POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Shelter aid sticking points

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY Presented by TICK TOCK ON THE CLOCK — House and Senate lawmakers have less than 17 hours to reach an agreement on how Gov. Maura Healey can spend the $250 million in migrant and shelter aid they’re poised to send her way. Negotiations got underway shortly after senators passed their version of a $2.8 billion spending bill on a party-line vote around 8 p.m. Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues told Playbook on his way out of the chamber that he was “going to send over some proposals” to his House counterpart, state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, in short order. The bill, which is primarily meant to close the books on the last fiscal year, could still end up in a traditional six-member conference committee, Rodrigues said. But either way, he said, “Our goal is to get it done [today].” It helps that the chambers already agree on the overall amount of emergency shelter money: $250 million, matching what Healey requested in September. But they disagree on how she should spend it. The House linked specific dollar amounts to specific areas, like $75 million for school districts dealing with rising enrollments and $50 million for the state to set up overflow shelter (with the condition that if the state doesn’t open a site within 30 days, Healey’s 7,500-family capacity limit would be revoked). Some housing and homelessness-prevention advocates have embraced the House’s approach as a way of forcing the Healey administration’s hand amid growing fears of waitlisted families sleeping in hospital emergency rooms or on the streets. Senators pointedly declined to follow the lower chamber’s lead, saying the governor and her team need “flexibility” in the face of an ever-changing crisis. Both versions require more reporting from the Healey administration on the state of the shelter system. But the House wants monthly reports, while the Senate wants them every two weeks. Senators also unanimously approved an amendment from state Sen. John Velis that would create a commission to study the financial impact and sustainability of the emergency shelter program — including whether the state’s “right-to-shelter” law needs to be modified. Velis, a National Guard member who recently served at hotels sheltering migrant and homeless families , told Playbook that “if the federal government is truly not going to do anything," state lawmakers need to figure out "how long can we do this before we absolutely have to change course.” There are other points of disagreement between the chambers’ spending bills that are unrelated to the overloaded shelter system. The Senate, for instance, included language that would enable the Kraft Group to build a professional soccer stadium in Everett. The House did not. But representatives have supported clearing the way for the stadium in the past. Now, back to that asterisk. If lawmakers fail to broker a deal before they gavel out, they can still take up an agreement in informal sessions. But that’s a risky move: A bill could be derailed by a single lawmaker’s objection. Also on the docket today: House Democrats are teeing up a vote on sweeping changes to long-term care industry regulations, a priority of Speaker Ron Mariano. Senators are planning a vote on the latest version of their prescription drug-pricing bill. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . We’re finally getting the date of New Hampshire’s presidential primary today. TODAY — Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announce expanded financial aid for public higher-education students at 10 a.m. at Salem State. Driscoll chairs a Governor’s Council meeting at noon. Healey is an honorary host for Big Sister Boston’s fall gala at 7:30 p.m. in Fenway. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends an Age Strong Commission event at 12:30 p.m. in Brighton. A message from Conservation Law Foundation: Conservation Law Foundation is separating fact from fiction when it comes to the role of bioenergy in cutting climate-damaging pollution and transforming our economy to one built on clean energy. The economic, environmental, and public health of our communities and businesses demand that we invest in energy efficiency and clean energy sources – while moving with caution and care on bioenergy resources. Get the full story.   DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Fiscal ‘storm clouds’ growing over Massachusetts after lower than expected tax collections,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Massachusetts has experienced four consecutive months of below benchmark revenue collections during the start of fiscal year 2024, said Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues.” — “After ballot question exposed a divided front, rent control gets renewed push on Beacon Hill,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “After the collapse of a divisive ballot question campaign, proponents of reviving rent control in Massachusetts returned Tuesday to making their case to the state Legislature, where supporters acknowledge that Democratic leaders remain deeply skeptical of erasing the state’s three-decade ban.” — “Commission to rethink state seal and motto concludes with no specific proposal for either,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “The special commission tasked by the Mass. Legislature with rethinking Massachusetts' state seal and motto wrapped its work Tuesday without recommending specific replacements for either. … [T]he report is agnostic on one key question — namely, whether a new seal should also feature a visual representation of a Native American.” — “What to do with an extra day off? Progressive Mass. lawmakers pitch 4-day workweek,” by Kinga Borondy, Telegram & Gazette: “Supporters of a bill that would launch a voluntary pilot program for employers interested in establishing a four-day workweek in Massachusetts said it would provide more time: time for employees to be with family, time for hobbies, time to volunteer, time for self-care, time to pursue personal happiness.” — “Blais, Comerford launch bills to establish disaster relief fund,” by Chris Larabee, Daily Hampshire Gazette.   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     DATELINE D.C. OKLAHOMA SENATOR MARKWAYNE MULLIN IS THE ONLY SENATOR WITHOUT A COLLEGE DEGREE - THE LEAST EDUCATED.  HAS PREVIOUSLY ATTACKED SEAN O'BRIEN UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT DOES NOT BELONG IN THE SENATE!  FIGHT CLUB — Teamsters President Sean O’Brien almost came to blows with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) during a U.S. Senate hearing yesterday after the senator, a former MMA fighter, tried to goad the Bay Stater into making good on an online challenge to fight. “Quit the tough guy act in these senate hearings . You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy,” O’Brien wrote in a post on X that Mullin read aloud at the hearing. “Sir, this is a time. This is a place,” Mullin said to O’Brien, adding that the foes could “finish it” right there on the hearing-room floor. The pair looked poised for fisticuffs before another New Englander, HELP Committee Chair Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), stepped in. “You’re a United States senator,” Sanders said to Mullin. “Sit down.” More on O’Brien and Mullin’s bad blood from POLITICO’s Nancy Vu. MAGA GOP CONTINUE TO PROVE THEY ARE INCAPABLE OF GOVERNING!  VOTE THEM OUT! Tensions flared across the Capitol as lawmakers scrambled to avert a government shutdown for the second time this fall. House Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to rely on Democrats to pass the stopgap funding bill amid opposition from members of the House Freedom Caucus. It’s the same tactic that cost Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) his gavel six weeks ago. But our colleagues report that Johnson’s job is safe . The spending plan is now onto the Senate. Rep. Jake Auchincloss was one of only two Democrats to vote against the temporary spending plan that would keep the government funded into the new year, objecting over the lack of additional funding for Ukraine. Thousands of people attend the March for Israel on the National Mall on Tuesday in Washington. The large pro-Israel gathering comes as the Israel-Hamas war enters its sixth week following the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. | Getty Images MARCHING FOR ISRAEL — Auchincloss joined thousands of demonstrators on the National Mall to denounce Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and call for the release of remaining hostages in Gaza. Other members of the Massachusetts delegation are urging the White House to call for a cease-fire in Gaza, where the Hamas-controlled health ministry estimates more than 11,000 people have been killed. — “McGovern joins Ocasio-Cortez, Taylor Greene in call to drop charges on Julian Assange,” by the Telegram & Gazette.   A message from Conservation Law Foundation:     WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET ATTORNEYS GENERAL ASSEMBLE — Attorney General Andrea Campbell is hosting a Democratic Attorneys General Association policy conference today and tomorrow. More than 15 attorneys general are expected to attend the gathering that is set to focus in part on labor issues, according to a person familiar with the itinerary. YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS CASH DASH — Secretary of State Bill Galvin will be the special guest at tonight’s political fundraiser for Middlesex DA Marian Ryan . Tickets range from $100 to $1,000 for the event in Newton. Ryan isn’t up for election again until 2026, but it never hurts to start fundraising early. IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “Cape Cod residents say no to offshore wind transmission lines under beaches,” by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: “Some fear the cables could cause health risks from electromagnetic fields, cause fires or ecological disasters, and result in major disturbances to the area as roads are ripped up.” — “8 takeaways for Mass. from the National Climate Assessment,” by Barbara Moran, WBUR.   GET A BACKSTAGE PASS TO COP28 WITH GLOBAL PLAYBOOK : Get insider access to the conference that sets the tone of the global climate agenda with POLITICO's Global Playbook newsletter. Authored by Suzanne Lynch, Global Playbook delivers exclusive, daily insights and comprehensive coverage that will keep you informed about the most crucial climate summit of the year. Dive deep into the critical discussions and developments at COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Newton voters oust backers of ambitious housing plan,” by Gintautas Dumcius, CommonWealth Beacon: “In the face of a dire regional housing shortage, where the constricted supply of homes is driving housing costs out of reach of most families, [City Councilor Deb] Crossley has helped lead a campaign to adopt sweeping new zoning rules that would put Newton on track to allow a significant increase in housing construction in and around neighborhood business districts. … [In last week's election, voters] tossed Crossley, a seven-term incumbent, out of office, along with two other councilors who supported the ‘Newton for Everyone’ housing proposal.” MEANWHILE, IN BROOKLINE — "Brookline overwhelmingly accepts plan to rezone its major commercial corridor to allow multifamily housing," by Stephanie Ebbert and Nick Stoico, Boston Globe. — “Former Gov. Jane Swift, a Williamstown resident, says recovering from grief required grit, hope and faith,” by Clarence Fanto, The Berkshire Eagle. — “Andover teachers, school committee reach agreement to end strike,” by Alysha Palumbo and Mike Pescaro, NBC10 Boston. — “After ‘heated’ meeting, North Andover approves permit to fly Palestinian flag on town common,” by Timothy Nazzaro, Boston 25. ADDED: REPORTING FROM THE MURDOCH TABLOID NY POST: Ex-editor of left-leaning news site The Recount charged with child pornography excerpt: Slade Sohmer, 44, who until last month was editor-in-chief of the video-driven news site The Recount https://nypost.com/2023/11/14/media/ex-editor-in-chief-of-the-recount-charged-with-child-pornography/ — "Former national news editor in Mass. is charged with possessing and sending child pornography," by Sean Cotter, Boston Globe. — "Loose horse aboard plane forces fuel dump along Cape Cod coast," by Patrick Flanary, Cape and Islands. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE DON'T BELIEVE THE POLLS! RECENTLY, POLLS HAVE BEEN BOGUS! TOTALLY WRONG! PEOPLE ARE POSTING THAT THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN CALLED WITH CALLER ID, WHO ANSWERS THE PHONE? ENDORSEMENT WARS — Donald Trump is leading Ron DeSantis by some three dozen percentage points in New Hampshire, according to polling averages . Yet the former president is still squabbling with the Florida governor over low-level endorsements. DeSantis’ campaign sent out a new list of New Hampshire endorsers yesterday that included Londonderry country store owner Thomas Estey . But the Union Leader’s Kevin Landrigan reported that Estey is backing Trump despite previously committing to DeSantis. Trump’s campaign cast the switch as a “blatant lie” in an email. BTW, a new Emerson College/WHDH poll shows Trump with 49 percent support among registered New Hampshire voters, followed by former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley at 18 percent, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 9 percent and DeSantis at 7 percent. The survey of 917 voters was conducted Nov. 10-13 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. A message from Conservation Law Foundation: Conservation Law Foundation is working to fight climate change and secure a livable and healthy future for all New Englanders. We know New England needs to end its reliance on fossil fuels, and that presents a pressing question: What role will bioenergy play in the region’s energy system as we move toward 2050? The fossil fuel industry is leaning hard on selling biofuels such as renewable natural gas as viable options to meet state mandates for cutting climate-damaging emissions. But what’s beneath the surface is more of the same climate-damaging fuels. We don’t have time or resources to waste on costly and ineffective solutions. Conservation Law Foundation is sorting fact from fiction. Bioenergy’s role in New England’s clean energy future is a limited and targeted one. Get the full story.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Colonel Robert “Bob” Notch has been appointed as Massachusetts’ first veteran advocate . The post was created under legislation to strengthen oversight of the state’s soldiers’ homes after dozens of veterans died in a Covid-19 outbreak at the Holyoke facility. — Joe Rull joins Shawmut Strategies Group as EVP. He previously was SVP at Benchmark Strategies. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to MassLive alum Melissa Hanson, Gail Gitcho, Alexandra Lippman and Micah Rosen . 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 .   Follow us on Twitter Lisa Kashinsky @lisakashinsky Kelly Garrity @KellyGarrity3   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters FOLLOW US

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THE TATTOO

 

The Tattoo

© 2019 Leland Dirks.

He was seventy-five, and I was the only one of his seven nephews who would visit him. Sharp as a tack, he reeled off one-liners faster than anyone I’d ever met.

Sometimes he’d tell me stories. What it was like to look for someone to love when that search could get you fired or killed. What it was like to change the gender of the one you loved when you talked about them. What it was like to know a friend committed suicide because he was being blackmailed or because he’d been disowned from his family.

Other times he’d tell me the glorious stories of dating a Marine on the down low. Of finding a bar that catered to a clientele of men who preferred the company of other men.

The summer he turned seventy-six, I spent a week with him. In the year between this visit and my last, he’d aged a decade. His skin was nearly translucent. In the evening sun, sometimes I thought I could see his bones through his skin.

There weren’t so many jokes nor very many stories. He walked slower, more cautiously, afraid to fall. I pretended not to notice.

On my last day with him, I asked him if there was anything special he wanted to do. He looked at me for a second, as if trying to discern my reaction before he’d even answered. He swallowed. Hard.

“There is.”

“Okay.”

“You promise not to laugh?”

“I swear.”

“I want a tattoo.”

“Let’s do it.”

We drove thirty-five miles to the nearest tattoo parlor. His face lit up like a Christmas tree when they showed us the books of artwork that, for a small fee, could live forever on skin.

“What do you think you want?”

“Oh, I already know. But it’s fun looking at other ideas, too.”

I didn’t press him. He took off his shirt, and I tried to imagine what he must have looked like when he was in the Navy some fifty years before.

He whispered in the tattoo artist’s ear and prepared himself for what must have been a lifelong dream.

I watched as they drew an outline of the tattoo above his heart. Simple. Geometric. A triangle.

He saw my questioning look.

“It’s what the Nazis made thousands of homosexuals wear in the concentration camps. A pink triangle. We took it back, as a sign of liberation, long before anyone thought of a rainbow flag. So we’d never forget what happens when a whole group of people are demonized. So we’d remember how thin the veneer of civilization really is.”

The sound of the automated needle filled the small space. I watched the black outline take shape. I watched as the pink was colored in. He grimaced every once in a while but was stoic overall.

The tattooist finished, gave him care instructions, and asked him if he was satisfied. Uncle only nodded, but the grin on his face made him look a decade younger.

He got ready to pay, but I stopped him. His sky blue eyes searched my face.

“Think they’d give us a discount for two?”

He died that winter, and I couldn’t make it to his funeral. But every day when I step out of the shower and look in the mirror, I remember how two black sheep of the family wound up with pink triangles on their chests, and sometimes I cry.

© 2019 Leland Dirks.

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