 | BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY | Presented by McDonald's | ‘WE ARE ON OUR OWN’ — Reality is setting in for Massachusetts Democrats grappling with an unending influx of migrants. Help is not coming from Washington , where border policy has become political football. A deal that could have sent millions of much-needed dollars to Massachusetts and other states sheltering migrants remains dead. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will both be at the southern border today — but they’re more likely to turn the crisis into a campaign cudgel than spur progress in Congress. For months, top Massachusetts Democrats have held out hope that help would come from on high. Even as she filed a supplemental budget asking lawmakers to drain nearly $900 million from a transitional escrow fund to help cover emergency shelter system costs into next year, Healey’s real request was for Congress to act. Legislative leaders joined her call . That’s over now — at least in the House. “We’re not expecting any help from Washington,” House Speaker Ron Mariano declared on Wednesday. “We are on our own on this, and we realize that now.”
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House Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz take questions from reporters after a Democratic caucus. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO | House Democrats are now discussing changes to how the emergency shelter program is managed as they mull how to move forward with Healey’s funding request. Tapping the surplus account is “one option” to close what’s expected to be a $224 million deficit this fiscal year and pay nearly $1 billion in projected costs for the next one, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said. But lawmakers are “also going to have to look at how this program is going to work long term,” he said. Mariano and Michlewitz said they’re not looking to change the “right-to-shelter” statute itself. A Mariano spokesperson later added that he’s uninterested in altering the law to cover only U.S. citizens. But Mariano demurred when asked by POLITICO if he were considering trying to limit how long families can stay in the shelter system, something Healey's administration has considered but hasn’t acted on. Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand said the administration is “always evaluating” the emergency program “and continuing to be in discussion with the Legislature about this situation.” Democrats’ plans still lack parameters and price tags , though Michlewitz indicated that a version of Healey’s supplemental spending bill could move before the House releases its take on the fiscal 2025 budget. And yet, the acknowledgment that immigration issues now rest squarely with states signifies a clear shift in how Bay State Democrats are approaching the migrant and shelter crisis — even if some might argue it’s far too late. Look to see how that plays out in the upcoming House budget . Healey level-funded the emergency family assistance program in her fiscal 2025 budget proposal as she pursues additional aid through smaller spending plans. And she continues to tout the state’s fiscal strength even as revenues fall short of projections month after month. Mariano struck a far different tone on Wednesday . “We’re looking at a billion-dollar bill next year in the midst of declining revenues. Do you realize what that will do to us?” he told reporters at the State House. “So we have to take a look at how we administer this program.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It’s a leap day! And a special happy birthday to the city of Worcester, a leap day baby . TODAY — Healey , Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and administration officials will outline climate-tech and life-sciences initiatives in her upcoming economic development bond bill at 9 a.m. at Form Energy HQ in Somerville. Driscoll and A&F Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz testify on the Municipal Empowerment Act at 1 p.m. at the State House. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hosts a Capitol Hill press conference in Washington on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at 10 a.m. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Rep. Lori Trahan join a Capitol Hill press conference pushing legislation to protect access to IVF at 1:30 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .
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| | A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $700 million to Massachusetts’ economy, supporting over 14,350 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout Massachusetts generated nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma . | | | |  | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| JOINING THE BENCH — The Governor’s Council voted 6-1 on Wednesday to confirm Gabrielle Wolohojian — a longtime Appeals Court judge and Gov. Maura Healey ’s former romantic partner — to the Supreme Judicial Court, advancing Healey’s second nominee to the state’s top bench. Despite a lingering lack of clarity over how Wolohojian will approach cases involving Healey and the executive branch, only Councilor Tara Jacobs voiced reservations about — and ultimately voted against — Wolohojian’s nomination. Jacobs said the process, particularly Healey’s reliance on a “small and insular like-minded group” of vetters in selecting Wolohojian, caused concern. “You couldn’t have a more insider nominee,” she said before announcing her decision to vote “no.” The MassGOP was quick to criticize the Governor’s Council for acting as a “rubber stamp” rather than conducting “a serious examination of important ethical considerations.” But they’ll now have to fight that battle at the ballot box in November. More from GBH’s Katie Lannan . BLINK AND YOU MISSED HER — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dropped in on House Democrats’ caucus on Wednesday while visiting the Bay State on a personal trip with family. Whitmer, who was a law school classmate of state Rep. James Murphy , received a round of applause after addressing lawmakers in the closed-door conference. Whitmer also connected with Healey , spokesperson Karissa Hand confirmed, though she declined to provide details of their interaction. The Michigan Democrat, who's widely viewed as a future presidential contender, is a national co-chair of President Joe Biden ’s reelection campaign, for which Healey is a surrogate. The two are also, as Healey spilled in a recent CNN interview, on a text chain with other female Democratic governors. IN THE NAME OF COMPETITIVENESS — The House unanimously passed a bill that would let the state leverage interest from its so-called rainy day fund to compete for more federal dollars. The legislation is slightly different from what Healey proposed and what the Senate passed last month.
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| | SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, the newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world, including WEF in Davos, Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to UNGA in NYC and many more. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW . | | | | | | | MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS |
| — “Fort Point neighbors blast governor, nonprofit for icing them out of migrant shelter plans,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A day after Gov. Maura Healey confirmed that the United Way of Massachusetts Bay had chosen a private Fort Point office building as an overnight safety-net site, [EA Director L. Scott Rice] told neighbors at a heavily attended community meeting that the plan was moving forward, regardless of whether they were on board."
| | YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS |
| FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is backing attorney Mara Dolan for Governor's Council. It’s the first statewide endorsement for Dolan, who is challenging incumbent District 3 Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney . SCOOPLET — When the MassGOP moves out of its Woburn office and back to Boston on Friday, John Deaton ’s campaign is moving in, consultant Jim Conroy confirmed to Playbook. Deaton, one of the Republicans challenging Sen. Elizabeth Warren , plans to sublease the space from the state GOP — so add that as a source of income for the financially struggling party.
| | FROM THE HUB |
| — “Free museum push for all Boston kids blocked by city councilor,” Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy … introduced a resolution Wednesday that sought to expand the initiative to all students living in Boston. … The request prompted an immediate objection by Councilor Sharon Durkan, a former campaign aide to Mayor Michelle Wu … [who said] ‘this merits more of a conversation.’” — “Boston votes to install 250 curbside EV-chargers on city streets,” by David Bienick, WCVB. — “City moves ahead with center-running bus lane plan for Blue Hill Avenue,” by Seth Daniel, Dorchester Reporter.
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| | A message from McDonald's: 
| | | | | WARREN REPORT |
| NOTED — Warren is slamming fast-food chain Wendy’s after the company announced a new “dynamic pricing” plan. The senator dubbed it “price gouging plain and simple” in a post on X . But Wendy’s later clarified that the price changes would only include discounts or deals during slower-than-normal hours. Warren’s post left some of her supporters scratching their heads . “I am surprised to see her come out against the concepts of Early Birds Specials at diners and Matinee Pricing at movie theaters,” Chris Dempsey , a former Democratic candidate for auditor, posted on X . Dempsey didn’t return a call. IRL, Warren on Wednesday also bashed Senate Republicans for blocking a bill that would protect access to IVF in a floor speech.
| | DATELINE D.C. |
| REAL-LIFE SUCCESSION — Longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell won’t seek another term as conference leader , setting off a leadership shuffle within the GOP that will have ripple effects for Democrats. It’s also costing Ukraine its most prominent Republican backer in Congress at a critical moment when GOP support for continued security assistance for the war-torn country is slipping. With that in mind, Warren told HuffPost that while she’s “no fan of McConnell’s, we could do a lot worse on the Republican side.” MEANWHILE — “Top lawmakers strike funding deal, potentially averting weekend shutdown,” by Caitlin Emma, Jennifer Scholtes and Olivia Beavers, POLITICO. FIT FOR DUTY — Good news for the 81-year-old Joe Biden : The president’s physician declared him to be “healthy, active, robust." ON THE DOCKET — “ Supreme Court stalls Trump’s federal election trial while weighing his immunity bid,” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney, POLITICO.
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| | On the ground in Albany. Get critical policy news and analysis inside New York State. Track how power brokers are driving change across legislation and budget and impacting lobbying efforts. Learn more . | | | | | | | FROM THE 413 |
| — “Where in the world is Wilmer Puello-Mota? Rhode Island prosecutors want to know,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Days before the scheduled start of his trial in Rhode Island, prosecutors say former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota boarded an international flight bound for Turkey and fled the country.” — “Northampton first in WMass to back call for Gaza cease-fire,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette.
| | THE LOCAL ANGLE |
| — “Wrentham says it’s not fighting the MBTA Communities Act, but requests state support,” by Bob Seay, GBH News: “‘We’re not going to fight. We’re going to collaborate with the state.’ That’s how Wrentham’s select board Chair Joe Botaish opened the meeting Tuesday night that was convened to discuss the town’s response to the MBTA Communities Act — a controversial new state law that requires zoning for multi-family housing." — “'Bring him back': At explosive Brockton school board meeting, superintendent tears into mayor,” by Christopher Butler, The Enterprise: “In a dramatic and fiery confrontation, Brockton Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas tore into Mayor Robert Sullivan at Tuesday night's school Committee meeting — accusing the mayor of betraying him and declaring to loud applause from a packed room that if he were still on the job the turmoil at Brockton High School would not be happening. It was Thomas's first public appearance before the school committee in six months, since he left on medical leave in August after the bombshell revelation that the school district had run a large deficit in the previous school year.” — “A new commercial for Amazon pitches life and jobs in Fall River — and birdwatching?” by Dan Medeiros, The Herald News: “[The ad] pitches Fall River as the home of ‘historic charm, great birdwatching, and an Amazon warehouse.’ … The ad's apparent goal is to encourage people to come to Fall River and work for the Amazon fulfillment center straddling the Fall River-Freetown border.” — “Steward Health Care pays $100k owed for food voucher program after GBH investigation,” by Jeremy Siegel, GBH News.
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| | A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of Massachusetts, contributing over $700 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 11,600 Massachusettsans and supporting an additional 2,750 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 4 independent McDonald’s operators in Massachusetts began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support Massachusetts through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $700,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 7,000 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in Massachusetts. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma . | | | | | HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH |
| TRANSITIONS — United Way of Massachusetts Bay President and CEO Bob Giannino plans to step down, according to the organization that is partnering with the Healey administration on temporary overflow shelters for migrant and homeless families. Daphne Principe-Griffin , who is currently serving as chief of staff, will take over as interim president and CEO on April 1. — Adam Bass will join MassLive as a reporter covering Worcester and the Greater Worcester area. He currently works at the North Star Reporter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former state Rep. Stephen J. Karol . NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: THE TROLLEY PROBLEM — The Boston Globe's Tiana Woodard discusses what reparations could look like in Boston. Host Jennifer Smith unpacks Milton's MBTA Communities Law mess with host Steve Koczela . Host Lisa Kashinsky spills the tea on Sen. Elizabeth Warren 's new challenger, John Deaton . 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 . | |
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