Middleboro Review 2: POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Let the lawsuits begin

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Let the lawsuits begin

DAY IN COURT — That didn’t take long.

A day after Donald Trump returned to the White House, Massachusetts got to work suing him.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell is co-leading a multi-state effort to block the executive order Trump signed Monday that seeks to end birthright citizenship. The order asks federal agencies to refuse to recognize U.S. citizenship for children who are born in the U.S. to mothers who are in the country illegally (or who are here legally on visas when the father isn’t a citizen or lawful permanent resident).

The challenge, which Campbell is leading alongside New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, “is about holding President Trump accountable for what I deem, and of course, my colleagues across the country deem to be a flagrant violation of the law,” Campbell said at a press conference yesterday. “Birthright citizenship is a constitutional right enshrined in the 14th Amendment, and the president does not have the authority to take it away.”

The 18 states who signed on to the suit are seeking an injunction to block the order from being implemented by Feb. 19, 30 days after it was signed. If it did go into effect, the attorneys general warned in the filing, hundreds of thousands of children would be left with shaky legal status that could threaten federal funding to states for programs contingent on children’s citizenship status.

The lawsuit puts Campbell on pace with her predecessor, Gov. Maura Healey, who joined a lawsuit challenging Trump’s travel ban shortly after his inauguration in 2017 — eventually taking him to court nearly 100 times.

Campbell’s isn’t the only lawsuit filed in Massachusetts challenging Trump’s attempt to wipe out birthright citizenship. Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit early Tuesday morning on behalf of expectant mothers and two Bay State-based organizations, La Colaborativa and the Brazilian Worker Center.

And there are more challenges to Trump’s citizenship crackdown in other courts across the country. The Massachusetts chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is also part of a related lawsuit filed in New Hampshire court. Attorneys general in Illinois, Washington, Arizona and Oregon also filed suit yesterday.

More lawsuits over Trump’s early moves could be on the way. “Trans Americans deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Campbell said in a post on X yesterday. “Last night's executive order was an attempt to sow fear. My office is reviewing and will closely monitor federal agency implementation. Know I stand ready to use every tool available to protect MA residents.”

GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. For some Massachusetts pols, the executive order is personal.

On an organizing call led by Sen. Ed Markey last night, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu noted that her parents weren’t U.S. citizens when she was born here.

“I am only a citizen because of birthright citizenship, and the attempt to violate the law, to undermine so much of what we stand for, so much of what has gotten us to this point as a society, as a community, as a country, as one of the very first actions … is a reminder of how much each and every one of us is needed right now to buckle down and and be involved at the city level,” Wu said.

More than 2,100 people joined the Zoom call, dubbed “The Massachusetts Response to Trump's Inauguration,” according to Markey’s office, and roughly 11,000 tuned in across Facebook, TikTok and X.

TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey unveils her FY26 budget at 1:30 p.m. at the State House.

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TRUMPACHUSETTS

— “The feds gave Mass. $63 million for EV charging. Now Trump is taking it back,” by Aaron Pressman, The Boston Globe: “With President Trump issuing orders to slow the electric vehicle transition, Massachusetts could lose out on about $63 million of federal subsidies to build EV chargers along major highways. The state has been among the slowest in the nation to award funding from the 2021 infrastructure law, which set aside a total of $5 billion to help fill gaps in the EV charging network. Despite several years of planning and negotiations with potential contractors, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has yet to award a single dollar from the program to build charging stations.”

— “Families of Afghans abroad anxious as Trump halts resettlement, parole programs,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News.

— “Trump sparks fear of mass deportations among Bay State immigrants,” by Tréa Lavery, MassLive.

DATELINE BEACON HILL

WHERE WAS BRIAN SHORTSLEEVE IN ALL OF THE MBTA FAILURES? THE WHITE TOOTHED GOVERNOR WAS IN CHARGE OF THE MBTA FOR 8 YEARS...HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN ALL OF THE SAFETY FAILURES & SLOW ZONES? LOOKS LIKE FAILURES THAT ARE NOT WORTHY OF BRAGGING ABOUT!

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE ENDORSING A CANDIDATE WHO FAILED TAXPAYERS!

NEVER VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT HELD ELECTED OFFICE!

2026 WATCH — Brian Shortsleeve, who served as Gov. Charlie Baker’s MBTA administrator, met with members of the boards of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance and the Fiscal Alliance Foundation last week, Mass Fiscal’s Paul Craney confirmed to Playbook. Shortsleeve was well-received by the members, according to Craney, who praised his experience managing the MBTA’s finances.

DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE ENDORSING A CANDIDATE WHO FAILED TAXPAYERS!

NEVER VOTE FOR A CANDIDATE WHO HAS NOT HELD ELECTED OFFICE!

Another potential Republican gubernatorial candidate, Mike Kennealy, who served as Baker’s secretary of housing and economic development, is meeting with the group next month, Craney said.

— “Governor Healey unveils $2.5b plan for construction, maintenance projects on ‘aging’ state college campuses,” by Matt Stout, The Boston Globe: “Governor Maura Healey on Tuesday unveiled a plan to dedicate $2.5 billion over the next decade to fix and decarbonizing aging buildings — and construct new ones — on the state’s university and college campuses. Healey framed the multibillion-dollar borrowing effort as a ‘jobs bill’ that would rely on union labor for projects across the state and make the University of Massachusetts system and other state schools more attractive destinations for students. Healey’s proposal, which requires approval by the Legislature, calls to use $125 million a year in revenue generated by the state’s so-called millionaires tax to help cover the costs of a sweeping 10-year borrowing bill.”

MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS

— “Massachusetts lawmakers weigh link between federal immigration officers and local authorities,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Massachusetts lawmakers are set to duel this legislative session over the relationship between local law enforcement officers and federal immigration authorities amid a renewed effort by President Donald Trump to crack down on unlawful immigration into the United States. Trump’s pledge to conduct mass deportations, including through raids in cities like Boston, and security concerns in state-run shelters housing migrants have drawn attention to whether or not local authorities should be able to work with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.”

PAYWALL FOR BOSTON HERALD RAG!

— “Mass. school district, immigration group, vow protection amid Trump directive for ICE agents to enter schools, churches,” by Tonya Alanez, The Boston Globe: “President Trump’s new directive to allow federal immigration officials to make arrests at public schools and houses of worship, traditionally safe havens for undocumented immigrants, prompted one of Massachusetts’ largest public school districts and a leading advocacy group to assure families that they will maintain protections to safeguard students. Worcester Public Schools officials sent an email to staff, students and their families, saying they would not coordinate with ICE agents nor would agents be allowed on campuses without criminal warrants signed by a federal judge.”

DAY IN COURT

— “Trump Admin Swiftly Fills U.S. Attorney for Mass. Position,” by Michael P. Norton and Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “President Donald Trump's administration moved quickly to name a veteran attorney with nearly two decades of experience in Massachusetts as the state's top federal prosecutor on an interim basis. Acting U.S. Attorney General James McHenry on Monday named Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah Belaire Foley as U.S. attorney for the district of Massachusetts, the administration announced Tuesday. Foley was sworn in Tuesday. Attorneys general can appoint U.S. attorneys for up to 120 days. To serve a more permanent term, Foley would need to be nominated by Trump and secure confirmation before the U.S. Senate.”

FROM THE DELEGATION

IN THE DOGE HOUSE — Rep. Stephen Lynch was one of the handful of Democrats named to the DOGE Subcommittee on Oversight (the Department of Government Efficiency, in case you missed its creation during the Trump transition). New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury will serve as the ranking member, and Lynch will be joined by D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Reps. Robert Garcia of California as well as Texas Reps. Greg Casar and Jasmine Crockett, per POLITICO’s Daniella Diaz and Hailey Fuchs .

— “Moulton says Trump's early anti-trans actions show Democratic reset is needed,” by Adam Reilly, GBH News: “U.S. Representative Seth Moulton of Salem tells GBH News that steps taken by Donald Trump early in his second presidential term prove Democrats should heed Moulton’s call to be less doctrinaire on issues involving transgender identity. ‘Among the many people he attacked was transgender Americans,’ Moulton told GBH News after Trump’s inaugural address, in which the president said it would now be U.S. policy that there are only two genders. ‘And this is why I’ve been pushing the Democratic Party to actually stop denying that this is an issue, and that we have to have a response.’”

IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

— “FEMA gives Boston, MBTA $13M to reduce flood risks,” by Barbara Moran, WBUR: “The city of Boston and the MBTA will receive nearly $13 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to protect neighborhoods and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change. The MBTA will receive nearly $10 million to protect the Blue Line from flooding. Much of the line lies below sea level, and a 2018 winter storm caused $3.5 million in flood damage at Aquarium Station. Coastal flooding could cost the MBTA system $63 million annually by 2030, according to Lynsey Heffernan, the agency's chief of policy and strategic planning.”

MUST READ!

TRUMP LIES & DISINFORMATION!

— “Trump order targets offshore wind, but stopping projects in progress won’t be easy,” by Anastasia E. Lennon, The New Bedford Light: “President Donald Trump wasted no time in his first day in office Monday, ordering a halt to all new leases of offshore wind projects in federal waters, and a review of all federally leased and permitted wind projects by the Interior Department. It’s what industry experts expected at minimum, and goes a step further by opening the door for potential termination of existing offshore wind leases or permits. The review could affect several wind projects off the Massachusetts coast at varying levels of completion.”

WHAT IS TRUMP DOING TO ADDRESS VESSEL STRIKES & ENTANGLEMENTS? TRUMP DISINFORMATION!

BELIEVE THE SCIENCE & FACTS!

OTHER NATIONS ARE EMBRACING CLEAN ENERGY!

— “'Driving whales crazy.' Mixed reactions as Trump links wind energy to whale deaths,” by Heather McCarron, Cape Cod Times: “During a Jan. 7 press conference at Mar-a-Lago, [President-elect Donald] Trump called wind energy ‘the most expensive energy ever’ and likened wind turbines to ‘dropping garbage in a field.’ He specifically pointed to the Massachusetts area, and said, ‘the windmills are driving the whales crazy, obviously.’ Trump vowed to halt offshore wind development. His comments have drawn mixed reactions. Scientists and environmental organizations emphasized that there is no current evidence linking wind farms to whale deaths, while some activists welcomed Trump's support for halting offshore wind development amid ongoing concerns about its impact on marine life.”

Federal Agency Abandons Rule to Protect Critically Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales From Vessel Strikes

WASHINGTON— Conservation groups expressed anger and frustration at today’s announcement by NOAA Fisheries that it is withdrawing a proposed rule expanding protections for North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. In 2024 alone four right whales, including two females and two dependent calves, died as the result of vessel strikes in U.S. waters.

Since 2020 at least 16 critically endangered North Atlantic right whales have been killed or injured by blows from boats and ships. Fewer than 70 reproductively active females, the literal lifeblood of this species, remain. Research has shown that a vessel traveling at 10 knots or less is much less likely to harm a whale in a collision.

CENTER FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

TRUMP LIES & BLABBER! HE'S JUST AFRAID OF GETTING CANCER! POOR DELUSIONAL MAN!

WHAT HAS TRUMP DONE TO REDUCE ENTANGLEMENTS WITH FISHING GEAR & FISH STRIKES?

OH WHALE — The future of wind energy in Massachusetts could face headwinds under the incoming Trump administration.

Somewhere amid the headline-making press conference he held at Mar-a-Lago Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump squeezed in a blow to the wind energy industry, saying his administration would try to implement a policy “where no windmills are being built."

"You see what's happening up in the Massachusetts area with the whales,” Trump said, pointing to spate of whale deaths on Bay State shores in recent months. “The windmills are driving the whales crazy.”

FWIW, conservationists have pushed back on claims that whale deaths in the region are connected to offshore wind developments.

excerpt:

Humpbacks, minkes and critically endangered North Atlantic right whales have been stranding in increased numbers since 2016, according to WDC, which said the deaths are usually caused by fishing gear entanglement, ships hitting the animals or infections. They also noted that fish the whales feed on have been swimming increasingly close to shore, which can increase the chances of the animal getting entangled, struck by a ship or sick.

The other recent strandings that the WDC has responded to along Massachusetts' South Shore are two humpbacks (in July off Scituate and this month in Plymouth) and three minkes (August in Duxbury, September in Plymouth and November in Hull).

FROM THE 413

ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION CAN BE NET-ZERO!

OTHER TOWNS NEED TO TAKE SIMILAR ACTION!

— “Northampton bans use of fossil fuels in new buildings, renovations; new rules start Jan. 27,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “A new building code kicks in citywide next Monday that effectively bans the use of fossil fuels in any new buildings or renovations of existing structures in Northampton. The City Council on Jan. 16 unanimously approved an ordinance that spells out the change, making Northampton one of only 10 communities in Massachusetts to take such measures, and the only one in the western part of the state.”

— “Outside report calls UMass protest breakup reasonable but tweaks Reyes on handling of it,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette.

THE LOCAL ANGLE

— “‘Do better or step aside’: Supporters rally for nonbinary Worcester councilor,” by Adam Bass, MassLive: “Supporters of Worcester City Councilor-at-Large Thu Nguyen walked into city hall Tuesday night with a clear message to the rest of the council — do better or get out of the way. Nguyen, the first non-binary elected official in Worcester, announced on Jan. 15 that they would be taking a month-long hiatus from the council, citing a toxic culture that has resulted in transphobia.”

— “Lawrence council to discuss report that called for police chief's termination,” by Jill Harmacinski, The Eagle-Tribune: “City councilors plan to meet Wednesday night to discuss a controversial consultant’s report that calls for the termination of former Provisional Police Chief William Castro. Released a week ago, the report calls for Castro’s firing for falsifying a police report while he was police chief and then lying about it, among other transgressions.”

— "Fall River teachers have a deal: Union OKs contract with big pay raises. See the terms," by Dan Medeiros and Emily Scherny, The Herald News: “The city’s largest teachers’ union has “overwhelmingly” ratified a three-year deal with the Fall River Public School system, with the end now in sight after a nearly yearlong negotiation process. According to a statement from the Fall River Educators Association, the contract includes wage increases between 18% and 21% over the life of the deal, improved paid family leave benefits, safer buildings, and ‘guardrails designed to keep workloads manageable.’”

HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Lauren DeFilippo, Inspector General Jeff Shapiro, former state Rep. Josh Cutler, Massachusetts Gaming Commissioner and former state Rep. Brad Hill, Sarah Mattero, Carson McGrath, Stephen Glick and Gail Shalan.

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