementary students across the state have started learning in-person five days a week, education officials said. Those cases, among 821 students and 157 staff members, were detected from April 1 to 7, according to a weekly report from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education .” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “State Senator And GOP Chair May Have Violated Campaign Finance Rules, OCPF Says,” by Todd Wallack, WBUR: “Massachusetts regulators concluded Thursday they have found evidence of campaign finance violations involving a number of state and local Republican officials, including Sen. Ryan Fattman, his wife, and Republican State Committee Chair James Lyons.” – “Some Massachusetts employers still face major tax increases due to COVID-related unemployment claims,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “When the state Department of Unemployment first updated its employer contribution rates for 2021, Suzanne Murphy thought she spotted a mistake. The solvency fund assessment, one of several factors used to calculate a business owner’s unemployment insurance contribution rate, jumped from 0.58% to 9.23% for 2021.” – “Stimulus spending gets scrutiny from lawmakers,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “The state has seen a windfall of pandemic relief funds, with billions of dollars more on the way from Washington, but lawmakers say they’re cut out of decisions on how the money gets spent. On Thursday, members of the House Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight grilled Finance Secretary Mike Heffernan over what they described as a lack of communication from the Baker administration when it’s come to parceling out more than $2.2 billion in federal stimulus.” – “Massachusetts lawmakers to quiz epidemiologists on coronavirus variants next week,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: Massachusetts lawmakers charged with overseeing the state’s response to the coronavirus emergency will switch gears next week to learn about COVID-19 variants infiltrating the state, according to an agenda released this week.” | | VAX-ACHUSETTS |
| – “Baker says no to vaccine passport proposals in Mass.” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Governor Charlie Baker was clear when reporters asked him if state officials plan to roll out a COVID-19 vaccine passport for residents inoculated against the virus, an initiative being tried in New York and other states, and even some countries to give vaccinated people more freedom to travel, shop, and go to work.” – “Race and ethnicity data on vaccination needed for equitable access, says Ayanna Pressley,” by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: “Robust racial demographic data on coronavirus vaccination is needed to avoid ‘vaccine redlining’ and achieve equitable access for communities of color, according to U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| – “Janey: Investigation Into Boston Police Commissioner To Wrap Up This Month,” by Ally Jarmanning, WBUR: “Acting Mayor Kim Janey said Thursday that she expects the investigation into suspended Boston police Commissioner Dennis White to be completed this month, setting the stage for Janey to decide whether White should continue to lead the department.” – “COVID-19 cases in Boston are ‘flat’ but there is some increase among young people, Janey says,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Acting Mayor Kim Janey said Thursday that COVID-19 cases in the city have remained ‘relatively flat’ with ‘some increase’ among younger Bostonians. She made the comments during a City Hall briefing but didn’t provide stats on the younger residents.” – “You want to buy my house? Not so fast…” by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: “Every day, scores of Boston homeowners receive phone calls from cash buyers looking to make a quick buck in Boston’s overheated real estate market. Cash buyers, such as the HomeVesters firm that posts the “We buy ugly houses” billboards throughout Boston, typically pay 60 to 70 cents on the dollar of a home’s actual value in the real estate market.” – “Boston councilors form committee focused on how COVID-19 relief cash is spent,” by Christopher Gavin, Boston.com: “As Boston receives over $400 million in COVID-19 relief funding from the federal government, city councilors have opted to create a new committee to pore over the details of and provide opportunity for public input on how the money should be spent.” – “ Boston City Council Endorses State 'Millionaires Tax,’” by Saraya Wintersmith, GBH News: “Boston’s City Council approved a non-binding resolution supporting the ‘Fair Share’ amendment — a proposed change to the Massachusetts constitution that would create what's popularly called a millionaire's tax.” – “UMass Boston Reverses Policy On Withholding Transcripts For Any Debt Owed,” by Kirk Carapezza, GBH News: “The University of Massachusetts Boston has relaxed its policy on withholding student transcripts from anyone who owes the school money after a GBH News investigation, according to a top administrator. Before the GBH News story aired on March 22, a spokesman for UMass Boston — which has nearly 10,000 students, graduates and former students who can't get their academic records because they owe money — said the university withholds transcripts for unpaid balances in any amount.” – “MGM Springfield, Encore Boston Harbor, Plainridge park continue to draw well below 40% capacity under COVID restrictions,” by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: “Massachusetts Gaming Commission staff said Thursday that the state’s casinos remain well below the 40% occupant capacity limits allowed under coronavirus pandemic restrictions.” – “Native Americans: Move Boston Marathon from Oct. 11 holiday,” by Philip Marcelo, The Associated Press: “Native Americans in Massachusetts are calling on the organizers of the Boston Marathon to move the already rescheduled date for the storied race because it now conflicts with a day meant to commemorate the contributions of Indigenous people.” – “The pandemic has upended college admissions with more surprises and more wait lists,” by Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe: “Each spring, high school seniors hope for joy but brace for heartbreak when colleges send out admissions decisions. But this year the pandemic has made the nerve-wracking process even more unpredictable, a mix of new opportunity and fierce competition that is confounding students and colleges alike.” | |
| |  
| | | | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “Early voting by mail challenged by Republicans,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “A lawsuit filed by several losing Republican candidates challenging the use of mail-in voting in 2020 will have its day in court Thursday – and could provide a preview of litigation down the line if the state expands early voting by mail. Former congressional candidates John Paul Moran and Caroline Colarusso, state Senate candidate Steven Hall, and state representative candidates Ingrid Centurion and Craig Valdez filed suit in Worcester Superior Court challenging the expansion of no-excuse early voting in the 2020 elections.” – “For those in Boston watching Chauvin case, ‘it’s like racism is on trial,’” by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: “More than simply the case of one officer and one instance of police brutality, many here and elsewhere see Chauvin’s trial as an opportunity to take measure of the whole criminal justice system — the need for police accountability, the criminalization of substance abuse, and the suffering of young people who are forced to bear witness to violence in their communities.” | | WARREN REPORT |
| – “Senator Warren confronts anti-Asian bias,” by Angela Rowlings, Bay State Banner: “Like many small-business owners, Lorraine Tse has been dealing with the economic effects of the pandemic on her Quincy-based travel agency and transportation service for over a year. But as a Chinese American, she is also nearing the anniversary of what she described as a racially charged verbal and physical assault at a Dunkin as she picked up coffees for her staff last May.” | | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| – “U.S. Rep. Richard Neal calls President Joe Biden’s gun regulations ‘suitable public policy,’” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “President Joe Biden’s executive actions on guns — including tighter restrictions on homemade firearms and more resources for the prevention of gun violence — are “suitable public policy,” U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal said Thursday.” | | ABOVE THE FOLD |
| — Herald: “ROCKED,” — Globe: “Deal could turn Eastern into a big player," "President takes first steps to curb guns.” | | FROM THE 413 |
| – “Holyoke City Council will choose acting mayor April 12,” by Dennis Hohenberger, Springfield Republican: “The Holyoke City Council will hold a special meeting Monday at 6 p.m. to appoint a new acting mayor. City Council President Todd McGee took over as acting mayor March 26, but said he could only perform the task for a few weeks. He succeeded Mayor Alex B. Morse, who resigned to become town manager in Provincetown at $185,000 annually.” – “Hampden County retirement board member Laurel Placzek resigns following critical audit, citing need for a ‘new set of eyes,’” by Emily Thurlow, Springfield Republican: “A second member of the Hampden County Regional Board of Retirement has resigned, according to letters obtained by The Republican.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “We have no intention of paying ransom,’ Haverhill mayor declares after computer network attack that closed city schools,” by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: “The Haverhill Public School will partially reopen for in-person learning Friday, a day after the district closed due to a ransomware attack that hobbled the department’s computer network, and Mayor James J. Fiorentini said his city will focus on fixing the problem, not paying ransom in any form.” – “St. Vincent Hospital says nurses' strike has not affected patient care; union has 'no comment,’” by Cyrus Moulton, Telegram & Gazette: “As the nurses’ strike at St. Vincent Hospital reaches the one-month milestone Thursday, the hospital reported that increasing patient volumes show the strike has not affected its ability to care for patients.” – “Facebook posts by Braintree School Committee members renew controversy,” by Fred Hanson, The Patriot Ledger: “A social media policy for school committee members is being written after the latest controversy over Facebook comments by committee members. The decision comes amid calls for two members to resign or face a recall campaign because of comments made on social media.” – “Money for Weymouth incinerator removal approved,” by Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger: “The town council has approved taking down an old trash incinerator plant using nearly $1 million of the money from the energy company that owns the natural gas compressor station on the banks of the Fore River. Mayor Robert Hedlund requested $940,000 to remove the 19,700-square-foot incinerator on Wharf Street.” – “How vaccination rates compare among New Bedford's first responders,” by Anastasia E. Lennon, Standard-Times: “Police officers, firefighters and EMTs have interacted with the public on a regular basis throughout the pandemic. Though the state has a mask mandate and agencies have protocol for personal protective equipment, people are not always compliant on or off the job, a reality that makes the vaccine an important tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19.” HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to former state Rep. Dan Cullinane. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND – to Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, Max Clermont, and Elaina Nigro, who all celebrate Saturday. And to Sunday birthday-ers Ethel Kennedy, who turns 93, former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson, Henry Gass, Matt Tannenbaum, Ted Dooley, Kevin Gilnack, Todd Domke, and Massachusetts Playbook’s #1 favorite reader Darlene Murray. NEW EPISODE: BORN TO BE DIALED – On this week’s Horse Race podcast, hosts Jennifer Smith, Steve Koczela and Stephanie Murray speak with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Downing about his campaign. The hosts discuss a recent Supreme Court decision that will change the way pollsters do business. 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 Driver Stories: When Olivia was diagnosed with MS in 2017, it became clear to her that having a regular job would no longer be possible.
“I drive with Uber because I love to drive,” she says. “It just puts the MS far out of my head. There’s no way I could work a regular 9-5.”
With Uber, Olivia can choose when, where, and how long she wants to drive. This flexibility lets Olivia be there for her daughter and for her own health needs.
If she’s not feeling well, or her daughter needs her, she doesn’t have to worry about asking her boss or requesting time off—she can take the time she needs to focus on herself and her family.
To see more stories like Olivia’s, click here.
*Driver earnings may vary depending on location, demand, hours, drivers, and other variables. | | | | |
| | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: It actually is infrastructure week ... and it will be for a while. What is the administration’s plan to get its top legislative priority through Congress? Add Transition Playbook to your daily reads for details you won't find anywhere else about the state of play of the administration's top priorities and biggest challenges. Track the people, policies and power centers of the Biden administration. Subscribe today. | | | | |
| |
|
| | Follow us on Twitter | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters | FOLLOW US
|
| |
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.