POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Dems reach a reckoning on migrant aid

 

BY LISA KASHINSKY AND KELLY GARRITY Presented by McDonald's ‘WE ARE ON OUR OWN’ — Reality is setting in for Massachusetts Democrats grappling with an unending influx of migrants. Help is not coming from Washington , where border policy has become political football. A deal that could have sent millions of much-needed dollars to Massachusetts and other states sheltering migrants remains dead. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will both be at the southern border today — but they’re more likely to turn the crisis into a campaign cudgel than spur progress in Congress. For months, top Massachusetts Democrats have held out hope that help would come from on high. Even as she filed a supplemental budget asking lawmakers to drain nearly $900 million from a transitional escrow fund to help cover emergency shelter system costs into next year, Healey’s real request was for Congress to act. Legislative leaders joined her call . That’s over now — at least in the House. “We’re not expecting any help from Washington,” House Speaker Ron Mariano declared on Wednesday. “We are on our own on this, and we realize that now.” House Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz take questions from reporters after a Democratic caucus. | Lisa Kashinsky/POLITICO House Democrats are now discussing changes to how the emergency shelter program is managed as they mull how to move forward with Healey’s funding request. Tapping the surplus account is “one option” to close what’s expected to be a $224 million deficit this fiscal year and pay nearly $1 billion in projected costs for the next one, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz said. But lawmakers are “also going to have to look at how this program is going to work long term,” he said. Mariano and Michlewitz said they’re not looking to change the “right-to-shelter” statute itself. A Mariano spokesperson later added that he’s uninterested in altering the law to cover only U.S. citizens. But Mariano demurred when asked by POLITICO if he were considering trying to limit how long families can stay in the shelter system, something Healey's administration has considered but hasn’t acted on. Healey spokesperson Karissa Hand said the administration is “always evaluating” the emergency program “and continuing to be in discussion with the Legislature about this situation.” Democrats’ plans still lack parameters and price tags , though Michlewitz indicated that a version of Healey’s supplemental spending bill could move before the House releases its take on the fiscal 2025 budget. And yet, the acknowledgment that immigration issues now rest squarely with states signifies a clear shift in how Bay State Democrats are approaching the migrant and shelter crisis — even if some might argue it’s far too late. Look to see how that plays out in the upcoming House budget . Healey level-funded the emergency family assistance program in her fiscal 2025 budget proposal as she pursues additional aid through smaller spending plans. And she continues to tout the state’s fiscal strength even as revenues fall short of projections month after month. Mariano struck a far different tone on Wednesday . “We’re looking at a billion-dollar bill next year in the midst of declining revenues. Do you realize what that will do to us?” he told reporters at the State House. “So we have to take a look at how we administer this program.” GOOD THURSDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. It’s a leap day! And a special happy birthday to the city of Worcester, a leap day baby . TODAY — Healey , Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and administration officials will outline climate-tech and life-sciences initiatives in her upcoming economic development bond bill at 9 a.m. at Form Energy HQ in Somerville. Driscoll and A&F Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz testify on the Municipal Empowerment Act at 1 p.m. at the State House. Rep. Ayanna Pressley hosts a Capitol Hill press conference in Washington on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza at 10 a.m. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark and Rep. Lori Trahan join a Capitol Hill press conference pushing legislation to protect access to IVF at 1:30 p.m. Tips? Scoops? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com .   A message from McDonald's: From 2021 to 2022, the McDonald’s System contributed over $700 million to Massachusetts’ economy, supporting over 14,350 jobs statewide. McDonald’s presence in local communities throughout Massachusetts generated nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue, providing funding for public schools, infrastructure, parks and more. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   DATELINE BEACON HILL JOINING THE BENCH — The Governor’s Council voted 6-1 on Wednesday to confirm Gabrielle Wolohojian — a longtime Appeals Court judge and Gov. Maura Healey ’s former romantic partner — to the Supreme Judicial Court, advancing Healey’s second nominee to the state’s top bench. Despite a lingering lack of clarity over how Wolohojian will approach cases involving Healey and the executive branch, only Councilor Tara Jacobs voiced reservations about — and ultimately voted against — Wolohojian’s nomination. Jacobs said the process, particularly Healey’s reliance on a “small and insular like-minded group” of vetters in selecting Wolohojian, caused concern. “You couldn’t have a more insider nominee,” she said before announcing her decision to vote “no.” The MassGOP was quick to criticize the Governor’s Council for acting as a “rubber stamp” rather than conducting “a serious examination of important ethical considerations.” But they’ll now have to fight that battle at the ballot box in November. More from GBH’s Katie Lannan . BLINK AND YOU MISSED HER — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer dropped in on House Democrats’ caucus on Wednesday while visiting the Bay State on a personal trip with family. Whitmer, who was a law school classmate of state Rep. James Murphy , received a round of applause after addressing lawmakers in the closed-door conference. Whitmer also connected with Healey , spokesperson Karissa Hand confirmed, though she declined to provide details of their interaction. The Michigan Democrat, who's widely viewed as a future presidential contender, is a national co-chair of President Joe Biden ’s reelection campaign, for which Healey is a surrogate. The two are also, as Healey spilled in a recent CNN interview, on a text chain with other female Democratic governors. IN THE NAME OF COMPETITIVENESS — The House unanimously passed a bill that would let the state leverage interest from its so-called rainy day fund to compete for more federal dollars. The legislation is slightly different from what Healey proposed and what the Senate passed last month.   SUBSCRIBE TO GLOBAL PLAYBOOK: Don’t miss out on POLITICO’s Global Playbook, the newsletter taking you inside pivotal discussions at the most influential gatherings in the world, including WEF in Davos, Milken Global in Beverly Hills, to UNGA in NYC and many more. Suzanne Lynch delivers the world's elite and influential moments directly to you. Stay in the global loop. SUBSCRIBE NOW .     MIGRANTS IN MASSACHUSETTS — “Fort Point neighbors blast governor, nonprofit for icing them out of migrant shelter plans,” by Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “A day after Gov. Maura Healey confirmed that the United Way of Massachusetts Bay had chosen a private Fort Point office building as an overnight safety-net site, [EA Director L. Scott Rice] told neighbors at a heavily attended community meeting that the plan was moving forward, regardless of whether they were on board." YAHD SIGNS AND BUMPAH STICKAHS FIRST IN PLAYBOOK — State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is backing attorney Mara Dolan for Governor's Council. It’s the first statewide endorsement for Dolan, who is challenging incumbent District 3 Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney . SCOOPLET — When the MassGOP moves out of its Woburn office and back to Boston on Friday, John Deaton ’s campaign is moving in, consultant Jim Conroy confirmed to Playbook. Deaton, one of the Republicans challenging Sen. Elizabeth Warren , plans to sublease the space from the state GOP — so add that as a source of income for the financially struggling party. FROM THE HUB — “Free museum push for all Boston kids blocked by city councilor,” Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald: “Councilors Ed Flynn and Erin Murphy … introduced a resolution Wednesday that sought to expand the initiative to all students living in Boston. … The request prompted an immediate objection by Councilor Sharon Durkan, a former campaign aide to Mayor Michelle Wu … [who said] ‘this merits more of a conversation.’” — “Boston votes to install 250 curbside EV-chargers on city streets,” by David Bienick, WCVB. — “City moves ahead with center-running bus lane plan for Blue Hill Avenue,” by Seth Daniel, Dorchester Reporter.   A message from McDonald's:   WARREN REPORT NOTED — Warren is slamming fast-food chain Wendy’s after the company announced a new “dynamic pricing” plan. The senator dubbed it “price gouging plain and simple” in a post on X . But Wendy’s later clarified that the price changes would only include discounts or deals during slower-than-normal hours. Warren’s post left some of her supporters scratching their heads . “I am surprised to see her come out against the concepts of Early Birds Specials at diners and Matinee Pricing at movie theaters,” Chris Dempsey , a former Democratic candidate for auditor, posted on X . Dempsey didn’t return a call. IRL, Warren on Wednesday also bashed Senate Republicans for blocking a bill that would protect access to IVF in a floor speech. DATELINE D.C. REAL-LIFE SUCCESSION — Longtime Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell won’t seek another term as conference leader , setting off a leadership shuffle within the GOP that will have ripple effects for Democrats. It’s also costing Ukraine its most prominent Republican backer in Congress at a critical moment when GOP support for continued security assistance for the war-torn country is slipping. With that in mind, Warren told HuffPost that while she’s “no fan of McConnell’s, we could do a lot worse on the Republican side.” MEANWHILE — “Top lawmakers strike funding deal, potentially averting weekend shutdown,” by Caitlin Emma, Jennifer Scholtes and Olivia Beavers, POLITICO. FIT FOR DUTY — Good news for the 81-year-old Joe Biden : The president’s physician declared him to be “healthy, active, robust." ON THE DOCKET — “ Supreme Court stalls Trump’s federal election trial while weighing his immunity bid,” by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney, POLITICO.   On the ground in Albany. Get critical policy news and analysis inside New York State. Track how power brokers are driving change across legislation and budget and impacting lobbying efforts. Learn more .     FROM THE 413 — “Where in the world is Wilmer Puello-Mota? Rhode Island prosecutors want to know,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: “Days before the scheduled start of his trial in Rhode Island, prosecutors say former Holyoke City Councilor Wilmer Puello-Mota boarded an international flight bound for Turkey and fled the country.” — “Northampton first in WMass to back call for Gaza cease-fire,” by Alexander MacDougall, Daily Hampshire Gazette. THE LOCAL ANGLE — “Wrentham says it’s not fighting the MBTA Communities Act, but requests state support,” by Bob Seay, GBH News: “‘We’re not going to fight. We’re going to collaborate with the state.’ That’s how Wrentham’s select board Chair Joe Botaish opened the meeting Tuesday night that was convened to discuss the town’s response to the MBTA Communities Act — a controversial new state law that requires zoning for multi-family housing." — “'Bring him back': At explosive Brockton school board meeting, superintendent tears into mayor,” by Christopher Butler, The Enterprise: “In a dramatic and fiery confrontation, Brockton Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas tore into Mayor Robert Sullivan at Tuesday night's school Committee meeting — accusing the mayor of betraying him and declaring to loud applause from a packed room that if he were still on the job the turmoil at Brockton High School would not be happening. It was Thomas's first public appearance before the school committee in six months, since he left on medical leave in August after the bombshell revelation that the school district had run a large deficit in the previous school year.” — “A new commercial for Amazon pitches life and jobs in Fall River — and birdwatching?” by Dan Medeiros, The Herald News: “[The ad] pitches Fall River as the home of ‘historic charm, great birdwatching, and an Amazon warehouse.’ … The ad's apparent goal is to encourage people to come to Fall River and work for the Amazon fulfillment center straddling the Fall River-Freetown border.” — “Steward Health Care pays $100k owed for food voucher program after GBH investigation,” by Jeremy Siegel, GBH News.   A message from McDonald's: McDonald’s is an economic engine for the state of Massachusetts, contributing over $700 million to our state’s economy, directly employing nearly 11,600 Massachusettsans and supporting an additional 2,750 jobs statewide. It’s also an engine of opportunity: 1 in 4 independent McDonald’s operators in Massachusetts began their careers as restaurant crew members, generating wealth for their families and local communities. We are proud to support Massachusetts through public schools, parks and more from the nearly $125 million in federal, state and local tax revenue generated by the McDonald’s System’s activities. And thanks to the generosity of McDonald’s customers and owner/operators, the $700,000 raised through Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2022 provided over 7,000 overnight stays for families with children receiving medical care in Massachusetts. Learn more about McDonald’s impact on local communities in Massachusetts and nationally by visiting https://www.mcdeconomicimpact.com/state-impacts/ma .   HEARD ‘ROUND THE BUBBLAH TRANSITIONS — United Way of Massachusetts Bay President and CEO Bob Giannino plans to step down, according to the organization that is partnering with the Healey administration on temporary overflow shelters for migrant and homeless families. Daphne Principe-Griffin , who is currently serving as chief of staff, will take over as interim president and CEO on April 1. — Adam Bass will join MassLive as a reporter covering Worcester and the Greater Worcester area. He currently works at the North Star Reporter. HAPPY BIRTHDAY — to former state Rep. Stephen J. Karol . NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: THE TROLLEY PROBLEM — The Boston Globe's Tiana Woodard discusses what reparations could look like in Boston. Host Jennifer Smith unpacks Milton's MBTA Communities Law mess with host Steve Koczela . Host Lisa Kashinsky spills the tea on Sen. Elizabeth Warren 's new challenger, John Deaton . 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 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: Nangle ARRESTED — SENATE DEBATE takeaways — WARREN blasts BLOOMBERG as ‘egomaniac’

Nangle ARRESTED — SENATE DEBATE takeaways — WARREN blasts BLOOMBERG as ‘egomaniac’

By Stephanie Murray

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. WHAT YOU MISSED IN THE SENATE DEBATE — On the debate stage last night, it was clear Rep. Joe Kennedy III and Sen. Ed Markey agree on a lot of things. They agree Donald Trump is a bad president. They agree broadly on a number of policy issues, with a few differences. Where they disagreed the most was over how to run a Senate campaign, and how to be a good senator. Markey and Kennedy clashed over a so-called People's Pledge to keep outside spending out of the race, for example, at the debate hosted by WGBH on Tuesday night. Markey touted his record of "delivering legislation" for Massachusetts during his long congressional career, while Kennedy offered a vision of a lawmaker who takes advantage of a safely Democratic seat to become a national voice on Democratic issues. But the question they didn't answer was how either candidate will operate if Trump wins reelection and the Senate remains under Republican control, which is a pretty plausible scenario. Markey said getting Trump out of office is the key, while Kennedy put forward a number of reforms including term limits for Supreme Court justices and getting "dark money out of politics." The big question is how to get anything done in a Senate that just acquitted the Republican president on party lines. Here's the tricky thing about Democratic primaries. Rep. Ayanna Pressley acknowledged she would vote the same way in the House as her opponent, former Rep. Michael Capuano, in her 2018 campaign. But she made the case that she'd bring change in other ways, and has made good on that promise as a national figure in the party. Kennedy is making a similar pitch, which is hard to articulate to voters and doesn't come with a guarantee. Last night's debate was the first of many, and we have a long way to go until the September primary. One area where Kennedy knocked Markey on his heels was on his Iraq war vote, and again on his 2013 'present' vote on the Syria resolution. "The senator voted present, not no, not yes, on a matter of war and peace, but present, and I think that record speaks for itself," Kennedy said. Markey responded by saying he didn't have enough information to vote differently, and touted his endorsements from anti-war groups. A particularly tough moment for both candidates came during a line of questioning on the environment, when the moderators pointed out Markey has taken donations from a company that invests in a controversial compressor station in Weymouth, and that Kennedy's investment portfolio includes fossil fuel companies. Both said their votes would not be swayed by money, but it was an awkward position for two lawmakers who came ready to spar on their environmental records. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker honors Iwo Jima Day at a ceremony hosted by the Marine Corps League of Massachusetts. Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh make an Urban Agenda grant program announcement. Rep. Ayanna Pressley celebrates Black History Month in Everett. Rep. Jim McGovern visits YouthBuild Worcester. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg's campaigns hold debate watch parties in Boston.

THE NANGLE ANGLE

- "Rep. Nangle arrives in federal courtroom in handcuffs and shackles, pleads not-guilty," by Elizabeth Dobbins, The Lowell Sun: "State Rep. Dave Nangle shuffled out of a federal courtroom in handcuffs on Tuesday, ankle shackles clinking between his dress shoes, following his arraignment on more than two dozen charges, including the alleged use of campaign funds for personal expenses. Hours after he was arrested at his Belvidere home by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Nangle pleaded not guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, nine counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns." - "Rep. David Nangle spent over $111K in campaign funds at three restaurants to conceal debts he owed them, prosecutors say," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts Rep. David Nangle spent more than $111,000 in campaign funds at restaurants in Dracut, Lowell and Salisbury to appease the owners who had lent him money, concealing the massive debts to state regulators along the way, according to court documents. Those restaurant payments and debts are one of several examples of alleged campaign finance violations federal authorities highlighted following Nangle's arrest Tuesday morning on fraud charges." - "Gov. Baker, Speaker DeLeo don't call for Rep. Nangle to step down," by Mary Markos and Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker and House Speaker Robert DeLeo did not call for state Rep. David Nangle to lose his six-figure post at the State House, instead labeling the charges against the Lowell Democrat "serious" and "troubling." "They're serious charges and I anticipate that they will be fully investigated by the U.S. Attorney," Baker said. DeLeo said in a statement: "The allegations against Representative Nangle are serious and troubling and, if true, represent a significant betrayal of the public trust. I was shocked and disappointed to learn of his indictment this morning."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "Is It Time to Pour One Out for the Packie?" by Alyssa Vaughn, Boston Magazine: "Here in Boston, a city infamous for its unique cultural identity, it's no surprise we feel a sense of loyalty to the neighborhood spot that supplies us with our scratch-offs, cigarettes, and handles of vodka. Much of this helps explain why some feathers got ruffled at a hearing last week over Cumberland Farms' recent efforts to increase the number of liquor licenses in the state available to other types of businesses. The convenience-store chain has filed a 2020 ballot question that would authorize the creation of a new kind of license that allows food stores to sell wine and beer for consumption off-premises." - "Baker Administration Planning Rule To Ban Hydrofluorocarbons," by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service: "A state regulation expected this spring would ban the use of greenhouse gas-producing hydrofluorocarbons, which are used in certain aerosols, air conditioners and chillers, refrigeration units and foams. The Baker administration announced its plans Tuesday, saying similar efforts were underway in Rhode Island and Maine and would place Massachusetts "in line with 16 other states adopting comparable" regulations or legislation." - "Revere Rep Rules Out Re-Election Race," by Katie Lannan, State House News Service: "Revere Rep. RoseLee Vincent is not running for re-election, she announced Tuesday. A Democrat who also represents parts of Saugus and Chelsea, Vincent won her seat in a 2014 special election after working on Beacon Hill for years as an aide. Vincent is at least the eighth House lawmakers to announce they are not seeking re-election this cycle. She said she is "excited to have the opportunity to spend more quality time" with her husband Richie, family members and friends." - "Revenues drop at Encore, increase at state's other 2 casinos," Associated Press: "Gambling revenues have dropped at Encore Boston Harbor even as they've rebounded at Massachusetts' two other casinos. The state's Gaming Commission reported Tuesday that the Everett resort generated less than $49 million in gross gambling revenues in January, down from $54 million in December. Revenues at MGM Springfield, meanwhile, rose to nearly $21 million in January, up from about $19 million in December. And Plainridge Park in Plainville generated $11 million from gambling in January, up from $10 million in December."

FROM THE HUB

- "Mayor Walsh outlines expansion of city's tuition-free community college program," by John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: "Mayor Martin J. Walsh is expanding Boston's tuition-free program for income-qualified students at community colleges, a program that is financed by contributions from developers who are behind the city's ongoing building boom. The Urban College of Boston is now the sixth educational institution to participate in the Tuition-Free Community College Plan, which covers up to three years of tuition bills for participating students who are also residents of the city." - "Local Runners Marathon Dreams Put On Hold By Novel Coronavirus," by Mary Blake, WGBH News: "A local marathoner who planned to run across the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon come March 1, had her dreams dashed Monday when organizers announced that only elite runners and wheelchair athletes would be allowed to participate due to fears over the novel coronavirus. Liz Sweeney, 39, of Wellesley, began training for the race in December and hoped to be among the 38,000 initially registered to run the 26 miles. Now, due to the committee´s decision, only 126 runners and another 30 wheelchair athletes will be able to participate." - "Washington Post editor Martin Baron to deliver Harvard commencement address," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "Martin Baron, the renowned Washington Post executive editor who previously led the Boston Globe newsroom, will deliver Harvard's commencement address in May, the university said Tuesday. A statement posted to the Harvard Gazette, the school's official publication, said Baron will be "the principal speaker at the Afternoon Program of Harvard's 369th Commencement" on May 28. University President Larry Bacow praised Baron, who oversaw the Boston Globe's Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the clergy sex abuse scandal as well as the paper's reporting on the 9/11 attacks."

PRIMARY SOURCES

- "Shack enters crowded Democratic field for Kennedy seat," by Milton J. Valencia, Boston Globe: "The race for the Democratic nomination for Massachusetts' Fourth Congressional District is getting a bit more crowded. Thomas G. Shack III, a former prosecutor and state comptroller, announced Tuesday that he is entering the contest, which could include 10 or more candidates vying to succeed outgoing US Representative Joe Kennedy. Shack, a decades-long Brookline resident whose father served as an adviser to the late John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, filed paperwork, e-mailed supporters, and launched the website ShackforCongress.com." - "Massachusetts ready to get out the early vote," by Clarence Fanto, Berkshire Eagle: "Keen to get a head start on Super Tuesday, when 14 states and one territory (American Samoa) pick their presidential favorites? Beginning Monday, Massachusetts voters can cast their ballots in a presidential primary — a first for the commonwealth. Anyone can do so; no reason or justification is required. Interest is high in the March 3 set of primaries, when more than one-third of all Democratic delegates will be chosen by voters in states ranging from California and Texas, the two most heavily populated, as well as Massachusetts and Vermont. Early voting is especially popular among older and suburban voters, according to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin, and it can cut down on lines at polling places on primary day." DAY IN COURT - "Wendy's Pays $400K To Resolve Mass. Child Labor Law Allegations," The Associated Press: "Fast-food chain Wendy's has agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that it violated child labor laws by having teenage employees at dozens of Massachusetts restaurants work later and longer than allowed, the state attorney general's office announced Tuesday. The office began investigating after a minor employed at a Wendy's in Worcester complained that teenagers were working too late into the night and too many hours per day." - "Advocacy Group Appeals Harvard Discrimination Decision," by Kirk Carapezza, WGBH News: "The group that sued Harvard University for discriminating against Asian-American applicants has filed an appeal against an October judgment in Harvard's favor regarding allegations against the school's admissions policy. Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) filed a brief late Tuesday afternoon in the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston. Federal Judge Allison Burroughs in Boston ruled Harvard's admissions policies do not discriminate against Asian-American applicants in the original case, a decision widely considered a major win for Harvard and the consideration of race in college admissions ." - "Homeowners Join Class Action Lawsuit Against Roxbury Based BlueHub Capital Alleging Predatory Lending Practices," by Marilyn Schairer, WGBH News: "A group of 14 homeowners filed a class-action suit in Massachusetts Superior Court Friday against a Roxbury based non-profit, alleging that they are the victims of predatory lending practices while facing foreclosure or financial hardship. The lawsuit, financed by the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) was hand delivered to the offices of BlueHub Capital — formerly Boston Community Capital — and several of the homeowners allegedly victimized by its practices." WARREN REPORT - "Warren blasts Bloomberg as an 'egomaniac billionaire,'" by Quint Forgey, POLITICO: "Elizabeth Warren on Tuesday unleashed one of her most cutting attacks yet on Mike Bloomberg, calling him an "egomaniac billionaire" akin to Donald Trump. The broadside from Warren's Twitter account came hours after Bloomberg officially qualified for Wednesday night's primary debate in Las Vegas, and signaled just how fiercely the self-funding businessman's rivals plan to go after him during that televised forum. "It's a shame Mike Bloomberg can buy his way into the debate," Warren wrote online." - "How Elizabeth Warren's Camp Is Seeking to Regain the Spotlight," by Astead W. Herndon, The New York Times: "A bad month for Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts keeps getting worse. She finished in a respectable third place in the Iowa caucuses, but a results-tallying meltdown muddled what could have been a good evening. New Hampshire was better at logistics but worse for her candidacy, considering she ended up closer to candidates who dropped out after the primary than those who finished on top. On Sunday, Ms. Warren had a cold so severe it threatened to sideline one of the country's most famous persisters." MOULTON MATTERS - "Moulton's war chest tops the field," by Ethan Forman, The Salem News: "Federal campaign finance reports show incumbent Salem Congressman Seth Moulton with a commanding lead over potential Democratic and Republican primary challengers when it comes to how much cash they have on hand. So far, four Democrats and two Republicans have signaled their intention to challenge the Marine Corps veteran in the Sept. 1 primary by pulling nomination papers, according to the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Elections Division." FROM THE DELEGATION - "Richard Neal Is #1 in Corporate PAC Donations," by Donald Shaw, Sludge: "The congressman who collected the most corporate campaign money last year is the chairman of the committee that writes the tax code, Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.). In 2019, Neal received more than $1.4 million from PACs that represent corporations and business interests, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Neal's haul from corporate PACs made up 55% of his total campaign fundraising last year. As chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Neal has more power than any other member of the House of Representatives to address corporate tax avoidance." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "BRAZEN," — Globe: "Big names granted clemency by Trump," "DOWNTOWN LUNCH RUSH IS NO-WAITING GAME." FROM THE 413 - "MGM revenue helps balance Springfield budget but doesn't allow tax relief, city finance chief says," by Peter Goonan, Springfield Republican: "The city's finance chief told councilors and residents Tuesday that the MGM Springfield casino is providing millions of dollars in payments to the city annually, helping to balance the budget but not resulting in property tax relief. "While it hasn't afforded us the ability to reduce tax bills across the city, it has been strategically invested in an effort to avoid reductions in important services and even budget cuts," said Timothy J. Plante, the city's chief administrative and financial officer." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "Boy Scouts file bankruptcy, South Shore troops vow to carry on," by Joe DiFazio, The Patriot Ledger: "Local troops say a bankruptcy filing by the Boy Scouts of America organization doesn't mean the end of popcorn sales, pinewood derbies or camping trips here on the South Shore. "We remain as committed as ever to delivering Scouting's unparalleled experiences to young people throughout our communities," Bryan Feather, CEO of the Canton-based Mayflower Council, said via email. "There should be no change to the local Scouting experience." The national Boy Scouts organization filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday amid declining membership and a drumbeat of sexual abuse allegations that have illuminated the depth of the problem within the organization — and Scouts' failure to get a handle on it." MEDIA MATTERS - "MassLive to end commenting on website beginning Thursday." Link. TRANSITIONS - Matthew Cotty will serve as director of development at Revolutionary Spaces, the merger between the Bostonian Society and the Old South Association in Boston. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - to Auditor Suzanne Bump, who celebrated Tuesday. 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 Stephanie Murray @StephMurr_Jour   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our politics and policy newsletters Follow us  POLITICO, LLC 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA, 22209, USA