POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: The road to long-term transpo funding

 

By Kelly Garrity TOLL POLL — Staring down the threat of slashed federal transportation grants and dwindling gas tax revenue, transit advocates are calling for lasting solutions to the state’s transportation funding struggles — solutions they say Bay Staters back. A majority of people surveyed in a new poll conducted by the MassInc Polling Group for Transportation for Massachusetts said they want to see the state develop its own long-term funding plan, and pluralities said they’d be open to exploring new revenue sources, including tolls and congestion pricing. "The reality is we can’t take for granted that the federal dollars we’ve relied on will always be there . Massachusetts must strengthen its commitment to long-term transportation funding," Transportation for Massachusetts Executive Director Reggie Ramos said. "We need a proactive plan to ensure safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation — one that embraces fair and effective funding solutions to meet the needs of all residents." The deets: Of the 702 Massachusetts residents surveyed, 48 percent said Massachusetts should study ways to implement congestion pricing in Boston, while 35 percent said the state shouldn’t consider bringing a program similar to the one recently implemented in New York to Boston. And 52 percent of Bay Staters said they’d support having more tolls if it meant phasing out the gas tax. The poll was conducted Feb. 21–25, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. But those changes are easier polled than done. Gov. Maura Healey recently rolled out an $8 billion transportation funding plan bolstered by revenue from the so-called millionaires’ tax. Notably absent from the plan: any new taxes. And that wasn’t an accident — members of the transportation funding task force that made recommendations for the plan were encouraged to look for revenue sources that would help the state maintain its “competitiveness,” CommonWealth Beacon reported earlier this year. Plus, there’s a new federal administration that hasn’t shown a lot of love for New York’s new $9 toll on drivers entering certain sections of Manhattan during peak hours. The Trump administration tried to roll back the program, prompting a legal challenge from the state. GOOD WEDNESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .  TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey is the keynote speaker at the MassBio Annual Meeting at 10:30 a.m. in Boston. She and first lady Joanna Lydgate attend the 2025 World Figure Skating Championship at 6:15 p.m. in Boston. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at a Massachusetts Caucus of Women event at 11 a.m. at the State House. Attorney General Andrea Campbell joins a panel on protecting kids from social media at The Boston Globe’s Working Mothers Summit at 1 p.m. in Boston. Auditor Diana DiZoglio speaks at Somernova’s International Women’s Day event at 7 p.m. in Somerville. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu visits students at the Dearborn STEM Academy with David Ortiz at 10 a.m. in Roxbury, participates in a fireside chat at the Globe’s Working Mothers Summit at 12:45 p.m. and speaks at the at the World Figure Skating Championship at 6 p.m.   Cut through policy complexity and turn intelligence into action with POLITICO’s Policy Intelligence Assistant—a new suite of tools designed to save you time and demonstrate your impact more easily than ever—available only to Pro subscribers. Save hours, uncover critical insights instantly, and stay ahead of the next big shift. Power your strategy today— learn more .     DATELINE BEACON HILL ***TOM HOMAN IS A PROVEN LIAR WHO KNOWINGLY DEFIED A COURT ORDER, TRANSPORTED INNOCENT PEOPLE TO THE HELL HOLE EL SALVADOR - ALSO INCLUDED WOMEN! SOMEONE NEEDS TO PROVIDE AN ANATOMY LESSON TO THESE CLOWNS! NEVER RAN CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS IN HIS LUNACY! WE CAN ANTICIPATE MUCH THE SAME IN HIS TARGETING OF BOSTON!***** TWO DEMOCRATS DIVERGED — Gov. Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have both taken issue with criticisms from Trump administration officials over their handling of immigration. But they’re taking a different tone when responding to the heat from Washington. Healey has hammered the message that Massachusetts is “not a sanctuary state,” and Tuesday questioned the federal authorities’ “fixation” on Massachusetts after White House border czar Tom Homan revealed on Monday that he swung through the state to oversee an immigration operation that resulted in the arrest of 370 people. Wu, meanwhile, has brought a bring-it-on attitude — warning the White House — and anyone else — not to mess with Boston during her State of the City speech last week. And in an appearance on “The Daily Show,” Tuesday night, she reiterated that Boston is a safe city “for everyone.” Their circumstances are different, of course. Wu is in the midst of a reelection fight in a city where roughly 75 percent of voters backed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in last year’s election. Healey is running a state that saw a slightly rightward shift last election, and one where Republicans made small gains in the Legislature. ****IT'S ALMOST APRIL! BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG IS POSTING A RE-HASH FROM JANUARY & REGURGITATING A PREVIOUS ARREST! NOTHING TO SEE HERE! IT'S TIME TO THINK! THIS IS MOSTLY TRIVIA! **** — “Emergency shelter inspections in January turned up cleanliness, pest concerns,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “An inspection of state-run emergency shelters completed earlier this year after a migrant was arrested in Revere with a rifle and drugs turned up housekeeping concerns, pest issues, and what was first thought to be counterfeit cash, according to records obtained by the Herald. Gov. Maura Healey ordered reviews of the hotels, motels, and congregate or scattered sites serving as shelters for homeless families after a Dominican man who was unlawfully in the country was arrested at a Revere shelter with a rifle and alleged stash of fentanyl worth $1 million.” ****EPA FUNDING FREEZE!***** — “EPA delays $50M for lead pipe replacement,” by Christian M. Wade, The Newburyport Daily News: “The Trump administration is holding back $50 million to remove underground lead pipes from drinking water systems in Massachusetts as it conducts a review of federal spending, state officials said Tuesday. Gov. Maura Healey, who announced the freeze, blasted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for what she called a ‘dangerous delay in critical funding’ and called on the Trump administration to release the federal money.” ****TRUMP CUTS TO THE POOR TO FUND TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY!**** — “Section 8 housing voucher changes in Mass. could increase costs for renters,” by Tréa Lavery, MassLive: “Reductions in federal funding have led to changes in housing vouchers, such as Section 8 in Massachusetts, that could hit renters in the wallet. In a letter sent to federally funded voucher holders on March 13, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) wrote that the changes will take effect May 1 when individual households complete their annual eligibility recertification. While previously the state agency was able to implement policies that offered more relief to renters with vouchers, ‘rising costs and insufficient federal funding’ mean EOHLC can no longer afford to do that, according to the letter, which was shared with MassLive.” FROM THE HUB NO JOKE — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu made her latest foray onto the national stage Tuesday night, joining “The Daily Show” to talk about her path to City Hall, her recent congressional testimony and the hardest part about being mayor. Watch .  — “Boston city councilors press for clarity on how state ‘receivership’ will impact 2025 election,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Two Boston city councilors are seeking clarity from Secretary of State Bill Galvin on how state ‘receivership’ will impact the upcoming election season, which includes a highly-anticipated mayoral race and elections for City Council. Councilors Erin Murphy and Ed Flynn wrote a letter to Galvin on Monday that reiterates the concerns they have had with the city’s election processes since a number of ‘significant issues’ in last fall’s presidential election resulted in ‘widespread ballot shortages and communication failures’ in Boston.” — “Boston School Committee to vote on $1.58b budget Wednesday,” by John Hilliard, The Boston Globe: “Boston’s School Committee is expected to vote Wednesday night on the 2025-26 school year proposed $1.58 billion budget, which includes more funding for staff and services to support special education students and English learners in inclusive classroom settings. The financial plan, which is the first in several years without federal pandemic aid, would be a 3.5 percent increase over the current budget. It also would fund more resources for school pools and libraries and help address students’ math and literacy learning loss.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL — “'Owe it to the taxpayers': Moises Rodrigues confirms run for mayor. What he'd do differently,” by Chris Helms, The Brockton Enterprise: “Moises Rodrigues is running for mayor. … He's managed the city's corner office before. In 2019, fellow city councilors made him acting mayor after Mayor Bill Carpenter died in office. He ran the city for seven months. To get the job for real, he'll need to win a mayoral ... election in September and two-person general election in November. If successful, he'd be both the 49th and 51st mayor of Brockton.”  excerpt:  "We've got to create a more harmonious relationship of the powers in this city," the six-term city councilor said Wednesday. He'll make the official announcement Friday at a campaign kickoff. YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS FEELING THE IM(PAC)T— Two Massachusetts Teachers Association-backed School Committee candidates in Andover defeated incumbents in last night’s election . The newly elected members, Chris Shepley and Jake Tamarkin, defeated School Committee members Emily DiCesaro and Sandis Wright, after winning endorsements from the Andover Education Association following a bruising battle over teachers’ contract that led to a strike last year. Both challengers won with financial support from the MTA’s PAC , prompting the current chair, Lauren Conoscenti, to accuse the union of “trying to buy” the seat, per the Andover News . ****TARGETING TRANS PEOPLE & CREATING ANOTHER TRUMP DIVISIVE ISSUE!**** — “Boston court hears arguments on new federal passport rules for gender markers,” by Robert Goulston, GBH News: “Transgender and nonbinary plaintiffs had their first day in court Tuesday in their push to reverse the Trump administration’s new policy that requires passports to reflect their sex assigned at birth. Judge Julia Kobick at the Massachusetts federal court in Boston heard close to two hours of testimony before taking the case under advisement.” TRUMPACHUSETTS ****PROTESTING EPA CUTS!***** — “EPA employees rally in Boston over planned cuts,” by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “As the lunch hour hit on Tuesday, dozens of Environmental and Protection Agency workers emerged from their office in downtown Boston and did something many federal employees have been scared to do: speak out against the Trump administration. Some at the rally said they hoped to draw public attention to the EPA’s mission, as the White House promises more layoffs and undercuts longstanding efforts with moves like rewriting the agency’s 2009 finding that greenhouse gas emissions should be regulated under the Clean Air Act.” FROM THE 413 — “Amherst council decision forces regional school district back to drawing board on next year’s budget,” by Scott Merzbach, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “It’s back to the drawing board for the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools’ proposed budget for next year, after the Town Council on Monday rejected changing the way assessments are determined for each of the district’s four member towns.” — “Pittsfield committee moves to shelve embattled median safety ordinance,” by Maryjane Williams, The Berkshire Eagle: “The city's Ordinance and Rules Committee voted 4-1 on Monday evening to file the proposed Median Safety and Pedestrian Regulations in Public Roadways, meaning it will go back to the City Council for review but with the recommendation to shelve the measure. The decision came after 21 Berkshire County residents spoke out against the ordinance during public comment, citing concerns about its potential impact on panhandlers, constitutional rights violations and a lack of evidence for safety concerns.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Six months after Cambridge cyclist’s death, authorities seek charges against driver,” by Spencer Buell and Shannon Larson, The Boston Globe. ***BOSTON HERALD PROPAGANDA RAG OUTDOES ITSELF! TAX CUTS TO THE WEALTHY CAUSED THE TRUMP DEFICIT! 100% OF GDP!  THE IRS FUNDING UNDER PRESIDENT BIDEN AUDITED WEALTHY TAX CHEATS WHO STILL CHEATED ON THEIR TAXES! HOW MUCH MONEY DO THE WEALTHY NEED THAT THEY STILL CHEAT ON THEIR TAXES?  — “Fiscal groups call for New England delegation to put aside politics, renew Trump Tax cuts,” by Matthew Medsgar, Boston Herald. excerpt:  According to the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, renewing Trump’s tax bill would “decrease federal tax revenue by $4.5 trillion from 2025 through 2034,” while “long-run GDP” would grow by just 1.1%. This GDP growth would offset $710 billion — about 16% — of the revenue loss, while “long-run GNP (a measure of American incomes)” would only rise by 0.4%. “Some of the benefits of the tax cuts and larger economy go to foreigners in the form of higher interest payments on the debt,” they wrote. An Oxford University study released in May of 2024 found the TCJA led to mixed results, in that, by reducing corporate tax rates, the government “may boost investment, raise shareholders’ returns, and increase workers’ earnings,” but by and large the benefits of those cuts go to the wealthy and “may be distributed unevenly throughout the economy.” — “Residents demand police review board at Worcester meeting focused on DOJ report,” by Adam Bass, MassLive. — “Special Billerica Select Board meeting to discuss member’s conduct canceled,” by Peter Currier, The Lowell Sun: “A special Select Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday night to address the alleged behavior of board member Dina Favreau has been canceled after the body’s chairman joined calls for Favreau to resign over the weekend.” — “Natick voters decide on $7 million override, municipal races,” by Tom Benoit, The MetroWest Daily News: “Voters approved a $7 million tax override during Tuesday's annual town election that officials have said will allow Natick to generate sufficient revenues to fund recurring costs — and save municipal jobs, according to unofficial results from the town clerk. Separately, two incumbent Select Board members and two School Committee members retained their seats, with the latter board also welcoming a new member.” — “City Council outlines vision of reduced government at ‘cut night’,” by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light: “City councilors flexed their budget-cutting muscles last week, chopping more than $4 million of proposed spending on city improvements, then sharing a vision of a much leaner and “modernized” government in New Bedford. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nick Bayer, Caroline Darmody, Carlos Mark Ver a, Healey deputy press secretary Isabella Lanata and Kelli Ritter. 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 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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POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Tonight’s guest list

 

By Kelly Garrity THOU DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH — Democrats sometimes played up the theatrics during President Donald Trump’s speeches before Congress in his first term. This time, the strategy is different. There's no high-profile boycott planned. Instead, Democrats were given private guidance to bring a guest “who has been harmed by the Trump administration’s early actions or will be hurt by the House Republican budget,” POLITICO’S Nicholas Wu reported Monday . And many in Massachusetts are following along. Here’s who they’re bringing: — Sen. Ed Markey is bringing the Chrissy Lynch, the president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “The AFL-CIO has long represented workers across the Commonwealth and the country in fighting back when billionaires like Trump and Musk try to push them down,” Markey said in announcing Lynch as his guest . — Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be joined by Wellesley's Doug Kowalewski, a former National Science Foundation employee whose job was cut as part of the DOGE’s efforts to slash the size of the federal government. — Rep. Ayanna Pressley has invited Claire Bergstresser of Everett , a wheelchair user who worked at the Department of Housing and Urban Development until last month when her job was cut. — Rep. Richard Neal is bringing Michael Slater , a U.S. Army veteran who lost his job at the Springfield Vet Center as a result of federal layoffs across the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs mid-February. — Rep. Jake Auchincloss is bringing Dr. Atul Gawande, the former assistant administrator for global health at USAID and a former general and endocrine surgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. — Rep. Lori Trahan is bringing a mom from Gardner who relies on Medicare coverage for a daughter who’s battling a disease, according to her office. — House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark has invited Sarah Wroblewski, whose son Declan is fighting cancer. — Rep. Jim McGovern  is bringing Sue Koehler of Leominster, who relies on Medicaid, per the Boston Globe’s Tal Kopan . — Rep. Seth Moulton isn’t bringing anyone. “Are you kidding me, I wouldn’t subject anyone to that misery,” he said. Lawmakers usually use their guests for the president’s big speech to highlight an issue or cause they’re close to. This time around, Democrats are aligned in their mission: stopping cuts to federal funds and jobs. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . Here's what to watch for during tonight's address. Trump takes the House rostrum at 9 p.m. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey has no public events. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll speaks at the Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care’s advocacy day at 10:30 a.m. at the State House. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins a press conference alongside members of the state's congressional delegation at 2 p.m. in D.C. Auditor Diana DiZoglio visits the Mystic Learning Center at 4 p.m. in Somerville. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Drop me a line: kgarrity@politico.com .      DATELINE BEACON HILL 2026 WATCH — No Republican has officially jumped into the governor’s race, but former MBTA Chief Administrator Brian Shortsleeve already has some backing for a TBD-bid. In an email sent Monday to Republican Town Committee members, state Rep. Marc Lombardo said he's “excited to support Brian Shortsleeve as a Republican candidate for governor,” and asked the Republican Town Committee when their members might be available to meet Shortsleeve. Lombardo, one of the more conservative Republicans in the House GOP caucus, unsuccessfully challenged House Minority Leader Brad Jones for his position earlier this year. His support could help Shortsleeve, who served under former Gov. Charlie Baker, appeal to the party's right flank. Meanwhile, Gov. Maura Healey may have a primary challenge of her own. Andrea James, whose website describes her as the founder of The National Council For Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, filed paperwork with the state’s campaign finance office to run for governor as a Democrat, an early step toward launching a campaign. More on James from the Boston Globe. CUE THE LAUGH TRACK — Gov. Maura Healey is going on “Late Night with Seth Meyers” Wednesday night, marking the second national media hit for Healey in less than a week. — “Mass. spending on shelters housing migrants, locals hits half a billion in FY25, data shows,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Gov. Maura Healey’s administration has already spent more than half a billion dollars this fiscal year on taxpayer-funded shelters housing migrants and local families, according to public data, though state officials contend the number of new arrivals in the system is decreasing. In a report released last week before Healey signed another spending bill that shuttled millions to the shelter system, the governor’s top budget-writers said Massachusetts spent just over $520 million in the seven and a half months since the fiscal year started in July 2024.” THE BLOVIATORS IGNORE THIS: More than 75% of families now seeking shelter are “long-time Massachusetts” residents, according to the Healey administration. excerpts:  LOGAN TRUPIANO IS A MASS GOP BLOVIATOR! ALWAYS WORTH READING FOR HIS NONSENSE! In a report released last week before Healey signed another spending bill that shuttled millions to the shelter system, the governor’s top budget-writers said Massachusetts spent just over $520 million in the seven and a half months since the fiscal year started in July 2024. Massachusetts Republican Party spokesman Logan Trupiano said the amount spent so far in fiscal year 2025 does not yet account for the $425 million in shelter cash included in the shelter bill. “Unfortunately, this is exactly what we predicted. Without meaningful reform, Democratic leaders will continue to waste valuable resources — funds that could be used to fix decaying schools or provide direct relief to struggling municipalities,” Trupiano said in a statement. POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DESANTISLAND — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis picked up another two backers in the Bay State after this week's debate: Republicans state Sen. Ryan Fattman and state Rep. Kelly Pease . POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: DESANTISLAND — One of GOP state Rep. Peter Durant ’s first big actions as state senator-elect: endorsing Ron DeSantis for president, per the Florida governor's campaign. THIS IS THE CLOWN THAT PETER DURANT ENDORSED: NOTE: GREAT BARRINGTON DECLARATION is a DIRTY ENERGY KOCH funded think tank - it's a SCAM! Ron DeSantis' New Surgeon General Appeared in 'Demon Sperm' Doctor's COVID Conspiracy Video excerpt: One of the video's main speakers, Dr. Stella Immanuel, is a physician who operates a medical clinic in a Texas strip mall next to her church, Firepower Ministries. In the video, she called hydroxychloroquine a "cure" and said, "You don't need a mask" to prevent the virus' spread. Immanuel has claimed that ovarian cysts and endometriosis are caused by "demonic seed." Demons insert sperm into sleeping individuals when they have sex in their dreams, Immanuel claimed in articles on her church's website. Ladapo has also promoted the anti-parasite medication ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has advised against using ivermectin as a COVID-19 treatment. In October 2020, Ladapo signed the Great Barrington Declaration, a statement that called for developing societal herd immunity to COVID-19 through natural infection. PETER DURANT, SEN, RYAN FATTMAN (WITH A FAMILY HISTORY OF CAMPAIGN ABUSE) & REP. KELLY PEASE ARE THE MASS GOP DIM WITS WHO ENDORSED DESANTIS AFTER DESANTIS APPOINTED LADAPO TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF FLORIDA. DR. LADAPO ENDORSED & PROMOTED THE DEMON SPERM DOCTOR... Ron DeSantis' New Surgeon General Appeared in 'Demon Sperm' Doctor's COVID Conspiracy Video https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-new-surgeon-general-appeared-demon-sperm-doctors-covid-conspiracy-video-1631372 Sen. Peter Durant, a Spencer Republican, said he was surprised to learn the state has already spent $520 million in fiscal year 2025 because he thought reducing the number of hotels and motels would save more money. “It’s higher than I expected, and I’ll tell you why, because the last briefing that we just had with the Governor’s Office had indicated that they had been aggressively shutting down shelters for most of this fiscal year,” he told the Herald. THIS IS A STATE-WIDE PROBLEM & REPUBLICANS OFFER NO SOLUTIONS! LEAVING PEOPLE IN THE COLD IS NOT A SOLUTION!  On a cold night, looking for New Bedford’s unhoused The annual overnight census provides a snapshot of New Bedford’s homeless population. The 24-hour continuous effort is one of more than 400 censuses that take place on the same night in towns and cities across America. https://newbedfordlight.org/on-a-cold-night-looking-for-new-bedfords-unhoused/ — “Auditor says it’s the voters, not politics, behind a push for an audit of the Legislature,” by Matthew Medsgar, Boston Herald: “State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is pushing back on claims by the Speaker of the House that her pursuit of an audit of the Legislature is somehow politically motivated, and she says that her office is in the middle of asking the courts to intervene with the Attorney General on behalf of the voters who overwhelmingly approved Question 1 last fall. DiZoglio says House Speaker Ron Mariano is “breaking the law” approved by seven out of ten Bay State voters during last fall’s election, which ostensibly should allow her office to conduct audits of the State Legislature.” FROM THE HUB *****SLASHING EPA THREATENS HEALTH & SAFETY, REWARDS POLLUTERS!**** — “Boston's EPA workers describe ‘disaster’ of being targeted by Trump,” by Craig LeMoult, GBH News: “It’s a tough time to work for the Environmental Protection Agency. ‘It’s a disaster,’ one employee told GBH News. ‘Every day there is some new horror.’ With the EPA among the federal workforces targeted in the Trump administration’s quest to slash the size and reach of the federal government, current employees describe a demoralized and frightened workforce still attempting to do their jobs, despite ongoing setbacks to their mission.” PREP WORK — The city has hired Cahill Gordon & Reindel to help prep Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for Wednesday’s hearing before Congress. The city brought the firm on at a rate of $950/hour, according to Wu’s office, and expected to pay up to $650,000 for legal work related to the hearing, committee investigation and production of documents. THE RACE FOR CITY HALL THE NEWTON NEBBISH, SHORT ON FACTS, SHORT ON SOLUTIONS, FAULTS WHITE STADIUM WHILE THE KRAFT EVERETT FIASCO THREATENS! CAN'T FILE ON TIME? FLASH IN THE PAN! SCRUTINIZE THIS CANDIDATE BEFORE SUPPORTING!  DOLLAR SIGNS — Boston mayoral hopeful Josh Kraft raised $$337,658 in the first month after officially announcing his candidacy, according to his campaign, “a sign of the momentum” for the first-time candidate, the announcement read. Kraft’s donors include Herb Chambers , New Balance Chair Jim Davis , restaurateur Thomas Kershaw as well as several real estate and development executives, family members. Kraft’s filing for the month wasn’t posted as of early this morning. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu pulled in $1,761,011 last month, according to campaign finance filings , putting her total cash on hand at the end of February at $1.76 million.       WHAT'S ON CAMPBELL'S DOCKET — “Massachusetts attorney general announces new regulations against 'junk fees',” by Phil Tenser, WCVB: “Starting later this year, new regulations will prohibit so-called "junk fees," requiring businesses operating in Massachusetts to disclose charges upfront and enable the easy cancellation of trial offers. Regulations announced Monday by Attorney General Andrea Campbell will become effective on Sept. 2. She said the rules ‘make clear that hidden 'junk fees' and related billing practices violate the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.’ Under that law, the attorney general has the power to make rules and combat unfair business practices.” MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Local Haitians, Venezuelans sue Trump administration over changes to temporary protected status,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “A Boston-based civil rights advocacy organization is suing the Trump administration over its efforts to ultimately revoke legal status for many Haitian and Venezuelan immigrants. Lawyers for Civil Rights filed a lawsuit Monday that’s seeking to halt that change, challenging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s authority to vacate extensions of temporary protected status.” FROM THE 413 — “DOGE slashes funding for Western Mass. group fighting housing discrimination,” by Namu Sampath, The Springfield Republican: “A Holyoke organization tasked with investigating violations of the Fair Housing Act faces an uncertain future after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said it was terminating the grant that made up more than half its budget. According to a letter sent to the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center last Thursday by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the organization has lost $425,000 in congressionally-approved funding that it received to enforce the Fair Housing Act, said Maureen St. Cyr, the executive director.”     THE LOCAL ANGLE ****MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTING! **** — “Lightning may have struck already-damaged Vineyard Wind turbine blade,” by Heather McCarron, Cape Cod Times: “A lightning strike on the same Vineyard Wind turbine that suffered a catastrophic blade failure last summer has once again thrown the spotlight on the offshore wind farm. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, lightning struck the turbine known as AW-38 on Feb. 27." excerpt: According to the U.S. Coast Guard, lightning struck the turbine known as AW-38 on Feb. 27. An advisory issued by the First District Command Center on Feb. 28, which has been posted on social media, indicated that the turbine "caught fire, and detached," but that a fishing boat that was nearby reported "no sign of debris." Nevertheless, a Safety Marine Information Broadcast "for hazard to navigation" was issued as a precaution. In a statement released Monday morning, the Coast Guard noted it has "no active involvement in response efforts" at this time, but that it remains in contact with Vineyard Wind." As of Sunday afternoon, the Coast Guard reported "there are no reported navigational hazards or Coast Guard enforcement actions related to the incident." — “‘This is the moment’ for Voc-Tech admissions reform,” by Colin Hogan, The New Bedford Light: “A new proposal by Gov. Maura Healey that would require an admissions lottery at Vocational-Technical high schools is the state’s most significant move to reform admission practices, which have been criticized for unfairly excluding students from the popular career-training schools.” — “'We are broke': B-R families, teachers hold rally 'begging' for override to fund schools,” by Emma Rindlisbacher, Taunton Daily Gazette: “Dozens of B-R parents and teachers rallied for increased funding for the school district and in favor of Proposition 2 ½ overrides Friday. Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendent of Schools Ryan Powers is asking the towns for a 30.8% increase in funding for the upcoming school year to help bring down class sizes. Meanwhile, the towns are mulling upping their payments to the school district by a tiny fraction of that amount — by less than 5% — a figure that would leave the district millions of dollars short of even a level services budget, the superintendent said.” PAY WALL — “Colleges issue guidance to Mass. international students around travel plans and paperwork,” by Emily Piper-Vallillo, WBUR: “Massachusetts colleges and universities are doubling down on guidance to international students in the wake of immigration-related executive actions from the Trump administration. Schools like Emerson College, MIT and Boston University advised international students to keep their immigration paperwork on them at all times.” — “Draft plan to restore, protect Cape Cod's freshwater ponds released,” by Heather McCarron, Cape Cod Times. excerpt:  The Cape Cod Commission has unveiled a new draft plan aimed at supporting the health of Cape Cod’s many freshwater ponds and lakes and is inviting public review and comment. The Cape Cod Freshwater Strategy outlines a science-backed roadmap to protect the region's valuable freshwater ecosystems, focusing on water quality, habitat preservation, and long-term sustainability. "We're excited to get this out into the public," said Cape Cod Commission Executive Director Kristy Senatori. Two informational meetings are schedule this week to introduce the public to the details of the plan and begin collecting public comments. The first meeting will be held in person on March 4, starting at 2 p.m., at the Mary Pat Flynn Conference Room, Barnstable County Complex, 2195 Main St., Barnstable. The second meeting on March 6 will be a virtual session, which can be accessed by visiting https://capecodcommission.org/freshwater/join or calling in to 929-205-6099 and entering meeting ID 943 7659 5383. Funded by Barnstable County, the plan has been several years in the making and is a component of the regional water strategy, offering a coordinated, Cape-wide approach, with towns, pond organizations and community stakeholders working in tandem to tackle the challenges faced by the Cape's hundreds of freshwater bodies. "There has been a long-standing need for more focus on our freshwater plans," Senatori said. Freshwater ponds and lakes on Cape Cod The Cape boasts 890 freshwater ponds and lakes, which play a role in the overall reduction of nutrients in water as it flows out toward the region's coastal waters. The freshwater plan suggests 13 targeted recommendations, including expanding funding for the Regional Pond Monitoring Program, developing a regional funding program for town projects, integrating pond health into municipal planning, and developing model wetland bylaws and orders of conditions. “The health of Cape Cod’s freshwater ponds is at risk. The Freshwater Initiative established a science-based approach to understanding these challenges and resulted in an actionable plan to protect and restore these invaluable resources," Senatori said. Where to find water quality data The draft plan also highlights practical tools, such as the Cape Cod Water Quality Data Portal, which provides up-to-date water quality information, and the Freshwater Pond Buffer Guidance to help homeowners and municipalities protect fragile pond ecosystems. Comments of the draft freshwater strategy will be accepted through Monday, March 17. Written comments can be submitted via the online form at https://cccom.link/fws-comments, by email to frontdesk@capecodcommission.org, or by mail to: Cape Cod Commission, PO Box 226, 3225 Main Street, Barnstable, MA For more details and to access the draft strategy, visit www.capecodcommission.org/freshwater. Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world, in addition to news and features in Barnstable and Brewster. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com MEANWHILE IN RHODE ISLAND — “New McKee campaign video confirms he’ll run for reelection in 2026,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Gov. Dan McKee took a new step toward seeking another term on Monday, releasing a video that makes the case for his first four years leading Rhode Island and for keeping him in the job through 2030. McKee’s campaign put out the nearly two-minute video on the fourth anniversary of his first full day in office, and more than a year before the 2026 gubernatorial primary. McKee took office in March 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, when Gina Raimondo stepped down to join then-President Biden’s cabinet.” HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY —   to Jonathan Kraft, Rene Fielding, Henry Barrett, Deborah Ziskind and the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Bera Dunau. Happy belated to Senate Court Officer Paul Dooley, who celebrated Saturday. 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 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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