POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: In Belichick they trusted

BY KELLY GARRITY AND LISA KASHINSKY PROGRAMMING NOTE: Massachusetts Playbook won’t publish on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We’ll be back on Tuesday. END OF A LEGENDARY ERA — Bill Belichick’s last play with the Patriots was uniting New England politicians from across the aisle. Tributes to the Hoodie, the Yoda of football, the Grumpy Lobster Boat Captain and now-former New England Patriots coach and general manager flooded in following the news that Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft agreed to part ways after 24 years and six Super Bowl rings. “The best team in the best state with the best coach ,” Sen. Ed Markey posted on X . “A legend, an icon, a mastermind. Bill, thank you for sharing your greatness. We will be forever indebted.” “Eternally grateful,” New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu posted . “In the 104 year history of the National Football League , no coach has been more dominant than Bill Belichick,” Rep. Richard Neal added . “Coach, thank you for bringing another winning franchise to New England.” Bye, bye, Bill Belichick. | Matt Slocum/AP Now, Belichick claims he’s “not a political person.” But there's always a political connection to be found. And in Belichick's case, that came in 2016. The coach penned a laudatory letter to his friend, Donald Trump, who read it aloud at an election-eve rally in New Hampshire. Belichick said the letter was “not politically motivated.” That didn't matter to Trump — he won. Trump played up their connection, saying years later that he would turn to Belichick for military advice . Belichick told WEEI at the time that he was “flattered,” but would stick to football. (A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign didn’t immediately respond to an inquiry about whether he ever did seek such counsel.) But Belichick later distanced himself from Trump, in the wake of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. When Trump offered Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his way out the White House, he turned it down — amid some political pressure from some of Massachusetts’ top pols. Even Belichick’s departure from the Patriots carries some potential political implications. The team’s no-good, very-bad season — its worst in three decades — changed the game for presidential hopefuls campaigning in New Hampshire by freeing fans from their couches. But the Patriots could become must-see TV again in the post-Belichick era — even if it’s just to watch whether the team can redeem itself under a new coach. While Belichick is leaving at a low point, he’s being remembered for the highs — and possibly as “a cultural hero to the State of Massachusetts,” as the MassGOP put it. There’s no word yet on whether he’ll get any official commendations from Gov. Maura Healey. But she did call him a “legendary coach with an unparalleled legacy,” in a post on X . That’s close enough. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. We're onto the next coach. TODAY — Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll have no public events. Sen. Elizabeth Warren is on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. THIS WEEKEND — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Former MassGOP Chair Jennifer Nassour and Black Lion Strategies’ Samuel Gebru are on NBC10’s “At Issue” at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com . DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Top Senate Democrat expresses reservation with Maura Healey’s shelter funding plan,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “The Senate’s top budget writer again expressed reservation Thursday toward Gov. Maura Healey’s plan to use surplus dollars from the pandemic to pay down massive shelter costs and a deficit this fiscal year. Growing doubt in the Legislature around handing more money to the shelter system comes before the governor has officially filed a bill with the Legislature, though she did lay out detailed ideas in a report to top Democrats in December. Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues said he is 'very protective' of reserve funds.” SENATE GUN BILL ‘ON TRACK’ — Senate President Karen Spilka is “very optimistic” the House and Senate will be able to hash out their differences over gun regulations and send a bill to the governor’s desk before the end of the session, she said during an interview on WBUR’s “Radio Boston .” Senators are “on track” to release their version of how to tighten the state's gun laws in the next two weeks. Spilka said there should be “some overlap” with the House’s bill, citing ghost guns and red flag laws. — “Activists push back on Gov. Healey's budget cuts to social services,” by Carla Rojo, NBC10 Boston: “Chanting ‘rescind the cuts!’ the Lift our Kids Coalition called on the governor to rethink the plan and the impacts it will have on social services that residents rely on. About $13 million will be cut from the transitional aid to families with dependents program and more than $4 million from the emergency aid to the elderly, disabled and children program.” — “Nearly three dozen cities and towns lose money for fire departments after Gov. Healey’s budget cuts,” by Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald. — “Lawmakers urged to favor bill requiring financial education for high school graduation,” by Kinga Borondy, Telegram & Gazette. FROM THE HUB — “Auchincloss blasts Boston City Council for rejecting $13M anti-terror grant,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss blasted the Boston City Council for voting to block a $13.3 million counter-terrorism grant for the metropolitan region amid heightened threats of terror that he says have been ‘fueled by antisemitism and anti-Zionism.’ Auchincloss, a Democratic Jewish congressman who represents Brookline, one of the nine communities that would have received the funding, sent a letter to Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune on Thursday, urging the body to pass the U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant upon its refiling by the mayor." — “Mass. AG sues Boston Housing Authority over mice-and-mold-infested Dorchester apartment,” by Danny McDonald, The Boston Globe. DAY IN COURT — “No life without parole for those under 21, SJC rules,” by Jennifer Smith, CommonWealth Beacon: “The Supreme Judicial Court declared it unconstitutional to sentence anyone under the age of 21 to life without the possibility of parole, citing brain development science and ‘contemporary standards of decency.’ The closely watched 4-3 ruling, released Thursday morning, extended protections that have been in place for the better part of a decade for juveniles to slighter older ‘emerging adults.’ It makes Massachusetts the first state in the nation to categorically reject life without parole for young adults, and comes through a sharply divided ruling by a court often known for its unanimous decisions.” — “EBay settles criminal charges over harassing Natick couple as new details emerge,” by Aaron Pressman, The Boston Globe: “As part of the agreement, eBay will pay a $3 million penalty, improve its legal compliance program and monitor corporate compliance for three years. In return, Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy agreed to indefinitely defer prosecuting the company on six criminal charges related to the 2019 harassment of Ina and David Steiner, who publish a website covering eBay called EcommerceBytes.” PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “MBTA workforce grew by 730 over last year,” by Chris Lisinski, State House News Service (paywall): “Fueled in large part by labor agreements that boosted wages and rolled out retention bonuses, the MBTA hired 1,480 new employees in 2023 and promoted 511 others to boost its workforce, long viewed as key to addressing some of the agency's deep-rooted problems. After accounting for 750 employee departures over the course of the year — which was also the highest amount in several years —the MBTA added a net 730 new full-time employee equivalents to its roster, pushing the total headcount above 7,000.” — “Chamber CEO confident MBTA starting to turn a corner,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Beacon. FROM THE 413 — “Arrest warrant issued for former Holyoke city councilor, Wilmer Puello-Mota,” by John Pantalone, Springfield Republican: “Former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota has a warrant out for his arrest for failing to appear Tuesday at a disposition hearing in Rhode Island. Facing a variety of charges, including possession of child pornography, Puello-Mota was scheduled for the disposition hearing in Superior Court in Warwick.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Arrests made at encampment outside emergency shelter in Worcester,” by Veer Mudambi, Telegram & Gazette: “Three people were arrested Wednesday night after refusing to leave a homeless encampment that sprung up outside the new emergency winter shelter at 611 Main St. Early Wednesday morning, demonstrators began setting up tents and heaters in the parking lot of the shelter, protesting the lack of available space for the homeless population, particularly women, in the city.” — “Jasiel Correia moved to a 6th federal prison. It might be 'cushier' than the last site,” by Ashley Schuler, The Herald News: “As of Jan. 11, Correia can be found at Federal Correctional Institution, Ashland in eastern Kentucky, according to the online Bureau of Prisons inmate tracker.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE COURTING CHRISTIE’S CAMP — Nikki Haley may have barely mentioned Chris Christie ’s exit while campaigning in Iowa Thursday, but her allies back in New Hampshire are racing to lock up his supporters. At least one more member of the former New Jersey governor’s steering committee is now backing the former South Carolina governor, Lisa and Natalie Allison report . HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr is now a Senate co-chair of the Massachusetts Food System Caucus. Here’s him on a fishing boat. — Auditor Diana DiZoglio has appointed Renee Harper to the Federal Funds Equity and Accountability Review Panel. — Emily Oken has been appointed the new president of the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Zelda MacGregor . Happy belated to Jerome E. Groopman and Senate President Karen Spilka, who celebrated Thursday. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Gina Christo and GBH’s Paul Singer , who celebrate Saturday; Yael Sheinfeld and Nick Murray , who celebrate Sunday; and to Monday birthday-ers state Rep. Kate Hogan , former Pittsfield city councilor Helen Moon, Omar Sedky and Bruce Schneier . 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 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: Healey strikes a blow to teachers

 

View in browser   BY LISA KASHINSKY PROPAGANDA!  NUCLEAR IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ENERGY SOURCE! Presented by LO AND NOT BEHOLDEN — One of the benefits of running virtually unopposed for governor: the list of people you owe is pretty short. Endorsements hardly mattered for Maura Healey in her campaign for the corner office.  The Democrats’ heir apparent coasted through the last few months of her primary with no competition and encountered only weak opposition ahead of November. Those who did endorse Healey mostly played it safe by lining up behind her after she cleared the primary field, at which point their support barely registered. That lack of IOUs is quickly coming into play on education policy. Take the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Back in 2014, the state's largest teachers union endorsed against Healey in the Democratic primary for attorney general. The MTA endorsed Healey for governor last year, but not until after her last remaining Democratic competition dropped out. Healey, in turn, put MTA President Max Page on her transition team. But now Healey is openly bucking one of the union’s biggest policy priorities — giving teachers the right to strike. Healey had initially hedged on that proposal in a Tuesday interview with GBH News . But by the weekend, Healey had declined to meet with striking Woburn teachers and told WBZ's Jon Keller that she's "not a fan" of legislation that would legalize the practice. Healey said there’s a “reason” why teachers and other public employees are prohibited from striking under state law. “While I have a lot of sympathy and want to make sure that workers, and in this case educators, are getting paid what they should for the important work that they do, it’s still paramount that our kids be in school," the governor said. Woburn educators reached a deal with the city on Sunday and students are expected back in class today. Healey also seems to be diverging with the union on MCAS. The MTA wants to do away with MCAS as a graduation requirement and as a precursor to putting districts in receivership. Healey wants to take a “hard look” at the standardized tests that double as a graduation requirement. But the question for the governor isn’t getting rid of the tests, it’s “what else should MCAS be assessing?” GOOD MONDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Don’t say goodbye to New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation Democratic primary just yet. The DNC bumped New Hampshire down in its lineup when members voted on a 2024 calendar that puts South Carolina first. But there’s still plenty left unsettled. Playbook’s already explained how New Hampshire law requires the state to hold the first primary — and how neither Democrats nor the Republicans who control the governor’s office and Legislature there are willing to change it. The DNC gave New Hampshire until June to get in line, an extension that also gives the committee time to come up with sanctions should state Democrats move ahead with their plan to hold the first primary anyway. Top New Hampshire Democrats have vowed that the DNC's vote "is not the last word" on the 2024 calendar. "While President Biden and the DNC continue to push a plan of political convenience, they will not be successful in the end," they said. And remember, Democrats plan to do this all again ahead of 2028, the next time there’s likely to be an open primary on their side. So nothing’s set in granite stone. TODAY — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is on Spark FM at 9:30 a.m., marks the arrival of 20 electric school buses at 10:15 a.m. at the Readville bus yard and joins the groundbreaking ceremony for Boston Fire Engine 17 at 2:30 p.m. in Dorchester. All thawed out? Send me your tips and scoops: lkashinsky@politico.com .  PROPAGANDA!  NUCLEAR IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ENERGY SOURCE! A message from NextEra Energy: NextEra Energy is the first company in history committed to moving past net zero all the way to Real Zero™, leveraging low-cost renewables to drive energy affordability for customers.   DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Healey spent her career working in law. But questions remain as to how she’ll navigate criminal justice issues on Beacon Hill,” by Samantha J. Gross and Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Maura Healey was the state’s chief law enforcement officer for eight years. She was a civil rights attorney and led groundbreaking court challenges. No one in seven decades has been elected governor with her résumé. Yet, despite that background, advocates and lawmakers say they have surprisingly little grasp of how exactly the state’s new leader will govern on issues of criminal justice and police reform. She did not highlight any criminal justice proposals in her inaugural address last month. And she reappointed Terrence Reidy, the public safety secretary under then-Governor Charlie Baker, a leader whom advocates criticized for not embracing the full spirit of a 2018 bill meant to overhaul the criminal legal system.” — “Democrat Kristin Kassner sworn in after 1-vote victory,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “‘It’s been quite a journey,’ the newest state representative, Kristin Kassner, said hours after finally being sworn into office.” DAY IN COURT — “Top state court to hear cases challenging life without parole,” by Christian M. Wade, Gloucester Daily Times: “The state’s highest court could decide whether first-degree murder suspects ages 18 to 20 can be sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole. On Monday, Feb. 6, the Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments in two cases involving young adults facing that sentence, each for first degree murder. Their attorneys argue they should be given a second chance to seek release from prison.”   JOIN POLITICO ON 2/9 TO HEAR FROM AMERICA’S GOVERNORS: In a divided Congress, more legislative and policy enforcement will shift to the states, meaning governors will take a leading role in setting the agenda for the nation. Join POLITICO on Thursday, Feb. 9 at World Wide Technology's D.C. Innovation Center for The Fifty: America's Governors, where we will examine where innovations are taking shape and new regulatory red lines, the future of reproductive health, and how climate change is being addressed across a series of one-on-one interviews. REGISTER HERE .     FROM THE DELEGATION — “Trahan cleared by FEC regarding campaign finance complaints,” by Cameron Morsberger, Lowell Sun: “The Federal Election Commission has dismissed complaints against U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan’s use of campaign funds. In a letter addressed to Trahan’s attorneys Jan. 26, the commission announced it had ‘no reason to believe’ the Lori Trahan for Congress Committee violated campaign finance law when accepting loans from the representative’s husband David Trahan, nor when they failed to record when the loans were received, the source of those loans and the committee’s cash on hand in two quarterly reports.” — DEFENDER IN CHIEF: Balloon-gate gave Democrats and Republicans a chance to one-up each other on being tough on China , my POLITICO colleagues report. Cue Rep. Jake Auchincloss, a member of the new congressional panel on China, who hit the airwaves to commend President Joe Biden ’s handling of the international spectacle and call China “weak and incompetent.” — More: “F-15s from Massachusetts base supported jet that shot down Chinese balloon, DOD says,” by WCVB. — STATE OF IMMIGRATION: As Biden gears up for his State of the Union speech on Tuesday, Rep. Jim McGovern told WCVB’s “On the Record” that he’s looking to see what the president has to say on immigration. “He has handled it the best he can given that he is getting no help from Congress. But the bottom line is more needs to be done,” McGovern said. “Ease up on sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela — I think that in and of itself would help quell the number of people coming to our border.” — "A Taunton mother is a guest for Biden's State of the Union. Here's why," by Daniel Schemer, Taunton Daily Gazette. DATELINE D.C. — “Oversight chair requests details on Kerry’s international climate negotiations,” by Zack Budryk, The Hill: “House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) on Thursday requested information from U.S. climate envoy John Kerry on the details of Kerry’s international negotiations for the Biden administration, particularly with Chinese officials.” PROPAGANDA!  NUCLEAR IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ENERGY SOURCE! A message from NextEra Energy:     FROM THE 413 — “Massachusetts economic secretary and Williams grad Yvonne Hao talks about issues facing the Berkshires,” by Sten Spinella, Berkshire Eagle: “The state’s new economic secretary, a Williams College graduate who owns a home in Williamstown, says that though the Massachusetts economy compares favorably to other states, ‘Now is not the time to be a caretaker.’” — “Northampton lays reparations groundwork,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “The text of the Northampton resolution, which was read in its entirety during the council’s meeting on Thursday, cited the nearly centurylong history of slavery in the city, followed by a diminishing of the city’s African American population, past discriminatory zoning policies and a present-day lack of diversity as the reasons to pursue reparations. … Though the city is currently a stronghold for social progressivism, and was a center for the abolitionist movement before the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the country, the resolution notes that Northampton has never had a Black mayor, and that only one Black person, Anthony Patillo, has served as head of a municipal department. It also notes that only three Black people have served on the City Council.” THE LOCAL ANGLE — “How the missing become the uncounted: Inside the government’s flawed approach to finding missing persons,” by Hanna Krueger and Tiana Woodard, Boston Globe: “It isn’t that cases fall through cracks in the system; it’s that there’s no system at all. The pursuit of these cases hinges almost entirely on the discretion — and commitment level — of local police departments. Such efforts vary wildly.” — “Domestic violence murders spike in 2022,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “[There were] 26 domestic violence-related homicides in Massachusetts last year, a more than 40% increase over the previous year, according to data compiled by Jane Doe Inc., a Boston-based nonprofit that works with victims. In 2021, there were 15 homicides, according to the group.” — “Worcester Diocese lists 173 credible allegations of cleric abuse; critics slam report,” by Marco Cartolano, Telegram & Gazette.   DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS – DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID .     MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “Is Governor Sununu off piste enough to take on Trump?” by Jess Bidgood, Boston Globe: “There is doubt on both sides of the aisle in New Hampshire that [Gov. Chris] Sununu will actually run. He has three children; he will also have to contend with the effect his candidacy would have on other candidates’ willingness to campaign in a state that is desperately trying to hold on to its First in the Nation primary status. If he doesn’t, he said, he wants to help whittle a likely crowded field to lessen the chance that an unpopular candidate wins with only a sliver of support.” TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL: “‘[Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis and, and Nikki Haley, and Mike Pompeo and Mike Pence, these are all very good friends of mine. I respect them all. But maybe with the exception of DeSantis, none of them are going anywhere. Because they keep talking to the same voters expecting some sort of different result,’ [Sununu] said. ‘They’re not going after the independent voter.’” MEDIA MATTERS — “Executive editor Cynthia Simison to retire; Larry Parnass named leader of The Republican’s news team,” by the Springfield Republican.  PROPAGANDA!  NUCLEAR IS THE MOST EXPENSIVE ENERGY SOURCE! A message from NextEra Energy: NextEra Energy is the first company committed to reaching Real Zero™, as in 100% clean energy. We’re not just offsetting carbon emissions — we’re eliminating them.   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Sean Fitzgerald returns to the State House from the campaign trail as communications director for state Sen. Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport). Fitzgerald previously was chief of staff/comms director for former state Rep. Jay Kaufman, served in a similar role for the late state Sen. Charles Shannon and was also comms director for former Somerville Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay. — The MassGOP’s executive committee has approved John Milligan as the party’s executive director. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Webster state Rep. Joseph McKenna, Neri Oxman and Pamela Esler. 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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