| | |  | BY LISA KASHINSKY | SHAKEN, NOW STIRRING — That margarita delivered to your doorstep with dinner is destined to go away when the pandemic state of emergency ends — unless a group of restaurant and business advocates gets their way. Restaurateurs and business groups are planning a virtual rally today to push for a two-year extension of legislation authorizing cocktails to-go and capping third-party delivery-app fees at 15%. The original bill was opposed by package stores last year. They also want a grant program for businesses that opened in 2020 and have struggled to access state and federal aid, and to compel insurance companies to pay business interruption claims. State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, who's co-hosting today's event, has filed all four as Senate budget amendments. Cocktail connoisseurs say the measure is a win-win for customers and restaurants, even if to-go cocktails are just a small piece of the much larger recovery puzzle. “It incrementally helps restaurants, which face an uphill climb of a recovery,” said Jackson Cannon, who's behind three beloved Boston establishments — Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar and the Hawthorne — that are all now gone for good. Texas recently made to-go cocktails permanent. But efforts to extend the program in Massachusetts failed during debate over the unemployment insurance bill earlier this year. “Even the couple thousand dollars a month in sales — that pays someone’s salary, that pays a bunch of stuff,” Christopher Almeida, beverage director of The Tasty in Plymouth, told me. State Sen. Nick Collins, D-South Boston, who filed a budget amendment to extend to-go beer and wine for a year after the state of emergency ends, called it simply “common sense.” PANDEMIC POLITICS — Massachusetts’s much-improved coronavirus and vaccination metrics are making it harder for top Democrats eyeing the governor’s office to critique its current occupant. Attorney General Maura Healey — who grabbed headlines earlier this year with her criticism of Baker’s rocky vaccine rollout — praised the governor on WCVB’s “On the Record” Sunday. “Governor Baker deserves credit for making corrections along the way,” Healey said, while remaining mum on her gubernatorial intentions. “I want the governor to do well on Covid; I’ve wanted that from the beginning. And I am pleased to see where we’ve ended up.” The Republican governor once deluged with criticism from across the political spectrum is now winning plaudits even from the nation’s top Democrat, President Joe Biden. That’s not exactly what Democrats thinking of taking Baker on — if he chooses to run again — want to see. Members of the Bay State’s congressional delegation haven’t been as complimentary. They issued a rare rebuke of Baker earlier over the vaccine rollout and have now signed a letter urging him to equitably distribute federal aid to hard-hit communities — a reminder that Baker faces a long road to pandemic recovery filled with potential political potholes. GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Hope you got some sun this weekend! Now it’s back to the classroom for most high-schoolers. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — State Sen. Diana DiZoglio, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes and business advocacy groups host a virtual rally on legislation to aid restaurants at 10 a.m. State Reps. Mike Connolly and Erika Uyterhoeven join Massachusetts Teachers Association President Merrie Najimy, Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steve Tolman and others at noon outside the Thomas P. O’Neill Jr. Federal Building for a Tax Day rally for a budget to “put people & planet over profits.” Rep. Lori Trahan and state Rep. Tram Nguyen celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with a 1:30 p.m. tour of Asian-owned businesses in Andover with state Reps. Frank Moran and Christina Minicucci. | |
| | SUBSCRIBE TO WEST WING PLAYBOOK: Add West Wing Playbook to keep up with the power players, latest policy developments and intriguing whispers percolating inside the West Wing and across the highest levels of the Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | |  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts coronavirus vaccine rollout: 3.2 million people fully vaccinated, 494 new virus cases,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “More than 48,000 coronavirus vaccine doses were administered in Massachusetts during the most recent day of vaccination data, as more than 3.2 million people in the state are now fully vaccinated. State health officials on Sunday also reported five more virus deaths and 494 new cases, as the number of new infections in the Bay State continue trending downward.” | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Baker expected to update state reopening early this week, following CDC indoor mask changes,” by John Hilliard and Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: “With Governor Charlie Baker expected to update the state’s reopening plan this week — following a dramatic easing of national indoor mask guidance for fully vaccinated people — some local public health experts urged him to ensure that any changes will protect those who haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine.” – “Massachusetts senators seek to legalize sports betting in budget amendments,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “State senators are making another play at passing sports betting legislation while also setting up a showdown over a controversial film tax credit with a slew of policy proposals included in the nearly 1,000 amendments filed alongside their $47.6 billion budget.” – “Panel eyes fix for unemployment fund,” by Christian M. Wade, CNHI/Salem News: “A state fund that covers unemployment benefits is nearly $3 billion in the hole, and that's squeezing employers who fund the system. On Friday, a newly created legislative commission met virtually for the first time to begin addressing the massive deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, which has ballooned amid a crush of pandemic-fueled layoffs and business closures.” – “Legislative conference committee advances bill to build new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: “A joint Legislative committee has advanced a bond bill pledging $400 million for a new Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, putting it one step closer to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk .” | | CORONAVIRUS UPDATES |
| – “New CDC Mask Guidance Creates Confusion in Mass. As Local Mandates Remain In Place,” by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “While the CDC's Thursday announcement that vaccinated people can reduce their mask-wearing was a relief to many who are eager to show their smiles in public again, it's not yet the rule everywhere, and there's likely to be some confusion as Massachusetts transitions to a new normal.” – “Why A Group Of Scientists Are Calling For An Investigation Into Origin Of Pandemic,” by Sharon Brody and Paul Connearney, WBUR: “Prominent local scientists are joining a group of international colleagues who are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the origin of the coronavirus pandemic.” | | FROM THE HUB |
| Kim Janey’s move to oust Boston Police Commissioner Dennis White on Friday after releasing a report into domestic-violence allegations against the top cop has created a messy political situation for the acting mayor who’s trying to make her job title permanent. The Boston Globe’s Andrew Ryan and Elizabeth Koh and the Boston Herald’s Sean Philip Cotter have the details of the report. WBUR’s Ally Jarmanning and Deborah Becker have more on White’s lawsuit. GBH News’ Saraya Wintersmith has the reaction from White’s daughter, Tiffany. A three-reporter team at NBC10 Boston details Janey’s plans for reform within the police department, including requiring background checks for all candidates for BPD leadership going forward. A three-reporter team from the Globe has more on the political fallout, and the Globe’s Danny McDonald writes how the report’s release puts mayor-turned-Labor Secretary Marty Walsh back in the spotlight just as he’s adjusting to his new life in D.C. CommonWealth Magazine’s Michael Jonas wonders: “Why did Walsh look to cut short police commissioner probe?” More Hub headlines: – “Kim Janey’s senior staff continues Boston mayoral trend of large paychecks,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Heavy turnover in the mayor’s senior staff came around the time when Martin Walsh handed the city’s reins over to Kim Janey — but though the faces often changed, the hefty size of the paychecks did not.” – “‘A wild ride.’ The rollercoaster of renting an apartment in Boston this spring,” by Tim Logan, Boston Globe: “Not so long ago, in the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston-area renters had a rare advantage in their long-running struggle with landlords to find a good apartment they can afford. That time is ending.” | | THE RACE FOR CITY HALL |
| – “Keller @ Large: Candidate Jon Santiago Says Boston Mayoral Race ‘Transcends Politics’” by Jon Keller, WBZ: “‘This race is really about the future of Boston,’ Santiago said. ‘I’m running right now to be this mayor at this crucial time. I think this moment transcends politics as usual. It’s going to require a leader and someone who’s committed to public service and getting things done.’” | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| – “The latest problem on the new Orange Line cars? A thin piece of synthetic material about a foot long,” by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: “Following a series of tests, the MBTA last week revealed that the undersides of the new trains are not turning properly as they accumulate more miles — an effect that officials now say played a key role in the March 16 derailment.” | | DAY IN COURT |
| – “'What he wanted was money, what he wanted was power': How Jasiel Correia fell from grace,” by Dan Medeiros, Lynne Sullivan, Linda Murphy and Jon Root, Herald News: “‘If I'm doing something wrong, come and get me.’ Jasiel Correia II issued that challenge in a documentary chronicling his rise to power as mayor of Fall River. And the federal government did just that. A jury of Correia's peers, after four days of deliberations, found him guilty Friday of 21 of 24 federal counts of wire fraud, tax fraud, extortion and extortion conspiracy.” – More: “Ex-mayor Correia found guilty of extortion, fraud; vows ‘the fight’s not over’” by Shaun Towne, Steph Machado, Eli Sherman and Sarah Guernelli, WPRI: “Correia faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, and his sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 20. He continued to be released on his existing bail in the meantime, with the addition of an ankle monitor. Correia defiantly maintained his innocence as he left the courthouse, saying he will be ‘vindicated’ on appeal.” | | DATELINE D.C. |
| – FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition President and CEO Eva A. Millona joins the Biden-Harris administration as assistant secretary for partnership and engagement in the Department of Homeland Security. Millona said it’s “been the greatest honor” to lead MIRA for more than 12 years. Myran Parker-Brass will be acting CEO while MIRA looks for its next leader. – Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey joined more than two dozen colleagues in calling for an “immediate ceasefire agreement” to prevent the further escalation of Israeli-Palestinian violence in a statement issued Sunday night. More: “Biden faces an angry rift in his own party over Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” by Zachary B. Wolf, CNN. “POLITICO Playbook: Biden under pressure to act, not mull,” by Tara Palmeri, POLITICO. | | FROM THE DELEGATION |
| – “Reps. Trahan, McGovern rally in support of striking St. Vincent nurses,” by Aaron Curtis, Lowell Sun: “Days after St. Vincent Hospital announced plans to hire permanent nurses to replace those currently on strike, U.S. Reps. Lori Trahan and James McGovern appeared outside the facility in a sign of solidarity with the hundreds of picketing nurses.” | | FROM THE 413 |
| – “Roy Martin announces 10th run for mayor,” by Greta Jochem, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “NORTHAMPTON — When Roy Martin ran for mayor in 2017, it was his ninth — and at the time he said his last — run for the corner office at City Hall. But this spring, he took out nomination papers and has announced his 10th run for mayor, becoming the fifth person seeking the job. ‘I’m not retired from politics,’ Martin, 78, said with a laugh. This time around, he said, ‘I’ve got a different feeling. I’ve got a different outlook.’” – “Amherst town councilors to hear call for reparations committee,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Groups that have been studying how to remedy racism toward Black residents, and researching racial injustice in Amherst over the town’s 212-year history, will call on the Town Council Monday to create a committee for providing reparations.” | | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| – “'It's just so tragic': Brockton boy was trying to rescue his cousin when both drowned,” by Mina Corpuz, Brockton Enterprise: “Community members gathered Sunday at D.W. Field Park to create a memorial for the two boys who drowned in Waldo Lake on Saturday evening.” – “Boston area resident in Tel Aviv bomb shelter: ‘You don’t know when the next missile attack will come,’” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “A Boston area resident visiting family in Israel is now staying in a community bomb shelter, as she says the last week has been ‘surreal’ and uncertain with people always on their toes, not knowing when the next rocket attack will start.” – “Nahant Town Meeting deals blow to Northeastern’s marine center expansion plan,” by Laura Crimaldi, Boston Globe: “Opponents of Northeastern University’s plans to expand its Marine Science Center on coastal land in Nahant secured a key victory Saturday as Town Meeting voters decisively backed a plan to seize a portion of the property by eminent domain. The 647-271 vote gives the Board of Selectmen the power to initiate legal proceedings to take 12.5 acres of undeveloped land on East Point, a step that could potentially block the construction project, which was unveiled in 2018.” – “Worcester police union heads: Review board would be redundant, costly, divisive,” by Brad Petrishen, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “The heads of the city’s police unions Thursday said they do not believe a civilian review board is necessary, calling such a proposal costly and redundant in light of pending reforms. Sgt. Richard P. Cipro, head of the police officials union, and Daniel J. Gilbert, head of the officers union, said they also believed such a measure could be divisive to the community and unfair to police.” – “Ahead of the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride, former volunteers double down on calls for board of directors to resign,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “This year marks the 50th anniversary of Boston Pride, whose annual pride parade has become the largest public event of its kind in New England. Not only is the annual celebration on hold due to the COVID pandemic, but a group of former volunteers who used to make up the majority of the Boston Pride Committee before resigning last summer, is doubling down on calls for the board of directors to resign amid what they say are longstanding concerns of institutional racism.” – “House Speaker Mariano: Quincy College is worth saving,” by Mary Whitfill, Patriot Ledger: “House Speaker Ronald Mariano says city councilors' calls to stop supporting or move Quincy College to the state's community college system are misguided and short-sighted.” SPOTTED – State Rep. Tackey Chan threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park on Sunday as the Red Sox honored the Asian Caucus as part of AAPI Heritage Month. State Reps. Maria Robinson, Tram Nguyen and Vanna Howard also took the field. Link. MAZEL! – Former first daughter Malia Obama is among the 2021 Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize Winners for her submission entitled “Yellow Light” — supervised and nominated by Musa Syeed, per POLITICO Playbook. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Ralph Neas and happy belated birthday to Boston Acting Mayor Kim Janey, who celebrated Sunday. 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. | |
| | JOIN WEDNESDAY - “THE RECAST” LIVE CONVERSATION: Earlier this year, we launched “The Recast” newsletter breaking down the changing power dynamics in America and how race and identity shape politics, policy and power. We are recasting how we report on this crucial intersection by bringing you fresh insights, scoops, dispatches from across the country and new voices that challenge “business as usual.” Join Brakkton Booker, “The Recast” newsletter author and national political correspondent at POLITICO, for a live conversation with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.); Malika Redmond, co-founder, president and CEO of Women Engaged; Sonal Shah, founding president, The Asian American Foundation; and Lauren Williams, co-founder, CEO and editor in chief of Capital B, about redefining power in America. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
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