POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Beacon Hill takes on Russia

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY THE TIES THAT BIND — They’re not saying nyet to vodka, but Gov. Charlie Baker and legislative leaders are looking at ways to punish Russia for its assault on Ukraine. The Baker administration is reviewing contracts to see whether the state is doing business with any Russian companies, as other governors move to cut off transactions with Russian entities and strip Russian products from store shelves. “We’re taking a look right now at what an executive order might look like with respect to those enterprises who do business with the commonwealth," Baker said yesterday at the State House. The state conducts business with about 100,000 entities. Any companies that would be targeted “need to be Russian in their origin,” Baker said, while joining legislative leaders in expressing “concern about shutting down some Russian immigrant family that’s been here in Massachusetts for years and runs a business that may have some sort of Russian overtone.” Lawmakers are eyeing the state’s pension fund. Led by House Republicans, a bicameral and bipartisan group of legislators plan to ask Treasurer Deb Goldberg to review the state’s pension portfolio and to “fully divest any funds that are currently invested in Russian-owned companies.” “As a state, there’s not a lot we can do,” House Minority Leader Brad Jones told Playbook. But potentially divesting pension funds “stands with what the international community and the president at the national level are doing with sanctions.” Democratic Sen. Walter Timilty filed legislation that would require the state’s pension fund divest from any “companies engaging in business operations in Russia.” Less than 0.2 percent of the state’s roughly $104 billion pension fund has “exposure to Russia,” according to the Boston Globe. A full divestment of any pension funds would require an act of the Legislature. GOOD TUESDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. The 7 a.m. protests outside Michelle Wu’s home would be forbidden if the Boston mayor gets her way. Wu filed an ordinance that would ban targeted picketing outside private residences between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. and levy increasing fines against those who break the rules. Wu acknowledged the fine line she's walking on WBUR’s “Radio Boston,” saying she wants to “protect our First Amendment rights while also protecting [the] quality of life and wellbeing” of private citizens. The thorny issue could be a major test of the new mayor's relationship with the City Council on which she once served. Wu will need majority support from the 13 councilors in order for her proposal to proceed. Council President Ed Flynn and Councilors Ricardo Arroyo and Ruthzee Louijeune have signaled support for what Louijeune called a “narrowly tailored” proposal with a “limited purpose.” Others are torn. Councilor Erin Murphy told Playbook that “people have the right to feel safe and respected, but I don’t want to go down that slippery slope of us taking away people’s First Amendment rights.” Councilor Kendra Lara was among the elected officials of color who condemned the racist and sexist vitriol Wu has faced. But she told Playbook that Black and brown organizers could be “disproportionately” affected by the measure Wu is proposing. TODAY — Baker participates in “Saving by Shaving” in support of Boston Children’s Hospital at 9:30 a.m. in Quincy. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito makes a Violence Against Women Act STOP grant announcement in Worcester at 11 a.m. Wu hosts a media availability to mark the start of her two-year fare-free bus pilot program at 11 a.m. at the Jackson Square T station. Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III speaks at a Woodwell climate risk forum at 1 p.m. GOP governor hopeful Chris Doughty makes a "major announcement" in Worcester at 11 a.m. and Newton at 2 p.m. President Joe Biden delivers his State of the Union address at 9 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email me: lkashinsky@politico.com. Also, we’re aware that some links may be missing from Playbook when we publish. Our engineers are still working on it.   BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER:  The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we’ve got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don’t miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now.     THE LATEST NUMBERS — “Massachusetts reports 1,632 coronavirus cases over the weekend, hospitalizations drop again,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The daily average of 544 virus cases over the weekend was significantly down from the daily rate of 1,030 infections from the previous weekend.” DATELINE BEACON HILL — “COVID restrictions at Massachusetts State House in flux, Beacon Hill leaders indicate,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “‘Everything went smoothly, and we would expect that we will continue to evaluate the regulations…’ House Speaker Ron Mariano said during a press conference Monday afternoon at the State House. ‘Obviously, we’re getting news in Washington they’re doing away with masks, so we are aware of the changes going on, and we’ll be reviewing our policies as we move along.’” — “10 years after sex trafficking law took effect, Massachusetts now seen as national leader,” by Sam Turken, GBH News: “Massachusetts ranked second in a recent federal survey rating 29 states’ overall response to sex trafficking. State officials attribute that success to efforts to support victims and coordination among law enforcement agencies and prosecutors investigating cases of sex trafficking.” VAX-ACHUSETTS — “Boston-area coronavirus wastewater is plateauing after steep plunge: ‘This isn’t too surprising’,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Both the south of Boston and north of the city COVID wastewater levels had plummeted more than 98% from the omicron peak in early January. Now the levels in the last week have been plateauing at low summer 2021 levels. The region should expect that COVID will continue to spread at a low rate as the omicron subvariant circulates and as masks come off, according to infectious disease experts.” — “Local-option COVID approach slammed,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “Carlene Pavlos, executive director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association, says the Baker administration’s policy of leaving many of the major COVID decisions to local boards of health helps explain why local officials are facing harassment and many are leaving public service.” — “Smiles — and ambivalence — as mandatory masking ends at many Mass. schools,” by Max Larkin, WBUR: “The state mask mandate lapsed in public schools across Massachusetts on Monday. The change felt like a big deal for Charlie Hartwell, of Haverhill. At age 7, she’s young enough that she can’t really remember school without [masks].” — “New Bedford ends its vaccination or testing mandate for city employees,” by New Bedford Light staff: “The city is suspending its requirement that city employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to a testing regimen, after five consecutive weeks of declining cases.” FROM THE HUB — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: The guest list is growing for the first in-person Boston St. Patrick's Day breakfast in two years. Gov. Charlie Baker, state Attorney General Maura Healey, Reps. Stephen Lynch and Ayanna Pressley, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Senate President Karen Spilka, Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins, former Boston city councilor and state AG hopeful Andrea Campbell and Irish ambassador to the U.S. Daniel Mulhall are all slated to participate, according to state Sen. Nick Collins, who is organizing and hosting the March 20 event. — “Michelle Wu seeks to ban protesters from demonstrating at her home in the early morning,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “Mayor Michelle Wu, whose home has been the scene of anti-vaccine mandate protests, is trying to ban protesters from demonstrating at her house in the early morning. But those who have been protesting outside her Roslindale home hinted of a ‘possible’ lawsuit against Wu’s new ordinance.” — Baker, who’s faced protests outside his Swampscott home, applauded Wu for putting a “worthy topic” on the table in Boston but stopped short of endorsing her plan. “The hard part here is figuring out some way to maintain the very public rights that people should have to protest, which I’m completely supportive of, but at the same time recognizing that private citizens, private residents, deserve their privacy,” Baker said at the State House. Speaking of Swampscott, the town administrator told GBH News that the municipality might consider steps to limit noise levels at protests at its spring town meeting. — “Wu says she’ll wind down Boston’s urban renewal districts. Here’s what that means,” by Catherine Carlock, Boston Globe: “Mayor Michelle Wu on Monday asked the City Council to begin ‘sunsetting’ five of the city’s 14 active urban renewal plan areas, with the goal of winding down all of the plans by the end of this year. A powerful urban development tool granted to the then-Boston Redevelopment Authority in the late 1950s, urban renewal has been the city’s primary mechanism to take so-called ‘blighted’ property by eminent domain, and was key to the wholesale razing of the West End, Scollay Square, and parts of the South End and Roxbury in the 1950s and ‘60s.” — “Lydia Edwards files proposal that could halt East Boston electric substation,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “Boston has a history of sending home rule petitions to the state Legislature only to see them die a quiet death behind closed doors, but, in an unusual twist this week, the city councilor who is pushing one such a proposal could also be involved in its consideration on Beacon Hill.” — “Ukrainians registered for Boston Marathon can get refund or defer to future year,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald. — “Boston accent ranked most ‘annoying’ in study, but sixth sexiest,” by Kiernan Dunlop, MassLive. PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “‘A no-brainer’: Merrimack Valley RTA makes all buses free to ride for two years,” by Taylor Dolven, Boston Globe: “MVRTA is among a growing number of transit agencies and cities in Massachusetts that are trying fare-free bus service using federal COVID-19 relief funds, including Boston, which will begin reimbursing the MBTA for fares on the 23, 28 and 29 lines on Tuesday.” — “Customers of MBTA’s paratransit service ‘The Ride’ air frustrations over delays, no-shows,” by Kathy Curran, WCVB: “Senior citizens and disabled people who rely on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s ‘The Ride’ are voicing their concerns after 5 Investigates found a drastic increase in delays and no-shows from the MBTA’s paratransit service.”   SUBSCRIBE TO NATIONAL SECURITY DAILY : Keep up with the latest critical developments from Ukraine and across Europe in our daily newsletter, National Security Daily. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could disrupt the established world order and result in a refugee crisis, increased cyberattacks, rising energy costs and additional disruption to global supply chains. Go inside the top national security and foreign-policymaking shops for insight on the global threats faced by the U.S. and its allies and what actions world leaders are taking to address them. Subscribe today.     ON THE STUMP — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Wakefield town councilor and Republican Ed Dombroski is running for the 5th Middlesex state Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jason Lewis. "I've watched Republican leaders like Governor Charlie Baker demonstrate how we can work together beyond party lines to get things done," the family law attorney said in a statement. "That is how I will lead if elected." — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: State Rep. Andy Vargas has endorsed Lawrence City Councilor Pavel Payano for First Essex state senator. REPUBLICAN DUH? — “Republican challenger Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette apologizes for tweet supporting Marjorie Taylor Greene’s appearance at white supremacy rally,” by Erin Tiernan, MassLive: “Republican candidate for Congress Jeffrey Sossa-Paquette is apologizing after tweeting — then deleting — support for conservative firebrand Marjorie Taylor Greene, saying he ‘didn’t realize’ the controversial congresswoman was defending her appearance at a white supremacy rally.” — “Gray exploring run for state Senate,” by Jim Sullivan, Newburyport News: “Former Amesbury Mayor Ken Gray has announced that he is seriously thinking of running for state Senate. The Osgood Street resident told The Daily News that he has formed a campaign committee for a state Senate candidacy in the newly-redistricted Second Essex and Middlesex District.” DAY IN COURT — "Federal appeals court allows case against Newton District Court judge to proceed," by Nick Stoico, Boston Globe: "A federal appeals court has declined to dismiss the case against Newton District Court Judge Shelley Joseph and a retired court officer, both of whom were indicted during the Trump administration for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade a federal agent who had come to the courthouse to detain him." — "Pioneer Institute launching center to push issues in court," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine: "Pioneer Institute, which has spent more than three decades trying to inform and shape policy in the public arena, is going to take its case for limited government and free-market solutions to court. The Boston-based think tank is launching a legal arm that plans to tackle issues ranging from school choice to business regulation and public records access." — “U.S. Supreme Court denies Gordon College appeal — for now,” by Julie Manganis, Salem News: “The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to take up an appeal by Gordon College of a finding that a former social work professor at the Wenham school is not a minister and thus protected by employment discrimination laws — at least not now.” — “COVID-19 pandemic creates case backlog in MA courts,” by Bob Ward, Boston 25 News: “Since 2019, the caseload for the Worcester Courthouse’s Victims Witness Advocates jumped more than 71 percent.” FROM THE DELEGATION — “MA delegation invites virtual guests to Biden address to highlight child care, infrastructure priorities,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “[Veteran carpenter Christina] Morris has had a hard time finding quality child care she can afford that could accommodate [her four] children in the early-morning hours. … Morris’s story is one that US Representative Ayanna Pressley hopes to highlight as Americans tune in to Biden’s first State of the Union address Tuesday night. Hers is also a story Pressley hopes will persuade her colleagues in Congress to prioritize benefits for families.” — ALSO ON THE GUEST LIST: Other delegation members are also bringing (virtual) guests to Biden’s State of the Union speech. Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark invited public health directors from across her district, per her office. Rep. Jake Auchincloss is bringing state Rep. Tommy Vitolo; the two will highlight local ARPA-funded projects and preview Biden’s speech on Facebook Live at 5:30 p.m. Rep. Seth Moulton will be joined by a former interpreter for American forces in Afghanistan who now works with Afghan refugees on the North Shore, per the Globe. KENNEDY COMPOUND — NEW: Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III is staffing his Groundwork Project, a nonprofit and PAC he founded to help Democrats and progressives in under-resourced regions, with a host of familiar faces. Longtime Kennedy aides Emily Kaufman and Julia Hoffman will serve as executive director and senior advisor, respectively. Tracey Lewis rounds out the Boston-based leadership team as national organizing advisor. Anthony Davis, most recently field director for Michelle Wu’s mayoral bid, will serve as regional organizing advisor; Matt Kearney continues as Massachusetts organizing director. IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “What does the dire new UN climate report mean for New England?” by Dharna Noor, Boston Globe: “In New England, ocean warming in particular is taking a toll. The report said that lobster populations in southern New England decreased by 78 percent from 1984 to 2014, since warming water temperatures off the coast have made it difficult for the animals to grow and reproduce. The loss is threatening sectors of local economies.” — “Healey says she had no choice on blocking Brookline's fossil fuel ban,” by Aidan Connelly, GBH News: “Brookline has twice tried to pass restrictions on new fossil fuel hookups and was blocked by [state Attorney General Maura] Healey for the second time last week, who said that state law prohibits local governments from passing their own building codes.” FROM THE 413 — “‘I fear a cultural genocide’; Ukrainians in Western Mass. watch, worry and help,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “University of Massachusetts Amherst professor Anna Nagurney is teaching a course this semester on humanitarian logistics and health care. And in Zoom meetings, helping her colleagues at the Kyiv School of Economics keep Ukraine’s supplies flowing, its streaming refugees cared for and a plan for the survival of the school itself.” — “Down to the wire on delegates: 8 towns yet to organize a Democratic Party caucus,” by Bera Dunau, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Eight Hampshire County communities are in danger of not having a say in which Democratic Party candidates will run for a slew of statewide offices this year, after having failed — so far — to organize a caucus to send delegates to the Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention in June. As of Friday, Hadley, Hatfield, Westhampton, Plainfield, Chesterfield, Goshen, Huntington and Ware have yet to organize a caucus as a Monday deadline looms.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Mass. DCF working to ‘improve communication’ with other states in light of Harmony Montgomery case,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “The Massachusetts Department of Children and Families said Monday its officials are working with their counterparts in other New England states to ‘improve communication’ following the disappearance of 7-year-old Harmony Montgomery, who vanished from Manchester, N.H., in 2019 and whose father is charged with physically abusing her and endangering her welfare.” — “Nurses union survives vote to remain at Saint Vincent Hospital after bitter 9-month strike,” by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, Boston Globe: “Nurses at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester fought off an effort to oust their union from the hospital and voted overwhelmingly Monday to remain members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association. The decision is a victory for the union, which held a historic nine-month strike at Saint Vincent last year before winning a new labor contract.” — “State again rejects Methuen's use of some COVID money,” by Breanna Edelstein, Eagle-Tribune: “A second attempt by city officials to appeal the alleged misuse of $650,000 in CARES Act funding has failed, and the state may decide that money needs to be returned.” — “Commission says Quincy’s process when selecting the mayor’s son as a police officer was unfair,” by Susannah Sudborough, Boston.com: “A Massachusetts Civil Service Commission decision last week found that the city’s police officer selection process was unfair when Mayor Thomas Koch’s son was being considered for a position.” — IN MEMORIAM: “Everett Poole, Town Moderator of Chilmark over four decades, dies at 91,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe. TRANSITIONS — Taylor St. Germain is now communications director for Repro Equity Now. The Sen. Ed Markey campaign alum most recently served as his national press secretary. — Christina Ascolillo is now a senior public affairs associate at Rasky Partners. Ascolillo previously served as legislative director for former state Rep. Lori Ehrlich and state Rep. Linda Dean Campbell. — Biden has nominated William A. LaPlante Jr. as undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to state Rep. John Lawn, Sean Fitzgerald (a rare leap year birthday-er), Hannah Klain, Dan Mead, Max Morningstar and Henry Richardson. 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   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: WILL BAKER get the BOOT — CRONIN causes a STIR — JANEY can't FIRE WHITE yet — 'CORRIDOR OF DEATH'

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY Presented by Google COULD BAKER GET THE BOOT? — Maneuvering within the Massachusetts GOP to kick Gov. Charlie Baker and other elected Republican leaders off the state party’s executive committee is raising the hackles of Baker backers in an increasingly public way. A proposal that recently passed the state party bylaws committee would remove elected officials — Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and the House and Senate Republican leaders — from the executive committee. If it passes the full state committee in June, the change would alter the makeup of a board that has the power to endorse in a primary — paving the way for financial resources for the preferred candidate. Amanda Orlando, a state committeewoman from Gloucester who's pushing the potential bylaw change, insists it’s not personal. “It’s not about Charlie for me,” Orlando said. “Our numbers in the legislature are dismal. And I think it’s given sort of a bigger focus on the top of the ticket, and the party ends up supporting these people over the health of the party in some instances, because they’re trying to get elected and need to work across the aisle.” But two other committee members, Amy Carnevale and Michael Valanzola, blasted the bylaw change in a letter published by the Boston Globe on Wednesday that said the “attempt to banish our elected leaders, whatever the political views those leaders may hold today, would put our party at odds with the views of our voters and foreclose any hope for party accord in 2022.” Valanzola, a former Baker administration official, told me “if it’s not about” Baker, “then I question a) the timing and b) what it’s about.” Republican State Committee members will also vote in June on a proposal from Geoff Diehl — a failed state and federal Senate candidate who’s now mulling a run for governor — to lower the convention vote-threshold needed to qualify for the 2022 Republican primary ballot to 10% from 15%. Diehl’s proposal comes amid scuttlebutt that party conservatives could possibly raise that bar — which could potentially up the difficulty for Baker, who held a higher approval rating among Democrats and independents than Republicans in a March UMass Amherst/WCVB poll, should he choose to run again. LUCK OF THE IRISH — Claire Cronin raised big bucks as a bundler for Joe Biden during the 2020 campaign. Now that he’s president, the Easton state representative could be rewarded with a potential ambassadorship to Ireland. Cronin is apparently being vetted by the White House, according to the State House News Service, though the White House didn’t bite Wednesday when I asked. Cronin and her office didn’t respond to requests for comment on a report from IrishCentral that claimed she would “soon be revealed” as the next U.S. ambassador to the Emerald Isle. House Speaker Ronald Mariano didn’t give anything away in a statement saying “Rep. Claire Cronin is the Majority Leader. She is an outstanding public servant and I’m lucky to have her on my leadership team.” Still, the report sent Twitter aflutter. If it turns out to be true, and Cronin takes the gig, it could cause a leadership shakeup on Beacon Hill. Cronin became the first woman House majority leader earlier this year when Mariano took over the gavel, but told CommonWealth Magazine in March she’s “absolutely not” looking to be the first female speaker. Cronin was a top Biden surrogate in Massachusetts and brought in volunteers for the campaign here and in New Hampshire. She scored the honor of casting the state’s nominating votes for him during last year’s Democratic National Convention. GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. What else could possibly happen in #mapoli this week? Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: lkashinsky@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Major General Keefe, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Rep. Richard Neal are in Westfield at 2:30 p.m for a Barnes Air National Guard Base groundbreaking on improvements to Taxiway Sierra. Rep. Lori Trahan and state Rep. Vanna Howard tour Asian-owned businesses in Lowell beginning at 11:30 a.m. Trahan joins state Rep. Andy Vargas for an “Innovation + Infrastructure” virtual discussion and fundraiser at 6 p.m. Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey, Boston Police Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long and District Attorney Rachael Rollins discuss the city’s 2021 summer safety plan at 1 p.m. at BPD headquarters. Rep. Seth Moulton and Bedford Town Manager Sarah Stanton talk federal transportation policy with Transportation for Massachusetts’s Chris Dempsey at 3 p.m. Rep. Stephen Lynch joins Quincy officials to discuss American Rescue Plan funding at 3:30 p.m. Boston mayoral candidates gather for a virtual forum focused on education and hosted by the Boston Teachers Union and Boston Education Justice Alliance at 6 p.m. A message from Google: Google is helping 390,000 Massachusetts businesses adapt and recover. We’ve proudly been in Massachusetts for 15+ years, and we’re here to help Massachusetts thrive. Our digital skills trainings have helped 100,000 people grow their business or their career, and in 2020, we helped generate $17.4B of economic activity across the state. Learn more about our impact in Massachusetts.     SUBSCRIBE TO "THE RECAST" TODAY: Power is shifting in Washington and in communities across the country. More people are demanding a seat at the table, insisting that politics is personal and not all policy is equitable. The Recast is a twice-weekly newsletter that explores the changing power dynamics in Washington and breaks down how race and identity are recasting politics and policy in America. Get fresh insights, scoops and dispatches on this crucial intersection from across the country and hear critical new voices that challenge business as usual. Don't miss out, SUBSCRIBE . Thank you to our sponsor, Intel.     THE LATEST NUMBERS – “Active COVID cases in Massachusetts drop below 8.5K; 7-day average of percent positivity now below .9%,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “Active COVID cases continued to decline in Massachusetts on Wednesday, according to the latest Department of Public Health data. Officials reported that there are now 8,416 active infections, down from 9,034 on Tuesday, data shows. State health officials also confirmed another 382 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.” DATELINE BEACON HILL – “Extension of Pandemic Allowances Kept Out of Budget,” by Katie Lannan, State House News Service (paywall): “With the COVID-19 state of emergency set to be lifted in less than three weeks, Senate President Karen Spilka does not see the state budget as ‘the appropriate vehicle to address time-sensitive issues’ related to the end of that order.” – “Caucus struggles without agenda,” by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner: “Although Black and Latino communities in the state were hardest hit by the pandemic, a key group that provides representation to those communities across the state seemed conspicuously silent. While individual state representatives and senators pressed for better vaccine access, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus never weighed in on the crisis.” – “After Investigation, Lawmaker Calls for More Transparency on MBTA Projects,” by Ryan Kath, NBC10 Boston: “A state lawmaker from Boston is calling for more transparency from the MBTA. The development comes following an NBC10 investigation, which reported a $7.9 million project to refurbish historic trolleys on the Mattapan High Speed Line was two years behind schedule.” – “Massachusetts Senate targets hefty quasi-state agency pay following Herald report,” by Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: “The state Senate is on the prowl for quasi-state payrolls following a Herald report that showed a dozen agencies — including Zoo New England — do not open up their books for taxpayers.” – “Caregiver abuse registry on track for July launch,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “A new state registry to track caregivers who have abused people with disabilities is on track to launch in July, after a six-month delay.” – “Restaurant industry accuses Baker, pols of siding with liquor store lobby over businesses,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “Restaurant industry advocates are accusing Gov. Charlie Baker and state lawmakers of bending to the will of ‘powerful package store lobbyists’ over struggling restaurant owners after the Legislature and the Baker administration passed on extending pandemic-era protections including cocktails to-go.” CORONAVIRUS UPDATES – “Most COVID-19 restrictions at Mass. casinos can be lifted beginning Saturday,” by Christopher Gavin, Boston.com: “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted Wednesday to lift most of its COVID-19 related regulations on the state’s two casinos and slots parlor, effective Saturday at 12:01 a.m., in lock-step with the dismissal of restrictions across other industries. Guests and employees at Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield, and Plainridge Park Casino will see some remnants of the pandemic precautions, however.” – “How New England states are pulling ahead in the COVID-19 vaccination race,” by Amanda Kaufman and Ryan Huddle, Boston Globe: “In the race to get as many people as possible vaccinated against COVID-19, New England’s roughly 15 million residents are leading the way. More than 70 percent of adults in every state in New England have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” FROM THE HUB – “Inside the unlicensed counseling that led Boston students to allege emotional abuse,” by Naomi Martin, James Vaznis and Laura Crimaldi, Boston Globe: “In a report released by the school department Monday, an independent investigator wrote that students described the ‘Re-Evaluation Counseling’ sessions as ‘weird, uncomfortable, and cult-like.’ But the report barely scratched the surface of students’ experiences.” – “Judge puts hold on Kim Janey’s firing of Dennis White,” by Sean Philip Cotter, Boston Herald: “Acting Mayor Kim Janey can’t fire embattled Police Commissioner Dennis White — yet.” – “A hasty police commissioner appointment, followed by more mayoral missteps, now threatens to taint Walsh’s legacy,” by Andrew Ryan, Boston Globe: “The fallout has plunged police headquarters into uncertainty and reverberated from City Hall to Washington where (Martin J. Walsh) now serves as labor secretary.” – “Boston's MLK & Coretta Scott King Memorial Cleared By City Landmarks Commission,” by Mark Herz, GBH News: “A memorial to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King planned for the Boston Common has received unanimous approval from the Boston Landmarks Commission.” THE RACE FOR CITY HALL – “Boston mayoral hopefuls, debating in person for the first time, clash over school police, other issues,” by Meghan E. Irons, Boston Globe: “Candidates vying to become Boston’s mayor tangled over school policing, the addiction crisis raging along Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue, and strategies to curb violence at a public forum Wednesday on criminal justice and public safety.” – “Mayoral candidates address addiction crisis,” by Morgan C. Mullings, Bay State Banner: “The (Mass/Cass) area has seen concentrated groups of unhoused community members, individuals dealing with substance abuse disorder and opioid addiction, and others seeking medical attention.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES – “Local lawmakers call on DOT to speed up work along dangerous stretch of highway in Somerville,” by Brynne Connolly and Alex DiPrato, WHDH: “Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Mayor Joe Curtatone joined the Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets to urge the State Department of Transportation to prioritize safety over speed along what is colloquially known as the ‘corridor of death’ that stretches from Mystic Avenue to the intersection of Broadway and the highway.” – “A fare-free bus is taking shape in Boston,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “A fare-free bus is coming to Boston — eventually. After several years of discussing the idea in abstract, Boston officials say they’re planning to try out a free line running from Mattapan to Roxbury.” DAY IN COURT – “Biden administration wades into income tax battle between Massachusetts, New Hampshire,” by Erin Tiernan, Boston Herald: “President Biden’s administration waded into an ongoing battle between Massachusetts and New Hampshire over taxing those working from home, arguing the courts should stay out of this feud.”       WARREN REPORT – “Elizabeth Warren spars with JPMorgan Chase head Jamie Dimon on overdraft fees,” by Melissa Quinn, CBS News: “Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, went head-to-head Wednesday with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon over overdraft fees charged to customers during the coronavirus pandemic, calling him the ‘star of the overdraft show’ and accusing the top officials from nation's biggest banks of prioritizing profits over struggling Americans.” MARKEYCHUSETTS – “Ed Markey’s Adoring, Online Fans Have a New Enemy: Ed Markey,” by Sam Brodey, Daily Beast: “The Massachusetts senator won a bruising primary campaign by appealing to Generation Z. Now, many of his online supporters are turning on him over his positions on Israel.” THE CLARK CAUCUS – “Katherine Clark Introduces Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act: ‘We Owe It to the Global Community’,” by Carrie N. Baker, Ms. Magazine: “On Wednesday, Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced the Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act to direct the State Department to permanently include reviews on the status of sexual and reproductive rights in its annual human rights reports. The act has 144 co-sponsors.” TRUMPACHUSETTS – “Son, ghostwriter of late senator say Trump intervened to stop probe of Patriots' Spygate scandal,” by Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham, ESPN: “The alleged Spygate connections among Arlen Specter, Donald Trump and Robert Kraft came up almost by accident.” MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS – “Boston could again revamp its approval and oversight system for marijuana stores,” by Dan Adams, Boston Globe: “A year after Boston overhauled its system for approving local marijuana businesses, city officials are set to debate a new proposal that would significantly streamline the process — and a separate rule change that some firms fear will add unnecessary red tape to the imminent rollout of recreational pot delivery services.” FROM THE 413 – “Diocese of Springfield to update list of credibly accused sexual abusers,” by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: “The Diocese of Springfield will expand its list of clergy and staff credibly accused of sexual abuse, its bishop said in a Monday letter. Those accused posthumously, as well as religious order priests and lay employees of the diocese, will now be included, the Most. Rev. William Byrne said in the letter. The new additions are not necessarily newly accused, but rather were accused decades ago and previously excluded from the list.” – “Audit finds Berkshire agency which serves the disabled misspent more than $777,000 in state money,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “A nonprofit organization is being criticized for improper use of state money, saying $777,844 in charges spent on unallowable costs should have been used to assist the adults and children with intellectual and development disabilities that it serves. An audit of Berkshire County Arc Inc. by the office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump found managers and employees for the human service charged 48 credit cards with different expenses that were prohibited under their state contracts.” – “Chicopee Mayor John Vieau announces reelection bid for 2nd term,” by Jeanette DeForge, Springfield Republican: “Mayor John L. Vieau formally announced his plans to run for reelection on Wednesday after submitting his nomination papers.” – “Springfield to Have One Ballot Lap in 2021, Ward 1 Candidates Waltzing in,” by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass Politics & Insight: “Barring any signatures challenges, the midterm ballot in Springfield looks ready to go and two prominent open races will want for competition. Moreover, the field will be thin enough to avoid the need for a preliminary. Still, a full complement of contenders will challenge at-large councilors and half of the ward Council seats will have races. One district School Committee seat and the two at-large seats will also be competitive. The mayor is not up this year.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Eric Carle, whose ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ conquered children’s literature, dies at 91,” by Bryan Marquard, Boston Globe: “Mr. Carle, who formerly lived in the Northampton area for about three decades, died Sunday in Northampton, where he still kept a summer studio after retiring 17 years ago to North Carolina and the Florida Keys. He was 91 and the cause was kidney failure, said his son, Rolf.” – “Jesse Mermell, former congressional candidate, donates kidney: ‘It just felt like the obvious thing to do’,” by Emma Platoff, Boston Globe: “Last fall, not long after losing a Democratic primary for Congress, Jesse Mermell was scrolling through Facebook when she came across a friend in need.” – “Flights to return: JetBlue to resume Worcester-Florida and Worcester-New York routes,” by Cyrus Moulton, Worcester Telegram & Gazette: “JetBlue is returning to Worcester Regional Airport, resuming flights to New York City in August, and flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in October.” THE NATIONAL TAKE – “Romney blasts political extremes in speech accepting JFK award,” by Jordan Williams, The Hill: “Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) blasted political extremes on the left and right during his acceptance speech for the John F. Kennedy Library’s ‘Profile in Courage’ award.” – The local angle: “Mitt Romney reminisces about Ted Kennedy as he accepts Profile in Courage award,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “Former Massachusetts governor and current Utah Senator Mitt Romney shared fond memories of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and launched barbs against both the left and the right on Wednesday as he accepted a Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.” TRANSITIONS – Summit Health Law Partners is expanding its litigation team with two veteran trial attorneys, Richard Goldstein of Brookline and Robert Peabody of Somerville. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Alan Khazei, Rich Thuma and Ellen Weinstein Pildis. THE FUTURE OF INFRASTRUCTURE: Recovery Lab, POLITICO’s project exploring the policy challenges on the road to pandemic recovery, is back this month to take a look at the future of infrastructure. Across the country, in communities large and small, Covid-19 has forced a reassessment of how we use public infrastructure, including street space, broadband, airports and even the Postal Service. Read our Recovery Lab package here. 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. A message from Google: Google is committed to helping Massachusetts’ economy grow. We’ve proudly been in Massachusetts for 15+ years, and we’re here to help Massachusetts thrive. We’ve created 1,900+ jobs here, and our digital skills trainings have helped thousands of people grow their business or their career. Tools like Search and Maps have helped Massachusetts businesses directly connect with customers during a challenging year. And in 2020, we helped generate $17.4 billion of economic activity across the state. Find small business and job training resources at grow.google/massachusetts.     SUBSCRIBE TO WEST WING PLAYBOOK: Add West Wing Playbook to keep up with the power players, latest policy developments and intriguing whispers percolating inside the West Wing and across the highest levels of the Cabinet. 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