Monday, August 12, 2024

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Labor prods the Legislature

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LABOR INTENSIVE — A powerful public worker union says it won't endorse sitting members of the Legislature before the September primaries after lawmakers left major bills in limbo as they wrapped up what was expected to be the final day of formal lawmaking for the session.

Leaders of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the local chapter of the nation’s largest federation of trade unions, decided during a meeting late last week to hold off on endorsing incumbents until their next meeting in late September.

“It has long been the practice of the MA AFL-CIO to wait until the State Legislature has concluded business before considering endorsements of incumbents,” Massachusetts AFL–CIO President Chrissy Lynch said in a statement in response to an inquiry about coming endorsements.

“Given that there is still business to be done and Leadership in both chambers have expressed willingness to act on important bills to support working people and grow our economy, our Executive Council has made the decision to table the endorsements of incumbents we hadn’t yet considered until our September 19th meeting.”

The move won’t affect most state lawmakers. More than two-thirds aren’t facing any competition for their seats in either the primary or the general election — including the House and Senate leaders, who ultimately make the call on when and whether to call their members back into session.

But the decision could become a drag on the few lawmakers who are making their final push toward September’s post-Labor Day primary. While endorsements aren’t likely to cost a candidate an election, union support can make a difference on the ground.

Organizations like the AFL-CIO “have a lot of influence with their members,” former Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Phil Johnston, who won five terms as a state representative, told Playbook

“They produce votes, but they also work," he said. "They go door to door, they make phone calls — not just to their members, but to voters — and they contribute. So it's a very important bloc for anyone, any Democrat in particular, who's running for the Legislature."

It’s also a warning shot to lawmakers that labor is dissatisfied with how things are going on Beacon Hill — something that could have ramifications beyond this election cycle if nothing changes under the golden dome.

Lynch, in her statement, implored lawmakers to return in a special session to pass Gov. Maura Healey's economic development bill, one of her biggest priorities this session, as well as legislation that would speed up the siting and permitting processes for clean infrastructure and, per the State House News Service , her federal infrastructure funds bill.

“We are hopeful that the Senate and House will continue finalizing important legislation for working families and get those bills to the Governor’s desk," Lynch said. "We join Governor Healey in her request that the Legislature come back for a special formal session as soon as possible."

GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tips? Scoops? Birthdays? Email me: kgarrity@politico.com

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey is on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. and holds a ceremonial signing for the Parentage Act at 1:30 p.m. at the State House; Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll attends.

A message from Uber:

Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will now earn at least $32.50 while working on the app, making them some of the highest paid drivers in the country. This new rate sets a high standard for driver pay across the nation. Go deeper.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

****GUN OWNERS ARE A WELL ORGANIZED MINORITY****

72% DON'T OWN GUNS
90% WANT MORE GUN CONTROL

Mass. lawmakers get a deal on gun reform bill. Here's what's in it
MASS LIVE

— “Gun Law Opponents Begin Repeal Campaign,” by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service (paywall): “Gun owners have taken the first step toward putting before Massachusetts voters a proposal to repeal the firearms law signed on July 25 by Gov. Maura Healey, a statute the governor called the ‘most significant gun safety legislation in a decade.’ A referendum petition seeking to repeal the law was submitted to the state elections division with the signatures of 10 registered voters, the first step in a process which could land the question on the 2026 ballot.”

— “Massachusetts state, education leaders herald student performance, defend MCAS assessment,” by Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald.

WHAT SHE'S READING — On Gov. Maura Healey ’s summer reading list, per the State House News Service : "American Spirits,” by Russell Banks; "Restless Dolly Maunder," by Kate Grenville; and "The Anxious Generation,” by Jonathan Haidt.

RECEIPTS ARE IN — The state pulled in $40.8 billion in tax revenue in fiscal year 2024, $967 million more than the revised benchmark budget writers decided on in January after multiple months of below benchmark collections — but still not enough to balance the books.

The catch: $2.2 billion in revenue from the fiscal year that ended June 30 came from the “millionaire’s tax” — money that must be spent on education and transportation initiatives. That’s left the state with a more than $200 million budget gap officials will need to plug to close out the books on FY24.

But the more than $2 billion haul from the surtax on incomes over $1 million blew past early projections from the state.

IN OTHER BUDGET NEWS — “Gov. Healey will seek access to remaining pandemic-era surplus dollars to cover shelter costs, top budget writer says,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald.

FROM THE HUB

— “Boston City Council hits mayor, police commissioner over BPD demotion: ‘Troubling’,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A majority of the Boston City Council penned a letter expressing their “steadfast” opposition to the mayor and police commissioner’s decision to demote a veteran member of the force due to his appointment to a police oversight agency, and are advocating for his reinstatement. The letter sent on Friday comes five weeks after Eddy Chrispin was removed from his position as deputy superintendent on the command staff at the Boston Police Department, and demoted to the rank of sergeant detective. The decision drew backlash after it was publicized by the Massachusetts Association of Minority Law Enforcement, of which Chrispin is a board member and past president.”

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MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS

— “Many stay, some go: Hitting first deadline of Healey’s new shelter policy, most are granted extensions,” by Marilyn Schairer and Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “Eleven families will have been evicted from the state’s temporary respite centers by the end of Friday, a state spokesperson said, far fewer than the number who were warned they would need to leave under a new policy from the Healey administration. The policy that took effect Aug. 1 limits families to a five-day stay at one of the state’s four temporary respite centers in Norfolk, Lexington, Cambridge and Chelsea, which act as overflow for the state’s maxed-out shelter system. … The governor’s office said in a statement Friday: ‘This is a difficult situation that we are managing as best we can, but Massachusetts is out of shelter space and cannot continue to afford the size of this system.’"

— “Immigration courts in Mass. on pace to have record number of deportation filings,” by Danny McDonald, Yoohyun Jung and Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio, The Boston Globe: “As thousands of migrants who fled violence and instability in their home countries face an unsettled future in Massachusetts, federal immigration authorities are on pace to file a record number of deportation cases this fiscal year, according to an immigration research center. Through the first nine months of the 2024 federal fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, the US Department of Homeland Security filed more than 44,000 new deportation cases in Massachusetts immigration courts. At the current pace, the total number of filings in the state by the end of the fiscal year could reach almost 59,000.”

A message from Uber:

YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS

— “The multiracial population of Mass. — and the US — is growing rapidly. That could change electoral politics,” by Scooty Nickerson, The Boston Globe.

***NICK PIRRO has never held elected office.****

— “Beacon Hill’s power of incumbency put to the test in this Mass. Senate race,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Sen. John Cronin, a second-term Democrat from Fitchburg, is attempting to fend off a well-funded campaign run by Nick Pirro, a conservative from Lunenburg who owns a casket business, a towing company, a masonry supply, and gravel shop. The race has the potential to be one of the more grueling reelection bids a sitting lawmaker is facing this year in a state where incumbents typically glide to reelection. But Republicans don’t have it easy, either — they historically have a difficult time winning during presidential election years in Massachusetts, especially against incumbents.”

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Reps. Dan Hunt and Dan Ryan and the Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718 in the race for Suffolk County Clerk of Civil Courts.

— State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is officially endorsing former Methuen City Councilor Eunice Zeigler for Governor’s Council in District 5.

— The Boston Carmen's Union, Local 589 has endorsed Arielle Faria in the race for the open Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket House seat.

WALZ WATCH — Newly selected Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz is stopping in Boston this week, part of a whirlwind fundraising tour that’s taking the Minnesota governor to Colorado, Rhode Island and the Hamptons in the span of a few days. The high-dollar fundraiser in the Hub is set for Wednesday evening, and Gov. Maura Healey is expected to be a part of the event, per her campaign.

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

— “Vineyard Wind lays out plan to remove remaining damaged blade,” by Anastasia E. Lennon, The New Bedford Light: “Vineyard Wind issued an action plan on Friday with details about the steps it will take to remove the remaining damaged blade, as post-tropical storm Debby makes its way to Massachusetts. This involves removing fallen debris from the tower platform, rotating the turbine to shake loose any further debris, potentially cutting off a dangling portion of the blade, removing debris from the ocean floor, and ultimately detaching the blade ‘root’ from the nacelle (the turbine’s generator).”

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THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “Plan for mid-Cape homeless shelter pits two towns against nonprofit developer,” by John Hilliard, The Boston Globe: “A proposal to convert a nursing home on Cape Cod into a shelter for dozens of homeless families is facing stiff resistance from two towns, pitting officials against the nonprofit developer behind the project. The Hyannis-based Housing Assistance Corp. wants to convert the former South Dennis Health Care Facility on Love Lane into a 79-unit Family Transition Shelter. … But the Dennis Planning Board and the Harwich Select Board are objecting, raising concerns about traffic, stormwater, and the number of families planned for the site. The property is located in Dennis, but it is only accessed by road through Harwich.”

— “Worcester library parties on at annual community block celebration downtown,” by Richard Duckett, Telegram & Gazette: “They said it with flowers, messages and with their presence as the community lent its support to the Worcester Public Library on Saturday at the main branch's fourth annual community block party at 3 Salem Square downtown. The block party, which began at 11:30 a.m. and was scheduled to run until 3:30 p.m., was taking place less than two days after a patron struck a library staff member with a skateboard at the main branch on Thursday afternoon. The library closed an hour early on Thursday afternoon and was also closed Friday following the unprovoked attack, but reopened Saturday. The decision was also made to go ahead with the block party, which had long been planned in advance for Aug. 10.”
previous article:

Man accused of throwing skateboard at library worker held on bail; library reopens Saturday
TELEGRAM & GAZETTE

— “Override for new Milton school won't be on November election ballot,” by Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger: “When voters head to the polls for the Nov. 5 presidential election, they won't be deciding whether the town should borrow an estimated $173 million to pay for a new middle school. The select board this week voted 3-2 against putting forth to voters a proposed temporary property tax increase, known as a debt-exclusion override, to pay for a new school on Gile Road near Milton High School.”

— “Randolph, Stoughton police to equip officers with bodycams,” by Amelia Stern, The Brockton Enterprise.

A message from Uber:

Massachusetts Uber and Lyft drivers will soon receive comprehensive benefits alongside their new pay rate. Benefits include health insurance stipends for those working over 15 hours a week, paid sick leave, and occupational accident insurance. These enhancements provide vital support and security for drivers, ensuring they have access to essential healthcare and financial protection. These new benefits mark a significant improvement in the quality of life for rideshare drivers.

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WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING

— “Send Snoop to the Convention: What Political Media Can Learn From the Olympics,” by Joanna Weiss, POLITICO.

— “Cambridge spent years — and $1.4 million — hiding harassment claims against high-profile police officer,” by Spencer Buell, The Boston Globe.

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

SPOTTED — Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) at a fundraiser at event planner and Democratic fundraiser Bryan Rafanelli 's house in Provincetown, Massachusetts, over the weekend. Also in attendance: former Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Lauren Collins Cline and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

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