| | |  | BY LISA KASHINSKY | PROGRAMMING NOTE: We've made it to the last Playbook of the year! Massachusetts Playbook won’t publish from Monday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Dec. 31. I’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, Jan. 3. A heartfelt thank you to all who have welcomed me as your new Playbook scribe this year. I hope you have a happy and healthy rest of your holiday season. Send your tips and scoops to lkashinsky@politico.com and I'll see you in 2022! SCOOPLET: MONEY TALKS — State Attorney General Maura Healey is planning a call with supporters and donors this morning as they — and we — wait for her to say whether she’s running for governor next year. A senior advisor confirmed to POLITICO last night that the call is part of Healey's end-of-year fundraising push and said she is not expected to make any announcements while on the call. The advisor declined to say which office she’s seeking in 2022. Healey also made another hire recently — finance consultant Kate Kelly, who served in the same role on Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell’s mayoral campaign. Kelly joins veteran Democratic strategist Mindy Myers, who POLITICO first reported has been brought on as a general consultant. Healey’s staffing up and hitting the fundraising circuit. Yet, with $3.3 million already in the bank, money coming in from at least four fundraisers this month, and other potential heavyweights yet to really come out of the woodwork, Healey has the leeway to wait out the holidays before making an announcement in the new year. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Governor hopeful Danielle Allen’s climate plan is here, and Playbook has a first look. Allen is calling for a 100 percent renewable energy economy and decarbonization by 2040. The Harvard professor wants to adopt a Zero-Waste strategy for the state, divest pensions and other state-held funds from fossil fuels, and says her administration won’t approve fossil-fuel infrastructure construction projects. She’s also pushing for electrified public transit, congestion pricing and regional public transit systems with subsidized fares. Accelerating upgrades to school buildings, retrofitting homes and developing a green-jobs plan are all among her top priorities. All three major Democrats currently in the race have now released climate plans. TODAY — Former Boston city councilors Tom Keene and Tito Jackson are on WBUR’s “Radio Boston” at 3 p.m. THIS WEEKEND — UMass President Marty Meehan discusses tuition and fee hikes, race relations on campus and Covid-19 on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Rep. Richard Neal is this week’s guest on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. | |
| | JOIN TODAY FOR A WOMEN RULE 2021 REWIND AND A LOOK AHEAD AT 2022: Congress is sprinting to get through a lengthy and challenging legislative to-do list before the end of the year that has major implications for women’s rights. Join Women Rule editor Elizabeth Ralph and POLITICO journalists Laura Barrón-López, Eleanor Mueller, Elena Schneider and Elana Schor for a virtual roundtable that will explore the biggest legislative and policy shifts in 2021 affecting women and what lies ahead in 2022. REGISTER HERE. | | | | |
|  | THE LATEST NUMBERS |
| – “Massachusetts coronavirus cases surge 5,883, the highest daily count in 11 months,” by Rick Sobey, Boston Herald: “The daily count of 5,883 new virus cases was the highest daily case total since Jan. 9’s tally of 7,110 infections. Thursday’s report is the seventh day of more than 5,000 daily cases so far this month.” – “New COVID cases reported in 7,223 students, 1,153 staffers at Massachusetts schools as infections increase statewide,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive: “[T]he rate of COVID-19 cases currently stands at 0.79% among students and 0.82% among staffers, according to DESE’s report.” – “Town-by-town COVID-19 data in Massachusetts,” by Ryan Huddle and Peter Bailey-Wells, Boston Globe. | | DATELINE BEACON HILL |
| – “Hugs, Tears As Gold Star Tree Tradition Resumes,” by Sam Doran, State House News Service (paywall): “With small color photographs of their loved ones looking down from the large Christmas tree, Gold Star families gathered next to the State House on Thursday for a cathartic recognition of another holiday season -- or in some cases, the first -- without their military family member.” – “Report finds Hispanic residents have harder time getting health care,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Hispanic residents in Massachusetts have experienced some of the most significant struggles in obtaining timely, affordable health care in an appropriate setting, according to a study released Thursday by the state-run Center for Health Information and Analysis.” – “A new state commission aims to unite the diverse disability community,” by Meghan Smith, GBH News: “While there has been some progress in recent years, disability advocates want to build on the momentum of the social justice reckoning that rippled through America last year to enact change in Massachusetts. Part of that work will be undertaken by the newly formed Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, established by a 2020 law that aimed to expand equity and racial justice in Massachusetts.” – “A teary Charlie Baker urges action one last time on dangerousness and revenge porn loopholes,” by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: “The governor’s emotional remarks came during a roundtable discussion at the Plymouth Public Library on Wednesday, during which his administration announced it was — for the third time — introducing legislation aimed at providing new protections to survivors of crimes like domestic violence, sexual assault, and the harmful distribution of explicit images, sometimes referred to as revenge porn.” | | VAX-ACHUSETTS |
| – “Nearly $160 million later, the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing program is ending,” by Kay Lazar, Boston Globe: “The Massachusetts program that tracks down people who were exposed to COVID-19, one of the most ambitious state initiatives in the country, is wrapping up as health leaders shift priorities and precious dollars to vaccinating and testing residents amid another surge of new cases and rising hospitalizations." – “Gov. Baker resists imposing Massachusetts indoor mask mandate despite COVID spike, pressure from health professionals,” by Alison Kuznitz, MassLive: “Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday again balked at the prospect of implementing a statewide mask mandate, instead empowering local officials to impose their own slate of COVID-19 restrictions as needed. Baker’s comments came hours after top medical experts, testifying to state lawmakers during a COVID-19 oversight hearing, resoundingly endorsed a renewed mask mandate…” – “Hospital group boss cites ‘terrifying increase’ in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Mass.,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “The head of an influential hospital trade group told a legislative committee Thursday that the state has had a ‘terrifying increase’ in the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients over the past month, as medical facilities are contending with shortages in staffing and available beds.” – “Vaccine mandates kick in as hospitals struggle with staffing,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Douglas Brown, president of UMass Memorial Community Hospitals, put it bluntly: ‘We’re going through the worst staffing crisis in our history.’ Yet, UMass fired more than 200 employees earlier this month, many of them working in clinical care. The reason: those employees did not comply with the health system’s mandate to get vaccinated against COVID-19.” – “How Are Free Home COVID Tests Being Distributed? Mass. Cities Are Being Strategic,” by Abbey Niezgoda and Oscar Margain, NBC10 Boston. – “With resurgent COVID, Baystate Health’s Dr. Mark Keroack says region faces crisis, urges state impose mask mandate,” by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican. – “Amid surge in patients, hospitals treat more people at home,” by Priyanka Dayal McCluskey, Boston Globe. | | FROM THE HUB |
| – "Boston police bought spy tech with a pot of money hidden from the public," by Shannon Dooling and Christine Willmsen, WBUR: "Across the country, some law enforcement agencies have deployed controversial surveillance technology to track cell phone location and use. ... in 2019 the Boston Police Department bought the device known as a cell site simulator — and tapped a hidden pot of money that kept the purchase out of the public eye." – “In less than a year, the number of Boston hospital chiefs on corporate boards is down by half,” by Liz Kowalczyk, Boston Globe: “The new heads of Boston Children’s, Mass. General, and Brigham and Women’s differ from their predecessors in deciding not to serve on paid corporate boards. But it’s unclear if the change signals that hospital trustees plan to tighten policies.” – “Reaction to Boston’s immediate Mass. and Cass plan is decidedly mixed,” by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: “A day after Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration detailed its immediate plan to find people who are living at Mass. and Cass shelter and treatment help, that news sparked mixed reactions by those who call the streets home. Some welcomed the mayor’s plans, saying they would like to have warm shelter and a roof over their head amid the New England winter. Others were indifferent. Yet others voiced skepticism, asking pointed questions about how the city planned to move people to housing and what services would be offered that don’t already exist.” – "After years of deliberation, 3 Boston schools will close this summer," by Max Larkin, WBUR: "Next semester will be the last at two of Boston’s few remaining standalone middle schools — the Irving in Roslindale and the Timilty in Roxbury. The city’s school committee also voted to close the Jackson-Mann K-8 School in Allston, long plagued by its deteriorating physical plant." – “Idea to convert Charlestown High School called ‘hostile takeover’,” by Marie Szaniszlo, Boston Herald: “Teachers, parents and their advocates are blasting a proposal to close Charlestown High School and convert it into an ‘innovation and inclusion school’ in what they are calling an attempt at ‘school gentrification.’” | | THE RACE FOR CITY HALL |
| – NEW: With Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards likely headed for the state Senate, Gabriela Coletta , a former Edwards chief of staff who’s now leading the New England Aquarium’s “waterfront for all” efforts, is considering running for her former boss’s seat. “I’m humbled by the amount of encouraging texts and calls I’m getting,” Coletta told me, adding she expects “to have more to say soon.” Sal LaMattina, a former city councilor whose retirement paved the way for Edwards’ election to the District 1 City Council seat in 2017, is talking to supporters about potentially running for his old seat, per Universal Hub. Coletta and LaMattina would join Tania Del Rio, who told the Boston Herald earlier this week she’s seeking the seat. – SOMERVILLE DISPATCHES: Somerville Mayor-elect Katjana Ballantyne has formed an advisory committee focused on pandemic recovery, climate change and affordable housing. Katie Brillantes is leading the 17-member committee, which includes Stephenson Aman, Michael Brown, Bonnie Denis, Howard Horton, Maggie Joseph, Tom Lamar, Daniele Lantagne, Paula Magnelli, Tony Pini, Gonzalo Puigbo, Ellin Reiser, Juliette Rooney-Varga, Letissia Scott, Bill Shelton, Larry Yu and Renee Scott. | | FEELING '22 |
| – “Why hasn't Maura Healey announced a run for governor yet? Because she doesn't have to,” by Mike Deehan, GBH News: “[State Attorney General Maura] Healey won't need to explicitly declare herself a candidate for governor to beat out any other Democrats when it comes to fundraising. At the end November, the three prominent Democrats already running for governor reported a cumulative $617,334 in campaign cash-on-hand. Healey reported having over $3,300,000 on hand. ‘It's the closest thing to a coronation I've ever seen,’ said one State House Democrat, a Healey supporter." – “Auchincloss creates new PAC to support state, local candidates in Mass.,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Massachusetts Congressman Jake Auchincloss keeps expanding his fundraising weapons as he wraps up his first year on Capitol Hill. The first-term Democrat filed paperwork on Monday with the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance creating a new organization, the Jake Auchincloss 495 Political Action Committee.” – PPAF ENDORSES AUCHINCLOSS: Planned Parenthood Action Fund endorsed Rep. Jake Auchincloss for reelection as part of its first wave of House incumbent endorsements for 2022. Auchincloss faces two Republican challengers, Emily Burns and former rival Julie Hall. Democrat Jesse Mermell is still considering a primary rematch in 2022, per a source familiar with her thinking. – “Attleboro mayor heading to DC to discuss run for higher office,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux is traveling to Washington on Friday as he explores a run for higher office next year, 12 News has confirmed. In an interview, Heroux said he will be ‘meeting with a couple of organizations’ in D.C. as he considers his options.” – NOT FEELING '22: Angel Donahue-Rodriguez, the deputy chief of staff at the MBTA, has decided not to run for lieutenant governor "after much thought and consideration, and conversations with my family." | | PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES |
| – “T’s largest union signs new contract,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The MBTA board of directors on Thursday approved a new two-year contract with its largest union that provides 2.5 percent annual wage increases and one-time allotments per employee of $2,000 in pandemic pay and $2,500 for waiver of a job protection rule negotiated by the union in 2016. … Another provision allows the transit authority to pay signing bonuses to new employees, which had been prohibited previously.” – “Support for North Adams-to-Boston rail service is clear. But, Rep. Barrett asks: Does the study need to take 18 months?” by Danny Jin, Berkshire Eagle: “State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, said he wants the state Department of Transportation to get the 18-month study finished in less time. … State lawmakers, regional planners and transportation advocates are eager to resurrect North Adams-to-Boston rail service, which ended in 1958.” – “Legislators push for towns' flexibility to lower speed limits on Massachusetts roads,” by Bob Seay, GBH News: “Municipal leaders are asking the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee to make it easier for towns to lower their speed limits, saying the current process is time-consuming and costly.” | | WARREN REPORT |
| – “Sen. Elizabeth Warren renews push to fight substance use disorder epidemic ‘head on’ with $125B bill to expand treatment, mental health support across US,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive: “On Thursday, [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren, Rep. Carolyn Maloney and Sen. Tammy Baldwin reintroduced the Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, which Warren and the late Rep. Elijah Cummings first pitched to Congress in 2018. Warren’s team described the initiative to MassLive as the most ambitious of its kind: a nationwide effort to expand access to treatment and recovery, mental health support, early intervention and harm reduction backed by $125 billion in funding over the next decade…” | | IT'S NOT EASY BEING GREEN |
| – “Maine judge deals blow to Mass. climate change plan,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “A Maine judge dealt a blow on Thursday to a key Massachusetts initiative to address climate change by importing hydroelectricity via a 145-mile transmission line running from Quebec down to Lewiston, Maine. Judge Michael Duddy refused to issue a preliminary injunction barring a voter-approved law blocking the transmission line from taking effect on Sunday. The decision means construction of the $1 billion transmission line cannot resume unless Duddy’s decision is reversed or a formal trial on the constitutionality of the law is held.” | | WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD BE READING |
| – "That Job at Harvard? It’s Not Real," by Jeffrey Gettleman, Kate Conger and Suhasini Raj, New York Times: "For over a year, prominent women in India, including journalists, were reeled into a labyrinthine online scam, offering work with Harvard University. Who targeted them, and why, is a mystery." – “Biden awards Congressional Gold Medal to Lawrence Marine, 12 other service members killed in evacuation from Afghanistan,” by Meghan Ottolini, Boston Herald: “Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo of Lawrence was among the 13 ‘heroes’ killed in the Afghan evacuation to be honored with the Congressional Gold Medal." – "Judge Overturns Purdue Pharma’s Opioid Settlement," by Jan Hoffman, New York Times: "A federal judge on Thursday evening unraveled a painstakingly negotiated settlement between Purdue Pharma and thousands of state, local and tribal governments that had sued the maker of the prescription painkiller OxyContin for the company’s role in the opioid epidemic, saying that the plan was flawed in one critical area." – "All state troopers given body cameras after overtime scandal," by the Associated Press: "Massachusetts State Police announced Thursday that all of its troopers have been assigned body cameras, a reform that was ordered in 2018 after the agency was rocked by an overtime scandal." – “Perry: Hazard pay return 'not falling on the taxpayers – yet',” by Allison Corneau, Eagle-Tribune: “Mayor Neil Perry has pledged to keep the burden of returning at least $500,000 in COVID-19 relief aid off of taxpayers while preserving Methuen’s current pool of $12.9 million in free cash.” – “TikTok school shooting threats deemed bogus by authorities have school districts, police on high alert across Massachusetts, US,” by Benjamin Kail, MassLive. – “MIT graduate students seek to form union, ask university for voluntary recognition,” by Julia Carlin, Boston Globe. | | MEDIA MATTERS |
| – “Miss the Boston Phoenix? You can now browse and download its archive for free,” by Morgan Rousseau, Boston.com. HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Joe Kaplan, Catherine Sanderson and Zachary Gavel. HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND — to Dion Irish and Emily Williams, who celebrate Saturday; and to Sunday birthday-ers Tahirah Amatul-Wadud and Abby Charpentier. AND HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY — to a lot of Playbookers: state Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler, Maureen McInerney, Megan Johnson, Meaghan Callahan, Kalen O'Hare, Richard Purcell, Jakhari Watson, Judith Souweine, Scott Spencer, Bernie Lynch Jr., Koray Rosati, Joe Beebee, Scott Campanella and John Guilfoil. NEW HORSE RACE ALERT: THE PUSH TO UNIONIZE NEWSROOMS — Host Jennifer Smith talks to state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa about the Daily Hampshire Gazette writers' strike, and to WBUR's Ally Jarmanning and Boston.com's Kevin Slane about the general state of newsroom unions. Smith and host Lisa Kashinsky run through the week in politics. 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. | |
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