POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Republicans ready for a power play

 

BY KELLY GARRITY , LISA KASHINSKY AND MIA MCCARTHY WILL THEY OR WON’T THEY — Here’s something you don’t see everyday on Beacon Hill: Republicans holding (nearly) all the cards. The question is, when it comes to the $2.8 billion supplemental budget that includes $250 million in emergency shelter money and raises for state workers, are they willing to play them? House Republicans seem prepared to . Minority Leader Brad Jones indicated yesterday that Republicans might block Democratic leaders from trying to ram through the full spending bill in informal sessions without “meaningful policy reforms” to stem the migrant surge and to make sure “longtime residents in need are not denied housing assistance.” “We strongly oppose this option,” Jones said in a statement. “The fact that the Speaker, Senate President and Governor have been unable to reach consensus on the migrant issue shows that this is too contentious an issue to take up in an informal session.” But Jones’ escalation in rhetoric wasn’t fully matched by his Senate counterpart. “We need to continue to look at this as a fluid situation,” Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr told reporters yesterday. “It would be irresponsible of me, and not well advised, to lock any of us into a position at this moment.” Democrats handed GOP lawmakers unusual leverage by failing to seal a deal on the supp before formal sessions ended earlier this month. Now, any one legislator’s objection in an informal session can derail the bill (and others). Republicans in both chambers have raised concerns about pouring more money into the shelter system with “no end in sight” to the migrant surge. They've pressed negotiators to move forward with parts of the larger spending plan — namely the contracts that contain raises for tens of thousands of state workers — while they continue to haggle over the shelter money specifics. But Republicans are in just as much of a bind as Democrats are . Blocking the full bill over the migrant money could mean delaying approval of those collective bargaining agreements into January, when formal sessions resume. State workers are balking at the prospect of missing out on their long-promised money for the holidays — though right now they're pinning the blame on the Democratic legislative leaders. Some workers are planning to gather at UMass Amherst and other colleges and universities today to “take actions targeting the legislators who are standing in the way” of their payday, per an email obtained by Playbook. Meanwhile, more than 50 representatives and 20 senators — most of them Democrats — have signed onto a letter being circulated by the Massachusetts AFL-CIO calling on the conference committee to pass the spending bill and fund the 95 bargaining agreements "immediately." Senate President Karen Spilka is “optimistic” that a compromise could come this week (both chambers meet again today). And she’s “hopeful” that said deal would include the whole supplemental budget, rather than just some of its parts. Lawmakers’ delay isn’t just hurting state workers and the shelter system. Comptroller William McNamara is also stuck waiting for lawmakers to finish their business before he can file an annual financial report that, by law, was supposed to be done by Oct. 31. McNamara has been in contact with members of the Legislature, a spokesperson told Playbook, and is confident that supp will be signed and enacted “in the coming days.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Tips? Scoops? Budget deals? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com , lkashinsky@politico.com and mmccarthy@politico.com . TODAY — Members of the Healey and Biden administrations hold a media availability at their migrant work-authorization clinic at 11:30 a.m. in Reading. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is on “Notorious in the Morning” at 9:15 a.m., WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 11 a.m. and attends several tree-lighting ceremonies.   GO INSIDE THE CAPITOL DOME: From the outset, POLITICO has been your eyes and ears on Capitol Hill, providing the most thorough Congress coverage — from political characters and emerging leaders to leadership squabbles and policy nuggets during committee markups and hearings. We're stepping up our game to ensure you’re fully informed on every key detail inside the Capitol Dome, all day, every day. Start your day with Playbook AM, refuel at midday with our Playbook PM halftime report and enrich your evening discussions with Huddle. Plus, stay updated with real-time buzz all day through our brand new Inside Congress Live feature. Learn more and subscribe here.     FROM THE DELEGATION MOVING ON UP — Rep. Lori Trahan was elected co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee yesterday, giving Massachusetts yet another seat at House Democrats’ leadership table. Trahan beat Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) in a 132-71 caucus vote for the spot previously held by Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.), who stepped aside before launching his presidential bid. As DPCC co-chair, Trahan will help shape the caucus’ messaging as Democrats aim to take back the House majority in 2024. “We have a remarkable story to tell in between now and the next election,” Trahan said during a Democratic leadership press conference after the vote. “And we have a caucus full of incredible messengers already working to make sure that hard-working families across the nation hear it.” Reps. Stephen Lynch and Ayanna Pressley were among those helping whip votes for their fellow Bay Stater. Trahan’s new position means four of Massachusetts’ nine House members are now considered top Democrats in the chamber. Trahan joins Democratic Whip Katherine Clark in leadership, while Reps. Jim McGovern and Richard Neal are considered high-ranking because of their committee posts. Clark, Trahan’s mentor, praised the Westford Democrat as a “skilled messenger and effective policymaker, and with her leadership, [House Democrats] will win the fight for working families.” — “Sen. Warren calls for two-state solution for Israel and Gaza,” by Amanda Beland and Tiziana Dearing, WBUR. DATELINE BEACON HILL The Massachusetts Senate Republican caucus has grown to four with the addition of Peter Durant (left). | Kelly Garrity/POLITICO MASS GOP are revelling in the recent election of PETER DURANT.... ADDED: "R" voters are consistently uninformed and fail to do their research before supporting an "R" candidate. PETER DURANT ENDORSED DESANTIS! MASS GOP statement: And the MassGOP’s ability to help Durant may be limited by its still-dire financial straits — even though a win in this race is exactly what the party needs to start turning its fortunes around. “If we didn’t have the debt, certainly we would be able to do more in this race,” Carnevale said. “But we certainly are confident in our chances.” PETER DURANT IS A CLOWN FOR ENDORSING DESANTIS, THE BOOK BANNER, RE-WRITES HISTORY, DON'T SAY GAY DIM WIT! That's before defining the ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION in FLORIDA or the numerous other issues...homeowners insurance? radioactive roads? DEAD MANATEES? 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. https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-new-surgeon-general... GOP VICTORY LAP — Senate Republicans’ minority crescent grew by one — or, as Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr put it, “by 33 percent” — yesterday when Peter Durant was sworn in to the seat formerly held by Democrat Anne Gobi . Republicans reveled in Durant’s victory , which Tarr said shows the GOP can still win in deep-blue Massachusetts. Durant “has proven the ideals that we share, the principles that we stand for, are viable in Massachusetts, and the voters in his district spoke loud and clear about it,” Tarr told reporters. We wrote earlier this week that two Republicans — Southbridge town councilor David Adams and Dudley Select Board member John Marsi — are already eyeing Durant’s old House seat. One who isn’t: his wife, former state Rep. Kate Campanale , per the State House News Service . The one-time lieutenant governor hopeful and her husband said they plan to support Marsi if and when the House calls a special election for the seat. — “Despite state budget delays, GCC approves raises,” by Mary Byrne, Greenfield Recorder: “Despite budget delays at the state level, Greenfield Community College President Michelle Schutt has approved pay increases for its Massachusetts Community College Council union members. … ‘We certainly didn’t want to have folks wait until after the holidays to get that.’” — “Lottery’s $177,752 chief marketing officer placed on paid leave,” by Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald: “Lottery CMO Edward Farley has been out of the office since early November, according to an agency spokesperson. No reason was given for Farley’s temporary ouster from his $177,752 per year position, nor was an end date for his leave provided.” MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “The ‘right thing to do.’ YMCA opens doors to migrant families sleeping in MBTA office building,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “In a bid to piece together help for migrant families waitlisted for emergency shelter, the state is partnering with the YMCA of Greater Boston to provide a place to eat and play during the day for families sleeping in converted conference rooms at the state’s transportation building. As many as 25 families who have stayed in the temporary, overnight shelter at 10 Park Plaza have visited the Wang YMCA daily since Monday to shower, store their luggage for the day, or eat lunch.” The state plans to keep the transportation-building shelter running through at least Dec. 7. But even with that safety net, Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice , who is overseeing the emergency assistance program, said there are still some families “that have to rough it overnight.” He said officials are in negotiations for “bigger, more permanent places” to get everyone through the winter.   GET A BACKSTAGE PASS TO COP28 WITH GLOBAL PLAYBOOK : Get insider access to the conference that sets the tone of the global climate agenda with POLITICO's Global Playbook newsletter. Authored by Suzanne Lynch, Global Playbook delivers exclusive, daily insights and comprehensive coverage that will keep you informed about the most crucial climate summit of the year. Dive deep into the critical discussions and developments at COP28 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     FROM THE HUB PAPER OF RECORDS — It appears the Boston Herald is doing battle with Michelle Wu ’s administration to get records of any ambulance calls to the mayor’s Roslindale home. The paper is following up on old rumors — which Wu’s team has dismissed as “pathetic and baseless” — that she was suffering from panic attacks. From the Herald’s Gayla Cawley . PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — “SRTA to begin free bus service in January,” by Grace Ferguson, New Bedford Light: “All of SRTA’s buses will be free to ride from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024, as part of its “Try Transit” initiative, funded by a grant from the state. The first Sunday buses will start in the same month, but no launch date has been chosen yet.” DAY IN COURT — “SJC justice stepping down early to join UMass, giving Healey another chance to mold high court,” by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: “Justice David A. Lowy will step down from the Supreme Judicial Court in February to become general counsel for the University of Massachusetts system, making him the second judge to announce an early retirement from the high court this year.” — “Amherst man’s arrest in Jan. 6 Capitol breach marks 32nd made by FBI Boston,” by David Cifarelli, MassLive. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Record Turnout Forces Delay of Town Meeting,” by Sophie Mann-Shafir, Provincetown Independent: “About 700 people arrived at Truro Central School on Nov. 28 ready for a climax and dénouement to months of dramatically rising tension and civic disagreement here. But even using the school’s library and cafeteria as well as the gymnasium, the building could hold no more than 523 voters. With nearly 200 more stranded outside, no votes on articles could be held, and the meeting had to be postponed for the third time." — “Ex-Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia transferred to federal Philly prison,” by Jo C. Goode, Herald News: “Convicted former Fall River mayor Jasiel Correia II has been transferred from a federal prison in Berlin, New Hampshire, where he began serving a six-year sentence in April 2022 to the Federal Detention Center Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.” — “Why Fairhaven's Select Board chair says racism is deterring him from a second term,” by Matthew Ferreira, Standard-Times: “‘The truth is that the town of Fairhaven isn’t ready for a person of color to be a visible leader in the town,’ wrote [Leon] Correy in the Oct. 28 post, who's been said to be Fairhaven's first Black Select Board member.” MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ENDORSEMENT CORNER — Vivek Ramaswamy is rolling out another 100 endorsements in the first-in-the-nation primary state. Among the activists and electeds: state Reps. Cyril Aures, Tim McGough and Josh Yokela . Aures formerly backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , but switched his allegiance to Ramaswamy earlier this month. IN MEMORIAM — "Henry Kissinger, diplomat who helped to reshape the world, dies at 100," by David Cohen, POLITICO. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — Joseph Russo is now special assistant to the Bedford town manager. He previously worked for the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. — Aidan Ryan is joining the Boston Globe as a media reporter . Ryan most recently worked at The Information. — Ellen Sciales is now deputy comms director for Sen. Elizabeth Warren. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Chris Dempsey, Larry Summers and Ben Josephson. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: GRANITE BACHELOR — The Shah Family Foundation's Ross Wilson joins hosts Steve Koczela and Lisa Kashinsky to talk about guaranteed income programs as Boston mulls the idea. Koczela and Kashinsky have an extended epiphany about how the contest for New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu 's endorsement in the GOP presidential primary is a lot like "The Bachelor." Subscribe and listen on iTunes and SoundCloud . 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: Abortion providers harassed in Mass.

 

View in browser   BY KELLY GARRITY AND LISA KASHINSKY ‘WE ARE ABSOLUTELY CONCERNED’ — Abortion providers across the country faced a “sharp increase” in violence last year, particularly in states that protect access to the procedure, a National Abortion Federation report says. Clinics saw a rise in arson, invasions, burglaries and death threats in 2022 amid the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade , according to NAF's recently released annual report . There were 218 reports of death threats against providers nationwide, up from 182 in 2021. Instances of patients and providers being stalked rose sharply — up to 92 last year from 28 the year prior. Meanwhile, incidents of trespassing and assault and battery fell — a drop the federation, a professional association for abortion providers, attributes to clinic closures in states that restricted access to the procedure. While Massachusetts evaded some of the worst instances of violence documented last year (clinics here reported no arson, stalking, death threats, bomb threats or burglaries), the state’s abortion providers did see one instance of trespassing, 28 pieces of hate mail or harassing calls and more than 1,600 instances of picketing. They also reported four instances of "obstructions" to people seeking abortion care. “We are absolutely concerned,” Rebecca Hart Holder, the president of Reproductive Equity Now, told Playbook. “No state is immune to extremists of all shapes and sizes, and so we have to be extremely vigilant in protecting providers.” Still, Massachusetts’ numbers are lower than some other states where abortion is protected. Colorado, for example, saw 12,792 instances of picketing, as well as 15 burglaries and 12 instances of stalking. Holder believes that’s in part due to the Legislature’s investments in clinic safety. After POLITICO last spring reported the draft Supreme Court opinion that would fell Roe , the Senate added $2 million to the state budget to help bolster security around clinics. Similar funding was proposed for this upcoming fiscal year. “No one forgets that Massachusetts is a state where there has been abortion violence,” Holder said, referencing the 1994 shootings at two abortion clinics in Brookline that killed two women and injured five other people. “I think there's a special vigilance here.” Yet advocates say there’s more the state can do to protect patients and providers, including shielding location data to make sure people aren’t tracked to clinics, increasing access to birth control and lowering the cost of child care. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS . The bill to avert a government default is on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk without the support of Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. Markey and Warren both voted against the debt deal that sailed through the Senate 63-36 late last night, two of just five members of the chamber’s Democratic caucus (including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)) to reject the bipartisan agreement out of concern over changes to social safety-net programs and energy permitting processes. “I was obligated by my commitment to our planet and to the everyday families across the Commonwealth and nation struggling to make ends meet to vote against the debt limit deal,” Markey said in a statement. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey is on WEEI at 9 a.m. and attends the Newburyport Pride kickoff at 4 p.m. outside Newburyport City Hall. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and Rep. Jake Auchincloss speak at a Charles River Regional Chamber breakfast at 9 a.m. in Needham. Auchincloss speaks at a Moms Demand Action event at 9:45 a.m. at Sharon Town Hall. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends the 27th Annual Caribbean American Carnival Association of Boston breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and an Office of Black Male Advancement summit at 10:15 a.m., both in Roxbury. THIS WEEKEND — AG Andrea Campbell is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. MBTA GM Phillip Eng is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Email us: kgarrity@politico.com and lkashinsky@politico.com .   DON’T MISS POLITICO’S HEALTH CARE SUMMIT : The Covid-19 pandemic helped spur innovation in health care, from the wide adoption of telemedicine, health apps and online pharmacies to mRNA vaccines. But what will the next health care innovations look like? Join POLITICO on Wednesday June 7 for our Health Care Summit to explore how tech and innovation are transforming care and the challenges ahead for access and delivery in the United States. REGISTER NOW .     DATELINE BEACON HILL — “Nasty surprise: State learns it erred by using $2.5 billion in federal money to pay jobless claims,” by Larry Edelman and Jon Chesto, Boston Globe: “A routine audit has uncovered a potentially devastating error: Massachusetts mistakenly used about $2.5 billion in federal money to fund jobless benefits during the pandemic — payments that should have been made by the state.” — “Healey signs onto letter asking textbook publishers to ‘hold the line’ for Democracy,” by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald: “Textbook companies need to 'hold the line for our Democracy' and not cave to governors calling for 'censorship' of school educational materials, a letter signed by ten governors, including Gov. Maura Healey, said. The governors said they wrote the open letter — dated May 25 — out of concern that textbook publishers may be tempted to ‘water down critical information to appeal to the lowest common denominator.’” — “Massachusetts allocates nearly $2M to organizations helping immigrants and refugees,” by Sarah Betancourt, GBH News: “Seventeen service providers in Massachusetts will be receiving $1.75 million in public funds to help meet the needs of nearly 800 recently arrived refugee and immigrant families, state officials said Thursday." — “In Worcester, Healey’s pick for housing secretary gets a mixed reception,” by Samantha J. Gross, Boston Globe: “Former Worcester city manager Edward M. Augustus is credited by many as the formidable leader who brought the state’s second-largest city out of Boston’s shadow and into a building boom that has attracted no less than 25,000 new residents in the last decade. … But Augustus’s eight-year tenure was also rocked by tensions over racial inequalities, with a city audit that he himself commissioned revealing a workplace culture that many employees described as toxic and hostile to people of color.” — "State looking into sudden closure of Compass Medical facilities," by Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald. — "A race to keep up – or to the bottom? Lottery bets big on $50 scratch ticket, online games," by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Magazine. FROM THE HUB — “Governor, mayor kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with celebration on City Hall Plaza,” by Jeremy C. Fox, Boston Globe: “Maura Healey paid tribute Thursday to the LGBTQ+ pioneers who helped blaze a trail for her to become the first lesbian elected governor of a US state, as she gathered on City Hall Plaza with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, other elected officials, and about 200 community members to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month.” — "Nonprofit leader, former Connolly aide to run for District 3," by Gintautas Dumcius, Dorchester Reporter. PARTY POLITICS — REPUBLICANS TAKE BOSTON: Amy Carnevale may have 99 problems as the chair of the financially troubled and bitterly divided state GOP. But her relationship with the national party’s top brass doesn’t appear to be one. Carnevale is playing host to RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel and Republicans from across the northeast this week at a three-day regional retreat and training session for party activists at the posh Liberty Hotel, including a fundraiser with McDaniel and a field trip to Wednesday night's Red Sox game. "Ronna's presence is a strong indicator of her support of Amy's agenda, which is to get the party back on track," national committeewoman Janet Fogarty told Playbook. It also represents a marked change in relations between the state and national Republican parties. Former MassGOP Chair Jim Lyons supported McDaniel’s rival, Harmeet Dhillon , in the RNC’s leadership election earlier this year. McDaniel indirectly rebuked Lyons back in 2021 for refusing to condemn a state committeewoman who made anti-gay remarks. And Lyons’ opponents on the state committee had implored McDaniel to intervene in an intraparty rift over last year’s auditor’s race that they accused Lyons of fueling. Yet detractors of Carnevale and McDaniel are deriding the fly-in as a costly junket that’s a waste of donors’ dollars — a reflection of how fractured the state party remains. And those tensions could flare at Thursday’s state committee meeting, where agenda items driven by competing factions will aim to settle old scores and the MassGOP’s checkbook.   GET READY FOR GLOBAL TECH DAY: Join POLITICO Live as we launch our first Global Tech Day alongside London Tech Week on Thursday, June 15. Register now for continuing updates and to be a part of this momentous and program-packed day! From the blockchain, to AI, and autonomous vehicles, technology is changing how power is exercised around the world, so who will write the rules? REGISTER HERE .     PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES — "T officials urge riders to be patient," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "In a virtual Q&A session, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, T board chair Thomas Glynn, and T board vice chair Thomas Koch said the transit authority has the team of transit professionals in place to bring about improvements in service. ... 'I think people will see a difference at the T a year from now, but I don’t know if they’ll see a difference in two months,' Glynn told questioner Brian Kane, the executive director of the MBTA Advisory Board." — “Transit advocates push for regional rail system,” by Christian M. Wade, The Eagle Tribune. DAY IN COURT — “12 people sue city over Worcester police response to 2020 George Floyd protest,” by Brad Petrishen, Telegram & Gazette: “A dozen people filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday alleging Worcester police committed a litany of misconduct, including excessive force, during the chaotic June 1, 2020, protests in Main South after the death of George Floyd.” — "Western Mass. YWCA employees charged with theft of state funds intended for domestic violence victims," by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican. WARREN REPORT — “Elizabeth Warren, J.D. Vance team up on bank CEO crackdown,” by Zachary Warmbrodt, POLITICO: “Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s push to hit the executives of failed banks with sharper penalties is getting a big boost from an unexpected conservative partner — Sen. J.D. Vance.” IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN — “State program to fund new schools allows for fossil fuels, despite climate goals,” by Sabrina Shankman, Boston Globe: “Since 2021, the year the state passed its landmark climate legislation committing to net-zero emissions by 2050, the school building authority has approved 30 new school projects for construction. The vast majority — 21 of the 30 — will be built to burn fossil fuels long into the future, and well past 2050." — "Longshoremen’s union gets contract, ending Vineyard Wind strike," by Will Sennott, New Bedford Light. MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Cannabis company fined for worker death in Holyoke is closing up shop in Massachusetts,” by Tonya Alanez, Boston Globe: “The marijuana company that settled with federal workplace safety regulators last year over the death of an employee who rolled joints at its growing and processing facility in Holyoke announced Thursday that it would close its dispensaries in Northampton, Framingham, and Worcester by June 30.” FROM THE 413 — “López Comes into View as Challenger to Chicopee Mayor Vieau,” by Matt Szafranski, Western Mass. Politics & Insight: “On Thursday, Ward 3 Chicopee City Councilor Delmarina López announced she would run for mayor. The first-termer, who became the Council’s first woman of color in 2021, would be challenging incumbent mayor John Vieau.” — “Report: Northampton mayor, elected officials deserve big pay bump,” by Chad Cain, Daily Hampshire Gazette. MEANWHILE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE — “Trump-DeSantis feud gets ugly fast,” by Sally Goldenberg, Alex Eisenstadt, Natalie Allison and Lisa Kashinsky, POLITICO: “Shortly after Ron DeSantis snapped at a reporter who questioned his limited voter engagement during a swing through New Hampshire on Thursday, his chief primary rival tried to one up him.” — “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pitches his long-shot Democratic presidential campaign to N.H. independents,” by Steven Porter, Boston Globe. — "NH Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington launches campaign for governor," by Adam Sexton, WMUR. HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH SPOTTED — at MassDems’ Roosevelt Dinner last night: Honorees AG Andrea Campbell and former MassDems Chair Gus Bickford along with his partner Toody Healy ; Gov. Maura Healey , Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll , Rep. Ayanna Pressley , Boston Mayor Michelle Wu , MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan and husband Jacob Watts ; MassDems Executive Director Joe Sherlock, Danielle Allen, Bryan Rafanelli and partner Mark Walsh , Steve Bilafer , former state Sen. Joe Boncore , state Sen. Will Brownsberger, Dan Cence, Elyse Cherry, Larry DiCara, Auditor Diana DiZoglio , state Rep. Kate Donaghue , Governor's Councilor Eileen Duff , Boston City Council candidate Sharon Durkan, Evan Falchuk, Tim Foley, Juan Gallego, Mary Liz Ganley, Kathy Gasperine, Tara Healey, Jamie Hoag, state Rep. Kate Hogan, Kate Kelly, former Sen. Paul Kirk , state Rep. Kathy LaNatra, Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune , Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn , state Rep. Adrian Madaro, Veronica Martinez, Jesse Mermell, state Rep. Joan Meschino, state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz , former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy , Matt O'Neil, Jimmy Tingle, Katie Prisco-Buxbaum, Kevin Ready, Patrick Roath, Ann Roosevelt, Jim Roosevelt, former Ambassador Alan Solomont, Steve Tolman, Adam Webster, Corey Welford, Matt Wilder, Conor Yuntis and state Rep. Jon Zlotnik . TRANSITIONS — Casey Atkins has been promoted to president of the Liberty Square Group’s Blue Lab political incubator. — The Massachusetts Assisted Living Association has appointed Wendy Nowokunski as board chair after the passing of former Board Chair Larry Gerber. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to Kathryn Grosso Gann and Liam Horsman. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Eric S. Rosengren, Sean McFate and Eric Farmer , who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Lance Lambros and Mort Zuckerman . NEW HORSE RACE ALERT:  SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS — Happy hour is back on the legislative menu for this session and environmental concerns abound over a proposed machine-gun range on Cape Cod. Hosts Jennifer Smith and Lisa Kashinsky break it all down. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud . 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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